KNOCKANURE
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OLD: Author Heather Havrilesky wrote: “Growing old gracefully really means either disappearing or sticking around but always lying straight to people’s faces about the strength of your feelings and desires.” ----------------------------------------
As we age, we have a choice: We can either cling to the world as we shaped it and refuse to engage in the new world that kids are creating, or we can adapt to their world and remain curious, active participants.
https://ideas.ted.com/aging-is-inevitable-so-why-not-do-it-joyfully-heres-how/
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Weekly Newsletter
Fourth Sunday in Lent
10th March 2024
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
Today is called ‘Laetre’ Sunday, a ‘joyful’ Sunday which falls in the middle of lent. The celebrant wears rose vestments to signify a moment happiness in the time of penance, repentance and atonement for our sin. Our Liturgy is accompanied with organ music and we adorn the altar with flowers in an act of rejoicing.
You will have noticed the scaffolding as you came into the church today. We are about to start the final leg of the painting of the church. We look forward to this phase of the work because we are on the final stretch of this long but well worth while process of the restoration of our beloved Sacred Heart Church.
We want to express our sincere gratitude for such a generous response to our request for fuel to help keep our house warm during this sporadically inclement weather. Our boiler was broken for a few weeks causing the house to get very cold indeed. Your gift will ensure that we can keep the bedroom fires lit and prevent any illness from cold and damp rooms. Thank you again so much fr your generosity.
A special thanks to Canon Ong for looking after the ceremonies in the church this past week, which facilitated both Canons Lebocq and Henry to undertake a much needed task in France.
We are indebted to you Canon for stepping into our shoes and maintaining the regular church routine on our behalf.
This coming Saturday, 16th March, Stella Maris School children will host a morning of ‘shenanigans’ incorporating some Irish music, dance and other cultural activities. The plan is to merge the audience with the entertainment. So please bring your musical instruments so that you can get involved.
The event will take place on Saturday, 16th March at 11:30 am. It will be held in St. Joseph’s Hall, beside St. Joseph’s Church.
We invite you to wear any appropriate ‘green costumes’ you may have on the day that’s in it. Since this is taking place after the 10:30 Mass, it will be an ideal opportunity for you to drop in and join the ‘craic’ and enjoy the atmosphere created by the children, even if you don’t have a child in the school.
We hope to see as many parents/ adults there as possible. Feel free to take your children along too.
Just a note in preparation for the Novena in honour of St. Joseph, which will begin next Sunday after the 6pm Mass and will be recited each day after the daily Mass. The priest will leave the sanctuary immediately after the celebration of Holy Mass in order to remove the vestments before the recitation of the novena prayers. This is liturgically necessary because such prayers are not part of the liturgy of the Mass itself. In consideration of this, may I request that you stay in your seats to allow the priest time to return to the sanctuary.
Next Sunday, Saint Patrick’s Day will hold special significance as it coincides with Passion Sunday, marking the beginning of Passiontide. As we prepare for this sacred time, it is essential to ensure that you have ample violet fabric to cover all statues and religious images in your homes. This tradition, observed during Passiontide starting on Saturday evening, invites us to enter into the most intense lenten liturgical period.
Wishing you a Blessed Lent,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Live stream from the Sacred Heart Church
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Anto Akkara World
November 16, 2023
Editor’s Note: The author, who has chronicled Kandhamal’s incredible Christian witness, personally knew the martyred priest.
ODISHA, India —There is only one Catholic priest among the 35 Catholic “martyrs of Kandhamal” for whom the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints gave a nihil obstat on Oct. 18 “to initiate the process of beatification.”
In late August of 2008, 46-six-year-old Father Bernard Digal, procurator of the Archdiocese of Cuttack Bhubaneswar, was traveling to Kandhamal to review the construction of a new church in his native parish of Tiangia when anti-Christian violence erupted there following the Aug. 23 assassination of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, the leader of Hindu nationalist groups in Orissa. Although local Maoists claimed responsibility for his assassination, Hindu groups immediately blamed the murder on Christians instead.
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By: Ty Clever
November 15, 2023
9 minutes
The icon indicates free access to the linked research on JSTOR.
The story of William Carlos Williams’s Spring and All is the story of a book in search of readers. Hailed by the Library of Congress in 2012 as one of the “Books That Shaped America,” it is also the source of essential poems of the twentieth-century canon: “To Elsie,” “Spring and All [By the road to the contagious hospital],” and the ubiquitous “The Red Wheelbarrow.” Literary scholar Marjorie Perloff has dubbed these “classroom poetry”—oft-anthologized pieces read and discussed in literature courses, where they’re presumed to represent Williams’s work as a whole.
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St Martin of Tours (316 - 397) – Feast Day 11 November. St Martin was born in 316
at Sabaria, now called Szombathely in the country now called Hungary (Pannonia at
that time). His father was a pagan soldier and moved the family to Pavia in Italy
when Martin was still quite young. Martin bacame a Roman soldier there at the age
of 15. A few years later around 337 he was stationed in Amiens in France. At that
stage he was a catechumen and learning about Jesus Christ with a view to becoming
a Christian. One cold evening while riding his horse he approached the city gates of
Amiens and came upon an old man who was scantily clad and begging for alms
while freezing in the cold. Martin took off his large Roman military cloak and cut it
in two in order to give half of it to the old man. That night he had a vision or dream
in which he saw Jesus wearing the half-cloak which he had given to that old man.
He was baptised as a Christian shortly afterwards and left the Roman army. He
became a friend of St Hilary (300 – 368), the Bishop of Poitiers in France. Martin
lived in a monastery until he was elected Bishop of Tours in France in 371. He
continued to live a simple life and helped the poor in every way he could. He died on
8 November 397 at Candes in France. He is one of the Patron Saints of France.
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Respect people who find time for you in their busy schedule but love the people who never look at their schedule when you need them.
We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.
Perhaps the greatest clarity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet.
Every opinion is valid – remember it is only an opinion.
There is always something to be thankful for - always.
LAST WORD: Small acts of kindness outweigh large acts of judgement
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During their interview, Crowe shared some frightening discoveries about popular household diaper companies such as Huggies and Pampers.
In fact, Huggies has a history of matching employee contributions to Planned Parenthood.
Pampers and Luvs, both manufactured by Procter & Gamble, have actively paid for their employees to travel for out-of-state abortion procedures.
Crowe also notes how several other diaper brands shared their disapproval of the overturning of Roe v. Wade on social media.
Video
https://youtu.be/pxmaopW1zy0?si=AcbLYHTDEor8NFPR
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DAY 18: TABERNACLE
“I am at present an exile from the tabernacle, and I hunger for Jesus in the Eucharist. Will I be able to go on Sunday to tell him my joy in the Resurrection and renew my offering?” —Servant of God Elisabeth Leseur
Elisabeth Leseur, whose atheist husband became a Catholic priest after reading her spiritual diaries after her death, expresses a longing to be near to Jesus, present
in the Eucharist in the tabernacle. Often Elisabeth’s sickness kept her from Mass, and it was a great pain to her. She so loved the Eucharist that, one day after receiving Communion, she had a little vision thinking of three tabernacles in which Jesus dwells. First, he resides in the tabernacle of his glory, in the depths of heaven, at the heart of the sublime Trinity. Second, he dwells in the Eucharist, in the tabernacle of love, for he veils himself in the Eucharist for us. Finally, he dwells in our inner depths, where he lives as the soul’s guest and friend.
LET US PRAY
Lord Jesus, may I delight in contemplating your three tabernacles: heaven above, the Eucharist, and the soul’s inner depths. Give us Eucharistic hearts that we might long to be united to you. Amen.
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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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Courage: 6 Bible Quotes to Help Put Panic in Its Place, Pray for a Priest Blogger, and More Great.
Best In Catholic Blogging
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Rodriguez)
Blaze Ignited by Fireworks Kills Dozens at Iraqi Wedding Reception- September 27, 2023
By The Tablet Staff
PROSPECT HEIGHTS, NY — A fire that seemed to be set off by fireworks at a Christian wedding in Iraq, just outside the city of Mosul, killed at least 100 people and injured at least 150 more Sept. 27.
Initial news reports did not indicate the cause of the blaze that erupted and spread rapidly while many guests were trapped inside the venue.
Father Rudi Saffar Khoury, a priest at the wedding, told The Associated Press, “It was a disaster in every sense of the word.”
Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an investigation into the fire that took place in the town of Qaraqosh, a Christian town in the Nineveh Plains that has survived Islamic State occupation. He also asked the country’s interior and health officials to provide relief, according to an online statement.
The prime minister said building inspections would be carried out and safety procedures would be scrutinized. He also declared three days of national mourning.
Reports from survivors said hundreds of people were at the wedding celebration, which was held after the church service, and the fire began about an hour into the event when flares ignited the ceiling as the bride and groom danced.
Weddings in this region and in other areas of the Middle East are often extravagant, involving hundreds of guests with receptions taking place in elaborate halls with music and entertainment and often pyrotechnics.
Local authorities said the building’s flammable materials also contributed to this disaster — the latest tragedy for Iraq’s shrinking Christian minority.
News reports put the number of Christians in Iraq today at 150,000, compared to 1.5 million in 2003. Iraq’s total population is more than 40 million.
Qaraqosh was the largest Christian town in Iraq. About half of its residents have returned since it was liberated but many of the destroyed homes have yet to be rebuilt and buildings lack basic services. In the past few decades, Christians in this region have been violently targeted by extremists, initially from al-Qaida and then the Islamic State militant group.
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September 25, 2023
I had the opportunity to be among two million young people in Lisbon where World Youth Day took place from August 2-6. I participated as the head of the Youth and Children Pastoral Office of the Greek-Catholic Diocese of Cluj-Gherla at this event, along with a group of young people from that diocese. I started this journey under the protection of Our Lady of Fatima.
As soon as we arrived in Lisbon, our group directed our steps and hearts to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. There, we prayed together for all young people, especially those who remained at home. We also prayed for all those we held in our hearts. I was deeply moved seeing dozens and dozens of groups of young people arriving at the Sanctuary of Fatima, wearing the World Youth Day badge and remaining immersed in prayer at the feet of the Blessed Mother.
We experienced intense spiritual moments together, and we had great moments with wonderful people. I made friends with people from all around the world, including Spain, Portugal, Venezuela, Slovakia, the USA, Colombia, France, Japan, Mexico and more. I even had the joy of meeting a missionary priest from Japan.
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Despite all that, today almost the only thing the general public knows about Pius XII is that he’s been accused of being soft on Hitler.
The more thoughtful and historically-minded of Pope Francis’s inner circle know that a similarly reductionist exercise could happen to him after he’s gone. That certainly applies to Tornielli, who, in his previous career, once published a book titled Pius XII: The Pope of the Jews, defending the wartime pontiff from accusations of complicitly in the Holocaust.
Then as now, the case for the defense of Francis rests on four basic claims.
First, he has to be concerned about the fallout from any public declarations he might make denouncing Russia or Putin. There is a small community of Catholics inside Russia itself, but he also has to be worried about potential blowback against Catholics anywhere Russia has influence, including not only Ukraine but also such disparate settings as Syria and Venezuela.
Second, Francis is trying to position the Vatican as a potential peace-maker should conditions change and Putin want a face-saving exit. The price of admission for that prospect is not alienating Putin in the meantime.
Third, short of a full public excoriation of Putin, Francis has made his sympathy for Ukraine clear, including publicly kissing a Ukrainian flag from the city of Bucha, site of some of the worst Russian atrocities during the war, in April 2022.
Fourth, it would be tremendously unfair to reduce Francis’s record to his line on Ukraine and Russia. From his outreach to the peripheries to his upcoming Synod of Bishops on synodality, this pope has been a change agent across the board. Whatever one makes of his Russia policy, it’s hardly the entire story of his papacy.
The thing is, eerily similar points haven’t dispelled the dark clouds hanging over the legacy of Pius XII, which is why he’s the only pope of the last 65 years who’s been dead for at least five years without being beatified.
Francis’s acolytes undoubtedly don’t want to see the same fate befall him … perhaps explaining their tenacity today in defending “Hitler’s Pope,” knowing that an analogous campaign against “Putin’s Pope” might be coming tomorrow.
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Reflect
When the Ulma family beatification takes place Sept. 10 in Markowa, Poland, it will be an unprecedented event in many respects. For the first time in church history, a child born during the murder of the mother will be beatified, along with the child’s six siblings and parents, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma.
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Timeless Uplifting Gospel Hymns | 4hrs of Tabernacle Choir singing | Relax, Ambience, Uplift
https://youtu.be/YxDgRvFQmdw?si=fgoLAAwSHjenLgEA
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Reflect
The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
I have been asked on many occasions about this newsletter and what it takes to produce it each week. When it began, back in the early ‘nineties, I didn’t know much about it but, since that never stopped me before, I went ahead and learned some of the tricks of the trade by trial and error. In those days it was in black and white and it was a single folded A3. Since then it has gradually increased to 12 pages and of course we graduated to full colour as soon as it became available. The process begins on the day after the last production by clearing off the articles from last week. Then I do the crossword and try to get the clues alright before replacing last week’s one. This can be difficult sometimes as there are so many words to go around and it is almost impossible not to have to repeat some of them. Every day after that it is a case of checking the internet for mail from one of our columnists or organisations and also watching the phone for contributions, queries, articles for sale, anniversaries, prayers etc. Monday is the day most of them come in and that is when I start placing them on the pages of the newsletter. Some may be accompanied by photos which have to be brought into the photo shop to be resized, cropped and improved if necessary. The columnists have their own spaces and it is then a matter of fitting everything into place without leaving any gaps. Sometimes there isn’t enough material to cover the areas but, more often than not, there is too much and that is where the tricks of the trade come in. Print can be narrowed, expanded or spaced so that it will make a good fit and photos may be enlarged or reduced but it takes time and patience to get it right. Eventually everything is in place and then it all has to be checked. This is where I sometimes fall down because I can easily miss something that Lillian used to spot in an instant but, alas, she has retired so apologies for my many mistakes. It is easy to omit something as well. A small article may be put to one side, waiting for room to put it in, and then be forgotten. When I am satisfied that everything is ok the newsletter is ready for printing. In the beginning we used to print each page individually and then do the other side before putting them all together and folding them by hand but, with advances in printing technology, they now come off the machine folded. Next job is to count them for the various outlets and deliver them. The job is not quite finished because it now has to be put up on line so that it can reach people who are living outside of Athea, even America and Australia! That is another job altogether which I will not get into here. I am grateful to everyone who contributes every week especially our regular correspondents, Kathleen Mullane, Jer Kennelly, Marion Harnett, Tom Aherne and Peg Prendeville not forgetting the contribution made in the early years by the late Pat Brosnan R.I.P. Damien Ahern is regular as clockwork with his G.A.A notes and photos and all the other organisations who use the columns from time to time. We did have some advertisement over the years but times have changed and there is very little now except for the credit Union who give us great support. Putting the newsletter together is not an easy job and can be quite frustrating at times but it is very rewarding as well and I hope it offers something extra to the parish and beyond. As I have written before, I don’t know how long more it can be kept going but it will be here next week anyway!!
I was talking to a wise man the other day and he said to me: “Barry, the world is upside down, I think it is nearing the end”. I have been giving that remark some thought since and especially when I heard about the latest severe flooding in Libya, a country I worked in once, which has so far taken the lives of over 2,000 people. This following on the big earthquake in Morocco which has also claimed thousands of lives and caused devastation over a wide area. The death toll from these latest tragedies will rise dramatically in the coming weeks and who knows what else is around the corner. Earthquakes, floods, fires and extreme heat have caused the loss of many lives this summer and it is obvious that things are getting worse by the year. Climate change is a fact whether we like it or not but what is the cause.? Can it all be down to our own actions or is there a higher power at play? It is not fashionable to mention God now but isn’t it likely that there is some kind of intelligence that controls the whole universe? Is it possible that all the millions of stars and galaxies are there by chance or is there a higher power guiding the system. We do not have all the answers, in fact our Tiny minds cannot deal with the fact that there is no end to the space we look at when we see the sky. We were told how God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because the people had lost their way and were beyond redemption. Is it happening again? The world is certainly in turmoil with wars and atrocities everywhere. Evil is alive and thriving in our communities. Maybe the world is near an end after all.
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/
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Daniel Payne
By Daniel Payne
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Sep 13, 2023 / 13:41 pm
The Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia said this week that it would cover up a monument to the Nazi SS that still stands in a local cemetery in the suburbs of the city while it engages in “discussions” with the community about the controversial display.
The monument, erected roughly 30 years ago at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, which is owned by the seat of the archeparchy, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, gained national attention last week with a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer. A report on that monument, and another in Michigan, had appeared in the Jewish newspaper The Forward last month.
The monument was meant to honor the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, which was made up of ethnic Ukrainians during the Nazi occupation. The large stone cross bears the insignia of the division as well as several memorial inscriptions in English and Ukrainian.
Advocates argue the unit should be seen less as a vanguard of the Nazi Reich and more as a group of anti-communist Ukrainian patriots. Critics, meanwhile, say the group was involved in numerous war crimes and atrocities and that their behavior during the war — as well as their identification with the SS — should preclude any monuments being constructed in their honor.
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Joelle is also playing the role of "Our Lady" in an upcoming film about the Eucharist, and her new book "Master of the Pieces" was #1 New Release for Catholic Self Help books on Amazon!
In her past, Joelle has modeled for well-known brands such as Jergens, was on a billboard in Times Square, and co-hosted ABC's "Trend TV."
In 2012, she realized her life was spiritually empty and joyless. Joelle then had a miraculous encounter with Jesus and now shares her message of God's healing love around the world through speaking, films, writing, and TV shows.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGtxKKfHvHXlldvGwQJXhRbSqbf
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Reflect
EWTN Programming
No, Divorce is Not the New Normal: A Catholic Psychologist's 5 Tips for a Strong & Holy Marriage
Dr. Ray Guarendi of EWTN Radio explains five ways Catholics can form strong and holy marriages.
Christina Herrera
September 5, 2023 —
catholic marriage, catholic marriage counseling, Dr. Ray Guarendi, catholic on divorce, catholic divorce rate
Luis Carlos Bonilla Soto, Cathopic, Public Domain
Divorce rates increase, families break apart, and the next generation suffers the effect of being raised in single-parent homes. Is this the new normal?
Thankfully, Dr. Ray Guarendi, psychologist and host of EWTN Radio's “The Doctor is In,” recently appeared on "The World Over with Raymond Arroyo" to discuss his new book, "Simple Steps to a Stronger Marriage".
Here are five helpful tips he suggests for Catholic couples:
1. Our Culture is Not Your Friend
Make no mistake--we currently live in the culture of death that Saint John Paul II warned of. This culture promotes pleasure, selfishness, and transactional relationships as a means to an end.
The culture of our time tells us that self-worship is empowerment; we must elevate our happiness above all else and throw away anything that does not serve us.
Jesus says the exact opposite. He tells us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, (Luke 9:23).
During times of marital discourse, do not turn to this self-obsessed culture as a guide or comfort.
When asked about the high divorce rate, Dr. Guarendi states, “About 80 percent of marriages end because ‘I don’t like you anymore I don’t want to be around you, I don’t want to live with you anymore.'
"The bulk of marriages don’t have severe pathology... For the most part, it’s two people who have stopped getting along…We live in a culture that says you can have sexual relationships with anybody, anytime, anywhere. Just don’t have more than 1.86 children in marriage. Then, we will belittle you.” (2:28-2:55)
2. Learn to Be Silent - Listen to Your Partner
Not to be confused with the silent treatment, we can benefit from the power of silence. There is much to be said for learning to pause and hold our tongue.
Unfortunately, speaking to our partners out of anger is very common, in what Dr. Guarendi calls, “peak emotional surge.”
“When you most feel like saying it, delay," he continues. "Hold for 20 seconds and the physiological urge will taper enough for you to control it.”
Good communication calls for acknowledging both - when to speak and when to listen, even though it may not be easy.
“Spouses have to understand what’s going on in the other person’s head. You may not agree with it… but you have to at least understand it. Most people want to be understood even more than they want to be agreed with,” Dr. Guarendi says.
3. Remember Your Manners
Manners. Remember those?
“Many spouses don't have the manners of a five-year-old," Dr. Guarendi shares.
As the years pass, spouses may take one another for granted, forgetting a quintessential life skill - manners. The way we speak to our spouse matters and saying “please” and “thank you” should always be part of our daily vocabulary.
Respecting the dignity of the spouse God entrusted you with must remain a priority.
“We expect manners from five-year-olds, but in a marriage, we get very sloppy with our spouses,” Dr. Guarendi says.
In Looking for a Spouse:
4. Shared Faith is Essential
When it comes to the role of faith in relationships, Dr. Guarendi states, “If one spouse is faith-filled, the marriage has a much longer chance of success. If both spouses are faith-filled, the divorce rate is much much lower.” (18:28)
Pursuing someone with the hopes of converting them later is not smart courtship and may only waste time. Sharing the Catholic faith and all the values that come with it is essential.
5. “Opposites Attract” Won’t Get You Very Far
We’ve all heard “opposites attract,” but how opposite is too opposite? Should we seek a spouse who is vastly different from ourselves?
“I have seen many marriages fail because they didn't have enough commonality. The first commonality is faith," Dr. Guarendi says. "Secondly, take the time you need to really get to know this person."
"Third, make sure this person views life as you do (children, finances, family, parenting, etc.). Most importantly, find a potential spouse who takes the faith like you do,” Dr. Guarendi explains.
While dating someone so opposite to yourself may seem exciting at first, it may quickly become tiresome. Having shared morals and beliefs is important, as the relationship will often rely on this foundation.
Catholics should not take the sacrament of holy matrimony lightly, as it is a physical representation of Christ’s sacrifice in the living Eucharist.
We are called to love and be loved, and in the marital vocation, to give the complete gift of self.
Commitment is not always easy, but as Catholics, we are provided with the most perfect example: a loving Lord who will show up for us time and time again.
PROL0GUE: Sometime when you’re feeling important, Sometime when your ego’s in bloom, Sometime when you take it for granted, you’re the best qualified in the room. Sometime when you feel that your going, would leave an unfillable hole, just follow these simple instructions, And see how they humble your soul. Take a bucket and fill it with water, Put your hand in it up to the wrist, Pull it out and the hole that’s remaining, is a measure of how much you’ll be missed? You may stir up the water galore, but stop, and you’ll find in no time, it looks quite the same as before. The moral of this quaint example, Is to do just the best that you can, be proud of yourself but remember, there’s no indispensable man.
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Reflect
Do you have a loved one who has fallen away from the faith?
Consider turning to the saintly intercession and holy testimony of Saint Monica!
Saint Monica is revered as the patron saint of conversion due to her instrumental role in leading her own family members to Christianity.
In addition to her powerful prayers for her son, Saint Augustine of Hippo, to return to Christianity, her example inspired the conversion of her pagan husband and mother-in-law.
Reflect
FEAST; Saint Monica (332-387) – Feast Day: 27th August and St Augustine (354-430) –
Feast Day: 28th August
Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine was born in Tagaste in modern Algeria
in North Africa in 332. Married to a pagan, Patricius, she had three children, two
sons, Augustine and Navigius, and a daughter, Perpetua. Through her efforts
Patricius was converted to Christianity in 370, the year before he died.
Monica tried to give Augustine the best education possible since she recognized his
extraordinary gifts. Above all, she wanted him to use his gifts for God and the
Christian faith. She was very disappointed however when he became wayward and
rejected Christianity in his late teens and twenties. Turning to God, Monica spent
herself in earnest prayer for her wayward son. A clergyman whose advice she
sought said to her, “It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish.”
Monica followed her son to Rome in 383 and then to Milan in 386. She was thrilled
when he decided in Milan to become a Christian and was present when Saint
Ambrose baptized him at Easter in 387. She was happy after that to return to
Africa. However sadly she fell mortally ill at Ostia, the port to the west of Rome.
Augustine tells of her moving words of farewell before she died. “Son, all my hopes
have been fulfilled. All I wished to live for was that I might see you a Christian and a
child of Heaven. God has given me more: I see you ready to give up everything and
become his servant.” When Augustine’s brother worried that she would not be able
to make it home to Africa to die there and be buried there she famously remarked,
“Bury me where you like, but all I ask of you is that you remember me at the altar of
God!” Saint Monica is the Patron Saint of Mothers.
Saint Augustine, who had been born in Tagaste on 13th November 354, returned to
Rome in November 387 after the death of his mother Monica at Ostia. The
following year he returned to Tagaste where he remained for three years until 391
when he was ordained an assistant to Bishop Valerius of Hippo in Algeria. He
succeeded Valerius as Bishop of Hippo in 396 and held that position until his death
on 28th August 430 at the age of 75. He was noted for his holiness as well as his
wonderful preaching and writing. His most famous works are Of the City of God and
Confessions. The latter contains some of his famous sayings including “Late have I
loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, O Beauty ever new!”, as he recounted his
conversion to Christianity in his early thirties.
He is one of the 37 Doctors of the Church. That title has been conferred on these 37
saints because of their great teaching or preaching or writing and Saint Augustine
belongs to that very select group
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Feast of the Passion of St. John the Baptist takes place on Tuesday 29th Aug.
Feast of St. Aidan of Lindisfarne is on Thursday 31st August. A monk of St.
Columcille’s foundation on Iona. He preached the Christian message over the
North of England
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Articles
From Leg Braces to Major League Baseball: Film Tells Triumphant True Story of MLB Player Rickey Hill
"There's an almighty God that can do anything. That's why I use Philippians 4:13 as my life structure."
Jacqueline Burkepile- August 23, 2023 —
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“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.”
– St. Augustine
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Trust in the Lord
Today's readings are a great story of God looking out for those who have experienced loss. The Lord has a special care for those who feel orphaned or abandoned. Spend some time praying for those in this place.
GOD GAVE US FRIENDS.
God knew that everyone needs companionship and cheer. He knew that people need someone whose thoughts are always near.
He knew they need someone kind to lend a helping hand, someone to gladly take the time to care and understand.
God knew that we all need someone to share each happy day, to be a source of courage when troubles come our way.
Someone to be true to us, whether near or far apart. - someone whose love we’ll always hold and treasure in our hearts.
Laugh when you can, apologise when you should, and let go of what you cannot change. Life’s too short to be anything but happy.
WHAT WE SEE DEPENDS MAINLY ON WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR.
-------------------------------
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.
When you are tempted to complain about your problems, think about
some of the challenges that others have that you don’t have. You will
come away with renewed gratefulness for the good things in your life.
LAST WORD: Harsh words don’t break bones, but they can break hearts.
----------------------------
Sunday is the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. “But you”, said Jesus, “Who
do you say I am?” Simon Peter spoke up. “You are the chosen one”, he said,
“the Son of the living God
DIOCESAN PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit,
we worship and praise You.
Father, through the Holy Spirit you give to every
Christian a unique calling as you provide and care
for the needs of your people.
Hear our prayers for our needs as parish
communities.
Bless our efforts to strengthen lay ministry.
In our diocese and in all our parishes
give to each person the grace
to discern, follow and live their calling.
Call forth from among us
vocations to the diocesan
priesthood.
Fill the hearts of our priests
and deacons with renewed
Peace and Joy.
Father, in all things ‘Thy will
be done’.
We entrust our prayers to
you through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
==================================
Molli-Ann O'Halloran will represent Limerick at this year's festival which is taking place in Tralee from Friday August 18 to Tuesday, August 22.
The 19 year-old was crowned the Limerick Rose in April and has attended a number of events since then, representing the centre.
The Ennis Road native has Aspergers and ASD and is hoping to bring International awareness to the disorders while on stage at the Rose Dome.
The former St Mary's Secondary School and Thomond Community College student now studies Voice at the University of Limerick.
She has had a passion for music since a young age and she is currently employed by Shannon Heritage as a singer at Bunratty Castle.
==============================
Reflect
The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
I was listening to the radio the other day, as I usually do when driving, and something I heard caught my attention. It was a lady, a nurse for the last 30 years, who was trying to put her two daughters through nursing college. She got a small grant for the first one but was turned down for the second because she was deemed to be over the earnings threshold. I wondered why she got it for one and not the other since her circumstances hadn’t changed until she revealed that her daughter had got a summer job and those earnings were added to her own with the result that it drove the combined earnings over the threshold. This was on the Lifeline programme which, thankfully was being presented by Katie Hannon from Duagh who, in my humble opinion, does a far better job than the regular host, Joe Duffy. Many callers to the programme had similar stories and empathised with the nurse but one woman came on and her contribution made my blood boil. She had put her own children through college so she figured the tax payer shouldn’t have to foot the bill for any one. She had no sympathy for the nurse and more or less said that it was her own fault that she had not prepared over the years for the fact that her children needed to go to college. Now, I know that nurses aren't among the best paid in our society, in fact when you think of the fantastic work they do they are highly underpaid, so what they earn is just about enough to maintain a home and raise a family. What was being said is typical of the “I’m all right Jack” mentality and the “survival of the fittest” attitude that is so prevalent in capitalist societies. Taken to the extreme, some people believe that, if you can’t afford hospital fees, you should be allowed to die. This is not the type of society I want to live in, a society where the greatest part of the wealth is in the hands of a privileged few and those at the lower end of the scale are forgotten about. Let us get back to the point of the phone-in. Should the measly few euro that a student earns on a summer job be used to refuse them a college grant? Had she not taken the job and signed on the dole she would have cost the country money but would have qualified. It makes no sense, especially when the country is short of nurses and medical staff in general. I firmly believe that all education, including third level, should be free or at least affordable for all. There was a time, when I was growing up, when second level education was only available to those who could afford it. I would not have gone to secondary school if it wasn’t for my national school head master who picked me up one Saturday morning and took me into St. Ita’s College in Abbeyfeale to sit an exam for a scholarship. Jim Kelly, the owner of the college, awarded three scholarships each year to the people who took the top three places in the exam. I was lucky enough to get one of those and I will be forever grateful for that. Not too long afterwards secondary education became free to all and it has served our country well since. It is just one more progressive step to include third level in the free education programme. I know that the cost would be prohibitive but it need not be entirely free. In the UK they have a system where third level students can apply for loans to fund their college years. These loans are paid pack from their salaries when they start working. There are two good points about this method. It gives everybody an equal opportunity and it also guarantees that graduates will have to stay and work in the country for a number of years while the loan is being repaid. At the moment we have a problem of newly trained medical staff and other professionals leaving to work in places like Abu Dabhi where they can earn multiples of what they might earn at home while positions in Ireland are unable to be filled. It is worth looking at but, whatever happens, we cannot allow a situation to continue where a hard working mother is denied a grant for her daughter because of an arbitrary threshold. I have a big problem with thresholds and how they are applied. As it stands, let us say a threshold is €30,000. If you earn €29,999 you are entitled to the grant but if you earn €30,001 you get nothing. Surely there should be some type of sliding scale where a portion of the money is granted. We need enlightened thinking from our legislators if we are to get the best out of our students. In my lifetime’s work I have dealt with all types of people from labourers to government ministers. I have met far more intelligent men working for Murphy and John Lang than those at the top in Leinster House. They of course did not have the luxury of going beyond sixth class in national school and so never got an opportunity to realise their true potential. Everybody, regardless of class or creed, deserves a place in our education system and the sooner the better.
It amazes me how some people can get things out of all proportions. There are those who are campaigning to get rid of air travel because of the pollution caused by aeroplanes. They want no flights where there are trains or other methods of transport available within a certain distance. They are also encouraging us to not travel abroad for holidays or any other reason. Air travel is responsible for approx 2% of the problem so, if we grounded every aircraft in the morning it will only make a very tiny difference. Why not tackle the other 98% before we destroy the jobs of thousands of people who depend on the aircraft industry for a living. It would also have a devastating effect on our ability to survive as an island nation since we rely on air travel to go abroad whether for work or leisure. I hate having to pass through Abbeyfeale these days because the traffic is so heavy, especially at Joy’s Corner with a constant stream of vehicles passing through in either direction. There is a queue of cars, vans, lorries and tractors spewing out harmful emissions as they wait for an opportunity to turn right or left. If the town had been bypassed, as was proposed many, many years ago there would be far fewer exhaust fumes filling the air. The Green party are opposed to spending any more money on ne roadways so let us hope the other parties will see sense before it is too late.
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/
=======================
Seeking the Bridegroom
In the Song of Songs, the bride seeks the one her soul loves, which mirrors Israel's call to love the Lord. Through this, we can see how the Lord is the bridegroom and the desire of our souls.
Just and Merciful
The Book of Wisdom gives us the spiritual lessons of Exodus. The readings reveal the heart of God, showing that he is just and merciful, desiring and waiting for our repentance.
The Center of Our Faith- The Lord's response to the Israelites is a reminder that he will fight for you as the agent of your redemption. Pray and have faith in God as he cares for you and your salvation.
======================================
By Rachel Thomas
Rome Newsroom, Jul 23, 2023 / 08:00 am
The third annual World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is observed on July 23, 2023.
The event, instituted by Pope Francis in 2021, is now held on the fourth Sunday of July, which is the Sunday closest to the July 26 feast of Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.
This year’s theme is a line taken from Mary’s prayer, the Magnificat: “His mercy is from age to age.”
Pope Francis noted in his message for the day that the theme “takes us back to the joyful meeting between the young Mary and her elderly relative Elizabeth.”
The meeting of young and old is particularly relevant as this year’s World Day of Grandparents and Elderly falls just days before World Youth Day, which kicks off Aug. 1 in Lisbon, Portugal. The Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica led by Pope Francis gave special attention to the prayer of the elderly for the young pilgrims headed to the weeklong event.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life is promoting the following prayer for the World Day, which calls on Mary as mother of faith, hope, fortitude, and love.
Virgin Mary,
Mother of faith and hope,
an example for this humanity bent by indifference,
make me as willing as you
to accept the will of God,
to magnify and praise his mercy.
Mary, mother of fortitude,
you who knows my heart,
do not allow me to become discouraged.
I confidently surrender my life into your hands.
Heal my wounds.
May your tenderness accompany me on the way.
Your presence, mother of love,
brings us to experience the joy
of seeing our families united.
Help me to transmit the tenderness and love of God
to the grandchildren and youth
so that, in addition to praying for them,
we can pray with them.
Mary, may the gift of the Holy Spirit intercede for me:
Sustain my weakness;
breathe into my heart the consolation
that I may leave traces of faith among the young,
bearing witness to the beauty of life,
knowing that life has a limit
and that beyond it lies before us our Father’s embrace.
Amen.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254874/here-s-a-beautiful-prayer-you-can-say-on-the-world-day-for-grandparents-and-the-elderly-2023?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=267471352&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kklxM0mg9daeA8Drpxp2LmKUhQomwTV8fnqDSWYcmlDcYVz0nDYIW5grE1eF6TIVom0b-eyledGxQqnKrTr0lmgnRYw&utm_content=267471352&utm_source=hs_email
========================
======================
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@diocseofkerry.ie
16th July 2023, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Dear Parishioner,
This is the last time that I will address you as ‘Dear
Parishioner’, because of the fact that I am retiring as Parish Priest of
Abbeydorney this coming week and making room for Fr. Jerry Keane as my
successor. I have known, for some time, that this day was coming but,
now that it is here, I am not sure what I want to say in this final edition.
What is happening this weekend is not the final publication of a national or
local newspaper but the last time that you will get a few thoughts on paper
from your retiring Parish Priest, together with a short article from one of a
number of religious magazines. My idea in having ‘Dear Parishioner’ was
to provide a little spiritual nourishment, in addition to the homily at the
weekend Masses. I would hope that some of the articles taken from
magazines like Reality (until December 2022), Intercom, missionary
magazines and the Sacred Heart Messenger would have been an
inspiration or thought provoking, as I, myself, found many of them to be.
About halfway through 2022, the editor of Reality informed readers that
the final issue of the magazine would be published in December of that
year. The heading to the editor’s comment in that issue was ‘Time To Say
A Sad Farewell’. Among the article headings were: ‘A trip down Memory
Lane’, ‘An editor looks back’ (A word of Thanks) and ‘A fond Farewell’.
Articles by regular Reality writers, Carmel Wynne and Peter McVerry
touched on the topic of Christmas. The reason I am recalling Reality
Magazine, as I put my final ‘Dear Parishioner’ together is because many
of the articles that you got the chance to read were taken from Reality. I
always felt that the articles by the two writers, I have mentioned, were
informative and thought-provoking. They dealt with topical issues and
presented challenges for their readership. Carmel Wynne’s monthly
article was entitled ‘Family and Relationships’ and the December article
title was ‘Family Disagreements are normal at Christmas.’ She concluded
that article with a quotation from Hal Elrod, an American author, speaker
and success coach, “The moment you accept total responsibility for
everything in your life is the day you claim the power to change anything
in your life.” In this ‘Dear Parishioner’, I will make a brief effort to go down
Memory Lane and I invite you to stay with me on that journey. (Fr. Denis
O’Mahony)
---------------------------------
Going back a little over 50 years
I hope every reader of ‘Dear Parishioner’ within Abbeydorney Parish has a
copy of the Golden Jubilee book about St. Bernard’s Church, Abbeydorney,
published in 2018. As the number of articles written for inclusion in the
book was not as big as we had hoped, I offered to write an article, ‘My First
Week as a Country Curate.’ The time being described was a week in
August 1972, starting on 10th August, the day I was due to leave Killarney
Parish, where I had spent the previous month. Next day, I would set out
for Sneem to take up my first permanent appointment in the diocese. That
first week (It was a period of about ten days) was both dramatic and
traumatic and, now, fifty one years later, I can remember my experiences
quite well. (You may find yourself going back to the Jubilee book to get the
full story!)
It has been said that a priest will tend to think about his first parish
appointment (for some priests, that first appointment may have been as a
teacher or doing some post-graduate study.) A slightly unusual aspect of
my appointment was that, in the space of four years, I served under three
different Parish Priests. I had less than two months spent in Sneem when
my Parish Priest, Fr. Bob Flavin, informed me that Bishop Casey was
appointing him as Parish Priest of Killeentierna Parish (Currow & Currans),
replacing Fr. Frank Mangan, a native of Sneem Village, who had to retire
due to ill health. When Fr. Peter Scott, a native of Firies Parish, like myself,
came from a long stint as a curate in Tralee to be Parish Priest of Sneem,
the forecast was made by a number of parishioners that he would not
spend a long term in South Kerry. That forecast proved to be correct,
when in 1976, he was appointed Parish Priest of Ballyheigue. What
prompted the forecast of a short stay? I think it may have been because he
seemed to people to have a certain importance in the way he moved
about. As his first winter in Sneem approached, he would be seen in the
village, wearing his overcoat and hat and carrying his umbrella. Fr. Jackie
McKenna came from being a curate in Abbeydorney to being a Parish Priest
and I spent a very pleasant year with him, before taking up my second
appointment in Duagh in North Kerry. I had just spent one year in the
parish, when Bishop Kevin McNamara, named Bishop of Kerry in 1976,
replacing Bishop Eamonn Casey who moved to Galway, transferred me to
Dingle, to be a schools chaplain, with a limited involvement in parish work.
After completing four years in Dingle Parish in the summer of 1981, my
next move involved a much longer journey from my home near Killarney
than to Sneem, Duagh and Dingle.
I have written, on a few occasions about the six years that I spent in Kenya,
before returning to Kerry Diocese in the summer of 1987. I was lucky that
my former Parish Priest in Dingle, now Bishop of Kerry, allowed to me to do
a three month renewal course in Dublin, after which I got a temporary
appointment in Killeentierna, due to the sudden death, shortly before
Christmas, of my first P.P., Fr. Bob Flavin. With sixteen years of pastoral
experience behind me, I took up an appointment in Killarney Parish, where
I worked for five years. In my final year, I had an experience that I did not
expect to have, which left me in a dark place for some time. That was the
unexpected depression that hit me. Those who have gone through
depression, (recovering after some time, partially recovering or coping
fairly well with good medical care and appropriate medication), may be
surprised that I found I did not need to spend time in hospital. It may also
seem strange that I found I could deal better with what was happening
within me by continuing to work, even though that took a lot of effort. I
was lucky that my priest colleagues in Killarney were very supportive and
understanding, especially when I might have felt unable (occasionally) to
carry out a particular task.
When I moved from Killarney to Rathmore Parish in 1993, taking up
residence in the Cork section of the parish, in Knocknagree, my G.P. and
psychiatrist assured me that I was coping well with my ‘illness’. It was
ironic that the priest I was replacing in Knocknagree, Fr. Pat Griffin, had
been suffering from depression for a number of years. Having served
under three Parish Priests in Sneem, I thought it unlikely that this might
happen again but that turned out to be the case. Canon Pat Doherty was
near retirement age, when I took up my appointment in Knocknagree in
September 1993, and he was replaced by Fr. Dan O’Riordan, president of
St. Brendan’s College, Killarney. His stay in Rathmore was like mine in
Duagh – one year – as he was appointed Parish Priest of St. John’s Parish,
Tralee. My new Parish Priest, my former teacher in St. Brendan’s, was Fr.
Pat Horgan, like Fr. Dan O’Riordan, a native of County Cork. As the year
1996 – 1997 went by, I knew there was a good chance that I would be
appointed a Parish Priest in the 1997 summer appointments. While using
the prescribed medication for my depression, I felt very much as I had been
before the depression hit me and, instead of wondering where I might be
appointed a Parish Priest, I was thinking of something very different.
Bishop Bill Murphy had been appointed Bishop of Kerry in 1994, after the
unexpected death of Bishop Ó Súilleabháin.
In January 1997, Bishop Murphy had visited Kenya, where two Kerry
priests, Donncha Ó Laocha ((Leahy) and Kevin Sullivan were halfway
through their six year term in Nakuru Diocese. After his return from Kenya,
Bishop Murphy invited priests who might wish to volunteer to take up the
third position in our diocesan missionary project. Even though I thought it
unlikely that I would be chosen (because of spending six years already), I
think nobody else volunteered and I was on my way to Kenya for a three-
year period in 1997. Those three years went by very quickly and on my
return to Kerry in the summer of 2000, I became Parish Priest of Spa Parish.
After ten years had gone I told Bishop Murphy that I would be happy to
move to a different Parish. In 2011, I made my way to Abbeydorney, ready
for a different experience but, with a certain sadness in my heart because
the vacancy came about because my classmate, Fr. Micheál Ó Dochartaigh
was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, at the start of 2011, only six
months after being appointed Parish Priest of Abbeydorney.
In the letter to the people of Spa Parish, when moving to Abbeydorney in
2011, I wrote ‘I start a new phase in my life as I move to Abbeydorney
Parish. I go with many happy memories and I sincerely thank everybody,
who has been of help to me in the past eleven years.’ I wish to express
the same sentiments, as I come to the end of my twelve-year ministry in
the Abbeydorney/Kilflynn area. You will get a chance to read a longer
‘Thank You’ in this weekend’s Parish Newsletter.
As a last word in this ‘Dear Parishioner’ I am delighted to include a ‘good
news story’ from Amanda Duyile, who lives with the Nicholson Family in
Kilflynn. “My name is Amanda Duyile. I am fourteen years old and I have
been involved in athletics with Tralee Harriers for seven years. I compete
with my club and my school and I have been very busy this year. Recently,
I took part in a ‘Munster Multi-Events Pentathlon’ – sprint hurdles, long
jump, high jump, shot putt and 800 metres - competing against athletes
from all over Munster. I finished in 3rd position. At the end of June, I took
part in the Kerry Community Games, representing Abbeydorney/Kilflynn
and I came first in the 100 metre sprint and I was a member of the winning
mixed relay team. In August, I will be representing Kerry in the Munster
Community Games in the 100 metre sprint and our relay team will
represent Kerry in the National Community Games at the end of August. I
train 3-4 days a week and my aim is to continue my athletics career and,
hopefully, represent Ireland one day.
---------------------------------------========================
Prayer for Grandparents (Composed by Pope Benedict XVI)
Lord Jesus, You were born of the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and
Anne. Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them! They are a
source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society.
Support them! As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families strong
pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble domestic ideals, living treasures of sound
religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they may
pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual
experience.
Lord Jesus, help families and society to value the presence and role of grandparents.
May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love. Help
them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life You give them.
Mary, Mother of all the living, keep grandparents constantly in your care,
accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage, and by your prayers, grant that all
families may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland, where you await all
humanity for the great embrace of life without end. Amen!
--------------------
Diocese Kerry July 2023
We pray God’s blessing on Fr Denis O’Mahony who retired as Parish Priest of
Abbeydorney last Wednesday. We pray that he may enjoy a long, happy and
healthy retirement and we thank him for his ministry as a priest over the last 51
years including the last 12 years in Abbeydorney during which time he served in this
Pastoral Area. We all appreciated his kindness and support over the years. We pray
God’s blessing too on Fr Jerry Keane who has replaced him in Abbeydorney and on
all the other priests and people affected by the Diocesan Changes this year including
the Parishes of Tuosist and Adrigole which have been left without resident priests
since last Wednesday.
--------------------------------
Nothing is as tiring as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.
We need to regularly stop and take stock; to sit down and determine within ourselves which things are worth valuing and which things are not; which risks
are worth the cost and which are not.
The purpose of life is not to win. The purpose of life is to grow and to share. When you come to look back on all that you have done in life, you will get
more satisfaction from the pleasure you have brought into other people’s
lives than you will from the times you outdid and defeated them. (Kushner)
AGREE TO DISAGREE OR AGREE ON A COMPROMISE.
The greatest gift you can give somebody is your time. Because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back.
---------------------
Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go – no one else.
Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.
Blessed are those who have learned to admire but not envy, to follow but not imitate, to praise but not flatter and to lead but not manipulate.
LAST WORD: Be a good listener. Your ears will seldom get you into trouble.
============================
=======================
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. 066 7135146; 087 6807197
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
2nd July, 2023. 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Dear Parishioner,
One half of the year is gone from us, while another half
has just started off. A few weeks into this month, I will be making room for
a successor in the parish. The list of changes/transfers announced by
Bishop Ray Brown this past Friday were very brief, giving the news that Fr.
Jerry Keane, would move from Eyeries Parish, in West Cork, to replace me
in Abbeydorney Parish, while the move of Fr. John Kerin to Eyeries, would
leave Tuosist without a resident priest. When, during the past number of
months, I thought about the situation arising from my retirement, it
seemed that there would be no priest to replace. I know parishioners will
be happy to know that Abbeydorney will have a Parish Priest for the
immediate future.
In my early years, as a priest in Kerry Diocese, there was a lot of talk in the
weeks ahead of the time when new appointments about what the list of
changes would contain. Priest who had spent a few years in the less
densely populated parishes in South Kerry and West Cork, would have
been hoping that the bishop of the time would tell them there were
vacancies in the more central parts of the diocese. Curates, who were
likely to be appointed Parish Priests for the first time, were hopeful (unless
they were natives of the outlying parishes of the diocese) not to be
appointed to parishes that were a long distance from the Cathedral town
of Killarney.
Apart from the nine years I spent in Kenya, the parish furthest from my
home – 5 miles from Killarney, between Killarney and Farranfore – in which
I worked was Dingle, where I spent four years. The shortest time I spent in
any parish was one year in Duagh, to which Bishop Eamonn Casey
appointed me in the summer of 1976 and which I left, in the first changes
made by Bishop Kevin McNamara in the summer of 1977. (The year
between summer 1987 and that of 1998 was a little bit unusual in that I did
a three month renewal course from September to November 1987, after
returning from Kenya and that was followed by a temporary appointment
from January to July 1988 in Killeentierna (Currow & Currans) Parish. My
longest appointment was the one I am now finishing (12 years), one year
longer than my stay in Spa Parish (11 years). Fr. Denis O’Mahony
-------------------------------
Knock Shrine: Where Culture and Faith Align (Intercom 2023)
Every day, people come to Knock Shrine to seek healing, to take a step back
from busy life and take comfort in the peace of the Apparition Chapel. The
beautiful grounds here offer a peaceful space where you are encouraged to
relax, reflect, and pray. The Shrine is open each day and ready to welcome
you. Whatever your reason for coming here, we greet you in the hope that
your visit will end with an answered prayer, a sense of healing, or a new
perspective on whatever troubles you. Pilgrims can find healing through
the sacraments but also by having the opportunity to disconnect and
experience the peace and beauty of nature. The beautiful, serene
grounds stretch over 100 acres and offer a peaceful retreat for visitors,
with seating areas and quiet corners to relax and reflect. As you make
your way around, take time to sit, breath, to listen, and feel unburdened in
the quiet and calm. Whether you're visiting on your own or with friends
and family, the gardens are a great place to spend some time in
contemplation and prayer. Since 1879, the story of the Apparition has
drawn people from all over the world who come to experience peace and
to seek healing and reconciliation. In the Apparition Chapel, pilgrims can
experience unique peace and reflect on the scene, which is replicated in
exact detail, based on the accounts given by the fifteen local people who
witnessed the Apparition on 21 August 1879.
The Apparition scene at Knock has deep liturgical meaning, symbolic
richness and has been the subject of theological study and contemplation
for generations. Unique to the Apparition at Knock is the representation
of the Eucharist as the risen Lord which appeared as the Lamb on the
altar, standing before his Cross and surrounded by a host of angels. This
aspect of the Apparition was detailed by the fifteen witnesses who, on 21
August 1879, stood in pouring rain for two hours reciting the rosary before
the Apparition scene. Knock has long been known for its Marian devotion;
however the elevation of the Shrine to an International Eucharistic and
Marian Shrine by Pope Francis in 2021 places more emphasis on the unique
representation of the Lamb in the Apparition scene, a symbol of the
Eucharist. The best place to start your day at Knock is with a visit to the
award-winning Knock Museum (open daily with free admission) where you
can truly get a deeper sense of the Apparition in the context of life at the
time and also get a sense of the profound connection that pilgrims have to
this special place today. See the Diary of Cures penned by Archdeacon
Kavanagh in the years following the Apparition as well as copies of the
original testimonies given by the fifteen official witnesses.
The Bookshop is located on the grounds of the Shrine and is a quiet haven
where you can explore a wide selection of spiritual books, journals, and
books for all ages. Browse through a wide selection of spiritual books,
journals, unique everyday titles, and all the latest new releases. No visit to
Knock Shrine would be complete without taking in the many sacred
artworks that are dotted around the grounds and in the churches. From
stunning stained-glass windows to beautiful sculptures and paintings, the
artworks are truly inspiring. Take a moment to view the Bee-Hive Cell
designed by Imogen Stuart, the Holy Water Fonts carved from Portuguese
stone, the inspiring Stations of the Cross paintings and mural painting of
The Last Supper in the Basilica, or the sculptures of Irish Saints that are
dotted around the Shrine grounds.
Prayer Guidance & Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is available during the pilgrimage season, taking place in
the peaceful prayer spaces in the Chapel of Reconciliation. Prayer
Guidance is also available daily in the Prayer Centre as well as Evening
Prayer in the Apparition Chapel at 8.40 pm (daily). Groups coming to Knock
Shrine can book their own private Mass (where a priest is accompanying) in
the Apparition Chapel and avail of group facilities at St. John's Welcome
Centre (wheelchair hire available). Whatever the weather, the shuttle
service is available on a daily basis for the comfort of all visitors, to
transport pilgrims around the grounds with ease and convenience.
Daily Mass & Ceremonies
A full programme of ceremonies is available including the Anointing of the
Sick, Rosary Processions, Stations of the Cross, Adoration and daily Mass.
Confessions are available daily in the Chapel of Reconciliation. We look
forward to welcoming organised Diocesan and pilgrimage groups from
across the country each weekend.
Discover more about the unique history of Knock Shrine or plan your visit:
www.knockshrine.ie
Maria Casey Marketing & Communications, Knock Shrine Office.
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel
John Byrne, OSA, Intercom July/August 2023.
01.At a first reading, the demand of Jesus sounds selfish ‘Anyone who pre-
fers father or mother to me is not worthy of me.’ It only makes sense when
we realise that Jesus will never be outdone in generosity.
2.Jesus never wanted suffering for anyone but he knew that if we are going
to follow in his footsteps, promoting love and respect for every person, we
will meet with opposition. Fidelity has its price, but also rewards. Would
you agree?
3.The passage is a call to both radical and practical discipleship. When
have you found that, in order to achieve a certain objective, you had to
make it a priority, and then take the practical steps necessary to reach your
goal? What were the benefits to you when you did this?
4.‘Hate’ is prophetic exaggeration for the uncompromising loyalty Jesus
seeks in disciples. There may be times when people make demands in con-
flict with fidelity to another relationship. This can be painful. When have
you found that being clear about your priorities helped you in that situa-
tion?
Points to Ponder (Intercom 2023)
Each morning we wake up with a short note from God awaiting us on this
imaginary table next to our bed. It is our ‘to do’ list for the day. The top
priorities are relationships and responsibilities. Each of us, in the journey
of life, has created artwork of love and service. This is the clearest
expression of God's will for us. Today's seemingly severe words of Jesus
about family are simply an invitation to put everything in order. When we
love God first, not only do we love our family more, this love is more
selfless and life-giving, free of deception and illusion. Likewise,
discipleship of Jesus enriches and expands our vision of the world. We
are called to enter into the depths of life where we meet the wonder of
God's love in the ordinary flow of life. Jesus makes it clear. We need
sacrifice and deeper reflection to transform our lives with our families and
our professional responsibilities. This same sacrificial effort opens up how
we relate to our neighbours, how we face the challenge of a world
suffering from the neglect of our indulgent lifestyle. Our consumer culture
has set no limits on our desires. We are on the edge of destroying our
planet. God's will is clear. Enough already! Today's gospel tells us those
who seek themselves are on the road to self- destruction. Our relationship
with God, our loved ones, our community and our world only find life through self giving.
You Are Invited
Matthew is called in today's Gospel. Put yourself in his shoes. How would you respond to Christ's invitation?
THE TWO WOLVES : One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about the battle that goes on inside people. He said – “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil – it is anger, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority & ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, tenderness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion & faith.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute ad then asked his grandfather – “Which one wins?” The old Cherokee simply replied – “The one you feed.”
THE HAND THAT HELPS OTHERS WILL ALWAYS BE FILLED WITH BLESSINGS.
If you want to make the world a better place – or at least your part of it – keep the following in mind. Be faithful in little things such as keeping your word, offering a helping hand, being an encourager, putting others first and so on. These require no great plans or preparations and can be used at any time. Simply live your life openly, honestly and with compassion.
LAST WORD: When the past comes knocking, don’t answer. It has nothing new to tell you !!
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Saint Benedict (480 – 547) – Feast Day: 11th July
Saint Benedict is one of the six Patron Saints of Europe. The others are the two
brothers from Thessalonika in Greece, Cyril (825 – 869) and Methodius (826 – 885),
Bridget of Sweden (1303 – 1373), Catherine of Siena in Italy (1347 – 1380) and the
German Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross or Edith Stein (1891 – 1942). The Feast
Day of Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius is 14th February, that of Saint Bridget of
Sweden 23rd July, that of Saint Catherine of Siena 29th April and that of Saint Teresa
Benedicta of the Cross 9th August.
Saint Benedict (480 – 547) and his twin sister Saint Scholastica (480 – 543) are
believed to have been born into a wealthy family in Norcia in the region of Umbria in
Italy around the year 480. He received a very good education in Rome. However
the low morals of the people in Rome at that time disgusted him and so he left the
eternal city to settle in Enfide about 40 miles away. Then around 500 he went to the
nearby wild and remote area of Subiaco and lived there as a hermit in a cave for the
next three years. His life of prayer and solitude attracted people to him and over the
next 20 years about 12 monasteries of monks opened in that area.
In the year 530 having left the Subiaco area Benedict founded the great monastery
of Monte Cassino which is on a hilltop between Rome and Naples. He was abbot of
this monastery until his death on 21st March 547. Monte Cassino became the focal
point for western monasticism. The monks there followed the Rule of Saint Benedict
which he first wrote in 516 while in Subiaco. The Rule encouraged the monks to
devote eight hours per day to prayer, eight hours to sleep and eight hours to manual
work, sacred reading and/or works of charity
Reflect
Believing not Seeing
God calls you to believe even what you cannot see. Yet the Lord promises a greater blessing because of your belief. Today, ask for the intercession of St. Thomas the Apostle as you pray for those who struggle in their faith.
Turning from Anxiety
Is your faith greater than your fears, or is it the other way around? Consider what makes you anxious and how the Lord is bigger than any of those things. How can you grow in your faith to realize this truth more?
Hope and Healing
Today, pray for those who struggle with mental health. Reflect on how the readings encourage hope and trust in the Lord's healing.
Eyes to See
Abraham, called by God, is called to offer his son Isaac to the Lord. There is a lesson for Abraham in this suffering. When God tests you, can you receive God's instruction?
Hospitality
How are you serving God's servants? The Lord rewards every act of kindness you make for others. Through your hospitality, you can help build up the kingdom of God.
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Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Oh most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger, comfort me in my afflictions, give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Your blessing in all that I do and the grace of a holy death. Amen.
Vatican to collect stories of Christian martyrs killed since 2000
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254728/vatican-to-collect-stories-of-christian-martyrs-killed-since-2000?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=265283494&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-87o0S8BCDQirMSs4jiXy1DYNxOoZuhCgoU5L7cTM7ugszFFXY2F4upYoVgEtMqGvsL8M5ckafJKmDeh8_kPI9sDswerA&utm_content=265283494&utm_source=hs_email
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Father Damien Was a Priest and a Man of Sacrifice
The closer one looks at the life of St. Damien of Molokai, the clearer it becomes that the mystery of the Holy Eucharist lay at the heart of this priest.
https://www.ncregister.com/blog/father-damien-man-of-sacrifice?utm_campaign=NCR&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=265326738&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9WJpFKAAqBvvUmi9lyu0Ow7Bfabub8jywTEhQN1NbALW7BJvc_r51RB9Ar3DYgpn7N_SKRcYa_DbZB5_pVfPoLVtTFQA&utm_content=265326738&utm_source=hs_email
====================
As Sharon McMahon became painfully aware of how dramatically uninformed people were about basic principles of civics and government, she took to Instagram and began sharing facts. And it went viral. She became a sensation, and her friendly, approachable, informative style of sharing news, information, and holding space for hard conversations has garnered over 4 million followers on Instagram,
https://likeamother.osvpodcasts.com/2051666/12753942-forming-principles-with-integrity-with-sharon-mcmahon-of-sharonsaysso?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_email=Omeda&utm_campaign=NL-OSV+Consumer&utm_term=6899J0307967D5A&oly_enc_id=6899J0307967D5A
=======================
CLT Reflection
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? For God’s temple is holy, which is what you are. 1. Cor. 3:16
The world has always been complex but in our own lifetime it has also become volatile. For us to be resilient and yet adaptable, we need to enter into the deep waters of our souls. Here we can connect with our incarnational spirituality, the spirituality we are gifted with at birth. Our relationship with God, which is our spirituality, is continuous, deepens and changes as we grow older or interact with the environment in which we find ourselves. We sometimes become secularized or develop another spirituality for the self. During this Lenten season, as we follow Christ, who remained faithful to his incarnational spirituality, in his passion and way of the cross we might want to spend some time to connect again with our own foundational Spirituality.
Our quest for God in our deepest being stretches to touch the same longing in other people, which is how communities are formed. Cultures, traditions and rituals are borne out of the spirituality of a group. Just as a person’s incarnational spirituality evolves so does a community’s. It is helpful for a group to regularly return to the spirit behind its mission. In Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5, he encouraged his disciples to go to the roots of the commandments to understand the purpose of their practices. The SSL constitutions give us an idea of our raison d’être. Our St Louis spirituality, embedded in our relationship with the source of all Being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit, “is rooted in a simple faith in God’s love and caring providence, and in a hope which clings to and responds to that love in all circumstances of life”. Our mission is apostolic because we are called to bring that knowledge and love of God to all of creation in Christ’s name. Our spirituality is holistic as we try to respond to God’s love through all the powers of our being. This is our faith and the basis of our spirituality. As we continue on our journey with Christ this Lenten period, we return to the roots of our charism which is essentially a return to the gospel. May we find that interior peace that enables us to live authentically and joyfully, a life in harmony with God and others, with nature and self.
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Encountering God
Rather than becoming unclean, Jesus cleanses those he encounters. When you meet Christ in the Eucharist, consider this and meditate on the prayer of the leper, asking God to make you clean.
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Kerry Diocese
https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/2023/06/appointments-in-the-diocese-of-kerry-summer-2023/
Appointments in the Diocese of Kerry, Summer 2023
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing for joy. Ps. 99
New Appointments As is traditional, the list is made public today, the last Friday in June. This year two priests retire, Fr Denis O’Mahony and Fr Martin Sheehan. I thank them sincerely for their great service over many years. They are fondly remembered by the people of the parishes where they served. I wish them good health and happiness in retirement. I also thank the priests who have readily agreed to uproot and move to new parishes.
With the two retirements we now will have two more parishes ‘served by the priests of their pastoral areas’. This causes change and adjustment in the lives of both clergy and people (especially parish staff and volunteers) in all the parishes of those pastoral areas. It involves an extra workload on the priests. I deeply appreciate the willingness of all to do this. It is important to remember that not only are some parishes without a resident priest, but all priests are no longer fulltime in their own parishes due to their commitments in the parishes without a resident priest. I fully understand that people are saddened by our constant adjusting to fewer and fewer priests. Be aware that this is happening in every diocese in Ireland, Great Britain and most western countries.
Weekend Masses One of the most visible results of these appointments is change in the number and times of weekend Masses in the parishes of the pastoral areas. Unfortunately, in some situations people will have less choice of Masses. It will require extra effort/sacrifice for people to gather with their community for Sunday vigil/morning Mass. I compliment all the people and church areas for the way they have recovered post-Covid in terms of attendance at Mass, and the return of choirs, altar servers, readers, ministers of the Eucharist and those involved with the Sacred Space. We are all conscious that Mass is both a truly privileged time in God’s company, and our most important expression of our being one family under God our Father. I encourage families to reflect on the question, “How often in these summer months of July and August will we adults and children gather with our community for Sunday Mass. What time in each Sunday will we give to God?”
Year of Vocation Throughout Ireland the year 2023, until next Easter, is being observed as a year of Vocation. The theme has in mind especially vocations to the diocesan priesthood: – but not just that, every Christian has a calling in life, every Christian as a member of God’s family has their part to play in the life of God’s family. Vocation includes the vocation of every baptised person as well as the vocation of permanent diaconate and of all forms of consecrated life. Pray for the twenty-six adults who for the past eighteen months have been undertaking the diocesan formation programme in ‘Lay Leadership’ and for the service they will give in their local pastoral area / parish in their years ahead. Within the next year we will seek to have another group commence this programme.
In the context of vocation, we thank God for the vocation to the priesthood of Mark Moriarty who will be ordained priest in the Cathedral on Sunday August 13th. I ask all parishes to have a Holy Hour during their usual weekly time of Parish Adoration, or on the Friday or Saturday night that weekend: in thanksgiving for Mark’s vocation; asking God’s blessing on his life as a priest; and praying for the fullness of parish life in all the fifty-three parishes of our diocese. We hope to have a further ordination to the priesthood within eighteen months, and a person commencing his first year of seminary formation in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in the Autumn.
Synodality In the past two years much has been said and written of ‘synodality’. Synodality is most appropriate in this time of significant change and adjustment. We need to hear as many voices as possible as we confront the challenges we face as people of faith, as Christian communities, and as a diocese. The spirit of challenge and hope required is well captured in a quote I used this time last year: “We are going to be journeying together for a significant amount of time. In fact, we are going to be journeying together and learning to journey together perpetually. If we are to learn to listen so that we might truly understand each other, if we are to learn how to rely on the Holy Spirit more than on ourselves, and if we are to learn how to dialogue with others, ‘Synodality’ is the path expected of us in the third millennium.”
Solidarity A final word to acknowledge the difficulties of the past year. I think first of the awfulness of the war in Ukraine and the suffering of its people. Here in Ireland, I am conscious of the struggle of many people. To give just two instances, so many couples and individuals are finding it impossible to get accommodation that they can call home, and so many households are in debt due to electricity or fuel bills. As Catholic communities we pray and strive for a world, globally and locally, that is more just and fair, a world where all can live in peace.
Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love,
He is faithful from age to age. Ps. 99
Bishop Ray Browne- Diocese of Kerry- 30 June 2023
Diocese of Kerry Appointments July 2023
Bishop Ray Browne wishes to announce the following changes to the appointments of clergy in the Diocese of Kerry:
Retirements:
Fr. Denis O’Mahony PP Abbeydorney
Fr. Martin Sheehan PP Adrigole
Appointments:
Fr. John Kerin Tousist to be PP Eyeries
Fr. Jerry Keane Eyeries to be PP Abbeydorney
Following the transfer of Fr. John Kerin, the parish of Tousist will be served by the priests of the Kenmare Pastoral Area, with Fr. Niall Howard as Moderator.
Following Fr. Martin Sheehan retiring as PP of Adrigole, the parish of Adrigole will be served by the priests of the Beara Pastoral Area with Fr Noel Spring as Moderator.
Priests of all Pastoral Areas of the Diocese take up different responsibilities outside their own parishes and within the Pastoral Area. This will be decided and communicated locally.
These changes will become effective on Wednesday, July 19th 2023
Fr. Nicholas Flynn
Diocesan Secretary
==============================
Exam Prayer
Dear Lord, as I take these exams,
I thank you that my life is
enfolded in the embrace on
Your great love for me.
Help me with all the testing
challenges of life that will
come my way.
Holy Spirit, guide me with the
gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge,
Understanding and right Judgement.
Holy Mary, pray for us
and all our young people.
May they know the touch of
your loving caress. Amen.
============================
A Heart to Imitate
As we celebrate this memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, consider how the heart of Mary is one of contemplation and trust. Through Marian devotion, you can imitate Our Lady by keeping the Word of God in your heart and living for Christ.
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On this weeks podcast we are delighted to welcome on Fr Chris O'Donnell SAC, originally from Templeglantine Co. Limerick, who is currently on leave home from Argentina where he has been working as a missionary priest for 47 years. He shares with us his vocation story and his work in Argentina since 1976.
We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends for the week ahead and of course our thoughts and reflections on this weeks Sunday Gospel (John 6:51-58) which is the gospel for the feast of Corpus Christi.
Vocation Stories - Fr Chris O'Donnell SAC
Fr Chris O'Donnell SAC, originally from Templeglantine Co. Limerick, who has been working as a priest in Argentina for 47 years. He shares with us his vocation story to the Pallottine Order and his work in Argentina since 1976. He shares with us the challenges of the first few years which were hazardous as the military junta were in power and security was strictly controlled. Priests and religious were included in daily moments of being closely watched. Fr Chris shares moments of close encounters with the military as well as lovely memories with his parishioners. He describes the enthusiasm of the laity to becoming involved with the liturgy including those working as lay catechists, He shares his hopes that the synod process will produce more opportunities for the laity to become more involved with parish life.
https://www.limerickdiocese.org/podcast-gallery/
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Bringing You to Himself
The place God wants to bring you is to himself. All the twists and turns of your life are because the Lord desires you to come to know and be in relationship with him. Reflect on your life and its journey toward God today.
Suffering
In today's readings, Saint Paul acts as a model for us by boasting of his sufferings. These sufferings are what really conform us to the heart of Christ.
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A Heart to Imitate
As we celebrate this memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, consider how the heart of Mary is one of contemplation and trust. Through Marian devotion, you can imitate Our Lady by keeping the Word of God in your heart and living for Christ.
==========================
Reflect
file:///C:/Users/jerk/Downloads/nenagh-parish-newsletter-18-june-2023.pdf
Lord Jesus, every good gift is given to us by Your hand. Though
we are filled with vanity, You alone can take credit for the good
that happens in the world. Therefore, magnify Yourself in our lives.
Bring to silence those who condemn us for our sins, and turn our
eyes upon Your holy cross. Give us the joy only You can grant, O
God, and give us a willing spirit to pursue truth and goodness in our
lives. Hear my prayer, O Jesus. Amen.
------------------
Fr Michael Geraghty
On 14 June 2015, Fr Michael Geraghty, a former deacon in the
parish of Nenagh, was ordained to the priesthood in St Brendan’s
Church in his native Birr, Co Offaly. After a period of missionary
work in Africa later that year, he returned to Nenagh as part of the
2015 appointments.
During the intervening years, Fr Michael has worked tirelessly
for the people of Nenagh and the Odhrán Pastoral Area. He has
carried out his ministry with reverence, enthusiasm and grace,
while all the time bearing that trademark cheeky grin that has
endeared him to parishioners of all ages and faith groups.
This past week came the day we were all dreading. The
following announcement was listed among the Killaloe Diocesan
Appointments for 2023:
Fr. Michael Geraghty, Co-PP, Odhrán Pastoral Area, resident in
Nenagh to be Co-PP, Tradaree Pastoral Area, residing in Shannon,
St. John and Paul Presbytery.
It is a beyond a cliche to say that Nenagh’s loss will be Shannon’s
gain but we will say it nonetheless, because it is so very true. We
reluctantly understand that for so many reasons, we cannot hold
onto Fr Michael forever!
===============================
Weekly Newsletter
Second Sunday after Pentscost
11th June 2023
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
Today’s Gospel fits in perfectly with the feast of Corpus Christi. “A certain man made a great supper, and invited many.” The man who makes the supper is God; the great supper is His kingdom where souls will find full abundance of spiritual blessings while on earth, and eternal happiness in the next life. This is the real meaning of the parable, but we can also interpret it more specifically, seeing in the supper and in the man who prepares it a figure of the Eucharistic banquet and of Jesus, inviting men to partake of His Flesh and Blood. “The table of the Lord is set for us,” sings the Church, “Wisdom [the Incarnate Word] has prepared the wine and laid the table”. Jesus Himself, when announcing the Eucharist, addressed His invitation to all: “I am the Bread of life! He that cometh to Me shall not hunger, and he that believeth in Me shall never thirst.... Your fathers did eat manna in the desert, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven; that if any man eat of it, he may not die ”. Jesus does not limit Himself, like other men, to preparing the table for a supper, inviting many, and serving delicious food; His is an unheard-of procedure, which no man, however rich and powerful he might be, could ever imitate. Jesus offers Himself as Food. St. John Chrysostom said to those who wanted to see Christ in the Eucharist with their bodily eyes, “Behold, you do see Him; you touch Him, you eat Him. You would like to see His garments; He not only permits you to see Him, but also to eat Him, to touch Him, and to receive Him into your heart... He whom the angels look upon with fear, and dare not gaze upon steadfastly because of His dazzling splendor, becomes our Food; we are united to Him, and are made one body and one flesh with Christ ”
Thank you for having come in large numbers for the Feast of Corpus Christi. The city of Limerick must have been touched with so many souls adoring the True Presence of Our Lord in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
The Sacred Heart Novena has finally commenced. We will have a line-up of guest priests to preach on the breadth, and length, and height, and depth of God's Love in the Sacred Heart: namely Reverend Fathers Horgan (from Cork), Cahill and Kilcoyne and Canons Gribbin and Heppelle.
Today we are honoured to have Canon Turner as celebrant and homilist: surely you remember him during his time in Limerick as a seminarian. He is currently serving as the Assistant Head of our secondary school in Brussels. It also happens to be his birthday today - do greet him after Holy Mass.
The Novena will culminate this Friday with the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Do come to celebrate the patronal feast of our church, where our Vicar General Msgr Schmitz, the celebrant and homilist, will renew the consecration of Ireland to the Sacred Heart. The following day, there will also be the Sacred Heart Conferences in Dublin.
Today we are using a new solemn set of green vestments that was made in Italy specially for our church - if you look closely, you will notice the pattern of the Sacred Heart. Please click here if you wish to contribute to this liturgical item.
As mentioned in the Trifolium, Canon Lebocq is organising an outing to Italy with 8 of our altar boys from 3rd to 9th of July. The highlight of the visit will be the ordination week in Florence, followed by Rome, Assisi and Fiesole. The total cost for each participant is calculated to be €450. We would not want any of the boys to miss out on this great experience dur to the cost. For this reason, there will be a special fundraising collection next Sunday.
Lastly, we would like to announce the Pontifical Mass of His Eminence Cardinal Burke on Sunday, 25th June. Our Sister Adorers will come 24th to have a get-together picnic at 12 noon Curraghchase (25 mins from Limerick). Mothers and their young girls are kindly invited to participate. Please bring your own picnic.
Wishing you a blessed week,
The Sacred Heart Church Community
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Live stream from the Sacred Heart Church
===================
A Witness to Love
How are we light? Today's Gospel tells us that we become light by doing good deeds. This light is shone for others to give glory to God the Father.
Empathy
Sometimes God allows us to suffer so that we might empathize with others in their suffering. As the Father of compassion, he invites us to have compassion for those around us.
Reflect
The Saints of June: 7 Heroic Saints to Learn About & Celebrate this Month
June is a month rich in celebrations for the Catholic Church!
Cleiton Ramos
June 13, 2023 —
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BOOK: Your Friendship with Holy Spirit
By Sarah Bowling
Often overlooked, Holy Spirit is a vital part of the Trinity — but many people struggle to feel connected to Him. This practical, engaging guide will lead you towards a deeper relationship with the Spirit, and help you open up your heart to His voice.
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Sight by Faith
It is God's mercy that calls you. Therefore, do not be discouraged, but see everything you encounter as a gift of God's grace. Through faith, you can see how the Lord works in your life.
Purifying Your Heart
Do you ever feel inadequate for the calling God has put in your life? Even with these feelings, know that the Lord calls the unqualified and purifies their hearts because all qualifications come from him. Pray that God makes you sufficient and qualified for the calling he has put in your heart.
Responding to the Lord
How do you respond to the Lord when he answers your prayers? Tobit acts as a model for going through trials and responding to God's grace and mercy with praise and blessing.
God's Works
The works of God are to be made known. Have you shared how God has blessed you with others? The Lord desires that you reveal his works in your life.
True Presence
Today, honor and recognize the great gift Jesus gives us with his body and blood. Let us give thanks and praise for Christ's true presence in the Eucharist.
==========================
The Annual Novena takes place from Friday June 16th to Saturday June 24th in Mount Saint Alphonsus Redemptorist Church, Limerick. The Novena in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help marks the high point of our preaching ministry.
Novena Prayer
Mother of Perpetual Help,
with the greatest confidence
we come before your holy picture
to be inspired by the example of your life.
We think of you at that moment when,
full of faith and trust,
you accepted God’s call
to be the mother of his Son.
Help us, your children,
to accept with joy our own calling in life.
When you learned that your cousin Elizabeth was in need
you immediately went to serve her
and offer your help.
Help us, like you,
to be concerned for others.
We think of you, Mother,
at the foot of the cross.
Your heart must have bled
to see your Son in agony.
But your joy was great
when he rose from the dead,
victorious over the powers of evil.
Mother of Sorrows,
help us through the trials and
disappointments of life.
Help us not to lose heart.
May we share with you and your Son
the joy of having courageously
faced up to all the challenges of life.
Amen.
Thanksgiving Prayer
O Mother of Perpetual Help,
with grateful hearts we join you
in thanking God
for all the wonderful things
he has done for us,
especially for giving us
Jesus, your Son, as our Redeemer.
O God, our Creator,
we thank you for the gift of life
and all the gifts of nature:
our senses and faculties,
our talents and abilities.
We thank you for creating us
in your image and likeness
and for giving us this earth
to use and develop,
to respect and cherish.
Despite our failures,
you continue to show your love for us today
by increasing the life of your Spirit in us
at the Eucharistic table.
Finally, we thank you, loving Father,
for giving us Mary,
the Mother of your Son,
to be our Mother of Perpetual Help.
We are grateful for all the favours
we have received through her intercession.
We pray that those past favours may inspire us
to greater confidence in your loving mercy
and to seek the aid of our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Amen.
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Revealing His Love
Why did God call you? The Lord chose you out of love because he set his heart upon you. His love alone sanctifies and makes you worthy of his grace.
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Tribute By Peg Prendeville.
I had the above notes written when word came through that my very good friend, since we were six years old, had died after a hard battle with sickness over the past three months. So it is with a heavy heart I say goodbye to Marian Cummane, nee Mullane, Knockdown. Marian and I were in class together in Clounleharde, went to Dublin in 1971 to the Civil Service and both of us ended up back in the Knockdown rearing our families and giving each other backup when needed. Numerous cups of coffee were consumed along the way and many of the world’s problems ironed out. When in Dublin there were five of us who lived together. Margaret Moran from Toureen has already departed this life and now Marian has joined her which leaves Anne, Helen and me. Thankfully Mike Cummane and his family generously opened their house this week to all Marian’s friends and neighbours and so the “three musketeers” as she called us were able to have one last meeting with her on Wednesday last. I am so grateful for this blessing as we used to try and meet together every year if possible. Marian was a friend to everybody and was a mother figure to her children’s friends also. Everybody loved Marian. Having worked in various shops over the years she never sought the limelight or wanted for much only to be at home feeding her birds and cats and anybody who called to the house. She had the greatest patience with the young generation and often gave them a bed after a late night at the pub as well as a breakfast next morning even though she was not a drinker herself and not a lover of pubs. After the past three months in hospital she came home just the day before she and Mike celebrated 42 years of marriage and just a week later departed this life. Sincere sympathies to her heartbroken husband Mike and her sons Paudie and Cathal and their families and her daughter Mairéad and all the extended families of the Mullanes and Cummanes. Her suffering is over now and she is resting in peace. We take comfort from that. But she will be missed by many.
https://www.athea.ie/category/knockdown-news/
----------------------
Works of Charity
The book of Tobit highlights the corporal works of mercy. How can you become more generous and loving toward others? How are you called to sacrifice in your life?
One God, Three Persons
Reflect on the Holy Trinity and ponder God's relational existence. How do your relationships reflect the love of God and the mystery of the Trinity? How are you called to give that which you love to others?
Wisdom from the Lord
The pursuit of wisdom requires constant prayer. Ask God to give you the wisdom and prudence to discern. What else can you ask of the Lord that will help you grow in your relationship with him?
A Pure Love
Sometimes prayers go unanswered, and things don't go how you desire. Yet the Lord uses these trials and challenges to test your love and purify your heart for him. Through this, your relationship with God will strengthen and deepen itself.
The Father of Compassion
Tobit gives us a roadmap of how to deal with overwhelming grief. By bringing his suffering to the Lord, he lets God know his anguish and asks for help. When you encounter difficulty, mirror Tobit and bring your suffering to the Lord.
Purity and Love
In today's readings, the angel guides Tobias to approach the marriage bed with purity and love. Through self-gift, the demons of lust and selfishness are cast away, and marriage is blessed in the eyes of God.
------------------------------------
Reflect
Showing Your Love for God
St. Philip Neri exemplified the love Christ called Peter to in today's readings. Considering his great works and acts of love for the people of Rome, reflect on how you can be more like this incredible saint. How can you serve God's flock and feed his sheep?
The Gift of the Spirit
The Father's love abides in Christ and his love in the Father. And that love will be given to us at Pentecost through the Holy Spirit. With this gift, we can love those around us as Christ loves us.
The Spirit of Truth
The Holy Spirit is poured out into the Church to lead those within to the fullness of truth. When the spirit of evil deceives the world, allow yourself to follow the Spirit of Truth instead.
A Double Portion
The disciples witnessing Jesus ascending into heaven is a sign that they will receive a double portion of the Holy Spirit, which we see at Pentecost. Reflect on how the Spirit is poured out into the Church by this witness.
Responding to Joy
The Holy Spirit is the life of God that is given to us. In today's readings, Jesus asks us to respond to this gift joyfully. Allow the joy of the Holy Spirit to fill your heart as you prepare for Pentecost.
Jesus' Exodus
Since Jesus atones for our sins, he must go through his own Exodus in order for the Holy Spirit to come. Through this, we can receive the Spirit in baptism.
God and the World
You do not belong to the world but to God. However, this can lead to tension or discord between you and the world, because it will try to treat you the same way it treated Christ. Despite this, you must seek the audience of God over that of the world.
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Our Advocate
Today's readings prepare us for the upcoming feast of Pentecost. When considering this, reflect on how Jesus ascends to the right hand of the Father, intercedes for us, and then the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the Church as our advocate.
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A Faithful Witness
The Lord calls you to be a faithful witness to the Spirit of Truth. It is the role and power of the Holy Spirit in your life to lead you to the truth about God, yourself, and the world.
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Enthroned Beside the Father- Do you pray to Jesus confidently, knowing that he is at the right hand of the Father? Let Jesus' intercession embolden you as you ask for things in his name.
Deepen Your Desire
Today's readings remind us of the Holy Spirit's role in the Church. As Pentecost approaches, pray for a greater desire for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the presence of the Spirit in your life.
Finding Peace
You give glory to the Father by accomplishing the work he gives you to do in your daily life. Through this, you can find the same peace Christ and St. Paul exemplify in today's readings.
God's Word
While there will be bad bishops and leaders of the faithful, the Lord still has a plan for the Church. As part of this plan, God calls you to hold to the truth of his Word.
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In Good Faith with Sister Barb Giehl - Sister of Mercy, Mother, Grandmother
https://anunslife.org/podcasts/in-good-faith/igf058-barb-giehl
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The, Abbeydorney (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
21st May 2023, Feast of the Ascension of the Lord.
Dear Parishioner,
I think I am correct in saying that letter-writing between
friends is gone out of fashion, with its place taken by more modern ways of
being in touch with others. Of course, the fact that something is not the
fashion does not mean it cannot be done! I would think that if you did write
a letter, you would hardly leave four months pass by before dropping into
the letter box at the Post Office! It seems as if that is what Pope Francis has
done. His message for the 57th World Day of Social Communications was
written on the 24th of January last to be available for this weekend. Describ-
ing what Pope Francis has written as a ‘Message’ is a bit misleading because
it runs to four (A 4) foolscap pages. I have chosen a few short pieces from it.
“Only by listening and speaking with a pure
heart can we see behind appearances and overcome the vague din or noise,
which in the field of communication, does not help us to discern in the com-
plicated world in which we live. The call to speak with the heart radically
challenges the times, in which we are living, which are so inclined towards
indifference and indignation, at times even on the basis of disinformation
which falsifies and exploits the truth. Communicating in a cordial manner,
means that those who read or listen to us are led to welcome our partici-
pation in the joys, fears, hopes and suffering of the women and men of
our times. Those who speak, in this way, love the other, because they care
for and protect their freedom, without violating it.”
“As was the case 60 years ago, we are now
also living in a dark hour, in which humanity fears an escalation of war that
must be stopped as soon as possible, also at the level of communication. It
is terrifying to hear how easily words calling for the destruction of people
and territories are spoken – words, that often turn into warlike actions of
heinous violence. This is why all belligerent rhetoric must be rejected, as
well as every form of propaganda that manipulates, disfiguring it for ideo-
logical ends. Instead, what must be promoted is a form of communication
that helps create the conditions to resolve controversies between peoples”.
Fr. Denis O’Mahony
---------------------------------
Celebrating the Liturgy
Why the readings are important (1)
Fr. Sean Smith continues his short series of articles for Intercom
on the renewed celebration of the Liturgy.
The Second Vatican Council restored something long neglected, namely that
there are two parts to the Sunday liturgy: the Liturgy of the Word (readings)
and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Thus, we are fed at two tables. Up till then,
full concentration was on the Liturgy of the Eucharist. While we are making
some headway in getting a balance, we need to put more emphasis on the
Liturgy of the Word – the readings. Currently, in our Sunday liturgy, we are
breathing mainly with one lung. The reason for this imbalance is more his-
torical than theological – a throwback to the Protestant Reformation. At one
time, we Catholics, in our ignorance, boasted that ‘Catholics have the Mass,
and the Protestants have the Bible.’ Thankfully we are more enlightened not
to repeat this today. The refocusing on the Liturgy of the Word is not novel,
far from it! The Israelites were fed on the word of God for 1,850 years, from
Abraham to Jesus. Constant refrains of the prophets like, ‘The word of God
was addressed to me’ and, ‘Hear the word of God’ appear throughout the
Old Testament. The great biblical scholar, Saint Jerome, who translated the
Bible into Latin, reminds us that, ‘Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of
Christ.’
Before his resurrection, through his preaching and teaching for about two
and half years, Jesus nourished and fed the people on the word. The Last
Supper came on the last day of his ministry. After his resurrection, he con-
tinued to nourish people with the word of God which we see in his encounter
with the two disillusioned disciples on the road to Emmaus: ‘Then starting
with Moses and going through the prophets he explained to them the pas-
sages throughout the scriptures that were about himself’ (Luke 24:27). In-
formed and excited, they turned to each other, “Did no tour hearts burn
within us, as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us!”
(Ibid 32). A lot of education is need to stir up enthusiasm for the word in our
parishioners. Therefore, speaking about the importance of the table of
God’s word, the Second Vatican in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Liturgy
says that “Christian believers should be formed by God’s word, and nour-
ished at the table of the Lord’s body (Par. 48) and “The treasures of the Bible
should be opened up more lavishly, so that a richer fare should be provided
for the faithful at the table of God’s word. (Par 51) “The Bible is the book of
the Lord’s people, writes Pope Francis, “and those called to be ministers of
the word must feel and urgent need to make it acceptable to their commu-
nity (Aperuit Illis 4,5). When the two tables are explained and celebrated
well, the people get a better sense of how the celebration is structured. Ex-
periencing this large picture of the liturgy will enhance their full, conscious
and active participation.
The first reason for being nourished at both tables is to deepen our relation-
ship with the person of Jesus. This leads us to a fresh encounter with him.
The second reason is to renew our commitment to him, in the form of disci-
pleship. The word of God educates, enlightens, instructs and challenges us.
We see more clearly the long history of the event of salvation. We get to
know the person, Jesus our Saviour, more clearly, love him more dearly and
follow him more nearly. Augustine calls us to “Become who you are; become
who you receive”. In practice in daily life, this means to become his active
disciple. This is a process that continues to deepen and never ends. A disci-
ple is one in process of becoming a disciple because discipleship is primarily
a relationship with Jesus, and relationships are incomplete.
Explaining this to the people will be a positive challenge for the ordained,
requiring them revisit the readings and engage in study and reflection, be-
fore sharing the outcome of their own nourishment at the table of the word.
Explaining this, Pope Francis writes, “The Sunday readings will resonate in all
their brilliance in the hearts of the faithful, if they have first done so in the
heart of their pastor.” (Evangelii Gaudium”) Intercom, May 2023
Thought for the Day
The Lord asks a lot of us but only because he assures us of his empowering
presence. He has placed his mission in our hands and he has promised us all
the resources that we need. There is a strong message coming through in
today’s feast that the Church must be a community in mission, guided by
God’s Spirit and confident of God’s protection. Individually and collectively,
we are called to make disciples and the Lord empowers us to do that through
the giving of his Holy Spirit. Disciples are made by other disciples, by the Lord
working through his disciples. We bring each other to the Lord.
Martin Hogan (Intercom May 2023)
Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel - (Matthew 28: 16-20)
1. Jesus meets the disciples for the last time. His final words give them direc-
tion for their future. Perhaps you can recall such parting moments in your
own life – leaving home, school, college, or the death of a loved one. Was
there an occasion when the words spoken to you gave you direction for the
future?
2. Perhaps you can identify with Jesus in the story, when as a parent,
teacher, or in some other way you sent someone on his/her way in life,
knowing that you would not be with him or her as in the past. When did the
way you parted help the other to make his or her way in life?
3. Despite this extraordinary encounter with Jesus some of the disciples
doubted. Dealing with questions and doubt is part of an adult faith journey.
How have your questions and doubts shaped the faith you have today?
4. Jesus commissioned this collection of believing and doubting disciples to
carry on his work. We inherit that mission today. How do you see yourself
as commissioned to continue the mission of Jesus?
John Byrne OSA Intercom May 2023
Points to Ponder: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Jesus appeared to us? Ask
yourself: how do you think you would respond if Jesus appeared to you and
then instructed you to ‘Go forth and teach all nations?’ Would you be thrilled
that Jesus had chosen and entrusted you with his mission of ‘teaching all
nations?’ We may say: “I have commitments, I am needed at home, I have
a job and my family needs the salary. I can’t just take off to go and ‘teach all
nations.’” For most of us that is true. We do have responsibilities to our
families and our community. However, for most of us our call is to preach
the Gospel every day, right where we are, by what we say, how we say it,
what we do and how we do it! The familiar adage: ‘Actions speak louder
than words’ is very true! Every day we have the ability to ‘preach the Gospel’
without saying a word. We can ‘preach the Gospel’ simply by who we are,
what we do and how we do it! Words are simple and sometimes distracting.
To preach how we live is a fulltime commitment. The gift is: if we choose to
preach the Gospel, we simply need to live our lives in a loving and generous
way. However, we must make this choice! No one else can do it for us. So
what will we choose? (Intercom, May 2023)
============================
Saint Rita's life is a testament to her deep faith, as she endured numerous trials and hardships. Her unwavering faith and devotion have inspired many people around the world to turn to her intercession and guidance in times of difficulty.
Here are eight things to know and share about the life of Saint Rita of Cascia:
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
1) Married at a young age and had twin boys.
Her prayers did not prevent her husband's death due to political turmoil. Her sons almost followed in his footsteps but were saved!
2) Entered a convent after her husband's death.
She was accepted into the Augustinian Order of nuns in Cascia, Italy.
Saint Rita
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
3) Often depicted with a wound on her forehead
…which represents a thorn from Christ’s crown. She received this wound during one of many mystical experiences.
4) Known as a peacemaker
…and persuaded her husband to reconcile with his many enemies before his death.
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
5) Shortly after she died in 1457, her body was found to be incorruptible
…meaning it did not decay as expected!
6) She is buried at the Basilica of St. Rita in Cascia, Italy.
There you can find several relics related to her life, including her wedding ring. It is said she miraculously removed it from her finger before entering the convent.
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
7) Canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1900
St. Rita, pray for us!
8) Patron saint of desperate situations and impossible causes
…as well as a saint for feuding families, healing, and mothers.
---------------------------------------------
By Jude Atemanke
Kinshasa, 22 May, 2023 / 8:48 pm (ACI Africa).
Catholic Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have urged those behind persistent clashes between members of the Yaka and Teke communities in Kwamouth territory to save the Metropolitan See from bloodshed.
In their collective statement issued Sunday, May 21 following their latest Provincial Episcopal Assembly of Kinshasa (ASSEPKIN), the Catholic Bishops urge relevant authorities to “act responsibly to protect” the population.
“Paraphrasing Pope Francis, we say loud and clear to the conscience of those who are truly responsible for these conflicts and massacres: Take your bloodstained hands off our Province,” members of ASSEPKIN say.
---------------------------------
Reflect
An Outpouring of the Spirit
Jesus ascends to the right hand of the Father to intercede for us. Through this, the fruit of our prayer is the sending down of the Holy Spirit. Ask the Father for an outpouring of the Spirit today.
-----------------------
“My mania around secrecy and shame was sparked in 1951 by the discovery that my parents had concealed from me the truth about their personal histories, and every member of my large extended family, on both sides, was in on it,” writes Pogrebin, now 83. “Their need to avoid scandal was so compelling that, once identified, it provided the lens through which I could see my family with fresh eyes, spotlight their fears, and, in so doing, illuminate my own.”
“Shanda” (the Yiddish word describes the kind of behavior that brings shame on an entire family or even a people) is also a portrait of immigrant New York Jews in the 20th century. As her father and mother father move up in the world and leave their Yiddish-speaking, Old World families behind for new lives in the Bronx and Queens, they stand in for a generation of Jews and new Americans “bent on saving face and determined to be, if not exemplary, at least impeccably respectable.”
=================================
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney (066 7135146; 0876807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
14th May 2023, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Dear Parishioner,
I am inclined to think that readers of ‘D.P.’ start at this page
and then look inside, to see what kind of magazine article might be included.
If, for some reason this week, you take a look inside before reading the front
page, you may be slightly puzzled. You, probably, would not be expecting
to find yourself reading an article from the May 2020 edition of Reality.
Because some of the articles in Intercom are, to my mind, not as readable as
the many of the Reality ones were, I have decided to include some articles
from past issues that were not included in ‘Dear Parishioner’ the same time
as they were published in Reality. Is there not a danger that the subject
dealt with a few years ago may not be as of much interest to readers as it
would have been then? I hope that will not be the case.
Jim Deeds, in his article, in Reality May 2021, took upon himself the task of
trying to describe the impact of the Covid Pandemic, a little more than a year
after we were first affected by it in Ireland. The first sentence of the headline
of the article ‘’These are strange times we live in” is a sentence that many
of us, probably, uttered or heard somebody else uttering, especially in the
first year of the pandemic. As you read Jim’s reflection, you may find
yourself recalling the uncertainty of that time, the fear that things would get
worse, the accounts of those on ventilators, stories of deaths of young and
older people all over the country. Jim Deeds concluded his article, with a
note of hope, “Let us make no mistake, this will be all over some day and a
new normality will emerge.......” Would it be true to say that a new
normality has emerged but that it is not all over, yet!
Every year, the Catholic children in the schools in our parish (like those in
parishes throughout our country) look forward to the month of May, the
time when they receive First Communion. First Communion took place in
Kilflynn last weekend, while it is happening in Abbeydorney Church, this
Sunday morning. In between the two celebrations, we welcomed Bishop
Ray Browne to administer Confirmation to the children in the 6th Classes in
the schools in our parish. I think I can ‘bank on you’ to join me in expressing
the wish that all concerned will remember their big day in the years ahead.
(Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
A New Normal (Jim Deeds Reality May 2020)
-----------------------------
These Are Strange Times We Live In. How Will We Be When They End –
Will We Be Better Or Poorer Human Beings? That Depends On Us
My phone beeped; a text message had arrived from a friend of mine. Texts
and other messages have become so important for us to stay connected in
the absence of our normal face-to-face interactions. I read the message. He
ended it by writing, “We are living in unprecedented times for modern
humanity”. Seeing the words written on the screen of my phone, they
looked stark and felt very real. It was an unusual thing for him to write and
an unusual thing for me to read. At least, it would have been unusual in any
other context than the one we are living through now. There is no normal
at the minute and that is disconcerting. For many, the routines we had have
changed and, even if our own routine has not changed (yet), everywhere we
look, we see the change others are making. That is clear from the empty
roads, the empty offices, the empty pubs and the empty shelves in
supermarkets. It is likely that more of our normality will change in the
coming weeks and months.
In these times, one piece of scripture has been shouting
itself in my head. It comes from the second letter St Paul wrote to the
Christian community in Corinth. He had written to them some time before
because their community was experiencing problems. His first letter, no
doubt, brought solace and challenge to the community. That said, it didn't
solve all the problems because he had to write to them again! In his second
letter, he wrote the lines that have been bouncing around inside my head:
“We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to
our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never
deserted; knocked down, but never killed; always, wherever we may be, we
carry with us in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too,
may always be seen in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4: 8-10)
Read these lines a few times and see how he might have been writing to
us in these times of change. We, too, just like the Corinthians, are in
difficulties, see no answers to our problems, feel persecuted and knocked
down. When we watch too much of the news or believe all we read on social
media from the new-found experts (many of whom last week were only
experts in posting pics of what they had for lunch!) we may be fooled into
seeing only death and destruction ahead.
Now, St Paul was a mystic. He never walked with the
human, physical embodiment of Jesus, but he encountered and
experienced the risen Christ and, therefore, he could write from a place of
deep wisdom and so, he told the Corinthians and he tells us:
* we are never cornered
* we never despair
* we are never deserted
* we are never killed
because we can carry the reality of the life-giving love of Jesus and his
promise of eternal life with us. This is the Good News we hold onto in these
times of endless bad news.
I videoed Fr Eugene O'Neill and Fr. Tony McAleese of St Patrick's Parish,
Belfast, a few weeks ago as they read a message to their parish community.
They addressed anyone who was worried during these times. Something Fr
Eugene said has stayed with me since and given me cause to think, pray and
hope. He said,
"We Irish are a great and resilient people. We have survived many blows in
our long and noble history. From each of them we have emerged
stronger... We will emerge from this stronger, humbler, more
compassionate and more aware of the fragility and beauty of the gift of
life. We are all in this together and we will be together when it is all over."
It strikes me that he captured the hope of St Paul's words to the Corinthians
in a compassionate and honest way as he spoke to those in his community
to whom he ministered. Indeed, his words minister to us even now as we
read them.
There is no doubt my texting friend was right. These are indeed
unprecedented times. There has been and there will be even more change
to our normality and that change will bring the pain that St Paul knew we
would face. As people of faith we have a way of looking at the world. We
try to look as God would have us look and, when we do that, we will look
through eyes of concern for the poor and the most vulnerable. We will look
through eyes of compassion and mercy for those suffering. We will look
through eyes of gratitude for the efforts of those who serve society so well
in health and social care and beyond. Let us make no mistake, this will be
all over some day and a new normality will emerge – we will be stronger,
humbler, more compassionate and more aware of the fragility of the gift of
human life. In that new normality we will be together, as Fr. Eugene said.
Peace be with you all.
Points to Ponder (Intercom May 2023)
‘I will not leave you orphaned.’ That is the promise. At some point we all
want or even need to hear these words. They speak directly to some of our
greatest fears and challenges, abandonment and isolation, loneliness,
vulnerability. They remind us that we are not destined to walk this earth
without an identity or direction. We do not stand alone. Regardless of the
circumstances of our lives, storms, death, separation, we have never been
and will never be orphaned by God. How strange that must have sounded
to the disciples. In the same conversation Jesus tells them he is leaving and
coming. Leaving and coming. Presence and Absence. These must be held
in tension, not as mutually exclusive. That is what Jesus has set before us in
today’s Gospel. That tension confronts us with the question of whether
Jesus, for us, is a past memory or a present reality, a sentimental story that
makes us feel good or a living experience that challenges, guides, and
nurtures our lives.
According to Jesus the answer to that question is determined by love and is
revealed and fulfilled in keeping his commandments. The commandment to
love our neighbour as ourselves, to love our enemies, to love the Lord our
God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Whose feet to wash and
whose feet to ignore? What are the boundaries of love? When we expand
the boundaries of our love, we push back the orphanages of this world,
creating space within us where the Father and Jesus make their home.
Thought for the Day (Intercom May 2023)
Easter makes us a hopeful people. We are hopeful because we know that,
as St. Paul puts it in his letter to the Romans, ‘nothing that exist, nothing still
to come...can ever come between us and the God made visible in Christ Jesus
our Lord’ - not even our own tendency to say ‘no’ to the Lord. The hope that
we have does not come from anything in ourselves; it is rooted in the Lord’s
faithfulness to us. We are hopeful because we know that the Lord will
never turn away from us; we are hopeful because we know that his ’yes’ is
always stronger than our ‘no’.
(Martin Hogan, Reflection on the Gospel of Matthew.)
Never be in a hurry: do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.
Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole
world seems upset. (St. Francis De Sales, in Reality Magazine May 2022
========================================
JUST A THOUGHT
A GOOD EXAMPLE IS THE BEST SERMON
===========================
Totus Tuus
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"I am totally yours, and all that I have is yours." - St. Louis de Montfort
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improve your relationship.
Before you start, though, you must answer an important question. I would suggest you and your partner answer it separately, then compare your answers: “If you weren’t arguing about X, what would you enjoy doing instead?”
The answer is critical, because if you can’t come up with anything much, you won’t have enough incentive to break your unhappy habit. If you both come up with some suggestions, that is great news: start building them into your schedules right away. If you drew a blank, think back to when you first met. What did you enjoy doing then that you could build into your relationship today? Find a way to do so.
====================
Reflection
The Choice
What is the secret to escaping and avoiding vanity? The answer derives from love—you can choose to love yourself more than God and others or love God and others more than you love yourself. Which do you choose?
Offering Yourself
Like Peter, the Lord invites you to be a living stone built into a living temple—the Church. Allow yourself to be built into this spiritual house and offer yourself up as a sacrifice for the Lord.
Christ's Intercession
Jesus gets his words and his works from the Father. Through this, you can see God the Father as the source of mercy and love. With this in mind, talk to the Father with Christ as your intercessor.
Trusting
If you trust Jesus, you will not let your heart be troubled. Regardless of the problems in this world and the hardships you face, do not let them shake your heart, but have faith in Christ.
---------------------
Throughout his books and essays, Polanyi—a Fellow of the Royal Society and an acclaimed physical chemist before turning to philosophy—warned that the real threat to modern humanity was a bizarre form of “moral inversion” fed by a crisis of reason. A convert to Christianity in his 30s, his thought was deeply influenced by the work of the early Church Fathers, especially Augustine and his famous words Crede, ut intelligas (“Believe, so that you may understand”).
For Polanyi, humans are made to seek the truth. All knowledge requires a framework of pre-existing belief to provide its coherence. Rejecting the traditional philosophical foundations of Western culture gives rise to a spiritual turmoil that science, technology, and prosperity can’t quell. And when the soul is deprived of truth, it turns to toxic substitutes.
=========================
=====================================
=========----------------------------------------------------
A NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan.
One of the most essential but elusive virtues there are is the virtue of humility.
When you reckon you have it! Well that’s a sign that you don’t. ‘Humility isn’t
thinking less of yourself, but rather thinking about yourself less’. And what a
blessing that would be. Pride is the mother of all sins and it robs us of heavenly
life. It’s the original sin that caused the downfall of satan who now wants us to
make the same mistake. Pride (the lack of humility) makes us sad and jealous when
we see what others have and we haven’t. It makes us overly sensitive and very
easily offended because we think it’s all about us. We’ve the weight of the world
on our shoulders because we think we’re God. We’re depressed because life is so
boring just spending all our time navel gazing. What a sad way to live. The only
cure for this sadness caused by pride is humility and the best way to pray for this
great gift which brings happiness, peace and freedom is the Litany of Humility. It
goes against our natural fallen nature but it’s the life that Jesus came to bring us.
Keep it and say it on a regular basis and I promise you it will bring great freedom
and joy.
LITANY OF HUMILITY
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me. From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus...From the desire of being loved...From the desire of being
extolled ...From the desire of being honoured ...From the desire of being praised ...
From the desire of being preferred to others...From the desire of being consulted
...From the desire of being approved ...From the fear of being humiliated ...From
the fear of being despised...From the fear of suffering rebukes ...From the fear
of being calumniated ...From the fear of being forgotten ...From the fear of being
ridiculed ...From the fear of being wronged ...From the fear of being suspected
that others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I ...That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease ...That others may be chosen and I set
aside ...That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...That others may be
preferred to me in everything...That others may become holier than I, provided
that I may become as holy as I should.
-------------------
MISSION APPEAL 2023 IN OUR PARISH: The Diocese gives permission to one Mission Group each year to visit each parish in our Diocese. Last Summer the late Fr. Tim Galvin spoke on behalf of St. Patrick’s Missions. This year it is the Rosminians turn. The Rosminians work in East Africa, running parishes in Tanzania and Kenya, providing health care in rural areas, digging water wells for local communities and providing primary and secondary education for both boys and girls, Christians and Muslims. They will make their appeal in Listowel, Duagh, Lyreacrompane on the weekend of May 20th & 21st. More Details later.
-----------------------
JUST A THOUGHT
A GOOD EXAMPLE IS THE BEST SERMON
-----------------------------------------
Pope Francis’ Daily Prayer to Saint Joseph
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
---------------------------------------------------
For example, Planned Parenthood rakes in half a billion dollars every year in government tax dollars. Pro-abortion billionaires George Soros and Bill Gates and others pump tens of millions of dollars into the coffers of extremist pro-abortion groups. Hollywood starlets and the heads of America’s corporate board rooms give millions to those promoting abortion.
Pro-life Leader Frank Pavone
-------------------------
Stories of Heaven and the Afterlife
By Randy Kay and Shaun Tabatt
Firsthand accounts of near-death experiences offer an illuminating glimpse into the afterlife! This must-read book collects captivating conversations with people who describe their encounters with Jesus and others.
-----------------------
Priests for Life Social Networking and Video Sharing
"Employ these new technologies to make the Gospel known, so that the Good News of God’s infinite love for all people, will resound in new ways across our increasingly technological world!"
–Pope Benedict XVI From the General Audience in May 2009 in anticipation of World Communications Day, May 24.
https://www.priestsforlife.org/socialnetwork/index.aspx
=========================
Schools activities
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFU3Wz6gCE/JI3VCkbUrswJRXrJ65THAw/view?utm_content=DAFU3Wz6gCE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer
----------------------------------------
Philip Is Sent
Philip encounters a man reading Sacred Scripture. Seizing the opportunity, he explains the words and how Jesus fulfils the Scriptures.
John 6
Jesus promises that those who partake in the Bread of Life will not die but will have eternal life. In order for this to happen, we must receive Him with the eyes of faith.
---------------------------------------
The Foundation Letters of the Brazil Mission – letters from the Archives, Part 17
by Margie Buttitta SSL, USA/Brazil Community Archivist
In Part 17 of the series, we share two letters written by Regional Superior, Canice Durkan SSL, the first written on January 11, 1976, with good tidings of great joy to the California Region sisters. The second letter was written to Bishop Collins on January 21, 1976, regarding Brazil as the Chapter’s choice to be the Latin American missionary venture.
https://sistersofstlouis.newsweaver.com/Newsletter/9xdta4q5j2gdxav81nwt7w?email=true&lang=en&a=1&p=62962477&t=19890245
----------------------------------
FAITH Stories; Father Goyo Hidalgo of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles often shares stories on social media about his various experiences as a priest.
Over the last few years, the priest’s stories generated viral attention. He often encourages his nearly 90,000 Twitter followers to pray, be patient, and find joy in small things. He also often shares his childhood memories, especially stories of his Catholic parents.
More recently, the Spain native published a book detailing his return to the Catholic faith after falling away in college. Father Goyo grew up in a devout Catholic family, but fell away and lied to his mother about it.
One morning, however, after partying all night in Los Angeles, he heard a reflection from St. John Paul II’s funeral Mass, which reiterated the famous words, “Be not afraid!”
Long story short, he later reconciled with his mother and reverted to the faith. He was ordained a priest in June 2016.
https://www.churchpop.com/2023/04/24/priest-motivates-fallen-away-catholics-with-prayer-he-recited-on-journey-back-to-the-church/?utm_campaign=ChurchPop&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=255658009&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ibCAeuiszpl3BNeBoQ3rGRzBgMwLc978RHl9KogZaxAuYTcHfZcmMUwlBd9sNs8IonZTuosioO90z96FXoegpjvDnCQ&utm_content=255658009&utm_source=hs_email
--------------------------
MARRIED 75 Years; There’s a big celebration happening in Rhode Island that’s been three-quarters of a century in the making.
Robert and Ann Gorman are marking a lifetime of love with their diamond anniversary, celebrating 75 years together.
“I’m a very lucky guy,” Robert said. “I agree to that,” Ann responded.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, just 0.1 percent of all marriages last 70 years.
The couple first met in the 1940s, after Robert returned from World War II, while working at a mill.
They were married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Federal Hill, two years later.
https://netny.tv/episodes/currents/couple-celebrates-75-years-of-marriage-we-used-to-argue-every-morning-and-make-up-every-night/?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=256085667&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_J5Rfk-KHX7_i1TdPxUAySshP5d9NmEVjkFsItaDzQ0cLrchJ-rO8qkWDx6PvAs1xdVdSaez0rY4EFAD4QWFt3Eb7YNg&utm_content=256085667&utm_source=hs_email
=======================================
The Diaconate
Today the Church remembers the institution of the diaconate. The deacon's role helps fulfill the needs of the Church. Consider this as you pray for the deacons in your parish.
Emmaus and the Mass
On this Lord's Day, remember that Jesus becomes present to you just as he did to the disciples at Emmaus. God reveals himself to each person through the Mass in the Word and the sacrament. Let your heart burn within you as you encounter him today.
Faith Comes from What Is Heard
As Christians, we are called to do the work of God, namely, to believe in Christ. Root yourself in Scripture and prayer so that the Lord might increase your faith.
=======================
Legion of Mary
---------------------
Belonging to God
Any human-driven organization or movement eventually peters out and dies. However, the Church still stands, despite many things that have actively tried to destroy it. This truth reveals that the Church's existence is a testament that belongs to God and not man.
Reflect
Plato thought it one of the most important things to get right in life: how we have conversations, and indeed arguments, with the people to whom we are closest.
Our most significant conversations will usually have an element of ‘argument.’ This in itself is natural. By ‘argument’ here I simply mean a kind of friction in the opposition of thoughts or ideas. It should be no surprise that such opposition arises. Reality is complex, and people have different angles of insight. Add to this that communication of thoughts between people is always challenging. If we really want to get deeply into things, we have to be willing to ‘argue.’ That is, we have to do the hard work of making our thoughts known, and the harder work of trying to understand the thoughts of others.
https://life-craft.org/start-a-good-argument-today-with-someone-you-love/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=catholic_news_call_to_intense_prayer_archdiocese_of_boston_responds_to_satanic_temple_s_convention&utm_term=2023-04-20
---------------------------------
Following the Lord
The Lord desires that you act boldly enough to step away from the world and follow him. This might lead to rejection, disappointment, and anger from those around you, but to be faithful to Christ, you must follow the Father.
New Life
Christianity is not just a religion but a way of life. Through it, you can come to know and love God. How is the Lord asking you to share this way of life with others?
----------------------------
Christian Friendship
As we reflect on the early Church, consider how love shaped relationships and called the early Christians to a deeper friendship. When the love of Christ transforms you, it also changes how you treat those in your life, helping you strive for true Christian friendship.
====================================
Good manners teach us that in conversation one person should not do all the talking and another all the listening. We often hear the comment – “I couldn’t get a word in edgeways.”
Are there times when God feels the same way about us? We sometimes pray in such a rush – a waterfall of words – and then switch off again in a hurry. Prayer is not just talking to God.
It is talking with God.
------------------------
Lord, in peace, I take my rest knowing that you will make me rest.
safely. I entrust to you my hopes and my fears so that tomorrow I
may arise refreshed and better able to serve you.
LAST WORD: Kindness is for all times, in all situations – not just
When it suits you.
--------------------------------
A NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan ......
On April 30th, in the year 2000, the Canonisation of Faustina Kowalska took
place and the second Sunday of Easter was officially designated as the Sunday of
the Divine Mercy. So what exactly is “mercy”?
Mercy is not just pity. Neither is it simply sparing someone the punishment that
they deserve. No, mercy is love’s response to suffering. When mercy encounters
suffering, it ultimately seeks to alleviate it. God the Father is so “rich in mercy”
(Eph 2:4) that Paul calls him “the Father of all mercies and the God of all comfort”
(2 Cor 1:3). Jesus is the perfect human image of the Father’s mercy.
When he meets those suffering from hunger, he feeds them. When he
encounters someone suffering from physical sickness, he heals them. True mercy
is not superficial, but radical. And Jesus sees that the deepest suffering in
human life, the root cause of all other suffering, is sin. Sin debases us, robbing us
of our dignity, weakening and even rupturing our connection with God, our loving
Father and the source of our life. Sin is not just a transgression of some
arbitrary law; it creates a wound in us that can fester and, if not attended to,
corrupt us entirely. It gives the Prince of Darkness a hold in our lives that he
tries to turn into complete control of our lives. True mercy seeks to alleviate this
deeper suffering that can lead to eternal suffering. The above is a quote from Dr.
Marcellino D’Ambrosio from the crossroad initiative podcast and I feel he puts his
finger on the real problem of our time which is the loss of a sense of sin.
Turning a blind eye to sin and not calling it by its proper name is the most unloving
and unmerciful thing we can do. Yet the false compassion of our time will tell us
live and let live and don't be judgmental and condemning. Jesus hates the sin but
loves the sinner. Our subjective view of what is right and wrong is not helping
people see the root cause of our suffering today.
The sufferings of our time will continue and all the solutions in the world won’t
solve them until we all turn to the loving heart of Jesus with all our misery much
of it caused by our sin and be forgiven, healed and set free. After all that’s the
meaning of mercy in Latin Misericordia. Where our Misery meets the loving Heart
of God (Cordia).
--------------------------
============================
Divine Mercy Sunday
The Divine Mercy Novena began on Good Friday and concludes this
Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday). The message of The Divine Mercy is
simple. It is that God loves us – all of us. And, He wants us to
recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call
upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to
others. Thus, all will come to share His joy.
The Divine Mercy Sunday origin is from a revelation to Saint Faustina,
a Sister of Mercy in Poland who initiated the Divine Mercy devotion. Between 1930 and
1938 Jesus requested numerous times a Feast of Divine Mercy. On May 5, 2000, five
days after the canonization of Saint Faustina, the Vatican decreed that the Second Sunday
of Easter would henceforth be known as Divine Mercy Sunday.
Mass and devotions for Divine Mercy Sunday will be celebrated in the Church of the
Assumption, Abbeyfeale, beginning at 2.30pm
All are welcome to attend.
Prayer for Mercy
O Lord, our God. We place our trust in You, because you are mercy itself. We repent of
our sins and turn to You for mercy. We trust You to provide for our every need, according
to Your will. Help us to forgive others as You forgive us. We promise to be merciful by
our deeds, words and prayers. Though we have fears because of human weakness, we rely
on Your infinite goodness and mercy. We entrust to You the future of our planet, our
Church, our nations, our families and all our needs. With loud cries we implore your
mercy on us and on the whole world. Look upon us, created in your image and likeness.
Form us in the Heart of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit into the living images of
mercy. May all come to know the depth of Your mercy and sing the praises of
Your mercy forever. Amen!
--------------------------
God is on our Side
The Resurrection is proof of how much God loves us and believes in us.
It tells us that hope has triumphed over despair, light over darkness,
good over evil, life over death, love over hate. It reminds us that even
though people and institutions let us down, God never lets us down;
even though big institutions like banks and Governments fail us, God
never fails us; even though the Church can disappoint us, God never
disappoints us.
No matter how old or young we are, large or small, wrinkled or
fresh-faced, God loves us and believes in us. The resurrection of Jesus
tells us that God is on our side.
--------------------------------------------
==============================
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
26th March 2023, 5th Sunday of Lent.
Dear Parishioner,
The poem, which is given below, would have fitted last
Sunday’s Gospel, rather than this Sunday, but I think the message is one for
all time. It is taken from the March Intercom mag. (Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
The blind see
Forty-five million are like me in the world,
for I am without sight.
You say I’m blind; I say I see differently.
Your eyes may be green or blue; my eyes are instinct and intuition.
You may imagine I am a recluse from life;
but today, I crossed a street, bought a jumper,
picked fruit and got a bus to yoga.
You suggest my world must be silent,
but I can sense a sound even before it is even made.
I hear behind me and around corners;
I judge distance by echo, urgency by octave
and trust by how a stranger stands next to me.
When you speak, I fall into your voice for your tone and intention,
and I know how you’re feeling by the way the words leave your lips.
Touch, touch is my lover, my heartbeat,
my proof that I am real and exist.
Touch is a world I live in, deeply and intensely.
To touch music on a dancefloor with you,
is a more intimate seeing than any sight.
Yours is a life with images;
mine is a life beyond darkness
Any lament?
Only one.
How little the sighted see.
(Fr. David Keating, Chaplain, SETU)
--------------------------
The Lord Is Here (Far East Magazine, March 2023)
Sr. Lucia writes about living in Ballymun, a disadvantaged area in Dublin,
where the Sisters serve the community through recycling and clean-up
projects and where every Easter the three local Catholic churches come
together for the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.
I have said it quite often that Ballymun is not a good area to be living in.
When I was preparing to move here, I asked myself. “Should I be afraid?”
Then a familiar phrase came to me, ‘The Lord was here before you arrived.’
Yes, God was here with his people in the Ballymun community, before my
arrival. Now, I thank God for granting me the past thirteen years of
journeying together with the community here, especially during the time of
the Covid lockdowns. During that time, elderly people were the most
vulnerable ones and they had to confine themselves to the house and were
advised not to go out. Families, friends and neighbours had to visit them
outside on the road or in the garden. They needed help with shopping for
their food and supplies and the delivering of all kinds of messages. They
experienced much love, concern, kindness and goodness.
When the restrictions were lifted, this elderly group were then able to
come out to the park to enjoy a walk and admire the flowers and trees and
meet their families, neighbours and friends face to face once again. I am
grateful to the City Council for maintaining the parks so well as I could see
people full of life there: parents with the children relaxing in the meadows,
the different kind of games being played in the fields. Even the wildlife
was blooming – families of birds in the sky and fish in the ponds – all
creatures were joining their lives together as the Creator’s Symphony,
singing their praises to God. Some time ago, I joined the Ballymun Tidy
Town group of volunteers. We were soon out on the road every week in
the local car parks and fields, picking up litter, weeding and planting seeds.
It was quite a challenge at times, especially when the weather turned
nasty, but having said that, it was also very rewarding to see how we were
transforming the environment and it was a good experience to work as a
team serving the community.
In Ballymun we also have a group of Sisters from different religious
congregations who come together from time to time to pray, reflect and
share life together. One day one of the Sisters had an idea – ‘Why don’t
we collect discarded cans and plastic bottles for recycling?’ Soon, with co-
cooperation from the local people, we started this project. In addition, we
received financial support from the local supermarket and local council.
This project continues to develop and is very successful so far and all of us,
who are involved, share the same vision of caring for the earth and our
environment as well as nurturing a community spirit.
Every year in Ballymun the three catholic churches come together for the
celebration of Good Friday when we have the Stations of the Cross
outdoors. Each of the churches is visited by the people taking part in the
procession. During the procession, we sing and reflect on how Jesus
suffered and sacrificed for us. Each time, the Station that touches me
most is when Jesus meets his mother and the women. My heart feels
drawn especially to Jesus telling the women not to cry for him but for
their children instead. I am usually moved by this, because I remember
the sorrowful and suffering mothers of Ballymun crying for their children
who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, some who have been lost to
suicide or illness.
Nowadays there are not too many churches that have bells ringing to call
people together to pray in the church, but some faithful people have bells
ringing in their hearts, calling them together as God’s Family when the time
for Mass arrives. I feel so honoured that I can sit among this faith
community, to listen to the word of God and receive the Eucharist as we
share life in Ballymun. Together, we pray for all the intentions and needs
of the world and the community of Ballymun itself. When we pray for the
dead or attend a funeral, I quite often feel connected to the historical
Ballymun and thank God for all those senior people who shared their lives
and contributed so much to the community.
Now I believe that God has a plan for us in Ballymun as I can see the
community here expanding. These days, there are so many happy and
joyful faces of children under the loving care of their parents – on the
streets, on the bus, or in nearby schools and shops and also inside the
church. Under the same sky, God is here and sending his blessing and love
to each family, especially the Ukrainian families who are now joining us in
this community. The Lord is truly here.
Sr. Lucia So is a native of Hong Kong where she served on mission, as well
as in Mainland China. For the past several years she has been working in
the Columban Centre, Dublin
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel
John Byrne OSA, Intercom, March 2023.
1. Martha and Mary were people of faith but Jesus led them to an
even deeper faith. Who were the people who led you to a
deeper faith in Jesus? Remember them and give thanks.
2. Martha and Mary were struggling to come to terms with their
bereavement. What has helped you in similar situations?
3. The concern of Jesus is palpable and touching. Recall those who
matter to you and to whom you matter. Such love mediates
God’s love, which surpasses human love with the gift of new life
and Easter joy.
4. One can imagine Lazarus as a symbol of people and groups that
are written off as dead (sometimes by themselves), and yet
through faith come back to life again. Have you had the
experience of being revived by faith? Has faith helped to free
you from what held you in bondage, or was destructive of your
life?
Why we need your help. (Lenten Trócaire Literature)
Somalia is in the grip of a devastating food crisis, as a prolonged drought
grips the country. Trócaire has run the health services in Gedo Region in
south central Somalia, an area larger than this island of Ireland, for three
decades.
Each year, we provide life-saving healthcare, nutrition and support to over
200,000 people, but the worsening crisis is putting intolerable strain on
medical resources in the area – and we are treating more and more
severely malnourished children every day. Whatever you can give, your
support will help us to continue the vital work we’re doing every day in
Somalia.
From all my heart, I want to thank you for being part of the Trócaire story
over the past 50 years. When the organisation was created in 1973, we
could not have imagined the strides we would take towards creating a just
world for all and we could not have done it without you. There is still much
to be done to bring positive and lasting change to at-risk communities and
if you can support our Lent campaign, please do. (Caoimhe De Barra, CEO.
========================================================
======================
Weekly Newsletter
Passion Sunday
26th March 2023
Dear Friends of the Sacred Heart Church,
Today Passiontide begins, a time especially consecrated to the remembrance and loving contemplation of the sorrows of Jesus. The veiled crucifix and statues, the absence of the Gloria in the Mass and the Gloria Patri in the responsories of the Divine Office,—are all signs of mourning by which the Church commemorates Our Lord's Passion. Pope St. Leo exhorts us to participate "in the Cross of Christ, in order that we also may do something which will unite us to what He has done for us, for as the Apostle says, 'if we suffer with Him, we shall be glorified with Him.'" Therefore, we must not only meditate on Jesus' sufferings, but also take part in them; only by bearing His Passion in our heart and in our body shall we be able to share in its fruits. So it is that in the liturgy of this season the Church repeats more insistently than ever: "If you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your hearts." The voice of the Lord makes itself heard these days, not by words, but by the eloquent testimony of deeds, by the great events of the Passion—a mystery which gives us the most convincing proof of His infinite love for us. Let us, therefore, open our heart to the sublime lessons of the Passion: let us see how much Jesus has loved us and how much we ought to love Him in return; let us learn that, if we wish to follow Him, we, too, must suffer and bear the Cross with Him and after Him. At the same time, let us open our heart to a lively hope; for our salvation is in the Passion of Jesus. In today's Epistle, St. Paul presents to us the majestic figurc of Christ, the Eternal High Priest, who "by His Blood, entered once into the holies, [that is, heaven] having obtained eternal redemption." The Passion of Jesus has redeemed us; it has opened once again our Father's house to us; it is then the motive for our hope.
Reverend Mother Superior of the Sister Adorers would like to thank the faithful of Sacred Heart Church for your generosity: your kind donations will benefit their Novitiate in Naples—where the sisters receive their human and spiritual formation. Seven sisters have made their first temporary vow and received the black veil, including a member of our choir Sister Alexia-Marie of the Virgin Mother of God.
We would like to congratulate the Shoa family for their newly baptised daughter Lucia Joseph Shoa. Heaven rejoices everytime a soul begins to make her journey back to the Father's house.
Due to the removal of the scaffoldings, morning Masses will be celebrated at 7 am and there will be no adoration during the week. Also, please mark your calendar for Holy Week.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Live stream from the Sacred Heart Church
Music this Sunday:
Ordinary XVII
Credo III
Church Painting Update
This week, the scaffolding was removed from the sanctuary. The painting of this most sacred part of the church is now completed as well.
The words "Mitis and Humilis Corde" (Sweet and Humble or heart) are beautifully painted above the mosaic.
Would you consider making a special donation towards this project?
This would allow us to continue the painting restoration with the section in front of Our Lady'a altar.
Thank you for your generosity!
We wish you a blessed Passiontide.
Yours in Christ,
Canon Lebocq
Reflect
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
26th March 2023, 5th Sunday of Lent.
Dear Parishioner,
The poem, which is given below, would have fitted last
Sunday’s Gospel, rather than this Sunday, but I think the message is one for
all time. It is taken from the March Intercom mag. (Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
The blind see
Forty-five million are like me in the world,
for I am without sight.
You say I’m blind; I say I see differently.
Your eyes may be green or blue; my eyes are instinct and intuition.
You may imagine I am a recluse from life;
but today, I crossed a street, bought a jumper,
picked fruit and got a bus to yoga.
You suggest my world must be silent,
but I can sense a sound even before it is even made.
I hear behind me and around corners;
I judge distance by echo, urgency by octave
and trust by how a stranger stands next to me.
When you speak, I fall into your voice for your tone and intention,
and I know how you’re feeling by the way the words leave your lips.
Touch, touch is my lover, my heartbeat,
my proof that I am real and exist.
Touch is a world I live in, deeply and intensely.
To touch music on a dancefloor with you,
is a more intimate seeing than any sight.
Yours is a life with images;
mine is a life beyond darkness
Any lament?
Only one.
How little the sighted see.
(Fr. David Keating, Chaplain, SETU)
The Lord Is Here (Far East Magazine, March 2023)
Sr. Lucia writes about living in Ballymun, a disadvantaged area in Dublin,
where the Sisters serve the community through recycling and clean-up
projects and where every Easter the three local Catholic churches come
together for the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.
I have said it quite often that Ballymun is not a good area to be living in.
When I was preparing to move here, I asked myself. “Should I be afraid?”
Then a familiar phrase came to me, ‘The Lord was here before you arrived.’
Yes, God was here with his people in the Ballymun community, before my
arrival. Now, I thank God for granting me the past thirteen years of
journeying together with the community here, especially during the time of
the Covid lockdowns. During that time, elderly people were the most
vulnerable ones and they had to confine themselves to the house and were
advised not to go out. Families, friends and neighbours had to visit them
outside on the road or in the garden. They needed help with shopping for
their food and supplies and the delivering of all kinds of messages. They
experienced much love, concern, kindness and goodness.
When the restrictions were lifted, this elderly group were then able to
come out to the park to enjoy a walk and admire the flowers and trees and
meet their families, neighbours and friends face to face once again. I am
grateful to the City Council for maintaining the parks so well as I could see
people full of life there: parents with the children relaxing in the meadows,
the different kind of games being played in the fields. Even the wildlife
was blooming – families of birds in the sky and fish in the ponds – all
creatures were joining their lives together as the Creator’s Symphony,
singing their praises to God. Some time ago, I joined the Ballymun Tidy
Town group of volunteers. We were soon out on the road every week in
the local car parks and fields, picking up litter, weeding and planting seeds.
It was quite a challenge at times, especially when the weather turned
nasty, but having said that, it was also very rewarding to see how we were
transforming the environment and it was a good experience to work as a
team serving the community.
In Ballymun we also have a group of Sisters from different religious
congregations who come together from time to time to pray, reflect and
share life together. One day one of the Sisters had an idea – ‘Why don’t
we collect discarded cans and plastic bottles for recycling?’ Soon, with co-
ooperation from the local people, we started this project. In addition, we
received financial support from the local supermarket and local council.
This project continues to develop and is very successful so far and all of us,
who are involved, share the same vision of caring for the earth and our
environment as well as nurturing a community spirit.
Every year in Ballymun the three catholic churches come together for the
celebration of Good Friday when we have the Stations of the Cross
outdoors. Each of the churches is visited by the people taking part in the
procession. During the procession, we sing and reflect on how Jesus
suffered and sacrificed for us. Each time, the Station that touches me
most is when Jesus meets his mother and the women. My heart feels
drawn especially to Jesus telling the women not to cry for him but for
their children instead. I am usually moved by this, because I remember
the sorrowful and suffering mothers of Ballymun crying for their children
who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, some who have been lost to
suicide or illness.
Nowadays there are not too many churches that have bells ringing to call
people together to pray in the church, but some faithful people have bells
ringing in their hearts, calling them together as God’s Family when the time
for Mass arrives. I feel so honoured that I can sit among this faith
community, to listen to the word of God and receive the Eucharist as we
share life in Ballymun. Together, we pray for all the intentions and needs
of the world and the community of Ballymun itself. When we pray for the
dead or attend a funeral, I quite often feel connected to the historical
Ballymun and thank God for all those senior people who shared their lives
and contributed so much to the community.
Now I believe that God has a plan for us in Ballymun as I can see the
community here expanding. These days, there are so many happy and
joyful faces of children under the loving care of their parents – on the
streets, on the bus, or in nearby schools and shops and also inside the
church. Under the same sky, God is here and sending his blessing and love
to each family, especially the Ukrainian families who are now joining us in
this community. The Lord is truly here.
Sr. Lucia So is a native of Hong Kong where she served on mission, as well
as in Mainland China. For the past several years she has been working in
the Columban Centre, Dublin
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel
John Byrne OSA, Intercom, March 2023.
1. Martha and Mary were people of faith but Jesus led them to an
even deeper faith. Who were the people who led you to a
deeper faith in Jesus? Remember them and give thanks.
2. Martha and Mary were struggling to come to terms with their
bereavement. What has helped you in similar situations?
3. The concern of Jesus is palpable and touching. Recall those who
matter to you and to whom you matter. Such love mediates
God’s love, which surpasses human love with the gift of new life
and Easter joy.
4. One can imagine Lazarus as a symbol of people and groups that
are written off as dead (sometimes by themselves), and yet
through faith come back to life again. Have you had the
experience of being revived by faith? Has faith helped to free
you from what held you in bondage, or was destructive of your
life?
Why we need your help. (Lenten Trócaire Literature)
Somalia is in the grip of a devastating food crisis, as a prolonged drought
grips the country. Trócaire has run the health services in Gedo Region in
south central Somalia, an area larger than this island of Ireland, for three
decades.
Each year, we provide life-saving healthcare, nutrition and support to over
200,000 people, but the worsening crisis is putting intolerable strain on
medical resources in the area – and we are treating more and more
severely malnourished children every day. Whatever you can give, your
support will help us to continue the vital work we’re doing every day in
Somalia.
From all my heart, I want to thank you for being part of the Trócaire story
over the past 50 years. When the organisation was created in 1973, we
could not have imagined the strides we would take towards creating a just
world for all and we could not have done it without you. There is still much
to be done to bring positive and lasting change to at-risk communities and
if you can support our Lent campaign, please do. (Caoimhe De Barra, CEO)
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Adoption is one of the greatest acts of love on earth: it means choosing to make a child in need part of your family and providing that child with a safe, loving home. At the same time, there is always an element of tragedy to adoption stories. They all begin with a goodbye from someone who was unable, for whatever reason, to take on the task of raising their child.
https://blog.myheritage.com/2023/03/supporting-adoptees-through-community-interview-with-alex-gilbert-founder-of-im-adopted/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=406910_newsletter_202303&utm_term=Alex&utm_content=EN&tr_date=20230331
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As a child in Poland in the 1950s, my mother lived squeezed into a single room in the centre of Krakow, with her father, brother, aunt, uncle, cousins and grandparents, down the corridor from a communist party member who would inform on his neighbours.
At the other end of the corridor lived a young man who one afternoon was found by the children dead, hanging from his curtain pole.
Every so often my mother’s father would be put in prison – a barrister and member of the Polish Home Army (AK) who fought the Germans during WWII, he was considered a liability by the authorities. One day, my mother was expelled from her school for singing the national anthem.
My mother’s mother doesn’t feature in the family stories very much because, unable to cope in the political climate (her entire family, excluding herself and her sister, were murdered by the Ukrainians when she was still a child, and she was later put in a psychiatric hospital after it was discovered she too was in the AK), she had a nervous breakdown, leaving my mother when she was only three years old.
Reflect
By Agnes Aineah
Maputo, 21 March, 2023 / 9:00 pm (ACI Africa).
Hundreds of thousands of people affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy in Southern Africa are facing hunger and starvation, the Catholic Bishop of Quelimane Diocese in Mozambique has said, noting that many in his Episcopal See are already dying of cholera amid other devastating effects of the cyclone.
In an interview with the Catholic pontifical and charity foundation, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Bishop Hilário da Cruz Massinga who serves one of the areas most affected by the rains and strong winds said that there being almost no basic sanitation is aggravating the health situation of the cyclone victims.
“People are dying here,” Bishop Massinga says in the Monday, March 20 ACN report.
=====================================
Tyler Arnold
By Tyler Arnold
Washington D.C., Mar 23, 2023 / 14:08 pm
In another crackdown on religious freedom, local authorities in an eastern Chinese city ordered parents of kindergarteners to sign a pledge that affirms they are not religious.
Guardians of children at schools in Wenzhou, a city in the Zhejiang province, were asked to sign a “pledge form of commitment for family not to hold a religious belief,” according to the human rights group China Aid.
The pledge states that the parents affirm they “do not hold a religious belief, do not participate in any religious activities, and do not propagate and disseminate religion in any locations.” It also makes them affirm “exemplary observance of the [Chinese Communist] Party discipline and the country’s laws and regulations [and to] never join any Falun Gong and other cult organizations.”
Falun Gong, a religious movement founded in China in the 1990s, is openly critical of the Chinese Communist Party.
=======================
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
4th Sunday of Lent, 19th March 2023.
Dear Parishioner,
Anniversaries are occasions, when we recall an event or
happening that occurred a certain number of years ago. In many cases, at
the time of the anniversary celebration, there may not be anybody alive
who was there at the time the event took place. In other cases, when the
event in question was fairly recently, very many of those, now
remembering and marking the anniversary, were present on the occasion
the event took place. When the 10th anniversary of the election of Pope
Francis came around earlier this week, Fr. Brendan Hoban, in his weekly
column in the Western People, gave Ten Reasons why Pope Francis
became his hero. Read on......
Humanity: My mother, God rest her, loved Pope John XXIII. Even before
his election, she had commented on his warm smile in a line-up of possible
Popes, in the Sunday Press newspaper. Pope Francis hasn’t, even in the
midst of his woes, stopped smiling in ten years, except when he has to
stand for a photograph with people who didn’t impress him. In the
warmth of his personality and in his engaging and reassuring presence,
invariably he has brought a humanity and empathy to bear on his
numerous dealings with others. He has taught Catholicism to begin to
smile again.
Mercy, not fear: Catholics, of my vintage, remember a time, when fear was
the dominant theme in Catholicism. “You couldn’t move at all”, John
O’Donohue wrote, “without committing some sin”. The practice was based
on the belief that people could be scared into heaven through fear of Hell.
Still enduring in the minds of some Catholics is a level of acute distress and
scrupulosity from that sin-obsessed teaching and preaching Francis has
brought God’s mercy back into centre stage.
The Poor: At the conclave that elected him, when the votes were
announced, a cardinal sitting beside him whispered to him “Don’t forget
the poor.” The cardinal was pushing an open door because Francis hit the
ground running, in constantly reminding Catholics in word, in deed and in
symbolic ways that the real test of our Christian faith is our care of the
poor.(Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
-----------------------------------
============================
Reflect
Fatherly Mercy
Who else is like the Lord, who removes guilt and pardons sin? In this season of Lent, God calls you to repent and seek his forgiveness. By doing so, the Lord will meet you with mercy.
Never Thirst Again
The Lord can quench the thirst of your soul. As with the Samaritan woman, he offers you a wellspring of water from which you will never thirst again. This Lent, pursue the peace and living water Jesus wants to give you.
Trust
By obeying God and making space for him, great things can happen. As with Naaman and the Jordan River, the Lord invites you to trust him and his demands, even when they seem too simple to be true.
The Role of the Family
Through the family, faith is passed on from generation to generation. However, today's readings are a reminder that this is forgotten when people do not know their faith. How will you share your faith with your family and the world?
----------------------------
Forgiveness
When you cry out to the Lord, he remembers you in his mercy. Similarly, he calls you to be merciful to your brothers and sisters. Just as God is generous in his forgiveness, be generous in forgiving others.
---------------------------
Reflect
Fatherly Mercy
Who else is like the Lord, who removes guilt and pardons sin? In this season of Lent, God calls you to repent and seek his forgiveness. By doing so, the Lord will meet you with mercy.
Never Thirst Again
The Lord can quench the thirst of your soul. As with the Samaritan woman, he offers you a wellspring of water from which you will never thirst again. This Lent, pursue the peace and living water Jesus wants to give you.
Trust
By obeying God and making space for him, great things can happen. As with Naaman and the Jordan River, the Lord invites you to trust him and his demands, even when they seem too simple to be true.
The Role of the Family
Through the family, faith is passed on from generation to generation. However, today's readings are a reminder that this is forgotten when people do not know their faith. How will you share your faith with your family and the world?
----------------------------
Forgiveness
When you cry out to the Lord, he remembers you in his mercy. Similarly, he calls you to be merciful to your brothers and sisters. Just as God is generous in his forgiveness, be generous in forgiving others.
=======================
DIOCESEAN COLLECTION: Today’s collection is for Emigrant Services. The funds raised allow the Irish Church to offer essential support to those organisations providing pastoral, practical outreach to the most marginalised and vulnerable groups of Irish people living abroad, many of whom are living lives of quiet desperation.
A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP PAUL DEMPSEY: As a Church and a people, we must continue to reach out to those who are affected by emigration. We remember and pray for all Irish people overseas – those who are recently departed and those who left our shores many years ago. We remember the families they have left behind and pray they will find strength and comfort as they cope with the pain of separation. We also think of those who have travelled from foreign lands to begin new lives in Ireland and pray that they receive the same welcome that we would wish for our own emigrants far from home.
I wish to thank all those who generously support the collection for emigrants each year.
-----------------------------------------------
Reflect
Imagine if, every time we met or talked to someone, each time we bent our attention to some task, we understood that this moment would never be again, that it was once in a lifetime opportunity to make a good impression or do a good job? How would that change your life? For the better I am sure. How much of a difference it made would depend on how much you are already making at this moment. This is something worth thinking about.
COURAGE – Fear that has said its prayers!!
May the sun bring you new energy by day. May the moon softly restore you by night. May the rain wash away your worries. May the breeze blow new strength into your being. May you walk gently on the earth and know its beauty all the days of your life.
A good friend is like an old quilt - both a treasure and a comfort.
LAST WORD: A good day is like a good movie. It is not really over until you have given credit to those who make it possible.
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A NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan ......
Archbishop Oscar Romero was shot by an assassin while celebrating Mass on the
24th of March 1980. One of my favourite prayers was composed by him see below.
It’s full of wisdom and reminds us that we can only see a few letters of a huge
book so we have to accept that we’ve no real idea of the whole story of life. All we
can do is to allow God continue creating this world and co-create with him by
playing our tiny part in His wonderful eternal plan. ‘We are workers, not master
builders; ministers, not messiahs’. Take time this week with this prayer and pray it
slowly. Let God be God in your life.
The Romero Prayer
It helps, now and then, to step back and take the long view.
The Kingdom is not only beyond our efforts; it is even beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is
God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the
kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer
fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings
wholeness. No program accomplishes the church’s mission. No set of goals and
objectives includes everything. This is what we are about.
We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted,
knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further
development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This
enables us to do something and to do it well. It may be incomplete, but it is a
beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and
do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference
between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders;
ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own
------------------------------------------
JOURNEY WITH US THROUGH LENT
Each Week we will have a different theme as we try to deepen our faith
commitment . This week we focus on STATIONS OF THE CROSS. The
following might be helpful for your own private prayer and reflection, as well as a
focus in our Masses for the time ahead.
3RD WEEK OF LENT: Focusing on Stations of the Cross
Mon: Jesus is condemned to death , Jesus takes up his Cross, Jesus falls for the
first time.
Tues: Jesus meets his Mother, Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus, Veronica wipes the
face of Jesus
Wed: Jesus falls for the second time, Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem , Jesus
falls for a third time
Thurs: Jesus is stripped of his clothes , Jesus is nailed to the Cross
Fri: Jesus dies on the Cross, Jesus is taken down from the Cross , Jesus is laid in
the tomb
Sat: Jesus is raised from the dead.
Reflect
Testaments of Faith
The Old Testament is filled with stories of faith and trust in the Lord. By faith, Abel offered a sacrifice that God accepted, and Noah prepared for the flood and rains. Faith ultimately leads to love, which pleases God most of all.
True Perfection
To be holy, God calls you to imitate himself. Christ invites you to a life of mercy, kindness, and love by mirroring his own life and following the will of the Father.
Daily Lenten Prayer
Today Lord, I choose life,
I choose your love and the challenge to live it and share it,
I choose hope, even in moments of darkness,
I choose faith, accepting you as Lord and God,
I choose to let go of some part of my burdens,
day by day handing them over to you,
I choose to take hold of your strength and power ever more deeply in my life.
May this truly be for me a time of new life, of change, challenge and growth.
May I come to Easter with a heart open to dying with you
and rising to your new life, day by day.
Amen.
------------------------------
St. John Paul II’s Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
Hail Mary, poor and humble Woman, Blessed by the Most High! Virgin of hope, dawn of a new era, We join in your song of praise, to celebrate the Lord’ s mercy, to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom and the full liberation of humanity.
Hail Mary, lowly handmaid of the Lord, Glorious Mother of Christ! Faithful Virgin, holy dwelling-place of the Word, Teach us to persevere in listening to the Word, and to be docile to the voice of the Spirit, attentive to his promptings in the depths of our conscience and to his manifestations in the events of history.
Hail Mary, Woman of sorrows, Mother of the living! Virgin spouse beneath the Cross, the new Eve, Be our guide along the paths of the world. Teach us to experience and to spread the love of Christ, to stand with you before the innumerable crosses on which your Son is still crucified.
Hail Mary, woman of faith, First of the disciples! Virgin Mother of the Church, help us always to account for the hope that is in us, with trust in human goodness and the Father’ s love. Teach us to build up the world beginning from within: in the depths of silence and prayer, in the joy of fraternal love, in the unique fruitfulness of the Cross.
Holy Mary, Mother of believers, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Amen.
============================
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.
Reflection for Lent
Do you wish your prayer
to fly towards God ?
Make for it two wings :
fasting and almsgiving. St. Augustine.
Reflection
=================================
Weekly Newsletter
Quinquagesima Sunday
19th February 2023
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
We have finally arrived at the last week of our preparation for Lent. Quinquagesima Sunday means that three days separate us from Ash Wednesday. We can be sure that Satan will work overtime to seduce souls into licentiousness during the days which precedes Lent. Saint Francis de Sales dreaded these days and he would often say, “Dear me, Carnival is a sad time for me because I see the number of Sunday Communions go down.” That is why Holy Mother Church invites her children to be under her protection through the Forty Hours Devotion.
We will never be able to conceive the agony of the Heart of Jesus at the Garden of Olives, when He saw distinctly in the course of the centuries to come all the souls who choose not to profit from His Holy Passion and Death. He expresses His sorrow through the mouth of the psalmist: “I looked for one that would grieve together with Me, but there was none” (Ps. lxviii. 21). Let us make time to accompany Our Lord during the Forty Hours Devotion—we will have prolonged Eucharistic Adoration on Monday and Tuesday from after the 8 am Mass until 5:45pm. Please make a special effort because we simply cannot leave Our Lord exposed without any adorers.
Please do not forget to bring last year's palms before Tuesday afternoon —they will be burned and then blessed on Ash Wednesday.
Canon Lebocq and two of our seminarians, Abbés Bocci and McDermott are currently in Dublin for the Divine Mercy Conference. May Saint Faustina Kowalska help spread the word about the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, especially our apostolates in Ireland.
Thankfully, we were able to find an affordable solution to replace my old Volkswagon, which finally gave up on me after twelve good years of apostolic missions in Ireland. It has served me well considering all the distance I had to travel for the sake of bringing Our Lord to Irish souls. The replacement car is providentially blue in coulour and was received and blessed on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Please consider contributing to the cost of this necessary purchase which no doubt will serve our growing Irish apostolate. (Cheque should be made out to Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest; all donation in cash should mention “Car” on weekly donation envelope.) Thank you for your generosity!
We are happy to welcome Canon Tanner back to Limerick who will give us a helping hand during his short stay. Also, our new candidate Jorge from Spain arrived safely on Wednesday evening. Please give them both a good ol' Irish welcome.
Please be reminded that during the liturgical season of Lent, Sacred Heart Devotions on Friday will be replaced by the Stations of the Cross followed by the benediction of the relic of the True Cross.
Last but not least, you have heard about the recent priestly ordinations in Gricigliano. We are happy to share a very good news: seeing the rapid growth in Ireland, our Prior General has decided to assign one of the two newly-ordained priest, Canon Martin Henry to Ireland. He will be stationed in Limerick but will serve Belfast as well. Please pray for Monsignor Wach in gratitude for his generosity towards us. Canon Henry will have his First Mass in Limerick on 5th March.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
===========================
By Magdalene Kahiu
Johannesburg, 18 February, 2023 / 9:00 pm (ACI Africa).
Caritas South Africa is appealing for “cash donations” to reach out to thousands of people affected by floods in Komani, Eastern Cape, in the Catholic Diocese of Queenstown.
In a February 11 statement, the national Coordinator of Caritas South Africa calls on people of goodwill to “support and donate to the victims of the floods through Caritas South Africa.”
“The Queenstown Diocese is one of the places that is affected, and Caritas is already on the ground of Komani to assist the victims. They cannot assist them alone,” Sr. Maria de Lurdes Lodi Rissini says, adding, “Caritas South Africa is mobilizing resources to assist the victims of Komani and other affected areas.”
In a Wednesday, February 15 interview with ACI Africa, the Coordinator of Caritas South Africa explained why the Catholic entity prefers monetary assistance to other types of donations.
=============================
Sunday Firesides: There’s Only So Far You Can Get Off Track in a Week
Brett & Kate McKay • February 19, 2023
How do people lose their spouse, their faith, their grip on their values, goals, and dreams?
It doesn’t happen all at once.
It doesn’t happen overnight.
It happens through tiny shifts: a steady accumulation of daily, imperceptible deviations from one’s set course.
A little more attention is given to one thing than another.
A frame of mind bends a bit at a time in a certain direction.
A small weed of temptation pops up and is allowed to grow.
As the months and years go by, one domain in life inflates while another shrivels. Thoughts turn 180 degrees. Tangles of vice take over the garden.
A man wakes up one day and doesn’t recognize his own life. He doesn’t know how he got there. He is a stranger to his wife. A stranger to his children. A stranger to his twenty-year-old self who had ideals and a vision for who he wanted to be.
Left unchecked, every life flows away from higher aims and towards the path of least resistance. Daily practices can help stem this slide. But staying on course requires check-ins that are too big to do every day, and too important to only accomplish monthly (or yearly).
These are your weekly habits.
A weekly planning session to re-establish your agenda.
A weekly dedicated hangout to physically and mentally reconnect with your spouse.
A weekly family powwow to sync your schedules and reaffirm your values.
A weekly worship service to remind yourself you’re more than a product of nature.
A weekly walk in the woods to remember you’re also a product of nature.
Though you may zig and zag each day, weekly habits ensure you keep moving in your chosen course; there’s only so far you can get off track when you’re recalibrating your compass every seven days.
===============================
LA Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell shot and killed
Born in County Cork, Ireland in 1953, O’Connell studied for the priesthood at All Hallows College in Dublin and was ordained to serve in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1979, according to Angelus News. After ordination, he served as associate pastor in several parishes and as pastor at St. Frances X. Cabrini, Ascension, St. Eugene and St. Michael’s parishes — all in South L.A. Pope Francis named O'Connell a bishop in 2015.
O'Connell also was active helping immigrants in the area as chairman of the interdiocesan Southern California Immigration Task Force, Angelus News reported.
===================
By Peter Pinedo
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Feb 18, 2023 / 08:00 am
At 103 years old, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is known by most as simply “Sister Jean” or the “basketball nun.”
With the motto “worship, work, win,” Schmidt has long been a student favorite at Loyola University of Chicago because of her kind nature and enthusiastic love of basketball.
Now, with the help of sportswriter Seth Davis, she’s publishing her memoir, titled “Wake Up with Purpose: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years” (Harper Select, 2023).
===========================
Prayer for Temperance
Dear Lord,
Let temperance grow in me and lead me to discover
other virtues that bring deeper union with you.
In your sacred name, I pray. Temper my desires, O Lord,
and turn my focus towards you.
Deliver me from the tendency to go to extremes
that strain both body and soul.
Free me from all that harms or enslaves me
and turn my heart towards eternal joys.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflection for Lent
Lent stimulates us,
to let the Word of God penetrate our life
and in this way to know the fundamental truth;
Who we are, where we come from,
where we must go,
what path we must take in life. Pope Benedict XV1
-------------------------------------
MISSION PRAYER:
May our Mission be;
A time of grace for all,
A time of growth for the young,
A time of refreshment for the old,
A time of renewal for families,
A time of healing for the broken,
A time of joy for the sorrowing,
A time of forgiveness for the sinner,
A time of strength for the weak,
A time of welcome for everyone
==============================
FBI Retracts Memo Labeling Traditional Catholics ‘Violent White Supremacists,’ Pushing Infiltration Of Christian Communities
By: Evita Duffy-Alfonso
February 09, 2023
6 min read
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This time, the target was traditional Catholic Christians, but you can be sure they won’t stop with Catholics.
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A leaked FBI report revealed that the Bureau’s Richmond, Virginia Division is investigating the threat of “white supremacy” among Catholics who prefer Latin Mass. Since the leak made headlines, FBI headquarters rescinded the report, claiming it does not “open an investigation based solely on First Amendment protected activity.”
This seems to contradict the document itself, which says its findings are based in part on “liaison reporting.” According to the document’s whistleblower and former Special Agent Kyle Seraphin, liaisons “are overt contacts with trusted members of a community or an industry.” That suggests the FBI already has been investigating Americans based on “First Amendment protected activity.”
The January 23, 2023 document claims “Radical-Traditionalist Catholics” (RTCs) are “typically characterized by the rejection of the Second Vatican Council” (which allowed for Mass to be said in people’s spoken language) and their “adherence to anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ and white supremacist ideology.” According to the FBI, the threat comes from RTCs increasingly fraternizing with “Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists” (RMVE).
To further surveil “Radical-Traditionalist Catholics,” the document says the Bureau may potentially mitigate this “threat” with “tripwire and source development,” which means further infiltration into Catholic communities using various kinds of informants. The report also implies the FBI will begin monitoring social media posts for what it claims is “Radical-Traditionalist Catholics” ideology.
Terrible Sourcing
The FBI sources grounding the field office’s recommendation to increase federal surveillance of conservative Christians include two Salon articles, the infamous “rosary extremism” Atlantic article, and a report from the Southern Poverty Law Center — all left-wing sources, three of which were op-eds.
Nowhere in the document does the FBI explain how traditional Catholics pose a “violent” threat. The document offers only two pieces of evidence of an “overlap” between “Racially and Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists” and “Radical-Traditionalist Catholics.” One is that both groups are “[hostile] toward abortion rights advocates.”
For the second, the FBI cites an alleged collaboration between Nick Fuentes’ “American First/groyper Movement” and Church Militant, a Catholic media organization that has been hyper-critical of the Catholic Church’s handling of sex abuse cases and woke ideology infecting American bishops.
The evidence sources provide for the “overlap” between Radical-Traditional Catholics and “Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremists” include Fuentes’ supporters and Church Militant activists attending the same pro-life demonstration and Michelle Malkin speaking at Church Militant rally.
One of the Salon articles even has a quote from Church Militant founder Michael Voris explicitly stating there’s no association between Church Militant and America First: “Church Militant doesn’t align itself with any specific group in a formal way — including groups that are expressly Catholic,” Voris said at the time.
“Church Militant might partner with anyone in a particular effort to achieve a limited and shared goal,” Voris added. “In this particular case (Roe), yes. [Church Militant] will link arms with almost anyone who decries the horror of babies being hacked to death in their mothers’ wombs. Isn’t ‘linking arms’ the very thing Antifa and BLM and the Democrats do?”
The Federalist asked Voris if there have been any associations between Fuentes or America First and Church Militant. Voris responded: “Zero. Never has been.”
The FBI Doesn’t Get Catholicism
The document identifies “Radical-Traditionalist Catholics” as “typically characterized by the rejection of the Second Vatican Council,” and names several Catholic groups in schism, meaning in a formal break from the Catholic Church. However, Church Militant, the FBI’s only named organization allegedly flirting with racist extremists, ardently defends the validity of Vatican II and the vernacular Mass. A video posted to its YouTube channel just this week calls on viewers to avoid falling into schism at all costs.
The FBI’s fabricated association between traditional Catholics and white supremacy is even more bizarre given Catholic Church demographics. The word Catholic is derived from Greek and means “universal.” The Catholic Church is extremely multiracial, with North Americans and Europeans making up a minority of the global Catholic population. In the United States, Hispanics account for 40 percent of the Catholic population.
Voris told The Federalist the FBI should stick to “drug cartels and human trafficking” because its “theological analysis” is “off base.” He explained that the idea that Catholicism could coexist with white supremacy is ludicrous, given that Christianity teaches “every single person was made in the image and likeness of God and therefore has an inherent spark of the divine life and dignity within them, so you can’t hate anyone.”
A Pretext To Persecute Political Enemies
“The government right now is the one that our founders feared,” said Voris. Indeed, the FBI report justifies surveilling private citizens’ social media and infiltrating their religious communities without providing any legitimate or serious evidence for how they pose a “violent” threat. The only crimes the FBI field office could identify were thought crimes.
The Richmond bureau mentions surveilling Catholics’ response to “immigration, affirmative action, and LGBTQ protections,” things that under the First Amendment, Catholics are allowed to protest and reject.
Traditional Catholics are not white supremacists. Even if they were, racist viewpoints are protected under the First Amendment. The “groypers,” or the “Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremist” group that the FBI is so focused on, also have a right under the Constitution to think and say whatever they want—so long as they aren’t violent. The entire report is an affront to constitutional rights and yet another reminder that the FBI is becoming nothing more than the intimidation and enforcement arm of the extremist Democratic Party.
The FBI wants Americans to believe this was an honest mistake. In reality, it’s extremely on-brand with the corruption and political targeting that’s become commonplace in the bureau. As far as we know there have been no major FBI investigations into Black Lives Matter and Antifa, two groups that torched American cities in summer 2020 and caused at least 18 deaths and more than $1 billion dollars in property damage.
There have also been only a handful of arrests and sparse investigation related to the nearly 100 attacks on pro-life organizations and churches at the hands of pro-abortion domestic terrorists in 2022. Meanwhile, peaceful pro-life activists have had their homes raided by federal agents and face lawfare, fines, and prison time.
The FBI launched the Russia collusion hoax against President Donald Trump by lying to a secret court about the credibility of Christopher Steele, the author of the debunked Russian disinformation dossier. The agency interfered in the 2020 election by pre-emptively branding the Hunter Biden laptop story as Russian disinformation for Facebook (and likely other platforms) to censor. For years, the FBI also secretly pressured Americans into signing forms that relinquish their constitutional right to own, purchase, or even use firearms, and they even launched investigations into “terrorist” parents who express concerns at local school board meetings.
The FBI report that demonizes devout Catholics is not based on any “threat pictures,” as the analyst says, but on raw politics. This time, the target was traditional Catholics, but you can be sure they won’t stop with Catholics.
Evita Duffy-Alfonso is a staff writer to The Federalist and the co-founder of the Chicago Thinker. She loves the Midwest, lumberjack sports, writing, and her family. Follow her on Twitter at @evitaduffy_1 or contact her at evita@thefederalist.com.
=================================
===========================
A NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan ......
‘No sooner had they stepped out of the boat than people recognised him, and
started hurrying all through the countryside and brought the sick on stretchers
to wherever they heard he was’ Mark 6:53-56 (from Monday’s Gospel)
I’m always struck at this time of the year of the great interest in St. Blaise’s
intercession for healing. Last weekend I offered our congregations an opportunity
to be prayed with for healing through St. Blaise’s intercession. There was a great
reaction thank God and long queues formed. But it occurred to me on Monday when
seeing the Gospel reading of the day that many people hurried to Jesus to be
healed as well. It appears that nothing has changed. It’s great that people of
today have faith in Jesus healing them of their physical ailments.
But I’m also reminded of what Archbishop Fulton Sheen said once "People are
much more interested in healing than in forgiveness....but it is in the real
forgiveness that comes the true healing". And that’s the point I want to make.
The real healing takes place when we receive the grace of God's mercy in the
Sacrament of Confession. Yet when this healing is offered there isn’t the same
queues forming but rather perhaps 3-4 people will avail of this amazing gift.
My prayer for all of us is that we’ll all recognise that the greatest healing takes
place in the confessional, be it spiritual, physical or emotional. I remember when I
was a young priest in Listowel 1997-2002 myself and my colleagues at the time Fr.
Seamus Linnane and Fr. John Kerin used to be hearing confessions for one to two
hours solid every week. I really look forward to that happening again.
========================
ABBEYFEALE, ATHEA, TEMPLEGLANTINE, TOURNAFULLA, MOUNTCOLLINS
12th Feb 2023 www.abbeyfealeparish.ie email fealechurch@eircom.net Church Sacristy 068 - 51915 Parish Office 068 - 31133
Preparing for First Holy Communion
This Saturday evening, we continue with our parish preparation for the celebration of
First Holy Communion and First Confession. We welcome all the children who are preparing
to celebrate the Sacrament in May. We welcome their parents who play such an important role
in helping their children to come to a deeper awareness of God and of the value of our
Christian faith. We encourage parents to look beyond the practical arrangements of family
celebrations, clothes, cards and presents. All good in their own right, but these aspects of
preparation for First Holy Communion Day should not be a parents only priority.
The following four ways are a guide for parents to help their children and their families
prepare for First Holy Communion.
1. Go to Sunday Mass. If receiving Jesus in holy Communion is wonderful and special,
then we would want to at least receive the Eucharist every Sunday. Don’t let “being too
busy,” sports or anything keep you from going to Mass. Trying to live a Catholic life
without Mass like trying to grow a plant without water. It will wither and die.
2. Model reverence and focus on the sacrament when celebrating first holy Communion. First
holy communion is an exciting time. There are special outfits, relatives and friends gathering
and making a fuss, parties being planned, presents and the pageantry of the day. But be
careful for your child to be too caught up in the clothes, the party and the presents. It would be
normal and natural for any child to focus on these happy things. Remind your child why all
these wonderful and fun things are happening because they will be receiving Jesus in holy
Communion for the first time.
3. When you come to visit the church or to attend the celebration of Mass, help the children to
understand and appreciate that the church is a sacred place, holy ground. While in the church
we should always behave in a respectful manner. Your children will learn by you good
example. Receive Holy Communion with reverence and practice receiving Holy Communion
at home with your child.
4. Praise and thank God for the great gift of Communion. Help your child to learn this prayer
after Holy Communion.
Prayer after Communion
Lord Jesus, I love and adore you. You’re a special friend to me.
Welcome, Lord Jesus, O welcome. Thank you for coming to me.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, O thank you for giving yourself to me.
Make me strong to show your love wherever I may be.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay, close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all of us children in your loving care and bring us to heaven to live with you there
==================
Sin and Avoidance
Sin makes you hide from God. When you avoid Confession, Mass, or prayer, you imitate Adam and Eve hiding in the garden. However, when you have the courage to reunite with God, you will heal faster and better than ever.
=============
Reflection
There are fears that cripple us –
Of being let down, of losing the capacity to trust,
of how children will turn out, of death, illness and old age.
Of losing a job or never getting one, of failure in a college course,
of not being loved or liked.
Fear is like a red light stopping us moving forward
and it’s crippling if it gets us stuck like a light never changing to green.
Jesus answers us simply …”be not afraid”, because he is always with us.
We have the security of a constant companion.
Lord, help us to trust in your loving presence today and every day. AMEN.
--------------------------------------------
Reflect
Weekly Newsletter
Septuagesima Sunday
5th February 2023
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
After having celebrated Christmas in the entirety of its liturgical season (from Christmas to Candlemas), we begin today to prepare for the ultimate purpose of God's coming down to us: to raise us up to Him, making us sharers of His Divinity. Last evening at Vespers, the Alleluia was sung for the last time to make way for a new liturgical cycle.
As you know, Septuagesima is the preparation for the Season of Lent which culminates in the Resurrection of Our Lord. Today's Gospel of the vineyard gives us the plan for our lenten preparation: the cultivation of the vineyard of our heart... our sanctification. Our heart is, so to speak, the soil which we have to plough, to harrow, and to sow; for, like the earth, it shares in that primeval curse which dooms it to sterility, and makes it capable of producing nothing but sin. Its cultivation is consequently a work, and a painful work. It is a work—a labour. Only those who sow in tears shall reap in joy... so those who labour during Lent will reap the joy of the Resurrection.
How can we prepare for Lent? Perhaps, in the spirit of Saint Francis de Sales, we can begin by identifying the place where God has planted us. What is our state in life? Remember that we are all called to holiness and we are sanctified through our faithfulness in our duty. Let us identify those daily tasks which constitute our duty. By knowing who we are and we are supposed to do... we progress towards what God expects us to be. Holiness is simply attained by being the best of ourselves at all times... we are simply asked to do our duty and do it well… with love. This will be our Lenten Labour... but before venturing into, it is good to prepare by a good reflection to define our place and everything which entails from it... in order that we may be faithful to it. It will also be good to identify those people whom God has placed around so that we can better imitate Our Lord: Learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart.
This week, Canon Ong will be absent for his "Christmas" holiday... to a place where Saint Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked. Do you know where that is?
Please keep our Sisters Adorers in your prayers as they will go for their annual retreat in their convent in Les Cotes, Switzerland (where Canon de Martin currently is).
Lastly, we have reminded you of the importance of altar serving for young boys. Since education belong primarily to parents, we priests depend on your collaboration to encourage your boys to serve at Mass for the greater glory of God.
Kindly remind them of their duty and that they should be the best version of themselves all the time especially in the sanctuary.
Their fidelity and discipline in their weekly service will not only be an anchor during the tempestuous sea of adolescence but most of all, ensure that we will always have liturgy worthy of the Sacred Heart every Sunday. Soon, we will have short 15-minute instructions after the 10:30am Mass.
For the girls, we highly encourage you to participate in the Gregorian chant workshop Canon Lebocq this coming Saturday, 11th February at 11:30 am. Parents are welcome to attend.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
====================
Reflect
Standing Firm in Truth
On the sixth day, God created man and woman in his image. We are asked to share this truth out of love for others, for violating these commandments can break the human heart and the hearts of those around us.
Your Heart
What comes out of your mouth? Your words are a reflection of your heart. As Adam and Eve sinned by failing to trust God in their hearts, consider whether the things in your heart can also lead you to sin.
-------------------------------------
Sharing
Sacrifices atone for sin and ask you to share with others and assist in their needs. You can sacrifice by sharing what you have in the same way God shares what he has with you. How can you sacrifice for others today?
----------
Shining with God's Love
Your light will dawn when you care for the poor and the needy. The Lord seeks more than just obedience from you but radical charity as he asks you to love the poor as he loves you.
Maker and Healer
God, as Creator and Redeemer, made our hearts and invites us to seek him for healing. By being with God in prayer, he can heal your heart.
The Dignity of Woman
The climax of creation is woman. God creates woman from man's side so that she may be next to his heart and a partner beside him.
------------------------------------------------
Jesus; He spoke of himself as the "resurrection and the life" (John 11:25), the "bread of life" (John 6:35); and as bringing the "light of life" (John 8:12), "abundant life" (John 10:10) and words of "spirit and life" (Jn 6:63).
The new standard of conduct that Jesus set for his followers, the parables of mercy he taught his disciples and his law of love — all were oriented toward nurturing life and upholding its dignity and beauty.
Today, we live in a world where human lives are being destroyed by war, abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, terrorism, religious bigotry, criminalized politics, human trafficking, and suicides. The message of life that Christmas sends is a wake-up call to humanity.
https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/live-and-help-live-ursuline-educators-act-stem-indias-student-suicide-trend?utm_source=Global+Sisters+Report&utm_campaign=aa45c524d9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_02_09_02_52&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_86a1a9af1b-aa45c524d9-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D
====================================
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie.
4th Sunday in O.T., 29th January 2023.
The death of Seamus Begley, West Kerry farmer, musician and singer, a few
short weeks ago, led to a lot of tributes and reflection on his life and his
music and the joy he brought into the lives of many. I was impressed by an
article in the Farming Independent, with the Irish Independent, last
Tuesday 24th January, written by regular columnist, Jim O’Brien. The
headline to the article was ‘Seamus Begley’s profound connection to land
and lore shows us what we could have had’. A small photograph, with
the article, taken in 2004, showed Seamus holding a fist of hay, while a
tractor and baler are seen in the background. The piece accompanying the
photograph says, ‘As well as being a renowned musician, Seamus Begley
was a farmer and silage maker’.
Jim O’Brien wrote, “I envy Seamus that connection in language (native Irish
speaker) he had with his home place, with the place-names, the people
and their stories. He was as deeply rooted in his locality as a man could be
and, as a singer and musician, he had the artistry, the talent and the craft
to give expression to that truth. In epitomising what we have, he was a
walking custodian of a lot of what goes to make us up – the beauty,
breadth and devilment of our music, the heart and soul of our song and
the joy of living, that bursts through us.............................
Every locality has its Seamus
Begleys: men and women who know the lore and lilt of the place, who
know the rogues and the rascals, the sound people and those who are
“inclined to be airy” They know the townlands, the land that was got for a
song, the land that was lost over a game of cards or swallowed with a
barrel of porter.................When I look a the life of Seamus Begley, I can’t
help thinking of what we have lost. Above all, I think of what might have
been, had we matured into a truly bilingual country. Like Seamus, we
could be deeply in touch with the earth, stones, words and wisdom that
made us, and able to whisper, ,shout, sing, sell, buy, curse and love in the
two languages that have a share in the articulation of who we are.”
1st February: Feast of St. Brigid: She was born about 454, renowned for her
hospitality, almsgiving and care of the sick. She founded a double
monastery in Kildare, with the help of Bishop Conleth. She died in 524 and
her cult is widespread, not only in Ireland but in Europe. (Fr. Denis
O’Mahony
----------------------------------------------------
(Continuation from last week of the story of Moyvane-born, Bishop James
Collins, Redemptorist Bishop in Brazil, in the latter half of the 20th century.)
What was the contribution of religious sisters to his diocese? In the
Prelacy of Miracema, religious sisters were protagonists in implementing
the Second Vatican Council’s decisions at a time when patriarchy was the
order of the day. Sisters ran parishes with liturgy, catechesis, baptism and
marriage preparation teams, bible groups, and Basic Christian
Communities, and celebrated the Sunday Liturgy of the Word with
communion. They took over parishes based on Canon Law 1112, which
states that “where there is a lack of priests and deacons, the diocesan
bishop ... can delegate lay people to preside at marriages.” On Holy
Thursdays, parishes run by sisters received the Holy Oils just like the priest-
led parishes. When asked about sisters administering the Sacrament of the
Sick, Bishop Collins replied: “You have the oils!” The sisters took him at his
word and were able to bring the comfort of the Sacrament of the Sick to
many parishioners. In 1981, the prelacy was elevated to the status of
diocese. By 1983, it had six diocesan priests, four Redemptorists, and six
congregations of sisters, and consisted of 15 parishes, eight run by priests
and seven by sisters. Before sisters were appointed as extraordinary
ministers, all parishes depended on the priests’ visits to administer the
sacraments. For marriages, they had to travel long distances to a priest-
run parish, incurring great expense. The new arrangement facilitated the
people’s lives, brought the church closer to them, and was readily
accepted by the faithful, who felt that the feminine touch considerably
enhanced their wedding celebrations. Sisters in charge of parishes have
always affirmed that their experience was a very significant moment in
their lives as they felt they were making an important contribution to the
life of the diocese. Most were from the south and southeast of Brazil. The
one exception were the St Louis Sisters from California and Ireland, who
ran two of the parishes.
Name some highlights of Bishop Collins’ time as bishop. Basic Christian
Communities (BCC) were a landmark in the history of the Catholic Church
in
Brazil, as they were a space for the participation of the poor. Through
them, poor lay people acquired a new sense of self and mission and
assumed their role as Christians in the struggle for common interests, such
as health, education, and political representation. BCCs provided a space
for the poor to grow as a community empowered by their faith to
transform unjust political and social structures. In 1979, the Latin
American Bishops’ Conference in Puebla underlined God’s preferential
option for the poor and insisted that the BCCs helped the church discover
‘the evangelising potential of the poor.’ In Miracema, from 1975 onwards,
a small BCC team helped organise the annual assembly of these
communities, always attended by Bishop Collins. The Redemptorist
diocesan missionary team also visited these communities throughout the
diocese and helped to animate and encourage them. While sectors of the
Church had supported the 1964 military coup, within nine years, the
attitude had changed. Nineteen bishops, in northeastern Brazil and six in
the Amazonian region, denounced the military dictatorship as acting
contrary to the Church’s social teaching. In the early seventies, the state of
Goias handed over the title deeds to huge tracts of land, occupied for
generations by squatter farmers, to powerful politicians and outside land
grabbers. When these land ‘owners’ arrived to evict those living on the
land, using violence when they met resistance, the cry of the poor
inevitably provoked a response from the church.
A Pastoral Land Commission (CPT) team was formed in each diocese,
including Miracema, which tried to respond to evictions with solidarity and
legal support. Bishop Collins was aware of the power of the people and
always tried to collect signatures for letters to draw attention to their
plight. One example was a letter signed by Bishop Collins and hundreds of
others in 1985, denouncing: i) the expulsion of 37 tenants from their land
in Colmeia and two beaten by police and forced to renounce their right to
their land, and 35 imprisoned by a force of 100 police; ii) the invasion by a
local rancher and the police of a chapel in Lizarda, when people had
gathered for prayer. They had come from the squatters’ houses, picked up
all their meagre belongings, and then deposited them at the chapel door;
iii) conflicts in Miracema, where tension was high because of evictions and
the presence of armed hitmen. On the feast of Corpus Christi 1987, in the
parish run by Fr Martin Murray, C.Ss.R., Bishop Collins called for land
reform and protection against land grabbers. Later he was accused of
backing Fr Martin and Frei Henrique of the CPT in their support for
squatters who supposedly had ‘invaded private land.’ The bishop
challenged these lies, and in 1988 with growing publicity and severe
pressure from the National Bishops’ Conference, the Supreme Court
ordered the cancelation of the false land titles in favour of the squatters.
This was one of the few victories the people of that region were able to
celebrate. (Continued on back page.)
CPT also argued for the formation of Rural Workers’ Unions and
Associations of Small Landholders in each municipality. Many of these
were formed and live on today, helping organise farmers and squatters.
The associations established cooperatives to help improve members living
conditions. Jose Edgar, a former director of the Agricultural College, saw
Bishop Collins as “a missionary who loved action. He didn’t just talk; he
practiced what he preached. He was obsessed with getting things done.”
He supported the CPTs as a new way of being church. In defending
smallholders, he revealed his own origins as a small farmer and felt
deeply the injustices heaped upon them by the state and judicial system.
Above all, he was committed to the formation of his pastoral agents and, in
his later years, could see the fruits of his labours in the fine team of highly
dedicated priests, sisters, and laity.
(The first part of this article in last weekend’s ‘Dear Parishioner’ stated that
Brazilian historian, Luciene Ribeiro, had studied the life and ministry of
Bishop Collins in Brazil, South America. Additional information in the
Intercom article was that Anne Staunton, a Mayo native, and Pat O’Sullivan
from Limerick, both retired teachers, translators and former missionaries in
Brazil had interviewed Luciene Riberio, which resulted in the two-part
article that was in Dear Parishioner last weekend and this weekend. (D.
O’M.))
Seeing your life through the lens of the Gospel. (John Byrne, Intercom)
1. are told that Jesus fixed his eyes on the disciples before speaking. It
suggests that he was about to say something that he really wanted them to
take in. Surprisingly, he tells them it is no bad thing for us to be poor or
hungry. Perhaps, you have recognised the truth in what St. Augustine said,
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until
they rest in you.”
2.Blessed are you who weep is not an encouragement to be miserable.
Rather, it is an affirmation of the importance of loving relationships in life.
We are blessed to have such people in our lives, but here may also be
pain. Yet, is it not true that the blessing of loving and being loved is worth
the price you pay?
3.Jesus said that his followers would be open to opposition and ridicule,
because of him – and they are blessed, when this happens. Unpleasant it
may be, but have you not been grateful, on those occasions, when you had
the courage to stand by something that you belie
-------------------------------------
JUST A THOUGHT
Yesterday is but a Dream
Tomorrow is only a vision.
But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness. (Kalidasa)
--------------------------------
Christ's Example
As a disciple of Christ, you are called to imitate Christ, even in his struggle against sin. In Christ’s battle with sin, he resisted until the point of death. Are you willing to do the same?
No Substitute
The Presentation of the Lord reveals that Christ is dedicated to the service of God. As the firstborn son, Jesus will become the lamb who dies to redeem us through his sacrifice.
Reflect
NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES 3rd – 11th FEBRUARY: O Loving Mother of us all, you know our wants, and our sufferings. We come before you with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain for us, O sweet Mother, the granting of our request………O Blessed Lady of Lourdes, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your divine son while upon earth. You have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us that we may obtain from your Divine Son our special request, but only if they be in accord with His holy will. We make this prayer through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes pray for us. St Bernadette pray for us. Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes - Sat. 11th February.
---------------------------
Novena Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
Our Lady of Lourdes Mother of Mercy,
health of the sick, refuge of sinners,
comforter of the afflicted,
You know our wants, troubles and sufferings;
Cast on us, and on all our sick sisters and brothers,
a look of healing and blessing:
By appearing in the grotto of Lourdes,
you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary,
a special place of peace and healing.
So many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities,
both spiritual and corporal by approaching You in faith.
We come with the most unbounded confidence
to ask your maternal intercession in this Novena.
Obtain O loving Mother, the granting of our prayers
(here mention your request).
We will endeavour to imitate your virtues.
That we may one day share your glories.
Amen.
-----------------------------------------
Between Yesterday’s mistakes and Tomorrow’s hope there is a fantastic opportunity called – TODAY. Live it, love it. The day is yours.
--------------------------
Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth and your heart for love.
-------------------------
Guilt is regret for what we’ve done. Regret is guilt for what we didn’t do!!
LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE AT WAR WITH YOURSELF AND OTHERS
LAST WORD: Accept what is – let go of what was – and have faith in what will be.
----------------------
===============================
Fr Jim Lenihan
A NOTE FROM FR.JIM.
During the week I was given this reflection which has really challenged me.
Because for one I find it so difficult to live in the NOW. Just to live just for
today. I also like to play God in my life and be in control of everything around me.
And my pride also gets me to believe that the whole world should revolve around
me. Read this reflection slowly and read it again and again.
'
Just for today'
Just for today, I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole
life problem at once. I can do something for twelve hours that would appal me if I
felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
Just for today, I will be happy. Most folks are as happy as they make up their
minds to be. Just for today, I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust
everything to my own desires. I will take my 'luck' as it comes, and fit myself to
it. Just for today, I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn
something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires
effort, thought and concentration.
Just for today, I will exercise my soul in three ways: I will do somebody a good
turn, and not get found out; if anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at
least two things I don't want to do - just for exercise. I will not show anyone that
my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it. Just for
today, I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low,
act courteously, criticise not one bit, not find fault with anything and not try to
improve or regulate anybody except myself.
Just for today, I will have a programme. I may not follow it exactly, but I will
have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision. Just for today, I
will have a quiet half hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, sometime,
I will try to get a better perspective of my life.
Just for today, I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is
beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.
----------------------------
Reflection
An Obedient Heart
The Lord desires sons and daughters who follow, love, and trust him. Jesus is the perfect model for doing the will of the Father and obeying him. When you follow the model of Christ, you allow the Father's will to act in your life.
Pray for Your Enemies
St. Paul was a devout Jew and persecutor of the Christian community before his profound conversion to Christianity. Today, the Church asks you to pray for your enemies so that they, like Paul, can discover God's grace and allow their hearts to be transformed.
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Do Not Be Ashamed
There can be a temptation to hide that you are a disciple of Christ. However, Paul writes that God has given you a spirit of power, love, and self-control—not one of cowardice and shame. Recognize this spirit within you today.
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Five First Saturdays Devotion
Because of sins against Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart, Our Lady of Fatima presented the Five First Saturdays Devotion to Sister Lucia of Fatima.
On Dec. 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared with the Infant Jesus standing on a cloud, requesting acts of reparation for the blasphemies and ingratitude committed against her Immaculate Heart, like the one we explained above.
Jesus said, “Have pity on the Heart of your Most Holy Mother. It is covered with thorns with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment, and there is no one to remove them with an act of reparation.”
Click here to learn how to practice the First Five Saturdays Devotion, and console Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart.
Angel’s Prayer of Reparation
“O Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I adore Thee profoundly.
I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity
of Jesus Christ present in all the tabernacles of the world,
in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifferences by which He is offended.
By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary
I beg the conversion of poor sinners.”
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ST Pio Glove 17 Jan 2023
here were three outstanding examples of achievement and persistence in different parts of Kerry this week.
Two in the world of Gaelic Football and the other was of a deeply spiritual nature. All three came with presentations or hand-overs and manifestations of those achievements.
The footballers of the Fossa and Rathmore GAA clubs delighted the county on Sunday when they captured their respective All-Ireland junior and intermediate titles in Croke Park.
Healing Glove of St. Pio
On Tuesday night 17 Jan 2023 in Castleisland a crowd of up to 600 people, from many parts of the county and well beyond, gathered in the Church of Saints Stephen and John to witness life-long Padre Pio devotee and PP Fr. Mossie Brick accepting a healing glove of St. Pio. Fr. Brick also acknowledged the thousands of people who tuned into the ceremony via live-stream and the church radio system.
http://www.mainevalleypost.com/2023/01/18/historic-and-spiritual-night-in-castleisland-as-healing-glove-is-handed-over/?fbclid=IwAR0p37ZoEm9AHg7IN4X8ySK3oLIddfv6k091HKqcfgjfohU7iUkatHI7RkM
For Fr. Brick is was an evening and an event which brought a 20 year campaign spanning several parishes within the dioceses to a most fulfilling conclusion – and the man was visibly moved by the enormity of the achievement.
20 Year Long Road
I doubt if Paudie Clifford or Mark Ryan could have been any happier on Sunday afternoon in Croke Park as Fr. Mossie Brick was on Tuesday evening in Castleisland.
It is an achievement which he delightedly shared with many people who helped him and his team on that 20 year long road.
“We wrote to everyone we thought of in San Giovanni and nothing happened. So I made up my mind this year at 73 years of age that that’s that now and it’s the plan of God and we’ll ride on the sunset back to Kilmoyley and continue our devotion to St. Pio,” said Fr. Brick.
Out of the Blue
“And out of the blue about four weeks ago came the call from Dublin that a glove has been granted and I just couldn’t believe my eyes or my ears. I have no doubt in my mind, no doubt whatsoever that came through Brian Shortall.
“He was here three years ago and he saw with his own two eyes what it was like on the ground in Castleisland,” he said.
Turning to Fr. Shortall he said: “Brian, we’re eternally grateful to you and I have no doubt that you have been put in this job to straighten things out and enhance devotion to St. Pio.”
Fr. Shortall then got the first of several almighty rounds of applause from the gathering.
Bishop’s Letter of Support
Chief among those mentioned by Fr. Brick was Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne for his ‘forceful letter of support’ and Fr. Bryan Shortall the Capuchin Franciscan Order Superior in Ireland with his travelling companions who braved the road conditions from Dublin yesterday evening to deliver the healing glove into safe and appreciative hands.
“It’s yours now and until the day you die,” said Fr. Shortall as he did the initial hand-over of the framed healing glove in the sacristy and Fr. Brick looked at it in a state close to disbelief and clasped it to his chest.
While You’re on the Planet
“As long as you’re on the planet the glove is yours and when you leave we’d like to have it back,” said Fr. Shortall.
Later on, during the Mass, Fr. Shortall advised Fr. Brick not to leave the glove out of his sight at any time and he also advised against ‘giving it out’ as there’s a chance you wouldn’t get it back,” he said – speaking from experience.
“I’ve seen one of these gloves in tatters with bits cut off them and desecrated,”
http://www.mainevalleypost.com/2023/01/18/historic-and-spiritual-night-in-castleisland-as-healing-glove-is-handed-over/?fbclid=IwAR0p37ZoEm9AHg7IN4X8ySK3oLIddfv6k091HKqcfgjfohU7iUkatHI7RkM
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In the heavenly temple, Jesus is acting as an intercessor for you. Christ will intercede on your behalf to God the Father. Jesus will always save those who approach God through him, and he invites you to approach him with your prayer today.
Melchizedek and Christ
Today's readings reveal how Jesus' priesthood is rooted in a priesthood earlier than the Levitical priesthood. He is in the likeness of Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem, the future city of Jerusalem. Take some time to reflect on the significance of this throughout the day.
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Cardinal Pell | Sung on Christmas day with seminarians, religious sisters, priests and lay friends.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnXisgnObvF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
----------------------------
Cædmon’s Hymn reads below:
“We now honor heaven’s king,
The mighty measurer and his wise plans,
The work of the glorious father,
Who established the origin of each wonder,
Eternal lord,
He first created heaven for us,
The holy shaper,
Then the middle earth,
For mankind, eternal lord,
The lands for men,
Almighty lord.”
https://ucatholic.com/blog/is-this-1300-year-old-hymn-the-oldest-english-hymn/
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Reflection
Baptism was not over and done with
the day we were taken to the font.
We are baptised by all that happens to us in life.
We are baptised by hardship : in its turbulent waters
we are purified of all that is false and useless.
We are baptised by suffering : in its murky waters
we grow in humility and compassion.
We are baptised by joy : in its gurgling waters
we experience the goodness of life.
We are baptised by love : in its singing waters
we blossom like flowers in the sun.
Baptism is like the planting of a seed.
It will take a lifetime for this seed to grow and ripen.
=======================
Of Limerick Saints and Seekers
Of Limerick Saints and Seekers is the title of a book recently published by Veritas.
The book is edited by David Bracken Limerick Diocesan Archivist. In this fine
publication we journey through a millennium and a half of Limerick history with
scholars and scribes, poets and preachers, martyrs and missionaries and founders of
churches and religious communities. Drawing from early Ireland to present day,
this collection of stories details the lives of extraordinary people from a variety of
faith traditions and perspectives from well known saints to unknown and unsung
religious and lay people. With fascinating contributions, many from the modern
people of Limerick this book illuminates the diverse richness of Limerick's story by
highlighting the saints and seekers who have shaped its history.
Copies of the book are available. Cost €12.
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March for Life 20th Jan 2023
https://www.ewtn.com/tv/extra-watch-live
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“You formed my inmost being;
you knit me in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, because I am wonderfully made;
wonderful are your works!
My very self you know.” — Psalm 139:13-14
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Prayer to End Abortion
Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life, and for the lives of all my brothers and sisters. I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion, yet I rejoice that You have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son. I am ready to do my part in ending abortion. Today I commit myself never to be silent, never to be passive, never to be forgetful of the unborn. I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement, and never to stop defending life until all my brothers and sisters are protected, and our nation once again becomes a nation with liberty and justice not just for some, but for all, through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
8th January, Feast of the baptism of the Lord.
Dear Parishioner,
My Irish teacher in Saint Brendan’s College used to say to
us, especially in the latter half of the school year, ‘Tá an bhliain go léir
imithe agus níl puínn déanta again.’ (The whole year is gone and we have
nothing done!) He was overstating the case because he was pushing us
fairly hard and we had a lot done in the course but he wanted us to get
that sense of urgency, so that we would try harder. I thought of his
statement, as I began to write this piece because last Sunday, we
welcomed 2023 and already week has gone. Well if it feels like nothing has
been accomplished yet, at least we have 51 weeks left to do, at least, some
of the things we would like to do in 2023.
Earlier in the week, I had thought about giving a mention to one of the
senior priests in our diocese, Fr. Pat Ahern, who had the satisfaction
towards the end of 2022 to have his book launched. On Thursday morning
a much younger priest’s name was being mentioned but, sadly, it was
because he had died unexpectedly the previous day. Fr. Donal O’Connor
who had been the chaplain to the Institute of Technology (now known as
Munster Technical University – MTU instead of ITT), Tralee. He was a
native of Rathmore and had served as a curate in Listowel and
Castletownbere and serving as Parish Priest in Beaufort, before taking up
his chaplaincy role. At a time when ordinations were less frequent events
– in the latter half of the nineties and into the 21st century, Rathmore
Parish had four priests ordained, three of them for the diocese of Kerry.
The exception was Fr. Sean Cremin, from Knocknagree, Co. Cork (in the
diocese of Kerry), ordained as a Saint Patrick’s Missionary priest (Kiltegan
Fathers). Donal’s two fellow diocesan priests are Michael Moynihan, Parish
Priest of Dingle and Gerard O’Leary, chaplain in University Hospital, Tralee.
Fr. Pat Ahern’s name is synonymous with Siamsa Tíre (The National Folk
Theatre) based in the theatre of the same name in Tralee. His book
‘Forging the Dance’ is his own story but very much the story of Siamsa Tíre,
which has achieved world-wide fame. For those very familiar with
different shows presented by the members of Siamsa Tíre over the years,
as well as for those not so familiar, the book is a wonderful read. (Fr. Denis
O’Mahony)
-------------------------------
My Sense Of The Spiritual Has Helped Me Cope With My Dad’s Death By
Margaret Graham (Reality, December 2022)
The November 2021 issue of Reality focused on grief and loss and explored
Irish rituals and traditions, including family experiences during Covid-19. I,
too, have written about my personal and professional experiences of the
death of my dad, Jim, from hospital-acquired Covid-19. I now wish to share
my experiences surrounding my dad’s death and how an understanding of
spirituality ripples forth and sustains me. Such reflective writing is beyond
traditional journal constraints, so I write here. I begin with a glimpse of
Jim, a treasured dad, brother, grandfather, and friend. My parents, Jim
and Nuala, were married for over 60 years until Nuala’s death in 2018. Jim,
91 years old, lived alone and kept a positive outlook. Yet, his sadness was
reflected in comments such as, ‘The walls can’t talk to you,’ a view akin to
CS Lewis’s, ‘I dread the moments when the house is empty.’ Jim followed
isolation rules. He communicated with us via the world wide web as his
hearing loss became challenging. He had a deep Christian faith and signed
off many emails with, ‘God bless, take care.’ In the bleak midwinter
Christmas 2020, Jim was hospitalised following a fall and there contracted
Covid-19. No visitors allowed. He kept in touch via email until a final: ”The
nurses are fantastic; enjoy yourselves. Don’t worry about the old codger;
will keep fighting this. Love you heaps, Jim.”
Dreaded Phone Call: Christmas 2020. I help as an usher at Mount St
Alphonsus church, Limerick. It is a simple task, welcoming and reminding
people about Covid-19 safe practices, mask-wearing, and guiding people to
designated seats. Every day I walk with my husband, Dan, across Limerick’s
three bridges. We notice the Christmas hustle and bustle, twinkling lights,
ever-changing skylines, the birds, the sounds and flow of the river. Walking
on New Year’s Eve, the dreaded phone call from my brother, Gerry, tells us
Jim is struggling and has made his choice. No more interventions. Jim is
dying. Gerry is permitted to stay with him. During Jim’s last hours, the
hospital chaplain administers the Last Rites. WhatsApp messages flow to
and fro, sending last calls from family across the world. Slowly, quietly,
time passes. We wait as dusk falls, and Dan and I visit Mount St Alphonsus.
The soft glow cocoons as we light candles at St Gerard’s Shrine, a family
tradition. Later at home, waiting for the inevitable, a candle lights the
night. Strange times, strange happenings, running counter to my beliefs as
expressed by
Irish philosopher Richard Kearney (2021): ‘The last thing we do when dying
is to reach for another hand, something that the pandemic has made
impossible.’ Jim reached his 92nd birthday early on New Year’s Eve; his
final words: “Nuala is waiting for me. We will pray for you all. God bless.”
We find comfort in the limited celebration of Jim’s life at the funeral Mass
and crematorium service, ending with Ode to Joy, composed by Beethoven
when profoundly deaf. I was reminded of this music from Fr. Gerry
Moloney’s reference in his Christmas homily to hearing loss, hence the
choice. In my work as an educator, I facilitate learning about death and
dying. Margaret Haughton, writing in Reality (2021), likens responses to
grief to a tsunami of emotions such as anger, bargaining, and denial. In my
grief, I don’t have such feelings but rather a calmness, a sense of my
spirituality as a touchstone for life. I have learned, as Irish scholar John
O’Donohue, notes, ‘You lose the balance of your soul if you do not learn
to take care of yourself.’ Self-care sees me acknowledge emotions but
without distress and is life-enhancing. Becoming more mindful guides this
process. Eastern philosophies hold mindfulness at the core of spiritual
practice. A Celtic spirituality of the divine as revealed in nature, weather,
and seasonal imagery, creates a space for stillness and calmness integral to
my spiritual being. The beauty and peace of the soul space at Mount St
Alphonsus is a newfound wonder. Working through my grief, I am aware
of taking a moment to pause to see nature in daily life, integrating mind,
body, and spirit to take care of self. I am at peace.
I find solace in writing. I did not know how this article would shape up.
Thinking and writing help me craft ideas. I am privileged to be connected
at Jim’s death and dying from afar. I know that Jim was one of over 6,500
people who have died from Covid-19 in Ireland. Others may have different
experiences and are without a voice. I am privileged to have been a
bystander to dad’s serenity and faith during his last moments on this earth.
Writing about my understanding of the concept of spirituality sustains me
as part of a healing process as ripples of sadness, joy, and memories ebb
and flow.
Acknowledgements I am grateful to my friends at the Redemptorists who
stood beside me, asked about Jim, prayed for him, and rang me. All these
simple acts of kindness help my grieving. (Margaret Graham is a lecturer
at the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick)
Points to Ponder: Today’s Gospel passage emphasises that, when Jesus
had received baptism from John in the river Jordan, ‘the heavens were
opened’ to him. (Matt. 3:16) This fulfils the prophecies. If the heavens
remain closed, our horizon in this life is dark and without hope. Instead, in
celebrating Christmas, faith has once again given us the certainty that the
heavens have been rent with the coming of Christ. On the day of the
baptism of Christ, we continue to contemplate the heavens opened. The
manifestation of the Son of God on earth marks the beginning of the great
time of mercy, after sin had closed the heavens, raising itself as a barrier
between the human being and his Creator. With the birth of Jesus, the
heavens open!
God gives us in Christ the guarantee of an indestructible love. From the
moment the word became flesh it is, therefore, possible to see the open
heavens. It was possible for the shepherds of Bethlehem, the Wise Men of
the East, for John the Baptist, for Jesus’ apostles and for St. Stephen, the
first martyr, who exclaimed: ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened.’ (Acts 7:56)
Does it seem that, in our own time, extra fraternal sharing and love is
needed. Does it seem to you that we all need extra love? Not the sort that
is content with extemporaneous help which does not involve or stake
anything, but that love that shares, that takes on the hardship and
suffering of a brother or sister. What flavour life acquires, when we allow
ourselves to be inundated by God’s love! (Pope Francis in Intercom, Dec.
22/Jan.23)
Thought for the Day: After the joyous celebration of Christmas, culminating in
the Epiphany, we turn now to the start of Jesus’ public ministry, which begins
at his baptism. When we celebrate the baptism of the Lord, we recall with joy
and gratitude the amazing, sanctifying grace of our own baptism. It is fitting
to spend time pondering the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ baptism, while at the
same time, engaging in rituals to claim again our own baptismal call on this
holy day. In short, we can celebrate, not only by reflecting on the Gospel
accounts of Jesus’ baptism and pondering this great mystery, but also by
reflecting on and celebrating our own baptism.
Trócaire warns of hunger crisis in the Horn and East Africa continues
deteriorate: Trócaire advised the Irish Bishops Conference that the hunger
crisis, in the Horn and East Africa, has further deteriorated in recent months,
with the U.N., warning that a famine may be shortly declared in parts of
Somalia. (Intercom Magazine, December 2022/January 2023
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Love Made Visible
As you contemplate the scene of the manger, think of how the invisible God became visible. Christ appeared as a child so you can have the courage to approach God and not be afraid. Allow the love reflected in the Incarnation to be made visible for you.
Courage for the Faith
During Christmas, the Church remembers the first coming of Christ and anticipates his Second Coming. Because death and evil still reign in the world, every Christian is called to give witness to Christ, imitating the courage of saints like St. Stephen.
Praise the Lord
Christ is born today! As you celebrate the joy of Christmas, recall how Christ's coming is a story of love for mankind. Today, give praise to the Father for the gift of the Son.
=========================
The Ukrainian Choir Bringing New Meaning To A Classic Holiday Song
NBC News
7.31M subscribers
132,991 views 4 Dec 2022
A classic holiday song, today, the song of survival as Ukraine’s Shchedryk Children Choir performs “Carol Of The Bells” at New York’s Carnegie Hall. The same venue where the Ukrainian song premiered a century ago. The choir’s members reunited this summer after many fled to safer places during the war. Over the last few weeks, they rehearsed in Kyiv, sometimes practicing in a bomb shelter without electricity. Now, the children who’ve been through so much are proving joy and hope can prevail.
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COLD: What are the best fabrics to use to shield from wind and cold, and how should I layer them?
Conventional wisdom says to keep away from cotton, because it has virtually zero moisture-wicking properties. Instead, Geiger says, make sure that the fabric closest to your skin is made of synthetic fabrics or merino wool.
Why are moisture-wicking fabrics so important? “Sweat is what will kill you,” she says. “The big thing to do is [move] slower than you think. Once you get into the zero digits, you don’t want to start running around and warm up so much that you break a sweat.”
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Reflect
Have Hope
The Lord reminds us that he fulfills all his promises. This word should give us faith and hope because of his faithfulness to us. Today, take some time to reflect on how you can place more hope in the Lord because of his faithfulness.
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.
Christmas Day, 2023.
Dear Parishioner,
When Christmas comes each year, I think many of us,
especially the (so-called) middle-aged and elderly, find ourselves thinking
about the Christmases of our childhood and youth. We may not want to
talk a lot about that topic but, if we see that others are keen to hear about
‘those good old days’, we are happy to tell them. As I am numbered
among the elderly, I feel I can give a mention to my own memories. One of
the big differences, I think, especially in rural areas, between ‘then and
now’ was that putting up decorations in the home did not happen until
very near Christmas. In my own home, the Christmas tree was put up on
Christmas Eve and the large Christmas candle was put on the
kitchen/living-room window and lit as darkness fell. The memory that
stands out for me is standing outside our house and looking at the
candles lighting in the distance. The houses, whose windows could be
seen, were all more than five hundred yards away but the candle-light
seemed very bright.
Why they walk away. Some who declare themselves spiritual, of course,
have never been religious. What is worrying for the Churches is that an
increasing number of their adherents have walked away. There are
different reasons – the ready availability today of a wider assortment of
basic narratives or world views, the rejection of authoritarianism, the sense
that religious adherence involves an abdication of personal autonomy, the
exclusiveness of religious claims. Perhaps, above all, the experience that
organised religion does not connect with what is creating and life-
enhancing for them. They tell of the deadening effect of homilies, of the
dull thud of liturgical celebration, of the weary weight of structures. They
suspect that Christianity has surrendered its ancient quiet influence on the
heart and settles instead for imposing, obliging, condemning. Doctrine has
been declaimed, and morals have been imposed, that fail to touch into the
human awakening of people. The great spiritual questions, they feel have
not been kept alive for them. Is that why it is sometimes said that the
Christian of the future will either be a mystic or nothing, and why one
hears the complaint that the priest of today has nothing to say about the
experience of God. (Fr. Vincent McNamara, S.P.S. – Kiltegan Fathers –
included in Dear Parishioner on 4th Sunday of Advent, 2013.)
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Family Disagreements Are Normal At Christmas.
When a conversation takes a wrong turn, it’s helpful to remember
that if we change, the other person will have to react differently also.
Perfect families do not exist. If a conversation takes a turn we don’t like,
most of us believe we are reacting to something that was said to us.
Sometimes, that is true but what may equally be true is that the other
person was reacting to something we said, did, or didn’t do. Isn’t it
strange how just one word or even the smallest, seemingly insignificant
remark can spark an argument that may develop into a row? Who or
what introduced the note of contention is seldom clear because people
have such different perceptions. Whether we respond positively or react
negatively, to what we hear, reflects what we assume to be true about the
speaker’s motivation.
Having the courage to say what we feel, at the time someone reacts badly,
is one way to avoid a contentious issue becoming a problem, that is bound
to be more difficult to resolve later. It’s easy to forget that, in some ways,
our family members see us as the person we used to be, not the mature
and capable adult we have become.
Parents who offer advice may be hurt when they get a negative response
to an offer of help or even a simple suggestion. For adult children,
unsolicited advice from a parent suggests a need for improvement. If this
is interpreted as ‘you’re not doing it right, my way is better’, it’s reacted
to as a critical judgement. Almost everyone has witnessed or been part of
a situation, where a pleasant, amiable conversation turned into an angry
exchange in the blink of an eye. Research shows that one in six families
have disagreements over Christmas dinner preparation. Other issues that
spark arguments are fighting over TV channels, squabbling over board-
games, drinking too much, and decisions about entertaining the in-laws. At
any large family gathering, at least one person will likely feel like s/he is
walking on eggshells. At family gatherings during Christmas, it’s harder to
disengage, walk away and avoid impending disagreements than at other
times of the year. In a utopian world, sibling rivalry would disappear when
sisters and brothers become adults. In the real world, it’s estimated that
about one in five children, who feel jealous and harbour resentment
against each other, carry their competition, disagreements, and rivalry with
them into adulthood.
Gestalt therapist, John O. Stevens, says, “Almost all of us have a great
many unfinished situations with our families and many unexpressed
feelings towards them. Some people are so burdened with the past that
they cannot let go of painful memories.” Even though our memories of
past events are very real for us, they are not accurate records of the events
and incidents that actually happened. There is a widely-held belief that,
because people love us, they should understand us in ways that we do not
expect from others. Studies show that mothers and daughters expect
more of each other than fathers and sons. Irish people are not good at
talking openly and honestly about their feelings. Rather than have a
conversation about the real issue, they complain about something small
and trivial. The trouble with this is that the trivial issue gets sorted, but the
main issue remains unresolved. The longer this goes on, the more easily
triggered to anger the person, with the issue, becomes.
Unresolved issues are usually behind an innocent remark that is taken up
the wrong way, alters the tone of a conversation, and totally changes the
atmosphere in the room. A comment from family members that would
have no effect, if said by colleagues, can generate deeply felt emotional
hurt when it is heard as a criticism, judgement, or put down. Family
members are good at predicting what will happen when a touchy subject is
raised or some old disagreements, that will lead to an argument, are
resurrected. An angry exchange, that clears the air, has less of a
disruptive influence on the season of goodwill and happiness, than the
sullen silence of someone who withdraws emotionally. The biggest joy
killer in any group is the fault finder, who rarely expresses a word of
appreciation, and has been known to complain that gifts were too cheap or
lacked thought. When a conversation takes a wrong turn, it’s helpful to
remember that if we change, if we say or do something different from
what we usually do, the other person will have to react differently also. I
love this advice from Hal Elrod, an American author, speaker, and success
coach: “The moment you accept total responsibility for everything in your
life is the day you claim the power to change anything in your life.
(Carmel Quinn in Reality, December 2022)
There’s nothing sadder in this world than to wake Christmas morning and
not be a child. (Emma Bombeck in Reality, December 2022.)
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel
John Byrne OSA (Intercom December 2022)
1. This prologue to John’s Gospel is a piece of poetry. Like all
poetry, one of the ways to enter into it is to read it a few times
slowly and let the words and images speak to you.
2. The prologue proclaims Jesus as the true light come into the
world. How has Jesus, and the message of Jesus, been a light
for you in your life?
3. The prologue also affirms the transforming power of faith: ‘to all
who received him ... he gave power to become children of
God’. How would you describe the difference it makes to you to
have faith as part of your life?
4. In Jesus we get a glimpse of God and of the love of God, but as
‘Jesus people’ in the world today we also are called to be
witnesses to the light. Who has been a witness to you? To
whom have you been a witness?
Points to Ponder (Intercom December 2022)
I didn’t know until recently that the silver tinsel on a Christmas tree
represents a spider’s web and that, in some countries, a tinsel spider is
added to the tree decorations as a symbol of hope and prosperity for the
future. According to a Polish legend, popular throughout Eastern Europe,
an old spider, who knew her life was coming to an end, spent her final days
in the stable in Bethlehem creating her greatest masterpiece of web-
making, which then became a blanket for the Baby Jesus on Christmas Day.
So many threads in the web of our lives have been damaged or even
destroyed in recent years, but Christmas Day with its message of new life,
it’s declaration that God is with us, is a time to renew our hope, to
rebuild our web of courage and trust with the help of the stories of our
faith which has strengthened and upheld generations of Christians for
over 2000 years.
As we reach out to our suffering human beings, as we work together to
restore and renew the great web of creation of the earth, our common
home and we pray to God who is Lord of all hopefulness may we never
forget, as St. Paul wrote, that there are three things in life that last; faith,
hope and love. May faith in the coming of the Christ Child, renew our hope
and strengthen us in that web of love in which God seeks to draw us ever
closer.
(Fr. Paul Clayton-Lea, editor of Intercom Magazine.
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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 2023
Bliain nua Faoi Shéan is Faoi Mhaoise Díbh go léir.
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By Courtney Mares
Vatican, 16 December, 2022 / 7:45 pm (ACI Africa).
In a message sent to heads of state across the world, Pope Francis has asked leaders to reflect on what lessons can be learned three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Vatican released on Dec. 16 the pope’s 2023 World Peace Day message in which he posed a series of questions:
“What did we learn from the pandemic? What new paths should we follow to cast off the shackles of our old habits, to be better prepared, to dare new things? What signs of life and hope can we see, to help us move forward and try to make our world a better place?”
Pope Francis wrote in the message that “certainly after directly experiencing the fragility of our own lives … the greatest lesson we learned from COVID-19 was the realization that we all need one another.”
He added: “We also learned that the trust we put in progress, technology, and the effects of globalization was not only excessive but turned into an individualistic and idolatrous intoxication, compromising the very promise of justice, harmony, and peace that we so ardently sought.”
The pope underscored that “in our fast-paced world, the widespread problems of inequality, injustice, poverty, and marginalization continue to fuel unrest and conflict, and generate violence and even wars.”
“We cannot continue to focus simply on preserving ourselves; rather, the time has come for all of us to endeavor to heal our society and our planet, to lay the foundations for a more just and peaceful world, and to commit ourselves seriously to pursuing a good that is truly common,” he said.
The World Day of Peace — instituted by St. Paul VI in 1968 — is celebrated each year on Jan. 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The message is sent by the Vatican Secretariat of State to governments around the world.
The pope’s message for the 2023 World Day of Peace, the 56th celebration, is titled “No one can be saved alone: Combatting COVID-19 together, embarking together on paths of peace.”
In the text, Pope Francis included one paragraph about the ongoing war in Ukraine, which he described as “a setback for the whole of humanity.”
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Reflections Dec 2022
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Waiting on the Bridegroom
Do you desire to hear and see the face of God? In this Advent season, the readings from the Song of Songs reveal a longing to know and see the Lord. Today, reflect on your desire for the coming of Jesus.
The Lord's Manger
The Lord fulfills all his promises to mankind. Through the Incarnation, God dwells with us in a new way and continues to do so in the Eucharist. When we receive the Eucharist, we become the new manger for Christ.
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Hannah and Mary
The songs of Mary and Hannah mirror each other and reveal a spirit of humility and faith. Their hymn magnifies the Lord and gives him praise. How can you pray with these songs in your heart?
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Fulfilling Promises
The Lord works in miraculous ways. In today's readings, the Church reminds us of how God brought leaders throughout salvation history into the world through miraculous births. This Advent, reflect on how God works with his people to fulfill his promises.
Signs and Miracles
The prophecy of Isaiah reveals the nature of the Messiah in today's readings. While some contest the meaning of Isaiah's words, the sign that a virgin shall conceive and bear a son is rooted in Jewish teaching. This emphasizes the greatness of God's plan for mankind.
Judah and the Messiah
Today's readings teach a lesson on the power of words. The intricacy of the Hebrew language reveals Christ's identity in Jacob's blessing over his son Judah. Through this, Israel receives a hint of who the messianic king is.
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Weekly Newsletter
Fourth Sunday of Advent
18th December 2022
Dear Friends of the Sacred Heart Church,
Sorry for being a bit late in sending you this weekly newsletter...
Christmas Day is just around the corner but the Church pays a liturgical visit to honour the Mother of God before she gives birth to the Light tof the World. Today's Mass begins with the Rorate Cæli, Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the Just One. Consider your Infant Jesus coming down from heaven as a gentle dew, to fertilize the earth; watering the earth, which is Mary, and budding forth as a Saviour.
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The 2022 Christmas Message for the Diocese of Kerry from Bishop Ray Browne…
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life”. Jn 3:16
Dia dhiabh. Nollaig Shona dhiabh go léir. Christmas is a time when we look back on the year that is passing.
We give thanks to God for all that has happened in our lives and we are grateful for all the people who have been good to us. Whatever challenges lie ahead we face them with confidence putting our trust in God, everything will work out, ‘Le Cúnamh Dé’.
Thank you to all in all our parishes who have worked together to ensure that all parish life has recommenced after Covid: The Sacraments, prayer and handing on the faith; the social life of every community; care and support to situations where there is need.
Thank you to our priests, deacons, parish secretaries, sacristans, choirs and so many others. Thank God for all local volunteers.
This Christmas remember a prayer for situations of need both local and global. I think of people among us who are ill, greatly troubled or bereaved.
I think of the many couples and individuals in our parishes who have tried everything and still cannot secure a place to make their home. I think of the urgency of peace where there is war and for all nations to unite to face the challenge of global warming.
The Christmas lights in town, a great outdoor Christmas tree, or simply observing the wide-eyed wonder of a little child looking at Santa, warmly touches our hearts each Christmas. For me very special moments occur at the crib in church.
The crib is a tribute to the Christmas story and to the creative, artistic and craft skills of a parish team assembled each year to ‘do the crib’. It is special just to watch people of all ages come to the crib and pause for a while!
The Cathedral crib here in Killarney is a must visit for families from far and near each year. There are all the usual elements: the Holy family and the shepherds; the cow, the donkey, and the sheep; the stables, the manger and the straw. Additional elements vary: trees, flowers and a fawn; a pond with some ducks; doves or a robin; and the lights of Bethlehem in the background.
The focal point is the new-born baby Jesus. Mary is gazing down at her child bringing our focus to the child. Why is a baby born in a stable so important? We ponder the mystery, “He shall be called Emmanuel” a name which means ‘God-is-with-us’. Mt 1:23
Put the crib scene, the birth of Jesus, at the centre of your Christmas. Let it remind you that God ‘so loves the world’, and that all of us have so much to be grateful for. Let God’s goodness to us inspire our goodness to others.
Le gach dea-ghuí, í gcomhair na Nollag. Every Christmas blessing on all in our communities.
+ Ray Browne- Diocese of Kerry- Christmas 2022.
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a very Happy & Holy Christmas
THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST 25TH DEC.
Thank You – ‘Míle Buíochas’
As we celebrate Christmas and bring the year 2022 to a close, I feel that I’m very privileged and indeed it is my honour to work with you as your Parish Priest here in Listowel. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for the support that you give to your Parish and to me personally throughout the year. It takes a lot of people to make a Parish active and to keep it going in these difficult and challenging times. It could not happen only that we are blessed with good staff, Parish Secretary Denise and both sacristans Helen and Martina and a lot of volunteers who are dedicated to our Parish. Many of you work behind the scenes and you might feel your work sometimes goes unnoticed, but each person in their own right play their part, and each does it so well. A special thanks to Fr. Martin, Fr. Jack, Fr. Brendan & Fr. Anthony of our Pastoral Area.
I thank the Parish Finance Council who keeps an eye on the Parish Finances. I thank the Parish Pastoral Council and the Safeguarding Committee for their support and guidance. Thanks to the Parish Liturgy Group who co-ordinate the various ministries and liturgies. The Eucharistic Ministers, the lectors / readers, the collectors, the counters who count the offerings, the Parish Choir, the Parish Folk Group, the members, their directors and musicians. We are blessed to have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament weekly in our Parish. Thank you all who make it possible. We have the Padre Pio Prayer Group & Legion of Mary who run their regular meetings - I’m not forgetting our Altar Servers, their parents and teachers for their support. You all do a great job, and your help is much appreciated.
To those who clean the church - not alone is this done for Christmas, but it is done quietly all year around. Those who donate flowers and look after both inside and outside the church and Presbytery grounds throughout the year. So many visitors remark on how well each place looks. This is a tribute to you, so take a bow. To those of you who put up the Crib and those who are available at moments call to do the various maintenance jobs throughout the year.
We are dependant on each other for friendship, support, and finance. Thank you for your generosity and kindness to your Parish and to me personally right throughout the year. I pray that God will bless and reward you and your family with all his gifts this Christmas and throughout the new year of 2023.
God Bless Fr. Declan PP Listowel. Dec 2022
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OSVi Christmas Email Graphic 2022_header
It’s a beautiful mystery of our faith: We celebrate the birth of Jesus with such magnitude because we know the end of the story.
Jesus’ human birth makes possible the death of His earthly body – which He conquers through His glorious Resurrection. The humble entrance of Jesus into the flesh of man in a stable at Bethlehem is as miraculous as His Ascension into Heaven where He sits at the right hand of God the Father and reigns forever. This tiny infant with ten fingers and ten toes becomes the hands that heal and the feet that walk the road to Calvary. His swaddled skin is kissed by Mary and, under Pontius Pilate, is torn for our sins, so that through this redemption, we can join Christ in Heaven to live for eternity.
So, we marvel at the infant and give thanks to God for His unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15)
In the serenity of the gazes in the Nativity – we focus our own eyes upon the child who brings about our own salvation. We enter into the mystery of welcoming life and death together with open arms.
Our prayer for you is that Christ opens your heart to welcoming new life in all its forms, in the growth of families, jobs, friends, ministries and talents that you share with the world. We also pray that you welcome the death of any vice, sin and earthly desires that prevent you from the fullness of life that God has in store for you.
May God give you the courage and joy to enter into the battlefield for souls and bless you abundantly throughout the coming year.
God Bless,
The OSV Institute Team
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
18th December 2022, 4th Sunday of Advent.
Dear Parishioner,
If you saw last week’s issue of ‘Dear Parishioner’ or that of
the week before, you will know that the December issue of ‘Reality magazine’
is the final issue of the very popular religious magazine. Despite that populari-
ty, Redemptorist Publications have found that, due to falling sales and rapidly
costs of production, it is not longer possible to produce the magazine. In last
weekend’s ‘Dear Parishioner’, you got the chance to read the first half of an
article ‘A Trip Down Memory Lane’. The sub-title of the article by historian,
Salvador Ryan, was ‘Reality Magazine Has Played A Hugely Important Role In
Irish Cultural Life Over Almost Eight Decades’. In the first half of the article,
Ryan wrote about the impact of various religious magazines in Ireland and says
about them, ‘Religious magazines have played a hugely important role in Irish
cultural life over much if the twentieth and early twenty first centuries.’ In this
issue, he continues writing about ‘a flavour of some of the references to the
magazine and its content in the national and provincial papers in the late
1960s and early 1970s.’
Christmas Wildlife: During the past few months, well known environmental-
ist, Éanna Ní Lamhna, has been writing a column in Intercom Magazine. In the
latest edition, her topic is Christmas Wildlife. She writes about the origin of
bringing holly and ivy into houses, to be used for decoration. “Some people
think that this is a Christian tradition – that the prickles on the holly bring to
mind the crown of thorns that Jesus wore, while the red berries remind us of
his blood but the tradition is way older than that. It dates from Neolithic
times, when the earliest farmers relied entirely on the sun and daylight for
their crops and herds. They built places like Newgrange, where the lowest
point in the sky the sun reached could be measured. I am sure they watched
with great concern, on the days after the solstice, to see would the sun start
again to move higher in the sky rather than continue its slow descent and,
perhaps, vanish altogether. When it could be definitely ascertained that the
sun was moving higher again, there was great rejoicing that the Sun god, Lugh,
had not abandoned them. They rushed into the wood, to see if they could
gather any living plant to bring indoors to celebrate that life would contin-
ue. In those ancient deciduous forests long ago, holly and ivy were two of the
few plants in leaf at that time and so were borne joyfully indoors and we are
still doing it.” (Fr. Denis O’Mahony
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A Trip Down Memory Lane (continued from last week)
Reality Magazine Has Played A Hugely Important Role In Irish Cultural Life
Over Almost Eight Decades
The Nationalist and Leinster Times for 29 August 1969, meanwhile, pre-
viewed the September 1969 issue of Reality, which included Fr Brian Power
communicating the results of a survey of UCD students on how well Irish
clergy did their job. At least one-third of the participants thought Irish
clergy were somehow out of touch with at least some section of the peo-
ple they ministered to. They also criticised clerical conservatism, whether
sincerely held by individual priests themselves or, as a result of being inhib-
ited by ecclesiastical authority. Meanwhile, Sr Angelice Seibert, an Ursuline
nun from Louisville, Kentucky, who lectured for a time in biochemistry at
UCG, conducted a survey of the attitude of the laity to the role of
nuns. She found that respondents were in unison in urging religious to
bring the gospel of Christ to people through ‘closer identification’ with
them. In the same issue, Father Anthony McHugh discusses James Plun-
kett’s portrayal of the clergy in Strumpet City. He regrets that Pope Leo
XIII’s Rerum Novarum largely fell on deaf ears and that, therefore, the fol-
lowing situation obtained: “The clergy at times were so anxious to reject
the condemned form of socialism that they ended up unwittingly also
condemning the forms that were good. The unhappy impression given
was that Dublin’s downtrodden might starve, but at least it would be in
orthodoxy.”
The Donegal Democrat, on 24 December 1971, in its preview for the Janu-
ary 1972 issue of Reality, mentions an article on ‘Priests and Politics. Reli-
gious as Revolutionaries?’ in which Fr Sean O’Riordan considers the situa-
tion of the priest who, because of his very deep dedication to Christianity,
feels he must be a revolutionary. As a practical example of this, it contin-
ues, Fr Anthony McHugh relates the story of Camilo Torres, priest revolu-
tionary, who “made the ultimate sacrifice and died as a guerrilla fight-
er.” More prosaically, but no less importantly, the Tipperary Star on 10
October 1970 highlights a recent article in Reality. “Two into one won’t
go,” written by Larry Sheedy, editor of the Irish Farmer’s Journal, discusses
the problem of two families living together in one house, including the fol-
lowing piece of domestic wisdom: “Sure, you can live with your mother-in-
law but, only
if you are both angels and guaranteed to remain that way. Otherwise, the
odds are bad.”
Women’s Lib: Meanwhile, the Waterford News and Star commented on
the May 1971 issue of Reality, particularly its discussion of the Women’s
Liberation movement. Mary Salmon, a secondary school teacher, opined in
one article, “Women are different, happily for the human race ...”. In the
same issue, it continues, Rita Canton, a Dublin mother of five, penned an
article on “Should mothers go out to work?” It also details how Father
Sean O’Loughlin, C.Ss.R. “faces up to the question: ‘Is devotion to Mary out
of date?’”, and, making little effort to mask its editorial stance, the Water-
ford News and Star concludes that he “comes down on the side of the an-
gels – and thinking Christians.” The Irish Independent of 29 May 1971 re-
ports on a Reality article by Rev. Dr James Good, who reports how, all over
the world, the Church-controlled school system is dying, and presciently
concludes that “It would be unrealistic of us to think that Ireland was not
going to be affected.”
Topical Content This is but a flavour of some of the stories that got picked
up in the wider press in the years immediately following Vatican II. The
topical nature of Reality’s contents would remain strong in the decades fol-
lowing, retaining its thoughtfulness and generating conversation and, at
times, controversy. One thing it never was, was dull. On a personal note, I
consider myself very fortunate to have been a regular contributor to Reali-
ty for many years under the excellent editorships of Fr Gerard Moloney, Fr
Brendan McConvery, and, more recently, Triona Doherty. My first contri-
bution comprised some reflections on attending the Solemn Novena in
Holycross Abbey for the first time since childhood and an effort to better
understand the enduring attraction of novenas. Other subjects I wrote on
included: Christmas traditions in biblical and extra-biblical sources; Martin
Luther; Pope Paul III and the Council of Trent; the Synod of Thurles and the
Devotional Revolution; the “forgotten” Pope Benedict XV; the faith (and
doubt) of Thomas McDonagh; Irish folklore; Pope Paul VI; the Legion of
Mary’s work in Russia; the mountain shrine of Our Lady of Letnica, Kosovo;
and many more. In each case, I ended up learning something new. I hope I
also managed to share that excitement of learning new things with others.
Reality will be much missed. May Redemptorist Communications succeed
in finding new ways of continuing its valuable mission into the future.
(Salvador Ryan Reality December 2022)
The message of Christmas is that the visible material world is bound to the
invisible spiritual world. (Author unknown, in Reality December 2022)
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel
John Byrne OSA Intercom (December 2022)
The text speaks of how ‘God with us’ was revealed to the world in the
person of Jesus 2000 years ago. I suggest that we move on from there to
consider how we become aware of ‘God with us’ now in our daily lives
1.It took some time for Joseph to accept the fact that, in Mary, there truly
was Emmanuel – God with us. God is with us now, but at times we strug-
gle to perceive God’s presence.
Where have you unexpectedly discovered the presence of ‘God with
you’? Recall those experiences and give thanks.
2.Joseph was confused and uncertain about what he should do. It took
time, and outside help, for him to discern what his next step should be.
Perhaps you have also had difficulties along the way to some decisions or
commitments.
Recall that journey and the moments when it became clear to you what
was being asked of you.
Give thanks for the angels who helped you along the way.
3.Mary bore Jesus within her, unseen to all, and unacknowledged by most.
In Joseph she found one who believed in the treasure that she bore.
We can be bearers of Jesus to others, and they to us.
When have you been that kind of a bearer of Jesus to another?
Who has been that to you?
Thought for the Day
The presence of the poor and the lonely in the Nativity scene remind us
that God became man for the sake of those who feel most in need of his
love and who ask him to draw near to them. Jesus was born in poverty and
led a simple life to teach us to recognise what is essential and act accord-
ingly. The nativity scene clearly teaches us that we cannot allow our-
selves be fooled by wealth and fleeting promises of happiness. From the
Manger, Jesus proclaims, in a meek yet powerful way, the need for sharing
with the poor as the path to a more human and fraternal world in which no
is excluded or marginalised. (Pope Francis in Intercom magazine, Dec.
2022/Jan.2023)
Christmas has lost its meaning for us, because we have lost the spirit of
expectancy. We cannot prepare for an observance. We must prepare for
an experience. (Handel Brown in Reality Magazine, December 2022
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Reflection
NOTE FROM FR.JIM......
Firstly I’d like to wish you all every heavenly blessing this Christmas. I’ll be
offering up Holy Mass during the Christmas season for all your intentions. I’ll have
those who are grieving in anyway especially in my heart. I know from experience
that Christmas can be a very difficult and challenging time for so many. Those who
lost loved ones doing the year for those who find themselves alone or lonely. I
know some who are looking forward to seeing the back of 2022 after an array of
difficulties during the past year. But it’s important as we look and meditate on the
situation of the first Christmas we can see that things were less than ideal. Yet
that ‘awful’ situation changed the world for the good. May we as a Christian people
be people of ‘Hope’, and know that the God of love we worship and trust in
sometimes ‘draws straight with crooked lines’. I pray that 2023 will bring us all as
a parish abundance of blessings but especially abundance of faith. I’d like also to
take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for your incredible support and
kindness shown to me since I’ve arrived last July. I’m very happy to be your Parish
Priest and to journey with you in good times and in bad. May the Child Jesus
always be our model for life and may we work with him to make this world a better
place
. Fr. Jim Lenihan
----------------------------------------
Loreto was born in Youghal, Co Cork, and completed her Secondary School education at Loreto Convent in Fermoy, Co Cork. After her Leaving Certificate, Loreto applied to do Nursing, and while she waited for this to start, she attended the Household Management course in Ramsgrange. About 60 girls were accepted to this comprehensive course every year. It consisted of units of basic and large-scale cookery, needlework, craft, laundry and poultry keeping. Loreto has very fond memories of the teachers, especially of Sr Immaculata Dempsey SSL, to whom she attributes her call to join the St Louis order in Ramsgrange.
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We are delighted to share with you extracts from the 59th interview in the "Telling Our Story" series, in which Carina Muldoon SSL and Mary Healy SSL were interviewed by Máire Cannon SSL on November 14, 2022. In their interview, Carina and Mary focus on their work in St Joseph’s Training School in Middletown, Northern Ireland and also pay tribute to Catherine Dunne SSL (RIP), the first nun to be killed in the Northern Ireland “troubles”. Catherine worked in St Joseph’s, and was killed by an IRA bomb on July 24, 1990 as she gave a lift home to a colleague, Cathy McCann.
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No Place Like Home
by Perpetua Apo SSL
For the last year or so, I have been living in Addis Ababa with the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary and have felt very welcome despite the limited rooms for visitors. I am more like a community member than a guest, taking turns to cook, shop, clean, garden and prepare the liturgy. It is good to know there are lots of similarities in our prayers -----------------
And now the hope of returning to Dawhan has been dashed due to the recent news that our convent and school have been completely looted by the foreign soldiers. They took whatever they could and destroyed what they couldn’t take away.
https://sistersofstlouis.newsweaver.com/Newsletter/nbms5c2e282dxav81nwt7w?email=true&lang=en&a=2&p=62499285&t=19890255
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To help you better prepare spiritually for the Birth of Our Lord, additional Confession times will be added beginning tomorrow: please check the times. On the subject of Confession, we kindly ask the "regulars" of Sacred Heart Church to confess during the week in order to allow others to confess on Sunday, which begins at 9:45 am and ends 10:20 am (so that Holy Mass will always begin on time). The general rule for Confessions to prepare well (be brief and complete) and not wait until the very last minute.
Christmas schedule is now on display; please pay special attention to Mass times during the week after Christmas. You can enroll your beloved ones in the Novena of Masses which commences at Midnight Mass. All your intentions will also be included in honour of the Infant Child Jesus.
I would like to remind you that Christmas dues envelopes can be dropped off either in the collection basket during Mass or in the donation box at the back of the church. Thank you for your generosity, from which €25,000 had gone towards the painting of the church and €7,500 to our seminary to support the formation of Irish vocations, your future priests. Speaking of the seminary, please pray for the Rector, Canon Phillippe Mora, who turns 71 tomorrow.
Mr. Robert Ellis, the father of Reverend Mother Madeleine-Marie of the Sister Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus Christ Sovereign Priest, passed away on Monday while in the presence of his family, after having received Last Rites. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his family during their time of grief. May the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe obtain for him peace in Heaven, and consolation for all whom he has left behind.
On 21st December, the 6 pm Mass will be celebrated for Ita Collins on the anniversary of her death.
Lastly, I hope that your children have benefited from Abbé Bocci's catechism classes. Please note that today's lesson will be the last for the year and it will resume on Sunday, 15th January 2023.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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How God Loves You
The Lord remains faithful even amidst our unfaithfulness. Although it can seem like you cannot see God, he remains present because of his unshakeable love. God remains despite all else, and his love is everlasting.
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Enrol your Loved Ones Today!
The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest in Ireland invites you to enrol your loved ones in our Christmas Novena of Masses.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered from Midnight Mass throughout the Octave of our Lord's Nativity at the Sacred Heart Church in Limerick for those enrolled and their intentions.
This Christmas, give those on your Christmas list the Eternal Gift. Enrol them in the Institute's Christmas Novena of Masses today!
May Christ, the Holy Infant King, bless you always and fill your year with His heavenly grace.
Please email us the names of your loved ones at: icksp.limerick@gmail.com
May the Divine Infant bless you!
Canon Lebocq
Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest Sovereign Priest
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The Croatian team at the 2022 World Cup is a beautiful example to the world!
The Croatian team at this year’s World Cup in Qatar made headlines for their outspoken, visual example of their passion for the Catholic faith.
Many photos surfaced on social media showing the coach, players, and even a Croatian parliament member exemplifying zeal for the faith.
Below are several viral posts of Croatian team members showing their love for the saints, the rosary, and their Catholic faith.
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12 Dec 2022;
Forty-two years ago today, Mother Angelica, stepping out in incredible faith in the Lord, founded EWTN.
We commemorate August 15, 1981, as the date Mother Angelica flipped the switch and launched our first broadcast. However, EWTN was formally established on December 12, 1980. Significantly, both of these dates are Marian feast days: the launch date on the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary and the founding of the Network on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Mother Angelica wanted the world to know about the love of Our Lord, once saying, “We’re going to do this Network worldwide together for Jesus. That’s our gift to the world: love, kindness, and goodness.”
Even though Mother passed away on Easter Sunday 2016, we continue the work that she started. With the support of you, our EWTN Family, we tell the world about Jesus, the Blessed Virgin, the Saints, and the Sacraments every day of the year.
And as we reach the nations with the Gospel message, we know that everything started with a cloistered nun with only $200, and we thank the Lord for Mother’s faith and for His guidance. To learn more about Mother Angelica and the founding of EWTN, please visit ewtn.com/motherangelica.
May God bless you on this anniversary of EWTN’s founding.
In Christ, Your EWTN Family
Growing Closer to God
The only way to God is through love. You can grow closer to the Lord through the gifts he has given you. During the Advent season, take some time to reflect on God's greatness and how he calls you to know him more through love.
The Faithful Remnant
How does God want you to prepare for Christmas? The remnant of Israel acts as a model and shows how God calls you to be faithful to him even when the majority is not. The key to this faithfulness is being humble and lowly of heart. When we realize everything we have is a gift from God, we grow in humility.
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Littlest Saints depicts the lives of the saints as told by kids. In honor of today’s feast, a boy with his sneakers and a giant sombrero take up the story of St. Juan Diego’s miraculous encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary. How far will Our Lady ask him to reach out in faith, trust, and confidence?
https://watch.formed.org/littest-saints/season:1/videos/our-lady-of-guadalupe-littlest-saints-episode-1
To Christ Through Mary
Today's readings describe the beautiful image of Mary bearing the Child Jesus in her womb. In doing this, she becomes the new Temple—the new dwelling place of God. When you seek out Mary, she will lead you to her Son, the Messiah.
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Weekly Newsletter
Third Sunday of Advent- Gaudete Sunday
11th December 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
Having honoured the Immaculate Conception, we are well advancing towards the Birthday of Our Savior. We have arrived on the Third Sunday of Advent, better know as Gaudete Sunday. The Church begins today's Mass with this reminder: Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord always). Let us not forget the beginning of the Immaculate Conception also began with joy: Gaudens gaudebo in Dómino (I will heartily rejoice in the Lord). As Catholics we must have joy in our hearts because it is the sign that we have charity. You can learn more about joy on the next page.
You will have the opportunity to spread this joy with charity at tea after Mass—hot beverage will certainly warm you up. Speaking of heat, we would like to apologise for the recent problems with our heating system. This discomfort should serve as a reminder to us keep our souls warm with the fire of charity... and seek the grace of a good and sincere Confession in order to more worthily receive Our Lord at Communion. We have found a temporary solution but major work will be necessary to replace the boiler.
You will see less of the community during the week as Canon Ong will be taking the seminarians to our sisters' convent in Ardee to have some peace and quiet to take their exams. Please pray to Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom and Saint Thomas Aquinas for their studies. Also, our sisters are currently in Belfast to visit the Church of Immaculate Heart of Mary. Don't you worry, they also have plans to visit Limerick soon.
We would like to thank all the volunteers who came to install the Christmas trees. It was a little tricky this year due to the scaffoldings but I think we managed alright. Our gratitude also extends to those who helped prepare the beautiful crib for the Infant King. I hope you like the new figurines—they were traditionally handmade in Naples.
We would also like to thank Windows 2000, a local window cleaning company, who offer their services annually to clean the facade free of charge.
The Christmas dues envelopes have been placed at the back of the church. As you can imagine, due to the ongoing painting and restoration of the Church, we will certainly be met with additional expenses. Thank you for your generosity this year to help cover these costs. (Please click here to donate online).
There are also new posters displayed the back of the Church to show you the progress of the painting of the sanctuary.
Lastly, in the spirit of supporting local Catholic events, Stella Maris School has asked us to promote their Christmas Concert which will take place tomorrow at 12pm at the school. For this reason there will exceptionally be no confession tomorrow (Monday).
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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Be Joyful
Without Christ, your heart can become like a dry and arid desert. But when you allow him to enter your heart, this desert is transformed into a rich and fruitful field. Today, let the Lord enter your heart and rejoice at the fruit that is brought forth.
Repentance & Reconciliation
Today, the Church reminds us of John the Baptist's important role during Advent. Like the prophet Elijah, John the Baptist prepared the people for the coming Messiah by turning them away from sin and toward God. As we prepare for the Messiah this Advent, take some time to ready your own heart through repentance and reconciliation.
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NOTE FROM FR.JIM Lenihan 15 Dec 2022......
As I see the annual over the top, running and racing preparations for Christmas
getting into full swing, I’m reminded of an article I read recently called ‘Does
speeding get you there faster?’
By Matthew Kelly. It said. ‘A study conducted by the University of
Sydney found that the average driver saved just two minutes a week or 26
seconds per day by speeding. Almost all theoretical gains are lost by unexpected
delays but even if you could travel at a constant speed of 120 km per hour in a 90
km hour zone for 50 km you would only save 8.7 minutes. So is speeding worth it?
Taking into account the costs of speeding such as the stress and anxiety of
getting penalty points and a fine. The increased chance of causing an accident.
Financial penalties and possible restrictions to your life if your license is revoked
and the obvious and not so obvious impact of all of these things on your health. It
becomes clear that the risks far outweigh the rewards and yet we speed through
life joylessly.’ What this article reminds us of is the futility of running and racing
and the importance of taking time to pray, ponder, slow down and reflect. His
phrase ‘speeding through life joylessly’ is so true. But the irony is our methods of
preparing to celebrate the ‘Joy’ of Christmas during the Advent season is causing
us to lose all joy. So slow down as we journey toward Christmas. Slow down to the
speed of goodness, Slow down to the speed of generosity, Slow down to the speed
of patience and wisdom. Slow down to the speed of God. We pray that the Lord
will help us get off this treadmill we’re on and allow Him to pour His joy and peace
into our lives and the lives of our family this Christmas.
ADVENT PRAYER
God of Love, Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. He is a sign of your love.
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for
his coming. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Saviour.
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Fr Jim Lenihan;
NOTE FROM FR.JIM......
In June after celebrating 25 years of Priesthood I did an awful lot of reflecting
and pondering on all the ups and downs of my life over the past quarter of a
century of serving God in the Priesthood. Without hesitation I can safely say I’d
love to do it all over again. The great blessings I’ve received from God are amazing
and I know I am totally unworthy. I’ve so many people to thank for their amazing
love and support over those years especially my own family. But I genuinely feel I
would not be able to say what I have just said if it wasn’t for a place called
Medjugorie. So many people I know had like me their lives truly blessed there. It’s
a game changer. And for that reason I’d love to take a pilgrimage from our parish
here in Glenflesk. It will be a place where you will receive great peace and healing.
You will totally realise that God does exists and He really loves you. He has a
wonderful plan for your life and wants to help you find it. Here are the details of
the trip: Flying Cork - Dubrovnik. Dates: June 14th. -21st.
The cost €849 (Insurance €39) per person sharing. If you’d like a single room the
cost is €154 extra. To secure a place the deposit is €300. If one pays full payment
before Christmas they’ll be a €100 reduction. Please pray and discern whether or
not the Lord wants you there. To book a place contact Catherine Mills on:
086 1602201 and she’ll give you the details on how to book with JWT afterwards.
Please pray for the success of our pilgrimage.
ADVENT WREATH
Advent meaning 'coming', celebrates the coming of Christ.
The circular shape of the Advent Wreath reminds us of God Himself, eternal and
endlessly merciful. It is evergreen, reminding us of the hope of eternal life. The
four outer candles incorporated into the
display represent the time of waiting and
preparation of the Messiah during the four
Sundays of Advent. On the first, second
and fourth Sundays the purple (violet)
candles are lit and on the third Sunday
(Gaudete Sunday) the rose coloured candle
is lit. The light of the candles reminds us
of the light of the world and the prophetic
promise of His coming. The white candle of
the Advent Wreath, is lit on Christmas Eve
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THANKS: For the sky above me, for the earth at my feet, for the sun in the morning, for water rushing downstream, for the breath in my lungs, for the beat of my heart, for all these things, I thank You, dear Lord. For all I have accomplished, for what lies ahead, for the promise of tomorrow, Lord – Thank you.
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THOUGHT: Good people are like streetlights along the roads. They don’t make the distance short, but they light up the path & make the walk easy and safe.
Everyone wants to be the sunshine to brighten up someone’s else’s day.
But don’t forget, you can also be a shining moon in someone’s darkest hour
LAST WORD: Don’t let any of the wrong things drain your energy. You need all your energy for the right things.
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Freedom from Sin
Mary's Immaculate Conception is a reminder of God's original plan for mankind—to be free from sin. When sin enters our lives, we often turn away from God out of fear. However, the Lord still desires to be reunited with us and have us return to our original state of sinlessness in heaven.
The Goodness of His Law
God does not give us burdensome laws and rules but asks us to do what is good for us. His way is for your good and will lead you to happiness. But who is your shepherd? Are you allowing the Lord to guide you, or do you lead yours
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Joan Frawley Desmond Nation- December 8, 2022
MENLO PARK, Calif. — When Catholics gather for Mass on Christmas Day this year, the readings for the liturgy will include one of the most famous and powerful passages from the Gospel of John: “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.”
The passage affirms the coming of the Christ Child as the fulfillment of God’s plan for the salvation of the world. But it does not describe the Virgin Mary’s actual experience delivering her Divine Son in that rough stable in Bethlehem.
https://www.ncregister.com/news/meet-servant-of-god-cora-evans?utm_campaign=NCR&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=237170052&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Ah6V2pN5xqaCjmPjAnAU4mQA3C73XGAhi18VKyY9l2_zcuVXOOAv3OPMLrFfR8Ng-eYcb2DjErHHsZI4pDHmzMkiRkA&utm_content=237170052&utm_source=hs_email
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The Bend in the Road
A poem by Helen Steiner Rice
Sometimes we come to life’s crossroads
We view what we think is the end;
But God has a much wider vision
And He knows that it’s only a bend.
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we’ve stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger
Let go, and let God share your load,
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow
You’ve just come to a bend in the road.
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Bring Your Burdens
God does not grow faint or weary. Instead, he strengthens those who wait upon him. Today, the Lord invites you to give him your burdens, and he will give you rest.
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The Beauty of Reconciliation
God is eager to be reconciled with all sinners. This Advent, prepare your heart by making room for Christ within. Through the sacrament of Reconciliation, you can experience the comfort and consolation the Lord promises.
Seeing God
It can be challenging to pray even when the Lord is not visible. However, today's readings remind you to place your hope in the Lord, for God blesses those who wait for him.
Hoping in the Lord
Today is a reminder of how the Lord fulfills his promises. Just as he fulfilled his promise of the Messiah, so too will he fulfill his promises to you. Through this, you can hope and trust in the Lord as you turn to him.
Embracing God's Mercy
This week, the Lord invites you to think about repentance and forgiveness. God is willing and eager to forgive you of your sins—he only asks that you take the first step. Take that step today by scheduling your next Confession.
Loving and Waiting
Today, the Church invites you to wait for the Lord, even amidst hardship. When you lose patience, you lose your hope and love for God. However, patience can increase your faith and trust in the Lord and renew your sense of peace.
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For the last 20 years, Hodges has helped more than 40,000 inmates in dozens of prisons through the Partnership for Re-Entry Program, or PREP, a ministry of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. The restorative justice program provides in-prison coaching and self-development courses that help formerly incarcerated individuals become productive members of society.
The program has an office in Los Angeles with 10 people on staff, all but one of whom have been incarcerated before. The correspondence-based courses PREP offers are in all 34 California prisons and more than 15 out-of-state prisons.
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COP27; November 14, 2022
When I heard that the United Nations climate conference, COP27, was taking place this year on the Sinai Peninsula, my heart and mind immediately traveled back to a church pilgrimage my family and I took to Mount Sinai in November 1966. We were living in Egypt at the time. A caravan of about 20 cars and vans drove two days northeast from Cairo across the Suez Canal and then south along the Red Sea through the desert wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula. We stopped numerous times to push vehicles stuck in the sand, urgently trying to arrive at our destination, St. Catherine Monastery, before the gates closed to visitors at nightfall.
We made it just in time, relieved to have the doors of the tall granite-walled enclosure opened by one of the Eastern Orthodox monks, welcoming us into the world's longest continuously operating Christian monastery. An oasis of green treated our eyes in the monastic compound, resting in the shadow of Mount Sinai, in stark contrast to the desolate wilderness through which we had driven. We ate a simple dinner in the refectory and then went to separate dormitories, for women and for men, for the night. Rising early the next morning, we were greeted by a caravan of colorfully bedecked camels and their Bedouin drivers waiting to transport us as far up Mount Sinai as one could go on a camel, walking the rest of the way up stone steps constructed centuries ago by monks as an act of penitence.
https://www.globalsistersreport.org/cop27-attendees-are-standing-holy-ground
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As to what Catholic sisters in Brazil can do to help the new administration, both Nolan and Martins Silva agree: bring citizens into the discussions.
"We need an informed population," Nolan said. "We need to do what Pope Francis has asked: maintain a social consciousness. We need a church that's involved in social issues. … Lula will need to pay more attention to the role that the population can have."
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Weekly Newsletter
Last Sunday after Pentecost
20th November 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
Another year has passed and here we are at the end of another liturgical year. It is through the liturgy that we live the Life of Our Lord and Saviour when He dwelled amongst us. Today is the Last Sunday after Pentecost and you will notice that while the propers are that of last week's, the readings have a different tone about them... they are eschatological in nature. What does this word mean? It is made up of two Greek words eschatos, uttermost and logos, discourse on... Eschatology is as such a theological study of the last things: death, particular and general judgments, heaven, hell, and purgatory.
Holy Mother Church has reserved this month which concludes the liturgical year to bring our attention to these realities which awaits us all at the conclusion of our life and that of the world. Our Lord warns us to not be too ready to give to talks about the abomination of desolation: "Then if any man shall say to you: Lo here is Christ, or there, do not believe him." Let us simply prepare, with the help of God's grace, for our end in view of our own salvation.
We are glad to have Canon Poucin during the past week. We hope that you were able to profit spiritually from his presence. We look forward to welcoming Canon Tanner this coming week. It is always helpful to have the presence of another priest in the apostolate during the absence of the Prior.
My travels continue next week: once again to Ardee and Belfast and then also to Italy where I will some meetings in Rome. I will profit from this trip to make a short visit to our seminary. I will most gladly send your greetings and prayers to the Irish seminarians — I am sure they would delighted to hear from the Sacred Heart Church!
I would like to just remind you that Novena of Masses for Holy Souls of your loved ones begins Monday. Have you returned your November List? All names will be included during the celebration of these nine consecutive Masses, which will be followed by the recitation of a Novena prayer for the Souls in Purgatory. Hence we will celebrate a Requiem Mass this Friday at 6 pm followed by absolution. (There will be no devotions after Mass.)
Lastly, as the year ends, a new one begins... and what better way than with the beautiful season of Advent. As you know, we will sing different melody for the Asperges, Kyriale, Sanctus, and Agnus on Sunday. You can find Mass XVII on page 79 in your Mass booklets.
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Live stream from the Sacred Heart Church
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
20th November, 2022. Feast of Christ the King.
Dear Parishioner,
One page of the November issue of Intercom is given to
‘Vatican News.’ The first item is called ‘Bread of Hope’. A short note is
given before the piece: ‘The Bread of Hope is a name given to an initiative
that saw prison inmates preparing the hosts for the 27th National
Eucharistic Congress, that took place in the southern Italian city of Matera,
22-25 September last.’ The second item has a headline, ‘Queen Elizabeth
was a driving force behind excellent UK-Holy See relations. The article goes
as follows: Following the death of Queen Elizabeth 11, the British
ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott, shared his thoughts on the
legacy of the late Queen and her support for the excellent diplomatic
relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See. Ambassador Trott
presented his Letters of Credence to Pope Francis on 4th September 2021.
Appointed by the late Queen Elizabeth 11, he was chosen to continue
building on the past forty years of full diplomatic relations between the
United Kingdom and the Holy See.
In the wake of Her Majesty’s death Ambassador
Trott granted an interview with Vatican News, to express his personal
sadness at the passing of the Queen. He also highlighted the importance
she unfalteringly gave to the official relationship that exists between the
UK and the Holy See, as well as her own warm personal relationship with
he hopes throughout her 70 years as monarch. The ambassador concluded
his remarks: ‘It is important for us to be remembering the guiding hand of
Queen Elizabeth’s faith, and I just wanted to quote from her Christmas
message in 2002, when she said ‘I know just how much I rely on my own
faith to guide me through the good times and the bad; each day is a new
beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to do what is right
and to l take the long view, to give my best in all that the day brings and
put my trust in God.’ I got the impression that this is also the way that
Prince Charles, now King Charles, is approaching his new role. (Devin
Watkins, Vatican News)
The third item in ‘Vatican News’ was ‘US Bishops issue Synthesis finalising
diocesan phase of Synod’. It concluded with a comment from the
chairman,
‘Pope Francis frequently reminds us that synodality is not a one-time event,
but an invitation to an ongoing style of Church life. (Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
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With Eyes Wide Open Jim Deeds
Seeing The World With New Eyes
The Experience Of Bereavement Can Lead Us To Greater Empathy For
Others In Their Pain
Sometimes I hear another person say something so awesome, so purely
true, that it seems at once that I am hearing it for the first time and yet
have always known it to be so. These moments often come in the middle
of quiet, personal conversations and are spoken by honest people,
uninterested in painting any false sense of themselves and they are often
things that are, on one level, quite simple and uncomplicated. I had one
such experience some time ago I would like to share with you. I was
walking with a friend I have known for many years. Our conversations are
always wide-ranging and often cut to the heart of very serious matters. As
we talked and walked towards the City Cemetery here in Belfast, my friend
was reminded of the death of his mother. He spoke to me about the time
shortly after her death and how he felt. Then he said the thing that really
stuck with me. “You know how, after a loss or bereavement, you see the
world differently and you’re open to seeing other people’s sadness
differently. You’re more in touch with the word in a new way. Well...” He
went on to tell me a story but more of that in a minute. Let’s just stick with
what he said so far. It was like a revelation, yet it was a timeless truth that
I not only knew but had experienced myself without necessarily putting
words to the experience.
I was transported immediately to the time after the big losses in my life:
my grandparents, my best friend Fearghal, my mentor Fr. Tom Toner, my
parents-in-law. I saw myself in the aftermath of their deaths. As his words
hit my ears and travelled to my brain and then some deep part of my heart
and soul, I knew that I also saw the world differently for a time. I knew
that the colours of the world looked different. Sometimes they were duller
but also, after a bereavement, as time inevitably marches, there are
moments of unspeakable (almost painful) beauty; a sunrise or sunset, a
flower, an animal, a child’s smile. So many things can awaken the
emotions of one recently bereaved and what he had said about seeing
other people’s sadness or troubles differently resonated with me too. I
remember seeing grieving people with a different empathy after my own
bereavements. I knew I couldn’t feel their pain, but I had felt that sort of
pain. I could unite myself
with them in it and pray for them in a new way.
We were, indeed, brothers and sisters. My friend went on to tell me of one
of his experiences in this grieving time, while travelling in Europe. He and
his partner had been out for a night in a club and, having had a good night,
they set out for their hotel. On the way, they saw a homeless family, mum,
dad, and children. He could see them and the pain they felt in that
situation. He could really see them and really feel for them. They were
his brothers and sisters. Particularly seeing a family, he was struck by the
thought that he should buy them some food. He did so, and they accepted
it and were gracious in accepting the kindness of a stranger. Beautiful, but
the story doesn’t end here. As they walked away, touched by their
experience, someone else had witnessed what they had done and this
person was moved by it. He approached them; a young African-American
man. He told them he had seen what they had done and wanted to give
them something, the only thing he had to give. He sang them a song! He
stood in the street of a European city, this African-American man singing
‘Georgia,’ the old jazz/blues song, for these young, generous, grieving Irish
people so recently bereaved of their beautiful mummy. He repaid their gift
to the homeless family with a gift of his very own. My friend saw the
world differently after his sadness opened him up to the reality of the
world and that reality is this: the world can sometimes be sad and
painful. We lose those we love as part of that journey through life but,
even the pain of these experiences can be used to bring good to others as
we empathise with their pain.
So, the world can also be a homeless family experiencing Irish generosity
and an Irish couple being immediately repaid with the gift of a personal,
impromptu performance of a beautiful song that will ring loud in their ears
for years to come. Let’s bring to mind those, who are struggling through
bereavement and reach out in support to remind them that they are loved.
If you are struggling with bereavement, depression, anxiety, relationship
problems, or other difficulties, please know that we are united with you as
your brothers and sisters. You know what it is to suffer, and you bring a
special empathy for those around you who also suffer. You can reach out
to or pray for others with an insight that is deep and true. In this way, you
are a great gift to the world. ( Reality November 2022)
As you walk down the fairway of life, you must smell the roses for you only
get to play one round. (Ben Hogan, American golfer 1912-1997, considered
to be the greatest player in golf history in Reality, November 2022.)
Points to Ponder, Intercom November 2022
What is the Kingdom of God? What is the Kingdom of Christ the King? Here
is a beautiful explanation given by Gerard Darring (St Louis University:
Centre for Liturgy): The Kingdom of God is a space. It exists in every
home where parents and children love each other. It exists in every
region and country that cares for its weak and vulnerable. It exists in
every parish that reaches out to the needy. The Kingdom of God is a time.
It happens whenever someone feeds a hungry person, or shelters a
homeless person, or shows care to a neglected person. It happens
whenever we overturn an unjust law, or correct an injustice, or avert a war.
It happens whenever people join in the struggle to overcome poverty, to
erase ignorance, to pass on the Faith. The Kingdom of God is in the past; (in
the life and work of Jesus of Nazareth, it is in the present (in the work of
the Church and in the efforts of many others to create a world of goodness
and justice). It is the future (reaching its completion in the age to come).
The Kingdom of God is a condition. Its symptoms are love, justice and
peace. Jesus Christ is King! We pray today that God may free all the world
to rejoice in his peace, to glory in his justice, to live in his love. We belong
to his Kingdom only when we try to walk with him, when we try to live our
lives fully in the spirit of the Gospel and when that Gospel spirit penetrates
every facet of our living.
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel John Byrne OSA
1. Today’s feast puts before us Jesus as a person who never used power for
his own selfish advantage. Who have you known who used power for the
benefit of others rather than for their own self-interest? When have you
used power in this way?
2. The power of God is shown in an unexpected way in the Crucifixion, not
in a wonderful display of spectacular dominance, but in Jesus sharing our
human weakness. When has the honesty of another sharing his/her human
vulnerability with you had a powerful effect? When has your honesty in
that way had a positive effect on another?
3.We may identify with the good thief, reaching out in support of the
innocent Jesus. Who has reached out to you, when you experienced
unfair treatment? To whom have you reached out in that way?
4.The scene also puts before us the liberating power of forgiveness. The
forgiveness of Jesus brought new life to the criminal hanging on the cross
with him. When have you found that forgiveness given, or received was
a source of new life for yourself or for others?
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COMMUNAL FIRST SATURDAY: For those who would like to fulfil the second
of Our lady’s requests in Fatima for obtaining a period of peace and salvation of
souls. The Communal First Saturday devotions will be held on the 3rd December
commencing at 8.45 am in the Church of the Resurrection Killarney, County Kerry. Devotions will
begin with the Fatima intentions and prayer. Followed by the Rosary at 9am.
Mass at 9.30 then 15 mins meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary. All will be
done with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Communal First Saturday will continue throughout the year bringing the
community together to fulfil the four practices requested by Our Lady in
reparation to her Immaculate Heart (Dec.10. 1925) Confession are available at the
Friary. On completion of the first Saturday and in accordance with St
Michaels Society in Praying for Priests. The Chaplet in praying for Priests,
Bishops the Purification and Sanctification of the Church will take place (7 mins).
A NOTE FROM FR.JIM Lenihan of Glenflesk Parish......
‘Now the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you, most
solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single
grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. Anyone who loves his life loses it;
anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life.’
The theme of my weekly reflection this week was a no brainier. After witnessing
the Glenflesk parish bazaar for the first time I was in no doubt on what I was
going to reflect on this week. I’ve been extremely uplifted to see a parish putting
the Gospel into reality. I’ve been blown away by the generosity of people with
their ‘Time, Talents and Treasure’. The success of our bazaar was down to so many
dying to themselves and putting the community first. There’s no doubt but so
many wheat grains fell into the ground over the past number of weeks and what
became of those many sacrifices is a community who can now reap a rich harvest.
God was definitely glorified when a community comes together in unity for the
greater good of all. A fabulous contrast to our world today where people have lost
sight of God and the eternal picture which can lead people to become very selfish
and individualistic. Thanks so much to those involved in any capacity. May the Lord
now bless you for your generosity and kindness. Total gathered from the bazaar
was €26,000
. Fr. Jim.
===============================
|
Prayer For An Advent Wreath |
|
Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people. He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us. He is the Savior of us all. O Lord, let your blessing come upon us as we light the first (purple) candle of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise of salvation. May He come quickly and not delay. We ask this in His holy name. Amen. |
-----------------------------------------
By Justyna Galant
CNA Newsroom, Nov 21, 2022 / 06:57 am
The image of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn was hanging right on the organ in the church of St. Nicholas in the Ukrainian capital when the fire started in September 2021.
The blaze consumed the instrument — while the icon remained intact.
The artwork‘s restorer is convinced the sacred work of art‘s survival cannot be rationally explained.
================================
Priests for Life
PO Box 236695 • Cocoa, FL 32923
Tel. 321-500-1000, Toll Free 888-735-3448 • Email: mail@priestsforlife.org
https://www.priestsforlife.org/prolifeprimetimenews/index.aspx
======================
Finding Comfort in This Medieval Woman’s Words
Mary Frances Myler
Read to learn about how reading a book by Julian of Norwich can bring you peace.
My first encounter with Julian of Norwich came in March 2020, just as the world shut down. Amidst a never ending news cycle of pandemic panic, an abrupt shift to remote learning, and fears that “normal” might be gone for good, the last thing I wanted to do was read medieval literature.
Before the pandemic, my medieval literature seminar had gathered in a cozy room in a remote corner of the library. We would meet for an informal lunch before class, traipsing in at the last minute to settle into our warmly-lit retreat from the rest of campus. As we breezed through a long syllabus of books from the middle ages, our class became fast friends, and we loved our professor, who quietly began every class with a captivating retelling of the author’s life.
Then, COVID-19 came. Instead of gathering together, we logged on to Zoom. And with our present concerns about the state of the world, settling down to read a book from 700 years ago felt unreasonable. Until I met Julian.
Julian of Norwich’s Showings was the first book we read after shifting class online, and it turned out to be the perfect book. Julian lived in the 14th century, and she faced circumstances not unlike the once we faced at the time. We settled into isolation at home; Julian spent her life alone as an anchoress, unable to leave her cell attached to the church. We struggled with anxiety about the future; Julian had her own worries.
Showings is Julian’s record of visions she had when she was ill. After recovering, she put her visions to the page, authoring what scholars believe to be the first book written by a woman in English. The text offers a lesson in peace amidst uncertainty and suffering that rings through the ages, as timely today as they were 700 years ago.
Julian describes her visions as “living and vivid and hideous and fearful and sweet and lovely.” She saw immense suffering, but she also saw things that made her understand the depth of God’s love for her.
In one vision, she saw a tiny hazelnut held in a hand. Struck with wonder at the smallness and insignificance of a little hazelnut in the hand of God, she writes, “I was amazed that the hazelnut could last, for I thought that because of its littleness it would suddenly have fallen to nothing.”
In her amazement, she receives an answer: “It lasts and always will because God loves it.” And suddenly, Julian understands. If little hazelnut can last, then how much more special is she, a human being with all of her strengths and weaknesses, faith and doubts.
In another vision, Jesus speaks to her, telling her: “All will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things will be well.”
This was the comfort that Julian clung to in the uncertainty and confusion brought about by her illness. And this same line brought peace during those early pandemic days when I first read Showings. Even today, when life is chaotic and the bad seems to outweigh the good, these words bring comfort. All will be well.
How beautiful that the first book written in English by a woman isn’t just special because of the novelty of its authorship, but also because it contains these timeless gems of wisdom. Despite the intervening centuries, the contemporary reader can find a friend in Julian, an older sister of sorts who can pass along a valuable perspective born of experience. She wrote Showings to share the love she had received with others, to give them hope, and to remind them that, like hazelnuts, we are held as part of a much larger plan we can’t always understand.
In Julian’s words, I found a way to accept the bizarre circumstances of those early days of the pandemic. I didn’t receive clarity — I found peace. If a woman’s solitude and illness in the middle ages could produce such a timeless work of wisdom, what could my twenty-first century isolation hold? Maybe not the same creative work, but perhaps the same trust that all will be well in the end.
Today, Norwich is a UNESCO City of Literature, known for its publishing houses and literary festivals. And with parts of the medieval city still intact, the blend of old and new seems fitting for the home of England’s first female author.
https://grottonetwork.com/keep-the-faith/belief/finding-peace-in-writings-of-julian-of-norwich/?utm_campaign=Weekly-Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=234819143&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8BE1UYTF0GqTAXX-_TPJwXoJUFd5TUR2IELS75PzxgZZnHTkBSTSinT3f4j_ZvFu0TTlcuMXHsfT_HAT6QLqiHPTPjeA&utm_content=234786519&utm_source=hs_email
===============================
Mary Hallan FioRito
Caryll Houselander was well-known for both her wit and her wisdom. A chain-smoking, daily Mass-going, zany redhead, Houselander loved to play practical jokes and hated what she called “common sense Christians.” Her writings contain the depth and insight of a theologian, although she had no formal theological training. Her artwork, children’s stories, and letters provided inspiration, guidance and comfort to a generation of English Catholics during and after the two World Wars.
-------------------------------------------------
The fact that I had a heart attack is nothing extraordinary. People have heart attacks all the time – over 800,000 in the U.S. every year. What makes my 2021 heart attack remarkable is the circumstances surrounding it.
On Ash Wednesday that year, I went away on a 3-day silent retreat with a friend. I fast during Lent and find it helpful to get started at a place with Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration and no food temptations. While praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I often pray using symbolic images of my heart. Sometimes I sit silently and ask our Lord to make my heart beat in sync with His. Sometimes, I ask Him to heal it. Oftentimes, I imagine Him reaching into my chest with both of His warm hands. Together, they completely cover my heart. I then imagine Him lifting it out of my body and bringing it towards His face where he carefully blows on it with His warm breath, melting the ice and making my heart warm and healthy again.
As I spent these days in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, I received an unexpected and confusing thought. In prayer, I kept hearing that I actually needed to get my physical heart checked out. At the time, I had no conscious awareness that anything might be wrong with it. Driving home on Saturday, I mentioned this to my friend. We both agreed that given my medical background – 3 bouts of cancer, 2 stem cell transplants, 30 lifetime surgeries, 18 years of constant hospitalizations, etc. – it was probably prudent to get it checked.
This is the church and the priest, but not the actual day.
Several weeks later as I was walking into Daily Mass, my large research hospital in Chicago called to schedule the appointment. I then went inside to meet my son, Michael, for Mass. While listening to the amazing story of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego at the first reading, I began to feel some distress in my chest. At first I thought it was a physical reaction to the vivid description of 3 holy men being thrown into a white hot fiery furnace, but when the bad feeling didn’t subside after the reading ended, I became concerned. This distress turn into pain during the Eucharistic prayer. Then, at the moment of consecration, as the priest elevated the Sacred Host, I heard the words, “You are having a heart attack.” Immediately after the elevation of the chalice, I sat back in my pew and Googled “heart attack symptoms” which confirmed this thought. I quickly texted my doctor friend who responded immediately and told me to have Michael drive me to the hospital.
By now it was almost time for communion. As my chest continued to alarm me, I could also see Jesus up on the altar. The priest held up the host and said, “Behold the Lamb of God…” It was clear to me that I needed to wait and receive Holy Communion. By waiting, either I would die while united with Him in the Eucharist, or He would heal me, or hopefully He would help me get to the hospital in time. With Jesus Himself only a few dozen feet away, leaving without receiving Communion seemed very foolish. So we waited. I will never forget the surreal experience of receiving the Eucharist while having a heart attack. After receiving, we headed for the side door and left immediately.
==================================
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Blessing of seat at Knockanure Church in memory of Fr. Kevin will be
held on Sun. 13th Nov. at 2pm. 2022 All are welcome.
Weekend Mass, because of a diminishing number of Priests and in an
effort to be more effective, we have been urged by the Area Diocesan
Pastoral Council to reduce our weekend Masses i.e., 2 instead of 3.
At a glance, this might mean on Sundays having Mass at Knockanure at
9.30am and at Moyvane at 11am, Vigil Mass would be dropped.
Any input on this is welcome on/before Sunday Nov.20 th .
Pastoral Council Meeting will be held on Weds. Nov.23 rd . Please let us
know items that need to be addressed, ideally by Nov. 20 th .
I.C.A. Mass to be offered for the members, deceased I.C.A. members and
family and friends. All are welcome.
===============================
Remembering Childhood Christmases in Listowel
Margaret Dillon kindly answered my call. Here is her account of childhood Christmases in pre digital days.
These days Christmas is heralded by a marathon of Festive adverts which start earlier each year. Back in the 40’s and 50’s we didn’t have Television so we weren’t subjected to that constant bombardment. Nevertheless we had full and plenty of all the Christmas essentials. Listowel was a busy bustling town back then, the shops were full of all sorts of goodies. Of couse as children we were only interested in the Toy shops particulary Fitzgibbon’s and Walsh’s corner shop. Walsh’s window had a nodding Santa which was a great attraction. We couldn’t contain ourselves on Christmas morning as we opened our presents. Santa was a wonder then and he still is to all children.
On the home front , the decorations were put up across the ceiling from corner to corner. The Holly was put behind the pictures and most important of all the crib was put on the sideboard or windowsill. The cake and plum pudding were already made. While Mam was making the cake we made our wishes as we stirred the mixture. A few days beforehand a goose ( for the New Year celebrations) and a flitch of hairy bacon to go wth the turkey arrived from our Clare relations. My mother and the neighbours Mrs Hickey and Mrs Brennan bought the live turkeys in the market, Mrs Brennan did the killing and we plucked our own, making sure to keep the wings. They served as dusters around the range and grate for the rest of the year.
The big shop was done shortly before the big day in John Joe’s and the reward for our business during the year was the Christmas box. This was like a mini hamper containing tea, a pot of jam and maybe an Oxford Lunch cake. The drinks order of minerals, bottles of Guinness and a bottle of Sherry arrived from John R’s in a large timber box.
Of course Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the Christmas hymns “Away in a Manger” or “Angels we have heard on High” Or the Christmas songs “Jingle Bells” , “Rudolf the Rednosed Reindeer” and Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” Adeste Fidelis was sung at Mass on Christmas Day After Mass we stayed back to visit and welcome Baby Jesus in the crib. During the holidays we paid regular visit to the cribs in the parish church and the convent chapel.
https://listowelconnection.com/2022/11/
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Comments
Canada
Confederation hurt Canada. Minoritising French-speaking Canadians jeopardised their survival. As immigrants arrived in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and elsewhere, their children were educated in “uniform” schools, schools where the language of instruction was English. If Québécois wanted their children to be educated in their mother tongue, they remained in Quebec. It is difficult to ascertain whether John A. Macdonald was aware that he was introducing Macaulayism in Canada, thereby creating the “Quebec question.” He was an Orangeman from Ontario.
Louis Riel was a Métis and a Catholic, educated in Montreal. He is a controversial and tragic figure. He embodies a flawed Confederation and the “schools” question. In 1867, Manitoba had “separate” schools. Moreover, Riel did not expect surveyors to arrive at the Red River ready to cut long and narrow lots abutting a river into square lots. These river lots were used as a highway. During the summer, a boat sat on the river. In winter, a sleigh replaced the ship. These were New France’s river lots.
So, Riel formed a provisional government and allowed the execution of Thomas Scott, which would cost him his life. It is difficult to ascertain whether John A. Macdonald was aware of Macaulayism. In Residential Schools, Indigenous children were punished if they were caught speaking a native language. As Canada unfolded westward, the children of immigrants had to attend “uniform” schools. The “schools” question begins in Manitoba, where language and religion cloud the issue. The French were Catholics. In Ontario, the debate is about language.
https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/18942497/posts/297034
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LET IT PASS AND LET IT GO
Do not hang on to a grievance. Let it pass and let it go.
Do not cling to hurts and grudges. Life is too short, you know.
Bear no malice, never harbour thoughts of bitterness or spite –
Whether you are in the wrong or whether you are in the right.
You can’t afford to let the poison seep right down into your mind.
Try to think of something else and very quickly you will find
The trouble loses its importance and in time will fade away.
So, if something riles and rankles turn it out without delay.
You must take the generous view however much you’ve been upset.
You’ve got to let the grievance go. You’ve got to drop it and forget.
If you’re hard and unforgiving in the things you do and say,
How much mercy can you hope for on the final Judgement Day.
----------------------------
When my patience seems too short, help me to stretch it.Teach me how to meet a crisis with a smile. When I’m running out of quick and clever answers, let the questions stop just for a little while. When it seems as though the day has too few hours in which to do the things I have to do, may I always find the time for what’s important – time for listening, time for love & laughter too.
----------------------------
LAST WORD: Knowledge comes from books – wisdom comes from life
------------------------
Blessing of the Advent Wreath
Lord God,
Your Church joyfully awaits the coming of its Savior,
who enlightens our hearts
and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin.
Pour forth your blessings upon us
as we light the candles of this wreath ;
may their light reflect the splendour of Christ,
who is Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.
--------------------------
What does it mean to call Christ the King? Why is the Kingdom of God so important for Jesus? Sit down with Dr. Ben Akers and Taylor Kemp as they unpack a piece of sacred art and answer these and other questions.
https://watch.formed.org/november-20-solemnity-of-christ-the-king/videos/sacred-art-jesus-christ-king-of-the-universe
----------------------------
Avoiding Lies in Cultural Battle
Those who speak the truth conform themselves to Christ. When you find yourself amidst today's cultural battles, it is crucial to avoid the devil's lies and speak the truth alone.
-----------------------------
Have Peace and Hope
How can you be more like the good thief? Today's readings call you to unite yourself to the humility of Christ so that you may also share in his glory as King. Because Christ is King of all, you can have peace and hope.
-----------------------------
Anticipating the Resurrection
Even in times of adversity and chaos, the Lord prevails. While hardship may last until the final hour, God works through it all. Those who can kill the body cannot kill the soul, and the one who will judge the soul can resurrect the body.
------------------------------------
Giving God Thanks
Today serves as an important reminder to respond to God's grace with gratefulness. Thanksgiving is not just an American holiday but something at the heart of our spirituality and worship of God. Take some time to offer God thanks today.
Repentance and Judgment
The final judgment means there is justice for those treated unjustly. While we cannot control the world's chaos, we can control our actions. Therefore, God calls us to repent and seek him over all else.
A Great Ending
The Book of Revelation tells us there is a great ending to the story of our lives and the world. Jesus reveals to us his triumph in the end. Even though evil may triumph for a day, God will prevail for eternity.
---------------------
Ode to Saint Cecilia tells the dramatic story of a modest young woman from Rome whose life transcends time to influence poets, composers, sculptors, and painters. A stunning audio drama, Ode to Saint Cecilia is ultimately a celebration of the important role of the arts in showing us the love of God through profound beauty.
https://watch.formed.org/ode-to-saint-cecilia/videos/ode-to-saint-cecilia
===================================
----------------------
Reflection
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
13th November 2022, 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time,
World Day of the Poor.
Dear Parishioner,
In the Catholic Church in Ireland, one can say that a lot
more happens in some parishes than in others. An obvious reason for this
is that, for example, in a bigger parish or in a town parish, there may be a
greater involvement at leadership level. It might be much easier to form a
Children’s Choir or one in which a sizeable number of adults participate.
The same might be true with regard to organising courses and having
teams involved in parish activities. Even in smaller parishes, Baptism teams
have been put together but they many not have returned to their task of
meeting couples with a child for Baptism, since the practice stopped when
Covid 19 put an end to many activities. In this ‘Dear Parishioner, there is an
article about ‘Funeral Teams’. It is a coincidence that, in our diocese, plans
are being made to give training to parishioners to be involved in the
‘Ministry of Consolation’. It is hoped that those who take part in that
training may form a Parish ‘Funeral Team’ or be members of a team for the
Pastoral area.
You have been seeing a new item – Points to Ponder - from ‘Intercom’
magazine in recent issues of ‘Dear Parishioner’. On more than one
occasion, the writer of the piece has been Pope Francis. This week’s piece
comes from his Message for ‘World Day of the Poor’, which we mark this
weekend. This day was established by Pope Francis in 2017, so that,
throughout the world, Christian communities can become an ever greater
sign of Christ’s love for the least and those in need.
In a good section of the message before coming to what is on the back
page of this ‘Dear Parishioner’, Pope Francis devoted a good section of his
message to reflecting on the consequences of the ‘War in Ukraine’. He
commends those countries who have made big efforts to welcome people
fleeing from Ukraine. He makes an appeal ‘This is the moment for us not
to lose heart but to renew our initial motivation. The work we have begun
needs to be brought to completion with the same sense of responsibility.
That, in effect, is precisely what solidarity is: sharing the little we have with
those who have nothing, so that no one will go without.’ (Fr. D. O’Mahony
----------------------------------
The Funeral Teams - Ministry Of Consolation.
In the Gospel of St. Luke, we read of the presentation of Jesus in the
Temple, where Mary, Joseph and the Infant Jesus meet the wise old man,
Simeon, who in his Nunc Dimittis, foretold the life of Jesus. He especially
tells Mary that, ‘a sword will pierce your own soul’ (Lk. 2:35), thus
predicting her pain that she will suffer at the crucifixion of Jesus. Many of
us will have experienced the piercing pain of the death of a loved one, a
pain deep in our hearts that will never go away. Grief, at the time of the
death of a loved one, is probably the hardest pain we have ever suffered.
At the time of a death, bereaved people experience pain, shock,
numbness and sometimes, anger. To add to that they must also arrange a
funeral and a burial or cremation. Initially, however, the responsibility of
consolation rests with the local community. The Gospel of St. Matthew
tells us ‘Blessed are those who mourn; they shall be consoled’. (Mt. 5:3).
So, we in the community have that responsibility.
For some, attending a Funeral Mass may be a daunting experience. They
may not have attended church for some time, some may feel totally
alienated Therefore, it is most important the experience be a positive one.
The priests of the parish will, of course, plan the funeral Mass with the
mourners and the undertaker, with a strong emphasis on the hope of the
Resurrection, but that does not relieve the community of its responsibility.
Thankfully, especially here in Ireland, neighbours and friends support the
bereaved with visits, phone calls, bringing food to the home and when
restrictions permit, attend the funeral Mass. In addition, the community is
represented at such a time by the Funeral Team, or Ministry of
Consolation.
My experience, as a member of our parish Funeral Team, is based on the
fact that we are specially trained and commissioned to assist the bereaved
in many practical ways. With sensitivity and empathy, team members can
visit the funeral home and assist with prayers, can advise, in conjunction
with the priest, on readings and the various protocols during the Mass.
Commissioned members in our parish wear a discreet gold cross, signifying
the love and consolation of the Risen Christ which is lovingly extended to
the mourners. After the Mass we accompany the deceased and the
mourners to the cemetery or crematorium, where, again, we partake in the
Rite of Committal.
Funeral Ministry for me is like a love triangle - no, not that kind!
Unconditional love flows like a torrent from God, at the time of the death
of the loved one, to those who are in sorrow. Often, in their distress and
confusion, bereaved people find it difficult to cry out for God’s love. This
is where the ministry of a funeral team member comes into action. We
act as a conduit, like a triangle shape in directing the love of God through
us to the bereaved. This is especially true if the funeral team members are
known to the mourners. By remaining in a place of prayer and being
present to the mourners, a minor miracle has the potential to take place.
All it needs is to be present, strange as it may seem - A phone call, an
email, an entry on the condolence page on rip.ie. On meeting the
bereaved, a handshake, even a touch on the elbow or shoulder. Genuine
and sincere words can lift the heavy weight of sorrow, for the bereaved
family who feel they are trapped in a bubble in the front pew of the
church. It helps a lot if someone bursts that bubble to engage with them.
Also, a funeral team member who has known the deceased for over 50
years may be more acceptable to the family to say the gathering prayers in
the family home or funeral home. Again, at the cemetery, when we say,
sometimes over-stretched, committal prayers, it can be consoling to all
that we can begin with a sincere introduction, based on the community
bonds that tie us together. So, why be part of a funeral team? Well, firstly,
it is part of our remit as a community member, but it is a wonderful
privilege and a grace from God to be in a position to be part of that love
triangle in helping the bereaved to encounter the face of God in their
sorrow. The good news is that grace will come to us every time we pray for
the deceased, the bereaved family, and when we remember the Month’s
Mind and the anniversary. Tony Corcoran Parish Funeral Team
Rathfarnham, Dublin
(Intercom, November 2022)
God is in everyone’s life. Even if the life of a person has been a disaster,
even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs or anything else – God is in this
person’s life. You can, you must try to seek God in every human life.
Although the life of a person is a land full of thorns and weeds, there is
always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God.
(Pope Francis).
Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown
away. (Arthur Helps) Both quotations from Reality, November 2022.
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel (John Byrne OSA)
1.Luke presents Jesus as a prophet, capable of reading the signs of the
times, and one who offered wise and insightful advice on how to cope with
difficult times. Who are the people you see who act like this in the
troubled times we live in today? Maybe you yourself have been a calming
influence in the face of turmoil within your family, parish, church,
workplace, or elsewhere. Can you claim that gift and give thanks for being
such a person?
2.Jesus alerts his listeners to the transitory nature of human grandeur and
splendour. How have you been reminded of this truth? What lessons has
this given you about life?
3.In any walk of life troubles will come. Jesus encourages his listeners to
stand firm in such circumstances, telling them ‘your endurance will win you
your lives’. When you are in the midst of inner turmoil and/or outer trouble
what have you found gives you the strength and ability to endure?
Points to Ponder (Intercom, November 2022)
Where the poor are concerned, it is not talk that matters, what matters is
rolling up our sleeves and putting our faith into practice through a direct
involvement. The poverty that kills is squalor, the daughter of injustice,
exploitation, violence and the unjust distribution of resources. It is
hopeless and implacable poverty, imposed by the throwaway culture that
offers neither future prospects nor avenues of escape. It is a squalor that
not only reduces people to extreme material poverty, but also corrodes the
spiritual dimension, which, albeit often overlooked, is nonetheless still
there and still important. When the only law is the bottom line of profit
at the end of the day, nothing holds us back from seeing others as simply
objects to be exploited; other people are merely a means to an end.
There no longer exist such things as just salary or just working hours, and
new forms of slavery emerge and entrap people who lack alternatives, and
are forced to accept this toxic injustice, simply to eke out a living.
Encountering the poor enables us to put an end to many of our anxieties
and empty fears, and to arrive at what truly matters in life, the treasure
that no one can steal from us; true and gratuitous love. A Father and
Doctor of the Church, St John Chrysostom, whose writings are filled with
sharp criticisms of the conduct of Christians towards the poor, once wrote,
“If you are unable to believe that poverty can make you rich, think of
your Lord and stop your doubting.”
(From Pope Francis’ World Day of the Poor Nov 2022
--------------------------------------------
--------------------
The cathedral of the Archdiocese of Madrid dedicated Nov. 13 a new chapel in honor of St. John Paul II, who consecrated the church in 1993.
---------------------------
One thing my marriage has taught me is that really ‘being-present’ to someone must be learned and practiced. It would seem this should come naturally—given that it is at the very heart of human life.
------------------------And we will not be surprised, some time later, when we say, “I was thinking of you, I was with you,” she will say, “I know. Yes, I know.”
https://life-craft.org/presence-when-absent-a-husbands-gift/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=catholic_news_archbishop_timothy_broglio_of_the_archdiocese_for_the_military_services_elected_usccb_president&utm_term=2022-11-16
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By Nicolás de Cárdenas
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 15, 2022 / 07:00 am
This week, on Nov. 14, is World Diabetes Day, a disease that causes some 4 million deaths a year, according to the World Health Organization. The Catholic Church considers St. Rafael Arnáiz Baron to be the patron saint of those suffering from diabetes.
St. Rafael Arnáiz is considered one of the great mystics of the 20th century, and, because of this disease, he could not fulfill his desire to become a Trappist monk, so he was only allowed to be an oblate.
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Thought; Elevator to success is out of order, you will have to use the Stairs, one step at a time.
------------------
How Can You Love God?
God is worthy of your worship. Just as the angels praise the Lord, you are also called to worship the Father. Do you worship God like those in Heaven who are faithful and close to him?
November 2022
+++++++++++++++++++++
Poetry
Duns Scotus's Oxford
By Gerard Manley Hopkins
Towery city and branchy between towers;
Cuckoo-echoing, bell-swarmèd, lark charmèd, rook racked, river-rounded;
The dapple-eared lily below thee; that country and town did
Once encounter in, here coped & poisèd powers;
Thou hast a base and brickish skirt there, sours
That neighbour-nature thy grey beauty is grounded
Best in; graceless growth, thou hast confounded
Rural, rural keeping — folk, flocks, and flowers.
Yet ah! this air I gather and I release
He lived on; these weeds and waters, these walls are what
He haunted who of all men most sways my spirits to peace;
Of realty the rarest-veinèd unraveller; a not
Rivalled insight, be rival Italy or Greece;
Who fired France for Mary without spot.
Source: Gerard Manley Hopkins: Poems and Prose (Penguin Classics, 1985)
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44393/duns-scotuss-oxford
More
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/collections
--------------------------------------------
Thomas Moore- 1779–1852
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/thomas-moore
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When would you say you first became “aware” that a vocation to priesthood/consecrated life was something you could be possibly called to, not even that it necessarily was your vocation, and what helped foster that awareness?
FATHER HEDMAN: When I was just 3 years old, I started “playing Mass.” My parents encouraged this, with my mom even sewing me little vestments I could wear. Later on, I’d start altar serving. Being close to the Mass both by pretending to say it and by serving really helped foster my vocation early on.
BROTHER LEVEN: I can honestly say that growing up I never thought of being a celibate in the Church. My first awareness of this path of being consecrated to God only emerged once, as a college student; I began to clear away the junk in my interior and take seriously what I really wanted in my life. The stupidity of most proposals to junior-high and high-school students for happiness (mostly provided by the free market) left me unaware of the depths of my person. I think that I was largely estranged from my heart through my teenage years. At Benedictine College, however, I had peers, professors, monks and administrators who were living with a real sense of community, and it was deeply attractive to me. Wanting the joy I saw in them, I started to turn over my life and give myself to attempting to pray. I persevered at it because I was sick of the selfishness that I was used to. When I did that, I could see that I had a hunger for prayer. And my vocation flowed naturally from following that hunger.
SISTER ALICIA: For me, it was during college. I saw so much unhappiness around me, and my heart was heavy for my peers. I began to take my own faith more seriously, and it was during Lent of my junior year that I made a deeper commitment to daily prayer and the Mass. It was during those times of intentional, daily liturgical and devotional prayer that I began to sense God’s call.
People often talk about a “vocations crisis,” but this can be understood in several different ways, for instance, as a numerical lack and/or as a deeper problem of openness to vocation. What comes to mind when you hear this phrase? What exactly is the crisis?
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It’s Election Night 2022 and as people went to the polls to cast their ballots, we met with St. John’s University students who are studying government. They share the concerns of young voters.
https://netny.tv/episodes/currents/catholic-news-headlines-for-tuesday-11-8-22/?utm_campaign=Daily%20Headlines&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=233218422&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9gb-6UhCp6_wtEAZ0py86wnAiYSi1RqSsA_D8YRGIubRhjQhcOu0K0eCr-omwbaKOEF18zaS91Uu_pj18DBNqs8UEXgA&utm_content=233218422&utm_source=hs_email
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Fr. Jeffrey Kirby: How the Brown Scapular can deepen your life in Jesus Christ
October 31, 2022
"The scapular literally sitting on our body reminds us that we are consecrated to Jesus Christ, through Our Lady; that we follow a different path; we carry His yoke, the scapular almost even looks like a symbolic yoke that we wear on our shoulders," said Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, STD, a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Charleston, S.C., and the author of books, including "A Journey to Mount Carmel: A Nine-Day Preparation for Investiture in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady" (Sophia Institute Press). "So every day, that scapular is a reminder that I'm going to talk about Jesus Christ. I'm going to follow His way and remain faithful to Him. I'm going to love Him and speak about Him and speak about moral truth and talk about prayer. I will not let myself be silenced."
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 6th November 2022 (Prisoners’ Sunday)
Dear Parishioner,
In the heading above, as well as being told that we have
the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are also informed that it is Prisoners’
Sunday. In the course of the year, there are many Sundays which remind
us of the importance of remembering groups in society. Most recently, we
had World Mission Day as well as ‘A Day for Life’ and a number of others,
during which we were invited to think of those groups, keep them in our
prayers and, in some cases, contribute to a collection. It is, probably, fair
to say that Prisoners’ Sunday does not touch us in a deep way, unless we
have known somebody who served a prison sentence or is serving a term in
prison at this time. In the ‘Points to Ponder’ in this ‘Dear Parishioner, John
Lonergan, a former governor of Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, gives us some
food for thought about being in prison. “I always say to parents that one
of the toughest challenges any parent will ever get in their lives is having
to prison to visit a son or a daughter.”
It is easy to say that those who get a prison sentence deserve to be there
because they have committed a crime but, when we realise that large
number of the prison population come from disadvantaged backgrounds
and disfunctional homes. When reflecting on this fact, it is good to remind
ourselves ‘There but for the grace of God, go I.’ If my life circumstances
were different, I could find myself behind prison bars. Over the past few
many of the articles, written by Fr. Peter McVerry in Reality magazine, have
been about prisons and prisoners. He has laid stress on the need for
rehabilitation programmes and for post- prison care for prisoners, which is
an area that is not given much attention in Ireland.
Is ‘Dear Parishioner’ read on line? During the past week, I received the
following letter. “Dear Fr. O’Mahony, I came across ‘Dear Parishioner’ by
accident on the internet some months ago. I was delighted to see that
you included some of my ‘African Adventures’ from Intercom Magazine in
it.” The writer of the letter was Ken Ryan, Chairman of Abbey Stained
Glass Studios, Dublin. The articles were in ‘Dear Parishioner’ on 5th & 12th
June, 10th & 17th July and 11th & 18th September. (Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
-----------------------------
Beauty Takes Time
The Changing Face of Pariah Weddings Fr. Michael Murtagh
One of the great freedoms that has developed for me in recent years is
that I am no longer expected to turn up at the wedding reception of
parishioners. Long gone are the days when the parish priests of either
wedding party sat at opposite ends of the banquet table and swapped
eulogies afterwards, extolling the respective and respected families of the
newly married. There are some things that do not change and one of them
is the threadbare habit of keeping the groom waiting ‘at the altar’. Some
time ago I was pacing impatiently up and down in the cemetery outside
waiting for the bride to arrive. It was forty-five minutes past the appointed
time and my anxiety was rising. The guests were mostly from other parts
of the country. They too had arrived early and were, by now, seated
impatiently and uncomfortably in the wooden benches of the church. In an
effort to lighten my mood, I called one of the female altar servers whom I
knew well and asked her teasingly why it was that brides are invariably late
for their wedding. She was well able to field my question and return my
teasing. She swivelled on her heels, struck a very feminine pose and
replied, ‘beauty takes time.’ The groom and his attendants are invariably
early and available for snapshots and worn-out banter outside the church.
Few ask how the prospective husband feels following the long wait for the
Queen of Sheba to arrive.
In a marriage ceremony that is supposed to be centred on making
promises, the first promise of the day – to be on time - is invariably
broken. Weary clergymen used to point out that the promise to sit down
to the wedding reception in the hotel at a set time that evening is the next
promise to hit the casualty list. On Saturday evenings, I used to travel a
distance to a wedding reception that began late or moved slowly. I ended
up saying grace before meals, having soup and a bread roll and setting off
again on the journey home for evening Mass. The extraordinary thing is
that people used to place such significance on the presence of clergy at
the reception. They often protest, ‘but who will say grace?’ Another
extraordinary feature of the wedding experience is the emphasis on
formality. Every family wants to present the best possible face to the
world on the day. In an informal world where rules are minimal, the
occasion of a wedding is highly structured and formalised. There is a
specific place for everyone in a host of conventions and rules that simply
cannot be broken. The bride’s mother can hold the whole feminine
attendance at the wedding to ransom by deciding
to wear or to remove her hat. Men folk, eventually seated in precise
positions at the top table, often spend the whole mealtime worrying away
their appetites. They make lightning visits to the bar for doubles and look
visibly terrified at the prospect of having to make a speech in front of the
worst possible audience – their family and friends. Many of them have no
problem talking, while seated on their padded rears but standing up
appears to render them speechless. The priest, meanwhile, who attends a
reception is likely to be placed beside Auntie Florrie, ‘who can talk to
priests’.
Families generally sit politely through the debacle of the speeches and the
mind-numbing reading of the cards. The person most likely to ruin a
wedding day is your Best Man. An over-confident or over-enthusiastic
father of the bride can be mind-numbing boring as well. Try getting the
microphone back from the opinionated one who regularly regales listeners
with stories in which he is always the hero. One recent development is the
use of internet and ‘You Tube’ for help in making speeches. I heard some
Scots once making wedding speeches peppered with internet jokes. They
attributed each joke, as they told them, to the website where they had
found them. The joke I remember best was ‘What’s the difference
between an Irish wedding and Irish wake?’ The cheeky answer (from the
Scots of all people) was that, there was one less drunk at the wake’.
The central part of the marriage ceremony remains but details occasionally
change. The throwing of paper confetti is no longer a problem for the
brush wielding sacristan. Black cats and horseshoes as symbols of good
luck have gone out of fashion. They have been replaced by miniature
bottles of bubbles, wedding candles, video recordings of the occasion and
bagpipes or themed singers at the reception. The couple no longer depart
in the evening, following the ‘wedding breakfast’ to the sound of tin cans
tied to the bumper and ‘Just Married’ slogans painted on the rear window
of the car. Most couples plan their wedding very well, enter marriage
with high idealism and participate in the liturgy to a degree unknown to
their parents, who general had only to turn up at the church at the
appointed time, often very early in the morning. Despite contemporary
planning and careful rehearsal, things occasionally go wrong. The groom
has a line in the ritual that begins, ‘Wear this ring as a sign of my love and
fidelity.’ One hapless husband-to-be rendered this as, ‘Wear this ring as a
sign of my love and fertility’ (Intercom November 2022)
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel (John Byrne OSA)
1. A common tactic in an argument is to make fun of the position of
another. Then one does not have to take seriously the view being
expressed. This is what the Sadduccees were doing with the trick
question they put to Jesus. Have you ever found yourself doing this? Have
you experienced others doing it with you? What were the effects of such
an attitude? Did it build up or damage a relationship?
2. Jesus used the phrase ‘Children of the resurrection’ to describe his
followers because we believe in something that cannot be proven. Life can
sometimes present us with that kind of a challenge – an invitation to
believe in things we cannot prove: another person, a cause, the value of a
course of action, etc. What has been your experience of believing and
acting on this kind of faith?
3. At the heart of our Christian faith is the belief that death is not the end.
We believe that the relationship we have with God, and that starts in this
life, survives death and continues after death. We call this resurrection.
How has belief in the resurrection helped you in thinking about those you
have loved and who are no longer with you? (Intercom November 2022)
Points to Ponder (John Lonergan, Former Governor Mountjoy Prison)
99% of people know nothing about prison, thank God. I always say to
parents that one of the toughest challenges any parent will ever get in
their life is having to go to prison to visit a son or a daughter. If you have
never been to a prison, if you have never been to a court, if you have never
had any connection, the worse it is. If I go to a middle-class school or a
working-class school or in certain areas of Dublin, sometimes the teacher
will say to me going in ‘by the way there’s a girl or a boy in there whose
father is in prison, just that you know’ and of course, naturally, I will never
mention such things in talking to children in a classroom and they would
most definitely not say anything. When I go to certain areas of this city,
they’re great areas and there are some wonderful people there, but, when
I go into the secondary school in some of these areas, I’m not inside the
door of the classroom when there are five or six young lads up around me
saying ‘Do you know me dad? Do you know me...; (laughter) and while
that’s funny, it’s also very sad because what it tells you is that in my culture
going up to Mountjoy is very normal. Anyone who says to me they’re
better off in prison than they are outside, I say that’s a sadder reflection n
of what’s outside because I can assure you inside is horrible. (Intercom November 2022)
=======================
A NOTE FROM FR. JIM LENIHAN ......
Here’s a very interesting video online to test ones observation skills called
Selective attention test. You have two teams of three, one team dressed in black
the other dressed in white. Both teams have a basketball and they pass it to each
other as both groups intermingle.
Instructions: Count how many times the players wearing white pass the basketball.
How many passes did you count? The correct answer is 15 passes. But did you see
the gorilla? Check it out for yourself on YouTube I’ll put the link on the parish
Facebook page. It’s amazing how so many never notice a man dressed up in a blank
gorilla suit walks right across the screen waves at the camera and walks on. The
teaching is simply. If you’re over focused on something, you may not see so many
amazing things going on around you and secondly if you’re not watching out or
looking for something, there’s a big chance you won’t spot it. As we’re coming up to
the Advent season a time where we are again challenged to stay awake and to be
vigilant. Eagerly watching out for Jesus in our lives and recognising Him revealing
Himself to us. Or being aware of the places
He’s missing out of our lives. Let us as a
community pray for each other that we may be
open to Jesus in our lives. Finally another test:
In this picture can you see Jesus? Or are you
looking at the wrong things?
Lord open my eyes wide that I may see you all
around me revealing your love for me and your
interest in my life. Help me to be aware of your
loving hand providentially guiding my life
through the ups and downs of life. Amen
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A NOTE FROM FR.JIM Lenihan......
When I was ordained 25 years ago the piece of scripture that I used for my
ordination prayer card was John 10:10.
‘The evil one comes only to steal and kill
and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’.
I was reminded of that when listening to Matthew Kelly on YouTube listing some
of the ways we can allow the evil one take away our life, joy and peace. Have a
read of the list and see what is preventing you from living life to the full.
1. negativity 2. not drinking enough water 3. lack of direction and priorities 4.
worrying about what people think of you 5. sugar, caffeine, alcohol 6. not taking a
break 7. checking your phone first thing in the morning 8. taking things personally
that are not personal 9. social media 10. the News 11. worrying about things you
cannot influence 12. sleeping too much 13. poor diet choices 14. complaining 15.
noise. 16. buying stuff you don’t need or can't afford 17. fear or anxiety 18. lack
of exercise or too much exercise 19. perfectionism 20. making a big deal out of
little things 21. watching too much TV 22. never taking a real vacation 23. alcohol
before bed 24. checking your phone before bed 25. your attitude 26. clutter and
disorganization 27. too much food or not enough food 28. stress 29. lack of self-
esteem 30. saying yes to things you know you should say no to 31. planning too far
into the future 32. gossiping 33. toxic people and unhealthy relationships 34.
trying to please others constantly 35. ruminating on the past 36. not moving
enough 37. resentment
Lord Jesus help me to see the things that are preventing me from living the
life you want me to live. Amen
Seeking Out the Lost
You are called to seek out the lost as a coworker with Christ. Made in the image and likeness of God, everyone is worth seeking out, no matter how sinful they might be. Invite someone to return to Christ today, living out the message of the Gospel.
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We’re excited to announce Eternal Rest: The Art of Dying Well is now available on FORMED!
WATCH NOW
We all have very real questions about death. What happens when we die? What does Scripture teach about death? How do we prepare for the life to come? Watch Eternal Rest, a four-part film series exploring the mystery of death and the promise of everlasting life—the latest offering of the Augustine Institute.
https://watch.formed.org/eternal-rest/season:1/videos/the-story-of-death-eternal-rest-episode-1?utm_source=cio&utm_medium=broadcast&utm_campaign=eternalrest-promo&utm_content=body_button_watch_now
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PRAYER FOR DECEASED RELATIVES & FRIENDS: O Sacred Heart of Jesus to whom it belongs to have mercy, I humbly entreat you for the souls of my dear relatives and friends….. whom you have called from this world. Bid your angels to receive them and bear them to your home in paradise. Since they believed and hoped in you, may they possess eternal joy forever. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
REGRETS:
Make it a rule of life never to regret and never look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy. You can never build on regret. It is only good for wallowing in it. It is common sense to learn from our mistakes but when we have, it is time to move on.
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A Time for Prayer
On All Souls' Day, we remember all those who have gone before us. However, not only are we called to do this today, but the Church dedicates the entire month of November to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Make a list of people who have passed away and pray for them today and the rest of the month.
Glory and Sanctity
This All Saints' Day, find inspiration through the lives of the saints. Each of the saints shines with glory. This glory is not from themselves but reflects how they've been washed in the Blood of Christ and sanctified by him.
True Friendship and Selflessness
In the Letter to the Philippians, St. Paul exhorts us to practice selflessness. We will find that the fruit of this is authentic friendship. To deepen each of our relationships, we must practice selflessness at all times.
Trusting in God's Mercy
Even in our sinfulness, God calls us to something greater. While it's easy to get caught up in our wrongdoings and turn away from God, he continues to love us and desires to save us.
Prayer
Taking the Lowest Place
Why do we exalt ourselves? We hold ourselves above everyone else when we seek glory or have an inflated sense of self. The Gospel contrasts this today when Jesus reveals that we must humble ourselves to be exalted.
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Weekly Newsletter
Feast of Christ the King 30th October 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
Today we celebrate the Universal Kingship of Christ, the titular feast of our dear Institute. It's a day of grace as a plenary indulgence can be gained at the usual conditions: State of grace at least when performing the indulgenced act, Complete detachment from sin, even venial sin, Confession and Prayers for the Supreme Pontiff (20 days before or after the indulgenced act). The 10:30 am Solemn Mass will be followed by Benediction and the Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart. Please give generously to our seminary in Gricigliano so that we can continue our mission to proclaim Christ as King in the whole world.
Let us desire to enlarge the Kingdom of Christ over each one of us! And what is the best means to spread His reign? Simply by putting the motto of the Institute of Christ the King to work: Live the Truth in Charity. If we live in truth, then Christ the King reigns over our intellect. If we live in charity, then He reigns over our will and heart. And if Christ the King reigns in us, He'll reign around us. Christus vincit! Christ conquers! Christ is God! God is Charity! Charity conquers!
Tomorrow is a bank holiday but the church will remain open as usual — our priestly business is to offer to God the Sacrifice of the Mass daily and to be instruments of His grace.
All Saints. I would like to also remind you that All Saints' Day is a feast of obligation. There will be a Solemn High Mass at 6 pm (Tuesday). You are also invited to the Canons' residence at 1:30 pm to celebrate the Saints: come with your family dressed as the saints!
All Souls. After having celebrated the Saints in Heaven, the Church prays for her future Saints, the Poor Souls in Purgatory. There will be three public Masses on Wednesday: 8 am, 12 and 6 pm. You will be able to receive Communion during each Mass.
The month of November is dedicated to the Poor souls in Purgatory. Do not forget to send us a list of names of your departed loved ones. There will be a devotional shrine at the back of the church throughout this month. Do not forget that from November 1 to 8, Holy Mother Church grants a Plenary Indulgence for the poor souls. This special indulgence for the dead can only be obtained by us who are still living, by saying a mental prayer for them in a cemetery. The following prayer is especially recommended:
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen. "Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen."
What a beautiful (and easy) work of charity and mercy that we can do as Christians for the Poor Souls in Purgatory. Let us pray especially for those who have no one to pray for them for example that of priests. Remember that these souls are detained in Purgatory by God's mercy due to unexpiated sins and their deliverance depend on our charity.
I will be away in Ardee and Belfast for the most of next week. Canon Ryan Post, whom you are all familiar with, will be in Limerick during my absence.
Wishing you a blessed week, Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
=================================
The Vatican Through a Jewish Lens
Join the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and My Jewish Learning for an immersive tour through the Vatican’s vast collection of art and artifacts from ancient Egypt, through the
late Renaissance, and up to contemporary art today. Together, we will explore
the Picture Gallery, Gallery of the Candelabra, and Maps of the Vatican with an
emphasis on understanding their context within the Jewish Diaspora.
Wednesday, November 2 at 11 a.m. ET
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===================================
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Love within Marriage
St. Paul challenges husbands and wives to love each other as Christ loves the Church. In his Letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul writes that marriage is not just a contract but a holy covenant and calling. Within marriage, God calls each spouse to share in the mission of caring for the other.
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Straight and Narrow
Jesus, teaching on salvation, exhorts his followers to strive to enter into heaven by the narrow gate. Examine your life, considering the areas where you are cutting corners and not staying on the narrow path.
Trusting God Amidst Fear
Christ acts as an example for us in showing courage despite many dangers. He illustrates his complete trust in the Lord even when those around him threaten his life. In his boldness, he reveals how the Lord takes care of each of us in our lives.
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FR Jim Lenihan; A NOTE FROM FR.JIM......
Whatever trouble you are going through at this moment just bring it before the
Lord as you meditate on this piece of scripture:
Romans 8:35, 37 'Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us'.
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A Gypsy in Auschwitz
By Otto Rosenberg
In this Sunday Times bestseller, a Sinti man recounts the horrors he witnessed as a child in Nazi concentration camps — and how he joined other prisoners in an armed revolt. This haunting true story shines a light on an often untold side of the Holocaust.
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Br. Columba O’Neill died peacefully at 75, a faithful religious who thought of himself as nothing more than an old shoemaker. In some ways he was right. But the people around him recognized far more in him. His eulogy (delivered by Fr. O’Donnell, the Holy Cross provincial) marveled at the dichotomy:
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But the legs that would carry him to Notre Dame were not strong enough for him to work in the mines alongside his father and brothers. Though he worked separating coal from shale from a young age, it was a source of shame and frustration for John (and his father) that he would never be able to be a coal miner. Physically weak and with no education to speak of, there was little hope for young John until he found a cobbler who would teach him the trade. John showed great promise in this craft, but the advent of the Civil War put a stop to any sense of stability in most American lives. The master from whom he was learning his trade enlisted and John (then only about fourteen) set off as a traveling shoemaker, wandering from town to town in Pennsylvania until about 1869 when he began the long walk to Colorado. He stopped in Denver for a while before making his way to California—and nearly all this on foot! That would have been a tall order for any man, but such a feat was even more remarkable for a man with club feet and slow, shuffling steps.
Since the age of fourteen, John had hoped for a vocation to religious life. In California, he attempted to enter a Franciscan community but was denied because of his disability. But God was at work in his wandering and in this rejection. John had made the acquaintance of a talented cobbler and asked the man where he had learned such skill. The answer: “A little school in Indiana called Notre Dame.”
https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/the-holy-cobbler-of-notre-dame/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=catholic_news_cardinal_hollerich_of_luxembourg_church_blessings_for_same_sex_unions_not_a_settled_matter&utm_term=2022-10-26
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Weekly Newsletter
20th Sunday after Pentecost
23rd October 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
Sorry for the delay in sending you this weekly newsletter. Last weekend was busy and lots of things happened at beginning of this week.
Last week, having discussed Saint Benedict’s emblem and motto, let us continue to explore Sacred Heart Church’s newly decorated ceiling. We move on this week to Saint Thomas Aquinas. You can see that he is represented by a sun and the coat of arms of the Dominician order to which he belonged. The white denotes purity of life and the black penance. Pope Pius XI said that the sun is Saint Thomas’ symbol because “he both brings the light of learning into the minds of men and fires their hearts and wills with the virtues”.
Our God-given intelligence is made for Truth both natural and divine, both having their origin in God, the Creator of all things. We are capax Dei, that is we are capable of knowing God. The Word of God Himself, being Wisdom incarnate, came down from Heaven to enlighten us that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace. (Lk 1:79) Saint Thomas had a special vocation and grace in arranging Truth (both natural and supernatural) in an orderly fashion so that we can safely arrive at the correct conclusion and not that of error. His great capacity for Truth comes from his purity of heart.
The Institute is honoured to have the Angelic Doctor as the patron for our studies and intellectual formation. Studying the philosophical and theological works of Saint Thomas "re-wires" our intelligence, allowing us to receive and understand Reality just as it is. In this way, we priests can participate in Christ's mission to instruct souls.
You will also notice an inscription which says Bene Scripsisti de me Thoma. In order to understand Truth, Saint Thomas goes directly to Truth itself. He used to rest his head against a tabernacle and he would pray and weep while staring at the Crucifix. One day, his brother monks heard a voice coming from the Crucifix: "Thou hast written well of Me, Thomas," said the voice. "What reward wilt thou have?" and his reply was simple, "None other than Thyself, Lord!" replied the Saint."
. . .
In today's Gospel, there was a certain ruler, whose son was sick at Capharnaum. He having heard that Jesus was come from Judea into Galilee, sent to him and prayed him to come down and heal his son. Jesus therefore said to him, Unless you see signs and wonders, you do not believe. Christ reproved the small faith of the nobleman, in order that He might sharpen and augment it. “He teaches,” says S. Chrysostom, “that it is not His miracles that we are to attend to, but His doctrine. He shows that signs are especially made gracious to the soul; and in this case He heals the father who was labouring under a disease of the mind, no less than the (bodily) disease of the son.” Indeed, He first cures the unbelief, or the imperfection of faith, in the father, and then the fever of the son. (extract from Cornelius a Lapide's Commentary)
. . .
Next Sunday, we shall celebrate the Institute’s titular Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King. This Feast was instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI for the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church to remind us of Christ’s universal dominion over all creatures. Faithful assisting at Mass at the Sacred Heart Church on this day will receive plenary indulgence under the typical conditions. The Act of Consecration to the Human Race will be recited at the end of the 10:30 Solemn High Mass with Litany to the Sacred Heart.
Also, please note that there will be neither Adoration nor the 6 pm evening Mass this Tuesday.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney, (066 7135146, 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 23rd October 2022.
Dear Parishioner,
I think you will understand that, when World Mission Day
(Mission Sunday) comes around every year, I find myself recalling the nine
years I spent in Kenya, as one of the priests from Kerry Diocese who
worked (1975 – 2,000) in that country. Having returned, four weeks ago
this weekend, from a visit to Kenya, I am conscious of the privilege it was to
spend those years, as a missionary priest, responding to the call of Jesus
‘Go, teach all nations..........’ Just over 41 years ago, I set off for Kenya to
join Fr. John Hayes from Listowel (R.I.P.) 15th October 1983 and Fr. Maurice
Brick, now in Castleisland Parish. (Fr. John, whose younger brother,
George, is Parish Priest of Kenmare, died as a result of gas inhalation
caused by a faulty gas water heater in his bathroom).
There have been huge changes in the world, since I went to Ken-
ya in September 1981. The change in that forty-year period may not have
happened at the same speed in Africa, as it did in other parts of the world.
While I enjoyed my holiday in Kenya, I returned home with a feeling of
sadness in my heart. From what I saw and from the conversations I had
with people whom I had known, I came to the conclusion that the jour-
ney of a sizeable percentage of the population of Kenya to a point, where
a large number of families will have a reasonable standard of living, is still
a long way off. Naturally, I would love to be proved wrong in my expecta-
tion.
In ‘Dear Parishioner’ last Sunday and the previous Sunday, you
had a chance to read a bit about the theme of ‘Mission’ – Eilis McDonald’s
report of her time in Uganda (9.10.2022) and a short piece from the ‘Mes-
sage of Pope Francis’ for World Mission Day 16.10.2022) and some infor-
mation about the collection that is being taken up this weekend. The
greater part of your reading material this weekend is taken from the 2022
edition of ‘Healing & Development’ produced by the ‘Medical Missionar-
ies of Mary’, best known in Ireland because of their hospital in Drogheda.
This year this congregation is marking 85 years since it was founded. By
coincidence, St. Patrick’s Missionary Society (Kiltegan Fathers) is marking
90 years of its existence and the Mater Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, has
been celebrating 60 years since it was opened by the Sisters of Mercy of
Dublin Diocese. May the good work that has been done up to now be
continued into the future (Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
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Something to Eat Odette Nahayo MMM
Nine years ago, when Medical Missionaries of Mary (MMM) started in
South Sudan, they discovered high levels of malnutrition among the
people. It was the number one issue. One third of all children under five
were affected, much higher than the average for the Africa region. They
also discovered that the elderly were badly malnourished. The Sisters
began their work in Community-based health care, water and sanitation
activities, and sack and kitchen gardens. This has grown to include the
development of a seed bank and nutritional demonstration garden from
which produce is sold to support the most vulnerable people and supply
therapeutic food. There is no health without good nutrition!
The soil in the Eastern bank, Wau area, is poor, so they implement the
nutritional projects with sack gardens or kitchen gardens. Sack gardens are
tall sacks filled with soil from which plants grow, efficient in areas of poor
soil and water consumption. They help improve a family’s diet with
vegetables. Additionally, beneficiaries are still putting cow or goat dung as
fertiliser to enrich the soil. Now MMM has a Primary Health Care facility,
licenced in 2018, and it provides immunisation, HIV testing, outpatient
clinics, social activities, and community development. The situation
currently is challenging, because the humanitarian conditions are really
touching as the level of poverty is continuously on the increase, couple
with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Letter Of Thanksgiving From Fatima, A Woman Helped By MMM To
Rebuild Her House
“I know myself as a hardworking and happy woman. However, after the
death of my husband, I lost everything, including my joy, and remained
lonely. I became a beggar, and the taunt of laughter to my neighbours.
Even /questioned God several times, but I have learned that God can
delay intervening due to our lack of patience, but He does not stay silent
forever. God opened a door, and His servants came in towards me, they
fed me, treated my child, built me a house, they promised to start a
business and to help my son to go back to school. Those who were
laughing at us are now asking me how I went about it and who are those
people who raised me up
from the pit. My answer is that God remembered his poor servant and
sent his people to me. How can foreigners help people they do not
know? Even if I and my children do not eat, no one will notice because we
are in our house. Now it is raining, we remember how many times some
neighbours refused us a shelter when we needed it. We remember how
much we
suffered under the tree, then...we glorify the Lord, we pray for the Sisters,
their staff and our Secret friend, and we finally enjoy the nice sound of rain
on the roof, we sleep peacefully. Our house is not made of GRASS, it is
made of GRACE. I promise to also help those in need. I feel useful to my
neighbours, and my identity has been restored. Thanks a lot for your love,
Sister, and tell that unknown benefactor that God knows him, he will
always intervene in his entire needs.”
Diamond Jubilee: Sr. Helen Aherne, MMM from Fermoy, Co. Cork, entered
MMM straight from school and trained as a nurse in Drogheda as a young
sister. She worked as a theatre nurse for a short period before being
assigned to Tanzania, Africa. Sr. Helen worked for thirty years in various
MMM hospitals and clinics in Tanzania. During this time, she had short
breaks to do further training (midwifery) and for mission awareness (USA),
but her principal dedication was to the patients in her care in Kabanga,
Namanyere, Dareda and Makiungu.
In 1998, she made the transition to Uganda and
worked here for another sixteen years, first in Kitovu, and later in Masaka
she worked in drug and alcohol treatment programmes. She was involved
in prison ministry and worked with street children. Her pastoral concern
continues in Ireland. She has been Eucharistic Minister at the Lourdes
Hospital and is presently dedicating most of her time to the care and
welfare of the elderly and infirm Sisters. Celebrating her Jubilee she
remembered her family, her MMM sisters, and all her friends in Tanzania
and Uganda. Prayer and thanksgiving have always been an important part
of her life.(From Healing & Development MMM, 2022 Edition.)
Prayer for the Earth
For a just, habitable and sustainable common home
Merciful God and creator of all, we praise you for the gift of the earth,
home to so many forms of life, the common home of peoples, cultures and
species.
We have made it an unjust place, where some consume and pollute more
than others, and the poor face the greatest impacts of climate change.
Therefore, we ask you to help us to achieve climate and ecological justice,
so that no one takes for themselves what belongs to all. (Contd. at back)
That we may share the world’s goods equitably, and live simply, so that
we may bear witness that the earth is the sister and mother of all.
Help us to respect its rhythms of generation, so that it may sustain all living
beings both in the present and for future generations. Amen
Mother Marie Martin, foundress of Medical Missionaries of Mary
Were it not for the remarkable resilience of one woman, who steadily
pursued her vision in the face of numerous challenges, we would not be
celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Medical Missionaries of Mary this
year. Mother Mary face many obstacles throughout her life, both personal
and religious, and many which she had to overcome before her vision of a
women’s medical missionary congregation came to fruition in 1937..............
After many years of waiting, the doors for the establishment of the Medical
Missionaries of Mary began to open. On the 11th of February 1936, the
Vatican issued a document that, not only permitted women religious to
undertake medical and healthcare work, but actively encouraged it. All of
the challenges and uncertainties of the previous years had led Marie to
this moment, when, at last, her vision could begin to be realised. Those
long years of waiting now seem a small span of time, when we reflect on
the 85 years since the Congregation was officially founded but those years,
and the obstacles overcome, were formative in both shaping Marie herself
and the Medical Missionaries of Mary.
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel
John Byrne OSA Intercom October 2022
1.We are often defensive in our relationships with others. We are reluctant
to let another see us as we see ourselves. Occasionally we meet someone
with whom we can be totally open and know we will be accepted.
With whom have you had that kind of a relationship?
What was it like for you to have that freedom?
2.Likewise with God, when we come to prayer, pretending to be better
than we are, we are hiding from God. What difference does it make when
you pray to God, acknowledging your faults and limitations? Have you
ever found that when you are humble in this way in prayer, God lifts you
up?
3.The parable is also a cautionary tale against judging others negatively, on
the basis of externals. Perhaps God, who looks into the heart, sees them
differently. When have you discovered there was more to another person
than the negative picture you got from first impressions?
What lessons did you learn for yourself from this.
-------------------------------------------------------
This Saturday will mark ten years since Superstorm Sandy hit the Diocese of Brooklyn.
==============================
An Invitation to Prayer
In today's Gospel, Jesus restores the fortunes of Israel by calling twelve disciples, a mirror of the original twelve tribes of Israel. He does this after time spent in prayer, reaffirming the importance of prayer and inviting us to pray for all those he calls.
The Call to Sacrifice
How can we be more like Christ? Today, St. Paul calls us to imitate God through self-sacrifice and generosity. It is through this that we can truly be saved and inherit God’s Kingdom.
The Prayer of the Humble Pierces the Heavens
In today’s Gospel, Jesus summons you to find humility in prayer. With humility, you can confess that you are nothing and God is everything, which allows you to entrust yourself fully to his mercy. It is through this humility that you can find peace and joy from the Lord.
To the faithful of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City,
In every issue of the Sooner Catholic newspaper, I author a column where I reflect on events in the life of the Church, events in the world and my own life experiences. This column takes its title, Put Out Into the Deep, from the command of Jesus to Simon Peter, the fisherman, in Saint Luke’s gospel to “Put out into the deep:" a command that I adopted as my own episcopal motto.
In an effort to cast a wider net and expand the reach of these writings, I have started a video series where I share what I have written about in a new medium.
I hope these videos will assist you in reflecting on various aspects of faith and the role the Church plays in your life. You can watch the first episode by clicking above, or by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlxPylLROaw
Pray for me and my ministry here in the archdiocese as I continue to pray for you all daily.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley
Archbishop of Oklahoma City
Pope John Paul II portrays the remarkable life of Karol Wojtyla, the man who would eventually become Pope John Paul II. Watch Jon Voight's Emmy-nominated performance, allowing it to inspire you to live a life of heroic virtue and holiness.
Pope John Paul;
https://watch.formed.org/october-22-pope-st-john-paul-ii/videos/pope-john-paul-ii
Repenting to Grow in Faith
Today’s Gospel reading focuses on the need for repentance as Jesus looks to renew Israel. Repentance is the doorway to a renewal of faith—by repenting, people can come to know God. When you acknowledge your sins, the grace of faith can flow richly into your heart.
Peace and Unity in Relationships
How well are you living out humility? In St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, he speaks of how unity and peace only arrive through a humble heart. It is in humility that you can truly pursue a bond of peace and experience its fruits in each of your relationships.
A NUN'S LIFE MINISTRY
"Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything."
~ St. Teresa of Avila
===================================
===========================
Fr Jim Lenihan;
A NOTE FROM FR. JIM.....
Last Sunday I read this reflection. It’s paramount in the Christian life to know the
love of God. Spend some time this week meditating on these words:
It is true. I stand at the door of your heart, day and night.
Even when you are not listening, even when you doubt it could be Me, I am there:
waiting for even the smallest signal of your response, even the smallest suggestion
of an invitation that will permit Me to enter. I come longing to console you and give
you strength, to lift you up and bind all your wounds. I bring you My light, to dispel
your darkness and all your doubts. I come with My power, that allows me to carry
you: with My grace, to touch your heart and transform your life. I come with My
peace, to calm your soul. I know you like the palm of my hand. I know everything
about you. Even the hairs of your head I have counted. Nothing in your life is
unimportant to Me. I have followed you through the years and I have always loved
you even when you have strayed. I know every one of your problems. I know your
needs and your worries and yes, I know all your sins. But I tell you again that I
love you, not for what you have or ceased to do, I love you for you, for the beauty
and the dignity My Father gave you by creating you in His own image. It is a
dignity you have often forgotten, a beauty you have tarnished by sin. But I love
you as you are, and I have shed My Blood to rescue you. If you only ask Me with
faith, My grace will touch all that needs changing in your life: I will give you the
strength to free yourself from sin and from all its destructive power.
All your life I have been desiring your love. I’ve never ceased searching for your
love and longing to be loved by you in return. You have tried many things in your
goal to be happy. Why not try opening up for Me your heart, right now, more than
you ever have before?
When you finally open the doors of your heart and you finally come close enough,
you will then hear Me say again and again, not in mere human words but in spirit:
“No matter what you have done, I love you for your own sake. Come to Me with
your misery and your sins, with your problems and needs, and with all your desire
to be loved".
I stand at the door of your heart and call...
Open to Me, for I THIRST FOR YOU.
==============================
THIS SUNDAY IS WORLD MISSION SUNDAY
October is designated as Mission month. There are approximately 1,300 Irish born missionaries working in more than 80 countries around the world. During this month we unite ourselves in prayer with them and the communities with whom they serve. A special collection will be held this weekend.
I Said A Prayer For You Today
I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard,
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke not a word.
I didn’t ask for wealth or fame
(I knew you wouldn’t mind)
I asked Him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind.
I prayed that He’d be near you
At the start of each new day,
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way.
I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small,
But it was for His loving care
I prayed the most of all.
========================
Using Your Gifts for the Kingdom
Today’s readings emphasize the role of stewardship. As a Christian, you are a steward of the good God has entrusted to you. But are you using your gifts and talents wisely for the Kingdom of God?
Letting God's Love Inflame Our Hearts
In today’s readings, Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire.” St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians reflects on this fire for God by bringing up the need for knowledge. God calls you to grow in knowledge so that you can know the depths of God’s love and feel this flame kindle within your heart.
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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:-
Before you speak Listen
Before you write Think
Before you Spend Earn
Before you Invest -Investigate
Before you Criticise -Wait
Before you Pray -Forgive
Before you Quit -Try
Before you Retire -Save
Before you Die -Give.
=======================
The shepherd not only leads but accompanies. The Hebrew idiom behind “the care of the ewes” is literally “from after” and is most often translated “following.” Or as we might put it, the shepherd looks after the flock.
He tended them with blameless heart;
with his skilful hands he led them.
(Psalm 78:72)
https://www.spms.org/wonder-with-the-word
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10: Immorality is the key to happiness.
The final mistake: Movies often teach the reverse of traditional concepts of good and evil. They’ll have the lead character succeed in his mission by breaking one of the commandments — and not just the sixth; also the seventh, in heist movies; or the first, in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (2022) in which Doctor Strange happily uses witchcraft to win the day, a decision which, in classic stories like Doctor Faustus, never ends well.
https://excorde.org/2022/10-mistakes-movies-make
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Living Like St. Luke the Evangelist
On the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, we are given a glimpse of the person St. Luke was. When St. Paul was abandoned by those who were with him, St. Luke remained. His loyalty and faithfulness even under persecution show his trust in God’s providence. In the Gospel reading, the disciples are told to announce that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Today, we see how St. Luke spread this message in the way he lived his life which encourages us to do the same.
Finding Humility in Our Works
In today’s readings, St. Paul reminds us that we are blessed with grace as a gift from Christ. Our good works are not how we are saved, but rather a fruit of being saved. The Lord works and fashions us in Christ so that we may produce good works. Through this, we are called to a deeper humility and recognition that our good works are from the grace God gives us.
==============================
Weekly Newsletter
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
16th October 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
I would like to thank you for your words of appreciation for the completed painting of the nave’s ceiling. Besides the coat of arms of the Institute familiar to all, some of you may perhaps wonder about signification of the other images. In fact, they represent our Patron Saints: Saints Benedict, Thomas Aquinas and Francis de Sales.
You see, our Patron Saints truly embody the motto of the Institute, Veritatem facientes in caritate: Living the Truth in Charity. Saint Benedict teaches us to live the Life of Christ through the liturgy; Saint Thomas Aquinas helps to understand the truth about God and Saint Francis de Sales encourages us to practice holy charity towards God and neighbour. We shall dwell upon the significance of all these images in the newsletters to come. Let us begin with the first of our primary patrons, Saint Benedict of Nursia, Father of Europe.
Saint Benedict is represented by his medal along with the devise of his great monastic order Ora et Labora. I am sure that all of you are familiar with the inscriptions of the medal and the miracles associated with it and that you wear this sacramental for the protection against the snares of the devil and for preservation in danger.
Everytime you look up and see this image, you will be reminded of the importance of prayer and work. This way of life is not exclusive to monks of Saint Benedict but it is also meant for us, people living in the world.
The duties that come with our vocation may seem like an obstacle which prevents us from praying as much as we would like to. Saint Benedict reminds us that work can also be a prayer in itself as it is a sacrifice and an offering to God.
So let us not be discouraged when we find ourselves lacking the time or concentration to pray. The duties of our state of life is the accomplishment of God’s Will and is therefore, in a sense, a divine office. We should not hesitate to say a quick prayer to implore God’s assistance (Deus in adjutorium meum intende) in order to accomplish excellently that which is expected of us.
.. .
In the reading from Ephesians (4:23-28), St Paul presents holiness as a new garment to be put on. This garment is Jesus Christ Himself who is Charity incarnate. This is to remind us to have always Charity burning in our heart like that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us not be like the man in the Gospel who was without the wedding garment. Let us instead put on Christ.
.. .
Time flies and the great Feast of Christ the King is already upon us (30th October). As you know, there will be the annual collection for our seminary. The faithful of Sacred Heart Church have benefited from the fruits of Gricigliano over the years through the passing by of many good priests and seminarians. In anticipation to this, I encourage you to pray to Saint Joseph that he may provide you with the means to contribute generously to the solid formation of future priests for the salvation of souls.
I shall be away next week in Ardee from Tuesday to Saturday to replace Canon Gribbin, who will be in the UK. I will profit from my time there to pay a visit to Canon Heppelle in Belfast. Please pray for me as I will also make the preliminary preparations for the restoration of our church there.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Novena to St. Teresa of Ávila - Day One
Novena to St. Teresa of Ávila • 2m 31s
https://watch.formed.org/novena-to-st-teresa-of-avila/videos/novena-to-st-teresa-of-avila-day-one
The Beauty of Intercessory Prayer
How often do you spend time praying for others? In today’s readings, St. Paul remembers the Ephesians in his prayers, becoming a model and example for us in intercessory prayer. His letter reminds us of the beauty of praying for those around us, illustrating how we are called to intercede and pray for others.
Persisting in Prayer
This Sunday’s readings focus on prayer. In the Book of Exodus, Israel succeeded in battle each time Moses kept his hands raised up, and the Gospel speaks of a woman’s pleas being answered through her persistence. These readings emphasize the importance of perseverance in prayer. The Lord hears our prayers and encourages us to persist in praying at each moment. When we give up, we are like Moses lowering his hands during the battle and allowing the enemy to win.
Praising God with All Our Hearts
Today’s Scripture reveals to us that we are chosen by the Father. Each of us is created with the purpose to give praise and glory to God. We are all invited to share our grateful hearts with the Lord and discover how all the beauty in the world and the good we’ve received comes from God.
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Prayer
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Pope Francis’ Daily Prayer to Saint Joseph
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
Saved by Christ for the Father
Today, St. Paul speaks of the incredible plan of grace God has for each of us. It is in Christ and through Christ that we are redeemed and blessed. God has invited us into his plan to be made holy through the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross. Through the cross, we are adopted by God and our transgressions are forgiven.
Give Alms
In today’s Gospel, we are reminded that purity is not something found on the outside, but within. But what can purify our hearts? Jesus answers that we can make our hearts clean through almsgiving. By selflessly loving others with our entire hearts, we can cleanse ourselves of our impurities and atone for our sins.
Allowing Grace to Guide Us
Are you guided by the flesh or the Spirit? Today, St. Paul challenges us to examine the way we live our lives. We can reflect on this by examining the fruits of our actions. While a life in the flesh leads to sin and brokenness in ourselves and relationships, a life in the Spirit is full of love, joy, and peace. By living life in the Spirit, we discover the wealth of goodness the Holy Spirit has to offer us.
The Importance of Gratitude
How often are we blessed by the Lord and do not thank him? In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the importance of gratitude. God does so much for us in our lives, and yet we do not always turn around to give him praise. This Sunday, enter into the true heart of worship by having a heart of thanksgiving.
Faith and Repentance
At times we are tempted to search for signs of God instead of meeting God himself. In today’s Gospel, Jesus warns against seeking signs and asks us to have faith. However, to have faith we must first repent. May we have the grace to repent, trust in the Lord's goodness, and receive the gift of faith.
Hearing and Obeying the Word of God
Every Saturday the Church thinks of Our Lady as the “model disciple.” But why is Mary blessed among women? In today’s Gospel, Jesus clarifies that Mary’s holiness is rooted in her ability to hear the word of God and obey it. He calls us to be like Mary, and to follow her on this path to blessing.
Why the Absence of Evil Is Not Enough
In today’s reading, Jesus reveals that keeping evil and sin out of our hearts is not enough. We are called to fill the space left behind by our sin with the presence of the Holy Spirit. On this Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, we can invite Our Lady and the Holy Spirit into our hearts to strengthen us against the temptation to fall back into sin.
Perseverance in Prayer
Our prayers do not go unanswered or unheard. Today, Jesus teaches us that we can ask for the graces we need. Similar to yesterday’s readings, Christ emphasizes the importance of praying to God our Father—who we can trust is taking care of us.
Praying to God the Father
Prayer is about coming to unity with God and drawing closer to his heart. In today's Gospel, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus responds with the Lord’s Prayer, showing us that we are called to speak to God as Father to orientate ourselves toward the mystery of who he is.
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St. Francis was a person who, like us, searched for purpose and meaning and was often left empty. But, through his encounter with Christ, light and peace replaced his darkness and confusion. Watch St. Francis of Assisi: A Sign of Contradiction—a breathtaking film from 4PM Media—which brilliantly recounts the life of St. Francis.
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Peace In Activity
Today we hear the story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus and the teaching of the one thing necessary. Even when called into the active life, we must sit at the feet of Christ throughout the day so that we may receive his peace as we go about our labors.
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 9th October 2022.
Dear Parishioner,
I would not expect you or most parishioners to know a lot
about Uganda. Apart from knowing that it is a country in Africa (like Kenya
and Tanzania in East Africa. Nigeria is one of the better known countries in
West Africa.), you might know that Kampala is the capital city and Yoweri
Musevenie, President there since ........is not keen to leave his position of
power. The article from the Africa Magazine that you can read in this ‘Dear
Parishioner’ tells us about an Irish woman, Eilis McDonald, who after
retiring from a teaching job in County Wicklow, joined a volunteer
Missionary Organisation, called the Volunteer Mission Movement (V.M.M.)
and worked in two African countries – Malawi and Kenya – before going to
Uganda.
The ’Dear Parishioner’ article takes up Eilis’s story after a few paragraphs,
where she had described her childhood memories. “Around my First
Communion time, our teacher, Miss Dunne showed us a photo in the Africa
magazine of an Irish nun teaching a class under the shade of a tree,
somewhere in Africa. I decided that was what I wanted to do, when I grew
up. I didn’t get far with the nun bit of the picture and had to wait till I
retired before I got to teach in Africa – but not under a tree.” She went on
to describe how Irish missionaries – male and female – did a variety of
work all through the 20th century. Evidence of the work that they did is
seen in various African countries (but not only in Africa) in the schools,
hospitals churches and diocesan structures, which were often built with
generous financial support from family members and friends of the
missionaries at home in Ireland.
Eilis McDonald is conscious that, by comparison with many missionaries,
she has spent a relatively short time in Africa (10 years). After reading her
account, I think you will agree that she has made a big contribution to the
lives of many Ugandan people. I feel most fair-minded people would love
to see a situation where the poorer and disadvantaged people in the world
would be not be depending on countries like Ireland to lift them from
poverty. Sadly, for a variety of reasons, including bad leadership at a
political level, that hope will not be realised in the near future. We can
play a small part in bring about a more equal world. (Fr. Denis
O’Mahony)
------------------------
My New Life in Uganda, Africa Magazine September/October 2022
Missionaries nowadays are often people who volunteer for a few months,
a year or two or indeed longer. They help a community in need in a
specific area or skill, interacting with the local community and giving of
themselves to help others but the foundations are there. Newcomers can
build on what has gone before. When I retired, I went to teach English
and Art in a Teacher Training College in Uganda. It boasted a brand new
library block and computer room donated by a Dutch church community.
The computer room had ten double sockets and strong windows and doors
but no furniture and no computers. I received a donation of €2,000 from
family and friends and the parish of Baltinglass and Kiltegan in Co. Wicklow.
I had VMM colleagues, Karolann, an IT technician from Virginia, Co. Cavan,
and Danny,\ an electrician from Finglas in Dublin, who worked for
CAMARA. This is an organisation that collects surplus computers in Ireland
and England, ships them out to Kenya where they are reconditioned and
sold to schools and colleges. Between us we got twenty reconditioned
computers transported and set up in the college. Many students in that
rural part of western Uganda had never seen a computer and very few
had ever got their hands on one. I did not have much computer skills but I
did have typing skills so I set out as the computer teacher. The place was
packed, (almost all boys) everyone wanting to learn, all prepared to sit two
to a chair so they could absorb what was happening. They learned quickly
and demanded they be given an exam and certificate to add to their CV.
My contract was for two years but, at the end of the year when I made my
report, my supervisor back in Dublin asked me about the computers and
how I planned to make the programme sustainable. Sure, I hadn’t thought
of that but now I would have to extend my programme and find an income
to support computer maintenance and pay a tutor’s salary. The college
had eight acres of land that wasn’t being used so with the help of the local
agricultural advisor we planted three acres of banana, two acres of tea and
one acre of coffee seedlings. Within two years we had our first small
banana crop and, from then on, we had a small income which grew each
year. The coffee took a few years to produce a harvest but it is still going
well. The computer room is still there and the banana and coffee
plantations are going well. Lest you think I am crowing about the work
done, let me tell you about the disaster bit, because there is always
another angle to every story, and I have lots of disaster stories!
The tea seedlings were almost a month late in arriving, but they did come
the day before the holidays, just as I was leaving for the airport. My
colleague at the college, Sr. Margaret, marshalled all 200 students to plant
18,000 seedlings, which they did and left all neat and tidy. The rains were
due but were a bit late in arriving; however, I was hopeful that our tea
would grow ok. The sad fact is that the students and Sr. Margaret
thought the little black plastic bags the seedlings came in were some new
form of fertiliser and planted them, bags and all! Then the rains were a
few weeks late in coming so we had no tea but I did have to bribe a team
of students to go around the fields and countryside and collect all the those
plastic bags! I now work on a ‘Positive Discipline Programme’,
encouraging teachers to eliminate corporal punishment and have the cane
out of their hands. It was easy enough to get access to the schools through
the diocesan and parish structure and from there to all other schools, who
don’t want to be left out of any new development in education. We have
spent a few years developing the programme and it is now ready for roll
out in Ugandan Primary Teachers’ Training Colleges. I’m conscious that we
are growing on the shoulders of those who have been there before us.
(Eilís McDonald is a widow and retired teacher from Wicklow. She is a
long term volunteer with VMM and has worked in Malawi, Uganda and
Kenya.)
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel John Byrne OSA
1.The cure of the lepers is not just a physical cure, it also brought the
people healed back from exclusion into the community. Perhaps you have
experienced the movement from exclusion to inclusion. What was it like
for you to be accepted once again when you had felt excluded?
2.Who were the Jesus people for you who brought about this change? For
whom have been able to do this, perhaps by healing a rift with a friend, or
by listening to the opinion of someone you had dismissed out of hand, or by
opening the door in some other way to another?
3.Some people work hard at breaking down barriers in society, seeking
inclusion for those who find themselves labelled as lepers by society or by a
section of society. Where have you seen this happening? Who has been
doing this kind of work? Where is the good news in such action?
4.When we do good for another, we may not do it for the thanks we hope
to get, but it can hurt when no gratitude is shown. Sometimes it is those
closest to us who can take us for granted. What helps you to cope in such
circumstances?
October, Mission Month.
Every year, in the month of September, priests in the parishes of our
country get literature for use for use in the month of October. While
World Mission Sunday is celebrated towards the end of the month (23rd
October this year), it is hoped that churchgoers will hear (and read) about
the importance of having an interest in the theme of Mission during the
month. This was probably easier in years gone by, when many people in
Ireland had family members or relatives as well as neighbours who were
missionaries. Through their visits home and through articles in various
missionary magazines, people were very much in touch with the good work
being done by Irish people in various parts of the world, in what we knew
as mission countries.
Included in the literature that arrived recently was a shortened version of
the message of Pope Francis for World Mission Sunday 2022. The
following is a paragraph from that message. “Every Christian is called to be
a missionary and witness to Christ. The Church’s only mission, as the
community of Christ’s disciples, is to bring the Gospel to the entire world by
bearing witness to Christ. Each baptised person is called to mission, in the
Church and by the mandate of the Church: consequently, mission is carried
out together, not individually, in communion with the ecclesial (Church)
community. Missionaries of Christ are not sent to communicate
themselves, to demonstrate their powers of persuasion or their managerial
skills. Instead, they have the supreme honour of representing Christ in
words and actions, proclaiming to everyone the Good News of his salvation,
with joy and boldness as the first apostles did.......I urge everyone to have
the courage, frankness and ability to speak the truth of the first Christians,
to bear witness to Christ in word and deed in every area of life.”
Missio Ireland is the Holy Father’s official charity for overseas Mission. We
are part of a global network serving the Church in over 120 countries.
Through the collection taken up on World Mission Sunday and the
generosity of the Irish faithful, we support missionaries, who are caring for
some of the most vulnerable communities and people in the world.
Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling
look, there by a kindly word, always doing the smallest right and doing it all
for love. (St. Therese of Lisieux in Reality, October
==================================
A NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan .....
The image below depicts a truth that St. Augustine expressed so beautifully. ‘You
have made us for yourself O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in
you’. There is a God shaped hole in all our hearts yet we genuinely believe that
created things alone could fill that empty space within us. A friend from home had
a Toyota Corolla but felt he’d be happier with a Toyota Avensis, when he
eventually did get the Avensis he then wanted the Audi A4. Soon after he went
from the A4 to the A6. Now he has a Mercedes C Class but said lately that the
new Range Rover Sport is his ultimate dream car! In a similar way a woman asked
me once to pray that she will meet the husband of her dreams so that she might
find happiness. She then asked me to pray that she and her husband could have a
child that she might find happiness. She
then wanted me to pray for a second
child. They now have three beautiful
children thank God but she said there’s
still something still missing in her life. CS
Lewis put it this way ‘If I find in myself
desires which nothing in this world can
satisfy, the only logical explanation is that
I was made for another world’. In our
prayer this week may we come to discover
that inner hunger for God and come to
know that God alone is the only fulfilment
of all our desires
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
Abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
2nd October 2022, 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Dear Parishioner,
While you have not seen the heading above for the past
few weeks, you were not left without ‘Dear Parishioner’ because of the
good work done by Parish Secretary, Bernie White. Before going on a trip
to Kenya, I did not want to make a song and dance about it and, so, I did
not broadcast very widely that I was jetting off to the African continent.
Over the coming weeks, I will give a short report on my travels. I will not
touch on this subject this weekend.
When I took the wrapping off the October issue of Reality Magazine, I
found a letter which caused a slight shock and made me a little sad. The
letter contained the news that the magazine would not be published
from January 2023 onwards. It has been no secret for some time now that
the ‘world of the printed word’ is going through a difficult phase. This has
been the case because of the influence of social media and other
technological advances and has affected newspaper sales as well as having
a big impact on magazines of various kinds. I think ‘Dear Parishioner’
readers will recall good articles from Reality that you have been reading
over the past number of years. I think, especially, of the articles by two
regular contributors - Carmel Wynne (Family and Relationships) and Fr.
Peter McVerry (Reality Check).
I feel both writers have an ability to reflect on topics that touch the lives of
all people. We may find ourselves reading in one of the articles about
something we have thought about, now and then, or something that
surprises us – maybe something that we never thought about. In her
article this month, Carmel Wynne concludes by quoting a famous
psychiatrist, philosopher and holocaust survivor, Victor Frankel, “When we
are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change
ourselves.” Peter McVerry never tires of challenging his readers to open
our eyes to the injustice in society, to see the inequality and to do what we
can to bring about change. I am of the view that, if legislators and people
in high places, could take note of the
various suggestions he makes, many of the instances of injustice and
inequality would no longer be so evident in our society. There would be in
that much used phrase, ‘a more level playing field.’ (Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
------------------------
We Must Take Sides
We Only Realise How Privileged We Are When We See
How Others Have To Live
When I went to live and work in the inner city of Dublin in 1974, two things
shocked me:
First, the conditions in which some people there had to live. Some of the
houses were old tenement buildings from the 1800s, divided into flats for
families. There was no soundproofing between flats – I could listen to the
news on the television in the flat below me. Some of the houses had one
outside toilet for eight families. The place was crawling with rats, the size
of little kittens. The unemployment rate was about 80 per cent, as most
people traditionally had worked on the nearby docks, loading and
unloading ships but containerisation took their jobs away. So, most
young people growing up there never expected to ever have a job. Hence,
they saw no point in staying in school and many left school early, often by
the age of 12. They hung around the streets all day, with no money in their
pockets, so they started stealing and they soon realised that the only way
out of the life of poverty in which they were trapped was crime. Some
turned to drugs to dull the pain of their meaningless lives. Our prisons
then, as still today, were full of people from deprived areas, who left
school early, had low levels of literacy, and no history of employment,
but a long history of addiction.
Secondly, what shocked me even more was that I had been living in Dublin
but had no idea of the conditions in which some people had to live. I had
lived a privileged life, growing up in a family that was financially secure,
went to a fee-paying school, on to college and could have had a well-paid
job if I hadn’t joined the Jesuits (the Jesuits don’t pay very well!). Being
privileged in Ireland doesn’t mean being wealthy - just having secure and
affordable housing, not having to worry about paying the bills, or being
on waiting lists for hospital treatment. I only realised how privileged I was
when I saw how others had to live and, if I wanted to retain my privileged
lifestyle, I needed not to know how they lived. Knowing changed me from
a young conservative into an old radical.
We live in a society where accumulating resources to provide security for
our families is considered common sense, the responsible thing to do. In
such a model there are winners and losers. Our culture tries to persuade
us
that Irish society provides a level playing field, that those who succeed
are the ones who made good choices, studied hard in school and so got
good jobs. They are the winners, they succeeded through their own efforts
and deserve their privileged lifestyle. Similarly, it tries to persuade us that
those who are poor and marginalised are the losers, they made bad
choices, failed to take the opportunities offered to them. By and large,
they live in deprived areas, with few resources, and struggle financially.
Some of them, of course, deserve our charity but the playing field is far
from level. In fact, the game is rigged. Through fee-paying schools or
grinds (62 per cent of children from higher socio-economic groups pay for
grinds), those of us who are privileged can give our children a substantial
advantage in this competitive struggle, thus improving their access to good
employment opportunities.
To take sides with the poor is not to be against those who are privileged.
It is to take sides with the cause of the poor and against the cause of
those who seek to preserve their privileges at the expense of the poor. It
means opposing those who oppose social housing or Traveller
accommodation. It means opposing those who oppose paying higher taxes
so that poverty can be reduced. It means opposing policies, resource
allocations and structures which favour those who are privileged and
consequently, and often unintentionally, keep those who are poor
marginalised. Jesus took sides: “How happy are you who are poor, yours is
the Kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). In the Kingdom of God in Heaven, the
poor have a privileged place. So, it should be in the Kingdom of God which
we are building here on earth.
Fr. Peter McVerry, Reality October 2022.
Miss no opportunity of making some small sacrifice,
Here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word
Always doing the smallest and doing it all for love.
(St. Therese of Lisieux)
‘It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement;
the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual
interest. It is the source so much in life that makes life worth living.’
‘The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.’
The first quotation is from David Attenborough, the second from
Dorothy Parker, both taken from Reality Magazine, October 2022.
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel John Byrne OSA
1.Faith can move mountains... well it can certainly get us moving. Recall a
time when you were full of self-doubt, scepticism about a project, or
lacking trust in God. What was that like? Contrast this with times when
your faith and trust in God was strong. What kind of faith has enriched
your life?
2.Faith is like a mustard seed, small, and sometimes we may be tempted to
wait till our faith grows. Part of the message in the gospel is to use the
faith we have, even though it may be small. That is how we grow in belief
in ourselves and in God’s presence in our lives. Does your experience back
up this?
3.It is nice when what we do is recognised and acknowledged, but the
desire for recognition leaves us vulnerable. It is not always forthcoming. It
can be helpful if our main motivation in doing something is the value of
the action itself. Have you experienced this?
4.This is particularly true when it comes to love. Love is a free gift. What is
given lovingly is not given because of a claim. What is your experience of
the freedom of love given and received?
Points to Ponder Intercom October 2022
Liturgical Silence: Among the ritual acts that belong to the whole assembly,
silence occupies a place of absolute importance. Many times, it is expressly
prescribed in the rubrics. The entire Eucharistic celebration is immersed in the
silence which precedes its beginning, and which marks every moment of its ritual
unfolding. It is present in the penitential act, after the invitation ‘Let us pray’, in
the Liturgy of the Word (before the readings, between the readings and after the
homily), in the eucharistic prayer and after communion. Such silence in not an
inner haven to hide oneself in intimate isolation, as if leaving the ritual form
behind as a distraction. That kind of silence would contradict the essence itself of
the celebration. Liturgical silence is something much grander; it is the symbol of
the presence and action of the Holy Spirit who animates the entire action of the
celebration.
Silence moves us to sorrow for sin and the desire for conversion. It awakens a
readiness to hear the Word and awakens prayer. It disposes us to adore the Body
and Blood of Christ. It suggests to us, in the intimacy of communion, what the
spirit would effect in our lives to conform us to the Bread broken. For all these
reasons we are called to enact with extreme care the symbolic gesture of silence.
Through it the Spirit gives us shape, gives us form. (Pope Francis,
Desiderio Desideravi,
Apostolic Letter on the Liturgical Formation of the People of God.
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Pope Francis’ Daily Prayer to Saint Joseph
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
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A NOTE FROM FR. JIM. Lenihan .....
Firstly I’d like to apologise for not high-lighting last Sunday that it was ‘Day for
Life’. A day where we celebrate the gift of life and pray that we’ll never forget
the priceless value of every life. I must say l felt quite guilty for the oversight,
because I feel that as a nation we’ve become numb and indifferent to the fact
that abortion has ended 20,000 lives since we repealed the 8th Amendment, and
so turning a blind eye to so many who are left picking up the pieces on their own. A
question: what’s the opposite to love? Hatred? No, indifference! Have we as a so
called Christian community become indifferent to loss of life and the pain of those
hurt by abortion? Do we pray for and support groups financially who work with
women who find themselves with a crisis pregnancy and help them discover a
better alternative or no matter what choice they make are we there to support
them in their hurt and pain afterwards. Do we pray for our government leaders
and law makers that they won’t be influenced by those who have a vested interest
in the abortion industry. My prayer is that groups like Gianna Care and Rachel’s
Vineyard will get the prayers and financial support they need to help them
continue the compassionate support they give to those hurt by abortion. And may
we as a country return to being a culture of life and a people that care
---------------------------------------
Saints and Sinners- By Eamon Duffy
Explore the Catholic church’s history and the popes who have shaped it in a Cambridge professor’s illuminating look at the papacy, updated to include Pope Francis. “A distinguished text” (The New York Times Book Review).
Christian Nonfiction £1.99 £10.99- Limited time only!
--------------------------------
Warning to the West
By Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Nobel Prize winner Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn warned against tyranny in the urgent series of speeches he gave across the US and Great Britain throughout 1975 and 1976. “One of the few authors who actually altered the way in which millions of people thought about politics” (New York Times bestselling author Anne Applebaum). £0.99 £4.99- Limited time only!
----------------------------
The Authority of the Apostles
In today's readings, we hear Paul warning the Galatians to guard themselves against false gospels—even those delivered by angels. From this, we learn the importance of the deposit of faith transmitted through the apostolic tradition. Today, reflect on the gift that is the apostolic tradition that gives us confidence in the faith we have received.
Trust in God
In today's readings, Jesus teaches us that faith is the key to unlocking the power of grace in our lives. Faith gives us the patience to wait in hope for God. Today, ask the Lord for an increase in faith.
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Weekly Newsletter- Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost 2nd October 2022.
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
We are now in the month of October which is dedicated to the holy Rosary and the holy angels.
I always recommend the practice of this beautiful devotion to our celestial friends, especially in this month. Their twofold vocation is to give praise to God and to protect us. Today, 2nd October is also the feast of the guardian angels, a reminder to pray regularly to you guardian angel for guidance and protection.
In today’s gospel Jesus speaks to each one of us with defined clarity: First you must love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole soul and your whole mind. And second, you must love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22) if you wish to live in accordance with God’s Holy Will.
So what do you think of the difference in your dearest church this week, now that the scaffolding has been moved to the next part to be painted, namely the top of the nave and the sanctuary?
The walls and the ceiling of the newly painted section are fully exposed, giving us a view of an extended stretch of the interior of the church and how our church will look when the painting is complete. It is a thing of beauty.
With the relocation of the scaffolding, there will be more space in the nave for all families. I was sorry to see so many of you unable to find a seat in the past few months. Because the scaffolding has been erected in the sanctuary we, your priests, will have less space to celebrate the ceremonies. It is now the clergy’s turn to grapple with the confined space!
During this period of the painting project, the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will no longer be enthroned under the dome above the tabernacle but on the main altar. This is because there is no access to the space, and therefore the stairs behind the altar.
Please note that on Monday, the morning Mass will be celebrated at 7 am. The following days it will resume at 8am.
I renew my profound gratitude to all those who made a special donation to allow us to start this stage of the painting. (Pictures will be available next week)
As I am currently on a late summer break, I must express my gratitude to Canon Viannay Poucin de Wouilt for covering for me this Sunday. I am delighted that you came back to Limerick to allow me take this much needed rest Canon. I know your presence there is appreciated. In this instance also ‘variety is the spice of life’!
I hope you all got a chance to meet with our new community members? They are settling in well and are discovering the joys of living in an old building at the beginning of winter. Because it isn’t the ‘deep of winter’ yet and the wind hasn’t started howling through the cracks, they have some ‘winter’ experiences ahead of them! All in the life of clergyman!
The Monthly Mass for the Holy Souls will be celebrated on Monday 10th October. You can either email your intentions to us or fill in the forms at the back of the church. All will be included during the memento of the Mass.
Wishing you a blessed week, Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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Silent Humility
At the end of the Book of Job, the majesty and splendor of God confront Job. Instead of continuing his case, he humbly sits in silent awe before God, providing a powerful example for us.
The Power of Humility
The Book of Job teaches many things, but one of the most profound is the wisdom that comes from humility. Job discovers his place before God and gains a deeper understanding of who he is. Continually placing ourselves before God helps us to know who we are and make us more capable of responding to his will.
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Prayer for our Earth
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned
and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
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Life with Christian Eyes
Reading the Book of Ecclesiastes can be depressing to those without Christian eyes. Yet, for followers of Christ, we have the answer to Qoheleth's questions. Jesus Christ, who has conquered death and the vanities of life.
The Better Part
Having wealth and possessions is not bad in and of itself. However, as one acquires more and more material goods, there is a danger that arises. Instead of seeking higher, spiritual goods, it is easy to settle for material comforts.
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Prayers
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A NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan.....
The saying rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic is a saying to express getting
our priorities wrong. Sometimes the saying comes to me when I hear discussions
around the pressing issues of the Church today. Issues like social justice, human
rights, inclusion, the protection of our environment and so on. Where all these
topics are extremely important and necessary, surely the most obvious crisis
facing the church at this time is the lack of knowledge of our faith. As followers
of Christ the most important issue of all is knowing the message of the Gospel.
Knowledge of our faith is crucial. If we have no knowledge of our faith how can we
have a love for God. I’ve often heard it said that most adults would admit that
they have the same knowledge of their faith today as they did when they were 12
years old. When was the last time you learnt more about your faith and have
experienced catechesis? Saving the environment is important but not as important
as saving our soul. The reason Jesus came on earth was to save souls for eternal
life. His plan was that every person would come into a deep knowledge of Him and
then develop a personal relationship with Him and become the best version of
themselves and be truly converted to His love and in turn transform the world
around them. I believe all other Church and world problems would in turn be
resolved. To help us come to know our faith more I will be putting on an online
catechism program called ‘Reborn’, each Tuesday evening beginning 7.45pm with
adoration and rosary followed by a 40 minute documentary on our faith. (Beginning
hopefully on Tuesday October 11th.) A link will be texted to you earlier that day.
Everyone is welcome to join. If you’d wish to join us just text your name and
mobile number to the Glenflesk parish mobile 0871081588.
-----------------------------------
Worry ends where faith in God begins. To be strong in faith, you must live, forgive, walk away, let go, try again and persevere… no matter what life throws at you. So let all that do be done with love and trust God to do the rest. You can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. A strong faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible. Take hold of God’s promises and depend on this strength.
May you always have happiness to keep you smiling, trials to keep you strong, success to keep you confident, faith to keep you going and belief that each day is a gift.
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When a flashlight grows dim or quits working, do you just throw it away? Of course not. You change the batteries. When a person messes up or finds themselves in a dark place, do you cast them aside? Of course not. You help them change their batteries. Some need AA – Attention and Affection; some need AAA – Attention, Affection & Acceptance; some need C – Compassion; some need D – Direction. And if they still don’t shine – simply sit with them quietly and share your light.
Dear God, help me to remember to start each day with a prayer. May I never take for granted or forget to say thank you for all the good things you provide every day of our lives.
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The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary: 7th October
The tradition of blessing roses on this day is an old one. Fr Pat will bless roses this
coming Friday 7th October at the 10 am Mass in Ardfert and at the 7 pm in Kilmoyley
and at both Masses next weekend. Anyone who would like to have roses blessed
should bring them along to one of these Masses. It is recorded in the Annals of the
Rosary that many favours have been obtained, both spiritual and temporal, through
the virtue of these blessed roses. Indeed, we are told that thousands of sick persons
have been cured by using them devoutly.
This feast was established by Pope Saint Pius V to commemorate the victory of the
Christian naval fleet of the Holy League, which contained the Papal States, against
the Muslim Turks of the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Lepanto off the coast of
Turkey on 7th October 1571. The Christian fleet was commanded by Don Juan of
Austria. The Christian victory in that sea battle was a hugely significant one for the
future of Christianity in Europe, in that if the Christians had lost that battle, much of
Europe would probably be Muslim today. Saint Pius V, who was a Dominican and
Pope from 1566 until 1572, credited Our Lady with the victory since on the eve of
the battle he had recited the Rosary as he led a Rosary Procession, praying for
success the following day. The Rosary was revealed to Saint Dominic (1170 – 1221)
by the Blessed Mother about the beginning of the thirteenth century and is one of
the most beautiful of all devotions. After the victory Pope Saint Pius V declared that
“The Feast of Our Lady of Victory” would be celebrated on 7th October the following
year (1572). He himself died earlier that year on 1st May 1572. His successor, Pope
Gregory XIII, changed the title of the feast to “The Feast of the Holy Rosary”. In
1960 Saint Pope John XXIII changed the title to “The Feast of Our Lady of the
Rosary”. The feast is a celebration of the great prayer which the Rosary is, as we
meditate on key events or moments in the lives of Jesus and his mother Mary.
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From the U.N. to Benedictine College, Hungary’s President Pleas for the Future of the Family
Tom HoopesTom Hoopes- September 27, 2022
Peace and the family are the two most pressing concerns worldwide today, and they are closely related, said President Katalin Novák of Hungary.
In her visits to the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York and to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, Hungary’s president, Katalin Novák connected the dots between the two issues that Pope John Paul II saw as the center of his efforts in the 21st century: Peace on earth and the future of the family.
Novak was elected president of Hungary in March, and made international headlines by reaffirming her commitment to her Christian faith and her identity in the family. “I will not take the cross from my neck, but I will press it to my heart,” she said. She promised “to be a good head of state who defends the family as the basis of sovereignty.”
Now, in September, she delivered that message to students at Benedictine College. She said she came to help more believers promote their faith in public policy. “Honestly, this is a highlight of my visit to the United States,” she told students. “I thought, ‘Let’s do something untraditional,’ and I wanted to meet you because you are the future.”
https://excorde.org/2022/from-the-un-to-benedictine-college-katalin-novak-please-for-the-family
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Simple gestures become hope: Meeting Ukrainian refugees in Croatia
Sep 29, 2022
https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/religious-life/column/simple-gestures-become-hope-meeting-ukrainian-refugees-croatia?utm_source=Global+Sisters+Report&utm_campaign=f0d5555f76-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_09_29_01_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_86a1a9af1b-f0d5555f76-231238552
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In Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, he reminds us that we do not war against “flesh and blood” but against “spiritual forces of evil” (Eph 6:12, ESV). The Lord has provided us with great spiritual aid through his angels in this fight. Discover more about the archangels and their role in your life
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The Key to Spiritual Warfare
The archangels focus entirely on serving God. This diligent service to God is the key to successful spiritual warfare. When we fail to focus on God, we will likely choose sin.
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VIDEO: https://watch.formed.org/the-chosen/season:1
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A Hard Example
Although innocent and righteous, Job still experiences suffering. Amidst this suffering, he praises God and refuses to blame God for his suffering. Following Job's example, recognize that God does not cause your suffering.
Suffering in the Dark
The Book of Job grapples with some of the most challenging questions about suffering. Without having an answer for why he is suffering, Job remains faithful to God. Emulate Job and honor God with your fidelity amidst difficult times.
Steadfast Faith
Job does not have an easy life. Yet, he continues to be faithful to God through all of his trials and afflictions. Would you do the same when things get tough? Ask God for the grace to praise him in all things.
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Weekly Newsletter
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost- 25th September 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke Ch. 14 V 11)
After the recent arrival of Abbe Poucin and Abbe Bocci, we welcome yet another candidate for the sacred priesthood to the Sacred Heart Community. He is Salvatore di Fonzo from Naples. With the arrival of another Italian we French folk risk bing outnumbered! Salvatore is among the candidates who are on the waiting list to join our seminary. You will see below a picture of the first year seminarians.
On Sunday 2nd October, there will be an Altar boys practice following the 10:30 am Mass. It would be good if all the altar servers attended this exercise even if you are very familiar with the procedure during Holy Mass. It is always good to recap details in a practice scenario because it increases your skill levels and confidence and that gives glory to God.
The children’s catechism sessions resume on Sunday, 9th. October after the 10:30 Mass. Parents, the forms are at the back of the church (or here). Please ensure that you complete a form for you child /children if you wish them to participate in these sessions which are fundamental to learning about the faith and building a personal relationship with Jesus.
The first semester will be focused on the seven requests of the Our Father. Lessons will be alternativerly led by different seminarians.
Next Thursday is the Feast-day of St. Michael the Archangel. We, our church and our world need his protection more than ever. Please join us for Mass on that day if you can.
I have just confirmed the agreement for the painting of the next section of the church. This is a difficult space because it entails the section directly over the sanctuary and therefore the main altar along with an extension of that section towards the nave of the church. It does not include the two sections that transverse the church at Our Lady’s and St. Joseph’s altars.
The cost of this includes mounting the scaffolding to permit the safe celebration of Holy Mass as well as access to the altar rails. The difficulty in accessing the part to be painted is also a consideration in this undertaking. The skill employed by the Hodkinson family has proven to be intricate and arduous and therefore time-consuming. The cost of €58,683 includes a reflection of these elements of the job including the high cost of quality materials as well as gold leaf paint.
As the scaffolding will be erected in the sanctuary early next week, the morning Mass time will change from 8 am to 7 am from Monday to Thursday.
For the same reason, the Blessed Sacrament will not be exposed in the afternoon and people will only be allowed to access the back of the church during working hours. Saturday Masses will be celebrated at 8 am and 10:30 am as usual.
I have also received a few donations for this next section of the painting of the church. I am so grateful. Thank you also for your prayers for this special project.
I will take my ‘summer’ break, albeit a bit out of season next week and hope to return well rested and ready for the new year ahead.
May I ask you to pray for me please.
Wishing you a blessed week, Canon Lebocq- Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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Weekly Newsletter
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost- 4th September 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church, Limerick
As was announced last Sunday, all Institute priests just attended the annual Chapter Meeting of our community. It is always a great joy to spend these days in the presence of our Superiors and with our confreres at the Mother House.
His Eminence Raymond Cardinal Burke honoured us again by his fatherly presence and celebrated a Pontifical Mass on the Feast of Saint Gilles, Patron Saint of Monsignor Wach, our founder.
Thank you for all your prayers to assist our superiors with the new appointments.
As was previously announced, today is a farewell Mass for Canon de Martin who will be leaving Ireland this Tuesday. We may certainly have the joy of seeing him back in the future for certain occasions.
I am sure you were delighted to meet with the different seminarians who visited us this summer. They now have to fly back to our seminary this week.
Abbe McDermott is his fourth year in our community. Abbe Lacken and Abbe Lally are in their third year.
Abbe Bernens is starting his second year.
We also have the joy of announcing to you that two additional Irish vocations have completed their year of discernment and will join our seminary this year: Mr Darragh McGrath from Kilkenny and Mr Daniel Moran from Dublin.
An additional Irish candidate has also been accepted in our house of discernment in Preston, UK.
I kindly ask you to keep them daily in your prayers. Please God, they will serve your souls in Ireland in the future.
The daily schedule of Masses and confessions resumes as normal this week.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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A Fruit of the Holy Spirit
The Catholic Church is called to be united. This unity, however, does not happen without effort. Strive, by the power of the Holy Spirit, for unity by bearing with each other's faults.
Vanity of Vanities
Everything is fleeting. No matter how much one builds and gathers, eventually, it will turn back to dust. Rather than placing your hope and joy in material things, turn toward heaven, where your true satisfaction is found.
Restless Hearts
The human heart has desires that cannot be fulfilled in this world. This restlessness indicates that you were made for more. As you journey toward home, recognize that God created you to find rest and fulfillment in him.
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God's Family
What does it mean to be a part of the family of God? Jesus makes it clear. To be a part of his family, we must hear the Word of God and do it.
To Be Like Him
The goal of life is to be a friend of God. Yet, what does it mean to be a friend of God? Reflect on this question, asking God to reveal how you are to live as his friend.
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The Little Things
The Lord invites his disciples to faithfulness. As disciples, not only are we called to be faithful in the big things, but we are also called to fidelity in the little ones. Where are you cutting corners in your commitment to God?
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A Cause for Hope
Paul continues to reflect on the Resurrection in today's First Reading. A great mystery, these future glorified bodies should move us to praise God for the incredible things he has in store for us.
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Greetings! Below are summaries of some of the newest stories and columns on Global Sisters Report. To read more at Global Sisters Report, click here.
Show me the honey: Maryland sisters find divine touch in beekeeping
by George P. Matysek Jr., Catholic News Service
The bees collect nectar from flowers and plants across the sisters' property and over a 3-mile radius, bringing it back to the hives where they transform it into honey.
Read more here »
Vietnamese nuns host Mid-Autumn Festival for disadvantaged children
by Joachim Pham
Sisters from multiple congregations in Vietnam celebrated Tet Trung Thu — or the Mid-Autumn Festival — for hundreds of orphans, disabled children, people affected by HIV/AIDS and others.
Read more here »
Maryknoll Sr. Joan Delaney had a unique missionary vocation
by Dolores Liptak
Sr. Joan Delaney, who died in April at the age of 92 after 70 years as a Maryknoll Sister, used her skills of quiet diplomacy as she was sent worldwide to dialogue with spiritual leaders of all faiths.
Read more here »
Leading a truly global congregation
by Otilla Nyoni
Decreasing vocations to the Missionary Daughters of Calvary will become a call to greater collaboration with other congregations in our geographic areas and the need for skills to live and work interculturally.
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The Great Realisation
https://naomhmuire.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/great-realisation.pdf
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
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 scuttled 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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Saint Joseph of Cupertino (1603 – 1663) – Feast Day 18th September
Joseph was born in Cupertino in the south-east of Italy on 17th June 1603. His father sadly passed away before he was born and he was brought up by his mother in poor circumstances. As a teenager he was apprenticed to a shoemaker but soon felt drawn to the Franciscan way of life. However because of his lack of education and the fact that he was not very bright he was not accepted by the order to become a priest. However around the age of 20 he was accepted by the Capuchin Franciscans as a lay brother at their monastery near Cupertino and he worked there in the stables. He so impressed the friars there that in 1625 he was accepted as a candidate for the priesthood. He struggled with his studies but got through his exams and was ordained a priest on 28th March 1628. Joseph spent time in different Capuchin monasteries in Italy including Gravina in Puglia, Assisi, Fossombrone and finally in Osimo where he passed away on 18th September 1663 at the age of 60. He was a very holy man who was sometimes so caught up in prayer that he levitated or floated up into the air in ecstasy! As a result he is the Patron Saint of Air Pilots and Air Passengers! He is also well known as the Patron Saint of Students doing Exams because of how he himself struggled with his studies at exams prior to his ordination. He was beatified on 24th February 1753 by Pope Benedict XIV and canonised on 16th July 1767 by Pope Clement XIII.
Saint Joseph of Cupertino, please pray for us.
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A NOTE FROM FR. Jim Lenihan......
A unique Christian tradition that is found in Ireland is the ‘Station Mass’. The beautiful picture below captures the incredible faith of a persecuted people. I believe it’s so important to remember the faith of our ancestors who risked life and limb to practice their faith and worship God. We think of all the holy priests who were martyred while trying to bring Jesus to their people in the Holy Mass.In an attempt to keep that tradition alive and to revitalise our love for the Mass, I propose that in the run of the year during Spring and Autumn that Mass will be offered up for the intentions of each station area. What I hope to do beginning in October is to have the station Mass celebrated in St. Agatha’s Parish Centre for each area. A simple cup of tea and chat afterwards. It will be an opportunity to reconnect again as communities. To pray together, to share a conversation together and give each other the great gift of our time. Let’s not allow our modern society change us for the worst. I know it has converted so many to their philosophies of individualism and privatisation. Let us not be deprived of Holy Communion together with our loving God of the Eucharist. (Of course if any household would prefer to host the Mass all the better.
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Weekly Newsletter
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
18th September 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
As Christ had mercy on the widow of Naim, restoring her son to her, so He has mercy on His Church. Today we are called to be a spiritual people, to live in the Spirit of Christ.
I have the pleasure of announcing the arrival of our two new Abbe’s yesterday. Abbe Henri Poucin from France is on his second visit to us. You remember he was with us for the Sacred Heart Novena this year? And Abbe Lorenzo Bocci, Italian, is here for the first time.
May I extend a ‘Cead Mile Failte’ to both of you. I expect you will enjoy your time in Ireland as you contribute to our expanding ministries here.
We have the joy of Abbe Hewson’s presence for a while longer. Never one to waste time, he is a great blessing to us as he goes about his daily tasks with quiet assurance.
A new superior has been appointed to the Sister Adorers in Ardee. Sister Jacques Marie is from Germany. She will replace Sister Alexandra Marie who will take up her teaching duties in the school in Preston, UK. There are now five sisters in Adree, three of whom are novices. They are all busy keeping the big convent building in order, particularly after the three Summer Camp sessions held there. They have a growing number of animals on the land including a full hen house and a herd of alpacas! It has all the appearance of aspiring farmers in action!
Canon Ong is eagerly looking forward to his impending arrival in Limerick. He has certain duties to fulfil before he can pack his suitcase! He was here in 2012 as an aspiring member of the Institute and he was among those involved in the official reopening of the Sacred Heart Church under the auspices of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. It will be wonderful having him minister as a priest among us, as we reminisce on these happenings that had such impact on the spiritual lives of so many.
Did you notice the beautiful feast days on each Thursday of this month? These are (1) the Nativity of Our Lady; (2) the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady; (3) St. Thomas of Villanova and (4) St. Michael the Archangel. We are truly blessed!
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq- Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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Abbeydorney Parish Office 066 4018996
24th Sunday Ordinary Time 11th September 2022
Morning Prayer
God of my life, I welcome this new day.
it is your gift to me, a new creation,
a promise of resurrection.
I thank you for the grace of being alive this morning.
I thank you for the sleep that has refreshed me.
I thank you for this chance to make a new beginning.
This day Lord is full of promise and opportunity;
let me waste none of it.
This day is full of mystery and the unknown;
help me to face it without fear or anxiety.
This day is blessed with beauty and adventure:
make me fully alive to it all.
During this day keep me thoughtful, prayerful and kind.
May I be courteous and helpful to others,
and not turned in on myself.
Keep me from any word that would hurt, or belittle, or destroy;
and may the thoughts of my mind be pleasing in your sight.
When night comes again, may I look back on this day
with no grievance or bitterness in my heart;
and may nobody be unhappy because of anything I have done
or anything I have failed to do.
Lord, bless this day for me and for everyone.
Make it a day in which we grow to have the mind of Christ, your Son.
Lord Jesus Christ, friend and brother,
may we know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly,
day by day. Amen
Working in the Church in Africa Part 3
(Ken Ryan Intercom September 2022)
Many reporters came from Ireland to Rhodesia to see the conflict situation
that we lived with during the late 1970’s. Eileen & I hosted a garden party
for the Mashonaland Irish Association in our home which was filmed and
the interviews were broadcast by Brian Black on UTV. We also met a
courageous young journalist, Conor Brady from the Irish Times who was
being followed as he visited Franciscan Fr. Seán Gildea’s parish of
Marandellas and Wedza in the dangerous war zone to take discreet
interviews with guerrilla forces. Conor and his luggage were searched
aggressively by the authorities on his departure from Rhodesia, even down
to dismantling the framed photograph of his wife, Ann, which he always
carries on such trips.
My father Frank visited Eileen and I five times from Ireland over Christmas
holidays and on one occasion he was accompanied by his sailing colleague
Bob Geldof (Senior). Bob stayed for a month with us over Christmas 1979
just as his son ‘Young Robert’ as he called him was becoming famous
worldwide as the lead singer of The Boomtown Rats. Bob was intrigued to
find out how the Rhodesian sanction affected us. One Rhodesian told him
the sanctions were shocking as we could ‘no longer get Marmite’. In reality,
sanctions actually strengthened the economy as the Rhodesians, always
industrious, began businesses to manufacture items that had previously
been imported.
The war was over in 1980 and we were finally stood down from military
duty, which created jobs for Zimbabweans in their own army and the British
granted independence to the newly formed Zimbabwe. Almost overnight
there was normality in the country and tourists, who had been an
endangered species, began to arrive and precious foreign currency that had
been out of reach was now at least, visible. Foreign embassies were
established and through a family friend we met a young Mgr. Michael
Courtney from Nenagh who had been appointed as the Vatican’s
Ambassador to Zimbabwe. We got to know Michael quite well and as a
diplomat he was well travelled and fluent in half a dozen languages. He was
used to giving instructions instead of taking them and against local advice
he went swimming in Lake Kariba where he contracted the water borne
disease bilharzia. Crocodiles, of course, are another local hazard.
Michael returned to Harare feeling quite unwell, and his health was getting
worse, so Eileen and I checked him into the Irish LCM sisters in St. Anne’s
Hospital, Avondale where he spent three weeks recuperating. He had time
to reflect on the error of his ways and after an initial misunderstanding with
Sr. Hyacinth he was kept under her close personal supervision. Michael was
later elevated to Archbishop and was appointed to Burundi. Upon arrival
he phoned to say his airplane was hit by sixteen bullets as they landed.
Some welcome!
Subsequently, whilst attempting to make peace between the warring
factions in Burundi, Michael was shot and murdered in his official
Ambassador’s car displaying the diplomatic Vatican flag and wearing his
ambassador robes. The other three occupants were unharmed.
Bishop Donal Lamont was arrested in 1976 and he pleaded guilty to
allowing his Mission Stations to provide medical aid and sustenance to
members of the guerrilla forces. Although he was given a prison sentence
instead his Rhodesian citizenship was cancelled, and he was deported to
Ireland. Four years later he was welcomed back to the new independent
Zimbabwe. Bishop Lamont with Fr. Jim Doyle engaged us, Cullinane Bros &
Ryan Ltd to rebuild the almost flattened Seminary in Chimanimani
(Melsetter) and also the Mission Station in Nyanyadzi. All that was left after
the war was bricks. Any reusable building materials were looted. These
Carmelite contracts were funded from Misereor in Germany and we were
to start immediately. There was still unrest in this remote province and the
country was awash with weaponry. After independence we were addressed
as Comrade and Fr. Jim Doyle had to have meetings with the local
Commissars to get permission for us to commence work. Delicate
negotiations took place and one of the many conditions was that we
employ local people in addition to our skilled staff. We had to travel about
250 miles each week and stay over. Harry took charge of Chimanimani,
Bernard was in charge of Nyanyadzi and I would often drive a seven ton
truck, well overloaded, high with building materials to the various sites. Our
new employees, as required by the local Commissars, reported for work
wearing their black military berets and we would have had about three
hundred African men working on both Carmelite projects. (to be continued
next week)
Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel John Byrne OSA
1. There are three figures in this parable. The father is a symbol of an
unconditional love. Perhaps you can recall someone showing love to
you in a way that showed great forgiveness and acceptance. Have there
been times when you have also loved in this way, where the important
thing was not the hurt you had experienced, but the fact that the
wayward person had found a way to a healthier life?
2. You may be able to identify with the younger son at different stages of
his journey. Be sure to follow it to the point where it becomes a good
news story for you – when you ‘came to yourself’. Where and when
have you experienced a homecoming after a time of exile and
alienation.
3. People often find it easy to identify with the older son, feeling that the
father went overboard in the reception home for the wayward son. In
contrast to his father he was very judgemental and resentful towards
his younger brother. Perhaps you have experienced these attitudes in
others towards you, or in yourself towards others. What were those
experiences like for you? What did they teach you?
Points to Ponder (Intercom September 2022)
This weekend’s readings look very like a ‘Very Special Offer for the Divine
Mercy One-More-Chance Brigade’ – and look, you don’t have to put in your
email address, or sign up online, you only have to take God at his Word.
First Reading: God’s people turn away from the path Moses has been showing
them. God threatens retribution, but when Moses intercedes, God relents.
Second Reading: Paul celebrates the mercy that Christ has shown him who
was once the leading persecutor of Christ’s followers. God has now judged
him faithful enough to be called into his service. ‘And here is a saying that you
can rely on and nobody should doubt: that Christ Jesus came into the world
to save sinners’.
Third Reading: Special Offer – three Parables: the lost sheep, the missing
drachma coin, and the prodigal son. Here is the reality of Christ’s mercy and
concern for the one that got lost, the one that went missing or was mislaid or
the wilful one that wandered.
Notice the contrast between Old Testament ’tough love’ of Mosaic times
shown here in the Old Testament reading, and the fullness of mercy
represented in the father of the prodigal son. Are we not truly blessed to be
living in these ‘full-of-mercy’ times? So, take time today, or maybe later in the
week, to read the parables again when you happen to come on your copy of
today’s mass leaflet: Read, Meditate and Pray: ‘I believe Lord, Help my
Unbelief’. Yes, with the Lord there truly is mercy and fulness of redemption.
Pat Clinton.
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From Fr. Jim Lenihan
Your contribution matters. I heard a story once about a wedding guest who was, as
we would say at home, be described as ‘tight’. The custom of that place and time
was that each guest was expected to gift the wedding couple with a bottle of
white wine which was then pooled in a large vat and later shared during the
banquet. This individual in question had a brainwave. He said to himself who would
notice one bottle of water in a barrel containing two hundred bottles of wine. The
day arrived and the wedding guests were invited to make their contribution of
wine and when no one was nearby he emptied his bottle of water into the wine
barrel. When the time arrived the steward instructed the servants to distribute
the wine and all were invited to toast the bride and groom. Once everyone put
their glasses to their lips everyone was shocked to be drinking pure water! Our
friend then discovered that he wasn’t the only guest who had the brainwave during
the week. The moral of the story is obvious. Your contribution matters. A parish is
only as strong as it’s weakest link. As St. Teresa of Avila said in her beautiful
poem ‘Christ has no body now but yours’. At our Parish Pastoral Council meeting
last Tuesday evening it was felt that many people were unaware of the huge
effort being put in by a few working away in the background. I would like to
sincerely thank all those who give of their time so generously. Perhaps if you are
reading this the Lord may be prompting you to step forward and be more involved
in your parish. Our contribution matters.
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Mother Teresa- September 5 — St. Teresa of Calcutta • 2h 55m
In an acclaimed film portrayal, Olivia Hussey illuminates the life story of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the selfless missionary who brought hope, love, and salvation to the poorest of the poor. The movie examines the fundamental moments of Mother Teresa's life from her childhood in Albania in the 1920s to her first calling as a nun, the decision to leave her order and live with the poorest of the poor, the challenges of founding the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity, and her great work of service in Calcutta and the rest of the world.
A shrewd diplomat and an indomitable force, Mother Teresa was unwilling to accept what others deemed impossible, fearlessly fighting for the unloved and the forgotten. She was regarded as one of the most significant personalities of the twentieth century, although she never owned more than a white and blue sari. She influenced the decisions of the most powerful men on Earth, although she always stayed close to the poorest people of the world.
The film follows her through the slums of Calcutta as she mingled closely with her people, dispensing help, joy, and smiles to everyone, and also shows her stubbornness with the people who wanted to block her way.
Her faith and loving works transcended hardships and ultimately earned her international acclaim, including the Nobel Peace Prize. The many small miracles, great charity, and humble triumphs of Mother Teresa will inspire you in this poignant tale of a modern-day saint.
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Women of Faith: Honoring Catholic Sisters Killed in Service in Africa
They were teachers, nurses, administrators, health care workers, social workers, formators for younger sisters. They belonged to different congregations. Some ministered in their home countries, or neighboring nations in Africa. Others were missionaries, serving thousands of miles from their country of birth.
Yet they were united in their love of Jesus Christ, their dedication to helping others and devotion to living out the Gospel message to aid "even the least of these." They were women of faith who died violently, their lives and ministries cut short by evil acts. They are mourned by their families, friends and congregations, and their loss keenly felt in the communities they served.
https://www.globalsistersreport.org/honoring-sisters-killed-in-service
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Fr Jim Lenihan; Recently I went to Medjugorie privately but thank God as it worked out I ended
up leading a group of 50 pilgrims from all over Ireland. During one of our prayer
meetings I shared how as a priest I’ve found the past two years of lockdown
extremely difficult personally and how I felt that it did huge damage to the faith
of the people. I said how locked churches, no masses no adoration no pilgrimages
no prayer groups no opportunity to come together and pray was like being
metaphorically forced under water and being prevented from breathing spiritually.
And I just asked the question how long would our personal faith survive being
restricted from worshiping God publicly and privately. A member of our group
Marie Noelle a French woman living in Dublin amazingly shared the exact same
image. Later I was walking past an art shop to see this beautiful painting of Jesus
pulling Peter up out of the water. He said to Peter ‘O Man of little faith’. Let’s ask
ourselves do we need the help of the Lord to come out of lock down and do more
to breathe in the life of the Holy Spirit. I pray for those who have yet to come
back to mass. I pray that the Lord Jesus will take you by the hand and say to you
‘Do not be afraid I am with you’. A sincere thanks to the group for gifting me the actual painting
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Prayer
Restless Hearts
Following Christ is not meant to be boring or unsatisfying; Christ came that we might have abundant life (Jn 10:10). In today's Gospel, he lays out the roadmap for our happiness: following the Beatitudes. Strive to follow the Beatitudes, living the Christian life to the full.
Union with Christ
Today's Gospel provides a powerful lesson for Christians: healing stems from listening to Jesus. Yet, it is impossible to hear Jesus without praying. Spend time today in prayer, listening to Jesus and allowing him to heal you.
Christ's Simplicity
Christ, in the Eucharist, displays the simplicity with which we are called to live. The Eucharist is not some elaborate form of bread; it is unleavened bread. Emulated our Lord and Savior, strive to live a life of humble simplicity.
First Things First
To be a disciple of Jesus requires much. The cost is clear: Christ must be the center of your life if you are to be his disciple. What is keeping Jesus from the center of your life? Ask God for the grace to put him before all else.
Entrusted with Much
St. Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians on humility comes to a head in today’s reading. Rather than pursuing worldly wisdom, he exhorts them to be fools for Christ. Embrace humility today, imitating Paul’s example.
Entrusted with Much
St. Paul, a servant of Christ, is a steward of the mysteries of God. Entrusted with much in this ministry, he is called to be trustworthy. What has God entrusted to you and how are you called to be trustworthy?
Paul's Reminder
Self-deception is born from self-love. A quick remedy is the guidance of a true friend, who can see who you are from another perspective. Through this, a radical humility is brought about where you boast not in yourself, but in God.
When They Come for Us, We’ll Be Gone
By Gal Beckerman
“Fresh, surprising, and exceedingly well-researched” (The Washington Post): After World War II, millions of Jews found themselves trapped in the USSR — until a mass emigration in 1989, which reshaped both the American Jewish community and defined the future of the Cold War. “A comprehensive, contextually rich study” (Kirkus Reviews).
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Kevin O'Connor- 03 Sep 2022 12:00 PM
A REMARKABLE Limerick-born missionary priest celebrated his 90th birthday with his nephews and nieces from all over Ireland and parts of Germany, in his home city.
Fr Noel O’Neill, a Columban Missionary from Catherine Street, has been the recipient of the Manhae International award in South Korea for his dedicated work in helping people with special needs.
This award has previously been bestowed upon Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama. Fr Noel is the sixth foreigner to be the recipient of Honorary Korean citizenship.
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Of Virtue Rare
By Linda Simon
The remarkable story of a woman who wanted to see her son as king: Margaret Beaufort, grandmother of Henry VIII, became the founder of England’s royal House of Tudor. Learn more about her political power and management of the royal household in this medieval biography.
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Abbeydorney Parish Office 066 4018996
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Communion Reflection Fr. Donal Neary
Jesus’ place at a banquet
When Jesus goes to a banquet-
a wedding reception
a celebration in the club,
a parish celebration, he doesn’t seem to look for the top table.
He seems to look more in the ordinary places,
to find congenial company
with the person who goes for the lower place,
with the person who hides behind the pillar,
with the person hanging back to be invited somewhere.
And at the banquet of life he seems to sit
with those who get the leftovers
and enjoy their company.
And he is teaching about heaven as he invites all to the banquet;
we are welcomed by God for who we are,
for what we have given,
for what love we have created in life,
and tried to give, even with mistakes.
What God praises in us may surprise us:
the simple moment where we have
made a difference in the lives of others,
and big moments where we have made our effort
to help create a world according to the mind of God.
And he embarrassed people in his own day
by bringing all sorts of people to the top table.
Maybe he will praise in us what we least expect.
Sort of turns things upside down,
Doesn’t it?
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Alive And Kicking (Reality July/August 2022) Ann Marie Foley
Young People Who Are Passionate About Community, Social Justice And Faith
Are Involved In A Variety Of Church Ministries Across Ireland
Maria Emotional And Spiritual Support
Maria O’Keeffe is a healthcare chaplain at Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services,
Harold’s Cross in her hometown of Dublin. She describes her ministry as providing
spiritual, relational and emotional support to hospice patients and their loved ones
as well as staff. “You are meeting people on their most frightening, anxious day and
just to be a source of comfort or support is such a privilege,” she says.
A typical day is full-on from the start. “As we begin our day, we check if any patient
has died or if new patients have come in,” says Maria. Then there is a
multidisciplinary team meeting with a doctor, nurse, physio, occupational
therapist, social worker, dietician and healthcare chaplain. “That highlights the
holistic nature of palliative care, because we are dealing with every part of the
person and it gives an opportunity to relay to the rest of the team if a patient or
their loved one is dealing with spiritual pain or is distressed,” she explains. Maria
talks with patients about topics like what death will be like, or about physical or
spiritual suffering. Some express regret, and some wonder if they are being
punished for something in their past. Some can be angry with God, as can their
families, but others are at peace. “They reflect on their life. They have things they
are grateful for, and they express what gives them meaning and purpose. Often
they are open with their family about their readiness for death.”
Maria says her motivation for this ministry came from her early years as part of the
church community, and from a priest she knew in Knockmitten, Clondalkin. She
studied religion as an exam subject in her Leaving Certificate and went on to study
theology and philosophy at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. She later did a Masters
in Scripture and a Higher Diploma in Healthcare Chaplaincy.
Friends and family were supportive, but some had reservations when she became
a healthcare chaplain at the age of 26. She acknowledges that she is “a very young
person to deal with so much dying and death and illness,” but hopes that more lay
young people choose pastoral care as a career, and as an opportunity to live their
faith every day.
When the Irish Synodal Pathway opened up for consultation, Maria made a
personal submission as well as being involved with the contribution of healthcare
chaplains. She would like to see more openness in the church. “People are very
reassured when they realise that you are open to them and supporting them where
they’re at, and there is nothing being forced on them; allowing them to tell their
story to give you an understanding of their experiences, because sometimes the
listening is important for them to feel heard and seen. This is ultimately what I
would want the church to facilitate for people,” she says.
Pastoral care is open to all, and Maria contacts spiritual leaders of patients of other
faiths when needed. “There is huge emphasis on openness and respect for diversity
and inclusivity. Obviously people express that they have no faith, and yet there are
some very important conversations to be had. That openness is really present in
pastoral care in healthcare.”
Lucia Sharing The Gospel
Lucia Diamond is originally from Letterkenny and volunteers there with NET
(National Evangelisation Teams) Ministries Ireland. “A lot of what we are trying to
do is to bring Jesus to young people, or to create an environment of community
and making Jesus present where we are,” Lucia says.
People from all walks of life volunteer with NET and they are given the training they
need, but Lucia had previously studied Spanish and theology in Maynooth. She
enjoyed learning about the foundations of the faith and church teaching, and
studying the church documents which she says are “so rich”. She now works with a
Mayo man and others from Germany, Canada and Glasgow. Each volunteer has
fundraised for a stipend for their year in the parish.
A typical day for Lucia is often from 9am to 10pm, and the team start and end the
day with prayer and participate in a daily parish Eucharist. “The most important
part of our day is that time we get to spend with the Lord and let everything flow
from that,” she says. NET volunteers also help with religion classes in secondary
schools and confirmation classes in primary schools and in the parish. The work is
challenging but Lucia always tries to remind herself why she is doing it. “If you are
not asking for the grace of God to let you really flow, you can be really drained,”
she says.
Working with secondary school students is a particular challenge: “It’s not about
me, it’s about Jesus, and it’s okay if I look a bit foolish.” But once they establish a
relationship, and that there is no preaching involved, they generally get along.
Often young people have set ideas about the church and Lucia sees this as an
opportunity to listen. The many questions that young people have can lead to great
discussions.
In her own mid-teens, Lucia was not committed to her faith. Then she spent a
summer with her cousins and family in Glasgow and their witness of going to daily
Mass and entrusting their intentions to Our Lady and God in the Rosary had a huge
impact on her. “They were really joyful and talking about Jesus or God like he was
their best friend and like he was there all the time. I never saw that before and
realised that yes, you can have a relationship with God constantly and not just at
morning or bedtime prayers,” she says.
These days, Lucia hopes for more community building for the church in Ireland as
we come out of Covid and the isolation and fear that went with it. “We come
together in the church for Mass [and we need] to have that communion outside the
church as well, to invite others into that and really be a church that welcomes all. I
think my hope for the church is that we are able to bring the Gospel through
ourselves, through communities and prayer groups, but also through meals and the
normality of faith in everything,” she says
Points to Ponder Intercom July/August 2022
Jesus tells his listeners that it is be er to take a lower place at table. Then the
host may come to you and say: ‘My friend, move up higher.’ The other guests
then may hold you in high esteem.
In today’s world, every day individuals vie for fame, fortune, power and
status. The people who have achieved any of these ‘gifts’ typically are held
in high esteem. However, Jesus completely reverses this idea. He proposes
that it always is best to choose a lower place rather than a higher place. Thus,
you will never be embarrassed by being asked to move to a lower place. And
possibly you may be invited to move up to a higher place.
Status-seeking is rampant in our world. Many people seek fame, power and
recognition. However, there also are many individuals who live their lives
quietly and simply. They are content with God, family, friends and a simple
lifestyle. Fame may look glamorous. However, almost every day in the
newspaper or on television we hear stories of how the famous and the
glamorous have fallen or been defamed, often by their own choices.
Today Jesus encourages us to be content with what seemingly is ‘lowly and
least.’ Often it is in the small and seemingly insignificant gifts of everyday life
where we may experience the greatest love, joy, peace and contentment.
Today be mindful and notice the many small gifts you receive. Thank the
giver and thank God!
Seeing your life through the Lens of the Gospel
1. The parable brings out two contrasting experiences, but each in its
own way can be a moment of grace, a moment of truth, a moment
of growth. You may be able to recall such experiences in your life. In
the first (verses 8, 9) we discover that we had claimed a place that is
too high for us; we are not as selfless, generous or compassionate as
we thought we were. In the second (v.10) when others point out a
goodness in ourselves that we may not have acknowledged to
ourselves. How have you grown through such experiences?
2. In verses 12-14 Jesus warns us against the danger of ulterior motives
in doing good. We can do good things partly because of the benefit
we will get from what we do. That is natural but can lead to
disappointment and resentment when our expectations are not met.
When the good deed in itself is our reward, we have a greater
freedom. Feedback will be a bonus but not necessary. What does
your life experience tell you about this?
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Fr Jim Lenihan
A NOTE FROM FR. JIM.......
Last week we celebrated the feast day of ‘The Queenship of Mary’ so I’d like to
reflect on the deep significance of the feast.
We as Christians are very familiar with calling Jesus a King. Right through the
New Testament we hear that Jesus is the King of Israel. We know that Kingship
and Messiahship go together. Jesus is the new King David. But the question we
don’t ask ourselves is, if Jesus is the King who is the Queen? Brant Pitre the great
biblical scholar says we don’t ask that question because we’re not as familiar with
the Old Testament as we should. Going back to the Old Testament times during
David’s reign the Queen wasn’t the Kings wife but rather the Kings Mother. In
Hebrew she was known as the ‘Gebirah’ the ‘Great Lady’. In those days when the
new King was announced they would call out the genealogy of the new King but also
then mention his mother but no comment was made of his wife. It was his mother
who was held up and honoured because she was by law, second in rank in the
kingdom. The features of this Queen were:
1. She wore a crown. 2. She stands by the Kings right hand. (Shared authority)
3. She’s a royal intercessor, which meant people approached her to ask favours
from her son the King. Who really is this Queen Mother? Our Lady of course. ‘The
Great Lady’ our Mother who sits at the Kings right hand. As Catholics we really
must appreciate how blessed we are to know that we have Mary as our own
heavenly Mother but also to know that she’s the Queen of heaven and earth with
amazing authority and intercessional clout. Let’s renew our appreciation of Our
Lady. Let us honour her and trust her.
PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE QUEENSHIP OF MARY
O Mary Immaculate Queen, look down upon this distressed and suffering world.
You know our misery and our weakness. O thou who art our Mother, saving us in
the hour of peril, have compassion on us in these days of great and heavy trial.
Jesus has confided to you the treasure of His grace, and through you He wills to
grant us pardon and mercy. In these hours of anguish, therefore, your children
come to you as their hope. We recognize your Queenship and ardently desire your
triumph. We need a Mother and a Mother's Heart. You are for us the luminous
dawn which dissipates our darkness and points out the way to life. In your
clemency obtain for us the courage and the confidence of which we have such
need. Most Holy and Adorable Trinity, You who did crown with glory in Heaven the
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Saviour, grant that all her children on earth
may acknowledge her as their Sovereign Queen, that all hearts, homes, and
nations may recognize her rights as Mother and as Queen.
Mary Immaculate Queen, triumph and reign! Amen
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26 Aug 2022.
UKRAINE: In our latest story from Ukraine, correspondent Thomas Scaria interviews Sr. Ligi Payyappilly, superior of the congregation Sisters of St. Joseph of Saint-Marc convent in Mukachevo, a town in western Ukraine. A noted retreat preacher who is originally from India, she has used her network to help in rescue and refugee services. Payyappilly, who was awarded an honorary Ukrainian citizenship, vows she will never leave Ukraine.
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Jerusalem — Despite the ever-present tensions, Our Lady of Sion Sr. Kasia Kowalska believes she has found her place as a conduit of dialogue within both the Jewish and Palestinian communities in the Holy Land.
"Christianity can't be understood without understanding the Jewish roots of our faith: Jesus was a Jew, Mary was a Jew, the first apostles were Jewish," said Kowalska, 45, during a recent visit to the Holy Land from Poland, where she lives. "Today we are speaking of two sister religions."
In 2018, Kowalska, the only Catholic nun to receive a doctorate in Jewish studies from London's Leo Baeck Institute, a rabbinical college, started teaching a one-week module on Jewish pilgrimage traditions at Bethlehem University as part of a class on religious pilgrimages at the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism.
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SAINT Monica (332-387) – Feast Day: 27th August and St Augustine (354-430) –
Feast Day: 28th August
Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine was born in Tagaste in modern Algeria
in North Africa in 332. Married to a pagan, Patricius, she had three children, two
sons, Augustine and Navigius, and a daughter, Perpetua. Through her efforts
Patricius was converted to Christianity in 370, the year before he died.
Monica tried to give Augustine the best education possible since she recognized his
extraordinary gifts. Above all, she wanted him to use his gifts for God and the
Christian faith. She was very disappointed however when he became wayward and
rejected Christianity in his late teens and twenties. Turning to God, Monica spent
herself in earnest prayer for her wayward son. A clergyman whose advice she
sought said to her, “It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish.”
Monica followed her son to Rome in 383 and then to Milan in 386. She was thrilled
when he decided in Milan to become a Christian and was present when Saint
Ambrose baptized him at Easter in 387. She was happy after that to return to
Africa. However sadly she fell mortally ill at Ostia, the port to the west of Rome.
Augustine tells of her moving words of farewell before she died. “Son, all my hopes
have been fulfilled. All I wished to live for was that I might see you a Christian and a
child of Heaven. God has given me more: I see you ready to give up everything and
become his servant.” When Augustine’s brother worried that she would not be able
to make it home to Africa to die there and be buried there she famously remarked,
“Bury me where you like, but all I ask of you is that you remember me at the altar of
God!” Saint Monica is the Patron Saint of Mothers.
Saint Augustine, who had been born in Tagaste on 13th November 354, returned to
Rome in November 387 after the death of his mother Monica at Ostia. The
following year he returned to Tagaste where he remained for three years until 391
when he was ordained an assistant to Bishop Valerius of Hippo in Algeria. He
succeeded Valerius as Bishop of Hippo in 396 and held that position until his death
on 28th August 430 at the age of 75. He was noted for his holiness as well as his
wonderful preaching and writing. His most famous works are Of the City of God and
Confessions. The latter contains some of his famous sayings including “Late have I
loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, O Beauty ever new!”, as he recounted his
conversion to Christianity in his early thirties.
He is one of the 37 Doctors of the Church. That title has been conferred on these 37
saints because of their great teaching or preaching or writing and Saint Augustine
belongs to that very select group.
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THOUGHT: You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest, that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.
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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM TROCAIRE
We are fast approaching the Season of Creation 2022, which runs from September 1st (the World Day of Prayer for
Creation) to October 4th (the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi). This Season is a wonderful opportunity to respond to the
call of Pope Francis to listen to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. The theme for this year’s season is
“Listen to the Voice of Creation” and takes the story of Moses and the Burning Bush as its inspiration: “I have heard
their cry...I know their sufferings...Come, now! I will send you...I will be with you” (Ex 3: 1-12). Today, the prevalence
of unnatural fires are a sign of the devastating effects that climate change has on the most vulnerable of our planet.
Creation cries out as forests burn, animals flee, and people are forced to migrate. Record temperatures across the
world this year have shown us that climate change is affecting all regions and all systems and will make parts of the
world uninhabitable for human beings. On the contrary, the fire that called to Moses as he tended the flock on Mt.
Horeb did not destroy the bush. This flame of the Spirit revealed God’s presence, affirmed that God heard the cries
of all who suffered and promised to be with them and us as we follow in faith to work for justice, to work for a more
sustainable world. In this Season of Creation, this symbol of God’s Spirit calls us the global Christian family to
awaken to the urgent need to heal our relationships with creation and with each other and to encourage our parish
communities to do the same, “for we know that things can change!” (Laudato Si’, 13). For more information about
the Season of Creation, feel free to contact jane.mellett@trocaire.org
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A Student’s Prayer at the Beginning of School Year
We give you praise, O God, for everything that is new and beautiful,
for everything which holds promise and brings us joy.
Bless us as we start this new year with our friends and teachers.
Help us to make the most of every chance we have to start afresh.
May we show love to one another and to all.
May the new beginning of this school year remind us that
You give us chances to start over again and again.
Help us to forgive others as we receive Your forgiveness.
Help us to learn and to work together.
Help us to listen when we should and to know the best words
when we speak and when it is better not to speak.
We thank You for our friends, help us to be good friends this year.
Help us to be patient with ourselves and with others.
Bless our school and keep us safe. Be with us as we travel each day.
Help us to be aware of Your love shown to us in the people around us.
Bless all those who care for us in school and at home.
Help us show our care for them and to say sorry when we need to.
May the Blessed Mother Mary protect us and help us to live
as well as we can, giving thanks and glory to God as she did.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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From Fr. Jim Lenihan
Reflection as we begin a new school year:
What will this year bring? We do not know. Will it bring its usual times of work
and play, experiences of success and failure, all the things that are part of school
life? Will it bring opportunities for new beginnings; the planting of seeds that will
grow and blossom in times to come? Will it bring us new hope, the hope that comes
with good work, successful results, friendships, fun and learning? Will it bring us
the light of God as an unseen Companion of our journey? May all associated with
our local schools experience life- giving blessings from God and opportunities and
enriching experiences that will bring life to all and glory to God. May His light of
love illuminate our way ahead for the coming school year.
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Keep Your Lamp Lit
Conversion is brought about not through man’s wisdom but God’s wisdom. This wisdom, however, is his radical love, displayed most beautifully in Christ’s embrace of the Cross. Proclaim this love to the world, allowing it to convict others of God’s love.
Final Judgment
At the end of our lives, we will be judged. To be ready for that day, we must be vigilant. Do so by putting the Kingdom of God before all else, making God the center of your life.
A Man without Guile
In the Gospel, Jesus encounters Nathaniel. Remarkably, in this initial interaction, Jesus is able to see into the depths of Nathaniel’s heart. The sight Christ of provokes an incredible response of faith from Nathaniel. Allow Jesus’ gaze to do the same for you.
The Word of God
St. Paul exhorts us to hold true to the Tradition of the Church. Scripture is clear that it is not the only source of authority. It instead reminds us of the authority of the apostles and their teaching—the Tradition of the Church. These two founts, Scripture and Tradition, communicate to us the Word of God.
The Word of God
St. Paul exhorts us to hold true to the Tradition of the Church. Scripture is clear that it is not the only source of authority. It instead reminds us of the authority of the apostles and their teaching—the Tradition of the Church. These two founts, Scripture and Tradition, communicate to us the Word of God.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace
Mary, our Mother, has been crowned the queen of heaven and earth. As our queen mother, she has intimate access to our King, Jesus. Pray to Mary today, asking that she might intercede on your behalf to the King of Kings.
A Good Father Disciplines
The love of God is not simply a nice thing. The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews tells us that God’s love involves being disciplined. Striving to enter the narrow way, humbly receive the discipline and love of God.
The Presence of the Lord
In the First Reading, God promises to dwell among the children of Israel. This prophetic word, given to Ezekiel, is fulfilled in our midst in the Eucharist. Give thanks to God for his abundant goodness in giving us this gift!
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August 2022; WE WELCOME FR. TIM GALVIN THIS WEEKEND WITH MISSION APPEAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF ST. PATRICKS’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY (KILTEGAN FATHERS) The Diocese of Kerry gives permission to one religious congregation each year to promote their Mission. This year it is the Kiltegan Fathers and it is taking place here in Listowel this weekend. We welcome our local man Fr. Tim Galvin who is at home on holidays making the appeal on their behalf. The Kiltegan Fathers were founded on St. Patrick’s Day 1932, by Fr. Patrick Whitney, a priest from the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacmacnois. Since then, many Kiltegan priests, together with volunteer priests and; lay people from different Irish Dioceses, including Kerry have worked in Nigeria, and later in Kenya, Central and South Africa, Brazil and the West Indies. Today there are 223 Kiltegan priests of whom 40 are African. They have 58 students in Africa preparing for priesthood. The seed sown by the Irish Church has grown in surprising ways. Fr. Tim will ask for your continued support for the Society’s missionary works, through enrolling in their Missionary Circle, subscribing to the ‘Africa’ magazine or supporting other initiatives. Thanks.
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NOTE FROM FR JIM Lenihan .....
I was on pilgrimage in Medjugorie last week and thank God it was a wonderful
week of prayer and peace but unfortunately while I was away we lost three of our
parishioners and obviously I was unable to be present for their requiems. I’d like
to take this opportunity to offer my deepest sympathies to the families of
Hannah McCarthy, Pat Tuohy and Pa O Riordan. The death of a loved one can be so
difficult to bear and can leave us lost in hopelessness for such a long time
afterwards but thankfully as Christians we live life in the context of eternity. Our
faith gives us great hope. One of my favourite funeral communion reflections is
by Bede Jarrett OP. Called “Death is only an Horizon”. The line ‘Life is unending
because love is undying’ reminds us of the eternal nature of true love and how
Christ’s great love overcame death and sin so now the Good News is we too share
in that victory and that’s why we can hope to be reunited with those we dearly
love. It reads:
Death is only an Horizon - We give them back to you, O Lord, who
first gave them to us; and as you did not lose them in the giving so we do not lose
them in the return. Not as the world gives do you give O Lord. For what is yours is
ours also, if we belong to you. Life is unending because love is undying and the
boundaries of this life are but an horizon and an horizon is but the limit of our
vision. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further. Strengthen our
faith that we may see beyond the horizon. And while you prepare a place for us as
you have promised, prepare us also for that happy place; that where you are we
may be also, with those we have loved, forever. I’d also like to thank the priests
of Killarney parish for celebrating the funeral masses in my absence.
May Hannah, Pat and Pa rest in peace. Amen.
THE NARROW GATE
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate” Luke 13:24
What does this line tell us? It reveals that we cannot enter Heaven by our own
will or through our own effort. Furthermore, it tells us that though some will try
to get to Heaven through their own effort, this approach will not work. Upon
meeting our Lord, after death, they will be surprised that they are not a member
of His Kingdom. This clear and somewhat shocking statement from our Lord should
have the effect of causing you to step back and look at your life so as to sincerely
and humbly examine the path you are on. Jesus’ directness and clarity on this real
experience that some will have should help to open your eyes so as to honestly
examine if He is speaking about you. It takes true humility to face the truth, at
times, and to admit if we are trying to rely more upon ourselves than upon Christ.
The “narrow gate” is that gate through which the humble enter. Pride and self-
sufficiency lead us to attempt to make our own path to Heaven. But this path is
never the correct one.
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Thought THE WEEK
“We need to act courageously. We do not have time to wait. We are at the edge with climate change and the
time to take action is now. We must care for nature so that nature may care for us.” ~ Pope Francis
We are back to our normal weather here in Kerry, after soaring temperatures last week - Heatwaves in the UK with
temperatures reaching over 40C, more heatwaves all across Europe and how scientists point to the cause directly linked to
climate change. It was a big story but now that we are back to some cooler and wetter weather, we will quickly forget about it
but it’s a story and will not go away because of climate change. Trocaire chillingly reminds us that today a child dies every 48
seconds due to the impact of drought and climate change. Currently Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia are experiencing extreme
droughts because of a lack of rain. People experiencing hunger in these countries have risen from 10 million to more than 23
million. When you add in regional conflicts and soaring food prices because of the war in Ukraine you can see how serious the
situation is. For many people in poor countries, it is simply a battle to survive. But the evidence brings it even closer to home as
well. we heard during the week that 44% of the European Union face a threat of drought going forward. We also heard how
emissions in Ireland Have increased by 6% in 2021 after a drop in 2020. This story is not going away. We all must play a part and
do something no matter how small. The Africans have a wise saying: “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try
spending the night with a mosquito.” If there is any lesson to learn from all the heatwave stories of the week just gone, the
message is that we all must play our part to find a solution.
Pope Francis puts it well: “We need to act courageously, and we need to act now.
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KNOCK: At about 8 o'clock on the Thursday evening of 21st August 1879, the Blessed Virgin
Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist appeared at the South gable of the Church at Knock, Co Mayo. Beside them and a little to the right was an altar with a cross and the figure of a lamb around which angels hovered. There were fifteen official witnesses to the apparition – young and old – who watched it for two hours in pouring rain and recited the Rosary. Two Commissions of Enquiry accepted their testimony as trustworthy and satisfactory in 1879 and 1936.
Today, Knock ranks among the world’s major Marian Shrines, having enjoyed the full approval of the Church for many years. It has received privileges from five Popes and the most recent privileges were the visit of His Holiness, Pope Saint John Paul II, on 30th September 1979 and the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis on 26th August 2018.
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Sister Maxine talks with Sister Eileen Reilly, who helps mobilize people in the U.S. to value life over death by working to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice. Catholic Mobilizing Network is based in Washington, D.C.
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"In the morning sow your seed,
and do not cease your labor until evening.
For you do not know which of the sowings will succeed
or whether all alike will turn out well."
~ Ecclesiastes 11:1
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The Resurrection of the Dead
Amidst Israel's despair, God gives a vision of hope to Ezekiel. In this vision, God reveals that he will bring the dead back to life. This revelation shocked Israel and Ezekiel, impelling them to hope once more. Allow it to do the same for you.
2022 Divine Mercy Conference & Workshop presented by Holy Martyrs Divine Mercy Ministry.
Other featured speakers included Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC and Tim Staples of Catholic Answers. Maria Vargo, “St. Faustina”, actress/singer, will be singing for the conference.
https://www.priestsforlife.org/frontlines/trip-home.aspx?tripid=1812&address=2knoc2013@gmail.com&ap=608441&ad=&linkid=1
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Create in Me a Clean Heart
Amidst the prophetic words of Ezekiel is a word of hope. God promises to gather the nations back together after they have been scattered. At the same time, he promises to give his people a new heart. This has been fulfilled through the coming of his Son and the gift of baptism.
Prophecy Fulfilled
The leaders of Israel have failed to be shepherds and serve their flock; they instead have abused their power and influence for their own gain. Yet, from this is born a beautiful promise: God will come to be the true shepherd. Rejoice, for this prophecy has been fulfilled through the Incarnation of Jesus!
Blessed among Women
With great joy, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The perfect disciple, Mary acknowledges that all she has received is a gift from the Lord. Appropriately, she gives thanks for these many blessings. Imitate Mary, giving God the praise and thanks that he is due.
The Answer Is Humility
Haughty and arrogant of heart, the prince of Tyre considers himself a god. Because of this, God judges him, casting him down to show him that he is not. Pride leads to his downfall. Yet, while pride will cause you to fall, humility will put you in right relationship with God.
BOOK: The Vanished- By Léna Mauger and Stéphane Remael
Who are the johatsu, or the “evaporated” people, of Japan? In prose and photographs, this poignant work sheds light on the nearly 100,000 Japanese individuals who disappear without a trace each year, leaving everything behind to escape the pressure of job loss, debts, and hopelessness. “Chilling” (New York Post).
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Weekly Newsletter
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost- 14th August 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
The Gospel describes two different ways of praying. The Pharisee stands boldly in the temple reciting his prayers of self-congratulation; and the publican, being unable to lift his eyes to heaven, beats his breast in sorrow and repentance and appeals to God for mercy.
May we receive this lesson on humility, root of all virtue, by recognising our sinful condition and seeking the only thing that can bridge the gap between ourselves and God: “Have mercy on me”.
Tomorrow is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. A procession will follow the 6 pm Mass. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will end the ceremony.
We are glad to see Canon de Martin back to Limerick after his time spent in Ardee for the summer camp, then in Belfast to cover for Canon Heppelle and followed by his summer break.
Today, we are also honoured with the presence of Canon Duarte Carvalho who is the celebrant and homilist for the 10:30 am Mass. Welcome back to Limerick and thank you for coming dear Canon!
This summer time allows our community members to sort out a lot of things in our large but high maintenance residence. Abbe McDermott and Abbe Hewson are currently busy with the basement cleaning and sacristy inventory. They have their hands full!
I have started the practice of celebrating a monthly Mass for the Holy Souls. Every 10th of the month this Mass will be celebrated in our church. Please see a further explanation below if you wish your intentions to be included.
The last week of August is the annual Chapter Meeting for our community. Please keep our superiors, Monsignor Wach and Monsignor Schmitz, in your prayers as the necessary new appointments of priests worldwide are always a busy and delicate task.
This September, new community members will be appointed to the Sacred Heart Church and some changes are also expected regarding the priests. I hope there will not be much shedding of tears…
Our community in Belfast has started a beautiful Novena in preparation for the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to be celebrated on Monday 22nd August. Every evening, a sermon is delivered by some confreres among the diocesan clergy and Marian devotions are offered with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Many graces will flow from this devotion to Our Blessed Virgin, not only among those present but also to those united in prayer with them.
Wishing you a blessed week, Yours in Christ, Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz
August 14 — St. Maximillian Kolbe
Arrested by the Gestapo and sent to the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp, a priest comes forward to take the place of a fellow prisoner condemned to die in the starvation bunker. Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s riveting true story comes to life in this powerful one-man film performance, enhanced with chilling WWII documentary footage. The dramatic struggle between good and evil is poignantly accentuated as actor Leonardo Defilippis switches effortlessly between portraying Maximilian and his Nazi persecutors. Through it all we witness his trust in Mary, the Mother of God, permeating his every action.
With its message of standing firm in the face of persecution, Maximilian has special significance for our time.
Since 1980, Saint Luke Productions has been inspiring audiences with dramas focused on the beauty and richness of the Catholic faith. To learn more about our mission and to explore our broad selection of live theater, film and audio productions, visit www.stlukeproductions.com.
Judged according to Your Heart
It is not enough to have the right bloodline and family pedigree. God, when he judges, does so based on the actions of the individual. One either rises or falls by his own deeds. Pray today for the grace to be truly righteous, emulating the life and holiness of Jesus Christ.
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Truth Divides
Jeremiah does not hesitate in speaking the truth. Because of this, he is thrown into a cistern, prefiguring the mistreatment Jesus will experience. Encouraged by the Holy Spirit, courageously speak the truth, unafraid of the consequences.
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God's Faithfulness
God entered into a covenant with Israel. Repeatedly, however, Israel was unfaithful to God and pursued the gods of other nations. Amidst the betrayal, God promises to make a new covenant with them, which is eventually brought to fulfillment in the Person of Jesus.
Seventy Times Seven
We are all guilty of a great debt, sin. Yet, God has shown great mercy to us, forgiving us for our transgressions. Inspired by the Lord’s generous mercy toward us, we should forgive those around us.
Give Alms
As we celebrate St. Lawrence, we remember his great charity. Dedicated to the faith, St. Lawrence gave generously of his time and money. Emulate him today by giving alms, storing up for yourself a treasure that will not perish.
The Word of God
The Word of God is as sweet as honey. Both the prophet Ezekiel and the psalmist attest to this reality. Have you consumed the Word of God recently? Pray with Scripture today, allowing it to shape your life.
True Disciples
Jesus lays out the rules of discipleship. To follow Christ, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow him. Of the three, which area needs the most growth in your life? Beg for the Lord’s grace to be a true disciple.
A Light in the Darkness
Happy Feast of the Transfiguration! Jesus revealed his glory to Peter, James, and John on the mountaintop. Like the light of Jesus’ glory, the Word of God is a lamp shining in a dark place. It shows us that God loves, knows, and cares for us. Meditate on Christ’s Transfiguration, allowing his glory to shine into any dark places in your life.
Presence Beyond Limits
The Lord's glory is beyond compare. During the Exile in Babylon, the prophet Ezekiel has a vision of God. Although Ezekiel is overwhelmed by God's majesty, the Lord reveals to Ezekiel that the divine presence is not restricted to the Temple. Rather, God meets us right where we are.
Faithful through the Ages
The First Reading from the Book of Wisdom provides a valuable lesson. Reflecting on the Exodus reminds us that we must remain courageous during our journey. Just as God was faithful to his promises and led Israel into the Promised Land, he too will be faithful to us as he leads us to heaven.
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“One thing have I asked of the LORD… to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD” (Ps 27:4 ESV). What the Psalmist longed to see, Peter, James, and John experienced when Jesus was transfigured before their eyes on Mount Tabor. In Sacred Art: The Transfiguration, Dr. Ben Akers and Taylor Kemp unveil the theological intricacies of Raffaello Sanzio’s The Transfiguration. Continue to plumb the depths of this great mystery and fuel your meditation with A Bible Study on the Luminous Mysteries: The Transfiguration.
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Nancy Pelosi trip to Taiwan
Three Navy ships—an aircraft carrier and two amphibious assault ships—operated off the coast of Taiwan to serve as a deterrent to any Chinese interference with her trip.
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I’ll quote Nat Hentoff:
Once the sperm and the egg meet, and they find a sort of nesting place in the uterus, you now have a developing human being. It’s not a kangaroo. It’s not a giraffe. It’s a human being. And that development in the womb until the person comes out is a continuing process. Therefore, if you kill it at any stage–first three weeks, first three months—you’re killing a developing human being.
TIME OF THE DAY
What is your favourite time of the day? Sunrise is filled with hope, midday a sort of lull between the activity of the morning and the afternoon. Evening gives us a chance to wind down and reflect on the past hours, and then comes night offering us rest and the balm of sleep. The truth is every day brings us fresh opportunities pleasures old and new, and the secret is never to be so busy that we do not see and appreciate the beauties and wonders
of this amazing world around us.
LAST WORD: Enjoy life, respect nature and don’t forget to think of other’s needs.
NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF KNOCK – 14TH – 22ND AUGUST 2022.
Prayer to Our Lady of Knock
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people in time of distress and comforted them in their sorrow. Your 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 greaterlove of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Pray for me now and at the hour of my death. Amen
LET YOUR HOPES NOT YOUR HURTS SHAPE YOUR FUTURE
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August 2022
The Diocese of Kerry gives permission to one religious congregation each year to promote their Mission. This year it is the Kiltegan Fathers and it is taking place here in Listowel on – 20th / 21st August. We welcome our local man Fr. Tim Galvin who is at home on holidays at the moment who will be making the appeal on their behalf. The Kiltegan Fathers were founded on St. Patrick’s Day 1932, by Fr. Patrick Whitney, a priest from the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacmacnois. Since then, many Kiltegan priests, together with volunteer priests and; lay people from different Irish Dioceses, including Kerry have worked in Nigeria, and later in Kenya, Central and South Africa, Brazil and the West Indies. Today there are 223 Kiltegan priests of whom 40 are African. They have 58 students in Africa preparing for priesthood. The seed sown by the Irish Church has grown in surprising ways. We welcome Fr. Tim home and we are delighted that he will be joining us. His Mission Appeal will ask for your continued support for the Society’s missionary works,
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
7th August 2022, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioner,
‘An rud is annamh, is iontach’. Those six words in the
Irish language might be translated as: ‘That which seldom happens is
wonderful.’ I wonder can you think of situations where that applies!
People might say, when the sun appears after a long period of rain, that to
see it is wonderful. One might hear it referring to a team winning a
competition after failing to do so for 30 years. I have picked that phrase
because of an event taking place in our Cathedral in Killarney. At 3 p.m. on
Sunday afternoon, Mark Moriarty, a student from Killarney, who has
finished his studies in Maynooth College will be ordained a deacon. Maybe
the first time that we heard about deacons was when Francis White was
ordained a ‘Permanent Deacon’ a few years ago. Mark Moriarty’s
ordination as a deacon is the last step on the road to being a priest.
In my time in Maynooth (1965-1972), the ordination to diaconate took
place without any fanfare during the academic year. Some years, after I
was ordained, the diaconate ceremony was given a lift in importance,
when families of the candidates were invited to attend the ceremony in
Maynooth. I mentioned that Mark Moriarty has finished his studies for the
priesthood but ordination to priesthood will not take place until next year.
In the meantime, he will get experience as a deacon. This will not be his
first time to spend time in a parish. During the past few years, his fellow
seminarians and himslef have combined study in Maynooth with pastoral
involvement in a parish for part of the year. In my time, there was little or
no emphasis on getting practical experience – work placement that goes
with most kinds of training for a particular profession or career.
Earlier this week, I was reminded of an ordination to priesthood that I
attended in Thurles in 1975. On that occasion, Gerald Dwyer from Sneem
(I had been appointed there, after my ordination in 1972.), a member of
the Pallotine Order was ordained with other students from dioceses in
Munster. One of those was Maurice Brick (Fr. Mossie), whom I did not
know at that time. Fr. Gerald spent most of his priestly life in Rome, where
he died earlier this week. May he rest in heavenly peace. (Fr. Denis
O’Mahony)
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Every faith journey has its twists and turns
Fr. Brendan Hoban: Western People July 26, 2022
A reader suggests that I might answer a question that has obsessed
him/her for some time: how come that so many Catholics end up with
such a variety of religious experiences: God is distant/close, a stern
judge/a close friend, etc. The only rule he/she lays down for my thoughts
on this matter is that what I write should be simple, clear and to the point.
No complicated words, no theological jargon and no needless complication
or ambivalence.
Let’s see how I get on.
The first thing I’d say is that faith in God comes to us through our
development as human beings. So, let’s go back to basics. For most of us
we develop (as human beings) through three stages: infancy, adolescence
and adulthood – and usually in that order. For a religious sense to
develop, it has to take account of the specific needs of infancy,
adolescence and adulthood. Theologians use complicated words to
describe how religion must include three essential elements corresponding
to the three stages of life: in infancy, certainty; in adolescence,
questioning; and in adulthood, resolution. (To some degree, all three
elements are present at all three stages, as all three are necessary for the
development of a religious sense.)
In infancy, we tend to instruct because infants usually accept what their
parents (or teachers) tell them. We don’t expect questioning, though it
happens and we don’t ask a child to make up his or her own mind. It’s
beyond them at that stage. What infants want is security and protection
and, once those are available, they tend to comfortably accept the wisdom
handed to them. They prefer what’s black and white and are unhappy to
have to live in the grey. A crisis can develop if Daddy and Mammy are
not on the same hymn-sheet. The danger with the infancy stage – in terms
of religion – is that some settle into it so well that they don’t want to move
out of it later on. They prefer in later life to remain in an infantile state,
so religious growth is effectively impeded.
Some adult Catholics live in or pine for this stage of arrested religious
development. So, they want to be told what’s right or wrong; they like
simple catechism responses to complex questions; and, sometimes, those
in authority may encourage them in their infantile state by praising them
for their loyalty and obedience. The spiritual writer, Gerard Hughes, S.J.,
has written that there is ‘no more effective way of destroying true faith in
God than by misusing words like loyalty, obedience and faithfulness’.
Catholics, caught in a state of arrested infantile development, are often the
angriest in opposing any change in the Church and in resisting the present
reforms of Pope Francis.
With adolescence, we move into a time when the mind begins to
question and when a search for meaning begins to take centre stage.
Attempting to ward off a questioning spirit by not allowing adolescent
Catholics to think for themselves is self-defeating because, if the critical
element is not encouraged or worse still impeded, Catholics remain
infantile in their religious beliefs, which will be out of sync with how they
live. In adolescence, the critical consciousness needs to be
unambiguously fostered, resourced and cherished because, without it,
Catholics can remain infantile in their beliefs and practices which will not
reflect their lives and attitudes – with religion becoming a private matter,
confining God within set boundaries. On the one hand, this can be
difficult (and feel disloyal) when it runs against the accepted wisdom and
practice of parents who have provided security and protection of the infant
years. On the other hand, without a healthy critical environment, Catholics
can become obsessed with what they perceive as heresy in others.
Adults live in a world that’s complex and even mysterious and become
increasingly aware of the importance of ‘an inner world’ through which we
experience hope and despair, joy and sadness, fear and expectation,
certainty and doubt. The more adult we become, the more aware we are
that this inner world holds the key to personal happiness, especially when
we find that, as Christians, an important constituent of making our own
individual journey is the presence with us of a God, who loves us uniquely
and individually and beyond all our imaging. God is not a judge hovering
around us waiting for us to make mistakes but a God who is loving,
forgiving, merciful and compassionate. A God who loves us as we are –
despite our failures. A God with us, in good times and in bad, and on every
step of the pilgrimage of life. The great treasure that we seek as adult
Catholics is a personal, loving relationship with the God of Jesus Christ.
(Contd. at back)
What a church does for an adult Catholic is to provide encouragement and
guidance as we enter that most important stage of our religious journey, a
growing conviction that God is always and everywhere present to us.
Three elements correspond to three stages of human growth –
in infancy, certainty;
in adolescence, questioning; and
in adulthood, resolution.
All three elements are essential to religious growth and traces of all three
remain with us all our days. Every faith journey will have its own twists and
turns, moments of light and times of darkness, occasions when, to quote
the first letter to Corinthians, we see ‘in a mirror, dimly’ but other times
too, when we see ‘face to face’.
Points to Ponder Intercom July/August 2022
‘For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also’ (Lk 12:34). A
heart full of desire. We all have desires. The poor ones are those who have
no desire, no desire to go forward, toward the horizon; and for us
Christians this horizon is the encounter with Jesus, the very encounter with
him, who is our life, our joy, our happiness. I would like to ask you two
questions. First: do you all have a desiring heart? A heart that desires?
Think about it and respond silently in your hearts. I ask you is your heart
filled with desire, or is it a closed heart, a sleeping heart, a heart numb to
the things of life? The desire to go forward to encounter Jesus.
The second question: where is your treasure, what are you longing for?
Jesus told us: where your treasure is, there will be your heart – and I ask
you: where is your treasure? What is the most important reality for you,
the most precious reality, the one that attracts your heart like a magnet?
What attracts your heart? May I say that it is God’s love? God’s love that
gives meaning to our small daily tasks and helps us face the great trials.
This is the true treasure of humankind: going forward in life with love, with
that love which the Lord has sown in our hearts, with God’s love. This is
the true treasure. (Pope Francis, Angelus, St Peter’s Square, Rome)
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time
to understand more so that we may fear less. (Marie Curie)
(Hellen Keller – Both quotations from Reality Magazine July/August 2022.
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WORDS TO THE WISE – “Small gestures of love, of tenderness, of care, make people feel that the Lord is with us. This is how the door of mercy opens.” – Pope Francis.
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People may regret the passing of their youth and yet if we listen to young people, they often have many preoccupations and concerns – fear of failure, lack of confidence, concern about the future and the thought – do I measure up to my friends in appearance and achievement? I think the things older citizens may admire most are enthusiasm, curiosity and energy. As we grow older, we manage to overcome most of our youthful fears but if we can go forward with optimism and a sense of wonder and joy, our age will always be unimportant. We will keep within us the spirit of youth and that cannot be defeated by age !!
If you cannot be the pencil that writes someone’s happiness, then try to be the eraser that rubs out some of their sorrows
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Each day we move forward on life’s journey but with each step we take there
will inevitably be pitfalls. Just think about it for a moment. What might be an insurmountable problem to someone might be just the thing you can help with and vice versa.. In a very real sense we are all in the same boat travelling on
the same journey – so let’s pick up our oars and let’s all start rowing together.
LAST WORD: Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of pleasure, costs nothing and conveys much.
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A NOTE FROM FR. JIM....
During the week I heard someone say, ‘Have you noticed the days getting
shorter?’ As we begin autumn this week I’d like to reflect on Time.
Last Sunday’s psalm read: ‘Make us know the shortness of our life that we may
gain wisdom of heart’. I heard a woman say lately that when she goes through her
family photo albums she’s always reminded of one thing - how fast the years go
by. Firstly she sees pictures of her own childhood when she was a toddler holding
her mother's hand, then she sees pictures of her own children as toddlers holding
her hand. Then she sees her own children as young adults holding toddlers' hands.
She can’t believe how quickly her life has passed and being a woman of faith
realises how important it is to use the gift of time wisely.
Let us live our time in the context of eternity. Let us spend our time with what
really matters. With God in prayer, spend quality time with those we love, and
spend time with those in need of our love. Time Is......
Too slow for those who wait, Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve, Too short for those who rejoice.
But for those who love, Time is eternity.
GOSPEL REFLECTION
But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was
coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready,
because the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour'
(vv.39-40).
Astonishingly, Jesus compares himself to a thief who unpredictably burgles a
house. In this and other ways, Jesus teaches that he will return, and that his
return will always be a surprise. Yet it mustn’t catch us unawares:
Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning’ (v 35)
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Prayer
Following Christ's Lead
Jesus poses the same question from today’s Gospel to you: “Who do you say that I am?” Spend time today in prayer, asking the Lord to challenge your conception of him through his self-revelation.
God's Love for You
The Lord is faithful and has loved Israel, the Church, and you with an age-old love. Before you even existed, God loved you. Reflect on God’s incredible love for you, allowing it to shape your identity.
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The Love of True Prophets
In the First Reading, Hananiah deceives the Israelites, saying that they won't suffer. Jeremiah, however, loves his people too much to let them accept that lie. Thus, he shares the hard truth. The lesson is this: When we want to feel loved, we often lie; but when we love, we share the truth.
The Source of Happiness
An important theme shines through today's readings: greed versus God. The First Reading, the Psalm, and Paul's letter all urge us to focus on spiritual goods, not fleeting material goods. Jesus confirms this lesson in the Gospel. He reminds us that lasting happiness is ultimately found in relationship with God.
God Is Here
When the disciples saw Jesus walk on water, they became afraid. In response to their fear, the Lord says, "I AM." This brief line echoes the divine identity revealed to Moses. Thus, Jesus is saying that he is God, and that there is no reason to fear when we are in communion with him.
Finding Hope in Christ
In the First Reading, Jeremiah faces resistance when he preaches the truth. However, God supports the prophet; he gives him strength. Then, in the Gospel, Jesus reveals that he is the Resurrection and the Life. Thus, he is the source of our hope and courage. Let's remember this truth when we face hostility in our own lives.
Go with God
The story of Jeremiah foreshadows the life of Christ. Both proclaim the truth, and both are condemned by reigning authorities. As Christ's followers, we shouldn't be surprised if we face similar opposition. To remain steadfast and hopeful, let's stay rooted in prayer!
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Tito Edwards Tito Edwards manages Catholic websites for the new evangelization that Pope John Paul II and then Pope Benedict XVI asked for in the third millennium. After a lifetime of living a nominal Catholic life, he reverted completely to his childhood faith that began on the eve of the funeral of Pope John Paul II. He publishes Big Pulpit, Catholic Stand, Ignitum Today, and The American Catholic.
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Birdie O’Connor was Fr. Tim Galvin’s mother. Fr. Tim Galvin is home on leave from South Sudan and was at the match on Sunday, he is a cousin of the Kerry Captain so with the help of the Limerick blood and Fr. Tim storming Heaven, Galway stood no chance on Sunday - wasn’t that Sunday’s Gospel all about persistence! Is this the first time that Kerry has the Sam Maguire and Limerick has the Liam McCarthy, definitely not since the forties or before and there’s no one around now to confirm or deny. By the way, Fr. Tim has recently received an International award and a grant from Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’ Movement. ‘ He was honoured with an Individual Climate Action Award by Misean Cara an international and Irish Faith Based missionary movement for leading his parishioners in the growing of indigenous plants which help to improve food security. He has also helped his community plant trees to prevent future flooding and has set up nurseries to cultivate indigenous trees.’ Laudato Si’ Movement ( Catholics for our Common Home).
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CHAPLAINCY: Chaplains are professionals who provide spiritual, religious and emotional care to people in many different settings. As a chaplain, you will listen to people who are in a very vulnerable place. You’ll celebrate with families who have received great news. You’ll mark the beginning of lives, the end of lives and the many transforming moments in between. What training do I need? Board certification is required for employment as a chaplain. The Healthcare Chaplaincy Board (HCB) offers certification to Roman Catholics who: 1 Hold a degree in Theology (NFQ Level 8). 2 Complete H Dip or Masters in Pastoral Theology (Healthcare Chaplaincy) or 3 units of Clinical Pastoral Education. 3 Successfully meet the HCB Standards for Healthcare Chaplaincy. Email: InformationHCBoard@gmail.com The Bursary is provided by the Bon Secours Health System.
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Weekly Newsletter
8th Sunday after Pentecost
31st July 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church, Limerick.
The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost speaks of our sonship of God. Jesus died for us that we might live in grace and have the fullness of life for eternity in us. If we live according to God’s Will, we have the Spirit of God in us and as such we are sons or children of God. Jesus told us to call God ‘Abba’, (Father). precisely because we are His sons. Anyone who does the Will of the Father is His son, and therefore heir. By His Mercy and Grace we are heirs to the Kingdom of God when we reject sin and live in His Divine Will.
We have had the pleasure of having Canon Le Picard with us for the past number of weeks. We benefited greatly from his quiet, holy presence as a newly ordained priest. Dear Canon, we thank you graciously for being with us for so long. As you leave us tomorrow, our prayers go with you and we ask God to bless you in all your ways.
We are glad to receive Canon Gribbin this Sunday. He will stay with us until the end of the week. Welcome back Canon. It is always a pleasure to have you here.
Next Friday is the First Friday of August. We will have the usual First Friday celebration of Holy Mass at 6pm, followed by Adoration, recitation of the rosary and Benediction.
The First Saturday devotions the following day will take place as Our Lady requested at 10am.
This First Saturday is also the Feast of the Transfiguration, a moment when Jesus was revealed as the Son of God to the three Apostles, Peter, James and John on Mount Tabor.
The voice of God the Father came from Heaven: ‘This is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased, listen to Him’ (2: Peter :1). This command to listen to Jesus comes directly from God the Father to us. We do well to obey it! It is closely connected to the readings of today’s Mass, that is, to do the Will of God in order to live as His heirs and win Eternal Life.
As we prepare our hearts for the feast of the Assumption which is on Monday week, 15th August, we marvel at the spectacular event that took place: the Immaculate Virgin Mary was taken body and soul into heaven…. ‘A great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, the moon beneath her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars’ (Apoc :12:1).
We will have a procession in her honour following the 6 pm Mass. Please attend that Mass and procession to give witness to Her if you can.
Abbe Cisneros goes home tomorrow having spent most of the year with us. We hope you enjoy your time with your family. Have a well deserved rest and a safe trip dear Abbe and thank you for all you did for us.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Yours in Christ,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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Just a Thought
This weekend – July 29th we celebrate the Feasts of St. Martha, Mary & Lazarus. The story of Martha and Mary is one of the better known Gospel stories. Martha and Mary were both good friends of Jesus. It was Martha who invited Jesus, but it is Mary who made him feel at home. It was Mary who understood that there is more to friendship than just doing things for someone else. Mary was in touch with the need of people to be accepted for who they are, to share their fears, and anxieties and their hopes and joys with someone else. All of us have that need. But not all of us meet that need. Mary did so particularly well. Trying to get the balance between Martha and Mary is the invitation. The rewards are great if we can try to get close.
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Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491 – 1556): Feast Day 31st July
This Sunday, 31st July 2022, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
(1491 – 1556). He was born into a Spanish noble family and in his youth was a
soldier and not too interested in religion. However in 1521 he was injured in a
battle at Pamplona and during his recovery he read the Bible and the Lives of
different Saints and this made him dedicate himself to the Lord. From 1528 on he
studied in Paris (France) and there with Saint Francis Xavier and five other
companions took vows of chastity and poverty in 1534 and founded the Society of
Jesus or the Jesuits, as they are commonly known, in 1537. Ignatius was the first
superior general of the order and moved to Rome in 1541 where he died on 31st July
1556. He was beatified on 27th July 1609 and canonised on 12th March 1622 along
with Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Isidore the Farmer and Saint
Philip Neri.
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Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696 – 1787): Feast Day 1st August
On Monday, 1st August 2022, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Alphonsus Liguori
(1696 – 1787). He was Italian and practised as a lawyer before becoming a priest,
being ordained in 1726. He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer
or the Redemptorists, as they are more commonly known, in 1732. The order was
dedicated to preaching God’s word through missions, retreats and other spiritual
ministries. He was the first superior of the order. He suffered greatly in the latter
part of his life before he died on 1st August 1787 at Nocera In Italy. He was beatified
on 15th September 1816 and canonised on 26th May 1839.
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Feast of St. John Vianney, better known as the Cure of Ars (in France) is
celebrated on Thursday 4th August. He is the patron saint of Priests.
Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated on Saturday 6th August.
Jesus appears in his glory to Peter, James and John
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At the end of life what really matters is not what we bought but what we built’ not what we got but what we shared; not competence but our character; and not our success but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of Love.
A lot of our problems arise from one question – What will people think? If we disregard that question a lot of the problems will disappear too !!
Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is little thing – do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember – you don’t live in a world all on your own.
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Dear Holy Spirit – I pray for healing and comfort for anyone dealing with sadness, pain, illness, or going through a difficult time right now. I pray that they find refuge in you in the midst of their pain and suffering. May you continue to give them the strength to keep going. To push through these dark moments and know you are with them every step of the way. Amen (Ehimen Okaka).
Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push – a smile, a word of optimism and hope or a simple “you can do it” when things are tough.
SUCCESS IS A LADDER YOU CANNOT CLIMB WITH YOUR HANDS IN YOUR POCKETS
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EFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL - Luke 12:13-21
Who appointed me as your judge? (Luke 12:14)
Who wouldn’t want to have Jesus on their side in a property dispute? Think of it:
the Son of God himself advocating for you to receive as much as possible. Your
opponent wouldn’t stand a chance!
But then again, judging by today’s Gospel, Jesus may be the exact person
you
don’t want to consult. At least not if you’re trying to maximize your takeaway.
Remember, this is the One who said, “Blessed are you who are poor,” and who told
a wealthy man to sell all his possessions and give the money to the needy (Luke
6:20; 18:18-23). You might prefer that he stay out of the whole thing. It’s just as
well anyway, since Jesus didn’t seem too interested in engaging in the argument
between these two brothers!
Jesus may have seemed disinterested in this man’s complaint, but that doesn’t
mean he didn’t care about this fellow. Jesus loved him and his brother just as
deeply as he loved Peter or John or anyone else. What he cared about was
whether this man would show that same love to his own brother. He cared about
whether he would learn to be detached from his possessions so that he could
discover the even greater treasure of sharing in his love. That’s why he warned
the man against greed; he could see that it was motivating him far more than love
was.
Jesus ended his parable by urging his hearers to become “rich in what matters to
God” (Luke 12:21). And what matters to God is not how much or how little we
possess, but how much or how little we are possessed by our possessions. What
matters to God is the degree to which we are free to dedicate our money, our
time, and our abilities to loving and caring for one another.
Jesus isn’t against wealth or possessions. He just values them less than he values
our love—and our ability to love one another. That’s what truly matters to him.
“Jesus, help me to become rich in what matters to you.”
----------------------------------------------------
The Soul's Longing
Today, on the Feast of Mary Magdalene, the Church gives us a section from the Song of Songs. This beautiful passage echoes the Shema, which reminds us to focus on loving the Lord. Isn't it incredible that the Creator of the cosmos desires intimacy with us?
Among the early followers of Jesus, Mary Magdalene was the first to see the resurrected Jesus. Overwhelmed by this encounter, she went and shared the Good News with the disciples. As we celebrate her feast day, enter into this biblical scene with Easter in Art: Mary Magdalene and Via Lucis - Station 3: The Risen Lord Appears to Mary Magdalene.
A Fruitful Soul
Jesus foretold that his Church would be filled with wheat and weeds, saints and sinners. They will be separated from one another when Christ comes again in power and glory. In the meantime, let's focus on pulling the weeds taking root in our own souls. Diligently performing this simple task helps reform the Church!
Patterned after Christ
Jesus flips the world's understanding of power on its head. He shows us that in the Kingdom of God, authority is granted for the sake of service to others. In other words, the true leaders are those who following Christ's example of selfless love.
Is There a Hell?
Today's readings return to the image of the wheat and the weeds. Jesus explains that in the last day, the weeds—those who dwell in sin—will feel the fire of justice. The wheat, on the other, hand will shine like the sun. With this image in mind, let's strive to be wheat, the righteous disciples of Christ.
Divine Craftsmanship
God teaches Jeremiah a valuable lesson in the First Reading. He reveals that he is the potter of our lives. Using events and people as his wheel, he shapes our souls; he makes them sturdy and healthy. Though this process can look confusing from our side of things, let's trust the divine craftsman.
The Treasure Ahead
Through his parables, Jesus explains that the Kingdom of God is invaluable. All the world's wealth added together would be nothing compared to the glory that awaits the faithful. So, let's refocus our lives on the Kingdom. Let's think about how we can prioritize God.
===================================
Prayer for Grandparents
(Composed by Pope Benedict XVI)
Lord Jesus, You were born of the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and
Anne. Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them! They are a
source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society.
Support them! As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families strong
pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble domestic ideals, living treasures of sound
religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they may
pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual
experience.
Lord Jesus, help families and society to value the presence and role of grandparents.
May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love.
Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life which You give
them.
Mary, Mother of all the living, keep grandparents constantly in your care,
accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage, and by your prayers, grant that all
families may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland, where you await all
humanity for the great embrace of life without end. Amen!
-----------------
Pope’s Sunday Angelus: ‘Listen to Jesus — Everything Else Comes After’...
Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis described the day's liturgy, which presents us with the story of Martha and Mary, two sisters offering hospitality to Jesus in their home. The Pope recounts that Martha welcomes the guests whilst Mary sits at Jesus' feet to listen to him until Martha turns to him and asks him to tell Mary to help her.
-----------------------
Before I go to sleep, I remember before you all the people I love and now in silence I say their names to you I remember before you al the people who are sad and lonely, old and forgotten, poor and hungry and cold, in pain of body
and in distress of mind. Bless all who specially need your blessing and bless me too and make this a good night for me. This I ask for your love’s sake. Amen
Life goes by so quickly. One day we can feel great and the next broken. The pandemic teaches us to appreciate the little things. Nothing is permanent. So be thankful for your blessings. Life is so very precious.
RECIPE:A series of instructions for preparing ingredients you forgot to buy, in utensils you don’t have to make a dish that the dog won’t eat !!!!!!!
LAST WORD: If one does no good, gives no happiness, reaches out to no-one, what is the point of living at all?
The Humble King
Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, doesn't present himself in all his divine power—we could never bear such a sight. Instead, he approaches with gentleness, reaching out to strengthen and encourage us. Indeed, he wants us to find hope and rest in him.
Sit at His Feet
In today's Gospel, Jesus gently rebukes Martha. Though motivated by a good desire, Martha prioritized secondary tasks over her Lord. Drawing from this scene, St. Thérèse reminds us that meditating on Christ and his actions are the one thing necessary for our souls.
We Need Living Water
In Israel's early days, the nation was faithful to God's commandments. In Jeremiah's time, however, the Chosen People sought happiness without God. Thus, they became like broken cisterns—their satisfaction was always fleeting. Learning from Israel's mistake, let's always seek God, the living water, above all else.
Docile to the Word
The image of sowing seeds invites us consider whether the word of God is taking root in us or not. Are we following what we heard in Mass or prayer? Do we trust that the Lord will give us the grace to accomplish what he calls us to? Today, let's resolve to be fertile soil for God.
Micah's Reminder
In the First Reading, Micah draws on his own name—he ponders who is like God. In his reflection, the prophet hones in on an essential characteristic of the Lord: mercy. Unlike other so-called gods, the God of Israel forgives us, casting our sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah's Reminder
Today, the prophet Micah gives us a beautiful reminder of our calling: We must embody the love God shows us—his hesed—and we must walk humbly alongside him. In other words, we must love our neighbors, and we must love God.
BE INFORMED: Please go to the Catholic Website – formed.org/signup. Pick of the week –
“Many people, when in bed, find worries chasing round their head,
Much more use, it must be said, to count the day’s blessings instead.”
There is a lot of truth in these words. It is very easy to dwell on the day’s troubles and concern for the future. But it is a rare day that does not contain some blessings. So next time your thoughts keep you awake, think of some high-point during the day – perhaps you met an old friend; congratulate yourself on a nice meal you made; maybe you took a small step towards achieving a distant goal; noticed flowers blossoming in the garden; went for a walk on the beach. This is the stuff of everyday life, but it is worth more than we realize – and we can make it all the more meaningful by choosing to dwell on the positive.
Surely one of the saddest things in life is to regret the lost opportunities for friendship and kindness once a friend or close relative has died. So, if there is a small kindness you could do - write that promised letter or perhaps even a quick word on the phone just to say hello, then why not do it today? OR EVEN BETTER – WHY NOT DO IT NOW!!!
EACH DAY YOU ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE GRATEFUL
-------------------------------------------
DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS & THE ELDERLY: This Sunday
24th July 2022 is the ‘World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly’
established by Pope Francis with the theme this year being ‘I am with
you always’ (Mt 28:20) Mary’s Magnificat wells up in Mary’s heart at the
moment when she meets her elderly cousin Elizabeth. But what about
you? Do you realize how extraordinarily enriching the encounter
between the young and the elderly can be? How much attention do you
pay to the elderly, to your grandparents? With good reason you want to
“soar”, your heart is full of great dreams, but you need the wisdom and
the vision of the elderly. Spread your wings and fly, but also realize that
you need to rediscover your roots and to take up the torch from those
who have gone before. To build a meaningful future, you need to know
and appreciate the past. As Mary did with Elizabeth, look to the elderly,
to your grandparents.– (Pope Francis, 2017)
Let us this week pray for all grandparents, past and present and thank
the Lord for their witness and the spreading of the Gospel.
————————————————————————————————
PRAYER FOR THE WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE
ELDERLY
I thank You, Lord, for the comfort of Your presence:
even in times of loneliness, You are my hope and my confidence, You
have been my rock and my fortress since my youth! I thank You for
having given me a family and for having blessed me with a long life. I
thank You for moments of joy and difficulty, for the dreams that have
already come true in my life and for those that are still ahead of me. I
thank You for this time of renewed fruitfulness to which You call me.
Increase, O Lord, my faith, make me a channel of your peace, teach me
to embrace those who suffer more than me, to never stop dreaming and
to tell of your wonders to new generations. Protect and guide Pope
Francis and the Church, that the light of the Gospel might reach the
ends of the earth. Send Your Spirit, O Lord, to renew the world, that the
storm of the pandemic might be calmed, the poor consoled and wars
ended. Sustain me in weakness and help me to live life to the full in
each moment that You give me, in the certainty that you are with me
every day, even until the end of the age. Amen.
————————————————————————————————
PRAYER FOR THE WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY
I thank You, Lord, for the comfort of Your presence:
even in times of loneliness, You are my hope and my confidence, You
have been my rock and my fortress since my youth! I thank You for
having given me a family and for having blessed me with a long life. I
thank You for moments of joy and difficulty, for the dreams that have
already come true in my life and for those that are still ahead of me. I
thank You for this time of renewed fruitfulness to which You call me.
Increase, O Lord, my faith, make me a channel of your peace, teach me
to embrace those who suffer more than me, to never stop dreaming and
to tell of your wonders to new generations. Protect and guide Pope
Francis and the Church, that the light of the Gospel might reach the
ends of the earth. Send Your Spirit, O Lord, to renew the world, that the
storm of the pandemic might be calmed, the poor consoled and wars
ended. Sustain me in weakness and help me to live life to the full in
each moment that You give me, in the certainty that you are with me
every day, even until the end of the age. Amen.
---------------------------------
NOTE FROM FR. JIM....
Dear Parishioners of Glenflesk,
Firstly I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Fr. Jim Lenihan a native of
Boherbue Co. Cork. I’ve spent the last 8 years serving the people of Killarney and
previously I ministered in in Beara and Listowel.
Secondly I’d like to thank you for your warm welcome. I look forward to getting to
know you and journeying with you into the future. It’s a wonderful privilege to be
your Priest. There is great evidence of Christ’s presence in your community in the
way you worship God and support and build up each other. I’d also like to take this
opportunity to remember Fr. Kevin who was taken from us in such heartbreaking
and unexpected way. May he rest in peace and receive the rewards for his labours.
A special word of gratitude too to Fr. Tagdh, Fr. Dan and Fr. Nicholas. I’d like
thank them and all the parish staff for making themselves available in such a
generous way to keep the parish active and vibrant for the past 7 months. A
special word of thank too to Fr. Padraig Kennelly and Jackie McElligott for running
the parish administration so well over those months.
May the Lord bless us all as we journey forward and may we work together to
continue building Gods Kingdom in our parish and as scripture says ‘May they know
that we are Christians by the way we love’.
Fr. Jim.
--------------------------------
Killarney Parish July 2022
WELCOME TO OUR NEW PRIESTS: Fr Joe Begley and Fr Sean Jones
are joining Fr Kieran as our parish team into the future.
Fr Joe Begley is well familiar to us from his time as a teacher in St
Brendan’s College, and afterwards as parish priest in Kilcummin parish.
He has also ministered in Dingle and Glengarriff.
Fr Sean Jones was with us in the parish in his year as a deacon before
his ordination in 2018. He joins us from St John’s parish Tralee, and he
being the youngest priest of the diocese reminds us to pray for vocations
to the priesthood and religious life.
We are delighted to have them with us, we pray God’s blessing on them
in their ministry, and we assure them of our every support.
FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
Loving God, We pray for the people of Ukraine, For all those suffering or afraid,
that you will be close to them and protect them.
We pray for world leaders, for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.
We pray for the world; that in this moment of crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our
brothers and sisters in need. May we walk in your ways so that peace and justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine and for all the world. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us! Our Lady of Kyiv, pray for us!
------------------------------
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Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel
- Questions for personal reflection
John Byrne OSA
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
17 July 2022
The two sisters symbolize the contemplative and active dimensions of life, at
times difficult to balance. What wisdom have you learned through life
experiences on how to strike a balance between prayer and action?
Many people misunderstand hospitality. They worry and fret about decorating
the house and preparing abundant food. Yet sometimes it is something else
that is needed to make people feel at home, namely, to sit with guests and to
listen to them speaking. What has been your experience of being a cherished
guest and when have you been able to make others feel welcome and at home?
We can make the same mistake in relation to people who are important to us in
life: children, friends, parents, or others. We can worry and fret about doing
things for them when perhaps the important thing is to give them time and to
listen to them. What does your experience tell you?
When it comes to welcoming God into our lives, one appropriate response is to
give time listening to God’s word. When have you found time devoted to the
word of God enriching for you?
========================================
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2022
Pope Francis has established a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which
will take place for the second time on Sunday 24 July 2022 on the theme
‘In old age they will still bear fruit (Ps 92:15)’. The World Day was established to
be celebrated on the Sunday closest to the Feast Day of Saints Joachim and Anne
on 26 July.
Bishop Denis Nulty, chair of the Bishops’ Council for Marriage and the Family
has welcomed Pope Francis’ Message for the World Day for Grandparents and the
Elderly 2022 on the theme ‘In old age they still bring forth fruit’ (Ps 92:14).
Bishop Nulty said, “In his message, Pope Francis says that old age is no time to
give up and lower the sails, but a season of enduring fruitfulness: a new mission
awaits us and bids us look to the future. I am very encouraged by Pope Francis’
words as I look around our Church and see the long and faithful service offered by
our elderly priests and religious and the decades long commitment of so many lay
faithful to our parishes.
“The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is taking place this year against
the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and conflict in many other parts of the
world. Pope Francis addresses this in his text and invites Grandparents in particu-
lar ‘to teach the women and men of our time to regard others with the same
understanding and loving gaze with which we regard our own grandchildren.
Our grandparents held us in their arms and carried us on their knees; now is the
time for us to carry on our own knees – with practical assistance or with prayer
alone – not only our own grandchildren but also the many frightened
grandchildren whom we have not yet met and who may be fleeing from war or
suffering its effects”.
PEACE.....A CHINESE PROVERB
If there be righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.
THANK GOD
Thank God for dirty dishes - they have a tale to tell;
While other folk go hungry, they show we're eating well.
So even when the sink's piled high, please do not make a fuss;
For by this stack of evidence, God is truly good to us.
Prayer to Saint Joseph which Pope Francis has said for more than 40 years:
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
The Surrender Novena is now available on Amen
July 2022; Join us on a nine-day journey to find deeper faith and rest in your life. The Surrender Novena provides a brief prayer to guide your response to God's invitation to give him every worry, desire, hope, fear, and suffering.
PRAY WITH US
"O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything!" The words Christ gave to Servant of God Don Dolindo Ruotolo offer comfort and solace to Catholics worldwide. The Surrender Novena extends the peace of Christ amid confusion and chaos as each day encourages a greater "letting go" to the Lord. Amen invites you to entrust your concerns to the Lord with complete confidence in his goodness.
He Hears, He Sees
In Isaiah 38, God tells Hezekiah that he has heard his prayers and seen his tears. In other words, God knows and loves Hezekiah, just as he knows and loves you. In response, let's pray in thanksgiving. Let's praise the Lord for his attention and gifts, especially the gift of life.
Modern Idolatry
When we look closely at today's world, it becomes clear that many people place their trust in money or political regimes. The Scriptures, however, urge us to place our trust in God, not the world. Indeed, faithfully following our Lord is the only way we find true freedom and security.
Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Graces
In today's Gospel, Jesus grants the Twelve the ability to perform mighty deeds in his name. This authority continues to be passed down to bishops and priests today. They have been given the power to bring Christ to us, especially through the sacraments.
Unending Love and Mercy
At the heart of the Book of Hosea is God's desire to gather the northern tribes back to himself. He wants Ephraim to recognize that he is the true, loving Father. Thousands of years later, God still expresses the same paternal tenderness. He calls all those who have fallen away back into intimate communion with him.
The Pattern of Victory
Today's Gospel presents us with a sobering message: Christ sends us out like sheep in the midst of wolves. In other words, he calls us to minister to a hostile world that needs the Good News. To accomplish this mission, we must conform ourselves to the crucified yet victorious Lord.
Following the Path
When it comes to the life of discipleship, Jesus tells us that love of God must come first. Everything else—including our careers, friends, and even families—must come second. Though this command may sound harsh, it is the path to perfect charity, and it enables us to love friends and family better.
The Steadiness of the Faithful
The First Reading reminds us of a fundamental message: Your trust is the measure of your faith. Moreover, the more we trust, the more firmly established we'll be. In other words, faith allows us to remain calm and steady despite the chaos of the world. It's trust or bust.
by Tracey Edstein
Sr. Melissa Dwyer, an educator who led a girls' school in Malawi, is now leader of the Canossian Daughters of Charity in Australia. In a past life, she dreamed of an Olympic gold medal. But, as she says, "God has ways."
Humbled and Reminded
Betrayal looms in the background of the First Reading. Instead of trusting God, Israel sought an alliance with Assyria, a powerful, pagan nation. As a result, Israel suffered persecution. Interestingly enough, the same happens in the Church. Whenever Christians cooperate with evil, consequences arise—God alone is our salvation!
Light and Full of Love
Serving Solomon or Rehoboam, kings from Israel's past, meant bearing heavy burdens. Christ, however, came as a different kind of king—he showed himself to be a servant-king. Following him means taking up the yoke of love, which becomes lighter with every step.
Do something today to bring gladness to someone whose pleasures are few.
Do something to drive off sadness – or cause someone’s dreams to come true.
Find time for a neighbourly greeting and time to delight an old friend.
Remember the years are fleeting and life’s greatest day will soon end.
Do something today that tomorrow will prove to be really worthwhile.
Help someone to conquer sorrow and greet the new dawn with a smile.
Appreciative words are the most powerful force for good on this earth.
A simple “thank you” can strengthen existing friendships and build new ones, but quite simply, it makes people feel appreciated and that is something we all need once in a while.
We all have dreams and hopes for the future but without the foundation of hard work and the cornerstone of commitment, those will amount to nothing. Remember if you build castles in the air, your work need not be lost – that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.
LAST WORD: Take time to be thankful for everything that you already have. You can always have more, but remember you could also have a lot less
=======================================
Clerical Appointments Summer 2022
Summer is here again and thank God we are quite hopeful that Covid will be under good control. It has been a difficult and challenging year for us all. Ever there for one another, together we have come through. Sincere thanks to all clergy and so many in all our parish communities, for their dedicated service throughout the year. A special word of thanks to parish secretaries.
A Christian Sunday
It is good to see many have returned to regular weekend church attendance. As a Christian how do you mark Sunday, the Lord’s Day? I encourage every home to think about it and make a definite decision. Henceforth, what part will “having time for God and for prayer” play in your Sunday? Do you intend to gather regularly with your fellow parishioners on Sunday mornings to offer together Christ’s sacrifice, to offer Holy Mass?
If young children do not grow up with a familiarity with prayer in the home and regular Sunday Mass, will they grow up to have faith in Jesus Christ and God present among us? It is important that we all keep regular contact with God. In these difficult times, God is a source of security and comfort.
Thank you
Thank you to all who already serve in our parishes, priests, deacons and laity. Thanks to our religious-education teachers in Primary and Secondary schools. Thanks to our chaplains in schools, hospitals and in MTU, Tralee. It is good news that Fr Amos and Fr Vitalis, our two priests on loan from Kitale diocese in Kenya, will be with us for a further three years. Their joy in their faith is an inspiration to us all. Continue to pray for vocations and for our two seminarians that they will in time be priests among us.
This Summer appointments
This Summer’s appointments are few. Still, they effect four Pastoral Areas, and it will take time for each to adjust. Sincere thanks to Fr Tom Leane P.P. Dromtariffe, who has reached the retirement age, having given wonderful loving service for more than fifty years. In the Duhallow/Sliabh Luachra Pastoral Area, Dromtariffe parish will now be served by the priests of the Pastoral Area. We have had a large number of priests celebrating Jubilees this year including two silver, two golden and two diamond. Thank God for their lives of priestly service.
Lay Ministry
Each year retirements means fewer priests in our parishes. Sadly, this is something that will continue. It is vital that our recently launched new initiative “Ministry of lay Pastoral Leader” be successful. In the leaflet introducing this Ministry I wrote: “In an era when priests and religious were more plentiful, so much was left in their care. Today they are fewer in number. Sustaining the fullness of life in the parish family requires the participation, commitment, and leadership of the laity. Hence, I warmly welcome the “Ministry of Lay Pastoral Leadership” that we embark upon.” As Pope Benedict said in 2009, “The laity must no longer be viewed as “collaborators” of the clergy but truly recognised as “co-responsible” for the Church’s being and action …”
The Synodal Pathway Worldwide and in Ireland
Thank you to the three-member diocesan Synodal Pathway team, and to all who participated in the listening gatherings held throughout the diocese before Easter. This is part of the worldwide preparation Pope Francis requested as preparation for the Synod in Rome in October 2023. It is just the beginning; Pope Francis wants that “hearing all voices” become a permanent part of Church life everywhere. In a recent National Synodal Pathway gathering in Athlone, the welcome address gave the following explanation of what is involved:
“We are going to be journeying together for a significant amount of time. In fact, we are going to be journeying together and learning to journey together perpetually. If we are to learn to listen so that we might truly understand each other, if we are to learn how to rely on the Holy Spirit more than on ourselves, and if we are to learn how to dialogue with others, ‘Synodality’ is the path expected of us in the third millennium.”
I encourage everyone to read on the diocesan website the ten-page synopsis of our discussions throughout the diocese. It summarises the issues people considered in need of deep reflection.
In God we trust
At that gathering in Athlone, a piece of scripture from the prophet Isaiah was proposed to us: Thus says the Lord,
I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Is 43:19-21
In the diocese of Kerry, we are called to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, trusting in God to lead us along the right path.
Bishop Ray Browne 1st July 2022
=============================================
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
3rd July, 2022. 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Dear Parishioner,
During this past week, you may have wondered if I was on
‘Cloud 9’, following the celebration of my Golden Jubilee of ordination to
the priesthood last weekend! I can say that I didn’t have that feeling but I
was relieved that everything had gone well and I was, naturally, very
grateful to all who had made it possible. Background preparation had gone
on for some time and many people were involved in making the occasion
possible. It is often said that, while it may be a bit difficult to get
involvement of people in a parish that means they have to perform in front
of their own neighbours and friends, there is never a problem in getting
people to do things in a quieter way. That might be decorating a hall,
bringing cakes, scones and other nice things. The baking side of things will
normally be done by women and the men have their jobs as well. I wish to
express a sincere word of thanks to all who were involved in making ‘my
50th’ (not my birthday) a special occasion. I will give a word of
acknowledgement next week for contributions to the ‘Jubilee Fund’ and
for gifts given to myself.
I have put in a little piece from Reality Magazine about the new leader of
the Kiltegan Fathers (St. Patricks Missionary Society), a very historic
happening. I recall during my time in Kenya in the years 1981-1987,
attending meetings where the desirability of making St. Patrick’s
Missionary Society one, which would invite young men to join the Society,
from the countries where Irish missionaries had been working since the
foundation of the Society in 1932. These were mainly African countries
and Brazil in South America. While the Kerry Diocesan priests in Kenya
played no part in deciding whether this major step should be taken, we
were invited to attend meetings, where the question was being discussed.
The task of deciding how the Society should be moving as the end of the
20th century approached was an important one because it was becoming
clear that vocations to the priesthood in Ireland – both the diocesan and
missionary vocation – were decreasing with each year that passed. Making
a decision to take in African students would involve a lot of adjustments
and would need continuous sources of income. After a lot of discussion,
prayer and discernment, the decision was made to go international. Lots
of good things have happened since then. May all concerned be blessed.
(Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
-------------------------------------
Let’s Put Traveller Rights First
The Exclusion Of Travellers From Irish Society Has Gone On For Too Long
If Travellers were black, Ireland would be universally condemned as a
racist, apartheid country. Housing and employment exclusion are the most
visible signs of apartheid. Travellers often face opposition from the settled
community at any attempt to provide them with housing or ‘Traveller-
specific’ accommodation. Over 500 Traveller households are currently on
unauthorised sites, which have no basic facilities, many on the side of busy
roads, and are vulnerable to eviction. A welcome development was the
recent Supreme Court ruling to overturn a decision to evict a family from
public land where they had been living for five years, citing article 40.5 of
the Constitution on the “inviolability” of a dwelling and article 8 of the
European Convention on Human Rights. Other Travellers live in
overcrowded halting sites in bad conditions. The Ombudsman for Children
published a damning report on the conditions on a halting site in Cork,
describing it as filthy, overcrowded, rat-infested, and unsafe, with poor
sanitation and waste management, and in violation of the rights of
Traveller children. He has referred his report to the UN Committee on the
Rights of the Child. Other Traveller sites, because they are designated as
‘temporary’, are not properly maintained and are in an equally bad
condition. Over 500 individual Travellers are homeless, 11 times the rate
for the general population. Governments have come to rely on the private
rented sector to provide accommodation for homeless or low-income
households, but Travellers seeking accommodation in the private rented
sector are 22 times more likely to be discriminated against by landlords.
Travellers also face discrimination in relation to employment; 85 per cent
of Travellers are unemployed. Many blame Travellers themselves for being
unemployed, rather than the underlying racism which is largely
responsible. While many Travellers give up seeking employment, the
reason is that constant rejection is demoralising and undermines a person’s
self-worth. The walls Travellers have to climb to get a job are often
insurmountable.
The needs of Traveller children are failed by the educational system. Some
55 per cent leave school with no qualification, compared with 13 per cent
in the general population. Just 1 per cent have a third-level degree,
compared
to over 25 per cent in the general population. Many Traveller children do
not feel included, wanted or safe in school, and sometimes their parents,
who may have had dreadful experiences themselves in school, worry about
them while in school. In a recent book (Unseen Homelessness in the
Traveller Community – Pavee Point), one author describes very movingly
the experience of a young child, oblivious to the fact that he is a Traveller,
slowly coming to the realisation that he is being treated differently from
other children and feeling unwanted. He comes to realise that other
children have been told by their mothers not to play with him, and to
wonder why he has to live on the edge of a motorway with no running
water or toilets. The life expectancy for Traveller men is 15 years less than
for the general population and over 12 years less for women. The suicide
rate is seven times higher than for the general population. Their
experience of exclusion is certainly a major cause. We can inflict violence
on others by our inaction, as much as by our actions. The failure of Irish
society to address the exclusion faced by Travellers is a societal violence
perpetrated against them. Their exclusion is a stain on the soul of this
country.
For Travellers to participate in society equally with others, many of us need
a change of mind and heart. Changing minds and hearts is what religion is
about. The Churches have a major role here. I would love to see every
bishop put Traveller rights at the top of their social justice agenda, and
make a commitment that they will do everything to ensure that in 12
months’ time, there would be no Travellers living on the side of the road or
in “temporary” halting sites. That means actively lobbying their local
authorities, and challenging those who want to keep Travellers apart, and
accepting the opprobrium and abuse which will come their way but that is
surely the Christian way. For Christians, the equal dignity of every human
being is a fundamental core belief and reaching out to the ‘other’ is a basic
commandment. (Fr. Peter McVerry Reality July/August 2022)
Kiltegan Fathers Elect First African Leader: St. Patrick’s Missionary Society,
widely known as the Kiltegan Fathers, has elected an African leader for the
first time in the society’s 90 year history. Fr. Richard Filima, was
announced as the new leader, to succeed Fr. Victor Dunne. The 43-year-
old is from Bodo, River State in Nigeria. He joined St. Patrick’s Missionary
Society in 1997 and was ordained a priest on 26th January 2008. (Reality
Magazine, July/August 2022) This piece is only part of the account of the
election of the new leader. I wanted to mention that Fr. Seán Cremin, from
Knocknagree, Co. Cork is the deputy leader. He was ordained in 1997,
when I was leaving Knocknagree to return to Kenya. (D. O’M.)
Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel John Byrne OSA
1. Jesus sent out his disciples on a mission to let people know ‘The
kingdom of God has come near to you.’ Recall when you have reached out
to another in word or in deed to help them realize that they were
cherished, perhaps by a word of sympathy or encouragement, or by giving
a hand with a difficult task. What was it like for you to experience yourself
as a person bringing help and encouragement to another?
2. Recent events (Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and poverty and
famine in some countries) have created situations of dire need for some.
These crises have also brought out great generosity as people reached out
in caring for the sick and refugees and contributing money when they
could. Perhaps there are individuals or groups that have particularly.
inspired you. Remember them and ask God’s blessing on them.
3. Jesus sent the disciples out two by two. When have you found it
beneficial not to be working alone, but with another by your side? How did
companionship change the experience? What you were able to achieve
together that you could not have done on your own?
4. When the disciples returned Jesus warned them not to focus on the
thrill of what they had been able to achieve. It was more important that
their ‘names are written in heaven’. Sometimes we also need reminders
that who we are is more important than what we do. Who have been the
people who brought this home to you? Have there been experiences that
helped you to appreciate this?
Reflections from Reality Magazine, July/August 2022.
I ‘d say to someone, who is standing there in a room and they feel like
there are no windows, no doors and it’s all black.............to take their time
and a door will open. Someone will be at that door. (Donal Walsh)
Rest is not idleness and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a
summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the
clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. (John
Lubbock)
I have no idea who John Lubbock was but I am happy to have known Donal
Walsh from Tralee, the young student who made a wonderful impression
on those who heard him speaking, before he died from cancer. (D. O’M)
-----------------------===================================
Benedict (480 – 547) – Feast Day: 11th July
Saint Benedict is one of the six Patron Saints of Europe. The others are the two
brothers from Thessalonika in Greece, Cyril (825 – 869) and Methodius (826 – 885),
Bridget of Sweden (1303 – 1373), Catherine of Siena in Italy (1347 – 1380) and the
German Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross or Edith Stein (1891 – 1942). The Feast
Day of Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius is 14th February, that of Saint Bridget of
Sweden 23rd July, that of Saint Catherine of Siena 29th April and that of Saint Teresa
Benedicta of the Cross 9th August.
Saint Benedict (480 – 547) and his twin sister Saint Scholastica (480 – 543) are
believed to have been born into a wealthy family in Norcia in the region of Umbria in
Italy around the year 480. He received a very good education in Rome. However
the low morals of the people in Rome at that time disgusted him and so he left the
eternal city to settle in Enfide about 40 miles away. Then around 500 he went to the
nearby wild and remote area of Subiaco and lived there as a hermit in a cave for the
next three years. His life of prayer and solitude attracted people to him and over the
next 20 years about 12 monasteries of monks opened in that area.
In the year 530 having left the Subiaco area Benedict founded the great monastery
of Monte Cassino which is on a hilltop between Rome and Naples. He was abbot of
this monastery until his death on 21st March 547. Monte Cassino became the focal
point for western monasticism. The monks there followed the Rule of Saint Benedict
which he first wrote in 516 while in Subiaco. The Rule encouraged the monks to
devote eight hours per day to prayer, eight hours to sleep and eight hours to manual
work, sacred reading and/or works of charity.
=======================
Prayers
Perseverance
The perseverance of the sower challenges us to ask ourselves: "What can I
resolve to do today that could eventually make a big difference to my own life and
the lives of others?" For, no matter how small the seed sown, when that spirit of
generosity, hope and perseverance are present, the result can be remarkable.
When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high;
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit -
Rest if you must but do not quit.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are;
It may be near when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things go wrong that you must never quit.
-----------------
Alive.ie
An Túr Gloine and the Idea of Excellence
By Patrick O Neill -August 31, 2020
Catholics need not labour under the illusion that excellence in the arts is a quality in the sole preserve of the secular world, as this quotation from the Apostle, and patron of writers, in Philippians 4:8 will disabuse them.
“Finally, brethren, let your minds be filled with everything that is true, honourable, upright and pure, everything that we love and admire – with whatever is good and praiseworthy.”
Christchurch Church of Ireland, Gorey, contains several stained-glass windows by An Túr Gloine artists, such as Harry Clarke, Catherine O’Brien and Ethel Rhind.
Like many Church of Ireland buildings in Ireland, it tells in microcosm, the history of stained-glass production in Ireland, seen in the transition from traditional windows manufactured in foundries in England and Germany to Irish modernist individualised production.
ATG was organised in response to the upsurge in the building of Catholic Churches following Catholic Emancipation, and in particular, the stained glass windows of Saint Brendan’s Cathedral, Loughrea. Supported by Edward Martyn and WB Yeats of the Celtic Revival, painter Sarah Purser financed and administered An Túr Gloine from its foundation in Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin, in 1903 to 1940; arranging for London tutor AE Child to travel and instruct in stained-glass at the Dublin School of Art.
The co-operative aimed to produce stained-glass for churches and buildings in Ireland created by artists in Ireland. Exploring Celtic subject matter, they were guided by the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement in which, “each window is the work of one artist who makes the sketch and … selects and paints every morsel of glass.”
ATG and the St. Brendan’s decorative scheme are intricately linked, to the extent that, according to Wikipedia, the Cathedral “houses the most extensive collection of Arts and Crafts and Celtic Revival artefacts of any single building in Ireland”, representing the works of nearly all the artists associated with ATG over four decades: Michael Healy, Alfred Child, Sarah Purser, Beatrice Elvery, Ethel Rhind, Hubert McGoldrick, Catherine O’Brien and Evie Hone.
As a result, Ireland became world famous as a centre for stained-glass production at this time and several of its members achieved global prominence.
It’s easy to access art located in churches by entering off the street as is the case with Christchurch in Gorey, although the more remote Church of Ireland buildings may require prior arrangement and Covid has seen temporary closures. In the meanwhile, the Church of Ireland has an excellent online archive of stained-glass researched by Dr. David Lawrence at www.gloine.ie.
In Christchurch, you can view the work of Harry Clarke, who designed the ‘Geneva Window’ (1930) for the International Labour Organisation in Geneva (now in the Wolfsonian Museum, Miami, Florida), the windows of Bewley’s café on Grafton Street, Dublin, as well as the ‘Baptism of Jesus’ (1924) at the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, Dingle, County Kerry.
This success happened as a result of the deliberate organisation of stained-glass production in Ireland into a centre of excellence run by native practitioners under tuition of overseas experts in the early days.
What lessons can we apply from An Túr Gloine today? It’s possible to organise a centre of excellence in any art form as a group and also to apply the principles of excellence to individual artistic endeavour.
Excellence in any area refers to the idea of distinction, quality, brilliance and greatness all coming from integrity, passion, creativity, innovation and commitment.
The exhortation from Saint Paul marks a useful starting point for the idea that when we focus on what is excellent and virtuous in life and art, we can replicate these standards in Christian art by our own efforts, with God’s help, following the example of earlier Irish artists such as those of An Túr Gloine.
http://alive.ie/uncategorized/an-tur-gloine-and-the-idea-of-excellence/
=======================
More than half of Alito’s 98-page draft opinion, in the pending Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, explores the history of U.S. abortion law in order to establish that the “right to abortion” is not “deeply rooted in this nation’s history and tradition” as it would have to be in order to be protected by the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. He wrote that “until the latter part of the 20th century, such a right was entirely unknown in American law.”
In his discussion of the history of abortion law, Alito cited Joseph Dellapenna, Villanova Law professor emeritus and author of Dispelling the Myths of Abortion History who filed an amicus brief in the case.
Dellapenna told the Register that Roe gave “an argument about the history of abortion in order to come up with a conclusion that there is an unenumerated right to choose abortion that is protected by the Constitution.” Justice Harry Blackmun devoted “between a third and a half” of his Roe opinion rooting “the idea that there is a constitutional right to choose to abort in his version of the history.”
--------------------------
7 Amazing Eucharistic Miracles
These miracles have left incredible impressions on the individuals and communities where they occurred.
https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/catholic/7-amazing-eucharistic-miracles.aspx
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Mass was celenrated for Fr Kevin in Moyvane County Kerry on 26 June 2022, Fr O Connell and three other priests con celebrated.
Video link
https://youtu.be/e5fLO2k-ZjY
Filename
Tribute to Father Kevin.mp4
==================================
MEMORIAL MASS in thanksgiving for Fr. Kevin's life will take place on Wednesday 29th June at 7.30pm in St. Agatha's Church, Glenflesk. There will be refreshments afterwards in Glenflesk GAA Hall. All are welcome
---------------------
2022 June 29 Knockanure
KNOCKANURE
Memorial and Thanksgiving Mass for Fr. Kevin will take place on Sunday 26th June at 2pm at Moyvane Church, at the Doorway of Hope (weather permitting), in memory of the Covid Masses. After Mass a plaque will be unveiled in his honour. Everybody very welcome.
TRIBUTES to Maureen Sweeney nee Flavin born in Knockanure 99 years, are numerous, she had been forgotten for many years and it was great to learn more about her achievements and the benefit derived from her work. https://youtu.be/X8hj9BEcrXc
Filename- Tribute Maureen Flavin Sweeney June 2022
Tribute in Knockanure can be viewed on www.facebook.com/Pixieskingdom
BEST WISHES to Mrs Julienne Donegan on her retirement as Principal of Knockanure Scoil Chorp Chriost. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Tom McMahon and Fr. Brendan O’Callaghan. A host of parishioners and family members, contributed to the occasion. Celebrations continued with gathering at the school also. Best Wishes also to Ms. Kate McSweeney and Mr. Brendan Walsh who finished their term in Scoil Chorp Chríost recently. We want to thank them both for their commitment to pupils and for all the work that they have done in the school.
CONGRATULATIONS to Han Scanlon, nee Neligan of Direen, on her 100th Birthday, she has many connections in the parish. Congratulations also to 99-year-old Betty Moody who treated all her neighbours in Moyvane with a 99.
Congratulations also to Fr. Jack O’Donnell on his Golden Jubilee, ordained for the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, USA on June 18th 1972 in All Hallows College, Dublin.
PADRE Pio & 1st Friday Mass at 6.45pm in Listowel.
Fr Kevin; MY FINAL TEN SECOND SERMON Just one Ten Second Sermon, in the week that’s in it. I take my leave of you on Wednesday for Glenflesk, Barraduff and Clonkeen. The Sermon is as follows: “Think – Thank”. If we stopped to think more, we would stop to thank more. When I reflect on my time in your Parish, I am full of thanks for so many things – your help, love, support, prayers, the ways we stayed and prayed together from the word go when C19 arrived. But above all your hospitality, kindness and the many smiles we shared together. In prayer let us continue to support each other. God Bless each and everyone of you. Love & prayers, Fr. Kevin.
---------------------------------------
Naveen – A tribute
Mar 2, 2022
#children#pain#War#Sorrow#CallforPeace
Naveen – A tribute - featured image
'Naveen' means fresh, creative, bright
'Naveen' was my mom's youngest brother's name
"He died when he was two," my grandma told me
with a tear in her eye.
"A long, long time ago."
Yesterday, Naveen died once again
This time, he was twenty-one
A year older than my daughter is now
He was studying to be a doctor-
Learning to not give up, learning to give hope
It wasn't just Naveen who died-
Yesterday
But all the people Naveen could have
saved; had he lived.
They died too, yesterday.
And with him, 'Hope'- she died as well
She was hurled out yesterday
By 'Reality'.
They say it's not the government's fault; I agree
They say Naveen should have evacuated; I agree
But, Naveen was twenty-one;
A child, still- filled with hope
and disbelief in
the possibility of War;
So, he stayed on; but it wasn't for long
'Reality' plucked him; it shook our core
And we cried - for Naveen and for every child
Who dares to dream
And has his dreams ripped apart
In an unfair world.
This poem is a tribute to the 21 year old medical student, Naveen, who lost his life yesterday
in the war in Ukraine. May his soul rest in peace and may God give his family strength.
Our prayers are with all those who are stuck in the middle of conflict for no fault of theirs.
May God have mercy.
Copyright@smithavishwanathsblog.com. All Rights Reserved.
https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/40872617/posts/42397
=============================
A Remnant Remains
In the First Reading, Elijah is weighed down by the darkness of Israel's sins. To alleviate this depression, he goes to the only one who can comfort him: God. In response to the prophet's prayer, the Lord shows him that he is not alone. In a world plagued by faithlessness, we must listen to these words, too. We are not alone.
Empowered Righteousness
Christ doesn't only want us to follow the commandments; he wants us to be animated by love. To help us achieve this calling, God sent us the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Now, empowered by grace, we find strength to love God and neighbor, and we recognize how we have fallen short in the past.
-----------------------
Perseverance
The perseverance of the sower challenges us to ask ourselves: "What can I
resolve to do today that could eventually make a big difference to my own life and
the lives of others?" For, no matter how small the seed sown, when that spirit of
generosity, hope and perseverance are present, the result can be remarkable.
When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high;
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit -
Rest if you must but do not quit.
Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are;
It may be near when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things go wrong that you must never quit.
-----------------
---------------------------
RECEIPE FOR HAPPINESS
Two cups of patience,
One heart full of love,
Two handfuls of generosity
A dash of laughter,
One handful of understanding.
Sprinkle generously with kindness,
Add plenty of faith and mix well.
Spread over a period of time.
Serve to everyone you meet.
--------------------------------------
NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART – 16TH – 24TH JUNE.
O divine Jesus who said “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you. I kneel at your feet. From whom shall I ask if not from you, whose heart is the source of all blessings. O Divine Jesus your Heart was moved by compassion for the men and women who came to you in need. You healed the sick, you forgave sinners. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. O Divine Jesus your heart is still full of compassion for us today in our many needs. Assured of your love we turn to you and ask …(mention your requests). I admit I am most unworthy of your favour, Jesus, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercies, and you will not refuse a contrite heart. Look with pity on me, I beg you so that your compassionate heart will find in my weakness a motive for granting my request. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart pray for us. Amen.
-----------------------------------------
======================
June 2022
Prayers
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries
of the universe in relation to eternity.
Spirit of right judgement and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal
decision to follow Jesus' way of love.
Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and
mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. May we respect life as we work
to solve problems of family and nation, economy and ecology.
Spirit of God, spark our faith, hope and love into new action each day.
Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence which penetrates all creation.
And enable our weakness, come as Holy Life and dwell within us.
Convict us, convert us, consecrate us, until we are set free from the service of
ourselves, to be your servants to the world. Amen.
-------------------------------------------
Pentecost, A prayer to the Holy Spirit- Come, Holy Spirit, Creator, come,
From your bright heavenly Throne, Come, take possession of us And make us yours.
O guide our minds with your blessed light, With love our hearts welcome. Through you may we the Father know, Through you the Eternal Son, And you, Spirit of Both, Thrice blessed, three in one,
All glory to the Father, Son, And Spirit.
STUDENT EXAM PRAYER:
We pray for our young people who are preparing for exams. We wish
them every success and God’s blessing during these days, that each
may do their own personal best and find calm in God’s peace.
Loving God, each day as I step further into my future,
give me the courage, knowledge and patience
that I need during the exams ahead.
Remind me that you always journey with me
and that you will never lead me into anything
that you won't lead me through.
Thank you for the gift of my life.
May the way I live be my gift back to you –
with your love and guidance in Jesus' name. AMEN
St John Paul II Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, I ask you for the gift of Wisdom to better know You and Your
divine perfections, for the gift of Understanding to clearly discern the
spirit of the mysteries of the holy faith, for the gift of Counsel that I may
live according to the principles of this faith, for the gift of Knowledge that I
may look for counsel in You and that I may always find it in You, for the
gift of Fortitude that no fear or earthly preoccupations would ever
separate me from You, for the gift of piety that I may always serve Your
Majesty with a filial love, for the gift of Fear of the Lord that I may dread
sin, which offends You, O my God. Amen
2022; This Sunday June 5th (Pentecost Sunday) has been designated as a Day of Prayer in Thanksgiving for the Diocesan Phase of the Universal Synod. On 10 March 2021, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference announced a new Synodal Pathway for the Catholic Church in Ireland leading to the holding of a National Synodal Assembly or Assemblies within the next five years.
This process has been focusing on the question:
What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?
More details on www.synod.ie The term synod comes from the Greek for ‘together on the way’. Synodality is a way of being Church, it is a spiritual practice and not just a debate about how the church is organised. It is intended to facilitate a wide-ranging process of reflection and discernment. All the faithful are invited to take part in the Synodal Pathway. Recently we had own gathering for Listowel Pastoral Area. Each Diocese is now submitting a document on the findings nationally. A
National Pre Synodal-Assembly will take place in Athlone on Saturday, 18th June with a closing liturgy, before the final submission is sent to the Vatican.
PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
Loving God, We pray for the
people of Ukraine, For all
those suffering or afraid,
that you will be close to
them and protect them.
We pray for world leaders, for compassion,
strength and wisdom to guide their choices.
We pray for the world; that in this moment of
crisis, we may reach out in solidarity to our
brothers and sisters in need.
May we walk in your ways so that peace and
justice become a reality for the people of Ukraine
and for all the world. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!
Our Lady of Kyiv, pray for us!
Sacred Art: The Visitation
Learn theology through a discussion on sacred art! Join Dr. Ben Akers and Taylor Kemp as they dive into an 18th-century depiction of the biblical scene of the Visitation and discuss the theology behind it.
The Power of the Spirit
Many beautiful truths are revealed in Christ's High Priestly Prayer. For example, Jesus reveals that we are called to participate in the trinitarian communion of love. As Dr. Gray points out, this message foreshadows Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, empowering the Church with divine life.
A Shared Endeavor
At the end of John's Gospel account, Jesus calls Peter to participate in his role as the shepherd of the flock. Through apostolic succession, this mission is passed down to all ordained ministers. As Dr. Gray notes, however, the laity has a part to play as well. Indeed, each and every one of the baptized has a responsibility to share the truth of the Gospel.
====================
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
After the Feast of the Ascension, the Church directs our eyes toward Pentecost. To remind us of the great gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Church liturgically relives the events of Pentecost. Turn toward the Holy Spirit in prayer today, asking him to prepare you to receive him more fully on Pentecost.
The Joy of the Gospel
The feasting continues as today we celebrate the Visitation! Mary, after receiving the good news of the Annunciation, rushes to share her joy with her cousin, Elizabeth. Like Mary, share the good news of what God has done in your life with those around you.
God Is Truth
In today's Gospel, Jesus prepares the Church for the descent of the Holy Spirit. Through him, the Spirit of Truth, our minds find illumination, and our wills receive strength. In other words, the grace of the Spirit consecrates us in the truth and helps us become faithful witnesses in a confused world.
====================================
May 2022
CHINA
Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence tweeted “Pray for Cardinal Joseph Zen, 90 years of age, who has been unjustly arrested by the Chinese Communists, and for all those in the world who suffer for their Catholic Faith. Though separated by distance, we stand in complete solidarity with today’s heroes and martyrs."
Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler responded to Tobin by tweeting, “Thank you Bishop Tobin and others for your support of Cardinal Zen….let us pray that all bishops, priests, deacons and faithful join us in prayer and call for Justice for Cardinal Zen.”
In a tweet, former member of Congress Dan Lipinski [D-IL] took aim at the Chinese Communist Party for Zen's arrest.
“The Chinese Communist Party apparently fears 90 year old Catholic Cardinal Zen so much that they arrest him for his pro-democracy work,” Lipinski said. “It’s appalling that China has taken over democratic Hong Kong while the world watches, mostly in silence.”
Melissa Chan, a reporter and former VICE News correspondent, tweeted that “It's hard to explain to those who've never lived in Hong Kong just what a fixture Cardinal Zen is in the city.”
She added, “Even for those who are not Catholics, he symbolized for decades moral fortitude, goodness, and so much of what was great about Hong Kong. Now he's arrested.”
Shibani Mahtani, the Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Washington Post, tweeted that “Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing faction always highlights the vandalism, Molotov cocktails and violence of 2019 as a reason for the national security law — so why have they used it to go after veteran critics and dissidents, including now 90 year old Cardinal Zen?”
Hong Kong Law Fellow at the Georgetown Center for Asian Law Eric Yan-ho Lai tweeted that “The arrest of Cardinal Zen @CardJosephZen, echoed the arrest of Cardinal Kung Pin-mei,who was jailed by the Communist Party as he refused to surrender to the state controlling the Church in 1950s. Many Catholic bishops were persecuted on the mainland, and now #HK.”
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251203/cardinal-zen-arrest-a-roundup-of-reactions?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=212896150&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9lVzYNKBiYKsMn0EjYJAJOMOV70sFjYDKDAiw9zQRybT6YFj1bz-IM0IruSfos9s_34QTRxu-tPDO3nSjg54Gqkh9LxA&utm_content=212896150&utm_source=hs_email
==============================
Prayers
Inseparable Gifts
As Dr. Gray points out, the Athenians saw themselves as paragons of wisdom. Ironically, this prideful self-image prevented them from recognizing Christ as Wisdom itself. In this event, we see that humility is necessary for the Gospel to flourish. So, let us pray for the gift of humility, which opens us up to God's ways.
The Divine Enthronement
In the Ascension, Christ is enthroned as the King of Kings, adorned with all power and glory. Now he sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. This enthronement does not make Christ distant, however. Through the gift of the Spirit, which was given on Pentecost, we are brought into our Redeemer's life.
Blast the Trumpets
The readings today emphasize the central theme of Eastertide: joy. Through Christ's victory over sin and death, we have been brought into the divine life. Our response to this indescribable gift can only be joy. So, let's unite our voices with that of the Psalmist, singing in thanksgiving for the Lord's love.
Christ Illuminates
Today, the Gospel reminds us that Christ is the light that illuminates all things. Sin, on the other hand, is darkness. It clouds our intellects, distorts our moral vision, and pulls us from eternal happiness. With this lesson in mind, let's remain faithful to Christ. Let's let him guide us!
Sharing in His Life
As baptized Christians, we share in the life of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Indeed, we have been empowered to become other Christs, so to speak. In this life, we must remember that prayer, charity, and the sacraments are vital. Without each of these, we can not effectively preach the Gospel.
Omniscient & Omnipotent
St. Peter shows us that the key to success is cooperation with the divine will. Indeed, he knows that God is ultimately in control of all things. Today, this lesson is especially important to remember. As the world darkens, let's take solace in the fact that God will win in the end, even if we can't see victory on the horizon.
=======================
Jubilarians are hailed for their prayers, compassion, and service
DOUGLASTON — A collective 6,780 years of service to God was celebrated on Saturday, May 7, as women and men religious from the Diocese of Brooklyn gathered at Immaculate Conception Center for their Jubilee Mass.
The Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Robert Brennan, is held each year to honor the contributions of women and men religious who are marking the 25th, 50th, 60th, 65th, 70th, and 75th anniversaries of taking their vows. It also provides an opportunity for the jubilarians to stand in church and publicly renew those vows in the presence of the bishop.
There were 112 jubilarians honored this year. Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo S.C., the episcopal delegate for the religious in the diocese, noted to the honorees that collectively they had amassed almost-7,000 years of service to the Church.
Because the pandemic prevented a Jubilee Mass in 2020 and caused a scaled-down celebration in 2021, this year saw jubilarians from all three years — 2020, 2021, and 2022 — honored on Saturday.
Last year, Sister Maryann worked with Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio to come up with a creative way to salute the jubilarians despite the ongoing pandemic. They organized a hybrid celebration in which Bishop DiMarzio celebrated Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, and a six-minute video created by DeSales Media Group — the communications and technology ministry of the diocese — was presented on NET-TV immediately afterward.
The lack of large-scale celebrations last year and the year before made this year’s Mass even more special, participants said.
“The last two years have been a challenge. Well, we’re finally here. We are celebrating special milestones in our journey,” said Sister Maryann, who marked her 50th year as a Sister of Charity – Halifax in 2020.
Women and men religious have made their mark over the decades in the fields of education, health care, and social work but have also made valuable contributions in private by helping people one-on-one, Bishop Brennan noted.
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Senate lawmakers fail in making access to abortions a federal law. We’ll hear from the New York bishops about this latest development.
Reaction from around the world is coming in over the arrest of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Zen in Hong Kong.
Americans are being forced to make tough choices because of skyrocketing prices for essential goods.
A WWII veteran and Tuskegee airman gets his request for birthday cards answered in a big way.
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Christ Illuminates
Today, the Gospel reminds us that Christ is the light that illuminates all things. Sin, on the other hand, is darkness. It clouds our intellects, distorts our moral vision, and pulls us from eternal happiness. With this lesson in mind, let's remain faithful to Christ. Let's let him guide us!
Sharing in His Life
As baptized Christians, we share in the life of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Indeed, we have been empowered to become other Christs, so to speak. In this life, we must remember that prayer, charity, and the sacraments are vital. Without each of these, we can not effectively preach the Gospel.
Omniscient & Omnipotent
St. Peter shows us that the key to success is cooperation with the divine will. Indeed, he knows that God is ultimately in control of all things. Today, this lesson is especially important to remember. As the world darkens, let's take solace in the fact that God will win in the end, even if we can't see victory on the horizon.
Eternal Life
In the Book of Revelation, John sees a multitude wearing white robes. These individuals are those who clung to Christ throughout their lives and now enjoy eternal life with him. Moreover, as Paul and Barnabas preached, all peoples—Jews and Gentiles alike—are called to joyfully journey toward this heavenly end.
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7 Things You Should Say to Your Kids Every Day
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CHINA
Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence tweeted “Pray for Cardinal Joseph Zen, 90 years of age, who has been unjustly arrested by the Chinese Communists, and for all those in the world who suffer for their Catholic Faith. Though separated by distance, we stand in complete solidarity with today’s heroes and martyrs."
Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler responded to Tobin by tweeting, “Thank you Bishop Tobin and others for your support of Cardinal Zen….let us pray that all bishops, priests, deacons and faithful join us in prayer and call for Justice for Cardinal Zen.”
In a tweet, former member of Congress Dan Lipinski [D-IL] took aim at the Chinese Communist Party for Zen's arrest.
“The Chinese Communist Party apparently fears 90 year old Catholic Cardinal Zen so much that they arrest him for his pro-democracy work,” Lipinski said. “It’s appalling that China has taken over democratic Hong Kong while the world watches, mostly in silence.”
Melissa Chan, a reporter and former VICE News correspondent, tweeted that “It's hard to explain to those who've never lived in Hong Kong just what a fixture Cardinal Zen is in the city.”
She added, “Even for those who are not Catholics, he symbolized for decades moral fortitude, goodness, and so much of what was great about Hong Kong. Now he's arrested.”
Shibani Mahtani, the Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Washington Post, tweeted that “Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing faction always highlights the vandalism, Molotov cocktails and violence of 2019 as a reason for the national security law — so why have they used it to go after veteran critics and dissidents, including now 90 year old Cardinal Zen?”
Hong Kong Law Fellow at the Georgetown Center for Asian Law Eric Yan-ho Lai tweeted that “The arrest of Cardinal Zen @CardJosephZen, echoed the arrest of Cardinal Kung Pin-mei,who was jailed by the Communist Party as he refused to surrender to the state controlling the Church in 1950s. Many Catholic bishops were persecuted on the mainland, and now #HK.”
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251203/cardinal-zen-arrest-a-roundup-of-reactions?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=212896150&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9lVzYNKBiYKsMn0EjYJAJOMOV70sFjYDKDAiw9zQRybT6YFj1bz-IM0IruSfos9s_34QTRxu-tPDO3nSjg54Gqkh9LxA&utm_content=212896150&utm_source=hs_email
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The Good Shepherd
In Jesus’ time, being a shepherd was not a pleasant job. Sheep became easily lost and the shepherd’s job was to guide them back to safety. There were many dangers and the sheep were totally dependent on the shepherd. Shepherds would round up their sheep in the evening and guide them into their pen. But it had no gate, so the shepherd would lie across the space in case the sheep were attacked at night. The shepherds literally lay down their lives for their flock. John compares the sacrifice of the shepherd to the ‘hired hand’ who is not really committed to the flock. He does what he has to but flees at the first sign of trouble.
This Good Shepherd Sunday the Gospel describes Jesus as the ‘genuine’ Shepherd who wants a personal relationship with each one of us and who would lay down his life for us. The Gospel emphasises the importance of relationship as the shepherd knows his flock and cares for them. They ‘follow Him’ and it is not a Facebook or Twitter type of following, rather it is a genuine relationship. Everyone matters to the Good Shepherd, regardless of their situations. We are told ‘I know my own and my own know me’. We are called today to follow Jesus in a more personal more intimate way. Even when we stray off the path and get lost, it is then especially that the Good Shepherd comes looking for us.
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HEARING GOD’S VOICE In today's Gospel Jesus was drawing on a well
-known image at the time of a shepherd calling his sheep. We might not
have the same familiarity with what He means, but even today in Israel
you will find different flocks pasturing together in a sheep fold or
scattered throughout the hills, but when their own shepherd calls them
they respond to him and follow. It's incredible to see! How can they know
his particular voice? They know their shepherd because they trust him;
he provides for them, cares for them, keeps them safe from harm. In fact,
he protects him with his own life if necessary, facing down threats like
wolves and thieves for their sake. Jesus is the Good Shepherd - He
doesn't give Himself that title in this Gospel passage, but elsewhere.
That makes us, as baptised Christians, His sheep. But a really important
question for us to ask is not just "do we listen to His voice?" but rather,
since we have free will, "do we want to listen to His voice?" Do we
believe that Jesus knows what is best for us? Do we trust that He will
always provide? Do we turn to Him for help and advice? Are we
drowning out His voice with other noise or voice?
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This is an interview I carried out with John Moriarty in 2001. It was originally written for the killareny.ie website, which I ran at the time and which is now defunct. I met John in Killarney and later drove him to his home on the side of Mangerton Mountain. He wrote nine books, most of them huge ponderous things but which carry you along. John died in 2007 from cancer.
https://ecopunks.blogspot.com/2008/10/john-moriarty.html
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29 April 2022
Awake, O Sleeper
Christ's Resurrection is a shocking reality. Through his Resurrection, our Lord shows us what we are to hope for. Indeed, by faithfully following him and calling upon his holy name, we can share in his glorification. In other words, we can rise from the dead, too.
Preach and Proclaim
In an effort to subdue the early Christians, the Sanhedrin order Peter and John to stop proclaiming the Gospel. The Apostles, however, will not be silent. They have witnessed the power of Christ, and they must spread the good news. Today, let us proclaim what Christ has done in our lives!
Spirit
New Life
In today's Gospel, the risen Christ visits his disciples in the Upper Room. After showing them his wounds, Christ breathed the Holy Spirit into his followers. In this act, Jesus echoed the creation of Adam, thereby revealing that we have new life in the Resurrection. Like Thomas, let us proclaim this good news with faith and joy!
Reconciled
Though they were fueled by the fire of charity, St. Mark and St. Paul clashed. As Acts attests, they parted ways after a disagreement. However, they each spread the Gospel to the nations and eventually reconciled with each other. Inspired by these Saints, let us try to heal broken relationships in our own lives!
Flowing from Faith
The Acts of the Apostles describes the golden age of the Church. In this book, St. Luke tells us about the supernatural charity that flowed out of the disciples' supernatural faith. Indeed, through their words and deeds, the early Christians spread the good news of Christ's love and Resurrection to the world.
Empowered by the Spirit
After the Resurrection and Pentecost, the Gospel spread like wildfire. In this "first evangelization," the Apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit. Today, we must adopt the same strategy in the new evangelization. We must be docile to God's work within us, allowing him to renew his Church.
The Way, the Truth, the Life
In today's First Reading, an angel releases the apostles from prison and exhorts them to continue preaching and teaching the Good News. The message they preach is dynamic and powerful: knowing Jesus changes the shape of our lives, radically orienting us toward God and his Kingdom.
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22 4 2022
WCC Makes Second Plea for Kirill to Intervene In Ukraine War
April 20, 2022
By Elise Ann Allen, Senior Correspondent
ROME (Crux) — In its second appeal to Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, the World Council of Churches asked that he use his spiritual authority to call for a ceasefire in Ukraine over the Eastern Orthodox Easter season so that believers will be able to celebrate the holiday in peace.
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Presbytery, Abbeydorney (066 71325146; 087 6807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseof kerry.ie
Sunday 17th April 2022, Easter Sunday.
The name ‘David Quinn’ will be known to those who listen to television and
radio ‘Current Affairs’ programmes and to readers of the Irish Catholic
newspaper, in which he writes a column every week. He is also known as
the head of the Iona Institute, which promotes the place of marriage and
religion in society. Most of his columns are fairly thought-provoking and
he is never afraid to write about the faults and failings of the Catholic
Church, especially in Ireland, as well as highlighting the good things that
happen. The heading of his article in the most recent Irish Catholic
(14.4.2022) is ‘The Church must regain the nerve to teach unpopular
things’. The two opening sentences set the scene for his article. ‘A strange
thing has happened since the Abortion Referendum in 2018, namely, the
Church in Ireland has almost completely stopped talking about the issues.
Church leaders rarely preach about the family and marriage either, or more
accurately, about why we think marriage is the permanent and indissoluble
union of a man and woman.’
The remainder of the article is given over to what David calls ‘this relative
silence.’ He names a number of factors as causing this silence.
1.The effect of the scandals in the Irish Church. He doesn’t need to name
them for readers of the Irish Catholic, because clerical child abuse and lack
of accountability have been covered in many issues of the paper.
2.The Liberal Consensus – those people who are not happy to hear the
Catholic Church speaking up about the right to life, marriage and sexual
morality generally.
3.The Church does not want to alienate people from the general Gospel
message. If people become annoyed by Church teaching on issues like
marriage and sexuality, they are less likely to listen to it on anything else,
and, therefore it is better not to say much , if anything about them.
4.Some people in the Church, including priests and religious, don’t really
believe anymore what the Church has always taught about sexual morality
and so on.
5.Pope Francis has ‘dialled down’ on these topics, compared with the
Popes before him – John Paul 11 and Benedict XVI. Many bishops and
priests are happy to follow his lead. (Cont’d on back page)
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Upfront Hope And History (Tríona O’Doherty, Reality April 2022)
Our six-year-old popped his head around the door as I was working one day
this week. He had overheard a story on the news and wanted to tell me
about it. “There’s a girl somewhere – in a different country – and she’s
separated from her parents, and they can’t find each other.” I knew,
without asking, that he was referring to a story from Ukraine. I tried to
reassure him that some kind person would look after this little girl and help
her to find her parents. I hoped that was true; I’m sure it was. Yet, as I’m
writing this, I read that at least 38 children have been killed and 71
wounded so far in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. One of them, a seven-year-
old girl, was killed in an attack on a pre-school. Another, nine years old,
was killed along with her mother and father when Russian troops opened
fire on their family car. Her sister and brother are being treated in hospital.
According to the United Nations, more than 400 civilians have been killed.
I dread to think what those figures will be by the end of the war, or even
by the time you’re reading this.
In the early days of the conflict, images emerged from Ukraine that made
us catch our breath in shock and sadness. Newborn babies in a hospital in
the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro were moved from the neonatal
intensive care unit into a makeshift bomb shelter in the basement after the
city was struck by missiles. Footage showed nurses cradling tiny babies and
using inflatable bags to deliver oxygen to them. In an underground metro
station in Kyiv, a baby was born. ‘An image shared on several news sites
showed the sleeping newborn wrapped in blankets, a picture of tranquillity
against a backdrop of the anxious faces of others in the shelter. Other
images showed children gazing up at bombed apartment blocks or playing
in the wreckage.’
There were stories of hope, too. Nataliya Ableyeva crossed the border
from Ukraine into Hungary with precious cargo – a stranger’s children. She
delivered the two children to their mother, with nothing but a mobile
phone number to locate her, after their father was banned from leaving
the country. “Their father simply handed over the two children to me, and
trusted me, giving me their passports to bring them over,” said Ms
Ableyeva. It can barely be described as a happy ending, but it’s one
snapshot of hope amidst the darkness of war. There have been heart-
warming reports also of Polish people welcoming refugees from Ukraine
with overflowing donation centres and offers of transport and
accommodation.
In our culture of instant news, we are able to witness events from
thousands of miles away as they unfold. If you watch a film set during
World War II, you’ll see groups of people gathered around a radio, waiting
for the latest news bulletin. Nowadays, images and video footage are
available instantly on our phone or tablet, right in the palm of our hands. It
means that the realities of war are never far removed from us. It’s hard to
think of it as something happening ‘over there’ when it feels so close. The
harrowing images emerging from the Ukranian conflict touch our hearts
and inspire us to act. We might feel helpless, but just as there is a window
into the heartbreak, there is also a stream of information about ways we
can help, from donating clothes or other items or supporting a charity
working in the area, to informing ourselves, praying and resolving always to
be people of peace. In the shadow of the worsening conflict, the Christian
community around the globe prepares to celebrate Easter.
Speaking ahead of Ash Wednesday, Archbishop Eamon Martin encouraged
families to pray together and fast for peace this Lent: “Our Lenten journey
this year begins as we watch the distressing and frightening scenes from
Ukraine. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Ukraine. We can
never take peace for granted. We must always work for peace, pray for
peace and make sacrifices for peace. All of us have the capacity to build
peace by our words, our actions and our attitudes to others. We choose
to sow peace or conflict, love or hate, to build up, or to tear down, to heal
or to hurt, to forgive or to resent, to soothe or to inflame.” So, as we
follow the unfolding events in Ukraine, the world unites in prayer and
solidarity.
On Holy Saturday, when we mark the Easter Vigil, we are suspended
between darkness and light, death and resurrection and in these days,
confronted with stories of pain and hope, we are suspended between the
darkness of war and injustice, and the hope of a more peaceful and
equitable future. Like the late Seamus Heaney, we long for the day when
“hope and history rhyme”:
History says Don’t hope on this side of the grave
But then, once in a lifetime.
The longed-for tidal wave Of justice can rise up
And hope and history rhyme.
We wish all our readers and their families a blessed and peaceful Easter.
6. It has become hard to preach on some of the topics already mentioned
e.g. marriage, abortion, same sex marriage etc. If a bishop or priest does
so, he may find he will have to defend himself in depth, maybe even on
Liveline on RTE Radio 1!
Personal Autonomy: Why is it that these teachings clash so badly with the
prevailing liberal consensus? The answer is that they are a direct challenge
to the modern liberal emphasis on personal autonomy. The ideology of
choice says that people should be able to marry whom they please or live
with someone, if that suits them better. They should be able to divorce
when their marriage no longer makes them happy. If a pregnancy occurs
at an inconvenient time in their lives (inconvenient to the boyfriend,
perhaps) there should be a right to terminate it. If we become
inconvenient to ourselves or others, because we are very sick, then we
should have the right to end our lives, with the assistance of a doctor if
need be. If you stand in the way of any of these things, then you are told
you lack compassion. Furthermore, you are violating the new ‘sacred’
value of choice.
Points to Ponder (Intercom April 2022)
I like the story about an ageing flower-lady with an outdoor stall. Her
clothes were old and shabby, her face weather-beaten and wrinkled. A
regular customer asked her how she was always in good form. ‘It’s my
friend Jesus’, she replied. ‘Good Friday was the worst of days. Three days
later Easter Sunday, the best of days. So, when I have a problem, I know
that if I wait three days, Jesus will overcome it for me.’
The flower-lady knew that Easter is not just an event of past history but her
friend Jesus is a living reality. Practical love, manifested in care of our
neighbour, is the greatest proof of God’s presence. We are told that we
are living in a post-Christian society but the evidence before our eyes is
that Christian inspiration is alive and well. To quote from Pope Francis:
‘Values always tend to reappear under new guises, and human beings have
arisen time after time from situations that seem doomed. Such is the power
of the resurrection, and all who evangelise are instruments of that power.’
In proclaiming the mystery of faith, we say that Christ is risen, present
tense. The celebration of Easter is not complete until Christ is risen in you
and me.
‘A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the
good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the
world. It was a perfect act.’ (Mahatma Gandhi.
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15 April 2022
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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The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
I had to pinch myself today to see if I wasn’t dreaming when I heard, on the radio, that the distribution of turf was to be outlawed from September 1st. The important word here is “distribution” because it means that, not only can a person not sell turf but, they can’t even give it away free to a family member or neighbour. This is happening at a time when there is likely to be a shortage of oil and gas next winter due to the war in Ukraine and when the price of those commodities is going through the roof. It is ok for somebody with a “green” agenda to sit in Dublin and subject the people of rural Ireland to this tyranny but it shows how out of touch they are with the rest of us and how little they understand how we live. I heard one pundit say that this was to remove a big health hazard yet I remember a time when we had nothing else but coal, wood and turf to keep us warm and provide heat for cooking. Funny thing is; there were no people on trolleys in our hospitals or on long waiting lists to be even seen back then. Coal has gone from most of our houses for a while as more and more houses use oil and gas boilers as well as heat pumps. As for the pollution of the atmosphere; how much damage can the few turf fires that are left in rural Ireland do in comparison to what is happening in China, Russia, Africa, India and the Americas, north and south?. Yes, a person can cut turf and save it for their own use but what about the older people who are living in remote places and depend upon buying a load of turf every fall to see them through the winter. My uncle-in-law, Martin O’Keeffe, once said to me when we were discussing the fate of rural Ireland; “remember Danny that Ireland finishes at The Red Cow”, I now know what he meant and how much we don’t matter. This is why we have to get on to our TDs and let them know, in no uncertain fashion, that, if this proposal goes ahead, their seats in the Dáil will be in jeopardy. I know bogs are important and we need to preserve what we have left but there is no need for such drastic action. Year on year, the number of homes using turf are reducing and with the rules that ban chimneys in new houses it is only a matter of time before turf fires will be a thing of the past anyway. It is time for a common sense approach but I’m afraid that our politicians are not endowed with a great deal of that. Turf was the life blood of this area after World War 2 and still plays a big role in our economy. I wonder what my late father would say if he were here now. He spent his life buying turf and transporting it down to County Limerick where it was badly needed.. From September on he could be jailed if the greens get their way. We cannot be silent on this so, please, get on the phone, lap top or smart phone and let our representatives know exactly how we feel about a law that will leave vulnerable people without heat for the winter.
This Easter sees the end of an era. Fr. Duggan is retiring and, unfortunately, we will not have our own priest in Athea anymore. We are going the way of so many other villages in rural Ireland who will now have to depend on clergy from outside parishes to tend to their spiritual needs. This is a huge change from when I was growing up. In those days 99% of the parish was Catholic and the most of them attended Mass and took the Sacraments. The church would be full for two or three Masses on Sunday. Those days are gone however and now the congregation has dwindled and, even if it hadn’t, vocations have dropped and there simply aren’t enough priests to go around. The way things are going, it won’t be long before there won’t even be a church in the village because there won’t be a need for one. Even though I wouldn’t describe myself as a practising Catholic, I think it will be a great loss to the community and will leave a gap in many people’s lives. I wish Fr. Brendan every happiness in his retirement, He certainly made a difference during his time in Athea and made many necessary improvements. He was always approachable and ready to engage with new ideas. It is a great pity we did not have priests like him a few years ago when they did not embrace change and lost the confidence of some parishioners. I, for one, will miss him and the many chats we had. He will be remembered for his goodness and kindness and, sadly, for being the last priest in Athea.
I went to see “The Righteous are Bold” in the Glórach Theatre in Abbeyfeale last Friday night. I had intended to go the previous week but the death of my aunt Mary put that plan on the back burner. I have been watching and taking part in amateur drama productions for more years than I care to remember but I have never been so moved as I was on Friday night. This was down to the outstanding acting of Therese Prendeville who took the main role of a country girl who was possessed by evil spirits and had to be exorcised. Her delivery, movement and her total grasp of the character was spellbinding. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Therese is the granddaughter of Mary Jo Prendeville who starred in many a production throughout her lifetime. I think the play has finished in Abbeyfeale but there is a performance in Tournafulla and one in Rockchapel. It is well worth seeing as the other cast members give great performances a well.
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/
By Kathleen Mullane 13 April 2022
A MAN OF THE PEOPLE
Well this Sunday morning sees Fr. Brendan Duggan our priest here in Athea, for the past 6 years, say his final mass at 11 am. It being Easter Sunday makes it all the more special. It is with great sadness his congregation and the many friends he has made during his time here bid him farewell as he takes up his new position with his community and his own religious community in Rockwell College Co Tipperary.
WHO WAS FR. BRENDAN
He was the man that had the foresight to have a Webcam installed in our church during the start of Covid, which enabled everyone at home and throughout the world, to join in each mass, wedding and funeral for those who couldn’t make it home at this difficult time.
He was the priest who on his daily walk ,always took his bag along and picked up the rubbish on our roads.
He was the priest who on his journeys brought back slips from plants and rose bushes etc, and replanted them at the back of the church.
He gave confidence to our youth by encouraging them to read at mass.
He was the priest who organised the fund – raising concerts in our church, to raise money to send our Youth as helpers to LOURDES.
Fr. Brendan loved sport and travelled to many a match to support the players, he was a LOYAL Limerick supporter.
He encouraged parishioners to take on church tasks, again having the foresight that priests would be scarce and Lay People would be having to help out.
He was a confidante and friend to both the young and Elderly. He engaged with all ages. He had a lovely altar put up in Holy Cross where masses were said for all the deceased on many occasions.
He brought the pews at the front of the altar back to life, which were admired by many visitors.
All we can say at this point is a huge THANK YOU for all you have done while here in ATHEA. We say—AU REVOIR – or GOODBYE and hopefully you will have Happy Memories of your time spent here in our little parish in West Limerick. Until We Meet Again God be with you.
====================8 April 2022
There was the 16th-century Italian nun Plautilla Nelli, the first woman to paint a scene of the last supper; Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license; and 67-year-old Emma Gatewood, the first woman to thru-hike the Appalachian trail alone, in sneakers. All these women had to be remarkable so that women today can more easily follow in their footsteps. As Atlas Obscura continues to write a new history of women, here’s a list of some of our favorite female firsts.
Julian of Norwich
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/julian-norwich-first-female-author
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Indulgence during Lent
Did you know that there are several ways you can gain a plenary indulgence during Lent? It’s true! There are actually four ways you can receive one. Even though Lent is nearly over, there is still plenty of time for you to complete any, or all, of these.
First of all, what is a plenary indulgence?
A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ, Mary, and all the saints to remove the temporal punishment due to sin. The indulgence cleanses a person of all temporal punishment due to sin. However, it must always be accompanied by a full detachment from sin.
Now that we know what a plenary indulgence is, how do we receive one during Lent?
The first way is to spend at least 30 minutes in adoration. Visiting the Blessed Sacrament is important all year round. So why not take part in this beautiful practice during Lent and receive some additional graces too?
If you’ve never been to adoration, or struggle to stay awake (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), try reading a couple of chapters from the Gospels, pray a rosary, or really focus on being in Christ’s presence.
The next way is to take part in the Stations of the Cross, which is when we meditate on the Lord’s Passion and Death. Every Catholic church should have some kind of Stations of the Cross, whether they are simple or elaborate. Any will do!
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The Holy See’s Manual of Indulgences, Fourth Edition, does state that there have to be 14 stations “representing the 14 stations of Jerusalem.”
The manual also reminds us that “progression from one station to the next is required.” Although, if there are too many people and moving would cause an inconvenience, it is sufficient that at least the one conducting the Way of the Cross move from station to station. In other words, if you attend the Stations of the Cross with many participants and everyone remains in the pews while the priest moves to each station, that is still valid.
This specific indulgence can even be gained once a day for those who can attend church daily and wish to perform the Stations of the Cross on their own.
The next way is by praying the rosary “in a church or oratory, or in a family, a religious community, or an association of the faithful.”
The last way is by reading or listening to Sacred Scripture. Just make sure you spend at least half an hour with the Word of God and it counts.
There are some conditions, like the fine print, that assure you receive your indulgence.
First, you must have complete detachment from all sin, even venial.
Then you have to go to confession, receive Holy Communion, and pray for the intentions of the pope. Sacramental confession and receiving the Eucharist can happen up to about 20 days before or after the act performed to receive a plenary indulgence.
It is appropriate that Communion and the prayer take place on the same day that the work is completed. One sacramental confession is sufficient for several plenary indulgences. However, for each plenary indulgence one wishes to receive, a separate reception of the Eucharist and a separate prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father are required.
Once you have followed these steps, rest assured that you have received a plenary indulgence.
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March 26
Message from our Blessed Mother:
March 25, 2022 Message to Marija
Today, March 25, 2022, Our Lady appeared to Marija, one of the six visionaries of Medjugorje. The following is the English translation of Our Lady's message as given to Marija for the world:
Dear children!
I am listening to your cry and prayers for peace.
For years, Satan has been fighting for war.
That is why God sent me among you to guide you on the way of holiness, because humanity is at a crossroad.
I am calling you to return to God and to God's Commandments that it may be good for you on earth, and that you may come out of this crisis into which you have entered because you are not listening to God who loves you and desires to save you and lead you to a new life.
Thank you for having responded to my call.
======================
Defeat of Death
When Christ heals the official's son, he foreshadows the Resurrection, the inauguration of the new creation. He shows us the truth of the Psalmist's words, that God's power will defeat the brokenness of our scarred world. Indeed, our mourning will be turned into dancing.
Sons and Daughter
Today's rich readings all point to the love of God. He not only provided for Israel, but he also become incarnate to reconcile the world to himself. Indeed, through Christ, we have become new creations. We have been reunited with our Father, just as the prodigal son was reunited with his.
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Discover the Hidden You
By Dr. Myles Munroe
Unlock your limitless potential in Christ with this guide from a USA Today bestselling author! Learn how to overcome the fear of failure and move past any odds stacked against you on the path toward achieving your divine purpose.
Christian Nonfiction
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A reprimand "does not materially impair freedom of speech," says SCOTUS. There's an old adage—spawned by former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis in 1927—that the best way to counter speech one doesn't agree with is not with censorship but with more speech. That seems to be a principle the Court still agrees with (thankfully). In a Thursday ruling, justices unanimously ruled against Houston Community College System board member David Wilson, who had accused his colleagues on the college school board of violating his First Amendment rights by verbally censuring him.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGmvfTwPgNflXPZBcHPLXJJrgrN
======================
New York NY Irish American Advocate 1916-1918 - 0727.pdf
28 July 1917
Bishop Mangan dead; The news of the death of the revered and patriotic Bishop of Kerry was received with feelings of great sorrow, not alone in Kerry, but wherever men are who admire the splendid qualities of a great bishop, whose name was known far beyond the corners of his native county. Though we had heard that his lordship was seriously ill, we did not think that the end was so near, and the news of his death caused feelings of surprise as well as sorrow. He had been bishop of this diocese since 1904—thirteen years—and during that -- ------------------------------------------
CHARACTER SKETCH. Dr. Mangan was born at Bedford, one mile, from the town of Listowel in the County of Kerry. The district is famous in clerical annals ----------------------------------------
Convention; Men Who Will Take Part in the '' Deliberations
The original constitution of the Convention provided for 101 members, but refusals to take part in the Convention have reduced this number to 90. The following is the constitution of the Convention as first outlined: Government Nominees 15 Co. Boroughs 6 Co. Boroughs Urban Councils in 4 Provinces. 8 Irish Party 5 Ulster Unionists 5 Southern Unionists 5 Sinn Fein Party 5 Mr. O'Brien's Party 2 Trades Councils (Belfast, Dublin, and Cork) 5 Chambers of Commerce ( Belfast; Dublin and Cork) , 3 Catholic Church 4 Protestant Churches 3 Irish Peers 2 Totals 101 The following is the list of delegates. The fifteen members to be nominated by the Government 'have not yet been, announced:
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White gloves were presented on Saturday to the Lord Chief Justice at Sligo Assizes, and to Lord Justice Ronant at Waterford Co. Assizes. In the latter instance the Crown Solicitor stated that it was 20 years since a similar, state of matters had arisen. ----------------------------------
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https://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html
=======================
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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19 March 2022
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney . (066 713546; 0876807197)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
Sunday 13th March 2022, 2nd Sunday of Lent.
Dear Parishioner,
All the bishops of Ireland gather in Maynooth College a few
times every year and discuss a variety of matters. During their meeting,
earlier this week, the sad situation in Ukraine was a very important
discussion item. In their press release after the meeting, they spoke as
follows: “At this time of trial, we want to stand in prayerful and practical
solidarity with the Ukrainian community here in Ireland and, also, to
acknowledge the many Russians in our midst who bear no responsibility for
this tragic situation. What we are witnessing, during these days, impels us
again to appeal for diplomacy and dialogue – to work for genuine human
fraternity – as the only way to resolve difficulties and conflicts.”
In his weekly column in the ‘Western People’ (2.3.2022), Fr.
Brendan Hoban wrote about the situation in Ukraine in an article entitled
‘Sophie’s Choice’. He wrote, “War brings with it impossible choices. William
Styron, in his novel, ‘Sophie’s Choice’, explored one such dilemma. When
Sophie, a Polish and Catholic mother, arrived in Auschwitz Concentration
Camp with her two children, she was famously confronted with what
became known as ‘Sophie’s Choice’. The camp doctor made her choose
between her two children. One would live with their mother in the
concentration camp; the other would die in the gas chamber. She was
forced to choose. If she didn’t choose, both would die.
In a choice that no one, with a shred of human feeling,
would inflict on another human being, much less a mother, Sophie had to
choose and she eventually chose to save the life of her 9 year-old son, Jan,
which meant sending her 7 year-old daughter, Eva, to the gas chamber, a
choice that haunted all the waking hours of the rest of her life. (Meryl
Streep’s performance in that key scene in the film was almost unwatchable.)
Whatever choices that are made, history will, in time, register the gory
details of this war and adjudicate on where responsibility and blame will lie.
Long after the sun will have set on Russia and Ukraine, historians will
estimate where (in the gallery of the world’s most notorious and infamous
dictators), Vladimir Putin fits in. There’s no doubting whose side of this war
has the moral high ground. There’s no doubting who, in this situation, is
on the side of what is right and true and moral.” (Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
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Come and walk once more among us....’
Spotlight on St. Patrick (Mary T. McBride PBVM Intercom March 2022)
We know more about St. Patrick than we do about many saints, even those
of recent centuries. For this we can thank the saint himself, who gave us
two written documents, the Confessio, better known as St. Patrick’s
Confession, and Letters to the Soldiers of Coroticus, both written in his
later life. Both are rich in biographical detail, and both are valuable sources
for understanding ‘the ambassador of God’, as he calls himself, whose
influence has coloured the course of history, in Ireland and beyond. Can he
bring something inspiring to us today?
‘Stranger and Sojourner for His Name’ Just like St. Paul, whom he quotes
liberally, Patrick had ‘everything to fight against’ in his missionary work.
Nothing in his early years looks like a preparation for the making of a future
apostle to the Irish. In fact, everything pointed the other way. Taken captive
by Irish pirates from his home in Britain at the age of sixteen, ‘with thousands
of others’, he was drafted into a form of slave labour, herding sheep ‘by night
and by day’ at an unknown location somewhere in Ireland. During the
following six years of captivity, something happened, which he later
describes as ‘a great grace’ and ‘the gift of God.’ In his Confessions he writes
My faith was strengthened and my spirit was moved so that in a
single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as
many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on
the mountains......
This ‘great grace’ remained with him as he eventually returned to his family,
discerning a call to the priesthood, and was ordained by St. Germanus at
Auxerre in Gaul.
The Voice of the Irish: Patrick described the vision and voice which gave
direction to the rest of his life:
There I saw in the night the vision of a man, whose name was
Victoricus, coming as it were from Ireland, with countless letters. He
gave me one of them, and I read the opening words of the letter,
which were, ‘The voice of the Irish’; and as I read the beginning of
the letter, I thought that at the same moment I heard their voice –
‘We ask you, young man, to come and walk among us once more....
Patrick did not ignore that vision and voice. He came to preach the Gospel
among strangers, as he says, not knowing their language, obliged to have his
message ‘translated into a tongue foreign to me’, and greeted, especially in
the early stages of his mission, with suspicion and hostility. He writes:
Let those who will, laugh and scorn... For many tried to prevent this
mission, they would even talk to each other behind my back and say:
‘Why does this fellow throw himself into danger among enemies
who have no knowledge of God?
From this, it is evident that some of Patrick’s opponents came from the ranks
of his early converts, his fellow Christians. He had other enemies too – those
who falsely accused him of financial impropriety and of using his episcopal
status for gain. He suffered ‘insults from unbelievers’ and ‘persecution even
unto bonds.’ He endured public ‘trials’, was imprisoned ‘in irons’ and
threatened with execution. He walked ‘all over the island’ and does mention
‘the cost of a pair of shoes’.
Daily I expect murder, fraud or captivity, or whatever it may be, but I
fear none of these things because of the promise of heaven, I have
cast myself into the hands of God Almighty....
‘A letter of Christ for the Salvation of the World: Twice in his lifetime,
Patrick came as a stranger to an unfamiliar land. His first experience in the
land of his captivity should have warned him off a second trip but ‘driven by
zeal for God’ and ‘captivated by the Good News’, he obeys the inner voice
calling him to share what he has been given:
I must not, however, hide God’s gift which he has bestowed upon me
in the land of my captivity... I have been inspired to be the man who
should faithfully serve the people given to me by the love of Christ...
a letter of Christ for the salvation of the world...’
Patrick is unstoppable. He is prepared to give his life ‘without hesitation’
and ‘most gladly’ for making known ’the gift of God’ which is beyond
human understanding.:
Regardless of danger I must make known the gift of God and
everlasting consolation, without fear and frankly I must spread
everywhere the name of God...I was like a stone lying in the deep
mire, and He that is mighty came and, in His mercy lifted me up, and
raised me aloft, and placed me on the top of the wall. And therefore,
I ought to cry out aloud and so also render something to the Lord for
His great benefits here and in eternity – benefits which the mind of
men is unable to appraise.
He is prophetic, tuned in to the prompting of the Spirit, and ready to speak
and act as the Spirit directs. He never called a Synod (as far as we know) or
used a microphone, but he lit a fire that continues to burn. He may well have
something to say to us today as we walk together in listening mode.
Points to Ponder (Intercom March 2022)
On the mountain the three apostles had a favoured glimpse of Jesus’ prayer
and glory. His prayer here is a conversation with Moses and Elijah. They
talked about his passion and death. This is a down to earth conversation
about Jesus’ life. Is my prayer like that? Peter wanted to stay with the
glorious moment. I pray that I might appreciate the blessings that I have
received, even as I try not to get stuck in the past. The voice of God calls the
disciples to listen. They were in danger of being distracted by what they
witnessed and might have missed the meaning that they had to listen closely
for. I consider where I might need some more silence in my life, that I may
listen closely to the Chosen One.
In our journey towards God we experience high moments,
spots when we find ourselves on holy ground, and God shows himself. That
was the state of St. Peter as he witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus.: ‘Lord
let us build here three buildings, for you, Moses and Elijah’; Peter wanted
the party to go on for ever. Jesus brought him down to earth, led him down
the mountain, told him to stop talking about the vision and instead be ready
for Calvary. All we do our whole lives long is go from one little piece of holy
ground to the next. Lord give me the strength to keep going in between.
Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel John Byrne osa
1. On the mountain, the disciples saw Jesus in a new way. His appearance
changed. Sometimes in friendships there are experiences when we get to
know a friend in a deeper way. This can also happen in our relationship with
God. Recall such experiences in your life. Remember what it was like for
you and give thanks. How do such memories sustain you in difficult times?
2. The clear vision of Jesus with Moses and Elijah was followed by a
frightening experience of being in a cloud. It was in the midst of the cloud
that the disciples were instructed: ‘This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to him.’
Have you had the experience of learning an important truth about
yourself, or about your relationship with God, from moments of confusion
as well as from times of joy?
3. The disciples were prepared for this experience by getting an invitation
from Jesus to come apart, to withdraw to the mountain. Have there been
times when going apart (or making space for quiet and prayer in an ordinary
day) was an important element in preparing you for a significant experience?
4. Peter wanted to build three tents. He wanted to hold on to the
experience. Have there been experiences that you wanted to hold on to.
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12 March 2022
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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.
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Ballylongford Notes 9 March 2022
Local History
In keeping us all well informed, our local young historian Tom Kennedy reminds us that Lislaughtin Friary is a special place for all of us. Saint Lachtain is the Saint associated with the friary as he spread Christianity to the area. The friary was founded by John O’Connor of the Kerry O’Connor clan in 1470 on a sire associated with the Saint and named in his honour. In 1477, Pope Sixtus IV licensed it as a religious house and the friary was completed and its church consecrated in 1478. The Friary was attacked in 1580 by the troops of Queen Elizabeth I under the command of William Pelhams and the three elderly friars who could not flee were slaughtered at the altar. The Franciscans returned back to Lislaughtin in 1629 and remained here until Cromwellian troops caused destruction in 1652. However, the friars provided pastoral care in the area up until 1860. Saint Lachtain is the patron Saint of Ballylongford (and Aghavallin parish). Locals celebrate the feast day of Saint Lachtain every year on the 19th of March. He died on the 19th of March 622 AD. Therefore, this year is rather significant 1400 years after his death. The friary is often called an abbey by locals, which is incorrect. It is often in the shadow of Saint Patrick’s day nationally as it is only 2 days after it. This year presented a unique chance for a great celebration of our patron Saint of Ballylongford as the 19th falls on a Saturday and it is effectively a four-day weekend due to the public holidays on Thursday and Friday due to Saint Patrick’s day. To celebrate the occasion there will be a procession by locals, all are welcome (As Lislaughtin is famous for the processional cross now in the national museum in Dublin) on Saturday the 19th from outside the church gates in Ballylongford village and we will Cross the bridge on our way to the Lislaughtin friary (2km). It is important to start on the Church side of the bridge to incorporate our fellow Aghavallin parishioners from Asdee. The procession will pass the grotto on the way. All are welcome to join. We should be arriving at the friary for approximately 2:30 p.m. A Franciscan friar will be at Lislaughtin Friary at where he will speak and say prayers. Padraig O’Conchuir (author of many history books) will give a tour/speech about the history of the friary after the rosary and prayers. Refreshments circa 4 o’clock at the parish hall.
===========================
4 March 2022
==============================
Msgr. Quinn’s Sainthood Cause Advances to the Vatican
June 26, 2019
By Ed Wilkinson
A portrait of Msgr. Bernard Quinn sits in the sanctuary of the chapel at Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston, during vespers service completing the diocesan phase of the investigation into his sainthood cause.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio presided at a vespers service in Douglaston as the diocese takes the next step in what it hopes will be the canonization of Msgr. Bernard Quinn.
Donna Grimes, assistant director for African-American Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, spoke about the bishops’ 2018 pastoral letter, “Open Wide Our Hearts,” which deals with racism in American society.
Father Michael Bruno is joined by Msgr. Paul Jervis and members of the Msgr. Quinn Guild as they prepare to present to Bishop DiMarzio the results of the diocesan investigation into the sainthood cause for Msgr. Quinn.
Father Alonzo Cox speaks during a forum on racism with diocesan priests in Douglaston.
The documentation supporting the sainthood cause of Brooklyn’s Msgr. Bernard Quinn is now on its way to Vatican City.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio applied the diocesan seal to a black box with a red ribbon containing the official papers at a vespers service conducted June 18 at the chapel of Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston.
Included are testimonies from local people about the virtue of the Brooklyn pastor and his support of all people, regardless of race.
The ceremony marked the end of the diocesan investigation into the cause of sainthood for Msgr. Quinn and was part of the day’s program that included a pastors’ meeting, a forum on racism and a dinner with about 400 priests present.
Joining the vespers were parishioners from St. Peter Claver Church, Bedford-Stuyvesant, where in 1920, Msgr. Quinn founded the first Brooklyn parish for black Catholics.
The late Brooklyn pastor who also served as a U.S. Army chaplain in World War I, was a champion for the rights of black Catholics who were often not welcomed in white parishes.
He built Little Flower Children’s Camp in Wading River for black orphans, even though the Ku Klux Klan
twice set fire to the Long Island complex, which was then part of the Brooklyn Diocese.
Msgr. Quinn, who had an intense devotion to St. Therese the Little Flower, also became well known for the parish novenas at his church that attracted thousands from all over the diocese and beyond.
Bishop DiMarzio explained that the local canonical process to support the canonization of Msgr. Quinn has been going on for 10 years.
“We now send it to Rome,” Bishop DiMarzio said. “And we dedicate this day to him. He was a great man.”
Bishop DiMarzio explained that he has a personal devotion to Msgr. Quinn that goes back 10 years when he was rushed back to the hospital after complications from heart surgery.
“All during that time, all I could think . of was Msgr. Quinn,” the bishop said. “He kept me alive. I don’t know why he came to me, but he was present to me that day. Personally, I feel this man is a saint. His life stood for something very important that we still struggle with today. He was a hero who led us from division to unity, from hatred to love.”
Bishop DiMarzio’s story is included in the package going to Rome.
Msgr. Paul Jervis, the Brooklyn priest who is spearheading the campaign for the cause, preached a passionate homily in which he said, “Father Quinn, as he preferred to be called, wanted marginalized people to find a place in his heart. He offered a place for those who were not welcome because of the color of their skin.”
“The heart of Quinn was open to all. The heart of Quinn was on fire with Christ. Bernard Quinn is honored because he believed that all human beings were created in His image and likeness.”
Msgr. Jervis, the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi – St. Blaise, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, pointed out that it was prophetic that Msgr. Quinn was born on the day that Peter Claver, who ministered to black slaves
in Colombia, was canonized a saint. Mary Clare Quinn, the great-niece of Msgr. Quinn, attended the service.
She recalled, “They always called him the Monsignor, but he liked to be called Father. The family was all very proud of the work he was doing at Little Flower, and we all contributed during the winters and summers, going out there to help. They used to burn crosses at our house in Mineola, even after he was gone, but my family stared fear down.”
Forum on Racism
Earlier in the day, the priests of the diocese attended a meeting at which they heard the results of diocesan-wide hearings that were held on racism. They also listened to a presentation by Donna Grimes, Assistant Director for African-American Affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops.
She spoke about the bishops’ 2018 pastoral letter, “Open Wide Our Hearts,” which deals with racism in American society.
“The bishops have realized that racism affects us all in different ways,” Grimes said.
“Part of our job is to frame racism in new ways. We need to look for new ways to frame the narrative about racism.”
Saying that “we sometimes don’t see how racism is in our institutions and structures,” she urged the clergy to preach about racism, not only from the pulpit, but also in Catholic schools, explaining that schools also allow an opportunity to speak about the history of the United States.
She asked priests to be mindful that diversity is represented in parish leadership positions and that they look for opportunities for parish groups to study the bishops’ pastoral letter and then discuss it. She also
asked that parishes employ minority-owned businesses.
She said that next year’s National Catholic Youth Conference will offer a listening session about diversity.
She recommended that Sept. 9, the Feast of St. Peter Claver, might be a good time to plan a celebration of diversity and suggested that liturgies be more culturally diverse to represent the different communities celebrating them.
“The pastoral letter is aimed at everyone,” she said. “There’s no silver bullet. But bringing small groups together is a start. Taking the time to listen to and validate others’ stories is very valuable.”
https://thetablet.org/msgr-quinns-sainthood-cause-advances-to-vatican/
https://fatherquinncause.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/frquinnbio-1888-19402.pdf
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Bishop Ray’s Message for Lent
A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit with in me.
Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervour sustain me. (Responsorial Ps 50, Ash Wednesday)
A meaningful Lent
I think of two images to describe Lent: just as the harsh winter weather kills off old vegetation and cleans up the soil for seeds to be planted and green shoots to spring up; and just as between now and Easter nature will come alive again, so too, in Lent we work on ourselves that we may be at our Christian best as family members, neighbours, colleagues and citizens in the years ahead.
The 2022 season of sport lies ahead. These first months for athletes and team members involve the discipline of training, in order to sharpen skills, to attain fitness and to develop teamwork. The discipline is needed if there is to be the joy of participation. We have the discipline of Lent that we might be at our best, in gratitude to God and in appreciation of the blessings of family, community and country.
As parish communities this Lent we put a focus on inviting all to return to participation in the fullness of parish life. Gradually, carefully all activities can resume. It will do us good to be together again.
A wish I have is that in our churches choirs will come back strong. They give life and joy to our worship. Also, may the Sign of Peace return, not yet as a handshake but as a smile, a bow, or a hand gesture of recognition and fellowship.
I suggest some simple things for this Lent:
Check that you are happy with the time you give:
to daily prayer and Sunday Eucharist
to keeping your faith fresh and strong
to participation in parish activities,
to being involved in some voluntary service to others
God Our Father asks us to have a special care for those who are poor or in some other need. Also, remember the Trócaire Lenten campaign.
A Christian Sunday
Sunday is special for every Christian community: 1) the first day of creation Gen1:1-5, 2) the Day of Christ’s Resurrection, and 3) the Day of the Coming of the Holy Spirit. This Lent can we reflect on how we live Sunday as Christian communities? For you and your loved ones is there in your Sunday:
a place for quiet prayerful reflection to count our blessings and renew your trust in God
a place for gathering to celebrate Mass in response to his invitation “do this in memory of me”
a place for a day of rest away from the busyness and pressures of the everyday.
Sunday is also a day for people, for family, neighbours and friends. Have you a pattern of regular good contact with others? Has Covid taught us that people are the true treasure in our lives? It is all too easy in today’s world to not have time for the people around us every day.
The Sunday Gospels of Lent
This year our Lenten Sunday Gospels are from St Luke. The second Sunday of Lent, the Gospel is that of the Transfiguration and focuses on the incredible mystery that in Jesus, God has come among us, “This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him.”.
The fourth Sunday of Lent, the Gospel is that of the Prodigal Son, – God’s mercy is there for everyone, ”this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found”. To return to God is to be forgiven and to realise that God the Father never stopped loving you, your place in God’s family is assured.
The Synodal Pathway
Since last Autumn throughout Ireland there has been much talk of a “Synodal Pathway for Ireland” and of a “Synod of Bishops in Rome in October 2023”. Because of Covid very little has been possible until now. Activities will be happening in our parishes and pastoral areas during Lent.
The Church is a family. Vital to every family is that the voices of all family members are heard. How can the Church be open to hearing many more voices, not just ‘once off’ but in an ongoing way as a pilgrim people journeying together to God? Journeying together, all voices encouraged, all voices matter. Together listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures and in our celebration of the Eucharist. Pope Francis asks that this be the way of the Church worldwide. To know more about the “Synodal Pathway” see our diocesan website (google, ‘diocese of Kerry synodal pathway’), and the National Website of the Synod (www.synod.ie).
A Prayer for Peace
“My heart aches greatly at the worsening situation in Ukraine
I would like to appeal to those with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be sisters and brothers, and not enemies. …..
May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war.” Pope Francis Feb 23rd
These words were spoken by Pope Francis at his customary Wednesday audience on the first day of the war. He invited us to pray and fast for peace during Lent. All of us hoped that Russia would not start a war with Ukraine. I invite you to include this vital prayer intention in all your Lenten prayers and practices in the weeks ahead.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to all people on earth.
Lord make us an instrument of your peace.
+ Ray Browne- Diocese of Kerry
https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/2022/03/bishop-rays-message-for-lent/
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26 Feb 2022
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
20th February 2022, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Dear Parishioner,
Sometimes, I try to ask myself challenging questions.
What kind of questions might they be?
How would I feel, if I found I had only a few weeks to live?
How would I feel if somebody spread a false story about me?
On a less serious level, ‘How would I feel if I met a crowd at the door of
Abbeydorney Church on a Sunday morning, holding placards saying, Stop
printing Dear Parishioner. Most of what is in it does not concern us.’ I am
not afraid that this will happen but I ask myself, now and then, ‘I wonder
do those who read ‘Dear Parishioner’ feel that articles about people and
places other than Ireland, will be of little interest to them! I would like to
feel that this is not the case. This week, you have a chance to read about
an Irish priest, Fr. Eamon Gowing, a native of County Laois, who has spent
the most part of 50 years, working as a missionary priest in Brazil, South
America. I feel that the answers given by him to the two questions from
Anne Staunton and Pat O’Sullivan have a relevance to our lives.
I think I have said, before now, that one of my favourite programmes on
RTE 1 TV is Nationwide, shown at 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays. I see it fairly often on Mondays and Wednesdays but miss it on
Fridays, because I celebrate Mass every Friday (except the First Friday) in
Ballyheigue at 7.30 p.m. Not every programme might interest me but
many of the programmes show activities and projects undertaken by urban
and rural communities, small groups of people and even one or two peo-
ple. I am always impressed when I hear about or see a programme telling
how a particular project started in a small way because of a felt need.
One person might have thought of an idea, shared it with somebody else
(Two heads are better than one.) and, after a bit of research etc. something
small is started and, contrary to the expectation of the originator of it, it
gets off the ground.
The final sentence in the response to the first question is: ‘When the
Oxfam project ended, all four team members continued their involvement
in community activities voluntarily.’
The final sentence.........the second question is: Women for Amnesty grew
in importance nationally and was a decisive factor in the final defeat of
the dictatorship. (Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
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Poor Church For The Poor
Redemptorist Fr Eamon Gowing From County Laois Has Spent Almost 50
Years Living Among The Poor Of Brazil.
It has been, he says, ‘An Incredible Privilege’
Interview: Anne Staunton and Pat O'Sullivan
In the early 1970s, in Sao Raimundo Parish in Fortaleza, a team of lay-
women and laymen with you in the parish. Tell us about their work.
My first assignment in Brazil was to the parish of St Raimundo in Fortaleza.
I was given charge of Bela Vista, the poorest area of the parish. At that
time, Bela Vista was a shantytown of unpaved streets, improvised shacks
and no sanitation. Beside my priestly work (my first Masses were said un-
der a mango tree), I began organising the people to look for ways to im-
prove their living conditions and fight for their rights. One of my earliest
memories is of inviting the mayor to visit the community. It was the rainy
season, and the streets were a sea of mud. I had great satisfaction in
meeting him at the entrance to the neighbourhood and telling him he
would have to leave his car there and walk the rest of the way, which he
did, trudging through muck almost up to his knees. A problem aired at
most of the community meetings was the number of children not going to
school. We decided to set up a little school with young people from the
community as volunteer teachers.
The project went well, and a visiting Oxfam representative was duly im-
pressed. He suggested setting up a team of young people to work full-
time in developing the community. Two of the volunteer teachers were
selected, and later on, two young men involved in community activities
were added. The team surveyed the community and found that inade-
quate housing and lack of health services were the most urgent needs.
Housing: In looking around for ways to help, we discovered that a Redemp-
torist brother, in a neighbouring state, had invented a system for making
cement blocks that were much cheaper than the regular blocks on the
market. Basically, he used less cement and vibrated the mixture, which
produced a block slightly weaker than the regulation block but adequate
for simple, one-storey houses. The team received a grant from Oxfam and
set up the system in the community. Poor families could come at any time
of the day or night to make blocks. For every 1,000 blocks made, 800 were
theirs, and 200 were retained by the project and sold to restock cement
and sand. In this way, a considerable number of families improved their
houses, which gradually changed the appearance of the neighbourhood.
Basic medical services: A chance meeting with a professor at the medical
department of the local university resulted in her bringing medical students
under her supervision to attend the community. So now, the poor had ac-
cess to basic medical care. A later development was the setting up of a
nutrition centre. The professor was struck by the large number of mal-
nourished children in the community. With the help of the team and a
grant from Oxfam, she set up a nutrition centre to help recuperate the
most severely malnourished children. This centre undoubtedly saved the
lives of many children and gave many more the chance of a healthy future.
During a period of five years, the team developed many other activities,
such as adult literacy classes, vaccination campaigns, training courses for
electricians, plumbers, and so on. When the Oxfam project ended, all four
team members continued their involvement in community activities.
Do you still remember the night in 1976 when you celebrated a prayer
vigil for the families of political prisoners in St Raimundo church while the
federal police were driving around the church with all sirens blazing? Can
you paint of picture of what it was like and why you were supporting
Women for Amnesty in a dictatorship?
Late one September night in 1976, a group of women appeared on the
doorstep of the parish house in Fortaleza. They were members of a recent-
ly formed organisation, ‘Women for Amnesty’, and were asking permission
to hold a prayer vigil in our church. This would not have been problematic
in normal circumstances, but of course, the circumstances were anything
but normal. The military dictatorship (1964–85) was in full swing, and any
sign of opposition was brutally repressed, with arbitrary arrests, torture,
assassinations, and 'disappearances.' ‘Women for Amnesty’ was one of the
first signs of organised civil opposition in Fortaleza. Their leader, Nildes
Alencar, was a teacher and sister of Frei Tito OP, who was in jail for or-
ganising an underground escape route for political activists on the run. As
it was a women's organisation, there was a guarantee of a little more tol-
erance on the part of the regime but the only way they could organise a
public meeting was under the protection of the church. Hence the pro-
posal of a prayer vigil. (Continued on back page.)
This proposal posed quite a challenge for our Redemptorist community
(Frs. James Duggan, Pat O'Sullivan and myself). The women told us that
several of the city's more central churches had turned them down for fear
of reprisal and we, as foreigners, would be particularly vulnerable. We
withdrew to think and pray about it and decided to give it our support. The
atmosphere throughout the vigil was very tense. Police cars were passing
by with sirens blazing at full blast. At some stage, two men joined the vigil
– obviously very out of place – and whispered alerts were passed around
asking us to be careful about what was said as the men were believed to be
taping the proceedings but, fortunately, the vigil passed off without inci-
dent. For some time afterwards we walked about and lived in fear of re-
prisals, but luckily there were no serious consequences. ‘Women for Am-
nesty’ grew in importance nationally and was a major factor in the final
defeat of the dictatorship.
Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel John Byrne osa
1. Our natural tendency when attacked is to self-protection and when we
are attacked, we attack back. We respond to an angry word with another,
or to a blow by hitting back. Here Jesus suggests that at times there may be
another way to act. What has been your experience of retaliation? Has it
been life-giving? Have you experience of another way of acting?
2. When we do good to another, it can sometimes be in return for what
we have received. At other times it can be done in the hope of getting
something back. Or we may do it simply for the sake of doing good without
any strings attached. Jesus suggests that this is when we are at our best.
Recall your experience of these different ways of giving and celebrate the
occasions when you gave without expectation of return.
3. Jesus proposes the generosity of God as a model for our generosity, and
says that the generous will be rewarded. Perhaps you have experienced
rewards, even in this life, from generous behaviour.
Intercom February 2022
What can’t be loved has no existence. The only mistake and misfortune in
the world is the failure to love. (George Bernanos)
If there was nothing wrong in the world, there would be nothing for us to
do. (George Bernard Shaw - Both pieces in Reality, Jan/Feb 2022)
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Thou, Not I
The readings today are all about confidence. Today, we often think about confidence as being self-assured. Both St. James and the Psalmist, however, remind us that true confidence comes from living according to God's law and trusting in providence.
The Divine Outlook
The divine perspective teaches us that those who give are truly blessed as today’s readings speak about the dangers of hoarding our wealth. The Scriptures tell us that our money does not go with us to the grave. However, Jesus tells us that what we give does go with us when we die. Consider what you have and what you have given.
A Compassionate God
Today, the Psalmist proclaims that the kindness of the Lord is far vaster than the cosmos. In other words, our sinfulness is never bigger than God's mercy. This praise is echoed by St. James, who reminds to persevere in our relationship with our compassionate Father.
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19 Feb 2022
Moved with Pity
A good king is someone who is wise. Solomon, striving to be a good king, asks God for wisdom so that he might govern his people well with an understanding heart. The True King, Jesus, is moved with pity at the sight of the crowds. In response, Jesus teaches them the ways of God. Emulating Jesus’ response of love, teach those around you the truth of who God is.
Duc in Altum
In the First Reading, God brings Isaiah up to the heavenly temple and then sends him as a messenger to Israel. Then, in the Gospel, we find the calling of St. Peter. Like Isaiah, Peter is also brought into the presence of God—but in Jesus Christ—and sent to proclaim the Gospel. In these two readings, the Sacred Scriptures depict what it means to be called by God.
God with Us
Throughout salvation history, God has made himself present to his people. In the Old Testament, God dwelt in the Arc of the Covenant and the Temple. In the New Testament, he visited his people in the person of Jesus. He has not abandoned his Church; he is still present to his people today in and through the sacraments.
The Glory of God
Today’s readings explore the theme of the Temple. As wonderful and majestic as the Temple is, the sacred writers point us toward a more beautiful reality in their musings on the Temple, God himself. Be like the sacred authors today, reflecting on God’s splendor and beauty.
The Power of Scripture
King Solomon, known for his incredible wisdom, serves as a model for which we should strive after. The wisdom he had is not something out of our reach. Rather, as the Psalmist tells us, by studying God’s word and law, we too will grow in both contemplative and practical wisdom.
You can stay informed and educated with the latest news and truth on abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide and the culture of death.
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Our Need for God
The First Reading today tells us that Solomon gradually drifted from the Lord. As a result, Solomon fell victim to sin and division. Contrary to Solomon, the Syrophoenician woman in the Gospel draws near to the Lord, approaching him with a humble heart.
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Using Blessings for God's Glory
King Solomon took God's blessings and used them in many selfish ways. This abuse of power brought about division, just as Abijah prophesied. This same series of events is observable in more recent times. The Reformation can be seen as a result of sinfulness within the Church.
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Integrity of the Heart
Once again, the consequences of sin are on display in the First Reading. Jeroboam, consumed by a lust for power, pulled the twelve tribes even further apart. Under his rule, the Israelites became both politically and spiritually divided. With this reading in mind, let us strive to eliminate division in our hearts.
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Trust in God Above All Else
By consistently meditating on the word of the Lord, we become firmly planted. We grow in intimacy with God, we learn to place our trust in the him, and we become steady witnesses to Truth even in the face of persecution. Thus, let us remain faithful listeners to God's word. We will be rewarded for our fidelity!
Steadfast and Wise
The Letter of James gives us practical wisdom for how to live the Christian life. One of the first lessons James teaches us is to be confident in God, even when life looks dark. This steadfastness brings us closer to our Lord. Finally, James tells us to ask for wisdom, since God wants to give us this gift!
Spiritual Training
James continues to teach lessons that are applicable to daily life. Today, we are urged to persevere in the face of persecution and temptation. To accomplish this lofty task, we must discipline our desires, orienting them to God. This noble effort will help us win the crown of life!
Serving Him Daily
Today, James reminds us that faith is not purely intellectual. It is active fidelity that impacts daily life—we must be quick to listen to God and to live in him. A simple yet powerful way to heed this advice is to make resolutions during your prayer. How can you serve God today?
Human Dignity
Sometimes we can be tempted to show partiality, especially to those who can give us something in return. As James tells us, however, we are to welcome the rich and the poor alike. Regardless of financial or societal status, all people are precious creations of God. Our actions toward others should reflect that truth.
Incarnate Faith
St. James famously tells us that faith apart from works is dead. In other words, faith must become incarnate in daily life; dogma must become deeds. We are called to pray, feed the hungry, and help those in need. This is the path to eternal communion with the Lord of hosts!
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Feb 2022;
Last Survivor of Algerian Monastery Attack Dies At 97. (Cont. at back)
Trappist Father, Jean-Pierre Schumacher, the last survivor of the 1996 attack
on the Tibhirine Monastery in Algeria has died at the age of 97. In a message
released on 21st November last, the Trappist community of Midelt, Morocco,
said Fr. Schumacher died shortly after receiving the anointing of the sick at
a Mass on the Feast of Christ the King. “Ten minutes later, he gave his soul
to the Lord. He left in peace, as has been all his life”, the statement said.
Born in 1924, Fr. Schumacher first joined the Marist Fathers.
After his ordination in 1953, he joined a Trappist monastery in his native
France. In 1964, he was sent to the Monastery of Notre Dame de l’Atlas in
Tibhirine, Algeria. Fr. Schumacher and another Trappist monk were the
only survivors of a massacre, when members of the Armed Islamic Group
murdered seven Trappist monks at the Algerian Monastery. The seven
monks were beatified in 2018, along with twelve other martyrs, who were
killed between 1993 and 1996, while Algeria was locked in a ten-year armed
conflct between Government and extremist rebel groups.
In an interview with Avvenire, the Italian bishops’ daily newspaper, pub-
lished on the eve of the beatification, Fr. Schumacher said he survived the
attack because he was carrying out duties in a porter’s lodge outside the
monastery. “I heard noises. I thought they had come to take the medicine,
as had happened before. Then, when silence returned, someone knocked on
my door. I was a little scared, then I opened it. It was (Father) Amedee who
told me, ‘They took our brothers away. We are all alone, you and I’”, he
said. The Trappist monk told Avvenire that he always wondered why he and
Fr. Amedee survived the attack and whether God had considered “me wor-
thy enough” to die with his fellow monks.
Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel John Byrne osa
1. Jesus invites Peter to put out the net again, and Peter does so though he
thinks it pointless. When have you felt it was pointless to stick with a task, but
did so nonetheless and been surprised by results? We never know when our
efforts are going to bear fruit.bout
2. ‘Push out into the deep’ The invitation is to go out into unfamiliar waters,
where we are not sure what will happen, where we feel uneasy, and our safety
is not assured. When have you responded positively to that kind of an invi-
tation and got positive results you did not expect?
3. The story gives us a glimpse of what prepared the disciples to follow Jesus.
They were helped by the compassion and concern of Jesus (cured Peter’s
mother-in-law); attracted by his work and teaching; and witnessed the power
of God at work through him. This led them to ‘leave everything and follow
him’. Who, or what, influenced you in making key decisions in your Life?
Who was Jesus for you in those situations?
(Intercom Magazine, February 2022)
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By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Feb 4, 2022 /
Pope Francis appointed a new Catholic archbishop of Glasgow on Friday.
The Vatican announced on Feb. 4 that Bishop William Nolan will lead the prominent Scottish archdiocese, based in the country’s biggest city by population.
Nolan, 68, has served as the bishop of Galloway, in southwest Scotland, since 2015 and chairs the Scottish bishops’ conference commission for justice and peace.
“As I overcome my initial shock at being appointed archbishop my thoughts now turn to the challenges that lies ahead,” Nolan said in a statement published by the archdiocese.
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Lackagh Museum & Heritage Centre
READ THIS IT'S BEAUTIFUL
The fate of a mother is to wait for her children. You wait for them when you’re pregnant. You wait on them when they get out of school. You wait on for them to get home after a night out. You wait on them when they start their own lives. You wait for them when they get home from work to come home to a nice dinner. You wait for them with love, with anxiety and sometimes with anger that passes immediately when you see them and you can hug them.
Make sure your old mom doesn't have to wait any longer. Visit her, love her, hug the one who loved you like no one else ever will. Don't make her wait, she's expecting this from you.
Because the membranes get old but the heart of a mother never gets old. Love her as you can. No person will love you like your mother will
Lackagh Museum & Heritage Centre
https://www.facebook.com/1789006267993805/posts/3203730756521342/
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The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory
In the First Reading, King David passes on his God-given authority to Solomon. This event foreshadows our Gospel reading, in which the God-man himself gives authority to his Apostles. Thus, when we speak of apostolic authority, we are referencing a divinely-instituted power present in the Church!
The Glory of the Psalter
In the Book of Sirach, we hear that David made sport with lions, slew enemies, and built up Israel. These successes were made possible because of the king's relationship with God. Psalms of praise and thanksgiving were often on David's lips. Today, let us make these Psalms our own.
Obedience and Sacrifice
When recounting the Presentation, Luke doesn't mention the usual sacrifice made on behalf of firstborn sons. This is because Jesus himself will be a sacrifice. He is the Lord who has come to his people to set them free through the shedding of his blood.
Examination of Conscience
In the First Reading, the prophet Nathan is given a difficult task. With honesty and humility, Nathan must break open David's hardened heart and reveal the king's need for repentance. In light of this story, let us examine our own lives, asking God for humility and self-awareness.
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Our Catholicity
After Jesus says that Isaiah's prophecy is being fulfilled, our Lord alludes to the fact that Gentiles, too, will be included in salvation. Here, we find a prefigurement of the "catholicity" of the Church. Through his Church, Jesus invites all individuals, regardless of their background, into communion with him.
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God's Omnipotence
In the First Reading, David's foes rise up, forcing him to flee. Similarly, the Psalm laments the attacks of enemies. This motif of confrontation culminates in the Gospel. There, a legion of demons is brought before Christ. Unlike David, however, Christ need not flee. He drives these enemies out, demonstrating his power.
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All Is Gift
As Absalom is fleeing from his enemies, his hair—which he loved—gets caught in a tree, allowing his capture and death. In this episode, the dangers of vanity are on display. If we love ourselves too much, we cause spiritual deaths within us. With this in mind, let us remember that all is gift!
St. Agatha is patron Saint for all who suffer with breast cancer and whose Feast Day is on 5th February.
Prayer to St. Agatha
Dear Virgin & Martyr, whom our Lord showered with heavenly gifts, you heroically resisted the temptations of a degenerate ruler. Subjected to long and horrible tortures, you remained faithful to your heavenly Spouse.Hear the prayers of those who recall your devoted life and who ask you to intercede for them in their necessity (Mention intention) Guard us against breast cancer and other afflictions of women and help us to imitate your virtue during our earthly life and enjoy eternal happiness with you and all the Saints in Heaven. Amen.
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“Most of Wednesday’s talk is a beautiful meditation on the communion of the saints in which Pope Francis emphasizes so enthusiastically the baptismal bond’s strength that some of his statements can easily be misunderstood,” Father Kereszty said Feb. 3. “Aware of his many attestations that he is a son of the Church and teaches only what the Church teaches, I exclude an intention to contradict the Church’s faith.”
“Baptism imprints an indelible mark on the soul, called baptismal character, and if there is no opposition by the soul, it also results in sanctifying grace in virtue of which Christ lives in the soul and joins us to himself and to all Christians both on earth and heaven,” he continued. “By grave, mortal sin we lose sanctifying grace and thus the indwelling of Christ in the soul and, of course, the right to heaven. But no sinner, no matter how obstinate, can lose the indelible mark of the baptismal character.”
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At the launch of 'Shreds & Patches' in 2010 by Paddy MacMonagle was the author with Fr Kevin McNamara, a larger-than-life character, with a wide circle of friends from across the country. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
At the launch of 'Shreds & Patches' in 2010 by Paddy MacMonagle was the author with Fr Kevin McNamara, a larger-than-life character, with a wide circle of friends from across the country. Picture: Eamonn Keogh
It was here he got the equivalent of an O-Level, and ultimately the qualifications he needed to begin his studies for the missionary priesthood with St Patrick’s Missionary Society. But while Fr Con then devoted so much of his time to the Church, he appears to have missed somewhere to call home.
Colm said: “A lot of the time he lived out of a suitcase because he travelled a lot. It was only when he came to Passage West did he really find a home, and because he knew he wasn't going to be moved for a good while.”
Fr Sean added: "Fr Con believed the role of the Church was to make life more human.
“He really, really believed that. That was kind of where he came from. This wasn't about rules. It wasn't about structures or institutions – it was, for him, all about people and life and joy and dignity.”
While he hadn't known them long, Alex Fegan quickly got the measure of them in the short amount of time they worked together.
“At one point, I asked Fr Kevin if he knew Fr Con. And he didn't, or at least not that I knew of. But I could tell that he could see a kindred spirit in Fr Con.”
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40790112.html
Prayer composed by St. Francis de Sales:
Glorious St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary, grant us thy paternal protection, we beseech thee, by the Heart of Jesus Christ. O thou whose power extends to all our necessities and can render possible for us the most impossible things, open thy fatherly eyes to the needs of thy children. In the trouble and distress which afflict us we confidently have recourse to thee. Deign to take under thy charitable charge this important and difficult matter, cause of our worries. Make its happy outcome be for God’s glory and for the good of His devoted servants. Amen.
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By Jude Atemanke
Ouagadougou, 02 October, 2019 / 12:37 am (ACI Africa).
Burkina Faso born Jesuit priest, Fr. Paul Béré, is making history as the first ever African to win the Ratzinger Prize, which rewards the work of theologians and specialists from related disciplines.
“I am very surprised to have been awarded this prize, and I am very grateful to the scientific committee for this honor of being at the forefront of Africa for this prize,” Fr. Béré told Vatican News shortly after the announcement.
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Laos, ruled by a totalitarian regime since 1975, one of the poorest countries in the region, has about 1200 miles of the Mekong. It has built 46 hydroelectric plants along the Mekong and its tributaries and hopes to reach 100 functioning hydroelectric dams by 2030 (projections vary). Eleven are planned to span the main river.
The mineral rich waters of the Mekong River produce abundant crops and rice, particularly in Cambodia. Mekong Delta: Image Shutterstock
The Don Sahong Dam beside the Cambodian border will be capable of trapping nearly half of the river’s water in dry season. Almost all the electricity generated is now or will be exported. The declared intention of Laos is to be ‘the battery of Southeast Asia.’ Most of the financing for the dams comes from China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Korea. Investor profits appear to be the driving force.
https://columbans.ie/beggar-my-neighbour/
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FR KEVIN Month's Mind 21st January 2022- https://youtu.be/5IQBI_34IB0
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Glenflesk Newsletter 21 Jan 2022.
ARE YOU SOMEBODY?
An Irish journalist recently recounted an experience of being approached by a fellow shopper who asked her "You are somebody aren't you?" To be fully known, accepted and understood by others is one of the deepest hungers in life. It is a rare and cherished experience between spouses, children and parents of all ages and even between friends. While self-belief is important, if we were to be honest, most of us are curious of what people think of us. Opinion polls, market surveys, questionnaires and random interviews have all become very much part of modern world today. Jesus too was interested in public opinion, not out of curiosity or desire to capitalize upon them, His way led not only to a throne but to a rejection on a cross. Jesus reminds His disciples and all of us not to base our lives upon speculation or hearsay: We are to make our own decisions. He asked the disciples on many occasions "Who do you say I am?" If you were asked that same question now what would your answer be? We are all brothers and sisters of Jesus and if we recognize that we will have greater love and respect for each other and our world. Yes we are somebody, we are brothers and sisters of Jesus.
SMILE
Don't be afraid to smile,
On life's uncertain way,
It may be the only sunbeam
In someone's dreary day.
Don't be afraid to smile
On life's uneven track,
One little smile from you
And many are smiling back.
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BY DEGREES
One step upon another,
And the longest walk is ended;
One stitch upon another,
And the largest vent is mended;
One brick upon another,
And the largest wall is made;
One flake upon another,
And the deepest snow is laid.
Then do not look disheartened
On
the work you have to do,
And say that such a mighty task
You can never get through.
But just endeavour day by day
Another point to gain;
And soon the mountain which you fear
Will prove to be a plain.
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BE TRUE TO YOURSELF
Hold onto your faith, hope and joy for life. Keep good thoughts in your mind and good feelings in your heart. Keep love in your life, and you will find the love and light in everyone. Most of all, never forget that there is no brighter light than the one within you. Follow your inner light to your own personal greatness - Jacqueline Schiff.
A CHINESE PROVERB
He who knows and knows not that he knows; he is asleep, wake him.
He who knows not and knows not that he knows not; he is a fool. shun him.
He who knows not and knows that he knows not; he is a child, teach him.
He who knows and knows that he knows; he is a leader, follow him.
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a Thought
We are already more than half way through the month of January, so it is appropriate that we check in on ourselves and reflect the following prayer of our New Year of 2022.
‘Loving God, thank you for this New Year. It is a time of new beginnings and a time too for letting go of old stuff that I don't need to carry forward in my life. As we all know new year resolutions come and go but your love for me is everlasting and it is constantly steady. During these difficult times, may I be a person of light, hope and love. May I have the strength and courage to be myself and to welcome each day as a new beginning. May I be kind to others, but particularly may I be kind and gentle with myself. Loving God, as we continue this new year with hope and perhaps some anxiety, may we find your compassion, healing and strength. Give us breath and depth to everything we do. In a world where many things are trivial and shallow, give me something more constant and meaningful. Finally, bless me, my family and those special in my life. May 2022 be filled with peace, blessings and love. Amen’
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More reflections
Cardinal Joseph Zen at 90: ‘A Great Gift of God to Hong Kong’
As the longtime champion of human rights celebrates his birthday this week, some of his friends and associates tell the Register about his continuing contributions to the Church in China and elsewhere.
In this picture taken on September 11, 2020, Cardinal Joseph Zen, former bishop of Hong Kong, speaks during an interview with AFP at the Salesian House of Studies in Hong Kong.
Edward Pentin World
January 12, 2022
ROME — Close friends of Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun will hold a celebratory lunch for the indomitable bishop emeritus of Hong Kong and staunch defender of religious and civil liberties, who turns 90 on Thursday.
Although it will be a small celebration due to COVID-19 restrictions, each guest will bring dishes to cook for the cardinal who has culinary skills of his own. “He’s a good cook!” one of the invited guests told the Register Jan. 11, adding that his “most famous dish is pork.”
The small and modest celebration belies the extent to which the Salesian cardinal is esteemed and supported in Hong Kong, mainland China and beyond where many Catholics and non-Catholics value his decades-long outspoken defense of religious and political liberty in the face of Chinese communist oppression and persecution.
“He is hugely admired in Hong Kong, right across the generations,” said the British Catholic pro-life peer and staunch advocate for human rights in China, Lord David Alton of Liverpool, who compared him to Cardinal Ignatius Kung Pin-Mei.
Cardinal Kung spent 30 years in Chinese prisons for defying China’s attempts to control Catholics in the country’s state-run church, the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association. Cardinal Zen, Lord Alton said, is “following in his footsteps” by being “unwavering in his courage and determination not to betray all those who have suffered for their Faith at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).”
A source in Hong Kong who, due to sensitivities caused by the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing crackdown on democracy and human rights in Hong Kong, asked not to be named, said the cardinal is “a great gift of God to Hong Kong.” He has “a lot of support here and is doing what a lot of Catholics in Hong Kong agree with,” the source told the Register Jan. 11. “They applaud what he’s doing.”
Born in the town of Yan King-pang, near Shanghai in Eastern China, Joseph Zen Ze-kiun was ordained in 1961 and became the Salesians’ Provincial Superior for China for six years before being appointed coadjutor of the diocese of Hong Kong in 1996. He was appointed the Catholic Church’s sixth Bishop of Hong Kong in 2002 where he served until 2009. Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the cardinalate in 2008.
According to his friends, Cardinal Zen remains active, if moving at a slower pace, and in good health. He has most recently spoken out forcefully against Beijing’s encroachment on civil liberties in Hong Kong, especially concerning a draconian national security law imposed on the former British colony by the Chinese Communist Party in June 2020. The law, the cardinal told the Register last year, has led to a “terrible situation” for the territory, “taking away all guarantee of civil rights — nothing is safe anymore.”
Aimed at suppressing protests and freedom of expression, many arrests and detentions have been made, including of Catholic media magnate Jimmy Lai, a long-time friend of the cardinal, who was jailed in December for 13 months for taking part in a vigil marking the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing.
“Jimmy Lai and Cardinal Zen are like two peas in a pod,” said Mark Simon, a former senior executive of Apple Daily, Lai’s Hong Kong newspaper that the authorities closed down last summer. “They march to a higher drum.”
‘Moral and Spiritual Giant’
Benedict Rogers, co-founder and chief executive of Hong Kong Watch who has known the cardinal for more than 20 years, said the cardinal is “a moral and spiritual giant” whose “fortitude, humility, compassion and conviction” have been an inspiration to him. He is someone who has “consistently shown immense courage in speaking out against the Chinese Communist Party’s repression and for the Church in China and freedom in Hong Kong,” Rogers told the Register.
Lord Christopher Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong who spent many years negotiating with Beijing before handing the former colony over to China in 1999, described Cardinal Zen as “a real prince of the Church — brave, pastoral and on the right side of history.”
The retired Catholic politician told the Register, “I am afraid you won’t get a very balanced view from me on him since I have no criticism at all of the courageous stand he has taken on human rights, not least in China, and I know very well about the pastoral concern he showed to Catholics in Hong Kong including one or two with whom he did not agree with on political issues.”
“He is a fine man,” Lord Patten added, “and I don’t think that history will make any other judgement about him.”
Cardinal Zen has spoken out extensively on behalf of Catholics in mainland China, highlighting human rights violations and also objecting to recent moves by the Holy See to seek a compromise with an increasingly repressive Beijing.
These efforts came to a head in 2018 with the Sino-Holy See provisional, and so far unpublished, concordat on the appointment of bishops (renewed in 2020), and the Vatican’s 2019 pastoral guidelines encouraging Catholic clergy to join the country’s state-run church.
Cardinal Zen believes that through these documents the Vatican has betrayed the many Catholic bishops, priests and laity who for decades resisted joining the state-run church, the Patriotic Association, and chose instead to remain loyal to Rome at the cost of persecution and imprisonment. For its part, the Vatican contends the measures are aimed at protecting religious freedom and that patience is needed.
Lord Alton said his “greatest regret is that Cardinal Zen wasn’t listened to when he spoke out against the Vatican's secret concordat with the CCP — or even granted admission at the Vatican when he travelled there to set out his concerns.”
“It says a great deal about Cardinal Zen that he has borne that cross with such dignity and acceptance,” Lord Alton told the Register.
Nina Shea, director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute, praised the cardinal for his “inspirational presence” during this “dark time for religious freedom and human rights in Hong Kong.” In particular, she said his “admonitions that the CCP meant to kill the underground Church that once enabled Catholicism to weather the Cultural Revolution have been sadly vindicated.”
Shea said she was “deeply honored” when the cardinal visited her in 2011 in Washington D.C. and warned against “the Ostpolitik policy, now institutionalized, [that] was being pursued by Vatican diplomats too willing to compromise with Beijing.”
Traditional Mass
The cardinal has also not been afraid to speak up about other issues such as recent restrictions on the traditional Mass. In comments last July, he said Pope Francis’ motu proprio Traditionis Custodes (Guardians of Tradition) contained “many tendentious generalizations in the documents” that have “hurt the hearts of many good people more than expected.” He also expressed his “pain and indignation” at the suppression of non-concelebrated Masses in St. Peter’s Basilica last March.
Given his outspokenness, Cardinal Zen is naturally not without his opponents, not only within in the CCP but also in the Vatican and elsewhere.
A clandestine Chinese priest called Father Paul Han accused him in 2015 of causing “a lot of din,” sometimes raising his voice “without looking at the facts,” and drowning the “voices of the bishops and laity on mainland China.” And in 2020, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, explained in a public letter to cardinals why he thought the cardinal was wrong on numerous points regarding the Church in China (Cardinal Zen subsequently responded to each of them).
In his comments to the Register, the anonymous Hong Kong source explained why the cardinal speaks out so firmly against injustice, especially concerning the Holy See’s current approach to China.
“If you had been a bishop, priest or ordinary member of Catholic Church who refused to join the patriotic, state-run church for 20-30 years and instead showed loyalty to the Vatican, running a lot of risks, perhaps imprisoned for many years, but now you’re told you shouldn’t have done that and you’d better join the Patriotic Association, how would you have reacted?” the source asked. “This is just one reason why he has a lot of support.”
Simon pointed out that Cardinal Zen “is accused sometimes of splitting the Church, but he hasn’t changed. It is those who are trying to make it appear that China has changed. [Cardinal] Zen has never changed, and it is people like Carrie Lam [the Catholic chief executive of Hong Kong] who have adjusted the faith to match their ideology.”
Rogers believes that “even if, regrettably, he has not yet succeeded in awakening consciences in the Vatican,” Cardinal Zen has “helped awaken the conscience of the world.”
Lord Alton predicted that across the globe, Cardinal Zen’s “friends and admirers will today be wishing him Ad multos annos and giving thanks for his courage and example.”
Edward Pentin
Edward Pentin Edward Pentin began reporting on the Pope and the Vatican with Vatican Radio before moving on to become the Rome correspondent for EWTN's National Catholic Register.
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Fr Kevin has died so here are reflections from others
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Reflection; Facing Your Sinfulness
Elijah's words felt like fire to his hearers. Words of rebuke never feel comforting in the moment, but they are purifying and help us to grow closer to God. As we listen to stories about Elijah, can we think of a time a respected person in our life corrected us and how it made us grow?
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Is there something that has been weighing on your mind? A situation or a relationship that is not what you had hoped it would be?
We would count it a privilege to pray for you, your needs, your circumstances, or your loved ones today.
If there’s a prayer request that you would like us to bring before the Lord, simply share your request with us through the link below with a brief description of how we can be praying for you.
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Thank you for allowing us to help in bringing your burden to the Lord, Jer.
God bless you today,
Your EWTN Family
P.S. So that we can fully focus on spiritual needs, we ask that you only send prayer requests at this time.
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Advent Guides
The Church, in her wisdom, gives us John the Baptist and Mary as models for this Advent season. John, the forerunner of Jesus’ First Coming, is displayed to remind us to prepare our hearts for Jesus’s Second Coming. Mary shows us how we are to prepare our hearts for Jesus. Pray to them today, asking for their intercession during this season of Advent.
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He Humbled Himself
In Isaiah's writings, God's grandeur and transcendence is displayed. From this perspective, we see how incredible the Incarnation is: the God of the universe was made flesh in the womb of Mary and born in a humble town. As we approach the celebration of this birth, let us heed John the Baptist's call to repent, give alms, and pray.
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Thy Will Be Done
In the Book of Zephaniah, God tells his people of their need for purification. Israel is urged to speak the truth, to die to themselves, and to serve the Lord. Even though this is not an easy path, it leads to joyful friendship with God. As we embark on this same journey of faith, let us ask for the intercession of St. John of the Cross, a great spiritual master!
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A New David
In the Book of Numbers, Balaam is granted a vision of the messiah. As Balaam says, the messiah is coming as the "star" and "scepter." These symbols are representative of kingship, and they ultimately point to Jesus' reign. Thus, in the New Testament, when the star appears to the magi, the arrival of the true messianic king is signaled!
Advent Guides
The Church, in her wisdom, gives us John the Baptist and Mary as models for this Advent season. John, the forerunner of Jesus’ First Coming, is displayed to remind us to prepare our hearts for Jesus’s Second Coming. Mary shows us how we are to prepare our hearts for Jesus. Pray to them today, asking for their intercession during this season of Advent.
The Kingship of Christ
In today's readings we hear the prophecy about a coming king. With the coming of the Christ child at Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of this prophecy. However, it is not only the Christmas story that is the fulfillment of this prophecy, but also the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time. As we look forward to Christmas, we also look forward to the Second Coming and the kingship of Christ that will be brought about in a new way.
Humble, Selfless, Faithful
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, the readings show us that God exalts the humble and the selfless. By recognizing our lowliness and living in God's love, we become great. This is seen perfectly in Mary, our Queen Mother. Her identity is firmly rooted in God, and her life is animated by a selfless, compassionate love.
Mary and Daughter Zion
Today we hear the angel Gabriel greet Mary at the Annunciation. Much of this greeting recalls a prophecy about Daughter Zion. Zion was the place of the Temple—the place God dwelt. Now, in Mary, there is a new dwelling place for God brought about by the power of the Holy Spirit in her womb. Let us grow in devotion to this chosen daughter and mother in this season where we recall her fulfillment of prophecy.
Did you know that EWTN hosts online televised Mass every day of the year?
We understand that the Church is inherently sacramental, and it is best to attend Mass in-person. However, when you are unable to go to your local parish, remember that you can watch Mass with the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word every day of the year. In addition to the daily Mass video, our website features the readings of the day so that you can read along with us.
We have also created a special free booklet to help you join the Universal Church throughout the world in singing the praises of the Lord as we pray and sing together, united in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass via EWTN. This booklet will guide you, both in English and Latin, through the daily Mass offered at EWTN.
If you would like to receive the free Global Televised Mass Guide booklet, as well as the corresponding eBook, please visit this page: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings
We hope these resources encourage you to have a greater devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist.
Sincerely in Christ,
Your EWTN Family
Homily starter anecdotes: 1: Grandparents are a treasure: Pope Francis said that as a child, he heard a story of a family with a mother, father, many children, and a grandfather. The grandfather, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, would drop food on the dining table, drop and break bowls, and smear food all over his face when he ate. His son considered it disgusting. Hence, one day he bought a small table, a wooden bowl and spoon and set it off to the side of the dining room so the grandfather could eat, make a mess and not disturb the rest of the family. One day, the Pope said, the grandfather’s son came home and found one of his sons playing with a piece of wood. “What are you making?” he asked his son. “A table,” the son replies. “Why?” the father asks. “It’s for you, Dad. When you get old like Grandpa, I am going to give you this table.” (In the American version of the story, the boy was making a wooden bowl). After that day, the grandfather was given a prominent seat at the dining table and all the help he needed in eating by his son and daughter-in-law. “This story has done me such good throughout my life,” said the Pope, who celebrated his 85rd birthday on December 17, 2021. “Grandparents are a treasure,” he said. “Often old age isn’t pretty, right? There is sickness and all that, but the wisdom our grandparents have is something we must welcome as an inheritance.” A society or community that does not value, respect and care for its elderly members “doesn’t have a future because it has no memory, it has lost its memory,” Pope Francis added. (http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2013/11/19/grandparents-are-a-treasure-says-pope-francis/) (http://frtonyshomilies.com/) L/21
# 2: Cancer, heart disease and family relationship: A few years ago, a study was undertaken to find the U.S. city with the lowest incidence of cancer and heart disease. The winner was Rosetto, Pennsylvania. Soon experts descended upon the city expecting to see a town populated by non-smokers, people who ate the correct food, took regular exercise, and kept close track of their cholesterol. To their great surprise, however, the researchers discovered that none of the above was true. They found instead that the city’s good health was tied to the close family bonds that prevailed within the community. This suggests that there is much to be said for a close and loving family relationship. (Robert Duggan & Richard Jajac). (http://frtonyshomilies.com/) L/21
# 3: Dying of loneliness: In an audience, Pope Paul VI told how one day, when he was Archbishop of Milan, he went out on parish visitation. During the course of the visitation he found an old woman living alone. ‘How are you?’ he asked her. ‘Not bad,’ she answered. ‘I have enough food, and I’m not suffering from the cold.’ ‘You must be reasonably happy then?’ he said. ‘No, I’m not’, she said as she started to cry. ‘You see, my son and daughter-in-law never come to see me. I’m dying of loneliness.’ Afterwards he was haunted by the phrase ‘I’m dying of loneliness’. And the Pope concluded: ‘Food and warmth are not enough in themselves. People need something more. They need our presence, our time, our love. They need to be touched, to be reassured that they are not forgotten’ (Flor McCarthy in New Sunday and Holy Day Liturgies).(http://frtonyshomilies.com/) L/21
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kerryman
Sinead Kelleher
December 29 2021 07:52 AM
The dedication that Fr Kevin McNamara always showed to his parishioners was remembered at his Funeral Mass on Monday as those who knew and loved him gathered to say a final farewell to a colourful and larger-than-life Parish Priest.
His final journey began in Kerry on St Stephen’s Day as parishioners gathered to say goodbye before he made his way home to Cooraclare.
His remains reposed in St Agatha’s Church in Glenflesk in the morning, and a large crowd gathered along the road as his Funeral cortège made its way to St Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney, to Moyvane and, finally, Cooraclare.
Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne presided as his remains left Glenflesk Parish Church, and he too presided over his Funeral Mass on Monday.
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‘Fr Kevin McNamara was always the people’s priest’
A close friend, Fr Teddy Linehan, paid tribute to Fr McNamara and to all he did during his time in Kerry, not least for the parishes of Movyane and Glenflesk.
During his 40-year priesthood, Fr McNamara served in several parishes, starting in Liverpool. He then served with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart on the Western Road in Cork; in Kenmare; Killarney; Gneeveguilla; Knocknagree; Moyvane; Knockanure and most recently the Parish of Glenflesk, including Clonkeen and Barraduff.
“He walked alongside many people in the journey of his Priesthood and in the different parishes he was in,” Fr Linehan said.
“He brought life and energy wherever he went.”
He was described as a Priest of the people and a gifted communicator.
“He has a unique gift of being able to talk to people, young and old, wealthy or poor, people that were sick or people that were healthy, people that needed a kind word or people that needed a word of encouragement,” Fr Linehan said.
“He met people were they were at. He didn’t just stay in the Church. He met people in supermarkets, he met people on the streets, in a pub, after a Wedding reception or a Baptism.”
His Funeral Mass served as a reminder of all he did for his parishioners when the pandemic hit, not least in the form of organised drive-in Masses, Stations of the Cross, and Meals on Wheels.
“Kevin felt the loneliness of being by himself, but he turned that loneliness into a huge strength by helping to organise Meals on Wheels so people living on their own could have a hot meal,” Fr Linehan said.
Though he spent years in Kerry, his heart was in Clare, and one of the symbols of his life was that of a picture of the village in Cooraclare.
So, too, was a symbol of the Sacred Heart Missionaries, his chosen order; and his rosary beads.
His coffin was draped with the Clare and Everton flags, marking his love of sport; and one of his newsletters was also presented as a symbol of his life.
While Fr Kevin loved the institution of the Church, he did not always agree with what was said, and he never feared voicing his opinions.
“People loved him for that,” Fr Linehan said.
“Kevin had a huge heart...What a life he had...How many hearts he touched. His work is done; he is now receiving his All-Star in Heaven.”
More
Fr Kevin McNamara was always the people’s priest’
Kerryman- Stephen Fernane
December 21 2021 06:45 PM
Tributes have been paid to the late Fr Kevin McNamara who passed away suddenly on Tuesday morning leaving a huge void in the communities and parishes where he served as parish priest for over 30 years.
Fr McNamara’s final appointment was as Parish Priest of Glenflesk where his passing has been met with huge sadness.
But Fr Kevin’s influence is far-reaching having touched the lives of people in the communities of Moyvane, Knocknaure, Asdee, Gneeveguilla, Rathmore and Killarney during his time as a priest.
As energetic as he was motivated, and as committed to community life as he was to his Faith, are just samples of the many tributes to Fr Kevin from parishioners and friends as they come to terms with the loss of an inspirational friend.
This is Kerry Newsletter
Fr Kevin could be controversial in his views and was an activist wherever he served. He rose to any challenge that threatened his Faith, or that of his community.
When Covid-19 first posed a challenge to Church attendances in the spring of 2020, Fr Kevin showed unprecedented innovation and determination to ensure his flock could attend Mass in Moyvane.
The sight of cars parked outside the Church as Fr Kevin said Mass became a symbol of the human spirit’s propensity for defiance in the face of adversity.
The Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne told The Kerryman of the widespread shock and sadness at the sudden death of Fr. Kevin McNamara.
“He was parish priest of Glenflesk, having served previously in Killarney, Rathmore and Moyvane,” said Bishop Browne.
“Fr. Kevin was in hospital for a number of days, when this morning (Tuesday) he suddenly took ill and died. Fr Kevin was a man of huge energy and colour. We all regret his passing. Fr. Kevin rest in peace,” he added.
Fr Kevin touched the lives of many people during his time, leaving a lasting impression with his kindness and dedication to Faith.
Mairead O’Hanlon from Asdee described Fr Kevin as her ‘best friend’ during his time as Moyvane PP.
Following Fr Kevin’s posting to Glenflesk earlier this year, Mairead and her family travelled from north Kerry to Clonkeen Church every Sunday to hear Fr Kevin’s sermons.
“I would describe him as my best friend, and I’m absolutely devastated,” she said.
“We spoke on the phone two or three times every day. He was the people’s priest,” Mairead told The Kerryman.
“He reached out to everybody: the young, the elderly, the sick, the vulnerable, the marginalised, and lapsed Catholics, who for one reason or another had given up on the Church or the Church had let them down. He reached out to everybody, and he brought them back.
“He was such a holy and devout man, and his energy and enthusiasm knew no equal. His ministry was exceptional, he had a way with words,” said Mairead.
Eileen Fleming from Gneeveguilla Parish Council knew Fr Kevin personally from his time in the parish. She described Fr Kevin as having ‘a big heart and a soft heart’ when it came to dealing with people.
“He was full of life and energy. He was one of the kindest people you could have in the parish,” Eileen said.
“He was very progressive. If Fr Kevin had something in his head, he would have to do it. He was with us before he moved to Moyvane.
“I was in town when I heard the news and the whole street was talking about him, he meant a lot to all of us. He will be missed all over the Diocese of Kerry and further afield.
Fr Kevin was known all over Ireland. Whenever he went on television or radio, he made a big impact on people listening in.
“People who were in trouble or sick will never forget him. He had a big heart and a soft heart. He had a way with words that very few people had. He was a modern priest with a great appreciation for people. Fr Kevin could relate to everyone,” said Eileen.
Anna-Maria Kennelly from Moyvane also paid tribute to Fr Kevin. It is fair to say that Fr Kevin made his biggest impression while PP in Moyvane where he worked tirelessly in raising funds to renovate the Church.
“He was huge for our parish. He had a huge personality, and he was a serious doer,” said Anna-Maria.
“He transformed the churches in Moyvane and Knockanure. He did a power of work in a short space of time. He was an amazing man to make money for doing up the Churches. We had the coldest church in Ireland until Fr Kevin came. He raised money for heating, roof repairs and for painting the Church,” she said.
“Once Fr Kevin came and did what he did, we have never looked back. He went above and beyond during Covid to reach his congregation.
“Those Masses gave people a huge lift when they needed it most. They came from all over north Kerry to hear Fr Kevin’s Mass. We will miss him terribly,” said Anna-Maria.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae knew Fr Kevin personally over the years. Fr Kevin will always have a place in the hearts of members of the Healy Rae family, he said.
“I had a very close, personal relationship with him. He said my late father’s funeral Mass and he recently said his yearly mass in Kilcummin,” said Michael.
“He was a man of the community who immersed himself with his parishioners. He was a priest, a politician, an entertainer and an all-round great character.”
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December 2021
TRIBUTE from Knockanure N.S site
It was with great shock and sadness that we learned of the sudden and untimely passing of Fr. Kevin. He was without doubt a unique priest who served his people well. His energy for and enthusiasm in his ministry will forever be remembered by the people in this parish. When he joined us in Scoil Chorp Chríost, Knockanure for celebrations such as First Holy Communion, Graduation masses, Grandparents’ Day etc. he made each service personal for one and all. He had a very generous heart.
We thank you Fr Kevin for the interest and energy you gave your 40 years of priesthood. We all thought that you would have had many more. You gave 40 years of sterling service. May you now have your eternal reward in Heaven, reunited with your parents, Mary and Tom.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh d’anam uasal, cneasta
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Fr Kevin McNamara, Rest in Peace December 2021
DEATH on Tuesday 21st December 2021, of Fr. Kevin Mc Namara of Killarney, Kerry / Cooraclare, Clare. Son of the late Mary and Tom and survived by his sister Geraldine Condren, his brother-in-law Dave, niece Niamh, nephew Caimin, his extended family, neighbours, the Bishop and Priests of the Diocese of Kerry, Conferees in the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, his parishioners in Glenflesk and a wide circle of friends. Fr Kevin reposing in St. Agatha's Church, Glenflesk on Sunday 26th December 2021 from 10.00am to 12 noon and in the Church of the Assumption, Moyvane on Sunday evening from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Requiem Mass on Monday, 27th December in St. Senan's Church, Cooraclare at 2.00 pm, burial afterwards in Dromelihy Cemetery
Bishop Ray Browne expressed the shock and sadness on the death of Fr Kevin:
There is widespread shock and sadness at the sudden death of Fr. Kevin McNamara, parish priest of Glenflesk. Currently he was parish priest of Glenflesk, having served previously in Kenmare, Killarney , Rathmore and Moyvane. Fr. Kevin was in hospital for a number of days, when Tuesday morning he suddenly took ill and died. Fr Kevin was a man of huge energy and colour. We all regret his passing. Rest in peace, Fr. Kevin.
Fr Kevin was born in 1955 in Cooraclare Village in Co. Clare. He was ordained as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart in 1981. He joined the diocese of Kerry in 2004 and spent a short while in Kenmare. Killarney was his next parish in July of that year. Rathmore followed in 2012 till 2015 when he moved to Moyvane. His current parish was Glenflesk. Fr. Kevin was a gifted writer and communicator. He put great work into his parish newsletters. These can be read here.
CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS from Fr. Kevin taken from this week’s newsletter :
In all this long run up to Christmas (which started back in November) in the media, I have not once
heard the word ‘Jesus’ or ‘Faith’ or ‘Birth’ or ‘Mary’ or ‘Joseph’. No mention at all of God-made-Man.
No reason given for the presents we are to buy and give, no reason for Christmas greetings and best
wishes (The Media say Happy Holidays – rather than Happy Christmas). It is truly amazing and equally
awful. Just as we, centuries ago, took over a pagan festival of winter-time and turned it into the
Christian Christ’s Mass to celebrate His birth, so now the secular commercial industry has taken it over,
lock, stock and barrel.
So might I suggest that you, dear reader, be sure to put Christ back into
Christmas by underlying His presence in your home and in your life at this marvellous time. Whether you
are single or married, separated or divorced, whether you have a family or not, whether you are well or
not, needing to be looked after – you can be sure to have Christ with you. One way of ensuring that
Christ is in Christmas is by the use of Blessings. The word ‘Blessing’ has two distinct but related
meanings. It refers to our praise of God and to our request for His loving care for us. Some people
mistakenly think that only a Priest can give a blessing. Some blessings are reserved to Priests in special
circumstances, but all of us can praise God and ask His blessings:
So as we journey to the 25th how about blessing your home praying:
“Let us pray to God for His Blessing, Father in heaven, look upon this family in Your
love and give us the blessings of Your joy and peace. Let Your Spirit of joy fill our
hearts, so that we may be holy and happy. May our concern for others reflect your
love and bring us happiness at this time and throughout the coming year. Amen”.
Many homes have a little Crib. Why not bless it:
“Father almighty bless this Crib that we have prepared, and let it be a reminder to
us of our Lord Jesus, your Son and Son of Mary. Father we praise You through the
Babe of Bethlehem. Amen”.
Bless your Christmas Tree – all the family stand around the tree:
“All glory and praise to you heavenly Father: We thank you for sending your Son Jesus
to be our Brother. Bless us as we gather here, and bless our Christmas tree. Let its
lights remind us of Jesus who came to be the light of the world and to save us from sin.
May we give presents rejoicing in the present You gave us – Jesus Your loving Son.
Father, we love You and we praise You through Christ our Lord. Amen”
May the Christ who came for us to be made holy give you and yours a Happy Christmas.
======================
17 Dec 2021
Reflection Fr. Kevin 16 Dec 2021
In all this long run up to Christmas (which started back in November) in the media, I have not once
heard the word 'Jesus' or 'Faith' or 'Birth' or 'Mary' or 'Joseph'. No mention at all of God-made-Man.
No reason given for the presents we are to buy and give, no reason for Christmas greetings and best
wishes (The Media say Happy Holidays - rather than Happy Christmas). It is truly amazing and equally
awful. Just as we, centuries ago, took over a pagan festival of winter-time and turned it into the
Christian Christ's Mass to celebrate His birth, so now the secular commercial industry has taken it over, lock, stock and barrel. So might I suggest that you, dear reader, be the sure to put Christ back into Christmas by underlying His presence in your home and in your life at this marvellous time. Whether you are single or married, separated or divorced, whether you have a family or not, whether you are well or not, needing to be looked after - you can be sure to have Christ with you. One way of ensuring that Christ is in Christmas is by the use of Blessings. The word 'Blessing' has two distinct but related meanings. It refers to our praise of God and to our request for His loving care for us. Some people mistakenly think that only a Priest can give a blessing. Some blessings are reserved to Priests in special circumstances, but all of us can praise God and ask His blessings:
So as we journey to the 25th how about blessing your home praying:
"Let us pray to God for His Blessing, Father in heaven, look upon this family in Your love and give us the blessings of Your joy and peace. Let Your Spirit of joy fill our hearts, so that we may be holy and happy. May our concern for others reflect your love and bring us happiness at this time and throughout the coming year. Amen".
Many homes have a little Crib. Why not bless it:
"Father almighty bless this Crib that we have prepared, and let it be a reminder to us of our Lord Jesus, your Son and Son of Mary. Father we praise You through the Babe of Bethlehem. Amen".
Bless your Christmas Tree - all the family stand around the tree:
"All glory and praise to you heavenly Father: We thank you for sending your Son Jesus
to be our Brother. Bless us as we gather here, and bless our Christmas tree. Let its
lights remind us of Jesus who came to be the light of the world and to save us from sin.
May we give presents rejoicing in the present You gave us - Jesus Your loving Son.
Father, we love You and we praise You through Christ our Lord. Amen"
May the Christ who came for us to be made holy give you and yours a Happy Christmas.
THREE SHIPS FOR THIS CHRISTMAS
Christmas time is carol time. There are many lovely carols and we all have our favourites. One of mine starts with the delightful words "I saw three ships come sailing by on Christmas Day, in the morning". It makes a pretty picture and one to enkindle the imagination because there are three ships which have real significance for us at this magic season of Christmas.
One is WOR-SHIP, most definitely a Christmas ship. In his writing of the first Christmas, St. Matthew mentioned it: "and when they came into the Crib they saw the young child with Mary His mother and fell down and worshiped Him".
Another ship that comes sailing in at Christmas is FRIEND-SHIP, for this is a time when we think of our friends and send greetings to those who live at a distance and those who live near by.
The third ship is STEWARD-SHIP, a steward is one who is trusted to serve. Serving was something that Jesus who came at Christmas was most emphatic about.
May these three ships come sailing into your hearts and home this Christmas bringing their precious gifts of joy and peace.
-------------------------Extra added by me
Reflect
Science says that we need at least 4 basic elements to survive – Water, Air, Food & Light and look what the Bible tells us about Jesus –
I am the Living Water; I am the Breath of Life.
I am the Bread of Life; I am the Light of the World.
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Jacob's Prophecy
Contained in today’s First Reading from Genesis 49 is a prophecy by the patriarch Jacob. Out of his twelve sons, he predicts that from the tribe of Judah will come a great king. Jesus, the Lion of Judah, is the true King who ushers in the Kingdom of God, fulfilling Jacob's prophecy.
Pointing to Jesus
Once more, today’s Gospel stresses the importance of John the Baptist. Contrasted to Herod, John is presented as a prophet, and more than that. None greater than John, his whole life and ministry points toward Jesus. Strive to be like John, living a life that is totally directed to Jesus.
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Fr. Kevin 12 Dec 2021
THE TIME IS NOW
This is the third Sunday of Advent - Joyful Sunday. Joy is knowing and loving Jesus. It's a huge
reminder to all of us to live the now in a positive and loving way. How do we bring joy to each other.
Let's reflect on the following:
If you are ever going to love me, love me now, while I can know,
The sweet and tender feelings which from true affection flow.
Love me now while I'm living. Don't wait until I'm gone, and then have it chiselled in marble,
sweet words on ice-cold stone. If you have tender thoughts of me, please, please tell me now.
If you wait until I am sleeping, never to awaken in this life.
There will be death between us, and I won't hear you then.
So if you love me, even a little bit, let me know it while I am living, so I can treasure it.
TWO THINGS NOT TO WORRY ABOUT
In my life, I have found there are two things about which I should never worry. Firstly, I shouldn't
worry about the things I can't change. If I can't change them, worry is certainly most foolish and
useless. Secondly, I shouldn't worry about the things I can change. If I can change them, then taking
action will accomplish far more than wasting my energies on worry. Besides, it is my belief that nine
times out of ten, worrying about something does more danger than the thing itself. Give worry its
rightful place - out of your life.
WORKING TOGETHER
It takes a lot of work to make a Christmas cake, not only in the kitchen but all over the world. Just
consider the ingredients: Butter from Ireland, currants from Greece, wheat from Canada, cherries and angelica from France, sugar from the West Indies, oranges from Israel, sultanas from
Australia, spices from Ceylon, Lemons from Spain and so on. When you think of it, the whole world is working together to make your Christmas cake. Perhaps one day the whole world will work
together in the same spirit to produce the true and lasting peace that is the message and hope of Christmas.
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Reflection Fr Kevin End Nov 2021
THREE STAGES IN THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEY
Advent can be confusing. What are we about in the liturgy - in this liturgy that is supposed to symbolize
what goes on in the rest of our lives? The Lord has come yet we prepare for His coming. He is risen and
still we ready a crib for Him. We rejoice that He lives within us and we clothe ourselves in purple. Has
'the day of the Lord' dawned or hasn't it? Is Advent make-believe? Are we pretending that the Lord
Jesus has not yet come? The fact is Advent expresses in symbol and ritual three stages in the human
journey, in the Christian journey. Christ has come, Christ will come again: and Christ is here now. We
remember the first: we look to the second: we live the third. All three are part and parcel of our lives -
so all three have to find expression in our liturgy during the season of Advent. A word on each:
1. REMEMBERING:
For centuries this world of sin had walked in darkness. The darkness as not pious poetry: it was total
evil in conflict with God. Into this darkness the light shone one midnight clear, "The true light which
enlightens every person". That light was not some flickering flame, it was a person. He was named
Emmanuel, a name that means 'God is with us'.
This is what our liturgy remembers - centuries of darkness lifted by a light unparallel in history. We
remember the human family groping in the gloom of ignorance and sin, yearning for 'the day of the
Lord', but unable to make it dawn. We recall how the darkness was dissipated when the Light of the
World shone in the world He shaped. True, Jesus is no longer an infant, but He was: He no longer lives
in a manger, but he did and literally, it made all the difference in the world and so we remember it. He
did come.
2. ADVENT:
Advent not only looks back, it looks ahead. We not only recall Christ's first coming, we anticipate His
final coming. The trouble is, that end-time is wrapped in darkness-but only for seconds. When
scripture focuses on Christ's final coming the stress is not on when and how. Interesting issues of
course but not crucial. Two questions are crucial. First, whenever Christ comes, however He comes, will
you be ready? Second, how are you reading Christ's return, how are you preparing God's Kingdom?
3. TODAY - THE NOW:
Precisely there you have my third point. We not only look back on a first coming, forward to a final
coming. We are not caught between a past that is gone and a future not here. What links yesterday and
tomorrow is today. We are to live now a life that Christ's first coming made possible, and by living that
life now we prepare for His final coming. He is no longer in a Crib of straw, not yet in the clouds. But
He is here. The light shines in the darkness. Advents gives us an ideal time to let that light lead us.
MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Since Christmas comes, just once a year,
Let's make this Christmas 2021 glad,
In spite of all there is to fear with C19 still so near,
And all that makes us sad.
Let Bethlehem starlight in your heart.
Hide any sorrow there,
Give what you can to whom you can,
And every blessing share.
I am very aware that many are still anxious about attending Churches at this time and
that is understandable. However, it is hoped we will have a Parish radio link from some
of our Churches this Christmas which will enable you to get Masses in your cars & homes.
Special Christmas lights will be erected in front of all three Churches which can give
us an opportunity to have time of reflection & prayer. Happy Advent.
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Reflection Fr. Kevin of Glenflesk.
MARIE'S HAND MADE CHRISTMAS CARDS - A HUGE HIT
What a very thoughtful gift to enrich us with Handmade Christmas Cards!
Marie O'Sullivan, Moyvane wanted to support our Sandy Kelly Concert for our Churches Renovation Fund. Unable to come to the concert Marie went to plan B and decided to give close on 50 handmade Christmas cards. The cards raised €205.00. Very many thanks or your generous support, but above all to Marie for her lovely cards and her delightful gesture towards our Restoration Fund.
Blessings on Dan & yourself Marie for a very happy and safe Christmas.
WELCOME DECEMBER
December can seem a rather bleak month at the start, with its cold winds, short days and frequently black skies. But then a wonderful change takes place and we begin to notice things we didn't see before. There are bright scarlet berries where we once thought the twigs were barren. There are amazing, intricate lace patterns on the frosty boughs. There are smiles on neighbours' faces and later perhaps the unexpected arrival of a Christmas card from a long-lost friend. Suddenly, we feel better. It is as if the light of Christmas helps us to see more clearly. When candles are lit and carols are sung, we cannot help but feel our hearts warmed up by love. Isn't it true, that the joyful sight of the new baby in the manger can rekindle hope for the future.
"GIVE - WITH NO CONDITIONS"
Many moons ago, I had the lovely experience of giving a Parish Mission in Los Angeles in sunny Calfornia. I really enjoyed every minute of it. After a weeks Mission in Shermon Oaks a 33 year-old local taxidriver, whose shoulder-length hair was tied in a ponytail, which distracted some parishioners, came to me after Mass. The Parishioners had a total dislike for him which resulted in he never, never getting an opportunity of doing anything in the Church. He told me that from day one of the Mission he prayed to Jesus for guidance on how to help the forgotten people of the streets who exist in life's shadows. "Fr. Kevin you are not going to believe what Jesus said to me?" He said, "Make eight pounds of spaghetti, throw it in a pot, give it in at the Church Hall with no conditions, and people will come". I had a few seconds to respond. Dismiss or encourage! "Go ahead and do it, and I'm around for another few weeks - I'll help you, and encourage parishioners to respond", I said. He went ahead, and it was a terrific success. Before I left for Ireland at the end of that summer this food outlet was helping so many but was also creating a beautiful Christian atmosphere in the Parish. People looked no longer at his ponytail, but at his very generous heart. I think this taxi-driver with the ponytail can bring light into our Advent Season. He prayed to Jesus. He felt Jesus listen to him, but more importantly the taxi-driver listened to Jesus. He shared the simple gift Jesus asked of him - "Give with no conditions". These Advent days - can you give of yourself to one dark soul without conditions. By lighting one candle in the darkness you are letting Jesus dawn. May the light and love of Jesus guide and protect us as we begin week two of Advent. Blessings on your Advent journey.
AN ADVENT EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE
• What precisely are the areas of darkness within me?
• What keeps me for lighting up with the grace that is there?
• Does the presence of Jesus radiate in me and shine forth in my daily living?
• If not why not?
REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
When the famous film director, Franco Zeffirelli, made his film about Jesus, he assembled a cast which included many of the greatest actors and actresses of the time. Some wondered how they would get on working together on a film set. After all, each one was used to being 'THE STAR' of the film.
Zeffirelli, however, had a message for them. "In this film", he said, "there will be only one star - The Star of Bethlehem" Each Christmas we remember the Bethlehem Star as the one that leads us to the real meaning of Christmas. May the light of Jesus guide you this week.
JUST FOR TODAY
Just for today, with willing heart,
I'll do my best to play my part,
Try not to grumble or to boast,
Get on with things that I hate most,
Just for today and all day long,
I will try to put right what is wrong,
Why just today? With added Zest,
I'll try each day to do my best.
19 Nov 2021
From Kevin McNamara.
I would also like to extend my prayerful sympathy to the Sheedy family,
Cooraclare on the death of their brother Fr. Micko, former Parish Priest of Kilrush. Fr. Micko left
beautiful memories of his very fruitful time in his Ministry in Kilrush and he was also a great inspiration
to me starting on my vocation and subsequently was a terrific encouragement and blessing to me in my
Priesthood with sound advice. Mass for the happy repose of his soul will be in Clonkeen on Sunday 28th.
May Donie & Fr. Micko rest in peace.
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OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY 2022 WITH OUR OWN FR. DAN
Native son Fr. Dan O'Riordan will be the spiritual director for this pilgrimage. It takes place from 7th to 13th August and will include category 1 Passion Play tickets. Flights from Dublin direct to Munich. For details contact Premier Travel on 021 4277700 or email norardy@premiertravel.ie .
From Fr Kevin a thought
LIFE IS ABOUT.........!
I would like to share with you these wise words seen on the Notice Board of a little village Church back in my native West Clare.
Life is about who you love and who you hurt.
It's about who you make happy or unhappy.
It's about keeping, not betraying trust.
It's about friendship.
It's about what you say and mean.
It's about stopping jealousy, fear, ignorance and revenge.
But most of all, it's about using your life to touch another person's heart in such a way that could never have occurred alone. The very best of life to you on the lovely Feast of Christ our Universal King.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, UNIVERSAL KING
While many people drift through life without ever deciding what they really want, some people are prepared to pay a huge price for what they believe to be worthwhile. You all are only too well aware of the huge effort and discipline the Kerry players put in to bring Sam back to the County each and every year. Often, people slave for years to achieve sporting or political success. Money can be a great motivator as people toil daily in acquiring more and more and all to little purpose. In every generation, heroines and heroes spend their lives in the service of others and of God, believing this to be the road to deepest satisfaction and achievement. In each case the person chooses a goal and is ready to make the necessary sacrifices to reach it. Christ was such a person. He chose to obey the Fathers will completely, to gather together a people committed to justice, love and peace. His calling was to be a servant and leader of His people, to be their King. An essential element of this service was truth. Truth disturbs comfortable people and comforts the disturbed. The truth Christ announced was that each individual person is equally and uniquely precious before God. So among God's people none may be disrespected, discarded, demeaned or exploited because of their limitations, their failures or their weaknesses. Rather the weak, the old, the poor must be especially treasured. Each one's talent is for the benefit of all. (Something worth noting with regard to attitudes to the vaccine and opposition to it). This truth is not easily heeded. Selfishness filters perception. Our Gospel this weekend points out that it was to preach this truth that Christ came into our world and that it is our delightful privilege to hear His voice and follow Christ as King.
THE PERFECT CHURCH
If you should find the perfect Church.
Without one fault or smear.
For goodness's sake don't join that Church You spoil the atmosphere.
If you should find the perfect Church, Where all anxiety cease. Then pass it by lest joining it You spoil the masterpiece.
If you should find the perfect Church, Then don't you ever dare.
To tread upon Holy ground.
You'd be a misfit there!
But since no perfect Church exists.
Made of imperfect folk.
Then let's cease looking for that perfect Church.
And love the Church we are in.
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From Kerryman
Kerryman- Jack Butler
November 05 2021 07:00 AM
Glenflesk Parish took over the Gleneagle last Monday as a concert was organised as a fundraising venture.
The ‘Concert for Freedom’ saw country star Sandy Kelly take to the stage, along with special guests Gerry Guthrie and Lorraine McDonald. MC on the night was former Ireland soccer manager Eoin Hand.
Organiser Fr Kevin McNamara said, “We approached it nervously, but our fears were unfounded, we had a superb night with a great atmosphere. We called it the Concert for Freedom because, for so many people, it was their first gig in 24 months, but it just felt so beautiful to be present, so we were blessed.
“We were very lucky that our Sandy, Gerry and Lorraine brought a top-class concert, there was a huge mixture of old and new songs, and the audience joined in very much with the singing. Overall it was a wonderful atmosphere.”
This is Kerry Newsletter
The funds raised will be put towards the maintenance of the three Churches in Glenflesk Parish, in particular the Sacred Heart Church in Barraduff.
“The roof is causing a lot of difficulty and anxiety in the Church in Barraduff, but we’re including the three Churches. It was a starting point to raise funds, and there’s been a huge uptake. We don’t have our final tally but we’re definitely over €8,000, if not more,” he said.
As well as raising funds, the experience was also a learning curve for all involved.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from COVID it’s that a ship is always safe in a harbour, but that’s not what ships are for. We could have cancelled it, but I was very conscious of people who were looking forward to their first live music event in nearly two years. We were reassured by the Gleneagle, I took their advice on board, and I decided we should sail out,” Fr Kevin explained.
“It gave a great lift to the parish, and it was lovely to see people on the night so it was a win/win situation; I’m so delighted that it went off so well and that it will benefit the parish.”
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/news/glenflesk-takeover-of-the-gleneagle-41006747.html
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Fr. Kevin Reflection Nov 11 2021
POPE'S MONTHLY INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER: Universal : We pray that people who suffer from
depression or burnout, will find support and delight that opens up to life.
WORLD DAY OF THE POOR: Today, November 14th is World Day of the Poor. We are asked to pray
for those less fortunate than ourselves who live in very difficult circumstances. It is a reminder to us
to be grateful for the many blessings we take for granted and for the part of the world we live in.
We are all brothers and sisters in the Lord and are asked to have a sensitive eye in helping the poor.
"EAT THE FISH - LEAVE THE BONES!"
Do you ever have difficulty in understanding the Bible? I suppose that most of us, if we are honest with
ourselves, would have to admit that there are some parts we find hard to comprehend or accept. A
lovely lady with just such problems once found herself at a dinner sitting next to Dr. Joseph Parker, an
outstanding preacher of the 19th Century. So she aired her difficulties with hm. They happened to be
eating fish at the time and Dr. Joseph asked her "What do you do with the bones in your fish?" "Why, I
leave them on the edge of the plate!" was the surprised reply. "Well, do the same with the Bible", said
Dr. Joseph. "Eat the fish, and leave the bones!".
Chatting with a Parishioner over a pint during the week, he asked me, "How are the numbers at Masses
these days?" "Reasonably good", I said. "Can there be full attendance now", he enquired, sipping his
pint. "Yes", I joyfully replied. "We haven't been since C19 arrived. We started having a walk on Sunday
morning rather than Mass. Fr. we are not anti-Mass it's just the walks took over and have become a
normal Sunday event". A very good Parishioner, a man that is very Christian, but still away from Sunday
Mass! "Eat the fish" - return to Mass. "Leave the bones" don't be fearful - welcome back!
GOSPEL OF SMILES
Have you ever tried the Gospel of Smiles? A smile is a sunbeam of the soul which lights up the eye and
transfigures the face. It might be easier to frown, but frowns give no light or joy. A smile can scatter
gloom and silver line a cloud. It costs little, but counts for such a lot. In fact, someone has remarked,
"A smile costs less than electricity - and gives more light". Now, isn't that something to smile about?
ANXIOUS TIMES
We live in anxious times, many are anxious about the virus and variants,
climate change and aging in a rapidly changing society. Sharing our
anxieties with loved ones in family or among trusted friends can help us to
cope, but with the changing circumstances of mobile relationships, who can
we depend on to throw us a life line when the chips are down?
Jesus lived in anxious times too. The local people of His time had barely
enough food to live on. They were oppressed by a harsh foreign army of
Roman Soldiers, preparing to destroy Jerusalem with its beautiful Temple, the focus and symbol of the
peoples' hope in their loving God. As well as sharing these anxieties, Jesus foresaw His own impending
suffering and crucifixion, engineered by the local religious leaders and facilitated by the Roman forces
of occupation. All of these hope-sapping forebodings are intertwined in the words of Jesus in the
complex tapestry of this Sunday's Gospel. What sustained Jesus through it all? The Father's love was
His sustaining life-line. His constant awareness of this loving presence gave Him the courage and ability
to accept what came into His daily living. It helped Him to be faithful to the task that He had been sent
to do. That Father's love is available to you and I as well, especially in our most vulnerable and anxious
moments. Attending Mass is a great place to become aware of the Father's love for us.
A PRAYER FOR WORLD DAY OF THE POOR
God of the poor, God who is with us, always: Inspire in us your spirit of fraternity, that, like Jesus, we
might offer ourselves to the poor, sharing their burden with them. May we recognize the poor as a
Sacrament of your Son and say with all truth: “We too are poor.” In so doing, may we understand more
deeply to whom we must turn should we want to know Jesus, should we want to touch him with our hands.
As we work together toward mutual sharing, may the necessary foundations for achieving justice be laid
deep in our hearts, and may we act in your name, always. Amen
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Fr Kevin Reflection 4 Nov 2021
RESPECTFUL KINDNESS
In this weekend's scripture reading, two unnamed women steal the
limelight through their fabulous generosity. One befriends a stranger
seeking asylum in her hometown. She shares with him what she thought
would be her last meal rather than ostracising him in direct provision.
She risked starvation for herself and her son by sharing her meagre
food resources. Following her God given instinct to care for each other
she somehow trusted the same loving God to provide for the three of
them. Her fabulous generosity saved all three lives. Centuries later, her
lovely kindness is an example for all of us.
The second woman's total wealth was two small coins. Ignoring the cagey convention of her time and
culture, she quietly slipped both coins into the treasury, (collection basket) rather than retaining one of them as a spare rainy-day reserve. Deep within her, she somehow realised that there is
more to life security than money. Jesus sitting nearby, noticed her fabulous generosity and turning to His Disciples, He contrasted her action with the ostentatious religious posturing of the
local scribes in their long-tasselled robes. A challenge to hypocrisy and inspiring example to each and every one of us.
Since the arrival of C19 in our country we all have experienced heroically dedicated women and men
sacrificing themselves, their love, time and comfort to care for us and protect us, and to heal our
vulnerable sick, even risking their lives in the process. We really admire them, thank them and ask
Jesus to abundantly bless, protect and reward their competence and their respectful kindness.
Kindness is the daily expression of the loving presence of Jesus among us. Kindness is the embryo of
trust and trust is the seedbed for growth in harmony and peace. Kindness is the two-way avenue to
forgiving and restoring trust. Kindness, no matter how small always bears fruit and retards the growth of violence. Can I ask you - what coins will Jesus see you and me put into the treasury of
kindness and love today? May we be blessed in bringing kindness and love into everyday living.
STUGGLING TO UNDERSTAND SUICIDE
A great friend of mine in Liverpool attended the funeral of a man who had taken his own life. At the
end of the funeral Mass the man's brother spoke to the congregation. Here, in effect, are his words:
"When someone is stricken with cancer, one of three things can happen. Sometimes Doctors can treat the disease and, in essence, cure it. Sometimes the medial professionals cannot cure the disease
for the rest of his or her life. All the medicine and treatments in the world are powerless and the person dies.
Certain kinds of emotional depression work the same way. Sometimes they can be treated so that, in
effect, the person is cured. Sometimes they cannot ever really be cured, they can be treated in such a way that the person can live with the disease for his or her whole life. Sometimes, just as
with certain kinds of cancer, the disease is untreatable, unstoppable, no intervention by anyone or anything can halt its advance. Eventually it kills the person and there is nothing anyone can
do. My brother's depression was of the terminal kind".
This I believe can be helpful to us these November days when we take time to pray to and for our
faithful departed, no matter how they died. I believe, for any of us who have suffered the loss of a
loved one to suicide can be helped by the above words. All death unsettles us, but suicide leaves us with a very particular series of emotional, moral and religious scars. It brings with it an
ache, a chaos, a darkness and a stigma that has to be experienced to be believed. Sometimes we deny it, but it is always there. Death by suicide is the emotional equivalent of cancer, a
stroke
or heart attack. Death can happen suddenly or it can be the end product
of a long struggle that slowly wears a person down. Our November
Masses for The Holy Souls can heal and help us in coping with the death
of our loved ones regardless of how they died. You are most welcome to
all these Masses. A reminder of our Remembrance Mass on November
18th, 2021 in Glenflesk at 7.30pm, for all who died during the past year in our
Parish and beyond. All welcome.
Nov 2021
Fr Kevin reflection
LEAVE IT TO JESUS
Do we ever think of, or pray, the humble prayer of the tax collector, as he stood inside the door of the
Church? "Lord, be merciful to me a sinner". This prayer should be constantly on our lips and in our
heart. Here in Ireland, we are living in an age where the characters of people are no longer private
during their time on earth or when they are deceased. At least in times past, any good deeds were
reserved for a topic of conversation during the days of mourning. I always find it so consoling that it is
to Jesus that we all give an account of ourselves. It is so reassuring that it is Jesus who will judge us,
because His powerful message calls the proud to repent and assures those who despair of new hope.
Speaking ill of people, I am drawn to a quotation from Thomas A Kempis. This gives me food for thought
and I hope it does the same for you. "You are not the better because you are praised or the worse
because you are blamed, for as you are, you are, and whatever is said to you, you are not better
than almighty God, the searcher of your heart will testify who you are".
Happy the people the Lord has chosen as His very own. It is to God therefore that each one of us gives
an account of ourselves. Thank God that it is our Brother Jesus who is our Judge.
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Reflection Fr. Kevin October 2021
BEGIN AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!
'Though we live in a world that dreams of ending
That always seems about to give in
Something that will not acknowledge conclusion
Insists that we forever begin' Brendan Kennelly (1936 - 2021)
Magic words from Brendan Kennelly's poem, Begin. God rest Brendan, he was called home at the
weekend. What a golden legacy he has left to us through his teaching, stories and poetry. May his
infectious smile be radiant in the presence of Jesus, whom he loved dearly while a pilgrim on this earth. At some time or other, most people have longed for a second chance to make good a
regretted mistake. It may be a harsh word spoken in panic, the lie protecting pride, the infinitely in a moment of passion, the worthless item stolen in haste, the vicious blow struck in a fit of
anger, the drunken driving
escapade in a moment of bravado. Whatever the error, the plea is the same. The longing for a new
beginning without the burden of past failure. It is like the plea of Bartimaeus in this weekend's Gospel whose heartfelt cry to the Lord 'Let me see again", has echoed down the centuries.
Whether
Bartimaeus' loss was through illness or negligence, the pain was the same, he longed to see again. Guilt is a blindness that darkens many a life, it turns us in on our limited self, rather that
outwards to others and to God. It prevents us seeing God's all embracing forgiveness. It even binds us to the new
beginning our loved one maybe offering us. The antidote to guilt is hope. Without trust there can be no hope. To build trust is our greatest achievement, to enable another to trust enough again,
to be loved and to love is to be a co-creator of happiness with Jesus. It is to heal the darkness of all despair, the darkness of all blindness. Jesus help each of us to see each other as You see
us and to see You as You really are. Give us the strength at all times to forever begin again and again and again
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Fr Kevin Glenfleak Reflection
ON HIS TEAM
If you are unlucky enough in your childhood to be one of those children who was always picked last, you will surely know the pain of being passed over, of not been chosen. You stood on tip-toe as
the Captain looked over your shoulder to choose those who were bigger, stronger, faster. How refreshing that Jesus has chosen us since before the world was made! He picked us for His team, not
because of what we can do, but rather because of who we are. He has chosen us to be Saints and while that might seem like a tall order, it simply means giving God and the things of God, first
place in our lives. Being part of the team is enough; Jesus' grace will always build on our nature. So let us all play our part in God's team - living each day as God wishes us to do.
OLD CHURCH, NEW CHURCH.....
With welcoming weekend fast approaching - 30th & 31st October - extending a welcome to those joining us for the first time since Covid arrived, I have taken a few words from the old Catholic
Dictonary.
Ø AMEN: The only part of a prayer everyone knows.
Ø NEWSLETTER: Receipt for attending Mass.
Ø HOLY WATER: Liquid with chemical formula HOLY.
Ø INCENCE: Holy smoke.
Ø PEW: Medieval torture - device still found in Church.
LOVING SERVICE RATHER THAN POWER
They say that behind every successful man there is an ambitious woman. Often it is the wife but
sometimes it is the mother. In the case of James & John, it was the mother. She wanted her sons to
be Taoiseach and Tánaiste when Jesus became King. One time she asked Jesus herself for the jobs for her boys. This weekend the brothers are doing the asking themselves. They wanted the power and
the glory as a path to greatness. The path that Jesus takes is quite different. It is through service and suffering He came to serve others, especially those who needed Him most, the poor, the
sick, the marginalized. His sufferings were for others. Though innocent Himself, He carried our sinfulness. It is worth noting that the two readings before our Gospel this weekend are also used
on Good Friday, a beautiful reminder how much Jesus loves each and every one of us.
MISSION SUNDAY NEXT WEEKEND 24th
OVERSEAS MISSIONARIES ARE IN CRISIS
In many of the poorer Parishes in Africia, Asia and Latin America, Missionaries are
on the frontline continually. They are walking hand in hand in local communities long
before any emergency. Many of these Missionaries serve in remote regions where
conflict, violence, extreme poverty, malnutrition and diseases are sadly facts of
life. Please if you are in a position to help you can do so by placing an offering in an
ordinary envelope or in the envelopes available at the back of the Churches which
can placed in the second collection at all Masses next weekend. Your prayers and
financial support are vital to all who work in the Missions. You can also offer your
support by calling Mission Ireland on 01 4972035 or online at www.missio.ie. It is
worth noting that our Missionaries have been hit extremely hard financially during
Covid so I encourage you as families to have a little discussion as to what financial
support you can give at this very difficult time.
======================
Fr Kevin reflection;
THE EMBRACE OF THE PRODIGAL DAD IS A JOY TO ENCOUNTER!
Our Society today struggles very much with heart to heart communication. We all struggle to find
someone before whom we can open our hearts, be completely transparent, pour out our confusion and
freely admit our sin. Inside our search for a soulmate is the search for a confessor. But a good
confessor isn't easily found. Colm Tobin in his novel 'Brooklyn' gives one of the reasons why: His main
character, Eilis, a young woman from Dublin moves to the States and falls in love with a man named Tony.
But several months into the relationship Eilis has to return to Ireland because her sister, Rose, has died.
Tony insecure and fearing that Eilis will not return talks her into marrying him civilly before she leaves.
Back in Dublin, living with her mother, mourning her sister and having to delay her return to New York
because of a friend's wedding Eilis is pursued by a young man, Jim Farrell. She goes on a number of
dates with him without telling him about her American husband. But Eilis is haunted by her lack of
disclosure and agonises about what to do. What she would most love to do is to share her secret with
him, point out her confusion, made him her confessor and have him help her sort this out, but his
innocence makes her hesitate. As Tobin puts it: "Could she possibly tell him what she had done such a
short while earlier in Brooklyn?" The only divorced people anyone in her town knew was Elizabeth Taylor
and a few more film stars. It might be possible to explain to Jim how she had come to be married, but
he was someone who had never lived outside the town. His innocence and his politeness, both of which
made him nice to be with, would actually be she thought, limitations, especially if something as unheard
of and out of the question as far from his experience of divorce, was raised. The best thing to do she
thought was to put the whole thing out of her mind. There is a stream of popular thought supporting
Eilis's stance of simply putting the whole thing out of one's mind. Our old Catechisms taught that when
Adam and Eve ate the apple their minds were darkened. Popular thought today emphasis that their eyes
were opened, that experience, licit or not, is what widens the mind.
UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE
In this situation we are looking for someone whose understanding and acceptance will take us to another
place beyond our confusion and weakness. Deep down we know that our sin will not be healed by someone
else's sin, but that it needs to meet instead something more innocent, more like Jesus, like the loving
embrace of the 'Prodigal Dad', who loved his son where he was at, not where he wanted him to be. Not
every kind of innocence meets the test. Eilis's unwillingness to reveal her struggles before Jim
Farrell's innocence might indeed have been a wise decision. There is an innocence that, because it is
deliberately blind at certain point, is unhealthily immune to complexity. But there is an innocence too
and that is the kind we unconsciously seek out, that does meet the test. A young seminarian struggling
with sexual issues once wrote to St. Therese of Lisieux seeking her advice. He hinted at his issues but
told her: "If I shared with you what I am really struggling with, I fear that you would be horribly
shocked and scandalised and would not write back to me!" The Cure of Ards was a Priest of stunning
simplicity and utter innocence. Yet he was the most sought after confessor of his time. We long for
such a confessor, someone before whom we can feely pour out complexity and who does not judge or
criticise us but helps us to begin again. We will be better for having a confessor in our lives. The
embrace of the Prodigal Dad is most definitely a joy to encounter.
PREPARING FOR THE SYNODAL JOURNEY
This is a message from Bishop Browne:
On Sunday 17th October all the Dioceses in Ireland begin the Synodal Pathway -which Pope Francis has
asked for worldwide. Pope Francis speaks of ‘Synod’ as ‘journeying together’, truly ‘listening to each
other’ and ‘together identifying the path along which Christ is leading us’. Bishop Browne invites you to
join him for a liturgy of prayer in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney at 3pm on Sunday 17th October to
commence our journey. Come to the Cathedral or join by streaming via the cathedral website.
Pope Francis has chosen the theme “Communion, Participation and Mission”.
SANDY KELLY & GUESTS
Tickets are going quite well and are available at all Masses this weekend and at local outlets as well.
I particularly wish to thank those who have made generous donations towards the fund so far.
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Fr. Kevin Newsletter Glenflesk 3 Oct 2021; SUNDAY – DAY FOR LIFE: Sunday 3rd October on the theme ‘The Good Samaritan: A Model of Compassion’. In the context of the recent proposal to introduce assisted suicide, both in Ireland and the UK, this year's Day for Life message invites Catholics to consider a more positive and compassionate response to the care of people who are in the final stages of life.
WRONG CONCLUSION
When I worked in England many years ago, I was driving in the Parish I worked in, when a brick flew across the bonnet of my car and left a mark on it. The brakes were slammed, gears were pounded into reverse and tyres madly spun the car back to the spot where the brick was thrown. I ran from the car and caught the young boy who had thrown the brick. I shouted at the boy as I pushed him up against a parked car. "Why did you throw the brick? You have damaged my car. It will cost your parents money to repair it." "Please.....please...., Fr. I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to do", pleaded the boy. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop". Tears were dripping down the boy's chin as he pointed around the car park. "It's my brother Fr," he said. "He fell out of the wheelchair and I can't lift him up". Sobbing the boy asked me, "Would you help me in getting my brother back into the wheelchair?" I changed my tune about the brick and the little damage it had done. I was close to tears as I helped the young boy back to his wheelchair. It was a long walk back to my shinning car - a long and slow walk. I never got the dent and scratch out of the bonnet of my car. It reminded me every so often that one could jump to the wrong conclusion. That little boy needed to throw a brick to get attention. Maybe my experience is a strong reminder to all of us not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at us to get our attention. Don't be quick too jump to the wrong conclusion!
TOP AWARD
Henry David Thoreau was an American writer who wanted nothing more than to live quietly in the country. He sought no fame or awards for his writing. Once, when he was working in his garden, a sparrow perched on his shoulder. He said no badge or epaulette of rank could have made him more proud than he felt at the moment. Appreciate nature in all its beauty. It gives all of us great blessings.
NOW THAT'S MOTIVATION
There was a very rich Texan who threw a big party for his daughter. Now he was an extremely rich Texan with tens of thousands of acres of land, thousands of cattle, hundreds of producing oil wells, a large 29 room mansion with a swimming pool and a beautiful young daughter. For this party, he invited all the eligible young men he knew to meet his daughter. After the party had been going on for some time he called everyone to the pool for an announcement. He lined up all the young men at one end of the Olympic sized pool which he had filled with snakes and alligators and he said, "To the first one who jumps into the pool and swims to the other end, I will give the choice of one million dollars, one thousand acres of choice land or the hand of my daughter in marriage. No sooner were the words out of the Texan's mouth, when there was a splash at the far end and a streak through the pool. A young man emerged setting what must have been an Olympic record. The Texan approached the young man and asked if he wanted the million dollars. The man gasping said "No, thank you", then he asked if he wanted the thousand acres of his best land. Again the young man gasped and said "No, thank you". Well then the Texan said, "you must want the hand of my lovely daughter in marriage?". "No, thank you", replied the young man. "Well then, young man, what is it that you want?". "What I want Sir, is the name of the person who pushed me into the pool!".
Currently, in our Parish we are creating some motivation for our Concert in the INEC. We all have a contribution to make. So far, so good there seems to be great excitement about the Concert. Donations to offset the expenses incurred with running the concert brought in €350 last week. Boxes are in place at the Churches this weekend for any contributions that you can make. Stewards this weekend will have tickets, €30 or you can book directly through INEC Ticketmaster on this link:
https://www.ticketmaster.ie/parish-of-glenflesk-presents-sandy-kelly-guests-co-kerry-25-102021/event/18005B37ACDA409C
As with the young man in the above story, it is important that all of us look at the potential around us. Act rather than react! As well as the Concert, we are still in the process of finalising our new Pastoral Council. Thanks to all who are engaging with me in this process. Let's keep the momentum going!
IN OCTOBER WE REMEMBER
We encourage you to pray the Rosary and meditate on the decades in your home. We are also asked to pray for Missionaries working at home and abroad. Mission Sunday on 24th Oct.
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24 9 2021
OUR TWO POTENTIALS from Fr Kevin
How many times I have felt myself glow when others recognised or praised me and how many times I have been plunged into gloom when others ignored or criticised me. Acclaim affects me like a wedding feast. Criticism affects me like a bereavement. But there are some who have a steady flame shining from deep inside them. This is not extinguished when others ignore them for it is not dependant on what others think of them; it is what they think of themselves with a quiet certainty.
We all have two potentialities within us - to be like a swine or a saint. But we help people more by giving them a favourable image of themselves than by constantly harping on their faults.
Each individual normally strives to be true to their best potential. Saints hold up a mirror before us. In this mirror we get a favourable image of ourselves, we see what we are capable of. All we need is the will to imitate them.
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Fr Kevin 17 9 2021
THE PRIEST.....
As all of you are trying to figure me out, and as I am doing the same trying to figure you out, maybe the following is worthy of reflection. All Priests are different!
If a Priest preaches over 10 minutes, he's long winded. If his sermon is short, he didn't prepare it.
If the Parish funds are high, he's a businessman, if he mentions money, he's money mad.
If he visits the parishioners he's nosy, if he doesn't he's snobbish.
If he has concerts, he's bleeding the parishioners, if he doesn't there's no life in the Parish.
If he takes time in confession to help sinners, he takes too long, if he doesn't, he doesn't care.
If he celebrates the Liturgy in a quiet voice, he's a bore, if he puts feeling into it, he's an actor.
If he starts Mass on time, his watch is fast, if he's late, he's holding up the people.
If he tries to lead the people in music, he's showing off, if he doesn't he doesn't care what Mass is like.
If he decorates the Church, he's wasting money. If he doesn't he's letting it run down.
If he's young, he's not experienced, if he's old he ought to retire.
If he dies there was nobody like him and there will never be his equal again.
'WHO I AM MAKES A DIFFERENCE'
The last week in Lixnaw was exceptionally traumatic and painful for families and the wider community as they come to terms with such horrific and shocking deaths. Our prayerful support rather than loads of questions is what we continually need to bring to this painful and sad situation.
Many years ago in New York a lovely teacher decided to show a special appreciation for each person in her class. She decided the best way to do this was to tell them one by one the difference they each made. She called each student to the front of the class, one at a time. First she told them how the student made a difference to her and the whole class. Then she presented each of them with a blue ribbon imprinted with gold letters which read, 'Who I am makes a difference'. Afterwards, the teacher decided to do a class project to see what kind of impact 'recognition' would have on the community. She gave each student three more ribbons and instructed them to go out and spread this acknowledgement ceremony. Then they were to follow up on the results, see who honoured whom and report back to the class in two weeks.
One of the students went to his local bank and honoured a person who worked there for helping him when he was in the bank on work experience. He gave him a blue ribbon and put it on his shirt. Then he gave him two extra ribbons and said, "We are doing a class project on recognition and said we'd like you to go out, find someone to honour, give them a blue ribbon, then give them the extra blue ribbon so they can acknowledge a third person to keep the acknowledgement ceremony going. Then report back to me and tell me what happened". Later that day this person in the Bank went to his manager who had been noted as being a very grouchy fellow. He sat his boss down and he told him that he deeply admired him for being a creative genius. The boss was surprised and shocked. The junior bank clerk asked him if he would accept the gift of the blue ribbon and would he give him permission to put it on him. His surprised boss said, "Absolutely, I would be honoured and delighted".
WOULD YOU DO ME A FAVOUR?
The junior clerk took the blue ribbon and placed it right on his boss's jacket above his heart. As he gave him the last extra ribbon, he said "Would you do me a favour? Would you take this extra ribbon and pass it on by honouring someone else?" That night the boss came home to his family. He sat his fourteen year old son down in the sitting room. He said "The most incredible thing happened to me today, I was in my office and one of the junior clerks came in and told me that he admired me and gave me a blue ribbon for being a creative genius. Imagine he thinks I'm a creative genius. Then he put this blue ribbon that says 'Who I am makes a difference' on my jacket above my heart. He then gave me an extra ribbon and asked me to find someone else to honour. So driving home this evening I started to think about whom I would honour with the ribbon and my heart rushed to you. I know that sometimes I give out about your school results and about your room and your attitude sometimes annoys me but somehow this evening I just wanted to sit here and let you know that you do make a difference. You make a huge difference to me and to all the family. Besides your Mum, you are the most important person in my life, you are a great son and I love you!"
The son started crying and couldn't stop. His whole body shook. He looked up at his loving Dad and said through the tears "I was planning to end it all in the morning Dad because I didn't think you loved me, now I don't need to".
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Fr Kevin Glenflesk 10 Sept 2021
FINAL SAY: Has the Priest's curse gone away? Mayo or Tyrone who will bring Sam Maguire home? A great day, please God for the GAA nationwide. Locally, we are very proud of the Glenflesk Minor team who contested the Division 1 County League Final. We wish them every success now as they regroup for the District County Championship. Well done on excellent progress. Glenflesk Abú.
THANK GOD FOR ALTERNATIVES
If Covid time has thought me anything, it's good to look at the alternatives. And thank God I had the patience, time and enthusiasm to allow them be part of my Priesthood. Thank God for alternatives. If the 'Paps' seems too big today, then climb a hill instead. If the morning brings you sadness, it's OK to stay in bed. If the day ahead seems heavy and your plans feels like a curse, there is no shame in rearranging, don't make yourself feel worse. If a shower stings like needles and a bath feels like you'll drown, and you haven't washed your hair for days - don't throw away your crown. A day is not a lifetime, a rest is not defeat, don't think of it as failure - just a quiet rest, kind retreat. It's OK to take a moment from an anxious fractured mind, the world will not stop turning while you get realigned. The 'Paps' will still be there when you want to try again. You can climb it in your own time, just love yourself till then.
VIGIL AND SUNDAY MASSES
It would of course, be ideal if we all went to Saturday Vigil or Sunday Mass because we wanted to and not because we had to. Alas, human nature, being frail and weak, needs simple rules as a framework for life. With time we come to appreciate the value of those rules and wish to keep them. Our Bishops in contemplating the matter of whether to restore Vigil/ Sunday obligation, should recognise our weakness, rather than relying on good intentions. To keep the Sabbath holy is a commandment, not a recommendation. It's my view if the obligation was reinstated, we could have more at weekend Masses.
"IN-BETWEEN COMMUNIONS"
Great news - our Parish Holy Communions will be celebrated on Saturday 18th in Sacred Heart Church, Barraduff at 10.30am. Eighteen young parishioners will receive Jesus in Holy Communion for the first time. I am really looking forward to my first celebration with the children, their families and with their teachers who have been fantastic in preparing them for their special day especially during these restrictive times.
A little girl, a little boy wait for their first Holy Communion. There have been big events in their young lives before, birthdays, Santa Claus - the Priest moves near. They close their eyes, steady their tongues. They feel the gentle pressure of the host, Jesus is with them. An old woman waits on her deathbed for her last Holy Communion, There have been big events in her life, her wedding, her first child, the first time they called her 'Nannie'. Now with her last Holy Communion comes the summit of her life, the Priest moves nearer. She closes her eyes as she did in childhood, raises her head painfully from the pillow and lovingly welcomes her Saviour. Jesus is with her now, as she will be with Him, for all eternity.
The first Holy Communion is always a fervent one, so is the last. We bring to the last the awful clarity that age brings to life. Maybe today we should think about the 'in-between' Communions. The 'routine' trips to and from the altar. The missed opportunities. Communions missed through indifference. The 'doubt-filled' Communions: wondering if we really believed that Jesus is present in the host, then wondering if people would recognise if Jesus was present in us afterwards. We rightly respect and honour the last words and actions of someone we love, yet pay scant heed to the last words of Jesus at the Last Supper. Can we truly honour Him by turning up in Church for Vigil or Sunday Mass, while treating others - families, spouse, workmates as being less than Corpus Christi - the Body of Christ? Blessing our Class of 2021 Holy Communicants - Barraduff 8, Knockanes 6 and Glenflesk 4. You have our prayers and best wishes in having a long and beautiful relationship with Jesus in Holy Communion all through your lives. Please God the weather will be beautiful on the 18th.
SANITISING OF OUR THREE CHURCHES
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteer parishioners (stewards) who have been so dedicated and reliable in sanitising all three Churches continually for the past fifteen months. With more restrictions being lifted, there is an onus on all of us to take more personal responsibility in using the hand sanitiser and the wipes which are generously provided at the entrance of all our Churches.
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NOT BETWEEN YOU AND THEM People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centred. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten by them tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the best that you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it was never between you and them anyway.
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REMEMBER!
Try to keep the following in mind and heart as we begin a new month. It's not your back that hurts; It's the burden you carry alone. It's not your eyes that hurt; It's injustice your see. It's not your ears that hurt; It's the lies you hear. It's not your head that hurts; It's the thoughts that torment you. It's not your lungs that hurt; It's the breath of change you resist. It's not your throat that hurts; It's what you don't express. It's not your stomach that hurts; It's what the soul does not digest. It's not your liver that hurts; It's the anger you don't forgive. It's not your heart that hurts; It's the love in your heart that's not shared. And it is love itself, for you yourself, that is the most powerful healer of all.
Remember all the above is achievable when we invite Jesus fully into our life.
From Fr. Kevin Newsletter Sept 2021
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Casey Collection
Glenflesk RC Parish, Barony of Magunihy
A Short Historical Account
Volume 8- Index page 81
A short account of Glenflesk Parish, Co Kerry. The pre-formation parish of Glenflesk, called the parish of Killaha, consisted of the following townlands; -Annabeg, Annemore, Ardtigallivan, Athnagivcai, Barna, Bealinashruhire, Bunachumer, Cappaugh, Coolemore, Carrigavanna, Carrigavime, Carrigbui, Clohane, Clonkeen, Clydaghroe, Coolcurtoga, Coomeenabudoige. Coomalough, Coomacullen, Curracow, Crohane, Crosstown, Comeenavrick, Coosane, Curraglass, Curreal, Dereenacullig, Derrybonane,Derrygorma, Derrymaclevode, Derrnafinna, Derrynahire, Derrynacain, Derryreague, Droumavraka, Droumcarbin, Droumderalogh, Droumaharee, Foileadoun, Frehaunagh, Gorries, Glashacormac, Glounlea, Glounmahanageragh, Gortachuish, Gortalea, Gortagaruve, Gortlicka, Gortnakilla, Grantha, Inch, Islandmore, Killaha, Killeen, Knockanes, Knockanimirish, Knockanacudoige, Knocknabro, Knocknagowan, Mountnaball, Raenacruha, Rossacruebeg, Rossacrunaloo, Rossala, Rushenbeg, Rusheemore, Shroneaboy, & Tullaha.
The modern parish called Glenflesk and Barraduve, consist of all the above mentioned townlands, together with three townlands, Carrigeenacullig, Knockanirible and Old Forge, which were in the pre-reformation parish of Killarney and the following townlands from the pre-forrmation parish of Aghadoe:-Annaghilimore, Barraduve, Cuil, Headfort, Knockeenaroor, Knockeenagoun, Knockebeehane, Lissababa, Raheen, and Sronderagh. The pre-formation church was at Killaha, whence the parish got it's name. It was probably erected sometime during the 1st century. Its walls still stand in the Killaha graveyard. In later times, probably at the end of the 18th century, a church was erected in the townlands of Rusheenbeg. It was Cruciform in shape and the walls of its nave are standing. A few old people remember having heard Mass there.
The present church at Glenflesk was erected by Fr. John Shanahan, P.P. There is an entry in the diary of Bishop David Moriarty, that he visited Glenflesk for Church laid out, Mar 27, 1861 and a further entry that he laid the foundation stone of St Agatha's Church, Glenflesk, Feb 3, 1862. This church seems to have been a few years in the course of erection. Before it was slated, a violent storm, blew off the roof and it remained without a roof for two or three years. An old church, with a slate roof, probably built towards the end of the Penal days, stood in a place called "Old Chapel", in the townland of Shronederagh, between the houses at present owned by Corn. Cremin and Patrick D. Moynihan, no trace of this church now exists. The present church at Barraduff was built by Fr. Dermot Falvey P.P. in 1841-42. It was enlarged and improved by Fr. John Browne, P.P. and re-dedicated under the title of the Sacred Heart by Bishop John Mangan in Oct 25, 1908. It was intended and renovated by Rev. A. J. Molyneux and re-dedicated by most Rev. D. Moynihan on Sept 19-55. Killaha house has been used as a Presbytery since 1887, having been acquird by Fr. M. O'Flagherty, shortly after he became P.P. It was re-roofed and repaired by Fr J. Browne and improved in late years, by Fr J. Godley, P.P. Previously, there was no Presbytery owned by diocesan trusteees, the P. P. for the time being, receiving a house and land in the same way as other tenants from the landlord. Fr Shanahan lived in a low thatched house at Rusheemore, on the site of the house now owned by Corn. Donoghue. Fr. Falvey, lived for some years at Curraglass in the house owned by Patrick O'Donoghue. He was evicted by the landlord, Herbert of Muckross, due, it is said to his having voted or having got the parishioners to vote against the latter. He then got a farm at Raenaruha from Coltsmen and built the house now owned by Jerh. O'Leary and resided there for about the last 6 years of his life. After his death, the house and land went to his relatives, the present owner being his grand-nephew. A farmer, P.P. Fr .M. Cronin, lived at Droumcarbon a house, now a ruin, at the rear of the Cronin's houses. His house and farm also passed to his relatives, James Cronin, the present owner being his great-grand-nephew.
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Index page 82
The following is a list of the parish Priest's since the end of the Penal Days;
Fr Maurice Cronin (probably the end of the 18th century and beginning of the 19th century) died in Glenflesk and is buried in the tomb at Killaha Churchyard.
Fr John O'Reilly (circa 1806 to Oct 1824)
Fr T. Healy (Nov. 1824-Nov 1828)
Fr. Dermot Falvey (Dec 1828-Nov. 1846) died in Glenflesk and is buried in the tomb at Killaha.
Fr John Shanahan (Jan 1847- Feb 1887) After retiring in 1887, he lived at Rusheenmore and died probably in March 1890. He is buried in Glenflesk Church. A cross of black tiles marks his grave near the last row of seats, between the two doors.
Fr Maurice O'Flagherty (March 1887- July 1905) died in Glenflesk and is buried at Kilmorley, N. Kerry.
Fr. John Browne (Dec 1905- Feb 1929-transferred to Dingle, and became Archdeacon at Castleisland in 1936, died in Castleiasland 1954 and is buried in the church grounds.
Fr John Godley (Feb 1929-Nov 1938) died in Glenflesk and is buried at Muckross.
Fr. William Ferris, Dec 1938-Nov 1943 transferred to Ballylongford. He wrote the books "The Kerry Searchlight", "The Gaelic Commonwealth", and he had the manuscript of another "The History of Man" almost completed when leaving Glenflesk, He worked to forward the Irish language.
Fr. Myles Allman (May 1943-Feb 1950) transferred to Duagh, died in Duagh July 12, 1952. He was buried in Aglish, the Caorseac Eamon de Valera, attended the Solemn Requiem mass and the funeral. He did great work for the language and for the nation. He and his two brothers took a prominent part in the fight for freedom. He did very good work as parish priest here and in Duagh. He established a door collection at the churches here and in Duagh. he died young, but he accomplished much in his comparatively short life, 1892-1952.
Bridget Smith transcribed and contributed this material. Thanks!
This page created July, 2000 for County Kerry, Ireland, part of Ireland Genealogy Projects
http://www.igp-web.com/Kerry/caseyglen.html
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Moyvane Village
Fairwell Fr. Kevin - on his way to Glenflesk today.
There was a tremendous outpouring of love and support for Fr. Kevin in recent weeks since the news broke that he was leaving the parish. Moyvane and Knockanure reponded with a community sized hug for the Cooraclare man who became an adopted son of the Boro. We had six wonderful and colourful years where our parish was transformed with the various initiatives he introduced.
It was either JFK or Fr. Kevin who once said "Some men see things as they are, and say why. I dream of things that never were, and say why not"!
There were many gasps and puzzled looks when we first heard there was going to be a concert in the Church. It was a brave and bold idea but it wasn't going to become a reality unless the community also believed that it was possible and were willing to work hard to make it a success. Fr. Kevin had an army of volunteers in the parish and beyond, people who would only be delighted to help with whatever his next grand idea was. And the community started to believe that these dreams could come true, partly due to the supreme confidence that Fr. Kevin had in that they wouldn't fail under his stewardship. We can look back with fond memories of Phil Coulter singing "The Town I Loved So Well" to a packed audience in the Church of the Assumption, or Michael English's rendition of "How Great Thou Art" as his voice filled the enormous church.
The Parish barbeques were celebrations of all that was good in our community. To see the neglected overgrown ruins of the old church become transformed into an amphitheatre of entertainment, food and merriment for the day. Set dancing and singing on fine summer days were the norm and it all seemed so effortless even though many hours of phone calls and meetings with volunteers were needed to pull it off, not to mention the expense. Before the one in 2018, he kept telling us there were going to be two special guests arriving. The speculation was it would be TDs or famous sports people but we all got quite a shock to see it was the legendary Sam and Liam. No one knows how he did it to have both of them in Moyvane at the same time but we had a great afternoon getting to know them better.
He felt he had a mission in Enright's pub and many I'm sure can remember all conversations stopping quite naturally at 6pm as he led people in saying the Angelus.
Both Churches were transformed with so many refurbishments and every mass he held there was unique. He was a beacon of solace to families during some very sad funerals and every anniversary was made all that more special to the family remembering their loved ones. So many other special touches like gifts handed out on Mother's Day and Father's Day and sermons where he singled out individual parishioners for praise and recognition.
COVID-19 shut the whole country down but Fr. Kevin made sure parishioners would continue to get their spiritual nourishment and masses could be still heard via the radio link, and then the novel idea of masses being said from the Doorway of Hope, as well as embracing technology with YouTube masses.
The above are just snippets of what Fr. Kevin did for the parish of Moyvane and Knockanure. Feel free to share your special stories in the comments below.
Thanks for the memories and best of luck with your move to Glenflesk!
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July 26, 2021
GOODBYE to Fr. Kevin. It is regrettable that our Bishop has seen fit to remove Fr. Kevin from our parish after such a short time and in the middle of a pandemic. Everything has remained static for the past eighteen months and we have all been encouraged to remain in our own spaces, so to me it makes no sense from a safety perspective. It has been a tough time for everyone but Fr. Kevin has had to deal with so many families who have lost loved ones since the virus took hold. We have had a horrendous time in Moyvane since the beginning of 2020. In this parish alone we have had 33 deaths. We have lost people in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, babies, a mother of a young family. Fr. Kevin has had to deal with all these families and all the sadness that goes with it. At one point he officiated at 3 funerals one week, 3 funerals the next week and 2 funerals the third week, EIGHT funerals in three weeks! Preparations for funerals are not easy, the families have to be advised, readings arranged and homilies prepared. This is quite stressful, he is a man who lives alone, and he is human like the rest of us. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty and there are many in this parish who can testify to that. There is no other parish in this country that has provided more Masses than Fr. Kevin. This was much appreciated, not alone by locals but by the wider community of North Kerry and West Limerick who flocked to the Church car park to hear Mass and tuned in to the radio in their homes. Since he arrived in Moyvane he has turned this parish around. Young people had started to come back to church again. The church is now a comfortable place in which to attend services thanks to his fundraising concerts. The priest’s house has had a makeover and the surrounding area is state of the art. This is my opinion. You may not agree with it and I know there are some in this parish who think otherwise. We are all entitled to our own opinion and sometimes perhaps we do not know the whole story so goodbye Fr. Kevin, stay safe and I hope you enjoy your new parish. You will be missed.
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Moyvane Village August 2021
Fairwell Fr. Kevin - on his way to Glenflesk today.
There was a tremendous outpouring of love and support for Fr. Kevin in recent weeks since the news broke that he was leaving the parish. Moyvane and Knockanure responded with a community sized hug for the Cooraclare man who became an adopted son of the Boro. We had six wonderful and colourful years where our parish was transformed with the various initiatives he introduced.
It was either JFK or Fr. Kevin who once said "Some men see things as they are, and say why. I dream of things that never were, and say why not"!
There were many gasps and puzzled looks when we first heard there was going to be a concert in the Church. It was a brave and bold idea but it wasn't going to become a reality unless the community also believed that it was possible and were willing to work hard to make it a success. Fr. Kevin had an army of volunteers in the parish and beyond, people who would only be delighted to help with whatever his next grand idea was. And the community started to believe that these dreams could come true, partly due to the supreme confidence that Fr. Kevin had in that they wouldn't fail under his stewardship. We can look back with fond memories of Phil Coulter singing "The Town I Loved So Well" to a packed audience in the Church of the Assumption, or Michael English's rendition of "How Great Thou Art" as his voice filled the enormous church.
The Parish barbeques were celebrations of all that was good in our community. To see the neglected overgrown ruins of the old church become transformed into an amphitheatre of entertainment, food and merriment for the day. Set dancing and singing on fine summer days were the norm and it all seemed so effortless even though many hours of phone calls and meetings with volunteers were needed to pull it off, not to mention the expense. Before the one in 2018, he kept telling us there were going to be two special guests arriving. The speculation was it would be TDs or famous sports people but we all got quite a shock to see it was the legendary Sam and Liam. No one knows how he did it to have both of them in Moyvane at the same time but we had a great afternoon getting to know them better.
He felt he had a mission in Enright's pub and many I'm sure can remember all conversations stopping quite naturally at 6pm as he led people in saying the Angelus.
Both Churches were transformed with so many refurbishments and every mass he held there was unique. He was a beacon of solace to families during some very sad funerals and every anniversary was made all that more special to the family remembering their loved ones. So many other special touches like gifts handed out on Mother's Day and Father's Day and sermons where he singled out individual parishioners for praise and recognition.
COVID-19 shut the whole country down but Fr. Kevin made sure parishioners would continue to get their spiritual nourishment and masses could be still heard via the radio link, and then the novel idea of masses being said from the Doorway of Hope, as well as embracing technology with YouTube masses.
The above are just snippets of what Fr. Kevin did for the parish of Moyvane and Knockanure. Feel free to share your special stories in the comments below.
Thanks for the memories and best of luck with your move to Glenflesk.
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Glenflesk Parish
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Fr. George Hayes,
It was with surprise and sadness that the parishioners of Glenflesk learned that Fr. George Hayes was to move to Kenmare.
Fr. George came to us in 2016 and quickly endeared himself to all in the community, both young and old. He ministered in the three churches, Clonkeen, Glenflesk and Barraduff, and was very involved in the management of the four schools in the parish, Raheen, Glenflesk, Barraduff and Knockanes. He devoted a great deal of time to the Parish Council and Liturgy Group. In addition, there was the considerable administrative work involved in the day to day running of the parish.
Life was busy for Fr. George but he put great effort into ceremonies, especially with children, and we greatly appreciated his weekly “Pastor’s Ponderings”, which always gave us something to think about for the week.
We thank Fr. George for the time and energy he put into his work here and for the kindness and consideration he showed to all in the last five years. We wish him every health and happiness in his new parish in Kenmare.
We welcome Fr. Kevin Mc Namara and hope he will have many happy years with us.
Denis O’ Sullivan making a presentation to Fr. George Hayes on behalf of Glenflesk Parish Council on his departure from the Parish. L. to R.; Jerry Mullane, Ann Lynch, Ann Culloty, Mary McCarrick, Noreen Kennedy, Helena Murphy, Shane O’ Riordan, Eugene Bowler, Jimmy Healy. Missing from photo Padraig Cronin and Padraig Dineen.
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30 July 2021
BUCK’S PHILOSOPHY - “LEAVE IT TO THE MAN ABOVE!”
Have you ever noticed that after a dry spell someone is sure to say, “the gardens need rain!” Then, after a spell of rain the same people will say, “oh, the gardens need sunshine”. I was truly blessed to have Mike Buckley (Buck) as grounds man and all round ‘handy man’ in my time here in the Parish. Brilliant and gifted in so many ways, he kept the grounds around my Moyvane home perfect and also those around the Church of the Assumption. He also brought such fun and laughter to our Parish Office. He was brilliant telling us the weather forecast, which he got right now and again!! I asked Mike his philosophy about the rain and sunshine. “Oh, Fr. Kevin”, he replied, “I leave it to the man above. After all God made the flowers and the plants, so He must know what they want and I reckon He gives them just that”. If only you and I could be as tolerant of the weather, no matter what it offers! John Joe Barry did an excellent job in keeping the grounds in Knockanure. Thank you John Joe. After that Maurice Dowling and Tom Fitzgerald were quick to the fore in cutting the grass, but in particular tidying up the trees and putting in a lovely new fence hedge. Very well done. Recently, Timmy Larkin kept the grounds lovely. I am grateful to all the aforementioned. Mike Buck was my flag man, my emergency call out man – but above all a great friend and a beautiful Christian. He is a great ambassador for the Parish and the Boro with all his delightful filming. I will most definitely miss you Mike. Keep filming, smiling and telling your funny stories. I am overjoyed that you are involved in keeping the Community Centre and Marian Hall in excellent condition. Long may that work continue. Thanks for everything.
MY FINAL TEN SECOND SERMON
Just one Ten Second Sermon, in the week that’s in it. I take my leave of you on Wednesday for Glenflesk, Barraduff and Clonkeen. The Sermon is as follows: “Think – Thank”. If we stopped to think more, we would stop to thank more. When I reflect on my time in your Parish, I am full of thanks for so many things – your help, love, support, prayers, the ways we stayed and prayed together from the word go when C19 arrived. But above all your hospitality, kindness and the many smiles we shared together. In prayer let us continue to support each other. God Bless each and everyone of you. Love & prayers, Fr. Kevin.
SLÁN LEAT....
A MESSAGE FROM CHAIRPERSON OF OUR PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Many mixed emotions throughout the parish of Moyvane/Knockanure since the news broke that our Fr Kevin is leaving. It has been difficult to digest but as you know all good journeys must come to an end. This one has been fantastic. Fr. Kevin has been a breath of fresh air since arriving here in July 2015. He has overcome and achieved many milestones in this short time.
The work done in both Churches and Presbytery is evident as one drives by. Diligent weekly mass schedules and house calls were maintained. During COVID restrictions and the global pandemic Fr. Kevin adapted his routine to support those in most need. Daily mass was celebrated via the "Doorway of Hope" where all could attend and still feel safe. I was talking to someone this week and they sighted that "he was in my kitchen everyday" via the radio link service. Remarking on Fr Kevin's philosophy "you grow where you are planted" the blossom of his seed is well and truly visible throughout Moyvane, Knockanure and beyond. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for all that you have done. An old Irish proverb comes to mind when I think of what he has created in our community “Ní neart go cur le chéile”, which loosely translated “There can be no strength without unity”. We will be making a presentation to Fr Kevin on Sunday Aug 1st at the Doorway of Hope (weather permitting). His final Mass and presentation will be live streamed on YouTube. Please come and join us virtually or in person (with social distancing in mind) to bid farewell to Fr. Kevin.
Jacqueline thank you for the continued service over the past number of years. Your professionalism and kindness have always been remarkable and we will be forever grateful for all that you have done.
Mike Buckley the grounds speak for themselves. You have done a wonderful job. Thank you.
On behalf of the parish of Moyvane/ Knockanure we wish you well in your new journey. You will be forever in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
We would also like to extend our welcome and blessings to Fr Brendan Carmody S.J., P.P. We look forward to starting this new chapter with you. Michelle Mulvihill. AN INTRODUCTION BY YOUR NEW PARISH PRIEST – FR. BRENDAN
“I grew up in the Parish of Listowel and I have spent thirty years as a Jesuit Missionary in Zambia. Much of this time I spent in classrooms of various levels as well as working in Parish Ministry. After this, I worked in a London University as Chaplain and Administrator in the London Parishes of Dollis Hill, Whitton and Crayford. In Ireland, I have served in St. Francis Xavier’s in Dublin as well as in Johnstown, Killiney. A major concern for me is how people’s faith develops and changes as does their connection with the Church. I am looking forward to being back in home territory and being helpful to the people perhaps whose ancestors nourished my childhood faith. Among my interests are reading, writing, walking and swimming. I hope Moyvane has a swimming pool or at least plans to build one! Even without one, I am looking forward to happy days in Moyvane and Knockanure. I will be present at all Masses this weekend to concelebrate with Fr. Kevin.
A HUGE THANK YOU
Since the news of my new appointment as Parish Priest of Glenflesk, so many of you have taken the time to offer me thanks, best wishes and much encouragement for work and Ministry in my new Parish. Very many thanks for your gifts and exceptional kind words. In turn, in my last Newsletter with you, I wish to acknowledge all who enriched me in both Churches and helped so willingly in so many ways. Those who were generous, helpful and most co-operative in Parish Committees and especially the Sacristans who were exceptional in having everything ready for all our celebrations. To all of you who worked with me rather than against me, I will be eternally grateful – you will always be in my prayers. A very special word of thanks to those who have been so generous with their time as Ministers of the Eucharist, Ministers of the Word, Music Ministry, Church Collectors, Counters and our Altar Servers and those who trained and journeyed with them. A special thank you to our Church cleaners for always have both our Churches so refreshingly beautiful. I was extremely fortunate to have such wonderful local contractors who did excellent work on the refurbishment and both Churches. Finally, to all who attended Assumption Church and Church of Corpus Christi over my six years with you for various celebrations, Church, car park, 99.9fm or You Tube, a very special “Thank you and God Bless”. Your presence, faith and prayers have enriched me. It’s been simply great! Time flies, I was appointed your Parish Priest on 16th July, 2015. My time here in that post was terminated on August 3rd 2021 to be appointed Parish Priest of Glenflesk, Barraduff and Clonkeen.
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Pat Leahy & family, Clounbrane, to Maureen & Jim Connolly, Trien, Willie Joe & family, Trien, Teddy & family, Listowel & Jerry & family, Co. Clare & Mike & family, New York on the death of their sister Peggy Horan who died in New Jersey. Our prayerful support to the Noonan family, Mum & Dad, Tricia & Con, brother James, sister Siobhán and loving partner on Nicola on the sudden death of Timmy.
POPULAR TIMMY GONE – BUT HIS MEMORY WILL LIVE ON
It is difficult and impossible to take it in that Timmy Noonan has left us all so quickly and suddenly. Another hard and painful blow to our Parish. Timmy best described as a character who left his imprint in so many hearts, not least of all when he worked in Holly’s. So many have spoken lovingly on how cheerful and helpful he was in serving. Also a larger than life character with the GAA Club. Timmy left a big imprint on the Club and was always to the fore in selling the Club Lotto tickets. We all ask ‘Why?’ – I find these words encouraging. ‘My life is but the weaving between God and me. I only choose the colours He weaveth steadily.
Sometimes He weaveth sorrow and I feel a foolish pride. I forget He sees the upper and the underside.
We are always in the hands of God, and He is the only one that sees the full picture’
Timmy and John McGrath were great pals. Now together again. Come on now lads, send us down a few smiles and blessing upon all of us in the Boro, from your presence with Jesus.
NOTICES
SOUTHDOC LISTOWEL: Premises changed to the Primary Care Centre, Greenville phone 1850 33 59 99.
MASS CARDS AT HOLLYS: Mass cards signed by me will no longer be available in Holly’s from Sunday 31st July. I would like to thank Terry and his excellent staff for allowing this service to be part of this excellent store. On a personal note, Terry and all the staff have been excellent to me especially during C19. The staff are always cheerful, courteous, and very helpful. I will miss you Holly’s. Many thanks for your help. NEWSLETTER: Next week’s Newsletters will be at Holly’s and Noel’s from Thursday. This will be my last Newsletter in the Parish. Special thanks to Mike, Angela and Brenda who ensured that the housebound were kept in touch with events in the Parish.
AHAVOHER CEMETERY: It is imperative that the gates are kept closed at all times.
THE FINAL WHISTLE…..NO EXTRA TIME
All of a sudden it’s time to say goodbye. Have you noticed in life that it’s always like that? There is all the time in the world – until there is no time! “Tomorrow” has finally come!! Was it yesterday or the day before, when I stood at the Altars in Moyvane and Knockanure and saw a field of strange faces – a blur of people all different? This weekend I look from the Altars and I see Chris, Eileen, Paddy, Noreen. No blur now, but every face a person, every person different, every person, thank God, a friend unique and loved by me. A Priest’s life is just that – journey. We are on the move always. That doesn’t make it any easier when the time comes to say goodbye. You have, each and every one of you, given me so much – your trust, your friendship, entry into your hearts and a place before your hearths. I am immensely grateful. I will never forget you, I beg you, never forget me in your prayers. You will always be in mine. We have each
given each other something precious -a memory. For me at any rate this memory of good, caring, loving people both within the Parish and outside the Parish will never, never fade. In all my future journeys wherever the good Lord sends me, you will be part of my story. All in the Listowel Community Hospital, each and everyone of them, have been kind and very supportive to me in my ministry there. It’s hard to say goodbye to them too. Many thanks to them for many things during my time there. As for my First Friday calls, they were simply so, so special and all whom I visited always richly blessed me.
Finally, I struggle to find words, on your behalf and on my own behalf, to express huge thanks and gratitude to Jacqueline in the office. She did everything to perfection, and I could not have managed without her. This Newsletter was always done beautifully by her each and every week, even during first lockdown. She was the voice of welcome on the phone and her work in all areas of parish administration was simply exceptional. She was so helpful and supportive in so many ways – we all owe her a huge debt of gratitude for her fantastic work on the Offertory and Dues envelopes. Her up to the minute work in recording your contributions in the Parish has resulted in quick and prompt CHY3 returns which have been an enormous benefit to the Parish. ‘Her office has always been a beautiful place of welcome’. She has been extremely generous to our Parish but especially to me with her time, advice, excellent work and her beautiful bond of confidentiality. She is now moving to pastures new and I have accepted her resignation and wish her well in her new beginnings.
The Parish Office closes on Friday 30th July.
A word of welcome and blessing to your new P.P. Fr. Brendan Carmody S.J. I wish him well and I know you will love and support him as you have done for me during the short six years with you. The Parish Pastoral Council and the Finance Committee will remain on to help Fr. Brendan get established in the Parish. Among the items to be decided upon will be running of the Parish Office and also the formation of new committees.
I AM BLESSED
All negative thoughts I’ve decided must go, I’ll try to say ‘Yes’ when I want to say ‘No’. I won’t say, ‘I can’t’ but ‘I can only try’. And accept things that happen – not keep asking why. I’ll make time for hobbies and brighten the day, and not let my problems affect what I say. There are many folk homeless, sad, hungry, in pain. I am blessed with so much I’ll not grumble again. Today will be good for I’m filled now with hope with God’s love inside me, I know I can cope. No moaning or groaning, no sighing, no dread. My positive thoughts are all there instead.
SOME RECORD
Our concerts were great, and very enjoyable. Each different, with a lovely atmosphere in the beautiful venue of our Assumption Church. No damage was ever done to the seat or the carpet tiles during these concerts. Also, it was just great to be able to put up the ‘Thought provoking’ posters in many parts of both our Churches over the years. I think it speaks volumes about our Churches and all who visit them that never once were any of the posters disfigured, taken or interfered with in any way. Now isn’t that a wonderful record! The same can be said for our Cribs, Easter Gardens and our Shrines. Again, many thanks for such respect and kindness.
SCORING IN THE GAME OF LIFE
For when the one Great Scorer comes
To write against your name
He marks – not that you won or lost – But how you played the game.
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17 July 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: By a very strange coincidence our prayerful support this week goes to three Priest colleagues. Our former P.P. Fr. Joe Nolan, Fr. Seán Sheehy, Meen and Fr. Pádraig Kennelly, former P.P. of Ballylongford/Asdee and currently P.P. of Firies. Fr. Joe on the death of his sister Marianne Vye, California & l/o Lisselton. Fr. Seán on the death of his sister Margaret Aherne whose funeral took place in Tralee last Monday. Fr. Pádraig on the death of his mother Jennie whose funeral took place in Ballydonoghue on Tuesday.
May Marianne, Margaret and Jennie rest in peace.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH: Your gifts and good wishes continue to come to me for my 40th. Very many thanks for your love, support, kindness and encouragement. Please God we will have a time and a safe place to celebrate my Ruby (40th year of Priesthood). Until then let’s encourage one another in prayer. Again very, very many thanks for all messages gifts and kind words.
TO FIND JESUS WE MUST LET OTHERS IN
Judson Swihart once put it like this: “Some people are like medieval castles. Their high walls keep them safe from being hurt. They protect themselves emotionally by permitting no exchange of feeling with others. No one can enter. They are secure from attack. However, inspection of the occupant finds him or her lonely rattling around the castle alone. The castle dweller is a self-made prisoner. He or she needs to feel loved by someone but the walls are so high that it is difficult to reach out or for anyone else to reach in. Is our Parish a community of faith in which we can seek, find and rest in Jesus? Are we including the values and kindness of Jesus into day-to-day Parish life?
TEN SECOND SERMONS
➢ Two marks of a follower of Jesus – giving and forgiving.
➢ The trouble with people forgiving and forgetting is that they keep reminding us they’re doing it.
➢ We are like beasts when we kill. We are like men when we judge. We are like Jesus when we love and forgive.
➢ We have abundance of freedom in Ireland even the freedom to make fools of ourselves. ➢ The best thing to do behind a person’s back is to pat it.
LOOKING BACK
Often, we need to know exactly who it is we are meeting in the person of neighbour. Way back in 1880, in Paris, a rather poorly dressed Priest showed up at a Presbytery looking for a night’s lodging. He had come from Turin and was trying to raise funds to build a Church. The visitors name was John Bosco. The resident Priest put him in the attic. Many years later when John Bosco was canonised, the Priest said: “Had I known who it was I would not have put him in the attic, I would have given him the best room in the house.”
Often, we know even less of the true identity of those we meet each day who are in need of help and kindness. Sadly, we often, like the Priest with John Bosco we make very quick decisions. What really matters is that we see in each of them a wounded human being and that we do our best to bind up their wounds. If we are really honest, we all have made mistakes quite similar to that poor Priest with John Bosco. However, for the future, let’s hope each of us can see others in our Par ish and beyond as Jesus wishes us to see them.
BISHOPS MUST NOT BAR PRESIDENT JOE
The Bishops in the United States have embarked upon a course which is gravely damaging to the Catholic Church right across the world, to the interests of all its members and to the common good. By a majority of 165 to 55, they have set out to draw up a policy statement that is intended, despite any protestations to the contrary, to ban President Joe Biden from receiving Holy Communion. They want President Biden, a very good practising Catholic, to commit to the repeal of federal laws that allows women access to legal abortion, which he has said he will not do, though he is personally opposed to abortion. The pressure they hope to apply to him by denying his access to Holy Communion is a brazen infringement of the separation of Church and State, guaranteed by the USA constitution. Under Canon Law, only the local Bishop can bar someone from Holy Communion. Thankfully, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the Archbishop of Washington, has made it very clear that President Biden will continue to be permitted to receive Holy Communion in the Archdiocese of residence. That was so, so Christlike from Cardinal Wilton – very well done.
Come with me to St. John’s Gospel and the story of the kind woman taken in adultery. Under the law of Moses, this kind woman must be stoned to death. No punishment or accountability for the man! Jesus’ magic words – so loving, so understanding – “Let the one who is without sin throw the first stone”. Those loving and powerful words saved her life. Our early Church was never entirely comfortable with this passage partly because of a suspicion it favoured laxity. Not until the Council of Trent in the 16th Century was it formally made part of Canon Law. For some strange reason the Church has never been overjoyed by the compassion and tenderness of Jesus. The have unfortunately erred on the side of law rather than love.
On a personal basis what I have encountered from the Church when I have celebrated General Absolution has been awful. At the age of 44 as a P.P. in Cork City I was told that I would be re-appointed for a second term as P.P. on the strict condition that I would never again give General Absolution! Like the Scribes and Pharisees, we all are open to a charge of hypocrisy, especially yours truly. The Bishops in the States and indeed all over the world are by no means without sin, and their handling of Clerical Child Abuse Scandals was shameful and so painful. Yet if they had their way, Catholic Politicians everywhere would face an impossible choice: either to support an absolute ban on abortion even if they knew the public would never vote for them because of it, or risk being barred from Holy Communion. Thank God for Cardinal Wilton Gregory Archbishop of Washington, draw more to love rather than law. Taking the words of Jesus to his life and heart “Let the one who is without sin throw the first stone.” If the US Bishops persist with banning President Biden from Holy Communion, it will have a destructive and awful effect right across the World. Please God they won’t push this to the limit.
UNIQUE PRIVILEGES
In the delightful book “Forever Young: My friendship with John F. Kennedy Jnr.” Billy Noonan recalls the life experiences he shared with the son of the late President John F. Kennedy, God rest him. Back in 1980, as one of the stories goes, John Jnr and Billy were invited aboard the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier. On a guided tour of the ship, the two young men and their guide inadvertently entered a restricted area. When an Officer stopped them, the guide panted to John and said, “This is your father’s ship.” Snapping to attention the Officer saluted John. He explained his understanding that when a UN Navy ship is named for someone it is considered that person’s ship. Thus, as the son of the man for whom the ship was named, John Jnr had a unique privilege. Can I remind you this illustrates a vital spiritual principle. As adopted children in God’s family, we who have been saved possess the position of daughtership and sonship. St. Paul wrote that as believers we are ‘predestined…….for adoption to His children through Jesus’. By virtue of this we all are brothers and sisters of Jesus, we have the unique privileges that belong to the children of the King of Kings. In life’s challenging voyage, we can take courage that our ‘Abba, Father’, owns the ship and shares all with us. Praise God we are brothers and sisters of Jesus. Let us never forget that.
THIS LIFE IS YOURS…
Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well.
Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly.
Take the power to control your own life, no one else can do it for you.
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9 July 2021
PRIEST ON DUTY THIS SUNDAY: Fr. Michael Hussey 087/2386084. Emergencies only.
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Irene O’Connor & family, Six Crosses, Listowel on the death of her husband Mike whose funeral took place in Listowel last week. Mike was originally from Keylod and we extend our sympathy to Mike’s brother Tom & family and his sister Mary. To Mary Quinn & family, Leitrim Middle on the death of her sister Peggy O’Brien, Co. Wicklow whose funeral took place last week. May Mike & Peggy rest in peace.
Please keep all who mourn their loss in your prayers at this time.
RADIO MARIA: Radio Maria is an Irish Catholic Radio station that broadcasts Mass, Rosary, Divine Mercy Hour etc daily. Tune in via the television, Saorview channel 210, (if you go forward one channel from RTE1 you get RTE2, if you go back one from RTE1 you get Radio Maria). All details are on their website, www.radiomaria.ie.
WE’VE MISSED EACH OTHER
The Church does not close only the building. Because we are the Church the living body of Christ and we are everywhere. When we enter our Churches, which in Irish tradition are called ‘teach an phobail’ the place where the community gathers. People have come
to Churches with burdens of heart that could find healing nowhere else in the world. They have come for shelter when storms have unravelled every stitch of meaning from their lives. They have come too to give thanks for blessings and gifts received.
‘adopted from Fr. John O’Donoghue, RIP’
Wherever you are reading this Newsletter today either online or hardcopy be assured that in both our Churches we carry you in prayer. May the warm embrace of Jesus bless and calm us at this anxious time.
SMILE AT THE ONE YOU LOVE
Mother Teresa often gave people unexpected advice. When a group of Americans, many in the teaching profession, visited her in Calcutta, they asked her for some advice to take home to their families.
“Smile at your wives”, she told them. “Smile at your husbands”. Thinking that perhaps her advice was simplistic coming from an unmarried person, one of them asked “Are your married?”. “Yes”, she replied, to their surprise, “and I find it hard sometimes to smile at Jesus, He can be very demanding”. I think we all need smiles now more than ever.
WHAT IS THE SPECIFIC MISSION JESUS HAS CALLED YOU TO DO?
In these very anxious and strange times, we can become like the dog in a large crate on the platform of a railway station. He was the saddest dog he could imagine. A lady enquired about him. “You would be sad too”, she was told “if you were in his plight, he chewed the tag off his crate, and he doesn’t know where he is going”.
Jesus has a mission and a blessing for each and everyone of us – are we carrying out His work? Or like the dog have we chewed the tag?
We must be detached to give ourselves completely to Jesus.
APOLOGIES ARE NECESSARY – EXCUSES ARE NOT HELPFUL !
We are forever trying to make excuses for things we need not make excuses for and forever trying to excuse the inexcusable. Neither is necessary or helpful. We can learn a lesson from how Jesus dealt with those who betrayed Him. A wonderful example is the Apostle Peter, specially chosen and named the very rock of the Apostolic Community. Peter was an honest man with a childlike sincerity, a deep faith and he, more than most others, grasped the deeper meaning of who Jesus was and what His teaching meant. Indeed, it was Peter who in response to Jesus’ question – “WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?” replied quickly: YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD”.
FALSE CONCEPTION
Yet minutes after that confession Jesus had to correct Peter’s false conception of what that meant and then rebuke him for trying to deflect Him from His very mission. More seriously it was Peter who within hours of an arrogant boast that though all other would betray Jesus, he alone would remain faithful. Yet Peter betrayed Jesus three times and this in Jesus’ most needy hour. Later we are privy to the conversation Jesus has with Peter regarding those betrayals. What’s significant is that He doesn’t ask Peter to explain himself, He doesn’t excuse Peter and He doesn’t say things like: “You weren’t really yourself! I can understand how anyone might be very frightened in that situation! I can empathise, I know what fear can do to you”. None of these sentiments came from Jesus. The excusable doesn’t need to be excused and the inexcusable cannot be excused. In Peter’s betrayal as in our own betrayals, there’s invariably some of both, the excusable in the inexcusable. So, what does Jesus do with Peter? He doesn’t ask for an explanation, doesn’t ask for an apology. He doesn’t tell Peter that it is OK, doesn’t offer excuses for Peter and doesn’t even tell Peter that He loves him. Instead, He asks Peter: “DO YOU LOVE ME?” Peter answers yes – and everything moves forward from there.
A CONFESSION OF LOVE
Everything can move forward following a confession of love, not least an honest confession of love in the wake of a betrayal. Apologies are necessary (because that’s taking ownership of the fault and the weakness so as to lift it completely off the soul of the one who was betrayed) but excuses are not helpful. If the action was not a betrayal, no excuse is necessary: if it was, no excuse absolves it. An excuse or an attempt at one serves two purposes, neither of them good. First, it serves to rationalise and justify, none of which is helpful to the betrayed or the betrayer. Second, it weakens the apology and makes it less than clear and full, this not lifting the betrayal completely off the soul of the one who has been betrayed. What love asks of you and me when we are weak is an honest, nonrationalized admission of our weakness along with a statement from the heart: “I love you!” Things can move forward from there. Like Peter when asked three times by Jesus: “DO YOU LOVE ME?” from our hearts we need to say: “YOU KNOW EVERYTHING YOU KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU.” COVID 19 UPDATE FROM OUR DIOCESE
BAPTISMS: The advice from Government is that Baptisms should not take place. Our recommendation is that Baptisms which have already been booked may proceed but that no new bookings for Baptisms should be accepted pending further advice from the Government. Numbers confined to a maximum of 10 people. WEDDINGS: already planned will be permitted to proceed on the basis of the expected changes, with 50 guests permitted to attend wedding receptions with protective measures.
FUNERALS: The numbers of mourners permitted at funerals continues to be limited to 50. Attendance at wakes in private homes and at funeral homes is for family only. Related family gatherings should strictly adhere to prevailing public health advice on household mixing, including visitors to your home and indoor and outdoor dining. BURIAL GROUND/GRAVEYARD MASSES Kerry County Council has issued clarification in relation to the holding of burial ground masses during the Summer of 2021. The clarification is as follows: - Kerry County Council believes that it would be unwise at this particular juncture to permit the holding of burial ground masses which would result in the creation of gatherings of people, in accordance with the current public health guidelines, but will reconsider this request when the Government next review the reopening of society and the economy later this Summer (subject to the public health situation at the time).
TEN SECOND SERMONS
➢ None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. ➢ He/She who keeps their tongue, keeps their friends.
➢ A smile is happiness you will find right under your nose.
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July 1 2021
JESUS REJECTED BY HIS HOMETOWN
In 1960 a religious persecution broke out in the territory of Sudan in Africa. A Christian black student named Paride Taban fled the danger and went to Uganda. While in Uganda, he studied for the Priesthood and was ordained. When things settled down in Sudan, young Fr. Taban returned to his homeland. He was assigned to a Parish in Palotaka but his African congregation found it hard to believe that he was really a Priest. Fr. Taban says: “The people looked hard at me and asked, do you mean to say, black man, that you are a Priest?, we can’t believe it”. These people had never had a black Priest before. They had always had white Priests who gave them clothing and medicine. Young Fr. Taban was from the Madi tribe and had nothing to give them. He was poor like them. To make matters worse, Fr Taban had to introduce them to the changes of the Second Vatican Council. These changes bothered the people greatly. They said to one another: “This young black man turns our Altar around and celebrates Mass in our own language. He cannot be a real Priest!”. Only after a great deal of difficulty did the people of Palotaka finally accept Fr. Taban. If we try to live ‘in Jesus’ we will be rejected as He was. Do we turn to Jesus when we encounter rejection?
LISTENING TO GOD
When a little girl had finished her evening prayers, she remained at her bedside for some time. Finally, her Mum told her to go to bed. “I was just waiting”, the girl protested, “to see if God had anything to say to me”.
ATTRACTIVENESS OF JESUS
A small boy, determined to draw a picture of Jesus, at last gave up his effort. “You haven’t drawn Jesus”, said his teacher. “No”, said the small boy. “I couldn’t make him beautiful enough”.
ELEVEN GREAT VERBS – CONGRATS TO OUR 6th CLASS GRADUATES
We are richly blessed in our Parish to have such wonderful National Schools. Both Murhur N.S. in Moyvane and Scoil Chorp Chríost in Knockanure continually give of their very best to ensure that all sixth-class students are very well prepared for Secondary School Education. When passed through the prism of human experience the white light of the comprehensive statement ‘I live’ reveals a beautifully illuminating spectrum. No one has really learned to live until he/she can convincingly say to themselves the eleven great verbs of life:
I am, I think, I know, I feel, I wonder, I see, I believe, I can, I ought, I will, I serve.
Education in both life and religion is but the process of learning through experience the meaning of these fundamental verbs of life and the acquiring of the personal power of each: I AM - the power of self-knowledge.
I THINK – the power of investigate.
I KNOW - the power to master facts.
I FEEL – the power to appreciate, to value, to love.
I WONDER – the spirit of reverence, curiosity, worship.
I SEE – the power of insight, imagination, vision.
I BELIEVE – the power of adventurous faith.
I CAN – the power to act and the skill to accomplish.
I OUGHT – the power of conscience, the moral imperative.
I WILL – willpower, loyalty to duty.
I SERVE – the power to be useful, devotion to the cause.
I invite our Graduates of 2021 to keep a copy of this Newsletter. They have all been fantastic to all the new challenges which were hoisted on them suddenly because of C19. They all responded brilliantly and gave great example to all the classes from Junior Infants to 5th Class. Very well done.
Our prayerful blessing and good wishes to the following in Knockanure Chloe K, Chloe W, Hazel, Blathnaid, Grace and in Moyvane Katelyn, Abbie, Cian, Josh, David, Donnacha and Darragh.
Wishing all our teachers and staff of both schools a very enjoyable and safe holiday.
TEN SECOND SERMONS
Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.
When your heart speaks take good notes.
If only closed minds come with closed mouths.
Adopt the pace of nature: Her secret is patience.
LOVE IS………
You are all familiar with ‘Love is……’ cartoons or drawings. We have many posters of nice ‘sugary’ definitions of love. The great St. Augustine answered the question: “What does love look like?” His answer is simple:
“Love has hands to help others,
It has feet to hasten to the poor and needy,
It has eyes to see misery and want,
It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others,
That’s what love looks like.”
The nearest we will ever come to seeing God in this life is when we come across people who really love one another. Love is always creative, always building up, always confirming. May the love of Jesus touch and bless our lives today and always
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26 June 2021
COMPASSION AND LOVE AT IT’S LEVEL BEST
Those of you in my age bracket will remember the advert on television for a beer that had the phrase ‘Sally O’Brien and the way she would look at you!’ Her look was never critical – it was kind and happy. Believe me it makes a world of difference when people give you kindness and understanding rather than anger and criticism. The late Pope Paul VI who died in 1978, God rest him, left behind many memories of his compassion and love. Once after giving his blessing in St. Peter’s square, he was being carried in the Papal chair, he noticed a group of children with special needs. He motioned that he wanted to go down to talk with them which he did. Unhappily, one of the youngsters in a wheelchair wasn’t able to come nearer. So this 81 year old man, badly crippled with arthritis got off his throne and knelt down beside the little boy in his wheelchair. Compassion and love at its level best.
For those of you who gave me gifts, good wishes, blessings and huge encouragement with your written word, I will acknowledge with a few lines and a delightful poem that local poet has penned in honour of my 40th. Very many thanks Gabriel and indeed to those of you who brought compassion and love to the fore for my 40th.
Míle Buíochas. When the time is right we will please God celebrate with freedom and joy.
DAD’S AND GRANDAD’S – GIFTS STILL AVAILABLE
If any Dad’s or Grandad’s missed out on the Father’s Day gift of the card holder wallet, we have some left in the office or from Fr. Kevin. They are free and a nice keepsake.
GRADUATION CLASSES OF 2021
At the time of going to print, I have just returned from Murhur N.S. Graduation celebration – fantastic. On Friday I will be with 6th Class in Knockanure. Next week we will honour these two very special classes who have successfully and delightfully completed their National School education and are now prepared for their next journey in Secondary School. Join us next week as we honour them, their teachers and their families.
IT’S THE WAY YOU LOOK AT IT
An atheist went into a classroom and wrote on the blackboard “God is no where”. A little girl rose from her seat and said: “Oh, Sir, that’s wrong. It should be “God is now here”.
Wise little girl! Thank God for the gift of faith.
TEN SECOND SERMON: Get mad, then get over it!!
WHAT WILL MATTER
Whether you are ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and power will be irrelevant. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and your to do lists will expire. The wins and losses that mattered so much for you will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on. It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even your gender or skin colour will be irrelevant. So, what will matter? How will the value of your days in this world be measured? What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your success but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone. What will matter not your memories but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of CHOICE. Choose to live a life that matters. It’s never too late to start.
PERFECTIONS ARE MADE UP OF TRIFLES
A rich man engaged an artist to execute a piece of sculpture for him. Some weeks later, having been away on business, it seemed to him that the artist had made little progress. “What have you been doing?” asked the employer angrily. “Working on the figure”. “But I see nothing done since my last visit”. “Well”, replied the artist, “I have brought out this muscle, I have modified this part of the dress and I have slightly changed the expression of the lip” “But these are trifles!” said the man. “True, Sir”, said the artist quietly. “But perfection is made up of trifles”.
FAITH BOLSERTS PEACE IN OUR LIFE
Our age has some techniques for relaxation. On a beautiful day recently in the wood walk a young Dad who was pushing his screaming child in his buggy. As the father wheeled his infant son along the path, he kept murmuring, “Easy now, Brendan. Just keep calm Brendan. It’s all right, Brendan. Just relax, Brendan. It’s gonna be alright, Brendan”. A woman passing by said to the young father. “You certainly know how to talk to an upset child – quietly and gently”. The woman then leaned over the buggy and cooed. “What seems to be the trouble, Brendan?” The father said quickly, “oh no…… He’s Seán. I’m Brendan!!” In times of unrest or crisis, do we pray in faith?
WILL WE EVER SEE IT AGAIN
At an Ordination to the Priesthood, family and friends look on as those of us coming forward for Ordination prostrate ourselves before the Bishop (see picture on the right) This prostration is a gesture by which the Priest-to-be signifies his dying of self and to his own self interest and advantage. He arises to the call of the Bishop and his rising symbolises that he is alive only to Jesus and His beautiful Gospel. In fact, he is called “ALTER CHIRSTUS” – an other Christ. The Bishop then asks “are you prepared to be a Priest to serve in God’s Church?”
The answer – “Yes with the help of God” His help has been fantastic.
THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER
It’s amazing the stories that stay with you from youth. I will remember in Cooraclare National School the story often told about the Ant and the Grasshopper. Our teacher would explain that during the summertime the Grasshopper just played and played and never stored anything up for the wintertime. The Ant on the other hand, worked, worked diligently day and night. When the winter came, the Ant had enough to eat and he survived the winter whereas the Grasshopper died as soon as the winter came. This was supposed to be a sufficient warning that we should work constantly and not take time to play. But one of my great pals raised his had and said, “Sir, but isn’t it true that the Ant also died? And he died without having lived at all!” I have over the years often listened again to my great pal who raised his hand with such a super observation. All work and no play not only makes Johnny a dull boy, but it is also an un-Christian attitude towards work.
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19 June 2021
CONGRATULATIONS FR. KEVIN!!
On behalf of the Parish of Moyvane/Knockanure we would like to congratulate Fr. Kevin on his 40 years in priesthood. His decision to live a life of service to others is one that we are all so very grateful for.
Thank you for sharing with us the graces that our Lord has so richly blessed you with. We pray that this celebration is also a time of happy reflection; a time of satisfaction in the tremendous good you have accomplished, and a time warmed by the promise of the good you will accomplish in the years to come.
Thank you and congratulations. Michelle Mulvihill, Chairperson, Parish Pastoral Council.
OUR SON TAUGHT US HOW TO LOVE
John Killinger tells a moving story about a couple whose new born was mentally affected. They were crushed of course. Still, they loved him as they would any child of theirs. They built a bedroom with glass walls so that wherever they were in the house they would be able to keep an eye on him. For seventeen years, the mother slept next to the boy with her hand next to his heart. If he ever started having trouble breathing, she would be able to wake up and resuscitate him. For seventeen years, they lived this way. One sad day however, a neighbour’s girl fell from a tree and hurt her arm. The mother left her son to rush the girl to the hospital. As she was standing in the emergency room of the hospital with the little girl her husband came in carrying the body of their son. He had died while she was at the hospital. His Dad had tired in vain to revive him. As their son lay before them in them in peace, the parents cried. But they gave thanks to God for the gift of their son. “For” his Mum said, “he taught us how to love”. I can tell you from experience, learning to love is the greatest healing that faith can bring about. Have you been healed in this way? I most certainly have.
A WIDER VIEW OF THE SACRED HEART (continued from last week)
In last week’s Newsletter, we gave an account the speakers at the Novena up until Wednesday. As promised here is an account of our final two speakers: On Thursday, Brenda Fitzmaurice made us movingly aware of the promises made to St. Margaret Mary regarding all who have devotion to the Sacred Heart. It was a beautiful call for all of us to remain close to the Sacred Heart. Final night, Friday we were delighted to have Bishop Paul from Achonry. The story he shared touch me deeply. All too often we are quick to make judgements about those who can and who can’t receive Holy Communion. I asked him to speak because he wrote me a personal handwritten letter after my appearance on the ‘Confessors’. It’s a letter I will always cherish forever. A huge thank you to all of our speakers over the nine days who made our Novena so special. I will celebrate a Mass for their intentions in the coming weeks. Details next week as to how to find the talks on social media.
TEN SECOND SERMONS
➢ An old-timer is one who remembers when charity was a virtue and not an organization.
➢ Health is not valued till sickness comes.
➢ Much happiness is overlooked because it doesn’t cost anything.
TWO PROBLEMS WITH FIRST COMMUNION OR CONFIRMATION
First Holy Communion or Confirmation can create one of two problems. They can hit the pocket or the conscience. While the day costs too much money, I’m not as critical of that as I used to be. The harder the times, the more we need the occasional blow out, the to-hell -with-poverty splash. Families are under such pressure that First Holy Communion or Confirmation can be as good a safety valve as the next. The conscience question is more difficult. It is easily stated, not so easily solved. It centres around those parents who are not practising their religion. Some parents don’t bother much with Church because they think that the whole thing is nonsense. Others don’t bother because it is irrelevant to their way of life. Either way, should they go along with all the preparations up to taking part in the Mass and going to Holy Communion? Or is it the more honourable thing to refuse to let the child go through with an invitation into something that, later on, the parents won’t support the child in living out?
THE SACRAMENTS ARE MORE THAN A JUNIOR DEBS BALL!
Not easy…… It would be easy if the Sacraments were simply social occasions – a kind of Junior Debs Ball or an Irish language course in the Gaeltacht. Events in a child’s life where a parent can fork out the cost without actually believing in the value of the event, happenings with a life of their own, irrespective of the values of the parents. If the Sacraments were just that, then there would be no problems with First Holy Communion or Confirmation. They would be just pleasant markers along the growing years of a child, souvenir days for the photo album. The Sacraments are more than that. They are a further invitation into a way of life, a deeper insertion into a community that is trying its best to follow the Christian life. With each new Sacrament comes the promise that you will get the example and encouragement of the community in living that life. The first community that you have the right to expect support from is your own family. That’s the crux. An increasing number of families either cannot or will not give that support. That should create a problem for themselves, for the teachers and for the Priest at First Holy Communion time. I deliberately said ‘should’ because in practise it is a problem that seldom gets faced up to honestly. We hold First Holy Communion talks for parents and say nice things to them about their children and what the teachers are telling them in school. All the time we know in our hearts and souls that the room is full of adult questions about faith, about Mass and about the place of Confession in their own lives. We know that the parents also know that, but on all sides, there is a hesitancy to face facts and use the occasion for a bit of honest adult religious discussion.
GRANNIES HAVE A BIG INFLUENCE
I have been involved in a fair number of talks to parents before First Holy Communion and now I have my doubts about their long-term value, especially in big towns. In the rural Parish there is still a solid community set-up. Couples live near parents and grannies have a big influence. Children are swept along by a culture that hand on faith as naturally as it does the local accent. The tide flows in the direction of practice. The Parish agnostic stands out and any irreligious convictions that he has are liable to be put down to the fact that his family were always an odd crowd anyway. Housing estates are a different kettle of fish. You get the strong sense of an uprooted people when you face an audience of First Communion parents from these new urban areas – the other Ireland and the new Ireland. Apart from the constant shock of how young these parents are, there is the fact that they are struggling with so many new experiences. They are adrift, not just from traditional Church values but from the whole network of relationships in which they grew up in. It is easy for these young parents to lose sight of the kind of Church that they grew up in and to drift into fulfilling their mother’s worst fears about not going to Mass. It isn’t badness. Just that the social tide sweeps their parish sisters and brothers away. Then comes First Communion – confusion, perhaps guilt. Then conscience may raise questions about hypocrisy. Ignore these questions. Take part in your child’s big day. The Christian life isn’t like ice skating with its compulsory elements and its merciless scoreboard. This is not the style of the Jesus who died on the Cross so that you and I might learn about God’s patience, love and forgiveness. This year the First Holy Communion will be held in Knockanure on Sat 11th September and in Moyvane on Sat 18th September.
FATHER’S DAY IN THE PARISH THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
Delighted to gift Dads this Sunday with a special gift at all Masses. Have an enjoyable and grace filled day. Dads you do a great job! Blessings and you to you today and always. Keep your cards close to your chest with the unique gift you receive! Today is a very special day for me too, keep me in your prayers.
11 June 2021
LOUGH DERG 2021: Lough Derg regrets that it will not be possible in 2021 to reopen Station Island for the Traditional Three Day Pilgrimage or even for the autumn programme of Day Retreats.
Lough Derg will again offer the opportunity to “Do Lough Derg from wherever you are” on 3rd – 5th July.
The outdoor Pilgrimage on the Lough Shore Pilgrim Path will also be available as the summer goes on.
Further information from Lough Derg office 0(0353) 71 9861518 or www.loughderg.org.
YOUNG ADULT WORKSHOP: Reconnection, Minding Your Mind as we leave Lockdown, an online workshop for Young Adults aged 18 to 30 yrs. will be held on Thursday 10th June at 7.30pm via Zoom. For young adults who wish to join the workshop you can register for the link for Reconnect www.dioceseofkerry.ie and follow us on Instagram @YouthDoK for more information.
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
There is a story about a young man who was asked by his people, who had never heard the Gospel to travel widely and observe keenly, how those who were followers of Jesus lived His teaching. Anthony was a young man of deep integrity. He went out of his way to meet as wide a cross-section of people as possible. He didn’t jump to conclusions or rush to judgement. When he felt he had seen enough, he headed home. “Basically”, Anthony reported, “I found five kinds of Christians. Firstly, I found some who are Christian in name only. Even though baptised, they have no real commitment to Jesus. Secondly, I found some who are Christian by habit only. Even though they are committed to the out-ward observances their faith doesn’t affect the way they live. Thirdly, I found some who are clearly devoted to the Christian faith. They are engaged in good works, yet seem to possess few, if any of the qualities which made their master so appealing. Fourthly, I found what you might call practical Christians who have grasped the heart of what Jesus is about. They are clearly concerned about other people and are not ashamed to be seen as Christians. Lastly, I met some, not many, whom I would have no hesitation in calling the genuine article. These are deeply spiritual people. In meeting them I felt I was meeting Jesus, Himself.” The task of bringing Jesus to today’s world depends on of us. It’s a delightful privilege, but a daunting task. Like Jesus, we are given the help of the Holy Spirit. The best way we can preach the Gospel is by living a truly Christian life. Indeed, the only Gospel some people will ever read is the Gospel of my life. Coming back to Anthony – which category of Christian are you in?
THE POWER OF SEED
One of the strongest seeds in the world is the seed of Chinese bamboo tree. It lies buried in the soil for five years before any seedling or sprouts appear above ground. Think of it! Five years! All during these five years the seed must be cultivated that is, watered and fertilized regularly. Now comes the big surprise. When the bamboo seedling finally emerges from the ground, it grows to a height of nine feet in just six weeks. Why does the seedling take so long to emerge? Why does it grow so fast once it emerges? Plant experts say that during its first five years in the soil the bamboo seed is busy building an elaborate root system that enables it to grow nine feet in just six weeks. Can you reflect please……? Does our faith have deep roots? How can we know? What is our root system that nourishes us spiritually every day?
A WIDER VIEW OF THE SACRED HEART
I f there is one thing that I learned from the Novena is that the Sacred Heart is alive and well and still touching and enriching hearts. I was blessed in numerous ways during our magic Novena days. What a blessing, what a joy. I got so, so much from it. I certainly hope you did too. Our speakers (all of them) were inspired and guided in a beautiful way by the Sacred Heart. Ten speakers, all generous and so close to the Sacred Heart. I am reminded of a little boy after hearing that God created the world in six days asked his teacher: “What business has God been in since?” Well our Novena messengers told us so lovingly that the Sacred Heart has been an ever present blessing to all of us. In sunshine and in clouds. Thady opened the Novena reminding us of the warm
humanity of the Sacred Heart. Geraldine our first speaker reminded us in such a moving and generous way of the reality of Faith, Hope and Love……..and the greatest is Love. Her husband John, 49, son Tomás, 14 and Amelia, 6 still motivate her daily to keep their love alive. I cried and prayed for her – powerful start. Then our very own Gabriel – honest, uplifting and from the heart – a light that darkness could not overpower. When he said ‘he was snookered!’ No confession, no Communion, cut off from the Sacred Heart! – that was so sad and painful to hear. Thank God for the Sacred Heart light, love and forgiveness which Gabriel never gave up on. Next, John Quinn from the ‘Home of the Oyster’ – Clarinbridge. The seven seanfhocails all directing us to the Heart of Jesus. Gems of faith placed before us by an extraordinary wordsmith – still writing, still sharing, still inspiring. His voice is magic. So sad to hear John tell us about poor Fr. Dineen S.J. late of Rathmore who paid an awful price for his dedication to the Irish language. Fr. Seán put a lovely reflective presentation on the ‘new normal’ before us on Sunday. So well-crafted and presented, we were all so proud that he is one of our own – the spontaneous round of applause showed that. Mairead with the beautiful Sacred Heart statue which her late great mum received on her baptism day has been a treasured presence to this very day in her home and with her loving family. It has inspired her in her generous work and presence with those who live alone and those heavy with loneliness. She called on us to invest more in family life allowing the Sacred Heart to inspire us. Next, Brenda invited us in a lovely way to move from head to heart. That journey for her has been so, so special in beautiful Knockanure. In a move to heart, especially the Sacred Heart, life can and will be so much more meaningful. Next, we had Fr. Tom speaking to us on the occasion of his 37th Anniversary of his Ordination, the Feast of St. Columba. Lovingly he traced the early days of his Priesthood which brought him to Derry in the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland. The people helped him – they were people of faith, they were people of heart who trusted the Sacred Heart. As this Newsletter goes to the housebound and the shops on Thursday, we will keep the identity of the final two speakers a secret and we will tell you about them in next weeks Newsletter. In each of the Novena days we carried all those doing the Leaving Cert in prayer. We assure them and their families that we will continue to do so until the exams finish. A special word of thanks to all those who worked in so many ways to make the Novena special. I will celebrate a Mass for the intentions of all speakers who gave us a wider view of the Sacred Heart. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be forever loved. Amen.
CHEERFUL ENCOURAGEMENT
Robert Stroud spent more than forty years in Alcatraz Prison, and probably saved his sanity by becoming an authority on birds. He was known as ‘The Bird Man Of Alcatraz’. A young woman aged 22 once wrote to him.
She had lost a leg by amputation and had undergone several surgical operations and felt life wasn’t worth living. When she read the story of Robert Stroud it gave her renewed hope. In his reply to her, ‘The Bird Man’ wrote: “Neither of us can afford to know the meaning of the word ‘can’t’; I am sending you a Canary who will tell you that over and over.” He did so and thanks to the bird’s cheerful encouragement the woman rapidly improved in both health and outlook in life. We were fortunate and richly blessed to have nine days where the Heart of Jesus gave us new heart and encouragement in living life better.
WORSE THAN THE LAST!
A priest was paying a few farewell calls before moving to a new Parish. One elderly parishioner paid him the compliment that his successor would not be as good as he had been. “Oh nonsense”, replied the Priest, flattered. “Well”, said the old lady, shaking her head. “I have lived here under five different Parish Priests and each new one has been worse than the last!”
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5 June 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the family and relatives of Imelda Sheehan, Ashgrove House, Kildare & l/o Kilbaha whose funeral took place last Saturday in Moyvane and burial afterwards in Ahavoher Cemetery. To Marina
Scanlon, Listowel Road on the death of her brother Tom Nolan, Shanagolden whose funeral took place last Thursday. To Cal & Catherine O’Flynn, Ahalahana on the sudden death of Cal’s brother John, Fethard, Co. Tipperary whose funeral took place last Saturday. To Tom & Nora Hogan, Temple, Athea on the death of Nora’s brother Denis Mullane whose funeral took place in Scotland. May Imelda, Tom, John and Denis rest in peace.
LEAVING CERT STUDENTS
We wish to assure all Leaving Cert students that they will be remembered in the nine days of our Sacred Heart Novena. Our prayer is that God’s Holy Spirit will bless, direct and keep them calm and safe as they begin their exams. We are so proud of how they have handled their education challenge during lockdown. A SIN IS A SIN!
The great Anthony Mastroem wrote the following provocative comment:
No one steals anymore…..they simply lift something.
No one lies anymore…….they simply misrepresent the facts.
No one commits adultery…..they simply play or fool around.
No one kills an unborn baby…….they simply terminate a pregnancy.
All of this, says Mastroem, is simply a clever, if dishonest way of candy-coating the reality of sin. If God wanted a permissive society, He would have given us TEN SUGGESTIONS, instead of TEN COMMANDMENTS. During these Novena days I will be available in the Church of the Assumption daily 12noon to 1pm and from 3pm to 4pm for Confessions.
SACRED HEART NOVENA: continues each day, see Mass times above. Different speakers each evening.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved. Amen. Available on Assumption Radio 99.9fm.
THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi. It is a unique opportunity for each of us to reflect on how we approach the Lord when we come to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. And does it make a difference in our life that we receive Holy Communion on a regular basis? The following is a wonderful example of one man who valued Holy Communion. After many years of distinguished service to one of our great
Irish Hospitals a surgeon was retiring, and a special gathering was held to mark the event. As part of the tribute to him a plaque was unveiled bearing in relief a replica of his hand. Many speeches were made praising the surgeon’s skill, and then it came to his turn to say a few words. He noted how many references had been made in the tributes to ‘the skill of the surgeon’s hand’, but he pointed out that the hand itself was controlled by the mind and then he added this: “But behind the dexterity of the hand and the alertness of the mind there has to be a gentle touch that comes from the heart, a real compassion for one’s patients. Each and every day I felt my heart and life was touched and blessed by the beautiful gift of Holy Communion”.
Hand, head and heart – and for each of us, as well as the surgeon’s, the greatest of these is heart. And when the heart is moved and touched by Holy Communion we are living life as God intended.
THE ART OF REMEMBERING
On the night before Jesus died, as He shared Himself under the form of bread and wine with His disciples, Jesus said to them “Do This In Memory Of Me”. Everybody loves to be remembered. To be forgotten is to be treated as if we never existed. If we want to be remembered, we have a duty also to remember. But there is an art in remembering. Memory is a powerful thing. Wrongly used, it can bring death rather than life. The art of remembering consists in remembering what will help and forgetting what will hinder. Past failures remembered will warn us against repeating them. Past victories remembered will spur us onto even greater ones. Memory keeps the past alive. It is a form of immortality. Those we remember never die. They continue to walk and talk with us. Memory is the only paradise from which we cannot be driven.
WHO’S FAULT?
A man came to work each day with his lunch-box under his arm. At lunch time daily, he went through the exact same ritual. He opened the box, unwrapped the sandwiches, took out one sandwich, separated the slices of bread and exclaimed “Ah no! not cheese again!” This went on everyday, until eventually his workmates could take no more. One man turned to him and said, “Look, dummy, why don’t you ask your wife to put something else in the sandwiches?” “What wife? I’m not married”, replied the man. “Then who makes the sandwiches?” he was asked. “I do”, was the reply! It is a principle in computer studies that the computer can only work with the information I feed into it. Feed it junk, you’ll get back junk! It’s the very same with our bodies. It’s a sign of personal maturity to take responsibility for one’s life and for the way it is.
EUCHARIST IS HOSPITALITY
The hospitality of God is at the heart of the Eucharist. There is a place for each one of us at the Lord’s Table. There are people who come to Mass who will only experience God’s hospitality if they experience ours. People need to feel the welcome of those who are sitting beside them. It is really wonderful to experience the hospitality of God. It is to discover what God is like. That we are wanted and welcome, helps us to discover what we ourselves are like. Are we carriers of God’s hospitality?
MRS KENDAL
There was once a famous British actress who was known as Mrs. Kendal. She appears as a character in the striking movie, ‘The Elephant Man’, the story of a man who was, you might recall, grotesquely and horribly disfigured with the skin colour of an elephant. There was a particular incident in the movie I recall very well. The famous actress went to see the elephant man, as he was called, and she held out her hand to take his hand. And he extended the less deformed of his two hands. Mrs. Kendal stood there; this great actress stood there and looked him straight in the eye and she shook her head, indicating that was not sufficient. The elephant man waited a long time. Finally, out from under his coat he brought his more horribly deformed hand. Mrs. Kendal took his hand in hers and she smiled. The elephant man said that this was the first time in his life that a woman had held his hand. This made me think – don’t we do this to Jesus? We offer our more seemly self, but Jesus will have none of that. Jesus wants our most hidden, undesirable selves. These Novena days gives all of us an ideal opportunity to do just that.
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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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29 May 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Sr. Columbanus and Sr. Attracta and the wider Presentation Sisters family on the death of Sr. Rupert (Corkery) whose funeral took place in Killarney last week. The late Sr. Rupert was very prominent with the Cathedral Choir and for her music Ministry in St. Brigid’s School and in the Parish of Killarney.
May she reap the rewards of her faithful service as a Presentation Sister. May Sr. Rupert rest in peace.
THIS IS TRINITY SUNDAY
This weekend we celebrate the greatest mystery of our faith. We would not know anything about it if God had not revealed it to us. The mystery is this: that God is Father, Son and Spirit. It is not so much something to talk about (for words are totally inadequate), as something to celebrate pray and live. Lord Jesus, You reveal to us the mystery of the Father and His great personal love for each of us. You reveal to us the mystery of Your own Divine Sonship and You share your Divine inheritance with each and everyone of us. You reveal to us the beautiful mystery of the Holy Spirit who binds us together as sisters and brothers. Pray joyfully, Glory be to the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.
SACRED HEART NOVENA
From the 3rd to 11th of June we will celebrate a Novena to the Sacred Heart. Speakers from around the Country and from the Parish will be relayed on a big screen as they share with us each evening, images/ideas/challenges. It promises to be different and enriching.
Many years ago widow Murphy visited me on day three of the Sacred Heart Novena in the Western Road, Cork. She told me she had two sons, one a gardener and the other a potter. The gardener had asked her to pray for rain to water his plants while the potter had asked her to pray for sunshine to dry his pots. “What should I do, Fr. Kevin?” she pleaded. “You will do best to leave it in the hands of the Sacred Heart”, I replied.
Our Novena will be great as we leave all things in the hands of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Please come and allow the touch of Jesus to bless, enrich and guide you to new beginnings.
Novena leaflets with Novena prayer are available in both Churches today. Daily at 7.30pm Monday to Saturday.
On Sunday at 11am be surprised, be energised – Sacred Heart Novena, 2021, Moyvane. All welcome. Lots of surprises. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved.
PRAYER BEFORE EXAMINATIONS
Loving God, help me during my examinations to remember the things which I have learned and studied.
Help me to remember well and to think clearly.
Help me not to be so nervous or excited that I will do myself an injustice.
Keep me calm and clear headed. Help me to try my hardest and to do my best. Blessing and warm good wishes on all doing Exams at this time.
WHEN IT COMES TO A NOVENA – WHAT DO YOU ASK FOR IN PRAYER?
When it comes to a Novena, we all have various requests and intentions that we bring. Maybe the following reflection might just make us reflect a little more to be aware of what we ask for in prayer.
I asked Jesus to take away my pride and Jesus said no.
He said it was not for Him to take away but for me to give up.
I asked Jesus to make my handicapped child whole and He said no.
He said her spirit is whole, her body is only temporary.
I asked Jesus to grant me patience and Jesus said no.
He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation.
It isn’t granted – it is earned.
I asked Jesus to give me happiness and Jesus said no.
He said He gives blessings - happiness is up to me.
I asked Jesus to spare me pain, and Jesus said no.
He said suffering draws you apart from worldly care and brings you closer to Him. I asked Jesus to make my spirit grow and He said no.
He said I must grow on my own, but I will be in Heaven someday because I believe.
I asked Jesus to help me love others as much as He loves me.
Jesus smiled and said “Ah, at last you have finally got the idea”.
May our Sacred Heart Novena be a great blessing to our Parish and to all of us.
HOLD ON - PLEASE
I came across this blessing and would like to share it with you on this Trinity Sunday. There are beautiful sentiments in it. I hope you like it. I feel they are very appropriate to the times we are in.
“Hold onto what is good, even if it is a handful of earth. Hold onto what you believe in even if it is a tree that stands by itself. Hold onto what you must do, even if it is a long way from here. Hold onto life, even when it is easier letting go. Hold onto my hand, even when I have gone away from you. Please, please hold on in these very difficult times. Hold on – please”.
POSITIVE
As we continue to journey to new beginnings after the awful lockdown, it is so important to put the spotlight on the good and positive rather than just the negative. With the arrival of our Sacred Heart Novena, we are given the opportunity to celebrate the great and good within. If every experience of life touches us in some way, we need to appreciate that this can either uplift us or do the opposite. There is a lovely saying -
“THE MORE LOVE YOU GIVE AWAY, THE MORE LOVE YOU WILL HAVE”
We tend to forget that there is a lot of love being sown, nurtured and shared. The effects are unique and make the difference. Can you feel the difference as we move further out of lockdown?
GIVE AND TAKE – WHICH ONE ARE YOU?
GIVE and TAKE shared a house together. One day they set out on a long journey. GIVE strolled along enjoying the walk, but TAKE was pushing a barrow full of so many of his possessions that he could not keep up. His clothes too were weighted down by all the things in his pockets. GIVE reached their destination, still as fresh as when they started. TAKE was so busy going back to pick up items he had dropped that he never got there.
They say he was struggling along still racked with worries and terrified of losing all his belongings.
WE NEED A PLAN – URGENTLY
“Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty”. That’s what Mother Teresa said thirty years ago. It’s still true today. After fourteen months of lockdown, fear, sickness, death with no opportunity to grieve and in many cases real poverty; the fallout from this pandemic is just beginning. Society, Government and Churches need to recognise that fact of life and be prepared to plan to help us through it. Coping with life has to be treated in a holistic way. We are more than mere bodies; we are a complex mix of physical, emotional and spiritual elements. We need to be able to name the illness before we can accept there is help available to start us on the road to recovery. Sacred Heart be with us on our recovery journeys.
TEN SECOND SERMONS
➢ Habits are first cobwebs, then cables.
➢ Love so that the Priest at your funeral can tell the truth.
➢ The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.
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May 22 2021 Moyvane Newsletter Fr Kevin.
ROSARY: I will pray the Rosary this Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4pm on the Radio 99.9fm. The Church will be open if anyone would like to come and pray it with me.
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the McElligott family, Coolaclarig, Listowel on the untimely death of their brother Billy. Billy would have been known to many people throughout the parish with his personal delivery of fruit & vegetables. We have great memories of Billy providing strawberries to us after our successful Michael English Concert. Billy’s funeral took place last Tuesday in Listowel. To Dermot Gallagher, Askeaton and the Hennessy family, Glencar on the death of his loving sister Ella Hennessy whose funeral took place during the week.
May Billy and Ella rest in peace.
SACRED HEART NOVENA: From the 3rd to 11thJune we will celebrate a very special Sacred Heart Novena. Full details in next week’s Newsletter.
SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, FALL AFRESH ON US
In the fields patches of green are appearing, new patches on an old garment.
But, given time, Spring will weave a completely new garment.
Yet Spring is only a facilitator.
It doesn’t make anything happen.
It merely creates the climate in which things can grow.
We too need to grow, to grow as human beings and children of God.
But growth is slow and painful.
We do not easily let go of the old garment, woven out of old habits and attitudes.
But we have been given a wonderful Facilitator, namely, the Holy Spirit. The Spirit awakens us to the mysterious power within us, bids us live and helps us grow.
Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on us.
LAPSED CATHOLICS
Lapsed Catholics probably form the biggest religious group in very many parishes across Ireland. That isn’t as silly and contradictory a statement as it might first appear. Few lapsed Catholics become out-and-out atheists but some do. The ‘Catholic thing’ in them snaps and there is a hole where once there was faith. Others join a cult that may or may not be hostile to the Catholic Church. But the majority of lapsed Catholics maintain your classical love-hate relationship with the Church. They may not go to Mass, but they’ll have Masses said for others. They may be fiercely critical of Priests in general, but they’ll have their own private few Priests that they have met who are ‘sound men’. The lapsed will profess that they couldn’t care less about the whole business. Yet, they’ll talk more religion than the Pope! If
I may make a wild generalisation, I’d say that most lapsed Catholics have left because at a crucial moment in their lives they felt that the Church didn’t care for them personally. It might be a moment in confession years ago when they brought a sexual sin for absolution and the Priest ‘ate the face’ of them. At least, that’s the way they remember it and ever since those few harsh words add up to a Church that doesn’t care. A Priest is distant and uninvolved at the funeral of a parent and immediately allegiance to the Church slips a good number of notches. I can still remember the shock and confusion in my young head when the Priest celebrating a funeral of someone I really loved, whispered to the Priest beside him: “What’s his name again?”. I was shocked and saddened. No harm was meant, I’m sure, but it felt like a slap of a wet rag across my face at the time. I smelt professionalism and glimpsed a Church that didn’t care.
BIGGEST CAUSE FOR LAPSING
Marriage must be the single biggest cause for people lapsing. It is the time when people are most sensitive, most vulnerable to the kind or cold touch of the Church. A messy marriage and the Priest who doesn’t want to get involved; the painful annulment over years and ending in bitterness; the irregular marriage that puts a couple in limbo and the Church in a no-win situation. Add to that what looks like cold unsympathetic, celibate teaching on birth control, and you have a recipe for confusion, lukewarm practise and eventual lapsing. It can so easily add up to a Church that doesn’t seem to care. And yet one of the glories of the thing called faith is that it survives the most amazing battering. I know that the books tell us that it is a gift that we can lose but, in my experience it is a rugged plant with deep roots. It can be flourishing away under the most unlikely surface.
COMPLICATED BUSINESS
The longer you live, the more you realise that faith is a complicated business. You see that living the Christian life is a haphazard up-and-down journey. The signposts get faded with the passage of years. You reach a point where you are no longer impressed by those who practise and unimpressed by those who don’t. For the simple reason that no one can ever know what is under the surface. I really believe that our Church DOES care. I believe that there is a genuine regret for the times when the individual Priest, Bishop or Church law has messed up a person and made them feel unloved by God. We are a human Church with our share of warts, I agree, but we are also a Church where sorrow for wrong doing has always been a respected virtue. Meanwhile, the lapsed carry on an alternative Church. They pray in their own way, visit the parents’ grave, prepare the children for First Holy Communion as best they can and hope that behind it all there is a loving God who understands. By and large, they are not hostile, simply confused and more than a little hurt. I’ve deliberately used the word ‘LAPSED’. Others might be happier with ‘alienated’ or ‘inactive’. I’m not, because these are imports that don’t carry the rich meaning that the word ‘LAPSED’ has in the Irish context. Need I say that both Church life and the lapsed themselves are poorer in the present situation? No family is happy when some of its children are out there somewhere in the night, refusing to come home. Neither I suspect, are the children.
A BRIGHT SPARK!
A teacher received an essay on Benjamin Franklin from an eight-year-old boy in her class and it went as follows: “Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, but he did not like it there! He got on a boat and went to Philadelphia. He got off the boat. He walked up the street and bought a loaf of bread. Then he met a lady and he discovered electricity”
TEN SECOND SERMONS
➢ It is magnificent to grow old if one keeps young.
➢ What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul.
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15 May 2021
ROSARY: I will pray the Rosary this Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4pm on the Radio 99.9fm. The Church will be open if anyone would like to come and pray it with me.
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Michael Mahony & family, Coolaclarig on the very untimely death of his loving wife
Assumpta whose funeral took place in Listowel last week. This is a very difficult time for the all the family. Her daughter-in-law Deborah O’Flaherty teaches here in Murhur N.S. Our prayerful support to all at this time. To Lilly McMahon & family, Lisaniskea on the death of her loving husband Jackie. Jackie was an older brother to Fr. Tom who celebrated his brother’s Mass in Knockanure last Monday. Our prayerful support to the family at this time. To the White family, Athea on the death of their loving mother Madge whose funeral took place in Athea on Monday. Madge was a great listener into 99.9fm with her family. Our prayerful support to the White family at this time. May Assumpta, Jackie and Madge rest in peace.
NOTICES
NIARON LTD: Work finished at the joint bay 1km North of Moyvane on Wednesday May 12th. Works at the joint bay south of Moyvane River will continue until May 21st. We Apologize for any inconvenience caused and continue to thank you for your patience and cooperation.
MOYVANE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION: Pick Up After Your Dog: Please ensure that you clean up after your dogs while out walking. KWD County Wide Clean Up: Clean-up is planned for May 22-30 & the event this year must be held in compliance with current government Public Health advice. Therefore no groups are allowed. Clean ups must be limited to family groups/pods only. As in previous years for clean ups we would encourage volunteers to target their own areas/roads over the coming months, not just the dates above. Most important to note, hand washing and sanitizing should take place before and after clean ups & volunteers should use their own gloves and litter pickers. MDA has registered with KWD for additional litter pickers, bags etc. These items will be available from Ursula or any of the committee.
THE ART OF LIFE
A young son and his mother gather at a rural Marian Grotto these May evenings. They pray the Rosary aloud. Both have been hit with sudden illness recently. They find something extra special, just by praying the Rosary these May evenings at their Holy Well (Grotto). Their current experience made me think – The art of life. Childhood must pass away and then youth, as surely as age approaches. The true wisdom is to be always seasonable and to change with good grace in changing circumstances. To love playthings well as a child, to lead an adventurous and honourable youth and to settle when the time arrives into a green and smiling age is to be a good artist in life and deserve well of yourself and your neighbour. We all need to live in the now. That’s the art of life.
COME BACK TO MASS……..AND MORE
The traditional obligation for Catholics to attend Mass every Sunday was lifted here in Ireland and virtually all over the world more than fourteen months ago. So the familiar distinction between practising and non-practising Catholics was suspended. Here in our part of God’s Kingdom, the Doorway of Hope and the Holy Hut in Knockanure kept the live line with Mass alive. Now that we are back one week and please God we will remain back with a congregation for Masses, it is difficult to gauge as to how we will move forward as a ‘NEW’ Church from here on. There are three groups of people that I must find new ways of reaching:
• Those who have simply lost the habit of Sunday Mass.
• Those who are not sure they see the point of Mass or Church anymore.
• And those who have encountered funerals and You Tube Masses and Assumption Radio during the pandemic (The Covid Curious).
Starting with the above (last group first) so many from this group were in touch from around the country and beyond giving such encouraging and uplifting comments and suggestions. They were attracted to what they had found. Will that group still stay linked to Church? As for the other two groups I honestly feel the whole idea of bringing back Sunday obligation will not wash with them. For most it would have the opposite effect. Participation in Holy Eucharist is the font and summit of a Catholic’s spiritual and moral life and Mass attendance on Sundays and Holy Days is the mark of Catholics identity. The beautiful gift of Holy Communion is the Bread of Life and such nourishing food for life’s journey. We need it now more than ever. The principal events in the life of the universal Church during C19 have included Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti and his call for dialogue between faiths during his powerful visit to Iraq. Across the water in England and Wales and Bishops under the banner of Caritas, collected and distributed huge sums of money for relief of hardship, especially for families and children in poverty and hunger providing breakfast and school meals for them.
Here in Ireland our Bishops were slow off the mark, we were told the four Archbishops from the four provinces were meeting the Government on a regular basis. However, there was no feedback from these meetings to the rest of us and these meetings seemed to have petered out. This resulted in every parish having to fend for themselves. Apart from streamed Masses, there seemed to be little else forthcoming. No effort was made to engage with college students or with the youth in general. We didn’t receive any clear moral direction as how to go through the C19 crisis from a Church perspective. The Government were calling all the shots.
I am in awe of our young folk in how they have adapted to the new way of education. I met a young parishioner during the week who told me in September (please God) she will be starting her second year in college and she has never met any students in her class and has never been inside the building. I have forgotten and failed to help this age group. Maybe our Church and myself need to do a lot more than simply inviting people of all ages back to Mass. Pray that we can support encourage and guide each other back to Catholic basics. But how?
NEVER IF…….
NEVER say I love you if you don’t really care.
NEVER talk of feelings if they aren’t really there.
NEVER hold my hand if you mean to break my heart.
NEVER say forever if you ever plan to part.
NEVER look into my eyes if you are telling me a lie.
NEVER say hello if you think you’ll say goodbye.
NEVER say that I’m the one if you dream of someone else.
NEVER say the words if they’re not true unto yourself.
WHEN FREEDOM’S SWORD WAS DRAWN –
THE ‘TROUBLED TIMES’ IN NORTH KERRY
The above is a new book published by Martin Moore, Tralee. The Gortaglanna ambush sparked a wider response throughout all of Kerry in the months following, May 1921. This book records those events in great detail which will be of immense interest to the people of Moyvane and Knockanure and indeed throughout Kerry. It is a very easy book to read and it is most informative.
THANK YOU: A huge thank you to you all for our first week back into our Churches. Your understanding and cooperation is deeply appreciated. I am really grateful to all our stewards for volunteering to do this work and they are doing it excellently. Míle Buíochas! May Jesus continue to bless and protect us in our new beginnings.
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May 8 2021
ROSARY: I will pray the Rosary this Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4pm on the Radio 99.9fm. Next weekend I will let you know if a small congregation can attend in the coming weeks.
RIGHT ATMOSPHERE
A group of Pilgrims walked along together singing all carrying a burden of some sort, yet all were cheerfully thinking more of the purpose of their journey than of its hardships. An Angel joined the group passing from one to another, threw into each of the burdens a couple of little seeds. Soon the seeds began to sprout until they became a pair of wings which carried the Pilgrim, burden and all, along the dusty road. Some hours later, a similar group was travelling the same road with downcast faces complaining of the heavy burdens they carried. The Angel passed again, but left them with no gift of wings. “Why do you not give them wings?” he was asked. “They look so downcast and gloomy, surely they need them more than the others?” “I have only the seeds”, replied the Angel, “And they flourish only in cheerfulness and helpfulness, but will perish at once in that atmosphere of grumbling”. Which pilgrim group are you in right now? – Cheerful or grumbling?
NEW COMMANDMENT OF LOVE
Years ago when weddings with large numbers were celebrated, a young Bride to be walked into a fabric shop and asked the proprietor if she had any kind of noisy, rustling material in white. The proprietor searched the inventory and finally found bolts of fabric that fitted the description. As she was cutting the fabric to the customers specification, the proprietor’s curiosity got the best of her and she asked why the woman wanted such an unusual and noisy cloth. The young woman replied, “you see, I’m making a wedding dress and my fiancé is blind. When I walk down the aisle, I want him to know when I’ve arrived at the Altar, so he won’t be embarrassed”. Love, which finds all kinds of ways to express itself, is willing to sacrifice. What time limits do we place on our sacrifice for family members? For friends? For parishioners? For strangers?
NOTICES
NIARON LTD: ESB Jointing works continues in the same locations, Moyvane North (in front of Keane’s) and just outside Moyvane village in the direction of Tarbert. Niaron would like to thank parishioners for their patience during these works and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
SCOIL CHORP CHRÍOST KNOCKANURE: have launched a major fundraiser. We need to extend our playground area; our outdoor space is limited. The school field is often too wet to play on and we are hoping to upgrade to an Astroturf surface this summer. We need to raise €15,000. Due to covid, we cannot have any fundraising activities. We have organised a GoFundMe page, accessible via the School Facebook page. We also need the support of our community. We need your support. Contributions can be made via the GoFundMe page or by cash or cheque. You can contact the school on 068-49130 if you require further information.
Thank you in advance. Mrs. Julienne Donegan, Principal.
THIS WEDNESDAY A LIGHT AND A PRAYER
The months of April and May, 1921 saw a lot of bloodshed in the Parish of Moyvane-Knockanure. This was, of course, during the Irish War of Independence. On Thursday, April 7, Mick Galvin, an IRA volunteer, was killed by British forces during an ambush at Kilmorna in Knockanure. On Thursday, April 14, 1921, Kilmorna House was raided by the local IRA. Kilmorna house was burned and Sir Arthur Vicars was shot. Then on May 12, Crown forces shot dead three unarmed members of the Flying Column, Paddy Dalton, Paddy Walsh and Jerry Lyons at Gortaglanna. Their comrade and fellow member of the Column, Con Dee made a miraculous escape from the scene. On Thursday May 26, Jack Sheehan was shot in Moinvionlach bog as he attempted to escape capture by the Crown forces. To commemorate these events, the North Kerry Republican Soldiers Memorial Committee are asking that each household light a candle on Wednesday, May 12, the centenary of the Gortaglanna tragedy, at 9pm. Fr. Kevin has very generously sponsored commemorative candles which can be collected by parishioners at all Masses this weekend. Gabriel Fitzmaurice
GABRIEL’S BOOK LAUNCH
With freedom now to gather, maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, Gabriel Fitzmaurice will launch his latest book – ‘Rhyming History: The Irish War of Independence and the Ballads of Atrocity in the Valley of Knockanure’ in the Seanchaí, the Kerry Writer’s Museum on Saturday 15th May at 2pm. Feel free to join this historic launch which commemorates the centenary of the very tragic and sad events in Knockanure which occurred one hundred years ago this month.
BACK IN CHURCH WITH A CONGREGATION
It’s good to be back with a congregation at Masses from this Monday 10th. I am weary with all the restrictions but I respect them. I encourage all of you to do likewise. Returning we will still have social distancing and will be guided by our volunteer stewards. It’s important that you listen to them and be guided by them. If that procedure upsets or annoys you then it would be advisable to wait a little longer when there will be further lifting of restrictions. Despite the lethal danger of Covid-19 and its remarkable transmission capacities (just look at India these days), it is extraordinary that some Christians have failed to convince our society that we take our social obligations seriously. That we treasure the old and the vulnerable, that we believe that health is a holy thing, and that we know that death is sad and tragic. Practically all of you have been great and so supportive of all that is demanded of us during this difficult time. Let’s keep this big effort going as we reopen on Monday. I ask you to keep the following in mind:
All Masses from 10th listed will have a congregation.
For now weekday Masses are in Moyvane only.
Weekend Masses - Vigil at 7.30pm Saturday (Moyvane)
Sunday 9.30am (Knockanure) 11am (Moyvane)
Stewards will guide you to your seat and will lead you out after Mass.
Masks will have to be worn and social distancing maintained.
No gathering around Exits or Entrances.
No congregating in the Car Parks after Mass.
Any Mass you attend will fulfil your Sunday obligation.
Baptisms can go ahead with just the immediate family – contact the Parish Office.
Thanking you in advance for your support and understanding. May God continue to keep us all safe and well.
BANNER FLAG WEATHERS THE STORM
Mike Buckley is my weather advisor and directs me as to when we can put up flags and bunting, when we can cut the grass etc. On Monday morning last his strong advice was to take down all flags in both Churches. I agreed. In packing the flags away he said “Now we’ll have to take down the Clare flag”. I said “Mike we are not taking down the Clare flag”. Mike protested and said “Fr. it won’t be able to withstand the wind that is given down for today and you can see already how the pole is bending with the wind”. I said “Mike the Clare flag is not for moving, leave it there”. It weathered the storm! Is this a good sign for the Championship and
League?? Up the Banner!!
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May 1 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Joe Kearney & family on the death of his loving wife Angela whose funeral took place in Moyvane on Monday. To Anne O’Carroll & family on the death of her loving husband Pat whose funeral will take place at 12noon this Saturday in Knockanure. To Eddie & Julia Stack & family on the very untimely death of Eddie’s grandnephew Conor King, Douglas Cork whose funeral took place during the week in Cork. To Kathleen & John Chris Cunningham & family on the death of Kathleen’s aunt Sr. Bridget Windle, l/o Upper Aughrim who died recently and whose funeral took place in Dublin. To Marie Mulvihill Glenalappa on the death of her brother Patrick Dalton, Athea. May Angela, Pat , Conor, Sr. Bridget & Patrick rest in peace.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DISCIPLE
This weekends Gospel offers us an image of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The word literally means one who is learning, a good attitude to have throughout life. The way to learn from others is by observing what they do by trying to capture some of the spirit which animates them – in short, by being with them. Now this is precisely what the image of the vine and the branches intends to covey namely that it is by keeping company with Jesus, who is forever present in the Church, that we develop and grow as His followers.
BETTER WORLD
The awful murders continue with greater frequency in our beloved country. Our prayers go to all involved. Many, many moons ago the poet Edgar A Guest pined the following lines. I think they are powerful and challenging entitled ‘How to build a better world?’ and it goes as follows: “Well, not by chart or plan, Unless we start to teach the boy.
To be a better man.
For all our dreams of nobler things,
Will meet the same old fate,
Unless we turn to Jesus and do away with hate.”
THANK GOD FOR ANGELA MERKEL
Warm applause and appreciation was afforded to Angela Merkel as Germany applauded her for six minutes in appreciation of her spectacular leadership and defence of humanity. Thank God for her Christian leadership.
THE LADDER OF SUCCESS
We all like to climb the ladder, which ladder though? 100% - I DID
The ladder of success for the Christian is as follows: 90% - I WILL
80% - I CAN
70% - I THINK I CAN
60% - I MIGHT 50% - I THINK I MIGHT 40% - WHAT IS IT?
30% - I WISH I COULD
20% - I DIDN’T KNOW HOW
10% - I CAN’T
0% - I WON’T
FORGIVEN! – THAT’S FINAL
What a blessing, privilege and joy to have Confessions in the car park of Moyvane Church. Again, this Sunday I will be available to celebrate this lovely Sacrament with anyone who wishes to avail of it. Don’t be fearful, I will help you but more importantly Jesus will forgive you. Here is a lovely story about forgiveness. When the books of a certain Scotch Doctor were examined after his death, it was found that a number of accounts were crossed out with the note; ‘Forgiven – too poor to pay’. However, his wife wasn’t a happy camper and decided that all those accounts must be paid and proceeded to sue for the money. The Judge asked only one question, “Is this your husband’s hand-writing?” When she replied that it was he said: “Then there is no tribunal in the land that can obtain this money when he has written the word ‘FORGIVEN’”. When Jesus lovingly and generously forgives us we are blessed with new and exciting beginnings. From 2pm to 5pm this Sunday afternoon in the car park, forgiveness awaits you.
THE MOST DIFFICULT QUESTION EVER
On Monday April 19th in my now customary 7.15pm ‘gathering introduction’ to our 7.30pm Mass on 99.9FM, I posed a question – “If you had to choose between being DEAF or BLIND, would you rather lose your sight or your hearing? No one responded, so I don’t know how you would choose! Whether to give up seeing the faces of loved ones, a rainbow or the joyful splash of a new pair of curtains and grope your way through a life of darkness: or to lose forever the sounds we take so much for granted…….voices, music, laughter, the song of birds, the beautiful sound of running water. A few days ago, Fr. Bill rang me from London, he is Chaplain to the deaf and blind. We had a lovely chat and we got around to speaking about his work.
I confessed that the greatest fear I have in life is ‘losing my eyesight’. In a recent survey forty men and women who were both deaf and blind were asked if they would rather see or hear again. To his surprise, no fewer that 39 of them said without a moment’s hesitation, that they considered deafness to be the greater handicap and they would willingly remain blind if they could only hear again. Fr. Bill wondered why this should be. All 39 gave much the same answer – that while blindness cuts you off from things, deafness cut you off from people. This weekend, for those of us blessed with both sight and hearing, let us be grateful for such wonderful gifts and let us use them wisely for building up God’s Kingdom.
A MESSAGE FROM THE ANGELS
Nearly all families, including my own, have little Angels in heaven.
Christy Kenneally pinned this letter from the Angels to their parents. “I did not die young, I lived my span of life within your body and within your love.
There are many who have lived long lives and have not been loved as me.
If you would honour me then speak my name and number me among your family.
If you would honour me, then strive to live in love, for in that love I live.
Never, ever doubt that we will meet again, until that day, I will grow with God working as a little Angel and wait for you”.
24 April 2021==========================
IT’S GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
This Sunday is always special to me, but in recent years it marks my Dad’s Anniversary. Good Shepherd Sunday my Dad, Tom, was brought to pastures new to be united with the love of his life Mum (Mary) who died in 1981. May they rest in peace.
Picturing Jesus as the Good Shepherd brings one word to the fore in my mind and heart – compassion. The sheep that is lost receives the compassion of the Good Shepherd. Compassion holds both beauty and challenge. It is based on the belief that we are united with all beings. Their joy and sorrow is our joy and sorrow because of this deep and intimate connection. To be truly compassionate means to approach another with non-judgement and the unconditional love that Jesus had when He met those who were suffering or lost. The Good Shepherd is so approachable so loving and loyal too. Confession is where we experience the Good Shepherd best. I will be in the car park this Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. You are most welcome.
Finally a little girl was learning to recite Psalm 23 (The Lord is my Shepherd). She was learning it off by heart for the School Play. The night of the Play she didn’t recite the Psalm as most of us know it, but what she said is so, so true: ‘The Lord is my Shepherd: That’s all I want.”
LISTEN – PLEASE!
Have you a moment to spare to take in a Ten Second Sermon written by John Keble, the 19th Century cleric and poet: “Jesus give us grace to listen” I wonder how many misunderstandings have been cleared up and problems solved by a little careful listening? Perhaps we should listen well not only to what is said, but also to what is not said. Maybe then we will learn something important.
BRIEF AND TO THE POINT!
What’s the shortest speech you’ve ever heard? When tea first reached Braemar, a shopkeeper invited customers to come and taste it. They crowded into his premises where he stood behind the counter arrayed with cups and saucers. He boiled a big kettle, poured the water over the tea leaves and then after a decent interval, raised the result above his head. “Ladies and gentlemen”, he announced. “TEAPOT!” Ah, if only my sermons were as brief and to the point!
“CO-OPERATE WITH THE INEVITABLE”
When I worked in Kenmare Parish many years ago I was blessed to have a really unique and special Parishioner who was very active and positive in the practice of her faith. She was always, always smiling. I asked her once what made her so cheerful. After all, her life was so hard and difficult, in fact, she had experienced much hardship. She just smiled wider than ever and remarked, “Fr. Kevin, that’s simple. I co-operate with the inevitable”. These Easter days, with all their challenges, that is a good lesson to keep in mind! Stay safe, be sensible and keep your co-operation at a high level.
NOT BAD ADVICE TO THE PROVOKED!
A man once saw anglers along a river bank, fishing for salmon. They were trying all they knew to hook the fish, but the salmon just kept leaping and rolling in the air, shining like silver in the sunshine. The man could not help thinking what a carefree life those salmon had. All they had to do to stay happy and carefree was: ‘Keep their mouth shut!’ Not bad advice to the provoked, is it? When we are angry or terribly mis-understood that’s the time like the salmon – ‘Keep your mouth shut!’
WHICH ONE – MUD OR SUN?
I have been reading Chinese proverbs and teachings. They are usually so very old and profound – well worth thinking about seriously and applying in our own lives. I came across this one recently that left a deep impression and indeed a challenge too:
“If there is sufficient mud thrown around – some sticks. If there is sufficient sunshine around – some penetrates”. Now I ask myself which do I throw more of – mud or sun? I must honestly reflect. Can you kind reader do the same – mud or sun?
GIVE THE PAPERS A CHANCE
“There’s only bad news in the papers”, moaned a Priest friend of mine recently. I have started to cut out the good news from the papers I engage with. A few weeks into this practice now and the pile is growing steadily. Cuttings include a short item about the bravery of a pet dog; the gallantry of a man who tried to deter car thieves and succeeded. Then there was the news of the couple that got C19, recovered apart and are now together and moving details of a brave child recovering from a heart operation. No good news? There is plenty if you look for it. Incidentally, do any of you cut out pieces that this Newsletter brings you every week.
FORGET THE UNKIND THINGS
Actress Ingrid Bergman once said: “I stay so happy because I have a terrible memory”. Many things deserve to be remembered and ought to be remembered. But life certainly is so much happier for us all, if we learn to forget the unkind things others have said or done to us. So many from all around the country were in touch with me last week via email and phone. Some gave me a blessing, others were aggressive and told me to get a life etc. Thankfully, I have prayed for all and ask you to do the same. Those who are hurting and are so critical of the Church have very valid reasons. I would love to listen and talk to them with a view to starting a healing moment. The unkind experiences keep us locked in hatred. We need to talk about them and then let them go.
THE PARENTS COUNCIL MURHUR NS: have arranged a Clothing Collection for April 29th. In light of current conditions, bags of unwanted clothes can be dropped into the Marion Hall, Glin Rd at the following dates & times: Saturday 24th April 10:30-12:00pm; Tuesday 27th April 7-8pm. Please do NOT drop bags at times other than those designated above. Bags of unwanted, dry, clean Clothing (all types), Bed Linen (pillow cases, sheets, covers), handbags, shoes can be given - all bagged. Also, the Parents Council have arranged the date of Friday 30th April for the next Split the Bucket Draw! Tickets can still be purchased in Hollys, Noel Stack Butchers & Mike Kennelly’s Hardware! We would like thank all those who have supported to date.
BLESSING OF HOLY WATER: At the weekend Masses, I will bless water making it Easter Water. Fill your own bottles at home and I will bless them. Those at home can have bottles at the ready as well.
VOCATION SUNDAY: In former years this Sunday was dedicated to praying for Vocations. We need to continue to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Vocations Director in the Diocese is Fr. Joe Begley. Email glengarriff@dioceseofkerry.ie
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17 April 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the Fitzgerald family, Lenamore on the death of their mother Nora whose funeral took place in Moyvane on Friday 9th. May Nora continue to enjoy the delights of God’s Kingdom. She was a great devotee of Divine Mercy and it was fitting that she celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday in the loving presence of the Easter Jesus, Sr. Faustina and all who have pre-deceased her.
GOD IS IN CHARGE
It’s no longer in the news (spoken or written) the falling numbers to Priesthood and Religious Life and lack of vocations. This calls for a new response from all of us. We must never forget that God is always in charge of things and He always wishes to engage each and everyone of us in conversations with Him. I know it’s a cold April day, but please allow me to go back to three very special vocations – those of the Three Wise Men whom we encounter each Christmas. The three of them were different ages. Capser was a very young man; Balthazar was middle aged and Melchior was an old man. When they arrived at Bethlehem, the three of them took turns to enter the Crib individually. First in was Melchior, the oldest and there was no one there but a very old man, his own age, with whom he was quickly at home. They spoke together of MEMORY and GRATITUDE. Middle aged Balthazar encountered a middle-aged teacher when he went in and they talked passionately of LEADERSHIP and RESPONSIBILITY. When young Caspar entered, he met a young Prophet full of enthusiasm and they spoke words of REFORM and PROMISE. When they had all gone outside after their individual visits the three of them took their gifts and went in together. There was nobody there but the infant Jesus. Their earlier visit gave them a strong reminder that God speaks to every stage of life. He wishes to awaken in Priestly and Religious vocations the beautiful gifts of MEMORY, GRATITUDE, LEADERSHIP, REPSONSIBILITY, REFORM and PROMISE. All vocations will be enhanced to be more Christ like if the above gifts are put into practise convincingly and enthusiastically. When these gifts are celebrated in a loving a positive way we realise that we have a loving God in charge. We pray that all of us can be faithful and joyful in doing His work. If we do this, vocations will increase. As Priests we need to reclaim these gifts and enjoy them.
Finally, I wish to express my warm thanks to each and everyone of you for your continual support and great encouragement. You are always so helpful and that is a blessing I never take for granted. Many thanks.
HEALING PLACE
I think this is a lovely poem by C.M. Douglas. We all need a healing place.
“My heart was full of sorrow so I took it to the hill, And bathed it in the clear burn when all the air was still. I held it to the west wind and warmed it to the sun, In peaceful purple silence till the healing had begun”.
Easter is most definitely a time of healing. We give thanks to God for the beautiful weather afforded us on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday which added such beauty and blessings to our Church celebrations. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
WHAT IS THIS LIFE IF………
“What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?”
A familiar few lines from W.H. Davies, a Welshman born in 1871. He emigrated to America aged 22 and lived partly as a tramp and partly as a casual workman until the loss of a leg while jumping a train caused him to return to England. He then began to write poetry and books and his autobiography ‘Life of a Super Tramp’ published in 1908. His collection of Poems (close on 600) were published three years after his death in 1943, God rest him. I feel here is an Easter Story. A man who struggled against all the odds to gain eventually the recognition he so richly deserved. His observations throughout his life must have given him a deep understanding of human nature and love of the countryside, time to appreciate the beauty of his surroundings……something perhaps we might learn to do these beautiful days of Easter. W.H. Davies changed for the better. This is what Jesus invites all of us to do this Easter season. Remember Easter is a season not just a day. It runs from Holy Saturday until Pentecost Sunday which is May 23rd this year. Alleluia.
JESUS’ GIFT
One of the titles of God is ‘Lover of Life’. God is the lover of real life among us; yet we often make Him into a killjoy God. Jesus brought the life of forgiveness to people crippled with guilt, peace to those driven by anxiety, hope to people darkened by despair, friendship to people isolated in loneliness. Jesus’ gift of life is the gift of love. His companionship offers peace, forgiveness, hope in all experience of daily living. “I have come that you may have life in abundance”. Jesus lover of life make us truly grateful for the gifts of laughter and humour, of endurance and courage, of care and reconciliation and for all which makes us truly alive. Your words are a blessing, I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance”.
A FUSS ABOUT NOTING?
Mark Twain, the American writer, tells the story of his small daughter who had been breaking her heart over what had seemed to her young mind utter disasters – a cancelled picnic and a broken toy. Several times her mother said to her “Susy, you mustn’t cry over little things”. Susy thought about her mother’s words but they baffled her. At last, she went to her mother for help. “Mamma, what are ‘little things?’”, she asked. How often we as adults think that a child is making a fuss about nothing. We forget that what may appear trivial to us can be of great importance to a child. But it isn’t true only of children, either, is it? All too often we think someone else is making a lot of fuss about nothing. Well, it may appear to be nothing to us but to the other person involved it is everything at that moment. You may have seen from local media this week, my sense of shock and disappointment at how Confession was portrayed on Fair City. To some my observations may appear trivial but I do it because of the respect and love I have for the Sacrament of Confession. I am getting tired of all the ways in which RTE keep knocking all that is sacred and beautiful in our Catholic faith.
LOVE THIS SHEEP
There is a story once told that one day Jesus came upon a shepherd that was over come with sorrow. “Why are you so sad?”, asked Jesus? “Because I have lost one of my sheep”, the shepherd replied. “And though I have looked all over for him, I have not found him, it may be that a wolf has already devoured him”. Then Jesus said, “Stay here, I will go and look for the sheep myself”. With that Jesus disappeared into the hills. An hour later, He returned with the sheep. Putting it down at the shepherd’s feet He said, “From this day on, you must love this one more than the others in your flock, for he was lost and now he is found”.
I invite you to avail of the Sacrament of Confession this Sunday afternoon, I will be in the car park in Moyvane Church from 2pm to 5pm. As Jesus found that lost sheep and gave it new life, He can do the same for us. New cream leaflets focusing us on Confession are available in both Churches for your reflection.
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Listowel Church
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10 4 2021
. EASTER HOLY WATER: There was an incredible uptake on Easter Holy Water. Our 600 specially designed bottles were gone within days. Those wishing to avail of Easter Holy Water can fill their own bottles at home and I will bless them at the weekend Masses. Similarly, those attending Mass in the car parks can bring their bottles, leave them in the cars and I will bless them. May our Easter Water continue to bless, protect and guide us all to new and happy beginnings.
CONFESSIONS: Pick up a green leaflet designed to focus our attention and reflection on the beautiful
Sacrament of Confession. For the Sunday’s in April, I will be in Moyvane Church car park between 2pm and 5pm hearing Confessions. I will make you most welcome but most importantly Jesus will bless you with Easter joy and forgiveness.
THANK YOU: A big thank you to all our volunteers who have been so helpful and generous with their time and support with all Church celebrations, especially with funerals. I couldn’t manage without you. Many thanks.
YOUR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Honestly, words fail me as how best to express my heartfelt thanks to you all for your continual generosity to the Parish, especially during this lockdown period. Week in, week out whether it be the post box at my front door, the Parish Office or the weekend Masses, you have been so positive in keeping up to date with your contributions. Thank you so very much. For Holy Week and Easter Sunday your contributions were as follows: Offertory €2,228; Dues €3,655; Shrines Moyvane €305.15; Shines Knockanure €83.58.
Trócaire €3,777 (which includes a very generous donation of €1,000 at the beginning of Lent). Also gone to Trócaire is €550 the proceeds from Thady O’Connor’s CD’s (the song ‘We need God now more than ever’). Please note the remaining CD’s can be got at Masses this weekend at the cost of €5. Remaining contributions for Trócaire to be handed in this weekend please.
JUMPING TO THE WRONG CONCLUSION………..IT PAYS TO DELAY
In a former life I used to travel the length and breadth of Ireland and England giving Parish Missions. I loved it, but the downside was returning after a few weeks away to a lot of mail. One day, after been gone three weeks, I returned to ‘Woodview’ in Dublin (my home at the time) and found a really large amount of mail waiting for me. I moaned and groaned thinking of all the time it would take for me to open, process and respond to what was there. In the pile of correspondence was an envelope with a cassette tape in it. There was no letter with it and I could see from the senders name and address on the back of the envelope, she was unknown to me. I felt irritated and impatient. I thought to myself, “Why did this person have to send a tape? It takes less time to read a letter than to listen to a tape”. I grouched and grumbled to myself for a day and then decided that I had better find out where the tape had come from and what was on it. I discovered it had come from a blind woman and it contained one of the most beautiful letters I have ever received. She had attended one of my Missions. I was deeply humbled and very, very regretful of my initial response. Here was a gift being given to me that I was ready to reject because I didn’t want to take time to listen to it. I was only willing to pour out a thimble-full of my time and attention for someone else while God was offering me a bushel-basket of golden insights and wonderful reflections. What in God’s name was wrong with Thomas in this weekend’s Gospel. After His Resurrection, Jesus made a most convincing appearance to His disciples. Like me, with the tape he was not interested, nor indeed was he attentive to generously engaging with the present moment. Jesus encouraged His disciples towards generous loving and assured them if they were generous in their giving that this same generosity would be the measure of gifts returned. Their giving would be turned to gold. Compassion is like that. When we let compassion pour forth generously from us instead of holding back with meagre giving, it can be a powerful experience.
Reflect today on your generosity and on God’s. Have you had any life experience when you hesitated or resisted giving and later realized how much you had received in return? Doubting Thomas took his eyes off the wonderful generosity of Jesus. His focus was elsewhere. It’s Divine Mercy Sunday when we focus on God’s warm forgiveness through the beautiful Sacrament of Confession. I will be in the car park of the Church of Assumption this Sunday from 2pm. I will be in my car, confessors can remain in their cars.
“Doubt no longer, but believe”. Jesus is always at hand to bless and guide us! Don’t jump to the wrong conclusion – you are loved and forgiven by Jesus always.
OUR LOVING FATHER
Some people think that if you have enough faith life will be plain sailing for you. This of course is not so. The fact you can swim doesn’t give you control over the sea. It doesn’t prevent you from getting knocked about in the same way. Faith doesn’t shield us from the hard knocks of life or death. What then does faith do? It enables us to live in a topsy-turvey world without getting lost or giving into despair. It gives us bearings. Just as swimmers trust that if they don’t panic and if they do a few simple things, then the power of the sea will uphold them; so believers entrust their lives to a power greater than themselves, a power greater than all of us. This power is the care of Our Loving Heavenly Father, who brought His Son Jesus back from the dead.
MICK MURPHY ‘THE BARD OF KILMORNA’
The following verse composed by Mick was read at his funeral Mass:
“Delve not what you are not, Think not what you are, Live life fully, to what you think you are,
And thank God each morning when you wake up, you know who you are’
POPE FRANCIS’ PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted His only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; With you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.
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3 4 2021
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TOUCHED BY EASTER
A beautiful legend tells how a Priest found the Crown of Thorns that Jesus wore and placed it on the Altar in his Church on Good Friday. On Easter Sunday, the Priest went to the Church to remove the relic, which he now felt was out of keeping with the joy of Easter.
However, when he opened the door, the whole place was filled with a wonderful perfume. The early morning sunlight, streaming through an Eastern window fell on the Altar where lay, not the Crown of Thorns, but a Crown of Blooms.
The thorns had blossomed over night into flowers, rare, sweet and lovely. Remember, you and I can be touched by Easter too. I wish all readers, parishioners and friends a happy and grace filled Easter. You are in my Masses & prayers. Fr. Kevin
Fr. Kevin McNamara, P.P. 089/4044816. Presbytery & Office 068/49308; Secretary: Jacqueline. Assumption Radio 99.9fm from Moyvane Church. Mass cards for all occasions available in the Parish Office and Holly’s. Please note that the Parish Office will be CLOSED on Easter Monday. Re-opening on Tuesday 6th April.
Church of the Assumption Moyvane – Saturday 3rd April to Sunday 11th April - Radio
Sat 3rd 8.30pm HOLY SATURDAY
Nora & Bill Buckley, Church Road & deceased of the Buckley family
Sun 4th 11.00am EASTER SUNDAY - Jimmy Kirby, Glenalappa (1st Anni)
Tues 6th 7.30pm Con & Margaret Flaherty, Dooncaha & l/o Aughrim &
brothers Liam & Denis Flaherty l/o Aughrim & Glin Road
Wed 7th 7.30pm Joanie & Tommy O’Connor, Glin Road & l/o Castleisland
& Mossie O’Connor, Glin Road (Anni)
Thurs 6th 7.30pm Paddy, Tess & Margaret Stack, Glin (Anni)
Fri 9th 7.30pm Martin Haugh, Co. Clare (Get well)
Sat 10th 7.30pm Maureen & P.J. Moloney, U.K. (Anni)
Sun 11th 11.00am John & Noreen Scanlon, Inchamore
& deceased of Scanlon & Flavin families
Church of Corpus Christi Knockanure – Sunday 4th to Sunday 11th April – Tannoy
Sun 4th 9.30am EASTER SUNDAY - Hugh Goulding, Knockanure Village (Months Mind)
Sun 11th 9.30am Jason Plested, UK (Anni) & his grandad Ollie Leahy
PRIEST ON DUTY THIS SUNDAY: Fr. Anthony O’Sullivan 087/2461749.
TRÓCAIRE BOXES: To be returned at Masses this weekend.
START WITH YOURSELF
The following words were written on the Tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the Crypts of Westminster Abbey: “When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sight somewhat and decided to change my country. But it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only family, those closest to me, but alas they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realise: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement I would then have been able to better my country and who knows I may have changed the world”. The moral of this anonymous piece is that all of us need to start with self before we try to convert others.
FROM THIS EASTER ON – MAY THE FOLLOWING DRIVE YOU ON
“I hope you live louder,
I hope you laugh more,
I hope you sing at the top of your lungs,
I hope you drive with the windows down and let the wind rustle through your hair. I hope you hug,
I hope you kiss,
I hope you surround yourself with people who make you feel alive. I hope you become a person who brings good energy wherever you go and a person people want to be around.
I hope you speak what’s on your mind,
That you raise your voice for justice, for peace, for harmony.
That you tell others that you love them before it’s too late.
I hope you live louder, live bigger, shine brighter. From this Easter on”.
Easter joy and blessing to all. May the Jesus of Resurrection and Love bless protect and guide all to new and wonderful beginnings.
A BLESSING ON YOUR HOME
Years ago it was customary for Priests to go and bless homes. Over the last year all of our homes have become places of prayer and reflection as we have become so restricted in visiting Churches. This lovely prayer can be prayed in your homes with the Easter Holy Water, which is available in bottles and safety packages from both Churches on Easter Sunday. The house bound will receive Easter Holy Water next week.
We ask you loving Jesus to cast your blessing on our home,
May its doors be open to those in need, And its rooms be filled with kindness,
May love dwell within its walls, And Joy shine from its windows,
May Your peace Jesus, protect it and your loving presence never leave it. Amen.
THE CRUCIFIXIION GETS MORE TELLING THAN THE RESURRECTION
Strange thing. I think we Christians are often uncomfortable with the parts of the Gospel that speak well of life. We seem happier with the condemnation. The crucifixion gets more telling that the resurrection. Let me share with you a story from the concentration camp, when the SS hung two Jewish men and a boy before the eyes of all the inmates. The men died quickly but the boy lingered in awful agony. A prisoner shouted: “Where is God now?” Still shouting he says, “Where is He?” An hour later the boy was still alive and screaming. The voice again shouted: “Where is God now?” And one other prisoner, who later told the story – heard a voice within himself say with sudden wisdom……”Here He is. He is hanging on this gallows”.
God still hangs. In the story of the terrible eyes of Somalia and in the restless eyes of the jobless youth. He is taken off the Cross by Fr. McVerry S.J. looking after and loving the homeless or by the wonderful folk who work so generously with the SVP (especially our own SVP workers in the parish). The aforementioned work tirelessly to build good Christian Communities. Like any story it’s the way you tell it. No one tells the story of God better than Jesus because He is the story of God.
NOTICES
SPECIAL 25th CONGRATULATIONS: This weekend Moyvane Development Association celebrates 25 years on developing a Nature Trail on the local overgrown woods. Kind permission was granted by the Parish and landowners and work began on Good Friday in 1996 by an enthusiastic group of volunteers (twenty), which resulted in the birth of our beautiful Nature Trail Walk. In 1999, for National Tree Week, native hardwood sparlings, 1,000 in total were planted. A number of these were planted by pupils of Murhur N.S. and by the late and very kind Fr. O’Leary, P.P. God rest him.
It is a beautiful amenity for all of us to enjoy and it has been invaluable to us during Covid days. Very many thanks to one and all in the Development Association for their vision and brilliant work over the last 25 years.
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Pastoral Message for Holy Week and Easter 2021
If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, how much more should you wash each other’s feet? Jn 13:14
What a year! Together all of us have lived through a year of the corona virus, each has experienced it in our own unique circumstances. The Winter months have been particularly difficult. The light and new green growth of Springtime has never been so welcome, and it has coincided with the season of Lent. Let us keep our spirits up and encourage one another in following public health guidance.
Thank God for the way so many people have been there for each other, thank God for the way front line workers have sacrificed themselves to provide essential services. We are full of gratitude; how important it is to live lives of generous service. Individually we are at our best when our communities are at their best.
With government guidance at level 5, and with a genuine concern that we could have another major wave of the virus ahead, it is understandable but sad that we have our Easter ceremonies without a congregation. It is a blessing that you can join in the ceremonies so easily from your home via modern technology. What we miss is the dual presence: the presence of the community gathered in church, and together receiving the Real Presence at the altar.
In some ways it seems like the past year has been one long Lent! If so, what word has God spoken to your heart through it? Here are three points to reflect on as we come to Easter 2021:
Live every day putting your trust in God. In times of great difficulty, in times when life gets us down, we look to Jesus for peace. Jesus’ word to us always is, “Fear not, have peace in your heart, I am with you”. In time of difficulty, regarding health or death, employment or finances, loneliness or depression we sense in our hearts, ‘God is with me, God will see me through, – all will be well’. Have basic Christian hope in your heart, – trust in God in all things!
This Holy Week and Easter, joining in Mass from home, seek nourishment at the table of God’s word. The introduction to the Roman Missal speaks of the Liturgy of the Word at Mass: “When the Sacred Scriptures are read in church, God himself speaks to his People, and Christ, present in his own word, proclaims the Gospel” (29). When you go forth from the Easter ceremonies carry words from the scriptures in your heart: the Last Supper, ‘you should wash each other’s feet’; the commemoration of the Passion, ‘This is my body, given up for you’; Easter morning, ‘You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, He is risen …’.
This year has reminded us that home is where we pray each day. Home is the place where we first received our faith and where we live it. In the home God is present with us. Prayer in the home is the time we spend turned towards God, – talking to him about our lives and asking his help; giving praise and thanks; asking forgiveness and renewing our trust. Has prayer in the home helped you and your family over the past year? It will be a great blessing if, when this virus is finally a memory, we have a new awareness of prayer in the home.
A word of thanks to our priests and deacons, and all who have contributed to the life of our parishes over the past year. A word of thanks to our schools for the great work they have done. A word of encouragement to all young people looking forward to First Confession, First Communion or Confirmation. We cannot make any plans until we know when we will have congregations in church. The situation is disappointing, but the ceremonies will be worth waiting for. Another group who have suffered are the Leaving Cert. students. May they trust that all will be well and, come the Autumn, they will be satisfied with the options that come their way.
Thank you to all who have continued to contribute to parish funds and the parish dues for our priests. Keep up the good work. Priests have been greatly encouraged by your faithfulness. Please remember other local charities and voluntary bodies over the Easter season, so much fundraising has not been possible. All need funds to pay for the basics like insurance, heating, and the overheads of an office. Please, let us not forget the Lenten campaign of Trocaire. If the corona virus has been hard on us, how much more difficult has it been for the communities Trocaire supports?
Finally, every time we pray over the Easter season let us all, people and priests, remember the deceased of the past year, and their grieving loved ones. Have a comforting word for the bereaved when you meet. In this world and in the next our hope is in Christ, “Christ is Risen, alleluia”. Be assured of my prayers.
Bishop Ray Browne Palm Sunday 2021
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27 March 2021
STATIONS OF THE CROSS: This coming week there will be Stations of the Cross Monday and Wednesday on 99.9fm. This means we will have had 16 celebrations of the Stations during this Lent, each and every one of them were different. On this Good Friday through television or other media outlets or by visiting Moyvane or Knockanure Church or staying in your cars and partaking in the outdoor Stations in Moyvane carpark, you are spoiled for choice and have a golden opportunity to celebrate your very own Stations.
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To loving children Linda & Liam (Speedy) Nolan and the extended Nolan &
O’Flaherty families on the death of Robert whose funeral we celebrated on Monday 22nd in Moyvane Church. To William and all in the Barry family, Tanavalla, Listowel on the death of his uncle Tom Barry whose funeral was on Monday 22nd in St. Mary’s, Listowel. May Robert and Tom rest in peace.
NOTICES
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME: We gratefully acknowledge Kerry County Council’s grant towards Knockanure Church. Deeply appreciated. Many thanks.
CHRISM MASS ON TUESDAY SPECIAL DAY FOR ALL PRIESTS
As you can see from the list of Masses above, the Chrism Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral this coming Tuesday at 7.30pm with no congregation. Bishop Ray and the Priests who work in Killarney Parish will be present to represent all of us. It is a day when we Priests are asked to renew our promises to be faithful in Priesthood and to serve God faithfully. I ask all of you to pray for all of us as we continue to work in Vineyard of the Lord as His Priests.
FROM PRAISE TO DENIAL…..
AND BACK TO PRAISE AGAIN
For Palm Sunday to have its full impact we need to reflect on two Scripture quotes. They are as follows:
• Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord (Mark 11: 1-10)
• Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting “Crucify, Crucify Him”. A third time he said to them “Why, what evil has He done?” (Luke 25: 1-49)
In the first account, the people shout out the praises of Jesus, in the second, the same people call for His death. In a few short days, the people go from praise to denial. It is a journey we have all made, from praise to denial and back to praise once again. Palm Sunday offers the opportunity to learn from the very wise grandmother who took her young granddaughter to a Prayer Meeting. As the celebration built to a crescendo all of those present were praying out loud and jumping up and down praising God. The little granddaughter’s eyes opened wide in amazement. Her grandmother leaned over and said to her. “It doesn’t matter how high they jump. It is what they do once they land that really matters”.
Loving Jesus as we begin Holy Week help us. It is very important that we give you praise but it is more important that we do not continue Your Crucifixion by our sins, stubbornness and selfishness.
“FATHER FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY…….”
President Clinton tells of his first meeting with Nelson Mandela. In conversation with this great leader of
South Africa, the President said, “When you were released from prison, Mr. Mandela, I woke my daughter at 3am in the morning. I wanted her to see this historic event. As you marched from your cell block across the yard to the gate of the prison, the camera focused on your face. I have never seen such anger and even hatred in any man as was expressed on your face at that time. That’s not the Nelson Mandela I know today. What was that all about?” Mandela answered “I’m surprised that you saw that and I regret that the cameras caught my anger. As I walked across the courtyard that day I thought to myself:
They’ve taken everything from you that matters. Your cause is dead. Your family is gone. Your friends have been killed. Now they’re releasing you, but there’s nothing left for you out there. I hated them for what they had taken from me. Then, I sensed an inner voice saying to me ‘Nelson!’, for 27 years you were their prisoner, but you were always a free man! Don’t allow them to make you into a free man only to turn you into their prisoner!” An unforgiving spirit creates bitterness in our souls and imprisons our spirits. A failure to forgive imprisons us. From His Cross on Good Friday, Jesus prayed in tears, “Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing” Can we all try to imitate Jesus’s forgiving Spirit this Holy Week?
WE HAVE LOST RESPECT
Trying to live and cope with all that is involved in lockdown is very difficult for each and everyone of us. However, for me the most difficult thing to cope with in recent months is that respect has vanished. Respect for anthers point of view, whether or not you agree with it, is totally gone. Respect is a precious blessing we need to hold onto. It helps one to see the other point of view. Recognize that if you had their history, their circumstances and the forces that weigh on them you would likely have their point of view. Consider life a privilege – all of it, even the parts that are difficult or seem a waste of time. Give up the attitude that reinforces mediocrity, the safe places where we gossip and complain to one another, where we are petty and so very unkind. Take a chance. Be willing to put your reputation on the line; have something at stake. Work for satisfaction rather than for credit. Keep your word. There will be times when the circumstances of life will make you forget who you are and what you’re about. This is when you need to be committed to keeping your word, making what you say count. The Work of Jesus counted in the Holy Week story. He trusts each of us in having respect for each other and in making our word count as His follower. Please God respect will return in a Christian way to our society and all our lives, starting this Holy Week. Blessings for a grace filled week.
TEN SECOND SERMONS
➢ God does not ask about our ability or our inability but our availability.
➢ Better be a radiator rather than an accumulator.
➢ If you can’t be thankful for what you receive be thankful for what you escape.
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20 March 2021
TRÓCAIRE BOXES: To be returned at weekend Masses on Sunday 28th and on Easter Sunday 4th April.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS: On Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 4pm on 99.9fm.
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Mary & Jimmy Duggan, Murhur on the death of Mary’s brother Joe Moriarty, who died recently in Kent, UK. Mass for the happy repose of his soul is on Monday evening in the Church of the Assumption. To the Goulding family, Knockanure Village on the death of their Dad Hugh whose funeral took place in Knockanure. Months Mind for Huge will take place on Sunday 4th April in Corpus Christi Church.
May Joe and Hugh rest in peace.
LOOKING TOWARDS EASTER: On Thursday March 25th @ 8pm, Fr Donal O'Connor will explore "There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in." To register, check out www.dioceseofkerry.ie
NOTICES
NIARON LTD: ESB Jointing works will continue outside the Co-op in Moyvane village. The works in
Knockanure at the turn for Church road will finish and move to a new location between Knockanure village and Moyvane graveyard. We would like to thank the local community for their patience during these works and apologize for any inconvenience.
SHORTCOMINGS – THANK GOD
There is a line in Leonard Cohen’s song, ‘Anthem’, which I find most cheerful especially when I haven’t done my very, very best. ‘There is a crack in everything’ is how this seemingly hopeless line begins, however, it ends ‘…….that’s how the light gets in’. It reminds us that it is only because of our shortcomings that the Light of Christ came into the world. It is through our flaws that he enters our lives. Then it is up to us to let Him shine out again in us. Shortcomings can be a real blessing.
PUTTING YOUR FOOT IN IT
It is easy to put your foot in it……(I ought to know!). We all say at sometime, something we wish we hadn’t.
That is why in recent times, I keep in the corner at the back of my mind this little gem….
‘Always choose tasteful words, you might have to eat them later!’
LENT AND THE PILGRIMAGE OF PRODIGAL SONS AND DAUGHTERS
By now you all know my favourite parable from Scripture – the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). We all know the story. A son leaves his father’s home to go off to a far country. There he squanders his inheritance on bad living. He hits bottom, realizes he was wrong and is sorry. He returns to his father to seek forgiveness. When his father sees him coming, he runs out to greet him with kisses and warm hugs. He orders new clothes for his son and a huge celebration. I love this story for its drama and emotion because it rings true. I can identify with that prodigal son. Sometimes I take God the Father’s gifts for granted. Sometimes I try to run away from God or live as if He doesn’t exist. This is the reality of sin. And we are all sinners. That’s what makes this parable so beautiful. Our Lord is telling us that sin does not have to be the last word in our lives. Jesus – by becoming like us in all things except sin, by dying for us while we were yet sinners – revealed the power of God’s beautiful love and mercy. As people of faith we need to remind ourselves that God our loving Father comes to embrace His prodigal sons and daughters in the lovely Sacrament of Confession (Reconciliation) – no matter how big our sins are or how many times we have repeated them. As often as we come to Confession with a contrite heart, we will always find God the Father ready to forgive us, arms open wide to welcome us home to the Church and Holy Communion. This is what Lent is about – reconciliation with God and His Church, and a deeper conversion to Jesus and His Gospel. These days of Lent are a great time for rooting out bad habits and making good resolutions. I encourage you to make a good Confession before Easter, even if its been a long time since your last Confession. Come home to our Father! Be reconciled to God through the Ministry of His Church. Don’t wait to change your life! You can hope in our Father’s mercy. You can trust in His pledge of grace to help you lead a better life. In the early Church, they called Confession the ‘Second conversion in tears’. St. Peter cried in sorrow after denying Jesus, and in His mercy, Jesus spoke to him the tender words of His pardon and peace. In Confession we too can hear these words of compassion for our sins. St. Ambrose, writing to his sister in the year 388AD, said that in the Church “there are water and tears: the water of Baptism and the tears of repentance”. Our tears of repentance and all our efforts to deepen our closeness to Jesus leads us back to the waters of our Baptism. In Lent, we are purifying ourselves so that we can live out the identity we were given in Baptism – no longer prodigals, but children of God.
IT'S U……….IT’S U………….
I often spend a few minutes browsing through a dictionary. It’s amazing what you notice. Recently, for instance, it occurred to me that there’s a group of words that all have something in common. They are words like UNASSUMING, UNBIASED, UNCONQUERABLE, UNDAUNTED, UNDERSTANDING, UNFLINCHING,
UNITED and UNTIRING. What have they in common? Well, they all start with ‘U’, don’t they?
TEN SECOND SERMONS
He who gossips with you will gossip of you.
One of the greatest lessons of life is to learn not to do what one likes, but to like what one has to do.
When we die, we lose time but gain Eternity.
One minute of keeping your mouth shut is worth an hour of explanation!
FOUR LINES FOR RIGHT FOUNDATION
I think the following four lines give us a clear and simple way as to how we should all build our lives:
BELIEF - Is the start of foundations; LOVE - Is the door we enter by; FAITH - Is the making of strong walls; HOPE - Is the roof that covers all;
ALWAYS GO TO THE RIGHT PERSON
Back in the 1930’s a big manufacturing company in the United States sent a machine to Japan. A month later the company received a cable: “MACHINE DOES NOT WORK, SEND MAN TO FIX’. The Company sent someone to Japan. Before he had the opportunity to examine the machine, the Company received a second cable: “MAN TOO YOUNG, SEND OLDER MAN’. The Company’s reply was: “BETTER USE HIM, HE
INVENTED THE MACHINE”. For this to work properly, one has to go to the right person. The right person will do it right, regardless of age.
BLESSING OF PALM
If you wish to bring your own palm from home on Palm Sunday it will be blessed. For those who don’t have palm we have palm crosses that you can take home.
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13 March 2021
STATIONS OF THE CROSS: On Monday & Friday at 4pm on 99.9fm. (note: no Stations on St. Patrick’s Day) PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the Flavin family, Trien on the death of their aunt Nell Flavin whose funeral took place in Knockanure. To the Kennedy, Long and Hanlon families on the death of Tracy Kennedy whose funeral took place in Ballybunion. May Nell and Tracy rest in peace. Our prayerful support to their loved ones.
VOCATIONS: ‘Virtual Discernment Evening’ on Tuesday, 23rd March for those interested in the Diocesan
Priesthood. Those interested must register by emailing info@vocations.ie Fr. Joe Begley, Vocation Director.
ST PATRICKS DAY
Lockdown or no lockdown the Feast of St. Patrick is a special day for Irish people everywhere. It revives their sense of identity and their connection with home; that small island on the edge of Europe where young Patrick met God in the hardship and loneliness of exile and slavery. With celebrations curtailed enormously this year we must make and extra effort to focus on Patrick’s faith and unshakable trust in God. This might seem a very inadequate message in these Covid days. Yet, it may be the only solid ground that is left to us when everything else has turned to quicksand. On Wednesday, may our prayer be the one that Patrick prayed often, “I leave myself in the hands of the almighty God who rules everywhere”. Happy Feast Day. As ever, we will have blessed Shamrock for Tuesday’s Vigil and Wednesdays Masses. May his prayers be special to all of us and to all our emigrants. Lá Fhéile Pádraig.
NOTICES
NIARON LTD: ESB Jointing works will continue at the same locations in Knockanure and outside the Co-op in Moyvane. Niaron Ltd are grateful for the great community support.
VILLAGE GRILL: Will be closed this Monday evening 15th due to electrical maintenance work. Reopens on 16th. DONATE A CALF FOR CANCER: Just over a year ago John McGrath and Erin Stack were young and in love and looking forward to building a life together in their beloved North Kerry. Sadly, a tragedy that is all too familiar for far too many Kerry families intervened and John was diagnosed with terminal Oesophageal Cancer in January 2020. John battled his illness with a courage, compassion, and humour. Both families have decided to celebrate John's life and help others by organising 'Donate A Calf For Cancer' in conjunction with The Listowel Mart. We are asking farmers to bring their calf or calves to the Listowel Mart on March 24th and donate the sales proceeds made to Palliative Care. Please support this wonderful cause. For more information, please get in touch by email at info@donateacalf.com or by phone at 087 1755324.
A MUM’S LIFE
Mums are special! Enjoy the following short questions, observations and loving comments which we have all heard our Mums say. So, Mums have a cuppa and smile with the following: One line at a time.
Take your plate into the kitchen, please. Take it downstairs when you go.
Don’t leave it there, take it upstairs. Is that yours?
Don’t hit your brother. I’m talking to you.
Just a minute please, can’t you see I’m talking! I said, don’t interrupt.
Did you brush your teeth? What are you doing out of bed?
Go back to bed now. You can’t watch TV in the afternoon.
What do you mean, there’s nothing to do? Go outside.
Read a book. Turn it down.
Get off the phone. Tell your friend you’ll call her back. Right now.
She’ll call you when she gets home. Take a jacket. Take a sweater.
Take one anyway. Get the toys out of the hall.
Someone left their shoes in front of the television. Get the toys off the stairs now.
Do you realise that could kill someone? Please hurry up.
Hurry up. Everyone’s waiting. Did you go to the toilet?
I’ll count to ten and then we’re going without you. If you don’t go, you’re not going!
I mean it, why didn’t you go before you left? Can you hold it?
What’s going on back there? Stop it, I said, stop it.
I don’t want to hear about it. Stop it or I’m taking you home right now.
That’s it, we’re going home. Give me a kiss.
I need a hug. Make your bed.
Clean your room. Set the table.
I need you to set the table. Don’t tell me it’s not your turn.
Please move your chair into the table. Sit up.
Just try a little. You don’t have to eat the whole thing. Stop messing and eat.
Would you watch what you’re doing? More please. That’s better.
Move your glass. It’s too close to the edge. Watch it. Just eat one bite of salad.
You don’t always get what you want. That’s life. Go to your room.
Don’t argue with me. I’m not discussing this anymore. No, ten minutes aren’t up
No, they are not up! One more minute.
How many times have I told you don’t do that. Where did all the biscuits go?
Eat the old fruit before you eat the new fruit. I’m not giving you mushrooms see!
I’ve taken all the mushrooms out. OK! Is your homework done?
Stop shouting. If you want to ask me something, come here. I’ll think about it.
Not now. Ask your father.
We’ll see. Calm down.
Don’t sit so close to the television, it’s bad for your eyes. Calm down and start again.
Is that the truth? Fasten your seat belt.
Did everyone fasten their seat belts? I’m sorry, that’s the rule!
Did you say your prayers? I’m proud of you!
So, Mums have a grace filled enjoyable Mother’s Day. I hope you all enjoy your gifts from the Parish.
May Jesus give all of you joy and peace this very special day.
“CAN NEVER GET RID OF THEM”
A Priest taking his morning walk came across a stonebreaker. After giving him a cheery “Good morning”, the Priest remarked that he had a deal of work to get through. “Yes indeed”, replied the man, “them stones are like the TEN COMMANDMENTS”. “Why so?” enquired the Priest. “You can go on breaking ‘em”, came the reply. “But you can never get rid of ‘em”. The Ten Commandments are meant to help us rather than hinder us.
Do you feel them as a blessing in your life?
TEN SECOND SERMON:
Don’t be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.
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6 3 2021
STATIONS OF THE CROSS: On Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 4pm on 99.9fm. JESUS ANGRY ! ARE YOU SERIOUS?
The anger, which Jesus shows in His concern for the reverence due to the Temple of God, may be needed to do the work of God. Currently we can have Funerals with ten or one or two extra in attendance, but for Holy Week we can’t have anyone present! Make no mistake about it, that is causing a lot of anger to many of us. However, it is vital that our anger and total dissatisfaction with all Politicians who seem to be anti-Church does not translate into the disruptive actions as deployed by the group behind last weekend’s very violent antilockdown protest in Dublin. Politicians, Church leaders and Community leaders need to give a clear, positive and honest message to all of us – “lets adhere to the HSE guidelines”. Here is a true story with awful consequences when the wrong message is given. Billy Martin tells a story about himself and Mickey Mantle in his autobiography, entitled ‘Number 1’. Billy says he and Mickey were doing a little hunting down in Texas. Mickey had a good friend who would let him hunt on his big ranch. When they got there, Mickey told Billy to wait in the car while he went in and cleared things with his friend. Permission was quickly granted for them to hunt but the owner asked Mickey to do him a big favour. He had a very old pet donkey in the barn who was going blind and in poor health and he didn’t have the heart to put him out of his misery. He asked Mickey to shoot the mule for him. Mickey agreed. On the way back to the car a plan formed in Mickey’s mind. Reaching the car, he pretended to be angry. He shouted and slammed the car door shut. Billy wanted to know what was wrong. Mickey replied that the owner wouldn’t let them hunt there after all. “I’m so mad at that guy that I’m going out to that barn and I’ll shoot one of his donkeys”, Mickey said. He drove like a madman to the barn. Billy protested: “Take it easy Mickey! We can’t do that”. But Mickey was adamant. “Just watch me”, he shouted. When they got to the barn, Mickey jumped out of the car with his rifle, ran to the barn, shot the donkey and killed it. When he got back to the car, he saw that Billy had also taken his gun out and smoke was curling from its barrel too. “What are you doing Billy?”, yelled Mickey. Billy proudly answered, “We’ll show that son-of-a-gun. I killed two of his cows”.
Heading towards Holy Week are we ever concerned whether or not our anger is based on God’s will? We still have the power and freedom to make Holy Week holy. But if anger takes hold of us, we won’t make Holy Week holy. Jesus did what He did in the Gospel today because He had the authority to do it, because God’s House had become a ‘marketplace’. People had lost their focus of God and His Commandments.
THE ANSWER TO LOSING HEART
We’re a people losing heart. There’s a loss of heart for almost everything: for sticking to the rules and regulations around Covid, as more and more people feel they know best. Religious fanatics trying to convince all of us that we can assemble without masks and that C19 is all a hoax. What do they say to the following statistics one year on from C19: 2.4million deaths across 200 countries. These people claim to know more than the medical people. Losing heart too for fidelity in relationships as fewer and fewer people find within themselves the resilience needed to live out the tensions that long-term commitment inevitably brings. Losing heart too with Church which appears to have taken to the hills since Covid 19 started as more and more people quietly or angrily leave the faith, rather than deal with their own and their Church’s humanity; and for politicians and effort needed to build good caring communities. Less and less people find the time, energy and heart to work for others. We’re losing ground everywhere. There is a loss of heart for children, for simple freshness, for romance, for innocence, for proper aesthetics and even for manners.
Thoreau once suggested that we live lives of “quiet desperation” that may have been true of his generation, but it’s less true today. Our struggle is more with internal bleeding, though Thoreau is right about its quietness. This haemorrhaging is mostly quiet and unrecognised. We are living in changing times. We have debunked most of our former heroes and heroines and are reeking havoc with most of our childhood faith and values. An ever-increasing sensitivity has progressively polarised and politicised life around Marriage, Church, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Culture, Hierarchy and Values. While much of this was needed and is in many instances a clear intellectual and moral progress, we’ve been slow to admit that we are losing heart. This is also slowly tiring us, gradually wounding the heart and drawing away much of its strength and resilience. The loss of our innocence has precisely left us wounded in the heart. A wounded heart seeks to protect itself, to find respite from what wounded it in the first place. Hence, I strongly feel, more and more, we have less heart to put up with the strains and tensions of Family, Church, Neighbourhood, Parish and Country. Instead, we protect ourselves by surrounding ourselves with like-minded people, safe circles and we have too little heart for actually dealing with the tensions that arise from our differences. We’re well-intentioned, but tired, too tired to be robust enough to deal with tensions that arise from our differences. We have opted for silence and no-one wants to speak out or indeed speak up. We’re not called to turn back the clocks to become arch-conservative. We’re called instead, I believe, to uphold good moral values. And it’s getting more difficult for everyone in modern day Ireland to proclaim with joy and enthusiasm that one is a person of faith, who is prepared to name things that are right and wrong. We’re losing heart.
But Jesus, His Gospel and Easter Blessings give all of us new heart. Let’s hope we can accept them – then we will have new heart. Jesus continue to bless our Lenten journey to Easter.
TEN SECOND SERMONS
The sweet mark of a Christian is not faith, or even love, but joy.
A description of meanness, he wouldn’t give you a slide if he owned the Alps.
Sour religion is the devil’s religion.
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27 Feb 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the McElligott family, Tournageehy, Listowel on the death of their mother Bridie. Bridie was an aunt to Tom Moore, Glenalappa and his brother Pat in Nenagh. Our prayerful support to all the family. We will have Mass for Bridie at a later
date here in the Parish. May Bridie rest in peace.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Will continue Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 4pm on 99.9fm.
WISE WORDS
I hope these wise words can focus us on real values:
It is not what we eat, but what we digest, that makes us strong;
Not what we gain, but what we save, that makes us rich;
Not what we read, but what we remember, that makes us learned; And not what we profess, but what we practise, that gives us integrity.
STOP IT!
Please God, this Holy Season of Lent is giving all of us time and patience to imitate Jesus more closely. The words Jesus shared with us while on earth were always loving, positive and Christian. There was a famous poster during the Second World War which said “CARELESS TALK COSTS LIVES”. It was a warning that a piece of vital information might reach enemy ears. There is still such a thing as careless talk but in a different context. Rumours are repeated and can become ever more colourful and damaging. Reputations are tarnished. Events are described in such a way as to show someone in bad light. There is only one way to treat such “careless talk” STOP IT! Lenten days are an ideal time to tackle careless talk.
HUGE RESPONSE MÍLE BUÍOCHAS
“For all of us whether rich or poor, well or unwell, young or old, the spiritual life is like being cast into a rowing boat in heavy seas. Fortunately, we have been given a priceless gift. Two oars with which to steer a course; one is called work and the other is prayer”. Words fail me as to how to express my heartfelt thanks to all who bought mugs and made very generous donations towards this fund to help in keeping both of our Churches so delightfully beautiful for all our celebrations. This week we have banked €6,075 bringing the total to date €10,150. Thanks to all who contributed and very many thanks for your most encouraging words. The work of support and generosity is alive and well in the Parish, and thankfully prayer is helping us all. Thank you so very much for your incredible and most generous support. May the Lord continue to bless and keep all of us safe. Let’s keep using our two oars wisely.
WHEN IN DARKNESS, REMEMBER THE LIGHT………
If I had a Euro for every time I heard “Fr. hard and difficult days” since last March I would be a millionaire by now. So this weekend I invite you to be a fly on the wall, when all we have to do is listen and observe. If we enter into this invitation I’m sure it will help us most definitely during these “hard and difficult days”. We’ll see what the Apostles saw hopefully. At the end of it all with the help of God we’ll draw our own conclusions.
WHEN THE DARKNESS CAME OVER THEM THEY WOULD REMEMBER THE LIGHT
Three people were invited on three separate occasions into three privileged situations. They were handpicked each time. The person who choose them was Jesus. He chose Peter, James and John. Even though you and I got no formal invitation, Jesus won’t mind us being there. The first place we’re going to visit is the home of synagogue official called Jairus. When Jairus first implored Jesus to cure his daughter he described her as “desperately sick”. Before they got near the house, the word came through that she had died. Loving Dad, Jairus’ heart was broken. Jesus knew what He was going to do. That’s why He chose Peter, James and John. These three, Jairus and his loving wife and Jesus Himself would be the only people in the dead girl’s room. It’s the casualness of the scene that makes it so momentous. He took her by the hand, told her to get up, watched her walk around, told them to give her something to eat. Life took over from death. All present with Jesus were astonished beyond belief.
OUR SECOND STOP GETHSEMANE
The second venue is Gethsemane and Jesus takes the same three disciples with him Peter, James and John. Unlike the above experience, this time Jesus did not know what to do. He was in such a state of terror and distress at the prospect of Crucifixion that He was tempted as never before to give up on His vocation and get out from under the Cross. “My soul is sorrowful to the point of death”, He told His disciples. Crying He pleaded with His loving Father. “Take this cup away from me”. The acceptance of His Father’s will couldn’t have come as easily in practise as it comes in Mark’s prose. “LET IT BE, AS YOU, NOT I, WOULD HAVE IT”. Acceptance of the Father’s will, and the suffering it entailed, wouldn’t be easy for the disciples either. They might have slept through His suffering; they wouldn’t be able to sleep through the stern warning He gave to Peter to “Stay awake and pray not to be put the test”.
THIRD STOP MOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATION
The third and last place we’re visiting is the Mount of Transfiguration. This time it was the turn of the disciples to be frightened. If Gethsemane was to be one of Christ’s darkest moments, the transfiguration was the brightest so far. What frightened the disciples wasn’t the prospect of suffering it was the awesome encounter with the unfamiliar. Here was ‘Jesus’ as they’d never seen Him before. “Brilliantly white” in a way that couldn’t be earthy. Adding to the unearthly and disconcerting nature of the experience was the presence of such illustrious figures as Moses and Elijah, who had been a long time dead! Their presence must be, in some way, an exaltation of Jesus, and the exaltation that startled them completely was the voice came down from Heaven - “THIS IS MY SON, THE BELOVED, LISTEN TO HIM”.
What conclusions can we draw? The first is that since the raising of Jairus’ daughter and the Transfiguration came before Gethsemane and since Jesus invited Peter, James and John to all three, He must have meant the earlier events to carry them through the pain and sorrow of His Passion and Crucifixion. When the darkness came on them they’d remember the light. May we fulfil God’s will in our responsibilities in His commandments in our courage in the face of suffering (hard and difficult days). Transfiguration is a slow process for all of us. It only comes at a price! A Priest friend of mine before going down for a big operation said to me after I anointed him: “Kevin if God has plans for me, I wouldn’t want Him to change them”. He didn’t come through the operation. Echoes of Gethsemane.
A CELTIC LENTEN JOURNEY: Liturgical musicians from Dublin parishes have put together a Lenten series from the Avila Carmelite Centre in Dublin. It is a reflective way, combining Scripture and Music, to enter into the Lenten period. Available on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu8GDvSUZ_Y&feature=youtu.be
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21 Feb 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the Stack Family, Upper Aughrim & to Fr. Jim Finan and the Finan family, Carrowcorragh, Lavagh, Co.Sligo on the death of Fr. Joe Finan (brother to the late Mary Stack). Fr. Joe gave untiring and dedicated service in the Diocese of Leeds. Our prayerful support to both families at this time. May Fr. Joe rest in peace.
WHAT’S MISSING?
Have you ever experienced losing something you really valued. You never notice its missing until the moment comes to use it, wear it, display it or pass it onto someone else. Then comes the frustration of: DID I PUT IT SOMEWHERE FOR SAFEKEEPING? DID I LOAN IT TO SOMEONE? DID I CARELESSLY DISGUARD IT?
WAS IT TAKEN FROM ME?
The Church is wise in offering us the Holy Season of Lent because it can be the very time we need to find what is missing in our lives. Lent can be a searching out and a restoration time and the means for renewed direction and perspective. I honestly think if we look closely into our hearts we will find that we have all lost something we value. We have lost our patience or our integrity: We have lost our tempers or our respect for self or others; we may have lost hope or our capacity to understand or respect; maybe we lost a friend or our desire to pray. Sometimes we are not even sure what we have lost, but something tells us we need to look. We sense something is not right. Perhaps it is a loss of our sense of direction or feeling that we are not sure if we have strayed from the Gospel path of Jesus. Lent is the season to ask:
➢ What do I cherish in my life?
➢ What is it that I hide from?
➢ What do I need to form my life more on the pattern of the death and resurrection of Jesus?
➢ Who is it that I seek?
➢ Who is it that I hide from?
➢ How can I recover what I hold dear?
As we walk through this Lent, which is totally different to what we have ever experienced, may we be the ones who hunt in great earnest for the treasure hidden in the fields of our hearts. Let it be a time that we rediscover those spiritual values that are so essential in shaping one ’s life on the example of Jesus.
BASIC OPTION: TO LIVE FOR FALSE SELF OR TRUE SELF
We all have to face temptations. Lent provides us with a great opportunity to intensify our efforts to overcome them. It’s true to say that Lent may not be taken as seriously as it once was. Even so, it still has a great pulling power for all those who are serious about living a spiritual life. It provides a great opportunity and a great grace. Yet one gets the impression that it doesn’t achieve much. Perhaps our problem is that we don’t really know how to use it. We don’t know what to aim at. Lent recalls the forty days Jesus spent in the desert. He was about to embark on his real work in life – to bring GOOD NEWS to His sisters and brothers. Jesus went into the desert to fast, pray and reflect. Before setting out to help others He got Himself right first. In the desert He was confronted by the same basic temptation which confronts us all. Whether to serve the true self or the false self, whether to seek honour and glory for Himself or to seek honour and glory for God. In the desert He not only encountered God, He also encountered His true self. For Jesus the desert experience came at a crucial moment in His life and at a time of great awakening. It would be impossible to exaggerate its importance for Him. Later on, when people and events threatened to engulf Him, He would steal off to lonely places to recover Himself and rededicate Himself to His loving Father. As followers of Jesus we must strive at all times to seek our true selves. But often we live almost completely for the false self. We live superficially and unspiritually driven on by a multitude of senseless, stupid desires and habits. We are surrounded by noise and constant activity we have no priorities. We lose ourselves. We are unable or unwilling to be alone, to be silent, to be still. And we wonder why we aren’t happy, why we didn’t find it easy to get on with others and why we can’t pray. We cannot find ourselves in the crowd or in the hurly burly of everyday occupations. We need to stand apart. In solitude we come face to face with the basic option: to live for the false self or to live for the true self. In solitude we begin to stand on our own feet before God and the world and accept full responsibility for our own lives.
A NOTE OF HOPE
The following is a delightful verse of Hope sent to us by a reader of the Newsletter……… Today, I dared to let myself dream, That the world will one day open again.
That the locks will loosen, the walls will fall, The doors will fly open and reunite us all.
I dared to imagine the warmth of a cuddle, A group of my friends all locked in a huddle.
I felt all the heartbeats, drumming with mine, I heard all the laughter, I tasted the wine.
I thought of the feelings I’ve missed for long, The room full of music, united by song.
The freedom to roam, to plan and to meet, to hold someone’s hand, to meet, to greet.
Just for a moment I dared to dream of, The flights I would board to the places I love.
The moment those eyes would meet mine at the gate, The feeling of joy after so long a wait.
Today, I dared to let myself dream, That the life we once had would happen again.
That we’d no longer fear the danger of air, That our lives would not depend on such care.
They say that we mustn’t wish time away, But it’s hard, my friend, when faced with a day, So long in blank hours and so wiped of laughter, It’s tempting to drift away to thereafter.
So yes, I dared to dream just a while, Of life coming back, it brought me a smile.
One day I know, this will be in the past, And hugs will be free again, at last.
NOTICES
SATIONS OF THE CROSS: will be aired on the Radio 99.9fm every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 4pm.
The Stations are on the Radio only, so you can listen from your own homes.
NIARON LTD: will commence jointing works outside the Creamery in Moyvane village on Monday the 22nd of February. Works at this location will continue for approximately 4 weeks. A traffic light traffic management system will be in place for the duration of the works. The works are deemed essential by ESB. All works will be carried out in accordance HSE COVID 19 Guidelines. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused. TRÓCAIRE BOXES: for those who wish to take them are available in the Churches. If you wish to contribute directly to Trócaire, you can do so on www.trócaire.org
ONCE OFF MUGS: Through the sale and donations received from this fundraiser for both Churches in the Parish over the past week we have banked €2,175 bringing the total to date €4,075. Mugs are still available from Holly’s, the Parish Office and after weekend Masses. Very many thanks for your great generosity.
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13 Feb 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the family and friends of Mary O’Carroll whose funeral took place in Corpus Christi Church, Knockanure on Monday. To Kate & Brian O’Connor, The Village on the death of Kate’s dad Jerry Cadogan, Drimoleague, Cork whose funeral took place on Tuesday. To the Bon Secours Sisters, Cork City on the death of Sr. Gregory Hennessy, formally of Barefield, Co Clare. Sr. Gregory was a terrific inspiration to me when I was P.P. in the Western Road in the mid-nineties. She has left a beautiful legacy to her
religious community and to her family. She touched and enriched many hearts. Our prayerful support to all of the above. Masses will be celebrated here in the Parish at a later date. May Mary, Jerry and Sr. Gregory rest in peace.
MOYVANE/KNOCKANURE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL COMMITTEE: would like to thank everybody who contributed to their recent collection. They would like to especially thank the local businesses who held buckets in respect of Moyvane/Knockanure St. Vincent de Paul. They appreciate all that everyone did to help make this successful. Sincere thank you to each and everyone of you who donated to this worthy cause. If you find that you may need assistance from St. Vincent de Paul please drop a sealed envelope with your name and address into the post box at the Presbytery door (marked SVP) and Fr. Kevin will pass it on.
TRÓCAIRE: Please note that for this Lent, there will be no distribution of Trócaire Boxes in the Parish.
Those of you who wish to contribute directly to Trócaire can do so by logging onto www.trócaire.org We encourage Parishioners to collect for the St. Vincent de Paul Society within the Parish as this years Lenten alms giving. Very many thanks.
ONCE OFF MUGS
The mugs arrived unexpectedly after going to print with last weeks Newsletter. I decided to let them go on sale straight away. There has been a big uptake on them since last Wednesday 3rd. The remaining ones can be got in Hollys, Parish Office or after Masses this weekend (provided we still have some of them). When they are gone that’s the end of them. This is a fund raiser for both Churches. Very many thanks to those who have made donations to off set the expense of getting them printed. One mug €10, three €25 and six for €50. Your support is deeply appreciated.
JESUS WANTS TO HEAL US
Chad Varah was an Anglican Priest. Way back in 1953 he had a funeral service for a beautiful 18 year old girl who died by suicide. The Coroner at her inquest suggested that she might not have done this desperate act if someone had been around who would have listened to her troubles. Chad Varah decided to use his London Church and a telephone to listen to people who were in despair and full of anxiety. He put a small advertisement in the local paper and during the first week he had 27 calls. Soon he was listening and advising people 12 hours each day. There were so many people waiting in his outer office to see him that he asked some of his congregation to come and provide cups of tea for them. Then he found that often people who had come into the
outer office in great distress had become different people by the time they reached him and some did not even wait to see him because one of the helpers had befriended them. So he decided to train a group of his congregation so that they could be more helpful in the way they befriended the clients. That is how the Samaritans were formed. This very essential service for the times we are in are contactable on 116 123. Please remember you and I can heal as Jesus did simply by our loving care for others. Are we sensitive enough these Covid days to the suffering of others?
A WEALTH OF POSSIBILITIES
The blank board at the ‘Gateway of Inspiration’ at the old Church gate next to my home is filling up. “When nothing is sure, anything is possible”. The well-known writer Margaret Drabble made this comment in connection with writing fiction. It certainly describes the blank page or computer screen confronting a writer who may stare at it in uncertainty for hours but finally creates a whole world out of the multitude of possibilities it offers. The blank board at the ‘Gateway of Inspiration’ offers many possibilities and thankfully none suggested by me. Individually we all carry our own personal gifts to the blank pages etc. When the future looks unclear and we can’t see what lies ahead, it is easy to be discouraged. If there are too many complicated decisions to be make it is tempting to do nothing. But if we think for a moment we can see that uncertainties, in fact, present us with a wealth of possibilities. We can then, like an author, begin to aim for a word/drawing/story with an inspiring touch. Items for the board to be left into Jacqueline in the Office so they can be laminated to protect them from the weather. Looking forward to getting your masterpieces.
THE EAGLE AND THE RATTLESNAKE
There is a great battle that rages inside every person including yours truly. One side is the soaring eagle. Everything the eagle stands for is good, true and beautiful. The eagle soars high above the clouds. Even though it dips down into the valleys, the eagle builds its nest on the mountaintops. The other side is the slithering serpent, the rattlesnake that shows aspects of a person – the darker side - the gossip side. The snake feeds upon ones downfalls and setbacks and justifies itself by its presence in the slithering mass. Who wins this great battle in your life? None other than the one you feed the most – the eagle or the rattlesnake.
PRAYERS PLEASE
The story is told of a famous preacher of the Jesuits, whose sermons converted people by scores - that is was revealed to him that not one of his conversions was owing to his talents or eloquence, but all to the prayers of an illiterate lay brother who sat on the steps of the pulpit praying all the time for the success of the sermon. In these days of lockdown and so many difficulties, I ask for your prayers please, that we all will continue to remain safe and well. It is so important that we continue to pray for each other.
NOTICES
NIARON LTD: will commence jointing works at a location 1km south of Knockanure Village on Monday the 15th of February. Works at this location will continue for approximately 4 weeks. A traffic light traffic management system will be in place for the duration of the works. The works are deemed essential by ESB . All works will be carried out in accordance HSE COVID 19 Guidelines. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused.
ALL ARE WISHED A HAPPY VALENTINES DAY: St. Augustine once said “One loving heart sets another on fire”. This Sunday we have a great opportunity to be kind and loving to each other. Lets hope we make this Valentine’s Day special. Love is in the air!!
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7 Feb 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the family of Kathy Scollard, Dromcollogher, whose funeral took place recently. Kathy was older sister to Nora Carr, Aughrim and to Anna Mulvihill, Glenalappa. Our prayerful support to all.
To Mary Collins & family, formally of Moyvane Post Office on the death of her brother Pat Guiney, Coolaclarig. To Tom O’Flaherty, Murhur and to the O’Flaherty & Hanlon families on the death of Tom’s sister Sr. Deborah, who died in Queensland, Australia. To Marian
Moloney & family, Clarr on the death of her loving husband John whose funeral took place on Wednesday in Church of the Assumption, Moyvane. After a very short illness, there is a great level of shock in the community at John’s untimely death. Our prayerful support to his loving family, his many friends and especially those in the GAA community of Moyvane, Clounmacon and the North Kerry Board. May Kathy, Pat,
Sr. Deborah and John enjoy new life, free from suffering, in the presence of Jesus. May they rest in peace.
THE STORY OF THE THORN BIRD
There is a famous story about a bird which sings just once in its life, more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the moment it leaves the nest it searches for a thorn tree and does not rest until it has found one. Then, singing among the savage branches, it impales itself upon the longest, sharpest spine. And, dying, rises above its own agony to out sing the lark and the nightingale. One superlative song beautifully heard by the whole world and God in Heaven smiles. For the best is only bought at the cost of great pain…..Or so says this famous story. Our Parish in recent months but especially in January has experienced awful suffering, sickness and death. Yet I have been humbled and richly blessed at the tender blessings and graces I have received from the courage shown and powerfully shared. Funerals with all the limited restrictions, loved ones have been incredibly strong and generous. All turning to God rather than away from Him. The power and presence of God is capable of finding hope where hope no longer exists and a way where the way is impossible. May Jesus who conquered death continue to walk with us all, Jesus dry the tears from all who weep.
PLEASE REMEMBER
Take a reflective moment considering the following: To handle yourself, use your head, to handle others, use your heart. Anger is only one letter short of danger. Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.
HUMAN SPIRIT CAN NEVER BE HELD CAPTIVE TO EVIL Et
Etta Hillesum (left) only lived to the age of 29 before perishing like many other Dutch Jews, in Auschwitz during the cruel second world war. In her short life, Etta showed both wisdom and courage to inspire us all. The diaries she kept during the last two years of her life reveal neither despair nor anger, but a kind of acceptance, a loving desire to understand suffering and an abiding faith in the ultimate goodness of humanity. Even in the death camp she was able to write these words: “Sometimes when I stand in some corner of the Camp,
my feet planted on earth, my eyes raised in prayer towards Heaven, tears run down my face. They were tears of deep emotion and gratitude” I think these words live on to witness the fact that the human spirit can never be held captive to evil. What Etta had to ask herself daily in the camp in Auschwitz was “What is love asking of me right now?”
We live in a time of bitter division. From here in Ireland as to how to handle the C19 crisis to the polarization around the US elections. The storming of the Capital Buildings by a riotous mob, the bitter ethical and religious debates about abortion, the loss of a common notion of truth, which as resulted in a widespread lack of common courtesy, disrespect, demonization and hatred for each other. We now have two sides – division. There are sincere people on both sides, but sincerity can also be very misguided. Lies and injustice need to be named. Finally, Anne Lanott wrote many years ago: “You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do” These are words worth contemplating on all sides of political and religious divides today. We live in a time of bitter division, not only in the US but nearer your home and mine! But like Etta Hillesum asked herself in that awful Auschwitz Camp – “What is love asking of me right now?”
We too need to ask the very same question. Influenced and inspired by Jesus and His loving guiding presence, we most certainly will make the right decisions. Our dominant one going through life as His followers must be one of love, not anger. Holding onto love especially in difficult awkward times, makes us His disciples. If however, we choose anger we are no longer His disciples. Jesus loves us and those who hate us are just as precious and important in His eyes as we are. Accepting this we can speak for truth and justice. As I said, human spirit can never be held captive to evil. Thank God for that!
TEN SECOND SERMONS
Always investigate before you speculate.
A Christian is one who makes it easier for others to believe in God.
Too many people confuse free speech with loose talk.
Few have all they need, none all they want.
COUNTING TO TEN
There has been unanimous feeling among all Parishioners that the past year has been a difficult and traumatic time for all in the Parish with so many funerals. Thank God all the celebrations for those who have died went off with great dignity and respect. I think it is regrettable that the Government have put such a low limit of ten to attend funerals and I would really ask that they would review that number especially where Churches have the capacity to safely take 20 to 25 (maintaining all the guidelines). I wish to thank all families for their cooperation and equally our undertakers Dano & Leo who have been most helpful to all the families concerned, to our Church stewards and to myself. Very many thanks.
A TIME TO PUT INTEGRITY INTO PRACTICE
There is a growing frustration in the air, in our Parish and indeed all over the Nation, these February days as there appears to be no end to the lockdown. Spring may have arrived but the lockdown with all its rules and regulations seems to be getting more burdensome. Many are losing focus to continue to adhere to HSE
Guidelines. Everyone seems to be looking to everyone else to make sure the guidelines are kept. This weekend I ask you to look personally at your own contribution at keeping the guidelines. I strongly suggest that it is time for everyone of us to put integrity into practice. Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody is watching, the opposite is hypocrisy, pretending to be somebody you are not. Integrity means being a person with only one face (not two faced), a person who is the same on the inside as the outside. Integrity is a combination of honesty, high morals, uprightness, single mindedness and always treating others with respect.
People will doubt what you say, but they will always believe what you do. It means practicing what you preach.
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30 Jan 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the Stack family, Upper Aughrim on the death of their loving mother Mary whose funeral was during the week. Sympathy also to Fr’s. Joe & Jim Finan, Lavagh, Co. Sligo as Mary was their sister. We also had the funeral of Bernie Walsh, Moyvane North, wife of the late Jackie Walsh. Our prayerful support to Florrie Mullin (sister-in-law) and family, the Cody family, Dublin and also her sister Eileen Curran, Dublin. To her nephews, nieces, kind neighbours, home helps and all who helped Bernie and Jack over the years. To Carmel McGrath & loving family, Ahalahana & to Erin Stack, Bruach Na Gaile and the Stack family, Carrueragh on the death of John whose funeral took place on Thursday. John was inspirational to one and all as to how he lived and coped with his illness. Not only did he give us all courage and blessings through it but he collected a phenomenal sum through his fundraising for the Palliative Care Unit in UHK. He will never be forgotten. Our prayerful support and sympathy also to Pat Flavin (originally from Trien) and his wife Anna Marie on the death of Anna Marie’s mother Philomena Walsh, Mallow whose funeral took place mid January in Mallow. May Mary, Bernie, John and Philomena rest in peace.
POPE BENEDICT XVI & CONSCIENCE
There is a new biography of Pope Benedict XVI by Peter Seewald. I like it and indeed it gave me a different and rather pleasant image of a Pope, who up until now, I had question marks over. In 1944, aged 17, Joseph Ratzinger was drafted into a labour unit in his native Germany. In the middle of the night they were lined up still half asleep by an SS Officer who made each of them step forward before the whole troop to get them to ‘volunteer’ for the Nazi Army. Ratzinger like a few others, said he intended to be a Catholic Priest. He was dismissed with abuse, but swallowed it happily because he was
delivered from the ‘voluntary service’ and its consequence. A few months later, shortly before the war ended, he decided to walk out of the barracks and make his way home. This was desertion and could have meant death. When as Pope, he came to Birmingham to beatify John Henry Newman, it was a lovely experience for Benedict. The power of Newman’s understanding of conscience as the voice of God, guided and helped his fellow anti-Nazis during the war. Without a doubt Newman’s teaching filled Benedict with integrity to make brave decisions at the right time. While he had no protection against the SS or of being shot, he was close to God. Joseph Ratzinger was bad at physical games and never obviously robust. Abdicating might have been the best thing he did, but it was undoubtedly brave. It might have seemed like giving up. His conscience shaped and guided him. When one is in tune and honest with one’s conscience God can do great things. May the Lord continue to bless Benedict in the evening time of his life.
THE SEARCH FOR GOD
“A KIND OF PRAYER” is a delightful poem by Cyril Egan on the search for God. It is about a man who is forever looking for something. One day someone asks him what he is looking for. “I’m looking for God” he replies, adding quickly: Don’t tell me I’ll find him in my heart,
(Though in a sense that’s true)
And don’t tell me I’ll find him in my fellow man, (Though in a sense that’s true too) What I’m looking for is a God.
Making a five-sense breakthrough to humanity, He is looking for God whom he can touch and see and feel, in other words an experience of God. How seldom, if ever, do we hear a sermon on the problem of unbelief, and yet people are constantly coming to Priests (including myself) with serious doubts about the existence of God! I strongly feel, as Priests, we must surely have some message for them. I know of one instance where a woman troubled with problems of faith came to a Priest and asked him desperately if there was anything she could do. His reply surprised her. “Yes, there is”, he said. “How about trying to love your neighbour a little bit better, in deeds rather than words? Put your heart into it. This tremendous advice ties in with what St. John wrote “Whoever loves……knows God” (John 4:7) Challenging, painful and difficult times, may all of us continue to be patient, kind and loving in our individual search for God:
CAN’T HAVE GOD ON OUR OWN TERMS
“I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see,
I sought my God, but my God eluded me,
I sought my neighbour and I found all three”
That little anonymous verse is very important and a vivid reminder to all of us that we can’t have God on our own terms. How we respect and treat each other is central to our closeness to God. In one of his lovely plays Padraig Pearse, God rest him, tells the story of Mac Dara, the singer who returns home and tells his old schoolteacher about his loss of faith. “Once, as I knelt by the class of Kilgobbin, it became clearer to me that there was no God. Why pray after that?” I burst into a fit of laughter at the folly of men in thinking that there is a God. I felt inclined to run through the Villages and cry aloud, “People, it is all a mistake, there is no God…..” Then I said to myself, “Why take away their illusion?” If they find out that there is no God their hearts will be as lonely as mine. So I walked the roads with my secret in silence. To which the schoolteacher replied, “Mac Dara, I am sorry for this. You must pray, you must pray. You will find God again. He has only hidden his face from you”. “No”, said Mac Dara, “He has lovingly revealed His face to me……..the people, the silent suffering people……. In them I saw or seemed to see again the face of God”
In the people and his concern that his unbelief might disturb their lovely simple faith Mac Dara rediscovered the beautiful face of God. Where is your search for God, these Covid days taking you? Are you hurting people or helping them?
POWER OF PRAYER
Abraham Lincoln, the great American President, was a strong believer in prayer. One day a friend asked him how he could afford to spend so much time doing this. Lincoln replied, “I would be the greatest fool on earth if I thought that I could sustain the demands of this high office without the help of a strength which is far greater than my own” Prayer helps all of us. This week please keep in your prayers all with sickness at this time.
ST BRIGID, PRESENTATION OF THE LORD & ST BLAISE
As we enter into the month of February, three very special Feast Days will have a very low key atmosphere this year. Monday 1st St. Brigid, secondary patron Saint of Ireland, Tuesday 2nd is the Presentation of the Lord, this Feast is a remembrance of the Lord and Mary the Mother of the Lord. With candles in their hands people go out to acclaim Him, like Simeon who recognized Jesus as a light to reveal God to all Nations. This also marks World Day for Consecrated Life (all those in Religious Orders). Wednesday 3rd is the Feast of St. Blaise, which is normally the blessing of throats which will not take place this year. Please make the aforementioned celebrations in your own unique way.
NOTICES
A DELAY IN GETTING THE UNIQUE PARISH MUGS: There is a delay in getting the unique parish mugs due to a big back log in deliveries but the minute we have them we will let you know.
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22 Jan 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Mary O’Flaherty & family, Tubbertoureen on the death of her loving husband Denis whose funeral we celebrated last Friday. To the Cunningham family, Kilbaha on the death of their brother Dick whose funeral we celebrated on Saturday. To Mary Fitzmaurice & family, Bunagara on the death of her loving son Tommy who died in England during the past week. To Bridget Kiely, Moyvane North on the death of her loving brother Jim Normoyle, Kanturk & l/o Glin whose funeral was last week. To the family of Florrie Smyth, Terenure especially loving daughter-in-law Teresa & special grandchildren Martina, Geraldine & Seán. Our prayerful support to the aforementioned. May Denis, Dick, Tommy, Jim & Florrie Rest In Peace.
DIOCESAN MISSION – Sunday 24th to Friday 30th January
Each day, you are invited to join in
• Morning Reflection – online
• Daily Prayer – Mission booklet can be picked from both Churches & Hollys
• 10.30 a.m Mass – live-streamed from different parts of the diocese
• Children’s Pray and Play – online
• Evening Reflection – online
Let’s talk about faith – Mission talk each evening @8.00 p.m.
• Sunday’s speaker – John Connell, author, journalist, farmer.
• Monday’s speaker – Martina Lehane Sheehan, spiritual guide, psychotherapist, author.
• Tuesday’s speaker – Fr Peter McVerry, social activist, advocate for the homeless.
• Wednesday’s speaker – Jane Mellett, environmental activist, Laudato Si officer with Trócaire
• Thursday’s speaker – Br Richard Hendricks, spiritual teacher.
• Friday’s speaker – Olive Foley, widow of Axel Foley and ambassador for Children’s Bereavement Services, Limerick.
For all details, check out www.dioceseofkerry.ie. Follow the mission on Instagram and Facebook. GENTLENESS
The wind and the sun had an argument one day to see which one of them was the strongest. To settle the argument, they decide to test their respective strengths against a man who was wearing an overcoat. It was agreed that which ever of them compelled the man to take off his overcoat, that one was the stronger. The wind began the test, it blew and blew even to gale-force, but the only reaction from the man was to wrap the coat tighter around him. The sun then took over, it didn’t actually do anything it just shone in the sky and let the heat reach the man. Within minutes, the man removed his coat. In Mark’s Gospel, we read “blessed are the meek for they should possess the earth ”. Be gentle in these troubled days.
THE DISCIPLES FINISHED THE WORK
Composer Giacomo Puccini wrote a number of famous Operas back in 1922. He was suddenly stricken by cancer while working on his Opera, TURANDOT which many now consider his best. Puccini said to his students, “If I don’t finish TURANDOT, I want you to finish it for me”. Shortly afterward he died. Puccini’s students studied the Opera carefully and soon completed it. In 1926 the world premier of TURANDOT was performed in Milan with Puccini’s favourite student Arturo Toscanini, directing. Everything went beautifully until the Opera reached the point where Puccini had been forced to put down his pen. Tears ran down Toscanini’s face. He stopped the music, put down his baton, turned to the audience and cried. “Thus far the Master wrote, but he died”. A vast silence filled the Opera House. The Toscanini picked up the baton again, smiled through his tears and exclaimed, “But the disciples finished his work”. When TURANDOT ended, the audience broke into thunderous applause. No one at the premier ever forgot that moment. Our Gospel this weekend sees Jesus inviting those in Galilee, His friends -fishermen, to follow Him. Like Puccini, Jesus continues to invite all of us to joyfully continue to work and the mission He started all those year ago when He entered our world in human form. The disciples of Puccini were really loyal to him and showed that loyalty in a beautiful way by finishing the Opera – TURANDOT. Are you and I as loyal to Jesus?
HAVE A CUPPA!
God be with the day when one could call in for a cuppa and a chat. Please God those days will return again and when they do, have that cuppa in our uniquely designed Parish mug, a once off production – limited to 500. But back to the good old fashioned cup of tea! When tea first reached Braemar, a shopkeeper invited customers to come and taste it. They crowded into his premises where he stood behind the counter arrayed with cups and saucers. He boiled a big kettle, poured the water over the tea leaves and then after a decent interval, raised the result above his head. “Ladies and gentlemen”, he announced, “Teapot!”. It was one of the shortest speeches ever heard. If only all speeches were as brief and to the point! Our 500 mugs have a message written on them as to how we come through C19 in 2020. They most certainly are collectors items for future generations. And when the 500 are gone – they are definitely gone. This is a fund raiser for both Churches and your generous support would be deeply appreciated. Individual mug €10, 3 for €25, 6 for €50. They are available from the Parish Office and from Holly’s. These mugs will be a good reminder how as a Parish our
A YEAR DEDICATED TO
ST. JOSEPH
Pope Francis has dedicated this year to St. Joseph. “Let us entrust our cares, fears and anguish to the Holy Family of Nazareth, in particular to St. Joseph, the devoted spouse and father. The dedication began on December 8th 2020 and will conclude on 8th December 2021.
Here is a prayer to St. Joseph. Let us pray the prayer (to the left) often this year and may St. Joseph help us to learn from the example of his Holy life that all of us must do the ordinary things of life in an extraordinary way.
TEN SECOND SERMONS
• What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.
• If you love life, life will love you back.
• Instead of counting your days, make your days count.
• You can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again.
• For every minute a person is angry, they lose sixty seconds of happiness.
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January 16 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Brenda & Seamus Clancy, Knockanure on the death of Brenda’s uncle Larry Cussen, Patrickswell whose funeral was in Patrickswell last Friday. To the Gould family inside and outside the parish on the death of their mother Nora and to the McCarthy family, Kilbaha as Nora was their aunt. To Marie O’Carroll, Aras Mhuire on the death of her daughter Sheila and to Sheila’s relatives in the O’Carroll and Broderick families and to her good friends in Deer Lodge, Killarney. Sheila, God rest her began her life and schooling in the Glin Road here in Moyvane and was deeply appreciated by the community. She later moved to Ballylongford and Killarney. May smiling Sheila now enjoy the delights and wonderment of God’s Kingdom and enjoy new beginnings in His presence. To the family of Thomas J. O’Connor of O’Connor’s Pharmacy, Douglas and l/o Bishopstown who died last week and who was a native of Knockanure. Our prayerful support to his family in Bishopstown and in Knockanure. May Larry, Nora, Sheila and Thomas rest in peace.
PLEASE BE ALERT: It is with sadness that we learned this week, that in a twinkling of an eye, a car that was left unlocked at Ahavoher Cemetery had a hand bag stolen from the passengers seat, containing a sum of money, personal items and bank cards. No matter how long your are visiting any of our Cemeteries please lock your car and keep personal items out of sight.
KNOCKANURE DINNERS: With the latest lockdown causing further restricted movement, I would like to remind you that the Knockanure dinners are in full swing. Very many thanks to all in maintaining such a valuable service to our parish at this time. The service is flexible and caters for individual needs. Contact Nora on 068/49799 for further details.
THE USELESS FOUR
There were once four people – EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY and NOBODY. There was an important job to be done and EVERYBODY was asked to do it. EVERYBODY was sure that SOMEBODY would do it. ANYBODY could have done it, but in the end NOBODY did it. SOMEBODY got very angry over this because it was really EVERYBODY’S job. NOBODY realised that EVERYBODY wouldn’t do it. It ended up that EVERYBODY blamed SOMEBODY when actually NOBODY had asked ANYBODY. USELESS FOUR! – say no more. Question? Am I playing my part these Covid 19 days? Am I leaving it to the Government and others?
DIFFICULT TIMES BUT…….
I really hope and pray that this present bad time, Covid 19, will teach us something and make us stronger. The good people gone before us sealed with the beautiful sign of faith, lived with a sense that life and health were fragile, not to be taken for granted. These days, more than ever we all need to remind ourselves that we aren’t exempt from the threat of sickness, debilitation and death. In short, all that our contemporary world can offer us in terms of technology, medicine, nutrition and insurance of every kind, doesn’t exempt us from fragility and vulnerability. Covid 19 has shown us how vulnerable we all are. Our very modern world of today, for all the good things it gives us, has lulled us asleep in terms of our fragility, vulnerability and mortality. Covid 19 is a wake-up call, not just to the fact that we’re really vulnerable but especially to the fact that we may not take for granted the precious gifts of health, family, work, community, parish celebrations, travel, recreation, freedom to gather and (yes) even going to Mass. I invite you to take a few moments to pray the following prayer by Sr. Joyce Rupp. I think its tailor made for these difficult days.
‘Consoling God,
Be a source of serenity for me when struggles and difficulties threaten to overwhelm me. God of Hope,
Assure me of your unconditional love when I doubt myself or question the worth of my life. Truth-bringing God,
Encourage me to embrace you during those times when I get lost in lies of weakness. Compassionate God,
Hold me to your heart when I feel helpless in the face of the world’s pain. Light-filled God,
Keep me ever close to you during those moments when bleakness surrounds my life. Comforting God,
Shelter me under your wings when I am engulfed in sadness and overcome with distress. God of Peace,
You are the centre of my life, a strong refuge of peace in the whirlwind of my pain. I look to you for strength and a constant assurance of peace.
IS THIS A RHYME FOR OUR TIME!
Anyone who knows me reasonably well, will know I love rhyming. The other day in the Presbytery with no radio or TV to distract me, I had time for the following rhyme: No grumbling, no sulking, no feuding, no fighting, But looking and looking for things to delight in! Not hating the state of the world every minute, But seeking and finding the beauty that’s in it.
No worrying and letting your troubles confound you,
But laughing and liking the great people around you,
So don’t be down and blue, rather think of Him who cares for you.
Be true to Jesus – and you know who? Yes be true to you.
TWELVE MONTHS
Mike Buckley, our excellent caretaker in Moyvane Church, Presbytery & Church grounds asked me to pass on the sad news about the thief who stole a calendar……he got twelve months!! Smile please. Mike is a real gem in our parish helping us so many times to smile.
DAILY SURVIVAL KIT
To make your days a little more cheerful, can I recommend the following daily Survival Kit – TOOTHPICK – to remind you to pick out the best qualities in others.
RUBBER BAND – to remind you to be flexible.
PEN – to remind you to list your blessings each and every day.
A TUBE OF GLUE – to remind you to stick with it, you can accomplish the task.
TEA BAG – to remind you to relax daily.
BANDAGE & PLASTERS – to remind you to heal hurt and mend wounds.
Finally a LITTLE CROSS in your pocket, to remind you that you are loved by Jesus every second of every day. With this daily kit your days will be better.
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9 Jan 2021
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the Barry family, Knockanure on the death of Noreen Hanley (née Barry),
Knockanure & UK who died recently. Mass for Noreen will be celebrated in Knockanure (Shelter) on Sunday
24th January at 9.30am. To Jimmy & Eileen Jones & family, Aughrim on the death of Jimmy’s brother-in-law
Gerald O’Shea, Muckross whose funeral took place during the week. To the family of John Walshe, Bruach Na Gaille & Ballybunion on his very untimely death in a road accident in the Village on Wednesday morning. Our prayerful support to his family here in the Parish and outside the Parish. To the Dineen family, Lenamore, Ballylongford on the death of their loving daughter Brenda who is a niece of Noreen Roche, Ahalahana. Please keep the Dineen and the Roche families in your prayers. At a later date we will have Masses here in the Parish for Gerald, John and Brenda. May Noreen, Gerald, John & Brenda rest in peace.
OUR PARISH - KEEPING THE FAITH ALIVE IN 2020
In spite of C19 and the lockdowns our Parish in the last year had the following celebrations – ➢ We welcomed seventeen children into our Christian family through Baptism.
➢ On February 29th we had twenty-nine children confirmed by Bishop Ray. The afternoon in question had the four seasons weatherwise. Sunshine, high winds, hailstone and rain. It was a grace filled day.
➢ April 10th – Good Friday a world exclusive for our Parish. Drive through stations of the Cross in the car park. Families stayed in their cars and drove from station to station – to pray and reflect.
➢ First Holy Communions were not celebrated in the customary month of May but in August and September. At the end of August eleven from Murhur N.S. and in September fourteen from Scoil Chorp Chríost. Very well done to their teachers and families.
➢ We had one Marriage, Dan & Marie. Small numbers but what a beautiful celebration.
➢ We handed back twenty-one Parishioners and we had three very special Angels returned to God’s Kingdom. May they enjoy Heaven. Our prayerful support to their loved ones.
➢ Churches closed on 14th March, up until 9th April, I celebrated 24 Masses alone. YouTube Masses began on 29th March until June 28th a total of 19 celebrations including Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday which included celebrations in Knockanure Church.
➢ From April 6th to July 4th Masses celebrated at the Doorway of Hope, each evening Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm and Sunday’s at 11am, a total of 90 Masses.
➢ On 5th July, Churches re-opened and Masses resumed with congregations until St. Stephen’s Day. Now back to celebrating Masses at the ‘Doorway of Hope’ in Moyvane and from the Shelter in Knockanure. Very many thanks to all who have helped with these celebrations during the past year. We thank God that He has brought us safe, thus far, and in this new lockdown may our faith be our inspiration and consolation.
“NOW I’LL CALL ON FR. KEVIN”
I must confess I am totally out of practice as to how to celebrate weddings. In
2020, I celebrated only one. I was delighted that on Saturday January 2nd 2021,
I celebrated the wedding of Jennifer Keane, daughter of Olive and Teddy,
Ashgrove. Small numbers, but I thought it was a lovely celebration. Denis Nash of Tralee Road, Killarney Parish, is Jennifer’s husband. Our prayerful blessings and good wishes for a long and happy life together. They were super to deal with in these difficult times. Masks, small numbers, social distancing etc., hard and very difficult. Limited celebrations and of course the Priest does not go to the reception. In all Parishes that I have served in, in this Diocese, I always made it a point to be present at the reception. I always managed to find somebody who
wanted a blessing, a chat or a bit of banter about Everton or Clare Hurling. I miss so very much the call from the Best Man, “Now I’ll call on Fr. Kevin to say a few words!” Few words indeed! I felt this was a great opportunity to let the people see the Church as a friend, rather than a very strict master. A Church of love, rather than a Church of law. And of course the Priest has to have a story to tell. There’s a plethora of wedding stories, most of them as predictable and as vulgar as the telegrams that in times past had to be endured at the reception. The poor Priest is expected to interlace his few words with stories and he invariably extols the virtues of his side of the partnership. You know what I mean……… “We are sorry to be losing Bridget…… She comes from a fine decent upstanding family……I’ve known Bill & Eileen Ford for a very long time, wonderful parents…... and so on and so forth! In my Parish of birth, many, many years ago, the Parish Priest went overboard in his praise of the Ryan’s. He traced their lineage back to the flood and like the unicorn, Noah took two of the Ryan’s into the Ark which accounts for the proliferation of Ryan’s today. The Priest with the other
family not to be outdone claimed that their pedigree went back just as far only, unlike the Ryan’s, the McNamara’s didn’t have to go into the Ark – they had their own boat.
Please God 2021, will see the return of happy, mask free weddings. My thoughts and prayers are with all who had to cancel their weddings in the past year. Be assured the good days will return for lovely celebrations in making your marriage commitment a Sacrament. Very soon – please God. Be patient – and all Churches are there to help, accommodate and encourage you. But I really think the days of calling Fr. to say a few words at the reception are gone. I for one will miss them!
ROBIN AND THE SPARROW
Said the Robin to the Sparrow, “I would really like to know why those anxious human beings rush about and worry so? The sparrow in reply said, “Friend, I think it sure must be that they have no Father in Heaven such as cares for you and me”. May our eyes and thoughts be as much on our Father in Heaven as that of the wise Robin and Sparrow.
BAPTISED – GIFTED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
For many, many years now I have longed and prayed for a simple structure to be put in place whereby the laity could have a voice in Church affairs. In recent years we continually hear from Cardinals, Archbishops and
Bishops how they have listened to survivors and that is only right and proper. But it begs me ask the question
– ‘Does one have to be abused before being listened to?’ Is it not sufficient that we are ALL baptised Christians are gifted with the Holy Spirit? As Pope Francis pointed out: “All the Faithful, considered as a whole are infallible in matters of belief”. For 2021, I hope that our Church will listen to the laity. That we will realise that the faithful are not merely passive recipients of what the hierarchy teaches, but are living and acting subjects within the Church. May God’s delightful Holy Spirit continue to guide, bless and encourage all of us to listen better and to act better in building His Kingdom.
WEARING A MASK IS AN EXERCISE IN FREEDOM
Some people are extremely vocal in their opposition to face coverings. They say wearing these masks is a restriction on their freedom and liberty. American philosopher, Kwame Anthony Appiah, wrote the following recently; “There is precious little freedom in the sick ward and less still in the graveyard. Ask somebody on a ventilator how free she is. Perpetuating the pandemic limits the scope of everybody’s individual autonomy. That’s why in many places today, the true face of freedom wears a mask”. I strongly feel to wear a face mask in this time of pandemic is not an infringement on our liberty but an exercise on freedom and a small sacrifice to make to overcome this C19. Please let us continue to care for each other.
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PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Anne, Una & Kevin Fitzmaurice, Lr. Aughrim & all the Fitzmaurice family on the death of Jerry who died peacefully on Christmas Day in the Palliative Care Unit in University Hospital Kerry and whose funeral we celebrated on Monday 28th in Moyvane Church. To Joan Moloney & family, The Village, The Ryan family, London and the Feury family, Glin on the death of her eldest sister Mary Ryan, London who died on December 23rd and whose funeral will take place later in London. To Tina Leahy & family, Beenanaspig and the Enright family, Rathkeale on the death of her mother Breda, whose funeral took place in Rathkeale on Wednesday 30th Dec. May Jerry, Mary and Breda enjoy the delights of God’s Kingdom. Please keep their families in your prayers.
INVOLVE ME
Into the first few days of 2021, maybe the fewest words have the greatest impact, take encouragement from the following: Tell me – I forget, Show me – I remember, Involve me – I understand.
Now, wouldn’t that be a wonderful New Year’s resolution. Go on try it!
2021
My prayerful good wishes and blessings to you all for a safe, happy and prosperous New Year. May the Lord bless our health and keep all of us in His tender care.
WISDOM OF GROWING OLD…….
I asked a good friend of mine who has crossed 70 and is heading towards 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in himself. He sent me the following, which are well worthy of reflection.
1. After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.
2. I have realized that I am not ‘Atlas’ the world does not rest on my shoulders.
3. I have stopped bargaining with vegetable and fruit vendors. A few cents more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
4. I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.
5. I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane and relive their past.
6. I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
7. I give compliments freely and generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, never turn it down, just say ‘thank you’.
8. I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
9. I walk away from people who don’t value me, they might not know my worth, but I do.
10. I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat and neither am I in any race.
11. I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.
12. I have learned that it’s better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.
13. I have learned to live each day as if it’s the last. After all, it might be the last.
14. I am doing what makes me happy, I am responsible for my happiness and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be.
Jesus, as this year draws to an end, we thank You for so much for all the good and happy times. Each smile and loving words of encouragement. We thank You too, for other times when things went sadly wrong. For being there to understand, You helped us to be strong. Now, that 2020 has ended, we ask You Jesus to continue to be near us and to be our guide and guardian throughout 2021. A happy and safe New Year to you all. You are in my Masses and prayers.
LOOK FOR THE VIRTUES
I heard of a friend who came home from work just before Christmas, exhausted and not in the best of tempers. His wife didn’t quite know what to say to him. Working under pressure, he had somehow accidently broken the computer, which would not be repaired for some time. He suffered all day from muttered complaints about his carelessness. He is a very quiet and calm person, always ready to help others, so afterwards feeling very ashamed, his colleagues all sincerely apologised to him. I told him, “Surely, you’ve learned by now that mistakes always attract more attention than virtues”. I think we should, whatever the circumstances, always look for the virtues in others – not their mistakes.
NOLLAIG NA MBAN – WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS
Our prayerful blessings and good wishes to all women on this very special Feast Day – Nollaig na MBan. We thank them for the many extra blessings they have shared with us especially in the past year, through the many difficulties we have encountered through the C19. May all women be blessed and protected today and the year ahead.
BLESSINGS TO NEW ARCHBISHOP
Blessings to Bishop Dermot Farrell who is the new Archbishop of Dublin.
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25 12 2020
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the family of Pat Moloney, Keylod whose funeral took place in Moyvane on Wednesday 23rd. Pat was a kindly and gentle presence among us and the last number of months were quite difficult for him living with his illness which he bore with great patience and dignity. May he enjoy the delights of God’s Kingdom this Christmas time with all who have predeceased him and who were there to December. Larry has relatives here in the Parish and was a frequent visitor. Our prayerful support to all of Larry’s family at this time. May Pat and Larry rest in peace.
BAPTISMS: Have been postponed until the current restrictions are reviewed on January 12th.
THE EMMANUEL STORY ISN’T TOLD IT’S FELT
As you are aware one of our bell chimes in our Assumption Church is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” I was delighted to play it for so many of our Advent Masses. Emmanuel is the Hebrew word for ‘God is with us’. This Advent song is a prayer of yearning for the coming of Jesus in our world to establish His Kingdom. Jesus taught us to pray, ‘Thy Kingdom come’. Our experience tells us that the Kingdom is yet to come, because we do not enjoy harmony, peace, justice and love all around us. Our faith, based on experience also tells us that there is more than the ‘not yet’ reality in our lives. We have known Emmanuel moments. For example, our daily hot dinners from Knockanure Community Centre, our two excellent National Schools who have run everything so well during C19. Each of us has our own Emmanuel story. It may be a friendship restored. It might be a person making a new start in the faith after some time of alienation. It might have been escaping unharmed after a close call while driving. It might be a prayer answered, good news from hospital tests, a change of heart. But the best Emmanuel story isn’t told, it’s felt. This happens when families come together and enjoy each other’s companionship and celebrate the existence of God with us. He is with us with His healing love. May it protect and bless us as we head to the New Year. You all have my prayerful blessings for a safe, healthy and joyful 2021. Keep me in your prayers too.
PRAYER FROM THE HEART
A Dad with his five-year-old son, was putting him to bed. After some manoeuvring and a lot of fun Daddy finally go the little fellow into his night clothes and was about to lift him into bed when the child said, “But Daddy, I have to say my prayers”. He knelt down beside his bed, joined his hands, raised his eyes to Heaven and prayed: “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep……” That was his usual prayer, but tonight he looked up at his Dad, raised his eyes to Heaven and prayed. “Dear God, make me a great big, good man like my Daddy. Amen” In a moment he was in bed and in 5 minutes asleep. And then the Dad knelt beside his son’s bedside and prayed: “Dear Lord, make me a great big, good man like my son thinks I am.”
CONSCIOUS FAITH
A Priest friend of mine in Liverpool has just got an appointment to work as a hospital Chaplain. Recently he was glancing through the admissions chart and found one which stated that the patient was a Catholic. But there was also a curious note affixed which read: “Does not want to see a priest unless he is unconscious” A question for all of us this week – when you need help or advice is it when you are conscious or unconscious?
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY – TODAY
The Holy Family is seen as the model for the human family, the religious community and the Church itself. The celebration of the Word Made Flesh has brought us to see God’s closeness. In the Holy Family we see the ordinariness of the life of Jesus, the simple acceptance by Mary and Joseph of the marvels of God. In daily life of family and community we can touch the Divine, we come close to God. Peace and joy of the Holy Family to all families this day and always.
UNTOLD WEALTH
One Christmas Eve, many moons ago, a business man hurried to a supermarket just before closing time. “Buying your turkey?”, asked a friend. “No, sausages for hot dogs”, the businessman quickly replied. He explained how, years ago, a bank failure, suddenly wiped all he had. He faced Christmas with no job, no money and no food. He, his wife and small daughter said grace before dinner that year and then ate hot-dogs – a whole kennel of them. His loving wife had given each sausage tooth picks for legs and curly straws for tails and whiskers. Their daughter was enchanted and her infectious delight spread happiness among them. After dinner they gave thanks for the most loving and festive time they ever had. “Now, it’s a tradition”, the man said, “hot-dogs for Christmas – to remind us of that happy day when we realised we still had one another and our God given sense of humour.” While we have been reminded continually that this is a different Christmas, let us be mindful of all those who have made Christmas special for us in the past and let’s make the most of these Christmas days which are so full of restrictions.
MESSAGE IN A CHRISTMAS CARD
As both our Churches will be open daily for private prayer, near both Cribs there will be Parish Christmas Cards. These are not to be sent to anyone, they are to be kept and I encourage the following: Write a few words of blessing that you encountered since C19 came to this country. Get the young folk in your family to write their names and
those who cannot write, trace the imprint of their hand on the card. Pack these cards away with your decorations and each year this card can be viewed as a reminder please God, that God protected us and brought us through. I know you may not feel like doing this at this time, but to the future generations it can be that capsule which can remind them that we supported and helped each other in fighting this invisible, awful virus. I really encourage you to put down positive points or even if it is just your signature with a prayer. Don’t leave the card blank. I guarantee you as the years roll on, these cards will become precious blessings to us. The cards are free and you don’t need envelopes as you are holding onto them at home. Today, the Feast of the Holy Family is a good day to write on these cards. They will be there all through the Christmas Season.
FOUR LETTER WORDS
We all try to avoid using four-letter words, but some four-letter words can change our Parish! Try Love, Care, Hope, Heal, Feel, Duty, Home, Good, Kind, Pity, Rest, Seek, Live and above all Pray!
FLAGS FLYING: It is not easy to fly flags during these difficult and anxious days. However, we have flags in front of both of our Churches and some with a difference! A Santa flag and a flag for the Front-Line workers. It is great that Santa was not restricted in his visit to all the children & Front-Line flag says it all. MÍLE BUÍOCHAS: Very many thanks for your generosity, for your gifts and cards which I have received over the past week or so. Many of the greeting cards have lovely verses. In one of the cards I came across these words which also carried traditional New Year Greetings. ‘We wish you the least of the very worst and the most of the very best’. That is my greeting to you as we head towards 2021.
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19 Dec 2020
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Tony & Timmy Horgan, Trien on the death of their loving sister Kathleen (Cath) Mankin, who died in London during the past week. Our prayerful support and encouragement to them at this time. Mass will be offered for happy repose of her soul in Knockanure Church later. May Cath rest in peace.
YOUTH 2000 CHRISTMAS E-RETREAT: from the 18th - 20th of Dec. Free reg on www.youth2000.ie CHRUCH ART CALENDAR 2021: I am delighted that this week with your Newsletter, you will receive a beautiful religious calendar for your home. Enjoy and please display. It is full of prayerful reflections and highlights all the Saints who continually pray for us each day of the year. May 2021 be a grace filled year for each and every one of us. Happy 2021 to each and every one of you.
NOTICES
MOYVANE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION: Wish everyone a Happy and safe Christmas. We hope that the New Year will bring an end to Covid 19 and lead to a healthier and stress-free environment. We take this opportunity to thank all who helped us in anyway throughout the past year. A special thanks to all who have made generous financial contributions. Further donations would be gratefully appreciated.
WELL DONE MARGARET: Margaret Foley raised a massive €5090.09 to date for Sliabh Mish Ward in UHK from her walk from Moyvane Church to the Hospital. Fantastic achievement. Well done.
SR. SCHOLASTICIA TOUCHED AND ENRICHED SO MANY LIVES – INCLUDING MY OWN
To the Scanlon family, Ballyagh, West Limerick and to the Presentation Sisters, Killarney on the death of Sr. Scholasticia whose funeral took place on Tuesday last in the Cathedral, Killarney. On a personal basis, Sr. Scholasticia, helped me immensely in my introduction to my Ministry in the Diocese of Kerry. After Ministering for nine months in Kenmare, I had nine years in the Parish of Killarney. During that time Sr. Scholasticia was a terrific help in all celebrations but especially at Christmas and Easter in the Church of the Resurrection, Park Road. She helped, encouraged and blessed me in numerous ways in my Priesthood and I am indebted to her for her kindness, generosity
and loyal support over the years. I was so saddened to hear of her death last Sunday as Limerick were winning their second All-Ireland in three years. She was a loyal and proud supporter of Limerick. May God’s grace and blessings be with Sr. Columbanus and Sr. Attracta and the Presentation Family on the loss of a wonderful colleague who was so generous in serving the Lord in so may ways. She was an excellent teacher in
Ballycasheen School in Killarney. May her gentle soul enjoy the delights of Heaven this Advent and Christmas Season. Unfortunately, because of the times we live in I was unable to attend her funeral, however, with fifteen parishioners we celebrated a Mass in thanksgiving for her life on her funeral day in the Church of the Assumption at 11am. May she rest in peace.
SAY GOODBYE TO THE FRAGMENTS THAT CAN’T BE MENDED
It has been very difficult in so, so many ways for all of us this year. We all have been affected so dramatically since last March. It has reminded me quite strongly that sometimes there are parts of our lives that are unmendable. Like the old Humpty Dumpty Rhyme, we cannot always put the pieces of our life back together again; at least not in the same way that they were before. Some pieces are irreplaceable or unable to be ‘fixed’. Lost jobs, shattered relationships, loved ones who have died, dreams never brought to birth, bodily changes from disease and accidents are all situations that cannot be restored. A visitor to the Parish some months ago invited me to go with him to one of our cemeteries. I accepted. He wanted me to say some prayers at his parents grave. He was keen to speak “Both my parents died without any reconciliation between us. I, their only child, did not live up to their expectation, nor did they to mine, I wish it had not been so and they must have felt the same. The pain and distance between us was so great that I didn’t even attend their funerals”. This man cannot mend the relationship with his parents but he is trying hard, with the help of faith, to mend his own heart and he is seeking reconciliation. Old hurts, heartaches, memories, destructive behaviour and other inner wounds do not have to break us apart forever. We need wisdom to know when something is mendable and when it is not reparable. Maybe, this last Sunday of Advent 2020, we can all look at our lives to see if there are any fragments that cannot be mended and if so give them one final goodbye. All four of our candles on the Advent wreath are lit. Christmas is fast approaching and we are moving to injury time. We need to be at peace with Jesus and with each other. THE FIRST CHRISTMAS CRIB
The appearance of the Crib in both our Churches is a lovely sign that Christmas is at the doorstep. St. Francis of Assisi assembled the first Crib in a cave on an Italian hillside in 1223. His aim was to make the Christmas story come alive for the shepherds and farmers of the locality. On Christmas Eve the Friars and the people assembled with candles and torches to illuminate the night. Then Francis arrived and was very happy when he saw the preparations they had made. The Crib was put in place. The hay was brought in. The cow and the donkey were led forward. The woods rang with their prayers. The rocks echoed with their hymns. Francis spoke to them about God’s Son coming among us sons and daughters, of the same Father. At the end of the vigil they all returned to their homes full of peace and joy, feeling very close God and to one another. GLORIOUS WORDS
Heading to Friday – Christmas Day – just keep these glorious words of John Betjeman in your heart!
“No love that in family dwells, No carolling in frosty air,
Nor all the steeple – shaking bells, Can with this single truth compare That God was man in Palestine, and lives today in Bread and Wine”
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Dec 13 2020
PRIEST ON DUTY THIS SUNDAY: Fr. Anthony O’Sullivan, P.P. Lixnaw 087/2461749.
Emergencies only.
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the Meade family, Aughrim on the death of their cousin Gerald Stack, Dooncaha, Tarbert whose funeral took place last Saturday. To the McEnery family, Tubbertureen on the death of their loving mother Kitty, whose funeral took place in the Parish on Tuesday. To the Leahy family, Oakpark, Tralee on the death of Mary, our sympathy to Sr. Ailbe (Presentation Convent, Lixnaw) and Sr. Columbanus (Presentation Convent, Killarney) as Mary was their sister. We assure all of the aforementioned of our prayers at this sad and vulnerable time. May Gerald, Kitty and Mary rest in peace.
SUNDAY OBLIGATION: While we are delighted to have our Churches open, I remind you that the Sunday obligation is still lifted. In reality this means that any Mass you attend any day during the week will fulfil your Sunday obligation. I ask you in particular to be aware of Masses beginning Christmas week 21st December. As it will not be possible to have large crowds on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I am encouraging you to choose a Mass any day during that week which will suffice for your Christmas obligation. When the numbers are at the permitted capacity in the Church, people have a choice to listen to the Mass on the radio 99.9fm in their cars or on the tannoy system in Knockanure. Those in the car parks will have an opportunity to receive Holy Communion. Guidelines for this will be explained at each Mass. No bookings required but seats are allotted on a first come first served basis. -------------------------------
THE CHALLENGE OF CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS 2020.
Parishioners,
Everyone agrees regarding when is the ‘number one time’ that people come to church to unite in celebrating The Eucharist, - Christmas. Parents bring young children; the singing of the Christmas carols is special; the statue of the baby Jesus is carried through the church and placed in the straw in the crib; meeting other around the crib after Mass. There is happiness that this Christmas we will at least have small congregations, there is sadness that it will not cater for all that would like to come. Churches that can seat over 1000, find themselves confined to 100 or 150; churches that can take 400 with some standing are reduced to fifty. Parishes will judge by the number of Masses being planned the total number that can be facilitated.
Christmas even with extra Masses will fall far short of accommodating 50%. Parishes are considering putting on Christmas Masses on the weekday evenings before Christmas, (or on St Stephen’s Day) but all will want to be there on the eve or the morning. Can those who are present offer Mass on behalf of the rest of their family and the whole parish family? Can people genuinely unite with the Mass from home if the Mass is streamed via the internet? Recent weeks have brought home to us all just how contagious the corona virus is. Once the church reaches its capacity, no one else can be let in. How difficult and sad to turn people away on Christmas night! Parishes are unsure what to do. Parishes may opt for a booking system or a ticket system. Remember too, some priests have pre-existing conditions or are of an age where they must not put themselves at risk.
People are asked to be understanding. Thank God with the good news of the vaccines it is just for one Christmas. If we cannot unite around the altar, let us be united in spirit. Remember the first Christmas did not turn out ideal for Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. Yet in the Stable at Bethlehem there was warmth, peace, and joy.
Many families and many people advanced in years might content themselves with coming to Mass in the days before Christmas or during the Christmas season, an opportunity to receive Holy Communion for Christmas. Many families will put their focus on gong to the parish church at a quiet time and saying their own prayers before the crib. Families joining in the Mass from home (via streaming, or daily 10.30 Mass on RTE News Now or, 10am Sunday Mass on Radio Kerry), have found it made them conscious that home is a place for prayer.
Where better than in the home to pause and be aware of God’s presence, and, giving thanks, to renew trust in him, At Mass, many priests will pray a special prayer of blessing on the cribs in the homes of the parish. I invite you to daily pause before the crib and ponder the mystery of Emmanuel, ‘God is with us’. Parishes are doing their best. This Christmas is unique. We cannot allow people into the church beyond the maximum number. Thanks to ushers and cleaners the church will be safe for those who enter. Please be understanding. Find out the details concerning your own parish. Rising above our difficulties let us unite in prayer joyfully honouring the birthday of Jesus Christ the Son of God and, giving thanks for all that was good in how our communities responded to the challenge of the corona virus. Let us count our blessings, there is so much to be grateful for. United in the Holy Spirit, let us pray for one another and for all in our communities. Be assured you are in my prayers in all the Masses I celebrate over the Christmas. + Ray Browne
UNDER-SIDE OF HEAVEN
One moonlit night recently a mother was strolling with her young son by her side. His curious eyes took in everything in sight – lights, trees, stars, reflections on pools of water in the fields and he offered a comment on each of them. They rested on a seat with the boy stretched out, his head on his mother’s lap. The boy gazed skyward in wonder and awe. After a while, his mother broke the silence: “What’s on your mind Paul?” He fumbled for words, then finally said, “Mum, if the under-side of Heaven is so beautiful, how wonderful must the real side be”. As we enter week three of Advent, have you the time and the energy to enjoy this side of Heaven? Have you time to experience God’s presence all around you?
5 Dec 2020
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: We offer our prayerful and sincere sympathy to all the Walsh Family, Barragougeen and extended family on the death of their loving Mum Marie. Her funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday last in Assumption Church Moyvane. Mary Marie Rest In Peace.
SHARED CHRISTMAS MASS: Please note these Masses are for the living on the Christmas list. Details from Jacqueline in the Parish Office. The first two of these Masses will be celebrated this week. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL: Due to ongoing restrictions with Covid 19, we cannot accept any clothing, toys, household items or food from the public this year. If you would like to donate you can do so by placing your donation in the boxes which are available in local shops. Any donations will be very much appreciated.
DONATIONS: Some families have made generous donations towards the painting/lights/footpath works in Moyvane Church. I wish to acknowledge a generous donation from Moneypoint Power Station, which was acquired by an employee from the Parish. These donations have helped so much – very many thanks. STAINED GLASS WINDOWS: Four new small stained glass windows will arrive soon in Moyvane Church for the outside windows of the confession boxes. These will enhance our already beautiful Church.
AFTERNOON OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS: Mary Culloty O’ Sullivan (Soprano) presents “Merry Christmas “an afternoon of Christmas Carols. Poetry read by Dolores Carroll. Thursday December 10th 4pm on Youtube and Facebook Page of St Johns Theatre and Arts Centre, Listowel.
A MESSAGE FROM MARY FAGAN RE: DIOCESAN WEBSITE: There is a new button on the Diocesan website called ‘CHECK THIS OUT’ - Once there, you can sign up to receive a 3 minute retreat each day direct to your inbox and inviting us to pause in the presence of God in our day. You may also like to sign up for a weekly email. It also offers Sunday Connection, a weekly email offering some reflections on the Sunday Gospel and our lives.
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Tuesday 8th we celebrate Mary, who, from the first instant of her existence in the womb of her mum Anne was “by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, presented free from all stain of original sin”. In the days past we name this day as a ‘Holy Day of
Obligation’. Today we give it the gently title of ‘Solemnity’. If you decide to mark this Feast Day in honour of
Our Lady you have the choice of the following Masses: Monday 7th December Moyvane Vigil at 7.30pm; Tuesday 8th December Knockanure at 9.30am and Moyvane at 11am and 7.30pm (conscious of those working, this evening Mass may be of help to them). Our Blessed Lady is a real treasure in our Parish and she is so special in our Country – lets make this Feast Day extra special.
ACTIVE PREPARATION
At this time of year, many children have already written or are just about to write their letters to Santa. “Dear Santa, Could you come early this year? I’ve been really super good, but I don’t know if I can last much longer. Please hurry. Love Anthony”.
To children, Christmas seems to take forever and it is so hard trying to be good while waiting for Santa’s arrival. Like little Anthony, we are tempted to ask Santa to hurry up and get here earlier, before we break under the strain of all that unnaturally good behaviour. St. Peter, in this Sunday’s Second Reading, is writing to Christians in the early Church who are waiting for Jesus to return. All excited, they are ready! But days pass, then months, then years and they are still waiting. People around them begin to mock their faith and sadly, many Christians join the doubters. Maybe Jesus isn’t returning. Like little children at Christmas time who get tired of being good, some of these early believers go back to their old ways of living. Waiting for the coming of Christ is an important element of every Christian life. Indeed, joyful expectancy is the hallmark of the Advent Season. Waiting however, does not mean living in the future; rather it means living fully in the present, in the light of future promises to be fulfilled. Waiting is not an excuse for passive inaction, but a time of active preparation. Like John the Baptist, we prepare when we cry for peace in the wilderness of division or when we cry for fairness in the wilderness of injustice. We prepare when we make straight the crooked paths of our lives in a spirit of repentance and reconciliation. Lord bless our Advent active preparation.
A REVOLUTION IN VALUES
As Christmas approaches, we could ask ourselves: “How can I prepare to celebrate the Birthday of our loving Saviour?” The delightful proclamation of John the Baptist points to the fact that preparation really counts: conversion of heart and life. The deeper meaning of this conversion is a change of vision a radically new outlook, in the light of the Gospel. God is our compassionate Father, our Abba, who desires nothing less than our hearts and our whole selves. We are accepted and loved by Him, while we are still sinners. His forgiveness, which is all loving means a revolution in values, beliefs and a new direction of life.
LAPSATION – A BIG PROBLEM TODAY
With both our Churches opening this weekend for Masses and with so much talk about how many can attend etc, I have a deeper anxiety. Lapsation is a great problem today as is the shortage of vocations. It would be impossible not to see the two problems as a cause and effect. I feel strongly that our purpose as practising Catholics has to be to share the Word and Gospel of Jesus with those around us. We have an ideal opportunity during these C19 days. Invite and encourage a neighbour or family member to come to Church with you. There will be many things to reflect on in both our Churches including our Cribs. Be sensitive to those around you who have heard the message of God but they have forgotten or rejected it. Maybe for starters it might make sense to contact those who are regular attenders for their parent’s Anniversary Masses and for Christmas Masses. Can you kind reader reach out to them these Advent days and tell them we have room for them in our Churches. No tickets, no booking – just come as you are. If our Churches exceed the recommended numbers, the overflow can hear the Mass on the Radio 99.9fm in their cars in Moyvane and on the tanoy in Knockaure and have Holy Communion after Mass. Many of us have forgotten the old truism that the Church isn’t an individually bad Catholic, Priest, layperson - it is much bigger than that. We all have a chance to make this Advent and Christmas different. It starts this weekend. Our generous and helpful Church stewards in both of our Churches will help and guide you in staying safe as we return to Holy Eucharist. Welcome back – stay safe. Let’s help and encourage each other to love and understand the Word of God.
Nov 28 2020;
PRIEST ON DUTY THIS SUNDAY: Fr. Michael Hussey, P.P.
Ballylongford 087/2386084.
OFFERTORY, HOLY SOULS, PARISH DONATIONS, SHRINES:
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the Goulding family, Keylod, Knockanure on the death of Mrs. Philomena Vaughan (née Goulding), Lahinch, Co. Clare who died on the 21st November in her 95th year. Mass for Philomena will be celebrated in Knockanure at a later date. May Philomena rest in peace.
ADVENT PREPARATIONS! If you have ever wondered about the Old Testament readings at Mass, now is your chance to explore them and their relevance for our lives today. Without leaving your own home, you can tune into Dr Jessie Rogers, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, who will explore the Sunday OT readings on
Wednesday evenings Dec 2nd, 9th and 16th from 7– 8pm. To register, check out www.dioceseofkerry.ie
SHARED CHRISTMAS MASSES
For all of us in the Christian Family, never have we needed prayers, healing and blessings as much in these difficult and strange times. We have decided this year to have shared Christmas Masses which will operate as follows: You can get special Christmas shared Mass cards with a tag. You can send the Christmas card to the family you are including in the Masses, fill in the names on the tag, leave them in the Parish Office and they will be hung on the Christmas trees in each Church which are arriving this week. Cards cost €1 and place your own private Mass offering in the box in the Parish Office. Please note: Shared Mass Cards are not available at Holly’s – Parish Office only. There will be six Masses celebrated for all those whose names are on the Christmas tree tags which will take place as follows:
MOYVANE: Mon 7th @ 7.30pm, Sat 12th @ 7.30pm, Mon 14th @ 7.30pm, Wed 23rd @ 7.30pm.
KNOCKANURE: Tuesday 8th @ 9.30am, Wednesday 16th @ 7.30pm.
However those who request Christmas Mass Bouquet Cards these are available in the Parish Office and at Holly’s – these Masses will be said individually by me and four Priest friends who have no access to Mass intentions and will be said over the Christmas period. €10 Mass offering and €1 card. Thank you.
SPIRIT OF ADVENT
Advent is traditionally a season of remembering and hoping: remembering how the people of The Old Testament had longed for a new beginning, for a Messiah, and learning from them how to live with hope in a wintry cold world. The term DVENTUS means “COMING” or “ARRIVAL”. We speak of the advent of computers, technology and new ways of enjoying “social media”. The list of choices gets longer daily. But for the Romans it had a special religious association, referring to the coming of a god of goodness to take up residence in a temple. When Christians began to use this term they used it to refer to what they celebrated at Christmas: The advent of our God in poverty, His continuing advent, especially in the sacraments and His final advent, when He will appear visibly and lovingly among His people. “Advent” thus refers to the coming of deliverance, to the wary presence and love of our God among us – past, present and future – to deliver us out of death and from “the winter of our discontent”. I think the dominant attitude evoked by the Advent and Christmas season is clearly that of hope. You and I are called to bring that hope to life as we begin another Advent. Let us hope we all respond in a good way to the Spirit of Advent.
THE ADVENT WREATH
Light is the most powerful symbol of the Advent Season. The lights of the Christmas Tree serve to remind us that Christ is God’s light to our world. The round Advent Wreath symbolizes the eternity of God and the evergreen branches remind us of the eternal life of God in Christ. As we light the four candles in the Advent Wreath, three purple and one pink, representing the four weeks of Advent let us pray: God of Hope enter into my Advent Season with the Grace of joy and laughter. Fill faces with smiles of delight and voices with sounds of pleasure. By the morning star in my midst, the light that can never go out, the beacon of hope guiding my way to you.
SEASON OF LIGHT
Welcome to the First Sunday of Advent, the day when Christians think of the coming of Christ; the day when the Christian Calendar begins again, and when we think of the Light that shone in our darkness. Let me share with you a story of the Dad who willed that his fortune should be left to one of his three sons who should most successfully fill a room with anything that cost no more than fifty cent. One son tried to fill it with bricks, but managed to fill only a very small part. The second son bought straw the cheapest thing he could think of and managed to half fill the room. The third son brought a small candle and filled the room with light.
“I am the light of the world, says the Lord, anyone who follows me will have the light of life”
AWAKE
A young priest a year after his ordination asked an old priest, “Fr, what has God’s wisdom taught you? Did you become divine?” The old priest, with a gentle smile replied: Not at all”. The young priest quickly asked, “Did you become a Saint?”. “No way, as you can clearly see”, said the old priest. “What then oh elderly Fr?” gasped the young priest. “Young Fr, I became awake!” I ask you this Sunday, the start of another New Church Year, “what is there in your daily life that shows that we are looking forward to Jesus’ coming?” A happy and grace filled Advent to you all. You are in all my Masses and prayers.
A MUM GETS IT WRONG!
I love the story of the little girl who told her Mum she wanted to write a letter to Santa. “Of course dear”, said her Mum. “You want to tell him what you would like for Christmas then?” Her daughter, shook her heard. “I just want to tell him I love him”, she replied simply. Please encourage all young hearts to be thoughtful, kind and generous this Advent and Christmas.
NOT A PRAYER IN SIGHT!
Am I the only one who was disappointed that the ‘Bloody Sunday’ tribute from Croke Park on Saturday 21st November, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of those who were killed – not one prayer was said! I found that sad! Even an “Eternal rest grant onto them” could have been uttered by a lay person, if the power that be, were uncomfortable with having a clergy man present.
REMEMBRANCE MASS: Our remembrance Mass was deeply appreciated by so many but especially by those living outside the Parish who were able to connect with us in prayer last Monday evening. Sincere thanks to all who helped in making the celebration special.
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21 Nov 2020
PRIEST ON DUTY THIS SUNDAY: Yours truly 089/4044816. OFFERTORY, HOLY SOULS, DUES,
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Mary Barry & family, Knockanure Village on the death of her loving husband John Joe whose funeral took place on Monday last in Knockanure Church. To Mick O’Brien & family, Church Road on the death of his loving wife Kathleen (née Hynes). Kathleen’s funeral Mass took place today Thursday. To Nancy Bunce (née Sheehy), Chicago on the sudden death of her loving husband Liam. Our prayerful support to all of them and to the Bunce and Sheehy families. Funeral, today Thursday 19th which can be viewed online at 4pm (Irish time) on http://www.memorialslive.com/bunce Mass will be offered for the happy repose his soul at a later date in Moyvane Church also Months Minds will be arranged for John Joe and Kathleen. May John Joe, Kathleen & Liam Rest In Peace. Please keep the above families in your prayers at this sad time.
SAFEGUARDING SUNDAY -MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF THE DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING COMMITTEE.
This is a unique Safeguarding Sunday, unique in the respect that there are no children present in the body of the Church and no altar servers to assist at Masses. Face to face ministry with children has been suspended across the diocese since March. The importance of getting children back into parish life once it is safe to do so has been highlighted by the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee. When restrictions are lifted the National
Board for Safeguarding Children will audit the Diocese. In the interest of best practice and transparency the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee welcomes this audit. Anyone who would like to report a current or past safeguarding concern is advised to contact the Designated Liaison Person for the Diocese on 087/6362780. Our grateful thanks to our two safeguarding reps here in our Parish, Mary Kennelly, Moyvane and Mary
O’Flaherty, Knockanure who do tremendous work in keeping best practice in safeguarding in our Parish.
CELEBRATING HIS PRESENCE
The trees look naked and bereaved these days. The family of leaves have gone away, flown from the nest. There is great beauty in all this vulnerability, just one more showing of the love and majesty of our God through His Creation. It is from the same God that you and I get the gift of seeing His presence all around us. Praying is waiting on God, noticing and celebrating His presence in all His glorious Creation. As the Church year draws to a close on this Sunday – The Feast of Christ Our King – we are invited to give Him thanks, and to make ourselves ready for Advent. Noticing and celebrating God’s presence with us is a gift which refreshes the human spirit and calls us towards wonderous life in the arms of our God the Father, our Lord and King. END OF THE CHURCH YEAR: An ideal Sunday for a visit to both Churches for private prayer. An ideal opportunity as well to honour our faithful departed (Holy Souls) at the Sacred Spaces.
LEST WE FORGET……..A SPECIAL MASS IN MEMORY OF ALL WHOSE FUNERALS WERE CELEBRATED SINCE OUR LAST MEMORIAL MASS LAST NOVEMBER – STARTING FROM DECEMBER 9th 2019.
Tom Culhane Snr, Leitrim East,
Con Healy, Moyvane North,
Hazel Culhane, Leitrim East,
Baby Max, Upper Direen,
Baby Luan, Tralee,
Pauline Murphy, Kilmeaney, Kilmorna,
Jack Walsh, Moyvane North,
Jack Shine, Glin Road,
Hannah Keane, Kilmeaney, Kilmorna,
Patrick Hayes, Clounbrane,
James Kirby, Glenalappa,
Con Carmody, Moyvane Village,
Anne Prendiville, Carrueragh,
Mike-Joe Cronin, Mail Road Cross,
Pat Joe McEnery, Tubbertoureen,
Willie Pearse, Woodgrove,
Willie Buckley, Church Road,
Patrick Shanahan, Kilbaha,
Anne Nolan, Carrueragh,
Kathleen Stack, Church Road,
Baby Keelin, Ballincollig,
Breda Dore, Woodgrove,
John Joe Barry, Knockanure Village,
Kathleen O’Brien, Church Road,
This Mass will go out on YouTube on Monday 23rd at 7pm. You will also be able to hear it on Assumption Radio 99.9fm which will broadcast at the same time. I ask your continual prayers for those who are grieving their loved ones. May our loved ones especially those who have died this year enjoy new life in God’s Kingdom. May they rest in peace. As always thanks to Conor Hogan for filming and to our music ministry by our gifted trio Lisa, Laura and P.J.
13 11 2020
ASSUMPTION RADIO – 99.9fm: Delighted to announce that all Masses from Moyvane Church can be heard on your local radio or car radios on the frequency 99.9fm. Searching for the frequency it is after Lyric fm and just before Today fm. It can be heard throughout the Parish and in Knockanure as well. The old parish radios are no longer in use. While Masses will continue at the doorway in Moyvane Church the tannoy system will not be used but people can come if they wish and hear the Mass on their car radio and be present.
PRAYING SUNDAY MASS ONLINE: As we gather at home for our Sunday Mass celebrations online, some suggestions that might help our prayer-time: Create a sacred space where you will sit to attend Mass e.g. using a crucifix or candle or icon, just like you might do if preparing for a house Mass. Invite family members to name a prayer intention that everyone will pray for during the Mass. Stand to hear the Gospel or to join in praying the Our Father, just like you would in church. We are reminded of the words of Jesus - ‘Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst’ – We remember that Jesus Christ is present in our homes as we pray at Mass together.
WORLD DAY OF THE POOR: Pope Francis reminds us to be conscious of the poor this weekend. He tells us that this would be the worthiest way to prepare for the Feast of Christ the King which is celebrated next Sunday. Identifying with Christ who always identified with the little ones and the poor. We will be judged at the end of time on the way we have lived out our works of mercy.
CHRISTMAS CARDS & MASS BOUQUET CARDS: A nice selection of Christmas cards and Christmas Mass Bouquet Cards are now in stock in the Parish Office. They will also be available after Masses in Knockanure.
There is also a selection of Christmas gifts that can be purchased in the Parish Office.
WORTH THINKING ABOUT
I bring you a set of riddles this weekend – give them your reflective attention, thanks.
➢ What enriches the receiver without making poorer the giver?
➢ What can no one be ever so rich, get along without?
➢ What has no value until it is given away?
➢ What cannot be begged, borrowed or stolen?
➢ What costs nothing, but gives much?
➢ What can take but a moment although the memory of it can last a lifetime? The answer to each one is the same – A SMILE.
THE PRECIOUS VALUE OF CHRISTIAN MOTHERS
A wise old saying tells us that “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world”, that is, the mothers of families are those who regulate and stabilize this world’s affairs. If this is true of all good mothers, it is doubly true of Christian and religiously minded mothers, for these not only rule the world but play a very big part in arranging and deciding their children’s fate in the world to come. St. Monica comes to mind, the loving mother of St. Augustine. She spent many years in prayer and selfmortification begging God to give the grace of conversion to her heretical and morally lax son. Trying to move God, with her tears and prayers, she succeeded and the result - St Augustine, the great Doctor of the Church.
Christian mothers, try never to forget the absolutely necessary role you have been given by God our loving Father. It is such an essential role, because it is at your knees that your children will learn about our loving Father in Heaven. It is in your home from example and advice that they will learn to serve that loving Heavenly Father during their lives and so reach their eternal home where you will be joyfully awaiting them. I am so delighted to encounter so many special Christian mothers who have the very same gifts of St. Monica – their very regular visits to Church and their prayerful presence at our side door Masses show they posses true religion and that their life is motivated by their faith.
The Mums who have died are still close to us. Thank God for them.
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
In these difficult days we search for a God we can touch. I think in our longing for such a God we often create false gods who seem not so demanding. It is hard for us to admit the truth that what we worship and serve really is Lord of our lives. Jesus is or is not Lord! As we come to understand our Christian call, we are able to see more clearly that the middle road makes little sense and is often nothing more than apathy. Either Jesus is Lord of our lives or He is not. The middle road is perhaps the most dangerous road of all. As we are heading to the end of another Church year I hope the following will joyfully help all of us to proclaim: JESUS IS LORD! The God I was trying to love was too demanding, and so I looked for other gods who would ask less of me, and in unconverted corners of my heart I found them waiting to be adored, asking nothing of me. Yet making me a slave – possessions, recognition, power! I bowed before them but my hunger only deepened. The God I was trying to escape was too loving, so He sent me a brother Jesus to be my Lord, and to free me from my false gods. But this Lord Jesus preached a hard Gospel, so I turned to other lords and Jesus was not my Lord – except Saturday night or Sunday morning for a little while, for it is custom for those with the name Christian to gather for worship. But Jesus was not my Lord. And my idol-filled life was a banner that proclaimed – Jesus is not Lord! The God I was trying to love was too loving but also too demanding. So He gathered up my false gods – my reputation, my pride, my honour and prestige, my possessions, my success, my own glory, my time even my friends. He gathered up all these lords of mine. He gathered up all my lies and held them close to me, so close, I lost all sight of my true God for a while. But my true God never lost sight of me and in that lies my salvation. For in one desperate moment smothered by gods who couldn’t save me. I prayed for a God who would fill my lies with truth. I prayed for a God who would expect something of me, a God too loving and too demanding to be patient with my false gods any longer. God heard that prayer and loved me. I was given back to myself and taught how to answer my own prayer. So that with other Parishioners I might again proclaim: Jesus Christ is Lord!
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7 11 2020
PRIEST ON DUTY THIS SUNDAY: Fr. Brendan Walsh, P.P.
Abbeydorney 087/7913271. Emergencies only.
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: to the family and relatives of Breda Dore, No. 1 Woodgrove who died in the loving care of family at home on October 29th. Our prayerful support to her loving family both at home and away. To Tom & Pat Moore, Glenalappa & Nenagh and to the Dalton family, Beale on the death of their uncle Mick Culhane whose funeral took place on Wednesday in Glin. May Breda and Mick Rest In Peace.
HOLY SOULS MASSES: Thank you for your prayerful attendance at the Holy Souls Masses in the car park last weekend. During the week there was a phenomenal number of names handed in for inclusion in these
Masses. I have said two private Masses also this week. This coming Sunday 8th there will be two public
Masses 9.30am in Knockanure and 11am in Moyvane. A reminder that the November candles are available in the Parish Office €3. Very many thanks for your very generous November Offerings. Deeply appreciated.
TEN SECOND SERMONS
➢ There is one thing that will grow in any soil and in any climate and that is idle rumour.
➢ It is easier to offer objections than it is to get busy.
➢ Watch your tongue – remember it’s in a wet place and likely to slip.
➢ Better to have a few good things to live for than a lot of good things to live on.
JESUS BIDS US BE PREPARED TO MEET HIM
Our watchfulness must be a daily thing. A little boy learned that lesson as you can see from the following experience: Alan writes as follows:
I learned my first lesson in responsibility the day I returned from school to find my guinea pigs missing. I rushed to ask my Mum about them. “Alan, I gave them away because you didn’t take care of them”. “But Mum I did take care of them!” “Alan, I gave them away ten days ago”, gasped his Mum.
We can’t begin too early to discipline ourselves to be ready for Jesus.
NO COMPLAINTS: Fr. Tony Gaughan has just published a delightful new book entitled ‘No Complaints’. A memoir of life in rural Ireland and Irish public service of Maurice O’Connell. This lovely book will be of interest to so many parishioners. Maurice, God rest him, was born in the Glin Road and his early days are recalled in Fr. Tony’s latest publication. Books can be purchased from Woufe’s Bookshop, Listowel. Maurice died on April 1st 2019 and is survived by his wife Marjorie who lives in Templeogue, Dublin 6 & family Tom, Catherine, Martin & Marjorie Jnr.
SIMPLY THE BEST: Warm congratulations and well done to William and Maria Stack on being one of the Munster Finalists in the Quality Milk Awards. Their tremendous dedication to farming has really paid off and we wish them continued success and blessings. It is a nice honour for William’s parents Phil & Stevie.
WAITING IN THE DOORWAY
Timing is everything! Some years ago a good friend of mine lost his job not long before his young wife died. His search for employment took him through three jobs. His grief over his wife’s death drew him to the dark place of the threshold where he stayed in that lost, frustrating space, trying for a job suited to his skills and still grieving. Whenever he bemoaned, “Will I ever get on with my life?” I heard underneath his words, “Will I ever get beyond the threshold?” He desperately wanted an internal place of peace and an external world of success, but it was much too soon for those things. His acute grief and unemployment shaped his heart beautifully. They humbled him and deepened his compassion for others who stand on similar thresholds. If we are to grow, we stay in the “holding pattern” of the threshold until we gain its lessons for life and the inner self develops enough stamina to move on. I remember he telling me how his faith and his presence at Mass helped him enormously to value the in-between space. He didn’t become bitter, but rather a better person. For those who find themselves ‘waiting in the doorway’ full of sorrow and pain at the loss of a loved one, these November days are a great time to develop inner peace with God, with our deceased loved ones and indeed with each other. Jesus fill us with patience in this spiritual quest.
THE SADDNESS OF DEATH
Margaret lived on her own. She didn’t try to conceal her age; in fact she was quite proud of being seventy nine. When she looked in the mirror, she saw her skin looked really healthy. Yes, there were a few wrinkles, but her eyes were still clear and what with her snow-white hair with its natural waves and an upright non-tooplump figure and a spring still in her step, well she would hold her own with anyone. But today she was sad. She had called at the Priest’s house to give in an Anniversary Mass for Tom, her husband. Seven years dead and the ache of her loss was still there. They had been married for fifty-seven years. Tom had been a good husband and a good father to their three children. The death of Joe, their eldest, killed outright in a car crash had if anything brought them even closer together. They had given greater thanks for Mary and Susan who had both made happy marriages. Margaret was proud of her grandchildren but sad that she saw very little of them and her daughters and their husbands because both families had settled in Canada, and could only come home every couple of years and then only for a short visit. However, they did phone each week, every Saturday in the evening. Margaret so looked forward to those calls.
OUR LORD DIDN’T NEED A LIST BUT SHE DID!
On her way home from the Priest’s house she had thoughts of Tom and the children. The house seemed so empty when she arrived. She frowned; a tear came. She gave a quick shake of the head and said aloud. “Come on Margaret, this won’t do. Have you nothing to do”. She made a cup of tea and a slice of toast and carried them into the living room. She thought of Christmas – cards and gifts for Canada. How many weeks ahead of Christmas must they be posted! She rummaged in the side-board drawer and up came last years list of names for sending Christmas Cards. Running down the list she suddenly realised that four of them had died. It seemed so final when she drew a line through these names. Putting the list back she saw an envelope but couldn’t remember what was in it. The flap was tucked in but not sealed. She opened it and saw that it was last years November list. It was really a copy of the one she had given in at Church. Three pages of names. She knew Our Lord didn’t need any list of names to be included in the November Masses for all the dead which Fr. would celebrate, but she did. Perhaps her memory was not what it was once, and she needed the list lest she leave anyone out. Oh, dear me, it grew longer each year, all the relatives and friends, she had loved them all. She sighed, surely, they were all in Heaven. What a great place that must be all there together with Jesus and His loving Mum Mary. What was it like? She and Tom had loved each other so much. How could he be really happy without her there with him? And Joe. Poor Joe. Joe had been a bit careless about Mass, but he was a very good boy and a good son. Surely Our Lord wouldn’t keep him out of Heaven for being careless, for that’s what he was careless. Ah……the sadness of death. Jesus befriend all of us in the memories we hold so dear of all our deceased. We miss them…..and like Margaret we know they are in the loving care of Jesus. May they pray for us these November days.
30 10 2020
PRAYERS: Let us all continue this weekend with special prayers for Dad Tadhg O’Sullivan and Sons Mark and Diarmuid, Castlemagner, Cork. A wife and a mother Ann O’Sullivan carries the hardest of crosses these days. Our prayerful support to her and the entire community of Castlemagner parish. Let us pray for all those who have died violent deaths and especially their loved ones who still live with the pain and sorrow of their loss. May all those who have died such deaths enjoy the touch and blessing of Jesus in new life in God’s Kingdom.
THE LADY OF ALL NATIONS: I have been asked to draw your attention to the fast growing devotion to the The Lady Of All Nations. Prayer cards are available in both Churches please take them home. Those who would like further information or Novena booklets, please contact Nancy McCormack, Pallas House, Old Pallas, Co. Limerick. V94 R6C7 or phone her on 061/384261. Anyone wishing to look at The Lady Of All Nations prayer day with Fr. Paul Maria Sigl can do so by visiting www.gebetstag.info The prayer to The Lady of All
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father,
Send now your Holy Spirit over the Earth,
Let the Holy Spirit live in the heart of all nations,
That they may be preserved from degeneration, disaster and war,
May The Lady Of All Nations, the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Be our advocate. Amen.
THE ANNUAL NOVEMBER MASS FOR PATIENTS WHO HAVE DIED IN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
KERRY IN THE PAST YEAR: This includes those who have died in the hospital, those who have experienced pregnancy loss, and those who have died within the Palliative Care Services. We also remember at this Mass past employees of UHK who have died. Monday 2nd November at 7.00pm. Due to Covid 19 restrictions this Mass will be live streamed (no congregation). You are welcome to join us online.
www.churchservices.tv/tralee or www.stjohns.ie
NOVEMBER MASSES (HOLY SOULS OFFERINGS): Very many thanks to all who sent in names for inclusion in our 15 Masses for our Holy Souls. Our faith reminds us; “Lord, for your faithful people life is changed not ended”. May our dear Holy Souls be blessed in the final stage of their journey in meeting our loving Jesus face to face.
THE SAINTS, OUR DECEASED AND US
“She has her mother’s eyes.” “He is the spitting image of his father.” From birth until death, we talk endlessly about family resemblances. We carry within us the traits of our ancestors. There are other characteristics too. We say: “He has the patience of Job.” “I wish I had my grandmother’s faith.” “She is a saint for doing that.” “He is a prayerful person.” These qualities and traits come from our spiritual ancestors, deceased and saints. They share with us the common bond of God’s image. We also share the common bond of our Baptism. In our Christian Catholic tradition, we believe that on the day of our baptism the very life of God came to dwell within us, not just for one or ten or one hundred years but forever. We also believe that at that very first moment we became members of God’s family. So, in baptism, like the first creation, we are linked together: living and dead. Our baptism calls us to model our lives on the life and message of Jesus which He left us in the Gospels. Each of us too leaves a story for others to tell. We look back for inspiration to the stories of the Saints and the Apostles from the early Church. As we celebrate the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, we might ask ourselves what we will leave behind? What will people remember of our life? How will we mirror the very life, image and likeness of God that we see reflected in our deceased relatives and Saints of the Church?
NOVEMBER SACRED SPACES
Both Churches are open daily for visitation and prayer. An extra blessing during the dark November days are our two Sacred Spaces honouring our Holy Souls. You will have an opportunity to pray and reflect at these Sacred Spaces. On your visit bring a colourful fallen leaf and place it in the big wooden dish – with a happy few words of blessing for those you are remembering. I hope these November ‘Spaces’ will focus all of us to the fact that all our faithful departed are in the hands and care of our loving Jesus. There will be prayers and reflections which you can read and reflect on at these ‘Spaces’.
WHY, OH WHY, GOD?
In our sorrow we seek some reason – any reason – for the death of one we loved. Often in the depths of ourselves the seeds of anger and bitterness grow until we cry out. “Why did it have to happen? Why, Oh Why, did you do this to me God?” We might also feel great anger and bitterness towards the one who has died. Perhaps the death has left us burdened with unfinished business and unrealized goals. With family responsibilities and financial problems. Anxiety and grief prompt us to direct our anger towards the deceased and we repeatedly demand, “Why did you die and leave me to face all this alone?” We know our questions are unreasonable, but we have this unbearable hurt that leads us to think unsteadily. We have become a different person; one we hardly recognize. A Welsh proverb states: “There are three things that only God knows – the beginning of things, the cause of things and the end of things”. God, who knows “the end of things”, may not reveal truly satisfying answers to our questions today, tomorrow or even in the years to come. But we have been left with a promise that one day we will understand. Ours is a loving God who will not leave us floundering forever in confusion and questions born of grief. Even though our “whys?” may go unanswered, with God to help us we can emerge from our grief with a stronger spirit and our mind and heart happy with God’s rich promise – “Anyone who believes in me will never die”.
THIS IS THE DAY……
Have you heard of the pessimist who, when asked how he was replied, “Oh, I have my bad days and my worse days?” It reminds me of the days of the week as set down by James Joyce in one of his books – “Moanday, Tearsday, Wailsday, Thumpday, Frightday, Shatterday!” Sadly, there really are people who seem to think like that. How much happier they would be if they learned to say daily in the words of the Psalmist in the Bible, “This is the day which the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it”
24 10 2020
A SWINE OR A SAINT?
How many times have I felt myself glow when others recognise or praise me and how many times have I been plunged into gloom when others ignored or criticised me. Acclaim affects me like a wedding feast, criticism affects me like a bereavement. But there are some who have a steady flame shining from deep inside them. This is not extinguished when others ignore them, for it is not dependant on what others think of them, it is what they think of themselves with a quite certainty. We have two potentialities within us – to behave like a swine or a saint. But we help people more by giving them a favourable image of themselves than by constantly harping on their faults. Each individual normally strives to be true to their image. The saints hold up a mirror before us. In this mirror we get a favourable image of ourselves. We see what we are capable of. All we need is the will to imitate them. May the Saints guide us in making this a special November.
WE ARE NOT JUST HUMAN BEINGS. WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD.
Our Gospel this weekend talks about the two great commandments and states that they must not be separated. In practice, they are often separated. Many Catholics think that when they have attended to their ‘RELIGIOUS DUTIES’ they can sit back and relax. They have done their bit for God! Those religious
duties do not commit them to do anything in life. Vatican II reminds us: “THE SPLIT BETWEEN THE FAITH
WHICH MANY PROFESS AND THEIR DAILY LIVES DESERVES TO BE COUNTED AMONG THE MORE
SERIOUS ERRORS OF OUR AGE” Once in a particular part of the desert there was a Monk called Moses. He had a great reputation for holiness and was admired by so many. Well, it was coming up to Easter, so the Monks met to see what they should do to prepare for it. They were very anxious to do something to show their love for Jesus, who suffered and died for them. They decided to fast the entire length of Holy Week. Having made the decision, each Monk went off to his bare and lonely cell, there to fast and pray. However, about the middle of the week, a couple of wandering Monks came to visit the cell of Moses. As they were starving he took pity on them and cooked them a little vegetable stew. To make them feel at ease he took a little of it himself. Meanwhile, the other Monks had seen the smoke rising from Moses’s cell. It could only mean one thing – he had lit a fire to cook some food. In other words, he had broken the solemn fast. They were shocked and saddened at seeing the weakness of Moses, and in the eyes of many of them, he fell from his pinnacle of sanctity. Moses came out meet them. Seeing judgement in their eyes, he asked: “What crime have I committed that you look at me like this?” “You’ve broken the solemn fast, the fast we undertook out of love for our crucified Lord”, they answered. “So I have”, Moses said. “I have broken the fast. I have broken the commandment of men, but in sharing my food with these brothers of ours, I have kept the commandment of God that we should love one another. Do you not think that Jesus would have done the same? Did he not eat and drink with sinners, even though the religious leaders were scandalised and called Him a glutton? My friends, you have torn the Gospel of Jesus in two. These are two great commandments, not one. Jesus said that we are to love the Lord, our God with all our hearts and all our souls and that we are to love our neighbour as ourselves. Hence it is far better to eat meat and drink wine than by detraction to devour another person’s character. We did not come into the desert to get away from people and to be alone with God. We come here to find other people – to find them and love them in God”. The Monks went away from Moses, humbled but wiser. It is easy for us to make the same mistakes those Monks made – to think that there is only one commandment, namely to love God. God loves each and everyone of us, deserving and undeserving. He wants us not only to love Him in return but also to love one another. Here in a nutshell we have the whole teaching of the Bible.
LIFE AND DEATH
We live in a world where death is more talked about than life. The news headlines are dominated day in and day out by death. November calls us to remember in a special way all our faithful departed, our Holy Souls. Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever, believes in ME, though they die (physically) shall live”. This is the greatness of our faith. Eternal life is something that happens to us when we die. Those who believe in Jesus and who are linked to Him through Baptism, already have eternal life in them. The seed is well and truly planted, though its full blossoming only comes after death. We feel sad at the onset of winter because the earth turns brown and everything begins to die. Nevertheless, we are not too despondent for we know that spring will return and renew everything once more. Thanks to our Baptism and our faith in Jesus, we are already living the life of God. Those gone before us, marked with the sign of faith, are sharing the new life Jesus won for them on the Cross. He has won that new life for us too. November fills us with so many memories but it also fill us with God’s hope and love…..
16 10 2020
: It has been quite a delightful week for me with the celebration of my 65th birthday last Monday. On the same day I was on RTÉ Radio 1 in the morning and RTÉ Television that evening. Very many thanks for your greetings, gifts and very kind words with regards ‘Confessors’. May God continue to bless and protect us.
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY: This Sunday 18th is World Mission Sunday. We are asked to keep all
Missionaries in our prayers. Envelopes are available this weekend. If you are in a position to help, put your offering in the envelope and return it next weekend or drop them into the post box at the Presbytery. ARD CHÚRAM: To mark Positive Ageing in North Kerry, Ard Chúram is asking you to submit a poem or a Limerick entitled "The Corona..." Please send your entry to: Mairéad Hanlon, Ard Chúram, Greenville, Listowel no later than Nov 4th. Please include your name and contact number. There will be prizes and a judging
panel. Mairéad will be on Monday’s Talk About with Deirdre Walsh between 1.30 – 3pm. Also, the Ard Churam Community Choir with Soloist Mary Culloty O Sullivan will perform a fantastic recital of Christmas songs in
Listowel Small Square on Sunday December 8th at 2pm. This FREE performance is a thank you from the Ard Churam Community Choir and Committee for the very generous support the Listowel and North Kerry businesses gave to the Autumn fundraising for their new Dementia Centre.
NEGLECT OF THE BIBLE
A small boy picked up a big book from the sideboard brushed off the dust and asked: “Whose book is this?” “Why son, that is God’s book”, answered his Mum. The boy, noticing that the book was not used said: “Mum maybe we should give it back to Him. We don’t have much use for it do we?”
WAITING PATIENTLY
Vincent Van Gough lived a poor and simple life. In order to buy materials for painting, he often went without food. Now that we are all in Level 3, Vincent’s words take on a new meaning. He once wrote as follows: “My only anxiety is how I can be of use in the world. But one feels a terrible discouragement. One feels an emptiness where there might be a friendship and one exclaims: ‘How long my God’. There may be a great fire in our soul but no one ever comes to warm himself at it and the passer by sees only a little whisp of smoke coming through the chimney and pass on their way. So what must one do? One must go on tending the inner fire and wait patiently for the hour when somebody will come and sit down near it, to stay there maybe. Let those who believe in God wait for that hour for it will come sooner or later”. Thanks be to God.
PRODIGAL DAUGHTER
My comments on the Prodigal Daughter from the documentary ‘The Confessors’ seems to have touched many hearts. Maybe the following reflection could challenge all of us to be more understanding and supportive of a Prodigal Daughter. I think it is a very strong reminder to all of us to be sensitive as to how we judge or condemn others.
“Great poets have sung of beauties of home, its comfort, its love, tears and its joys; How back to the place of its sheltering dome I welcome the prodigal son.
They picture his father with pardoning smile and glittering robes to unfurl;
But none of the poets thought it worthwhile to sing of the prodigal daughter.
The prodigal son can resume his old place as leader of fashion’s mad whirl, with never a hit of his former disgrace not so for the prodigal daughter !
The daughter may come back to the home she has left but nothing is ever the same;
The shadow still lingers o’er the dear ones bereft, society scoffs at her name,
Longer version: This Monday at 10.30pm BBC1 will show a longer version of ‘Confessors’.
Perhaps that is why when the prodigal daughter gets lost on life’s devious track; She thinks of the lips that will scornfully curl, and hasn’t the heart to come back.
Yes, welcome the prodigal son to his place, kill the calf, fill the free-flowing bowl;
But shut not the door on his frail sister’s face, remember she too has a soul”.
CONTINUE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
One of the most touching things about children is their openness. This same openness, however, leaves them extremely vulnerable. Children are like crocuses appearing in February – frail, delicate, beautiful – innocents abroad in an unpredictable climate. If crocuses are embraced by the sun, they will bloom to their full potential. But if assailed by snow and frost, they die a premature death. Love is to a vulnerable person what sunshine is to a flower. For months a certain room was decorated with artificial flowers. While the flowers looked pretty they lacked only one vital thing – they emitted no scent. One day, someone brought in a small bunch of fresh bluebells and placed them on the table. The difference was immediately noticeable. The fragrance given off by the little bluebells filled the entire room. How the genuine article shines out; how it quietly makes its presence felt! It doesn’t have to be big. Jesus said that anyone who gives even a cup of cold water is a symbol of the small, kind deed. Actions don’t have to be heroic in order to help and comfort another person. They just need a certain quality – warmth. All actions coming from the heart have this warmth. Few of us are given the chance to perform great deeds, but the opportunity to give a cup of water can come our way several times in the course of a single day. A small act of kindness, a small but significant, stepping stone can turn winter into summer at least briefly for someone else. I am privileged and richly blessed to work in a Parish where I daily experience so many Parishioners performing so many acts of kindness for so many in the Parish including myself. Please, please continue to make a difference!
KEEP OUR LAMPS BURNING
When asked if his life was not a lonely one, the keeper of a Lighthouse said: “No we do not think it unpleasant or even lonely here. We know we are perfectly safe. Our business is to keep our lamps burning brightly all the time and to see that the reflectors are clear so that those who are in danger may be guided to safety” I think that’s a good guideline for all of us in helping and guiding each other through C19.
TEN SECOND SERMON
There is one thing that will grow in any soil and in any climate – that is idle rumour!!
9 Oct 2020
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Robert Nolan & family, Carrueragh on the death of his brother-in-law (Anne’s brother) Dan O’Flaherty, Kenny Heights, Listowel & l/o Lisselton whose funeral is taking place on Thursday 8th in Ballydonoghue Church. May he rest in peace.
FR. DAN CELEBRATES DIAMOND JUBILEE OF PRIESTHOOD: Warm congratulations and prayerful blessings to native son Fr. Dan Ahern (Columban), Leitrim Middle on celebrating 60 years of wonderful priesthood. Due to current lockdown it was only close family who celebrated this wonderful milestone with Fr. Dan. May the Lord continue to bless and protect Fr. Dan. He ministered with enthusiasm and joy in Fiji, Philippines for many years and is now in happy retirement with his brother Fr. Pat back in Tralee.
Ad multos annos Fr. Dan.
PARISH OFFICE: Now that we have moved to Level 3, please note that the Parish Office will remain open with a one-in, one-out system. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you most sincerely for your wonderful compliance since the office re-opened in early July. Thank you.
STEWARDS: As our Churches have been put on lockdown again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the stewards for all their help, time and dedication in ensuring that all our celebrations were fully compliant with HSE guidelines. A special ‘thank you’ to Stephanie Mulvihill, who co-ordinated the timetable for stewards on WhatsApp. The up to the minute information was deeply appreciated by all stewards and ensured that stewards were present for every Mass. A great job Stephanie!
MASS ON TELEVISION: is on RTÉ 1 from Monday to Saturday at 10.30am and every second Sunday at 11am. Mass is on Radio Kerry every Sunday morning and many local Churches have mass online.
CLOTHES BANK PLEA: When dropping off shoes to the clothes bank please tie them together. Thank you. FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH: Horizons on Radio Kerry every Sunday morning after the 9am News and Just a Thought Monday to Friday at 7.30am and 12noon which will have a special focus on Mental Health Oct 10th to
17th coinciding with Kerry Mental Health and Wellbeing Fest: www.healthykerry.ie
MOYVANE WOODS: Moyvane Woods which is the property of St. Brendan’s Trust (Diocese), wish to make it known that the felling or removing of fallen trees from the woods is strictly prohibited and they would ask that all adhere to this request. The maintenance of the woods is strictly carried out by Moyvane Development Association only.
WHAT LEVEL 3 MEANS TO OUR PARISH
As and from midnight October 6th the country moved to Level 3 restrictions for a period of 3 weeks. The impact on Parish activity and religious services is as follows:-
1. Public Mass is not permitted (no congregation in attendance) – I will say Mass privately and only the ones listed in the Newsletter will go out over the tannoy system.
2. Our Churches will open daily for private prayer from 10am until late afternoon.
3. In the case of funerals, a private funeral will take place due to Government advice regarding public gatherings. A maximum of 25 people may attend a funeral which must strictly be adhered to during Level 3.
4. Weddings may take place, but no more than 25 people may attend.
5. Baptisms are postponed until we return to Level 2 or lower. The Government measures that apply at Level 3 can be viewed online at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ad569-level-3/ A graphic of the measures in place in Ireland can be viewed online at: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020
INVITATIONS? WHAT DO YOU THINK?
In our Gospel this weekend we have the strange story of the invited guests who refused to turn up for a wedding feast, with the result that their places were given to others. These days should be peak wedding season, but many have been postponed and the few that are going ahead have restricted invitations to issue. But can I remind you that the Jesus we encountered in all our Masses in the Parish is continually calling us as individuals and valued members of His family to a deeper and better life. His call may be very gentle, but it is very insistent and very real. We all hear it from time to time, coming mostly from deep within us. But, sometimes this precious invitation is like the seed that fell among the thorns. It gets choked. A brief honest look at our lives will show that this is true.
➢ There is that letter I know I should write, but just now I’m not in the humour.
➢ There is that sick person that I should ring and inquire about, but I don’t know what to say. Anyway, right now my favourite programme is on television.
➢ There are those prayers I know I should say, but right not I’m too tired.
➢ I know it’s a huge challenge these days to make time for Mass, whether the ones on television or online or radio link or the ones on the tannoy system in the car park. I need to give my prayerful attention and presence but something always comes in the way.
➢ I know I should be more charitable towards so and so but he/she is not the easiest person in the world to get on with.
➢ I know that dishonesty is wrong, but I excuse my acts of dishonesty by telling myself that everybody does it and what I do is minor compared to what others are getting away with.
➢ I know I’m not doing my job as well as I should but why should I break my back when other aren’t pulling their weight?
➢ I know I drink too much, but with C19 and all the restrictions, I am under a lot of pressure these days.
Each of us, including myself, if we got down to it, could draw up quite a long list of things which we know, in our heart of hearts, we should do or not do, but which we refuse to look at. And we have no shortage of excuses, many of them extremely plausible. As I see it the greatest danger facing us is not that we might abandon God and turn to evil, but rather that we might ignore His invitation. We prefer to devote all our energies to good goals of our own choosing, thus ignoring the invitation from Jesus to something infinitely deeper and better.
" October 2020
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: We extend our sincere and prayerful sympathy to Robert Nolan and family on the sudden death of loving wife Anne (née O’Flaherty), Carrueragh, Kilmorna whose funeral we celebrated on Tuesday last in Moyvane Church. Anne was a very loving Mum to Liam (Speedy) and Linda. Robert was such a loving and caring husband to Anne. May Anne enjoy the fullness of new life in the presence of the Lord.
May she rest in peace.
Kathleen Stack (née Enright), Church Road and l/o ‘The Hill’, Gortdromosillihy passed away peacefully shortly before the 12noon Angelus bell rang on Tuesday last. In the terrific and loving care of all in the Enright family, Kathleen was delightfully looked after. Affectionally to Donal, Ursula, Anna, Kathleen and Margaret, Kathleen was known as their second Mum. She shared so many blessings and good times with them and we are grateful for that. Kathleen always had a great link with the Parish and with all my predecessors who served here. Her support, kindness and generosity to them and to me was excellent. She has left all of us so many memories. She goes to her loving husband Willie and loving brother Mikey Joe whose Anniversaries occur this week. They both will joyfully say “Welcome home, Kathleen”. May she rest in peace.
ANNUAL DAY FOR LIFE – THIS SUNDAY OCTOBER 4TH: This Sunday is the annual ‘Day for Life’. The focus this year is on the sad reality of abortion. We all seek to win over hearts and minds to ‘choose life’. Please take this year’s card to your homes which are available in both Churches. If you wish to view Bishop
Ray’s message for this ‘Day for Life’ it can be viewed on www.dioceseofkerry.ie
MISSIONARY INITIATIVE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER: A Zoom conference that shines the light of the Gospel on modern culture in Ireland. Expert input for 25 minutes and also a Q & A for 10 minutes. Each conference begins at 8pm. Open to all. To take part email thehookoffaith@gmail.com to receive a link for the Zoom call. It will take place on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s during the month of October. Tuesday 6th is Mission & Science with speaker Seán O’ Leary. Thursday 8th Mission & Law with speaker Patrick Treacy. For a full list of all speakers log onto www.thehookoffaith.com
HORIZONS: This Sunday native son Seán Jones, C.C., St. John’s is on with Mary Fagan. Seán has always something special to say.
WHAT SORT OF FRUITS DID GOD EXPECT FROM HIS PEOPLE?
God cared for His people as a good vinedresser cares for his vineyard, yet they failed to produce the desired fruits. I ask you what sort of fruit does God expect from you? He certainly is not talking about grapes! Rather it’s about right living. A look at the first few chapters of Isaiah yields the following harvest:
God looked for justice in our dealings with each other, and got injustice, corruption and exploitation;
God looked for peace from His people, and got war;
God looked for true worship, and got idolatry;
God looked for goodness, and got evil;
God looked for caring and sharing, and got greed;
God looked for temperance, and got excessive eating and drinking;
God looked for community, and got exclusiveness and snobbery;
God looked for humility, and got pride;
God looked for wise and Christlike living, and got a pagan lifestyle;
This is our story too. Which of us would make so bold as to claim that we have made a full and adequate response to God’s wonderful love, shown in and through Jesus? God is always loving each of us to the point of foolishness, He wants to see a response from each of us, not for His own sake, but for ours. He wants to see us make use of the gifts and opportunities. He has given us so that we can grow as His children. Our response must be free and given out of love. Today is the time to start making a response. There’s no point in waiting for the harvest time that will be too late. Our response can be summed up – Jesus wants all of us to live as He lived.
FOR OCTOBER EMBRACE THE SEVEN C’S
Another new month, still limited, anxious and uncertain. Have a reflective look at the ‘Seven C’s’ -
CARING: At the heart of the Gospel message is caring, not just for ourselves and others but especially for those who need our help.
CHARACTER: It’s all about moving towards our goals, not allowing negativity to destroy us, but we have it within us to make good choices everyday.
CONCENTRATION: There are many distractions in our way. If we can concentrate on the little, simple things in life, we will always be much more in control of what we are doing.
CONFIDENCE: So many of us lack confidence, especially in our own unique ability. We have much to offer and give that no one else can quite match.
CONSISTENCY: Consistency is all about doing what we enjoy doing and doing what we’re good at – not just occasionally, but often!
COVERAGE: One of the most precious gifts of the Holy Spirit and one we all need an abundance of each day.
A simple prayer every day is to pray for the courage to face that day.
GIVING THANKS: We have been a most favoured people we ought to be a most grateful people we have been a most blessed people. We ought to be a most thankful people. When was the last time you took time to give thanks?
AUTUMN
The evenings have noticeably become darker and longer. The leaves are changing colour and beginning to fall. Some of us find this time of the year depressing but it does seem a pity not to enjoy the glorious colours and richness of this season. As we grow older, the prospect of Winter approaching can be a little daunting as we have had a couple of really bad winters, but there is always compensations – cosy evenings by the fire, music to listen to and good books to read. Perhaps we can think of Autumn as a time of reflection and thanksgiving – not only for the Summer but also for the fact that we have come through it safe and well. Then we can face the colder weather cheerfully and the pain and restriction which C19 has placed on us. May we look forward to the Spring with joyful hope. Lord continue to bless and protect us.
POWER TO RISE
A young parishioner summed up the very essence of religion neatly the other day. He said, “Fr. Kevin, take a stone as big as your fist. Throw it in the air……..it comes down because it is pulled earthwards by gravitation. Take a little bird in the palm of your hand, throw that into the air….. and it will soar because it has life and power”. Maybe that’s one of the biggest sermons ever…….our spirits are always being dragged down, debased, tempted to fall – only a deep and abiding faith can give it life and power to rise.
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26 9 2020
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: We extend our sincere and prayerful sympathy to Marian & John Joe Quinn & family on the death of Marian’s uncle Willie Martin, Glin whose funeral Mass was celebrated in Glin on Monday last. At a later date we will have a Mass in Moyvane Church for the happy repose of Willie. May he enjoy the delights of God’s Kingdom. May Willie Rest In Peace.
KNOCK SHRINE – LEGION OF MARY: The annual Legion National Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine planned for this Sunday has to be virtual this year. However, it may be a blessing in disguise, as it will be a virtual event, so anyone can join in the viewing www.knockshrine.ie or on www.facebook.com/knockshrine/ Commencing with Rosary at 2.30 pm followed by Holy Mass at 3.00 pm.
PARISH RADIO LINK: Plans are currently in place to have Masses from both our Churches transmitted on the FM wavelength available on all radios. This will be a great blessing as people could assemble in their cars in the car parks and listen on their car radio and would be able to receive Holy Communion as well. This would be a big break through as it would eliminate the tannoy system. It is hoped to have the system in place shortly. FEWER MASSES: Over the last few weeks we have had fewer public Masses. As it is unrealistic to expect stewards to be available every evening and also in keeping with the latest HSE guidelines in reducing our contacts, Masses for the month of October will be on the following days: Saturday Vigil, Sunday morning in Knockanure and Moyvane and Wednesday and Friday evenings. The remaining days I celebrate Mass alone.
FIRST FRIDAY CALLS: Regrettably the house visitation restrictions for First Friday calls are still in place. However, if family members wish to attend any of the Masses, we can give them a pyx to take Holy Communion to their loved ones. It would help us immensely if families are taking up this offer to let Jacqueline know. FR. TOM, P.P., GLIN: This weekend Fr. Tom Crawford, P.P. of Glin, brings to a close an excellent time of dedication and service to the Parish as he retires. Our prayerful good wishes go with him for a happy and long retirement. On a personal basis I would like to thank him for his hospitality and warm welcome which he always afforded to me for celebrations such as weddings, funerals and First Holy Communion Masses.
May the Lord continue to bless him with good health on his retirement.
SPIRITUAL WELLNESS ADVENTURE TOUR: taking in Killarney through the Dingle Peninsula. The aim is to enter into the prayer life of the early Monks as they wrapped themselves in the beauty of God’s creation, our common home. Through music, song and story we connect with these early spiritual masters in the Irish cradle of Christianity. Accompanied by: Deacon Thady O’Connor. Ring Evelyn on 087/9365383 for info.
NOTICES
AL HOMECARE: Affordable Live-in Homecare provides live-in carers for the elderly in your area. If you are looking for a live-in carer for your relative, please call in confidence Eileen or Tom today on 087/9916791 or
087/7440729. Our website is www.alhomecare.ie
CONGRATULATIONS TO RONAN: Our sincere congratulations to Ronan Kearney, The Village on being elected as Vice Chairman of North Cork Creameries. We wish him well in this new post.
“YES” OR “NO” TO FOLLOWING JESUS
It is possible to be a follower of Jesus without being a disciple. It means that one is a camp-follower, without being a soldier of the King. One is not pulling one’s weight or playing one’s part. One is simply a hanger-on in a great work. One is a talker and not a doer.
Once someone approached a famous professor about a young man and asked: “So and so tells me that he was one of your students, is that correct?” To which the professor replied: “That man did indeed attend my lectures but believe me he was never a real student of mine”. I think its one of the supreme handicaps of the Church that in it there are many people who follow Jesus at a safe distance, but very few real disciples, that is, people who actually do what He said.
DOING GOD’S WILL
There’s a character in our Gospel this weekend that could easily escape our notice. He’s your “cross me heart; as sure as God; no problem; you can count on me” kind of character. He’s all promise and no delivery. His word is anything but his bond. He’ll collect you “on the dot”, he tells you and the dot disappears into the day. He’ll be home at 8pm for the dinner and the dinner is burned to a crisp. He’ll have the money back to you “in no time” but “no time” never comes. He’ll ring you first thing in the morning and you took it he meant this year. You get a chilling thought thirty thousand feet up; “Would he ever have overhauled the plane?” He was supposed to turn up in the vineyard and they’re waiting for him yet. One thing is clear the above candidate is totally unreliable. He is a hearer rather than a doer. Against that background, the message that is highlighted in today’s readings is the importance of doing God’s will. The sinner does it in Ezekiel, when he becomes law-abiding and honest. The first son does it in the Gospel, when he repents of his initial refusal and goes to work in the vineyard. The tax collectors and prostitutes likewise conform when unlike the chief priests and elders, they respond to the Baptist’s preaching and truly repent of their sins. Jesus did it when He embraced the human condition and offered Himself in agony on the Cross. His, in the fullness of His generosity is the greatest example of all. It’s our “YES” that Jesus is seeking in our readings this weekend. May God’s will be done in us as God’s will was done in Jesus and Our Blessed Lady. None of us likes to be called a “YES-MAN”. The implication is that we don’t make decisions for ourselves. As God’s “YES-MEN” we are meant to carry them through. Carry them through we will, please God. “YES-MEN” we’ll try to be! In all that we do in the future years may God’s Word be our bond!
PROMISES CAN NEVER TAKE PLACE OF PERFORMANCE
The Jewish people were the ones who said they would obey God but didn’t. The tax collectors and sinners were those who said they would not obey God but then repented and did obey Him. We are dealing then in the parable, not with two individuals but with two sets of people. Jesus was not really praising either set. Both sets were imperfect but He wasn’t saying that one of them was better than the other. Neither son in the story acted in a way that would bring total joy to his father. Both were unsatisfactory. But the one who finally obeyed his father, was a lot better than the other. There are some people who will promise anything. At the initial stage of the project (talking and planning stage), they are loud in their protestations of willingness and loyalty. But when it comes to the actual doing stage, Sam Bennett’s they fade away. Then there are others who are initially reluctant to promise performance lifted anything and from whom little can be expected. Yet often these are exactly people who come up tops, provided we know how to appeal to them. The parable His performance teaches us that promises can never take the place of performance and fine words can was magic!! never be a substitute for fine deeds. Please don’t think that the parable has nothing to say to us. Part of us says “yes” to God with our words, and part of us says “no” to God with our deeds. The challenge daily for all of us is to turn our words into deeds.
Every day we can turn one of yesterday’s “No’s” into one of today’s “Yeses”.
CLOTHES BANK- SVP are delighted with the good quality clothes they are receiving.
With the start of another new month, it might be time to declutter in your homes. Our clothes bank since its instalment in early summer is running very well and the SVP are delighted with the good quality clothes they are receiving. Very many thanks for your support.
CRITICISM OF THE CHURCH: Someone has wisely said: “The Church has many critics but no rivals”
19 Sept 2020
THAT’S ONE OF THE TEN!
You may remember the story of the Grandmother celebrating her Golden Wedding Anniversary who told the secret of her long and happy marriage. “On my wedding day, I decided to make a list of ten of my husband’s faults which, for the sake of the marriage, I would overlook”. A guest asked the woman what some of the faults she had chosen to overlook were. The Grandmother replied, “To tell you the truth I never did get around to making that list, but whenever my husband did something that make me hopping mad, I would say to myself, “Lucky for him, that’s one of the ten!” When was the last time you found it very difficult to forgive?
If you did forgive, how did it feel?
MEANT TO SHARE IT
While working in Liverpool I once gave a young lad a part in a play, for which he proved to be unsuited. For his and the play’s sake, I had to change my mind. I expected him to be bitter and annoyed about it. I was amazed and relieved to discover subsequently and indirectly that he wasn’t bitter at all. I had been completely and unexpectedly forgiven. Because of that lad’s attitude and the way he coped with hurt, I understood better that forgiveness is of its essence distributive. It’s something we’re meant to share what Jesus passes onto us; we are meant to pass onto others. “Were you not bound then, to have pity on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you? (From our Gospel this weekend from St. Matthew). As I keep telling you, forgiveness is not an easy thing to do. We need that challenge at the end of the ‘Our Father’ to move us purposefully along. ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’. May that lovely prayer, given to us by Jesus, bring us ever closer to forgiveness.
LIFTING ANXIETY
Some weeks ago a certain thing caused me some anxiety. My anxiety became visible to some people, one of whom wrote the following few lines on the back of a beautiful prayer card:
“Happy are those who seek not safety in life, but growth.
Happy are those who forget life’s hurts and gives thanks for life’s blessings.
Don’t worry, God Bless!”
That card and gesture behind it, lifted the anxiety within minutes.
HOW MUCH DOES MASS MATTER?
I think for many people, lockdown has meant a moment to think again about how one prays, why one attends Mass, why people feel the need to be in what is often called a sacred place. After all, God is everywhere. Why does the Church building matter so much? Online Masses have proved popular. People have become Mass pilgrims, seeing from their armchair how the liturgy is enacted across the country and even the globe. The notion of ‘SPIRITUAL COMMUNION’ has not been enough. Yet since Churches have re-opened so many are still fearful to come inside. That is very understandable and has to be respected. Research done in England as the Churches reopened found that 93% of those surveyed said they have participated in online worship to some degree but 83% said they missed their Churches. Only 14% said they would mostly continue to worship online. Those in charge of liturgy in the Vatican insist that the gathering of the people is what matters and that thinking of a Church as a special sacred place is problematic. For me, the problem with calling a Church a sacred place is that it objectifies sacredness as a thing ‘out there’. Since the Incarnation sacredness resides in the human person and community primarily and only by association in the place. A building is called a ‘Church’ by association with the Church as community gathered inside. People watch matches on television and no one says that the sitting room is a stadium. But the viewers participate as they can in the activity. Having celebrated so many Masses alone and then seeing a gathering in the cars in the car park, I felt enriched by all who gathered. Online liturgies allow only ‘spectator’ participation. The community dimensions are missing. I am aware and indeed I am delighted that many Parishioners are making a difference volunteering to help neighbours and the elderly. The volunteers who deliver lovely meals from Knockanure Community Centre – those who cut lawns, hedges etc. Those taking Parishioners to doctors appointments – the list goes on. For many Catholics that engagement has become more meaningful during lockdown. They have found God beyond Church – just as they always do – but it has mattered moreover in the last six months. Lack of Mass has also inspired people to find God in nature and in other forms of devotion. However, many have found that Church cannot be easily replaced. They have discovered how important it is to celebrate Mass in a place that acts as a link with both past and future. This is a very opportune time for a real and honest conversation with Catholics, especially women. Having spoken with some, they have indicated in a nice way that watching live-streamed Mass with a solitary Priest at the Altar has made them even more aware of how clerical and male dominated the Church seems. Some are going further and asking whether we have become too focused on the Eucharist for our prayer life. As one who has great devotion to our Blessed Lady. I remember that beautiful experience where Jesus, her loving Son was dying on the Cross, He lovingly gave
Mary to the Church and His disciples. I sometimes pose the question to myself – among the Successors of Peter where are the Successors of Mary? As we look at how much Mass matters in these new times all of us need to make a contribution to the new ways of celebrating Eucharist. Women has been waiting so very long to be present at the decision-making level in our Church. These are the days to end their waiting.
BLESSINGS ON ALL 2020 LEAVING CERT STUDENTS
The Leaving Cert results of 2020 will be forever remembered. Since last March it has been such a stressful and anxious time for Leaving Cert students wondering if they were going to sit an exam or wondering what way things would pan out. Thankfully this past week they all got results. Well done to all of them and they have our prayerful good wishes as they make choices for the future. May God continue to bless, guide and protect them. Our prayers and thanks to their teachers too, who played such an important role with them since lockdown began.
TEN SECOND SERMONS
Happiness is the only thing we can give without having.
The most trouble is produced by those who don’t produce anything.
A coward is one who in an emergency thinks with his legs.
12 9 2020
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To the Shine family Upper Direen, Athea on the death of their mother Ita whose funeral took place in Athea on Wednesday. May Ita Rest In Peace.
IRISH CATHOLIC: At our Masses this weekend in both Churches there will be free copies of the Irish Catholic paper for you to take to your homes. Enjoy.
THAT’S ONE OF THE TEN!
You may remember the story of the Grandmother celebrating her Golden Wedding Anniversary who told the secret of her long and happy marriage. “On my wedding day, I decided to make a list of ten of my husband’s faults which, for the sake of the marriage, I would overlook”. A guest asked the woman what some of the faults she had chosen to overlook were. The Grandmother replied, “To tell you the truth I never did get around to making that list, but whenever my husband did something that make me hopping mad, I would say to myself, “Lucky for him, that’s one of the ten!” When was the last time you found it very difficult to forgive?
If you did forgive, how did it feel?
MEANT TO SHARE IT
While working in Liverpool I once gave a young lad a part in a play, for which he proved to be unsuited. For his and the play’s sake, I had to change my mind. I expected him to be bitter and annoyed about it. I was amazed and relieved to discover subsequently and indirectly that he wasn’t bitter at all. I had been completely and unexpectedly forgiven. Because of that lad’s attitude and the way he coped with hurt, I understood better that forgiveness is of its essence distributive. It’s something we’re meant to share what Jesus passes onto us; we are meant to pass onto others. “Were you not bound then, to have pity on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you? (From our Gospel this weekend from St. Matthew). As I keep telling you, forgiveness is not an easy thing to do. We need that challenge at the end of the ‘Our Father’ to move us purposefully along. ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’. May that lovely prayer, given to us by Jesus, bring us ever closer to forgiveness.
LIFTING ANXIETY
Some weeks ago a certain thing caused me some anxiety. My anxiety became visible to some people, one of whom wrote the following few lines on the back of a beautiful prayer card:
“Happy are those who seek not safety in life, but growth.
Happy are those who forget life’s hurts and gives thanks for life’s blessings.
Don’t worry, God Bless!”
That card and gesture behind it, lifted the anxiety within minutes.
HOW MUCH DOES MASS MATTER?
I think for many people, lockdown has meant a moment to think again about how one prays, why one attends Mass, why people feel the need to be in what is often called a sacred place. After all, God is everywhere. Why does the Church building matter so much? Online Masses have proved popular. People have become Mass pilgrims, seeing from their armchair how the liturgy is enacted across the country and even the globe. The notion of ‘SPIRITUAL COMMUNION’ has not been enough. Yet since Churches have re-opened so many are still fearful to come inside. That is very understandable and has to be respected. Research done in England as the Churches reopened found that 93% of those surveyed said they have participated in online worship to some degree but 83% said they missed their Churches. Only 14% said they would mostly continue to worship online. Those in charge of liturgy in the Vatican insist that the gathering of the people is what matters and that thinking of a Church as a special sacred place is problematic. For me, the problem with calling a Church a sacred place is that it objectifies sacredness as a thing ‘out there’. Since the Incarnation sacredness resides in the human person and community primarily and only by association in the place. A building is called a ‘Church’ by association with the Church as community gathered inside. People watch matches on television and no one says that the sitting room is a stadium. But the viewers participate as they can in the activity. Having celebrated so many Masses alone and then seeing a gathering in the cars in the car park, I felt enriched by all who gathered. Online liturgies allow only ‘spectator’ participation. The community dimensions are missing. I am aware and indeed I am delighted that many Parishioners are making a difference volunteering to help neighbours and the elderly. The volunteers who deliver lovely meals from Knockanure Community Centre – those who cut lawns, hedges etc. Those taking Parishioners to doctors appointments – the list goes on. For many Catholics that engagement has become more meaningful during lockdown. They have found God beyond Church – just as they always do – but it has mattered moreover in the last six months. Lack of Mass has also inspired people to find God in nature and in other forms of devotion. However, many have found that Church cannot be easily replaced. They have discovered how important it is to celebrate Mass in a place that acts as a link with both past and future. This is a very opportune time for a real and honest conversation with Catholics, especially women. Having spoken with some, they have indicated in a nice way that watching live-streamed Mass with a solitary Priest at the Altar has made them even more aware of how clerical and male dominated the Church seems. Some are going further and asking whether we have become too focused on the Eucharist for our prayer life. As one who has great devotion to our Blessed Lady. I remember that beautiful experience where Jesus, her loving Son was dying on the Cross, He lovingly gave
Mary to the Church and His disciples. I sometimes pose the question to myself – among the Successors of Peter where are the Successors of Mary? As we look at how much Mass matters in these new times all of us need to make a contribution to the new ways of celebrating Eucharist. Women has been waiting so very long to be present at the decision-making level in our Church. These are the days to end their waiting.
BLESSINGS ON ALL 2020 LEAVING CERT STUDENTS
The Leaving Cert results of 2020 will be forever remembered. Since last March it has been such a stressful and anxious time for Leaving Cert students wondering if they were going to sit an exam or wondering what way things would pan out. Thankfully this past week they all got results. Well done to all of them and they have our prayerful good wishes as they make choices for the future. May God continue to bless, guide and protect them. Our prayers and thanks to their teachers too, who played such an important role with them since lockdown began.
TEN SECOND SERMONS
Happiness is the only thing we can give without having.
The most trouble is produced by those who don’t produce anything.
A coward is one who in an emergency thinks with his legs.
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Joan & Billy Moloney & family, The Village on the death of Joan’s brother Jackie Feury, Newcastle West & l/o Glin whose funeral took place on Thursday 3rd. May Jackie Rest In Peace. DAY FOR LIFE: Is celebrated yearly by the Catholic Church in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. This year it will be celebrated on October 4th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition. Available in both Churches this weekend until October 4th there are prayer cards and an information guide as to how we can all make the day special. Please take them to your homes.
SCOIL CHORP CHRÍOST FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: Originally scheduled for 9th May, this celebration will now take place on Saturday 12th September. At 11.30am Mass fourteen children will receive their First Holy Communion. Due to the extraordinary times that we live through, the parents unanimously requested that the celebration take place in Moyvane Church ensuring that the fourteen children could have immediate family with them on their special day. Our prayerful blessings to Adam, twins Ava &
Evan, Hannah, Dara, Darragh, Ryan, Muiris, Evan, Amelia, Cillian, Caoimhe, Jack, Danny. On this coming Thursday 10th I will meet the children in Moyvane Church with a family member at 7.30pm with regards seating arrangements and Saturday’s celebration. Our special thanks to all in Scoil Chorp Chríost for their help and great support to the children for their special day. Ms. McDermott has done great work with the children. We thank her for all the preparation she had done up to lockdown in March and with the work she has done since the school re-opened. Difficult times for teachers but Ms. McDermott has done extraordinary work with the children. We thank her for all she has done. Please God the weather will be favourable.
SEASON OF CREATION: The Diocese of Kerry Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation
Committee invite you to ‘Cultivating Hope… Webinar, A faith Response to the Climate Crisis’ as part of Season of Creation 2020. To register for this free hour-long webinar please email desbailey@dioceseofkerry.ie
COMMUNICATION SOMETIMES GETS GARBLED
Dialoguing with one another is a sacrifice we must undertake to build up the community of the Church, the Parish. In the U.S. some years ago a passenger on a Greyhound bus shouted that there was a ‘bum in the bathroom’, He possibly set a new record for mis-understandings. Other passengers relayed the message to the driver. What the driver heard was there was a ‘bomb in the bathroom!’ The bus was evacuated. Interstate 95 southbound was closed and the traffic backed up for 20 miles. Then police and bomb-sniffing dogs searched the bus before the incident was cleared up. We must realise that from time to time communication gets garbled, including parish information. Are we willing to confront others charitably for the sake of principle? Our Gospel this weekend raises a very practical issue namely, how to act when someone close to you is hurting you badly. This can happen in every parish right across the world. Problems in home and in family – suppose a wife is getting beaten or a husband is an alcoholic. Terrible hurt is caused. This Gospel gives us a way of tackling those kinds of problems. First of all, however, let us take a look at the usual way the injured party goes about solving the problem. We begin by keeping it to ourselves. It may be that we are ashamed or simply unable to talk about it to anyone. We feel that our case is unique and therefore no one could possibly understand it. So we keep up a façade, pretending that everything is normal. Meanwhile, we brood over the injury. This tends to magnify it so that even a small thing can get out of proportion. At the same time we fill up with self-pity and may cut the offender off as some kind of revenge. After some time, no longer able to keep it to ourselves, we begin to tell others about it – friends, neighbours, relatives. Sometimes total strangers are brought into it. We bring them in, not as advisers but as people who will corroborate our reading of the situation and who will sympathise with us. Noting is achieved by this except the spread of poison. The last person to hear about the hurt is often the person who is causing it. Suddenly the person finds out that everyone has been talking about them behind their back. This discovery is very hurtful and can make reconciliation even harder to achieve. There is another road we can take. It is bright, wide, open, straight and it leads to the sun. Our Gospel this weekend places us on this road. We should first of all talk to the person who is causing the hurt. We should confront them. There is a big risk here as it calls for courage. But often a little honest talking clears the air. The person may not be aware of the extend of the hurt they are causing. The spirit in which the confrontation takes place is very important. It must not be done in anger. It must not be done out of a desire to get even. Also, before we do it, we should examine our own conscience to see it. Maybe we are partly to blame. As followers of Jesus, we always believe reconciliation can happen and it leads to great growth for both parties. There is more depth to a relationship that has weathered the same storms. Reconciliation is hard, just as Christianity is hard, but for that reason it should not be left untried. Through prayer and an openness to follow the example of Jesus, we can all communicate better.
USEFUL ONLY WHEN APPLIED
A soap manufacture, not a Christian, was talking to a Priest. The soap maker was giving out how bad religion was and said, “The Gospel you preach hasn’t done much good, for there’s still a lot of wickedness and wicked people”. The priest made no immediate reply, they soon passed a child making mud pies. He was exceedingly dirty. The priest said, “Soap hasn’t done much good in the world, I see; for there’s still much dirt and many dirty people”. “Oh well”, answered the manufacturer, “Soap is useful only when its applied”. “Exactly”, said the Priest, “so it is with Gospel we proclaim”
SHOW HIM YOUR HANDS
“How will Jesus recognise me when I meet Him?” Asked a seriously sick woman who devoted many years of her life to caring for her brothers and sisters after their parents died young. “Show Him your hands” said the priest said. Our hands have never been as restricted since last March, but none the less they are a great blessing when used in the right way. Give us the gift of perseverance of Jesus at this anxious time and may we all continue to use our hands wisely and correctly.
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF
Hold onto your faith, hope and joy for life. Keep good thoughts in your mind and good feelings in your heart. Keep love in your life, and you will find the love and light in everyone. Most of all, never forget that there is
no brighter light than the one within you. Follow your inner light to your own personal greatness – Jacqueline Schiff.
29 Aug 2020
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Madge Kiely & family, Aughrim on the death of her sister Mary Cullinane, Fair Hill, Cork City. Mass for the repose of Mary’s soul will be celebrated in Moyvane Church on Wednesday 2nd September at 7.30pm. The death has occurred of Joan Keane, Melbourne, Australia & late of Carrueragh, Knockanure. Joan was a sister to the late Dan Keane and she was in her 100th year. Our prayerful support to her family here in the parish and in Melbourne. Our prayerful support to The Presentation Sisters, Killarney, Fr. Martin Hegarty and the Kissane family Ahalahana on the death of Sr. Paschal Hegarty, Presentation Convent, Killarney. Masses for the happy repose of Joan and Sr. Paschal will be celebrated here in the Parish at a later date. May Mary and Joan and Sr. Paschal Rest In Peace.
KNOCKANURE SACRISTAN: We are delighted to announce the appointment of Grace Leahy as Sacristan in Corpus Christi Church, Knockanure. We wish Grace every success in her new role and we look forward to working with her. This is an opportune time to acknowledge our previous Sacristan, Margaret Carmody and to thank her for her great work and service as Sacristan in Knockanure. We wish Margaret every success and happiness for the future and we pray God’s blessing for Margaret in thanksgiving for her service and contribution to the Parish and in particular to Corpus Christi Church. Míle buíochas Margaret.
FIRST FRIDAY CALLS: With the continued high numbers of C19 infection across the country, the
September First Friday calls will not take place. I will continue to review the situation and keep you posted.
PRAYER AS OUR SCHOOLS RE-OPEN
God our loving and caring Father, we ask you to wrap our parish school family in a cloak of love and protection.
Bless our Boards of Management and staff as they continue the good work, they have already begun to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all.
Bless the parents as they again entrust their children to their respective schools, confident that all can work together to help them become the very best they can be.
Bless and protect all entrusted in transporting the children to and from schools – bus drivers, parents and grandparents.
Above all, God of love, we ask you to extend your hand of blessing on our pupils as they joyfully reunite with their friends and all in the school community.
May they continue to progress in their studies and always know they are safe, secure and protected in Your loving embrace. We know much will seem very difficult this year but gracious God, we are confident that through the intercession of our own Saints Brendan and Senan, Your love and care for each of us will never change. May we show the same love and care for one another in all that we do and say as we commence another school year. Our prayerful blessings to all.
TAILOR MADE FOR C19 DAYS!
Our readings at this weekend’s Masses are tailor made for C19 days. They focus you on the cost of discipleship – what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Our first reading from Jeremiah tells us that he has come to his wits end. Speaking God’s message to the people has brought him nothing but insults. Yet, somehow, he cannot remain silent (give all of us Lord, the spirit and courage of Jeremiah). In our second reading St. Paul writing to the Romans urges them NOT to live like the people around them. Instead they should strive to do the will of God. Our Gospel from St. Matthew gives a strong warning from Jesus - He foretells His suffering and death at the hands of religious leaders. He tells His disciples that they too must be prepared to face hardships and suffering. Serious words come from Jesus: “What good will it do you, even if you gain the whole world, if you lose your soul?” These words should make us all stop and think. We need to keep them before us especially when faced with important decisions, when we have hard choices to make.
TANNOY MASSES
Starting this weekend, the Vigil Mass in Moyvane at 7.30pm and the Sunday morning Mass in Knockanure at 9.30am will be relayed in the respective car parks. This affords those who are still quite anxious about coming into the Church the opportunity to hear Mass and avail of Holy Communion as it is taken to them in their cars. When one considers that for 108 consecutive days during lockdown Mass went out over the tannoy and since the end of June two Masses each weekend. Residents have been so exceptionally tolerant, and I really appreciate their support and understanding. The point has been validly made that with the Churches re-open why is there still a need for tannoy Masses. I was delighted this week to have a constructive discussion with those who raised this point. I thank them for their honesty and openness. So, a new the arrangement as above has been reached. Thanks to one and all for your continual understanding and support.
MURHUR N.S. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
A huge thank you to one and all who made our First Holy Communion Mass for the pupils of Murhur N.S. so very special last weekend. Everyone played a huge part in ensuring the Mass went so well. While it was disappointing about the rough weather conditions, the celebration in the Church was beautiful. Thank you so very much to all who were in attendance and our Communicants were fab. Well done too to Laura and Lisa with the music and singing which was delightful.
VISION! LIVE LINE OR ACTIVE LINE
An unknown writer wrote the following many years ago. With schools opening, a new month beginning, awful unease and uncertainty with our political representatives and the possibility of another ‘SHUTDOWN’ looming, these words from an unknown writer take on a new meaning:
“A task without a vision is drudgery; A vision without a task is a dream; A task with a vision is a victory”.
We all need to stop looking at others as to how we can live and survive C19. We all have to take our own personal responsibility with a vision of helping others. Churches, schools, GAA, organizations and numerous valuable groups in each and every parish need more people to come forward and volunteer their services in helping the aforementioned groups. We need ‘a vision’, to lead us to a victory over C19. Simply put we can be all talk, ask questions and full of criticism – Live Line. Or we can offer to help in so many ways in coming forward as volunteers – Active Line. The more people refuse to volunteer their services to help the longer C19 will stay with us. Be honest now – are you a Live Line (full of talk) or Active Line (full of action)?
A THOUGHTFUL PRAYER: “Jesus, do not only count me – but count on me”.
22 8 2020
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: Prayers are requested for Alan Smyth, Sallynoggin, Dublin whose funeral took place last weekend. Our prayerful support to his relatives and friends in our Parish. May Alan Rest In Peace.
BLESSINGS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FIRST COMMUNICANTS – MURHUR N.S:
Originally scheduled for May 23rd the following children from Murhur N.S. celebrate their First Holy Communion this Saturday 22nd. Ruby, Katelyn, Hannah Mai, Kayla, Micheál, Aideen, Conor, Myles, Jasmine,
Nathan and Kieran. Special thanks to their teacher Deborah O’Flaherty for her excellent work with them.
A LIGHT MANY OF YOU MAY NOT HAVE SEEN – REACHES 157!
Away back on March 19th I had a special light put in the Presbytery lawn. This light was in support of all frontline workers and priests. The light is in thanksgiving for the help given by all frontline workers. Nightly alone in my sitting room, in the shadow of this light, I pray a rosary and night prayer. It is fantastic that we are so safe from C19 since March 19th. This light has focused me in giving thanks. I hope that your prayers can join mine nightly as well. Sadly, so many of you have not seen this light as Moyvane is vacant and empty after the 9pm Holly’s closing time. Jesus continue to keep all of us safe. The light goes on.
WHO IS IT?
Here are a few lines to make you smile. “Every time I pass the Church, I pay a little visit, So when at last I’m carried in the Lord won’t say: Who is it!”
LOOK UP!
A father took his small son with him when he went to a neighbours field to steal potatoes. Cautiously the father looked one way and then another before he climbed the gate. “Daddy” the son said, “you forgot something
PETER KNEW THAT JESUS LOVED HIM
One of the most interesting characters in the Gospel is surely Peter. It’s amazing that Jesus picked him to be the leader of His Church. Today one feels that with a record like his, he would have about as much chance of seeing the white smoke as Trump! Peter is almost too human, too like ourselves. Not our idea of a Saint, that’s for sure. In the Gospels we see his ups and downs. At times he is very brave. At other times is very cowardly. At times he is rocklike in his faith. At other times he is more like a piece of jelly. But what is fascinating is to watch the way Jesus dealt with him. How patient He was. How He helped him grow into the man who was ready to lay down life for Him and who eventually did. But this growth was a gradual thing. There were lots of regressions, but this shouldn’t surprise us for this is how growth happens. Let us, therefore, take a closer look at the relationship between Jesus and Peter. It will help us to grow in closeness to Jesus and Peter. It will teach us how best to help those we love to grow. It all began with the fact that Jesus called him. He did so because He obviously saw a potential in him. We all need someone to believe in us.
It’s hard to believe in ourselves if no one else believes in us. Peter wasn’t sure that he deserved this call. After the miraculous catch of fish he said: “Lord, depart from me, for I am a sinful man”. Jesus did not deny that Peter was a sinner, but he challenged him to reach out, to go forward. We have to be challenged if we are to grow. Demands have to be made on us. Not to demand anything from someone is to condemn that person to sterility.
PARTNER NOT A MERE MESSENGER
Jesus involved Peter in His work. He made Him a partner in it, not a mere messenger. Responsibility helps people to grow. He asked Peter to declare his loyalty “Will you also go?” Thus, Peter was forced to look into his own heart. He had to stand on his own two feet. This helps growth when Peter made his great declaration of faith. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”. Jesus praised him and promised him further responsibility we all need recognition for work well done. We all need affirmation. This encourages further generosity. Jesus corrected him: “Put away your sword”. It takes courage on the part of the tutor to point out mistakes. To learn from one’s mistake in an essential part of growth. Remember too when Jesus gave him a good telling off: “Get behind me, Satan, you are more of a hindrance to me than a help”. This was when Peter wanted to prevent Him from going to Jerusalem. At times the tutor may have to reprove. But there is an art in doing it. Jesus confronted him with his failure to stay awake in the garden: “Can you not watch even one hour with me?” It is not helpful to let someone away with sloppiness and shoddiness. He even threatened to cut Peter off completely over the feet washing incident. We have to be stern at times and refuse to compromise on matters of principle. Jesus understood that when Peter denied Him, he did so not so much out of evil as out of weakness. He allowed him the space to learn from his failure. But Jesus lovingly forgave him and gave him an opportunity to begin again. He didn’t cut him off. We all need someone who can understand our weakness and who doesn’t cut us off simply because we don’t produce good right away. The one thing Jesus never did was spoil him. That would be to ruin his chance of growing. But the thread which runs right through their relationship is this: PETER KNEW THAT JESUS LOVED HIM. LOVE IS THE CLIMATE IN WHICH PEOPLE CAN GROW. Noting grows in a climate of coldness and mistrust. In a way Peter’s story is our story too. We are so much like him. We too blow hot and cold in our loyalty to Jesus. Sometimes we are strong and sometimes we are like a reed shaking in the wind. But we should not be afraid to look at ourselves to see if we are growing as Christians. Are we becoming more attached to Jesus. Without a warm relationship with Jesus, such as Peter had, we are only on the fringes of Christianity. We can learn so much from Peter for our own relationship with Jesus. Peter was the first Pope. In assessing a Pope, we should not look for cleverness for there is enough cleverness in the world, but for goodness. Peter had that in abundance. He also had the delightful gift of being open to change. His failures were means of drawing him closer to Jesus.
What does our failures do to us?
DON’T JUDGE A PERSON BY……….THE CLOTHES HE WEARS!
God made the person, the tailor made the clothes.
………...his family relations; Cain belonged to a good family.
……….. the company he keeps; Jesus can still transform lives by His presence.
……….…his speech; A parrot can talk and the tongue is only an instrument of the mind.
……..….his failures in life; Many are too honest to succeed. The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary!!
15 8 2020
My sincere thanks to stewards in both Churches for their time and efficiency to ensure that all our Church celebrations to date are running smoothly and in accordance with the HSE guidelines. If any parishioner would like to help with stewarding, please phone Jacqueline in the Parish Office. Our cleaners in both Churches are doing an excellent job.
Our thanks to Terry & Gala Moyvane who generously donated towards the cost of the fogging machine for Moyvane Church while the cost of the Knockanure fogging machine was generously donated by a family who wish to remain anonymous.
Fr. Kevin McNamara, P.P
OUR PRAYERFUL SUPPORT & SYMPATHY
It was with profound shock and sadness that the Parish and indeed North Kerry learned of the untimely death of Andrew Fleming, native of Dunmore, Co. Galway who died in a freak accident on Tuesday afternoon in Tarbert. To his family in Dunmore in Galway and to all his work colleagues our prayerful support at this time.
May Andrew rest in the loving care of almighty God.
LIVING ON CRUMBS
In our gospel this weekend we meet a woman who really had no right to come to Jesus asking for a favour. She was an outsider and a pagan, but she had the most extraordinary faith in Him and faith was rewarded. Week after week we gather for Masses here in Moyvane and Knockanure where we meet Jesus our Saviour. Do we pour out our needs to Him with the utmost confidence? The impact of Covid-19 is obvious to all of us, except it seems, some of the bureaucrats isolating in the Vatican. On July 20th they published a document on how parishes should operate in the future. The title alone tells much about the way those careerists understand all of us in parishes. Its title is “THE PASTROL CONVERSION OF THE PARISH COMMUNITY IN THE SERVICE OF THE EVANGELISING MISSION OF THE CHURCH”. Bishops across the world have expressed their disappointment in very strong language. Our Irish Bishops have remained silent. Cardinal Marx in Germany spoke out boldly: “It is a bit strange when a document comes from Rome without it ever having been discussed with us. Is this the co-existence of universal and particular Churches that one would wish? Not really” I think this document is just another attempt to undermine. Pope Francis who is very passionate about a symbol approach- that is getting accurate information about the virus and ideas from those living and working in parishes at this time. For our great Pope Francis, the symbol method is the only way forward. The last model we need at this painful time is the one where the Priest continues to dictate to subservient lay people. Yet that is precisely what is proposed is the new document. Canon Law rather than the Gospel is the favoured model with the careerists in Rome. Our Church – yours and mine, must read the signs of the times demanding sensitive listening and a strong willingness to take lay people’s views seriously. My sadness with the document is that it seems totally unaware that the world has changed forever. The Vatican document of July 20th is right to ask questions about the future shape of our parishes. But this is not the time to publish a document which wants us to engage with a model of parish already in its dying days. The beautiful woman in the Gospel this weekend gives me hope and inspiration. All she wanted was the crumbs that fell from the Master’s table.
She allowed the goodness of Jesus to inspire and change her. Can we do likewise?
HOLY WATER.
As we are not allowed to have Holy Water in fonts or have Holy Water available in both Churches. If you wish to have Holy Water, you can bring water in your own bottles and I will bless it at all Masses this weekend.
NOT NEEDED!
A girl of ten was explaining to her five-year-old brother why is it wrong to work on a Sunday. “But the Gardaí work on a Sunday”, said young Alan. “Don’t they go to heaven?” The ten year old took it in her stride, “Of course not“ she replied, there not needed there! Speaking of Gardaí, they are doing a terrific job in our own community and indeed right across the country at this difficult time. We all need to co-operate with them and not engage them in having to controlling house parties or the wearing of masks in public. We all need to be more pro-active to be led by the HSE guidelines to keep ourselves and others safe.
BLESSINGS & CONGRATULATIONS
To Anne & Joe O’Keeffe, Trien, Kilmorna who celebrated their Golden Jubilee, 50 years of marriage on Tuesday last. May the Lord continue to bless and guide them and their family. Wishing them many more years of happiness and good health. Well done Anne & Joe.
8 8 2020
CONTENTMENT?
A king had planted a beautiful garden and one day he walked round it to see how everything was growing. To his disappointment he found that all things he had lovingly nurtured were complaining. “If only I were strong and sturdy like the oak tree” moaned the cedar. “Why can’t I be upright like the cedar?” asked the vine. “If only I could bare luscious grapes like the vine “, sighed the rose bush. Eventually, the king came to solitary daisy with its face opened to the sun. “Well little daisy are you unhappy too?” he enquired. “Oh No”, replied the daisy. “When you planted your garden I think you wanted me in it, just as I am, and so I’m going to be the best daisy I can be” A silly story? I didn’t think so. For doesn’t it say a lot about the blessing of contentment?
MARY’S ASSUMPTION: WHATS IT TO ME?
For many Catholics, Mary’s Assumption is not found to be very moving. The words ASSUME and ASSUMPTION inspire thoughts more about ‘ASSUMING’ some responsibility than to the Blessed Virgin’s entry into heaven. The Assumption has however provoked much discussion between Christians why do we need this feast? Why is it important? Well, two reasons:
1. Mary’s Assumption invites us to celebrate our future. Our life includes a physical body that, like Mary’s body, is headed for glory.
In other words, what happened to Mary ultimately will happen to us. Our life after death will include more than a soul floating in space. All of what we are today in mind, spirit and body – will be included. In Mary’s Assumption, we rejoice in our own future. Mary one of our own, has gone ahead of us, we hope to follow, please God.
2. Mary’s Assumption invites us to accept our own body. When warts, weight and weakness get us down, it’s tempting to look forward to having no body. The Assumption, however, demonstrates that death is not an escape from life on earth. Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven, death is a doorway. and on the other side of that doorway, we will be reunited with our bodies. Mary’s Assumption tells me that in some mysterious way, since I am going to spend an eternity with this flesh, I had better start making friends with my physical self.
ARE YOU GOD?
One cold evening during the holiday season, a little boy aged six was standing out in front of a shop window, the little child had no shoes and his clothes were only rags. A young man passing by saw the little boy and could read the longing in his pale blues eyes. He took the child by the hand and led him into the shop. There he brought him some new shoes and a complete outfit of new clothes. They left the shop and outside in the street the little boy asked the man, “Sir are you God “? The man smiled down at him and replied “No, son I’m just one of His children” The little boy then said ,”Ah I just knew you had to be some relation” The man smiled and said to the little boy “ Now you can go home and have a very happy weekend. And have a word with God and thank Him. He moved me to reach out to help you. Does our generosity provoke that beautiful question, ARE YOU GOD?
SEEKING GOD IN QUIET MOMENTS!
There was once a sea Captain who in his retirement skippered a boat taking day trippers to Shetland Islands. On one trip the boat was full of young people. They laughed at the old Captain when they saw him saying prayers before setting out, for the day was fine and the sea very calm. But when out at sea a storm suddenly blew up and the boat began to pitch violently, the terrified passengers came to the captain and asked him to join them in prayer. But the Captain replied: “I say my prayers when it’s calm when it is rough I attend to my ship”. There is a lesson in here for all of us. If we cannot or will not seek God in the quiet moments of our lives we are not likely to find him when trouble strike. We are more likely to panic. But if we have learnt to seek Him and to trust Him in the quiet moments then most certainly we will find Him when the going gets tough and rough.
Believe a quarter of what you hear, half of what you see and three quarters of what you know.
31 July 2020
SCOIL CHORP CHRÍOST FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: The parents of the 2020 Scoil Chorp Chríost First Holy Communion class, have approached Fr. Kevin and the principal Mrs. Donegan, seeking approval for the forthcoming Holy Communion ceremony to take place in the Church of Assumption, Moyvane, in order to fully comply with social distancing guidelines and to allow siblings to attend. Fr. Kevin and Mrs Donegan have kindly agreed that this is a more suitable arrangement in these difficult times. The First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday the 12th of September at 11.30am in the Church of Assumption, Moyvane.
MURHUR N.S. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: This celebration will take place on Saturday 22nd August at
1pm in the Church of the Assumption, Moyvane. Both schools are actively communicating with parents regarding safe numbers for both celebrations. CEMETERY MASSES: As you are aware our Cemetery Masses have been cancelled for this year. However, as this coming week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday would have been the dates for these celebrations can I suggest the following: Monday 3rd Ahavoher Cemetery – all who have loved ones buried in this Cemetery would light a candle at home and pray the Angelus either at 12noon or at 6pm. In the same way on Tuesday for those buried in Knockanure Cemetery and on Wednesday for those buried in Murhur. If these times are not suitable choose your own time but please honour it with prayer and if possible, a lighted candle in honour of the good men and women who have gone before us marked with the sign
of faith. We pray that this year in particular they will pray for us in the presence of the Risen Lord that we will continue to be safe and well during these anxious times. May they Rest In Peace. A prayerful visit to either of our Churches would honour them in an extra special way. Moyvane Church open from 10am to 5pm daily and Knockanure Church open from 11am to 3pm daily.
A NEW CHURCH OR NO CHURCH !
The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on Parish life across the World has been shattering, even here in our own Parish. How do people react when lifelong patters of behaviour are disrupted, when work and family habits are broken? When the weekly rhythm of the spiritual life is no longer marked by Sunday Mass at one place at one time, and the Sacraments are treated as possible vectors of disease rather than as live-giving moment of thankfulness. Nobody really knows. Nothing like this has happened before in the history of the Church. A big question for all of us at this time is – “what do I really value about Parish life?” For me one major observation is that Parish life as I have lived and known it for 39 years is totally and utterly changed. Are Parish structures as every Parish knows them fit for purpose? Should every Parish have a lay chief executive working in partnership with the Parish Priest? It that where the Spirit is leading? Or has the personality and spirituality of the Priest never been more important as a real focus to draw people to Jesus? It doesn’t have to be either/or. The Church has seen Parish communities being held together by the internet especially in the livestreaming of Masses, we had YouTube. At a physical gathering of the faithful the
Celebrant is aware of his pastoral responsibility to all those present. The relationship gives added dept to the liturgy. Online, such personal links break down. Our Church authorities need to start collecting the data of how Churches up and down the country (including our own Parish) have adopted to the shutdown. We are challenged with ‘A new Church or no Church’. May the Lord bless the choices we make. The one certainty we have is the ‘old Church’ is gone. Those who won’t let it go are the biggest obstacle to bringing to birth ‘a new Church’. Their stubbornness could leave us with no Church!
THE CRITICAL WEED
Reflect on this thought-provoking poem:
A little seed lay on the ground,
And soon began to sprout
Seeing all the flowers around
It wondered: ‘how shall I come out?’
The Lily’s face is fair and proud,
But just a trifle cold
The rose, I think, is rather loud,
And its fashion’s getting old
Of the violet some may think well,
But it’s not a flower I’d choose,
Nor even the Canterbury bell,
I’ve never cared for blues
And so it criticized each flower,
This haughty little seed,
Until it woke one summer noon, And found itself a weed!
A KIND AND PATIENT MRS KENDAL
There was once a famous British actress who was known as Mrs Kendal. She appears as a character in the striking film, ‘The Elephant Man’, the story of a man who was, you might recall, grotesquely and horribly disfigured with the skin and colour of an elephant. There was a particular incident in the film I recall very well. The famous actress went to see the elephant man, as he was called, and she held out her had to take his hand. He extended the less deformed of his two hands. Mrs Kendal, this great actress, stood there and looked him straight in the eye and she shook her head, indicating that was not sufficient. The elephant man waited a long time. Finally, after a short pause, out from under his coat he brought his more horribly deformed hand. Mrs Kendal took his hand in hers and she smiled. The elephant man said that this was the first time in his life that a woman had held his hand. Don’t we do this to God? We offer our more seemly self but God will have none of that. God wants our most hidden, undesirable selves.
ROAD WORKS UPDATE - Reach Active Works: Minor works along the Kilmorna, Trien, Athea and Moyvane - Knockanure Roads next week, under stop and go/traffic light system. Jerry Clancy 086/6072159.
25 July 2020
JESUS BELONGS TO EACH AND EVERY CULTURE
I remember the day I learned to hate racism. I was 15 at the time and I was in boarding school. During recreation one Friday evening (6.30pm to 7.30pm) I was walking alone by the handball alley. I was happy without a care in the world, I decided just to go into the alley. There were three senior lads there with the only black student in the school. The black student was against the wall, his hands behind his back. The three white students were taking turns punching him. They were laughing. He stood silently except for the involving groans that followed each blow, and now I was caught. One of the three grabbed me and stood me in front of Wilson. “Mac you take a turn”, one of the students said. I liked Wilson – he was so kind, helpful and very gentle. “Hit the nigger!” I stood paralyzed. “Mac hit him or you’re next”. So I did. I closed my eyes. To this day I can still feel the soft fuzz of Wilson’s turquoise sweater as my knuckles gently touched his stomach. I don’t know how many punches there were. I don’t know how long poor Wilson had to stand against that wall. After my minute participation in the conspiracy, they let me go and I ran. Crying and sick to my stomach. How would I face poor Wilson again? Within days Wilsons parents took him from all of us. Forty-nine years later that event still preaches a sermon to me every time. One can despise, decry, denounce and deplore something without ever begin willing to suffer or even be inconvenienced to bring about change. If there is one thing that Jesus taught us, it was how to suffer with others. Jesus walked the walk of the cross. He taught us the meaning of suffering as a mighty servant. You and I don’t know what Jesus looked like (the Gospels are silent about that), but we know that He wasn’t white. He is known and loved as ‘Jesus of Nazareth’. Regardless of colour or creed – we are all sisters and brothers of Jesus. With all sporting events starting with the phrase ‘Now they all give the knee!’, we have all hurt and wounded coloured people. I did it with Wilson when I was 15. How I would love to meet him now and ask his forgiveness – not for the blow I delivered for it was nothing, but for the blows I refused to stand by his side and receive. Jesus belongs to each and every culture. He is found everywhere. Jesus is all things to all people. He’s young and old and every colour imaginable.
FR. DAN GOES HOME
Fr. Dan O’Connor, M.S.C., a native of Knocknagree died this week in Cork. He was a wonderful colleague to me during my time as P.P. in the Western Road in Cork City. A terrific worker and a wonderful G.A.A. supporter. His family in Knocknagree and his religious family in the Western Road are fortunate like myself to have great memories of the late Fr. Dan. Please keep Fr. Dan in your prayers. Rest In Peace Dan.
GIVEN A CHOICE WHERE WOULD YOU PUT WISDOM?
In a week when some lucky winner/winners in the Leinster area are going to be claiming close on 50million euro in the Euro Millions, our Masses this weekend focus on making right choices. Solomon is asked by the Lord, what gift he would like and he looks for wisdom. To be wise has little to do with being intelligent and nothing to do with being smart. It means knowing what is right from God’s point of view but unfortunately we all act foolishly at times. Whatever Mass you attend this week or if you watch Mass on other media outlets, we can all confess our foolishness to Jesus who is all-wise, all-loving, all understanding. Jesus, you walked on our earth to teach us what is important in life, namely, to lovingly do the will of God Our Father. We need to continually ask forgiveness for our foolishness when we don’t do the Father’s will. Jesus was generous in opening people’s eyes to the world of the invisible and the eternal. In these strange and trying times, we need to focus our minds on God and on the life to come rather than being over engrossed in the struggles and distractions of this life. We need to be aware that Jesus is our inspiration, our guide and our leader. He enthusiastically walked a beautiful path in this earth, a lovely path that always brought Him to God His loving Father. All of us from time to time have walked other paths and different ways. There are times when we walked more away from God than toward Him. We need to say we are sorry.
In our First Reading from Kings, we are reminded that King Solomon was told by God that he could have anything he wanted, all he had to do was ask. Solomon asked God for the gift of wisdom so that he could govern well. What an appropriate reading for our country and indeed our parish at this time. Wisdom for our new Government to govern well and wisdom for their subsidiaries that they will be faithful to the commitments they have made and that they will govern with fairness and justice.
Our Second Reading from St. Paul to the Romans, tells us so positively that those who love God can turn everything to their spiritual advantage and to be fair I think we have all played our part in doing that since last March. Keeping Eucharist alive and allowing the Word of God to continue to bless and protect us. Since Masses have returned with a congregation in Moyvane, they are going well and are so special. We are still conscious that they are small steps. Knockanure Church will open very shortly when we have all the safety measures in place. Our Gospel from Matthew reminds us powerfully that what God offers each of us is worth everything we have. The major question is – are we prepared to pay the necessary price for it?
Wisdom means to be able to see life from God’s point of view. Jesus tells us that this wisdom is worth more than all other possessions together. Solomon realised this and when God gave him the choice of anything he wanted he put wisdom at the top of the list. Would it be top of your list? Strange awkward times in Church, all of us have never needed wisdom more than now. Masks or no masks, compulsory or optional, please don’t look to me – use your wisdom to make your own decisions.
18 July 2020
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: Rita Daly (née Finucane), Moyvane, Tralee & South Africa who died on 10th July in South Africa. Our prayerful support to loving husband Austin and family Sharon, Amanda, Colleen, Fiona and sister Noreen, Listowel and the Philippines and to the Daly family, Kenmare. We will celebrate a Mass for the happy repose of her soul in Moyvane Church on Monday 20th July at 7.30pm. May Rita enjoy the delights of God’s Kingdom. The funeral took place in Glin during the week of gentleman Jimmy Ruddle, we extend our sympathy to his wife Catherine & family. At a later date there will be a Mass here in the Parish for the happy repose of Jimmy. May Rita and Jimmy Rest In Peace.
PARISH OFFICE OPEN: A reminder that the Parish Office is open. These are the following days and times and it would be helpful if people could stick to these times for the booking of Masses, Baptisms, Weddings. Monday & Thursday 10am – 12noon. Tuesday & Friday 10am – 1pm. Closed on Wednesday. The office can also be contacted by email – moyvane@dioceseofkerry.ie
REMEMBER……. Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It merely empties today of its strength.
MARBLE ENDURES FOREVER
I have just come across a splendid French proverb which translated reads:
“Write injuries in sand; Kindness in marble”. What a sound idea – injuries, hurts, resentments are all ugly things that sour our minds and hearts. Treat them as sand which is quickly blown away. Kindness of word or deed is well worth remembering and marble endures forever. May God’s grace and presence help us all in doing kind things.
BLESSINGS & CONGRATULATIONS - CATHAOIRLEACH OF THE SEANAD
My first Parish when I arrived in this Diocese was Kenmare. I had nine months there, all of which were delightful, blessed and enjoyable. I was only a day in the Parish when I met Mark Daly – and he has been a great friend to me since. I wish to warmly congratulate him on becoming Cathaoirleach of the Seanad. He is a very fine and dedicated politician who continues to work tirelessly and diligently in our county and throughout the country. May God bless and guide him in his new role. Proud of you Mark and very well done. Mass on Monday evening is for Rita Daly whose
husband Austin is Mark’s uncle. Our prayerful support to Sean, Eileen and all the Daly’s in Kenmare.
MIGHTY MOTTO
A very successful businessman had this motto framed above his desk in his office
‘THERE IS NO ART IN DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS BUT IN DOING ORDINARY THINGS EXTRA ORDINARILY WELL’.
OUR ‘NEW’ CHURCH – HAVE WE LOST SIGHT OF THE JESUS OF JOY?
Very strange times in Church history. Early last March, Church leaders made a compliment of telling people there was no obligation to attend Mass on Sunday – not even Easter Sunday. We glibly told elderly people, the backbone of the Church to please stay at home. Signs and notices plastered on doors and gates of Churches gave lists and warnings. Jesus, His joy, His healing presence was never mentioned – in fact it was ignored. One day, when the inimitable Groucho Marx was getting out of the elevator, he met a Priest who immediately recognized the very famous comedian. The excited Priest extended his hand (in times when it was safe to do so) saying “I want to thank you for all the joy you’ve put into our world”. Groucho quickly replied, “Fr. I want to thank you for all the joy you’ve taken out of it!”.
The Church prior to March 2020 so many Church members were so concerned with pulling out the weeds, that they lost the sense of hope and the spirit of joy that the beautiful Gospel of Jesus brings. Many Catholics who hold firm to the institution of our Catholic faith are so welded into the customs, laws and structures of their institutions. Some of them would rather do without Holy Communion rather than receive it on the hand. Equally our excellent stewards (all volunteers – sorry cheerful volunteers) are doing an excellent job with Mass in Moyvane Church but are getting into a small bit of hassle into week two. People know where they want to sit and are not inclined to take direction. We all need to stay focused. We need too to be kind and helpful to our stewards. Let them guide us – they wish to keep us all safe and well. So cooperate with them, thank you. The Jesus of joy must be heart-broken to see how so called ‘Holy Catholics’ have excluded so many if they don’t fit into their club and barring a miracle of grace end up de-Churched or un-Churched. I find it exceptionally sad and painful that in the new Eucharistic Prayer we have the words that loving Jesus died for MANY instead of ALL. I always use ALL. Jesus most certainly was not selective. Those who changed those words of the Eucharistic Prayer need to realize that they haven’t the power to limit God’s mercy. They are judge and jury in determining who is a member of their Church with unbearable arrogance they include themselves in their Church and exclude anyone who follows a different spiritual path. Covid 19 clarified much too. Everything closed. It became obvious that in people’s minds the Church is about buildings rather than people. We are most fortunate and richly blessed to have two beautiful Churches in our Parish. Knockanure will open very soon with Masses. For now, Moyvane Masses are going smoothly and well. Small steps – but safe steps, will please God keep us all safe and well. May the joy and healing presence of Jesus guide us daily. Any Mass you attend during the week will fulfil you Sunday obligation. Thank you so very much for your continual understanding and great support.
SACRAMENT OF THE PRESENT MOMENT!
My very good friend Fr. Pat McCarthy, Gneeveguilla is over 80 and has been cocooning. During that time Fr. Pat has been writing a lot of poems in these strange and challenging times. One of the pieces entitled ‘A THOUGHT FOR TODAY’ goes as follows:
‘How long will this epidemic continue?
How long before I see the face of those I love?
How long before I hold and hug those who are dearest to me?
How long before parents locked in with young children stay patient and loving?
How long before Grandparents enjoy their Grandchildren again? How long before I die?
How long is no longer a date in a diary, but a way of living in hope when our habitual calendars are shredded (and we have no idea how long this pestilence will last),
The secret of success is to live our days shaped by hope,
To let go of the past with its burdens and resentments,
And be open to the future with its promises, we must be certain of one thing: Once this epidemic is over, merely returning to the past,
Reverting to the way things were, would be a betrayal of the gift that fate, maybe providence! Has provided.
We must all realise we now live in a land that our young people have never known,
A land marked and shaped by the word solidarity. So, then, it is one day at a time,
Living each moment as it comes. It is called ‘The Sacrament of the present moment!’
11 July 2020
A PARENT’S CONFESSION
For the smile I didn’t give you, I am sorry.
For the afternoon I didn’t spend with you, I am sorry.
For the story I didn’t have time to listen to, I am sorry.
For the time I should have said “Well done” and didn’t. I am sorry. For the joke I didn’t laugh at, I am sorry. For every time I didn’t have time, I am sorry.
For having belittled you in front of your friends, I am sorry.
For having demanded your love instead of earning it with kindness, laughter, a Godly example, I am sorry. For every instance when I’ve taken you for granted rather than recognise you as an individual person with your own particular dreams & aspirations, I am sorry.
For understanding my errors and my desire to change, for your great love, for respect and forgiveness.
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WAITING FOR THE CALL
Blessings and greetings to you all,
I just had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you. Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends. I hoped that soon you’d want me to walk along with you, too, so I painted you a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool breeze to refresh you I waited – you never called – I just kept on loving you.
As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted so much to touch you. I spilled moonlight onto your face – trickling down your cheeks as so many tears have. You didn’t even think of me, I wanted so much to comfort you.
The next day I exploded a brilliant sunrise into glorious morning for you. You woke up late and rushed off to work – you didn’t even notice. My sky became cloudy and my tears fell as rain. Oh, if only you’d listen, I love you! I really love you! I try to say it in the quiet of the green meadows and in the blue sky. The wind whispers my love throughout the tree-tops and spills it in the vibrant colours of all the flowers.
I shout my love to you in the thunder of the great waterfalls and compose love songs for birds to sing to you. I warm you with clothing of my sunshine and perfume the air with nature’s sweet scent. My love for you is deeper than any ocean and greater than any need in you heart.
If only you’d realise how I care – my Father sends His love. I want you to meet Him – He cares too. Dads are just that way! So please call me soon. No matter how long it takes.
I’ll wait because I love you.
Your forever friend Jesus x x
WE ARE TO BEAR FRUIT, LEAVING JESUS TO MEASURE
Temple University in Philadelphia came to birth though the money of a little girl in that city who wanted to attend Sunday School but couldn’t because the classes were full. The Church was so small that there seemed no place for her. She began saving pennies to build a large Church. She died suddenly, but under her pillow was found an old red purse in which there was 57 pennies and a scrap of paper on which was written the reason why she was saving her pennies. The Pastor who conducted her funeral told the story of those 57 pennies and it got into the Newspapers. What could a little girl’s 57 pennies do? Well they did much. The tide of gifts which her example inspired flowed with increasing strength and in six years 57 pennies had become $300,000 which became the nucleus of yet grander things, for the Baptist Temple with its Good Samaritan Hospital and the great Temple University, which with its thousands of students have come into being as the marvellous harvest of a little girl’s seed pennies. How do I support the many good and beautiful ministries we have in our great Parish? Do I help or hinder good things happening? The little girl in this story had a beautiful and generous heart. Can you imitate her?
GOLDEN SILENCE
A hungry mountain lion came out in the hills to stalk a grazing herd. The lion attacked a bull, killed it and as he feasted on the kill, paused from time to time to let out some shouts of triumph. A hunter who was in the area heard the commotion, found the lion and shot it dead. The moral of the story is this…….When you are full of bull keep your mouth shut!!
A CHRISTIAN……….
Has a mind through which Christ thinks. Has a heart through which Christ lives.
Is a voice through which Christ speaks. Is a hand through which Christ helps.
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TO ERR IS HUMAN
A certain boy who played in the college orchestra never made a mistake. Not once was he called down by the professor. On leaving college this lad ceased to be a member of the orchestra. Only then did the professor explain why that boy never made a mistake – he didn’t play loud enough for anyone to hear him! It is human to ‘err’. Anyone who plays his/her God-given part in life may make a mistake, do something wrong, be a victim of circumstance. The important thing is not the mistake made but our reaction to that mistake and the circumstances surrounding it.
July 3 2020 Moyvane Newsletter
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Bernie & Peter Swan & family, Maura Sheehan & all the Sheehan family on the death of their uncle Tom Sheahan, Ballyline, Ballylongford whose funeral took place on Tuesday. To Mike & Bernadette Gliroy & family & Bridie Sheehan & family on the sudden death of Bernadette’s mother-in-law Margaret Gilroy, Sligo whose funeral took place last week in Sligo. To Dermot Gallagher & family, Askeaton on the death of his beloved wife Kathleen. Kathleen was a regular visitor to our Church here in Moyvane and to social gatherings. She will be sorely missed. We extend our sympathy to the Buckley and Keane families who are relatives here in the Parish and to her wide circle of friends. May Tom, Margaret and Kathleen RIP.
CEMETERY MASSES: The annual Cemetery Masses which were scheduled to take place on Monday 3rd August in Ahavoher, Tuesday 4th in Knockanure and Wednesday 5th in Murhur HAVE BEEN CANCELLED THIS YEAR DUE TO THE RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE WITH REGARD TO C19. Please God they will resume again in August 2021. Please convey this message to those outside the Parish that usually attend.
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KNOCKANURE GRADUATION: Our prayerful good wishes and blessings to Sixth Class of Knockanure School who had their Graduation last Monday. We wish them every blessing as they start their journey in secondary school and we thank them for the blessings, memories and in particular the good example they gave to all their juniors in the school. The class of 2020 are as follows: Cian Halton, Jack Buckley, Tommy Clancy, Rachel O’Connor, Chloe Moore and Brona O’Connor.
PARISH BBQ & THANKSGIVING DAY CANCELLED: Our annual BBQ where we gathered after Mass to give thanks for all that is good in our parish community is cancelled this year. Hopefully, please God it will be extra special next year.
WORKING WELL: Volunteers who have come forward both as ushers and cleaners in Moyvane Church are working quite well. If anyone would like to lend a hand to the aforementioned teams please contact the Office.
MIGHTY JOHN RAISES €44,500: Parishioner John McGrath, Ahalahana & Bruach na Gaile, has raised a whopping €44,500 through his soccer appeal for Kerry Hospice Foundation. John is an inspiration to us all and amid all that he is going through he managed to put his heart and soul into fundraising which will benefit Kerry Hospice enormously and all who use the facilities. Well done John, we are proud of you and all the family. Continued prayerful blessings to you.
CONGRATULATIONS: To Fr. Seán Jones who celebrated his 2nd Anniversary of Ordination during the week and it was nice that he got an opportunity to lead Mass on RTÉ on Thursday. Continued blessings to Seán.
CLOSING WAS EASY…….OPENING UP IS A MINEFIELD!!
Many mixed emotions for me over the past week. Our first public Mass in the Church of the Assumption on Monday last had a congregation of thirty five. I was delighted to have welcoming ushers who ensured that all went so well and so smoothly. Everyone co-operated with each other, keeping our one major goal in place – ‘keeping each other safe’. On Tuesday I said Mass privately and alone and then took my first day ‘off’ since early March. It gave me time to reflect, pray and enjoy the wisdom and company of special friends. That was refreshing and much needed for my heart, soul and spirit.
Having got comfortable and used to ‘porch Masses’ daily, and YouTube Masses on Sundays, I felt in some small way our Parish still had a valuable link in keeping in touch with parishioners and many others. Now that I am back with a limited congregation in the Church of the Assumption there is a whole new beginning required again. Taking our time to get back to normality requires patience and an honest openness to change. It will be slow. The French call it the ‘syndrome of the snail’. The Spanish prefer to call it ‘the syndrome of the cabin’, those of us in the English speaking world simply call it ‘re-entry syndrome’. Whatever we decide to call it, the feeling of anxiety as we emerge from our shells, our cabins to re-enter post-Covid Church is very real.
As a Priest, I’ve spent many years learning how to fix life, only to discover that at the end of the day that life is not broken. There is a hidden seed of greater wholeness in everyone and everything. I think we serve life best when nourish it and befriend it. When we listen before we act. May I invite your prayerful support to
Dr. Tony Houlihan and to his wife Emer and family at this time. The incredible work that he has done from day one with his team has been so very important for us in this country. We assure them of our prayerful support at this time. We wish Dr. Ronan Glynn who will be acting as the new chief medical officer blessings and may he continue the good work that Dr. Tony has begun. The new Government must continue to be directed by Dr. Ronan and his team. Viewing the U.S. this week and closer to home Leicester in the UK, we become all too well aware that this virus is still alive and so destructive. I hope the Government will quickly refund individuals and families who have booked foreign holidays for this time and who do not wish to travel. Those who wish to travel can do so but must have clear and strict guidelines for their return to this country. In befriending life, the medical officers firstly Dr. Tony and now Dr. Ronan and their team have drawn both on their knowledge and their wisdom. Their excellent work is not about mastering life, controlling it or exerting their will over it, rather it is about keeping us all safe and alive. They are not spoil sports, but they tell us that if we holiday in Ireland this year, we have a good chance of keeping the C19 at bay and away from our beautiful country. I pray that Dr. Ronan and team will be allowed to continue to guide us.
Back to our own situation in the Parish it is vital that we return slowly to Church, continue to engage with ushers who will direct you to seats of safety. This is working well so far but it is early days. In befriending the new way of Mass celebrations we do not make things happen according to our own design, we have to continue to be alert and open to this new way of attending Church. May Jesus continue to bless us in these anxious times. Very many thanks for your cooperation, patience and your great generosity.
THANKS TO SHANE: Very many thanks to Shane who ensured that the Offertory Boxes were delivered on time for their commencement this Sunday. He managed to get some helpers but overall his organisation was excellent to make sure that all got their Offertory Boxes on time. If any parishioner would like to join this scheme you can phone Jacqueline and she will arrange to have a box delivered to you. Thanks again Shane!
DINNERS FROM KNOCKANURE: It is planned to continue for the foreseeable future dinners Monday to Friday. Thanks to chefs Paul and Gerry, all in the Centre and all who deliver them.
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JESUS IS OUR SUPPORT
In Sierra Leone, West Africa, a lay pastoral worker David Wiggington, says people learn how to carry heavy burdens on their heads. “He said he learned of a kindly woman in the capital city whose regular employment was that of being a ‘human delivery truck’. Her assignment was to deliver engine blocks from one repair shop to other repair shops. Four men would lift the engine block onto a tray that she carried on her head and off she would go across the town delivering this enormous weight. One day this beautiful lady came to her destination and found that no one was there to assist her in taking the load off of her head. She waited as long as you can wait with an engine block on your head and she decided to try to remove it herself. In so doing she broke her neck and died”. Jesus has commissioned us to help support others in their burdens. How are you and I doing this these C19 days? As for the beautiful lady in the story, everyone saw her carrying the enormous weight on her head but no one wanted to help her take it off her head. Do we ignore people who carry heavy burdens?
DIOCESAN APPOINTMENTS: The following is a message from Bishop Ray:
Over the past few weeks the Consultors have been meeting.
With three parishes to be filled, we cannot avoid some appointments.
I am in the process of finalising them. Hopefully, there will be very few.
The plan is to publish the appointments on Friday 17th July, to take effect on Wednesday August 5th .
SUNDAY OBLIGATION: The dispensation from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of obligation remain in place until further notice. One has the choice to watch Mass on Television, listen to it on the radio or on other forms of media. Those who are attending Mass can fulfil their Sunday obligation at any of the weekday Masses.
27 June 2020
MOYVANE PARISH NEWSLETTER
Fr. Kevin McNamara, P.P. 089/4044816. Presbytery & Office 068/49308; Secretary: Jacqueline
Parish Office is CLOSED until July 7th. www.dioceseofkerry.ie E-mail: moyvane@dioceseofkerry.ie The last two Masses from the porch door of Moyvane Church on Sat 27th and Sun 28th. Depending on numbers the tannoy system may be used for those who wish to remain in their cars from Monday 29th. With the help of stewards, these people will be able to receive Holy Communion after Mass. Please note the celebration in BLUE is on YouTube* all the remaining Masses are available on Parish Radio link. This is our last week on YouTube. Very many thanks to all who joined us from the Parish, around Ireland and around the world. Your comments and prayerful support has been exceptional. Thank you. It was a whole new experience for me and while I was nervous at the beginning I was getting more comfortable as the weeks went on. Very many thanks to Conor and the vast number of people who made the celebrations so special.
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WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF MY PRESENCE AT HOLY MASS?
For our words to ring true they must be spoken from the heart, otherwise they are hollow. They may be clever but they will not convince or inspire. An answering machine is a good thing in itself but when we make a phone call we prefer to be greeted by a friendly personal ‘hello’ rather than by a machine. Yet, thanks to the marvels of modern technology a person’s voice can be heard even while the person is absent. Nowhere is this seen so clearly as in the case of worship. Jesus once said to the Pharisees, “This people honour God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him”. People can be present in Church in voice only and so their worship becomes mere lip service. To make matters worse, that voice may not be their ordinary voice. It may be a solemn and serious one, put on especially for Vigil and Sunday Masses. Sadly such people are no better than answering machines. The most important element is missing, namely the heart. From Monday on, as we gather in Church for new ways of celebrating Masses we all need to be open and very receptive to embracing new ways in praising God and in getting to know Him better. We all need to be actively present. If the most important element is missing – namely the heart, our return to Masses will just be an empty ritual. The same applies to any meeting. People are present, yet it is not their true self that is there, but an artificial self, a dressed-up likeness. To meet such people is to meet a shadow. Take the word FORGIVENESS for instance. If it does not come from the heart, it is of no use, what-so-ever. If PEACE is not spoken from the heart, can it bring peace? No, of course not. How difficult real presence is! When the heart is in it and when the words spoken flow from there, then we are making a delightful statement. Returning on Monday to new ways of wordship, this is a great time for all of us to ask ourselves the following question – what is the quality of my presence at Mass? Now is the ideal opportunity for Laity and Priests to put our hearts into our ‘New Masses’. It implies sincerity, commitment and above all love. It’s my delightful privilege and joy to welcome you back to Mass and especially Holy Communion. I’ve missed you so very much. Starting on Monday June 29th let’s put our hearts into worship.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH
I was blessed and deeply touched with messages of good will, gifts, Mass Cards/Prayers, etc which I received on Sunday last and right through the past week for my 39th Anniversary of Priesthood. Mary, Amanda at the Porch Masses and Chairperson of our Pastoral Council Michelle on YouTube this weekend all shared beautiful messages – very many thanks. From outside the Parish, I received touching messages, cards and gifts too. My great friend of 47 years, Maura, came in front of the camera for our YouTube welcome last Sunday. It’s a first for Maura to be in front of a camera. All her years with Gay (RIP), on the
Late Late Show she was the tremendous powerhouse behind the scenes. I was Back in 1981 - honoured, delighted, surprised and deeply touched with her lovely contribution. when I had hair & razors!! (P.S. Bridgette (Conor’s Mum) and Maura are cousins!!) So thanks to one and all and even the Novena attenders from other Parishes blessed me in so many ways on my 39th Anniversary. You all made it special and it meant a lot to me. Thank you.
WE ARE BACK – THANK GOD
For many of us the sea holds mystery, even fear. Fortunately there are those for whom it holds no terror, only respect. I like the story of the Pilot who came aboard to guide a large tanker into the harbour. The Captain asked him worriedly if he was sure he knew where all the rocks were. “No”, the Pilot replied, “but I know where there aren’t any” If you know where to avoid in life, you will always stay in safe waters. I am delighted to have lived to see the re-opening of our Churches for Masses and the Sacraments on June 29th. I am equally delighted that over twenty-four parishioners have generously volunteered to help all of us to continue to stay safe and well as we continue to keep the C19 virus at bay. In simple terms, and with the advice of health and safety officer Adam Farrell, the volunteers and myself have come up with the following guidelines: Please familiarize yourself with the following – the most important thing is to have engagement with the stewards and maintain social distancing. These will be reviewed weekly on how safely things are progressing.
Please sanitize your hands on entering and leaving the Church.
Family seats clearly marked can accommodate up to 5/6.
All other seats will have three people per seat with social distancing clearly marked.
As you enter by the main door you will be greeted by a parish steward. Please follow their instructions.
Please come early to Mass to ensure that there is no confusion/mad rush at the last minute.
You must co-operate and go to the seat allotted to you. Please don’t insist on going to your normal seat.
If you feel safer with a mask, please wear one but they are not obligatory.
No toilet facilities available.
Inside and outside the Church will be sanitized before and after each Mass.
Those with special needs can enter via the door with the ramp at the school side of the Church.
Anyone who feels anxious or nervous about coming into the Church can continue to get Mass on television, on live stream or on radio or if they wish they can stay in their car in the car park as we will continue to relay the Mass in the car park for the moment.
The dispensation from attending Mass on Sundays and Holydays of obligation remains in place until further notice. People are encouraged to attend Mass on any day during the week.
Those who wish to stay in their cars and receive Holy Communion after Mass must enter and park in the first section of the car park for safety reasons. Anyone who is attending Mass in the Church please park in the lower section of the car park or outside the Church.
I will be the only one for the first week at least giving out Holy Communion in the Church and at the porch door at the end of Mass for those in the car park. Our friendly stewards will guide and direct you. I am sure you will respond generously and support them. If so it means we all stay safe.
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PRAYERS & SYMPATHY
The death has occurred of Bridget Buckley, New York and l/o Upper Direen, Athea. We offer our prayerful support to her loving brother Denis O’Connor & family, New York and also to her loving sister Mary Kelly & family, New York. Con Buckley l/o The Village, predeceased Bridget and we offer our support to the Buckley family, The Village. Bridget was also a sister to the late Paudie O’Connor, Upper Direen so we offer our prayerful support to Nancy & family, Upper Direen. A mass will be offered at a later date in Moyvane Church for the repose of her soul. To Canon Declan O’Connor and all in the O’Connor family in Springmount, Duagh on the untimely death of their loving brother Gerard. Gerard worked enthusiastically with Teagasc and would be known in this Parish and indeed throughout Kerry in dealing with the farming community. Our prayerful support to his loving wife & family and to Canon Declan and all in the O’Connor family at this very sad and vulnerable time. The death has occurred of John Joe Kearney, Limerick City and l/o Kilbaha who died last week. Our prayerful sympathy to his brother Patrick & family in Kilbaha, his brother Mossie & family, Manchester and his sister Bridie & family, Listowel. May Bridget Buckley, Gerard O’Connor and John Joe Kearney enjoy new life in God’s Kingdom. May they Rest In Peace.
20 June 2020
*For YouTube connection search Church of the Assumption Moyvane & click on the stained glass window. Please note that Sunday 28th is our final YouTube Mass. I wish to express my thanks to Conor Hogan for his terrific and generous ingenuity in producing 12 YouTube Masses and Holy Week Ceremonies which included Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. These presentations gave all of us a glimpse of our Parish from inside and outside our Churches. Conor certainly has a sensitive eye and a good heart in capturing in picture things that sometimes we may take for granted. Always pleasant to work with, never in bad form and nothing was ever a problem to him to include in the YouTube presentation. On your behalf and certainly on my own behalf, I would like to thank Conor for his great work and wish him well in the future.
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OFFERTORY BOXES: Your new Offertory Boxes will commence on 5th July. They are ready for collection now but we are limited as to how to get them to you. We will try to deliver as many as we can over the coming days. Please note that in keeping with GDPR regulations there are no annual statements included in the boxes. However, those who wish know details of their contributions for 2019 may contact Jacqueline in the Parish Office. In the coming weeks the Annual Parish Financial Report will be available to you. Our Parish Office will reopen to the public on Tuesday July 7th. In the meantime, if you want to book Masses etc you can phone the office on 49308 or email Moyvane@dioceseofkerry.ie.
NOREEN – OUT ON HER OWN: Noreen Roche has really been a fantastic help, blessing and support to our Parish since lockdown on March 14th. Her presence, sensitivity and support at all the funerals has been so very special. Her help with all the YouTube Masses and the flower arrangements for them has been super. Her help and preparation for all the porch Masses, but especially during Novena Masses and her running around the car park with Newsletters, gifts and having an endless supply of batteries for my hands free microphone is mind boggling. Watering flowers inside and outside the Church, organising the weekend collections – her generosity and contributions in so many ways during lockdown has been phenomenal. Thank you so very much Noreen.
LOVELY BLESSINGS DURING THIS TIME
I am deeply appreciative of the following blessings that I continue to receive during these strange times. Masses from the porch door take place so effortlessly each evening with the help of Noreen and her willing helpers.
Shane’s generous help looking after the collections and Shrines is much appreciated at this time – well done Shane.
Margaret Carmody is looking after Knockanure Church in a loving and caring way – well done Margaret.
Readers, musicians, teachers and all who have contributed to the YouTube Masses, a sincere thank you.
Your terrific generosity towards all the collections - Offertory, Dues and Trócaire has been fantastic. In fact last week’s Offertory collection has been the highest since I came to the Parish five years ago €2,022.50. Your Shrine contributions have been great as well.
To our terrific grounds men John Barry, Knockanure and Mike Buckley, Moyvane who have the grounds of both Churches looking so well. On a personal basis Mike is so helpful to me in hundreds of ways and he also blesses my heart with his sense of fun, humour and he’s not a bad man with the camera either!!
To our Church cleaners in Moyvane Noreen O’Flaherty and Margaret Mulvihill who always have the Church looking so radiant and in recent times they have taken on extra work to ensure that every part of the Church is kept to the highest standard of cleanliness. Their dedication to this work is a joy to witness, we thank them sincerely in all they do. Well done Noreen and Margaret, you are a great team!
To Paul, Gerry and all involved in preparing and delivering the dinners from Knockanure Community Centre, well done to one and all.
Finally, to the twenty-six volunteers who are helping the Pastoral Council and myself to insure that the proper procedures are in place for the reopening the Churches.
PLEASE DON’T BE ANXIOUS
I am delighted to announce that Moyvane Church will be opening on Monday 29th June with an evening Mass inside the Church at 7.30pm. Eighty worshipers can attend. Please don’t be anxious – in your own time and when you feel happy and safe to return, I will be there please God to welcome you. In simple terms with the guidance of Health & Safety Officer, Adam Farrell and Ian Coll, Director of Training at Cleanstyle Ltd we have put in place a thorough plan which will include keeping social distancing and a virucidal cleaner which will clean all contact surfaces before and after each Mass. The Pastoral Council, the twenty-six volunteers and myself will insure you that the highest practices in Health & Safety will be adhered to. For our first week, Mass will be each evening in Moyvane Church at 7.30pm. This will be reviewed on a weekly basis with regards to having Mass in Knockanure. Next weekend’s Newsletter, which hopefully will be out on Thursday 25th, will have detailed information as to the procedures we encourage you to follow. Rather than giving you a huge list this weekend which maybe overpowering, there are three main principles to adhere to as we open our Church.
1. Arrive in good time for the celebration approximately from 7.10pm on and be guided by the stewards.
2. Please cooperate fully with the stewards and go to the seat they allot you to. Please do not insist on sitting on your regular seat or staying at the back of the Church. Parents with children please use the side entrance at the car park side and you will shown to family seats.
3. Sunday obligation can be fulfilled by attending any one of these weekday Masses or getting Mass on television or any other form of media.
With good common sense we all know the things to avoid in keeping each other safe from this awful unseen C19 virus. Here in Kerry we were all delighted having gone 28 days without any new cases. Then on Wednesday last we were shocked to hear that three new cases were confirmed. Meanwhile, in Whuan where this virus originated in mid-December 2019 have confirmed this week 13 new cases. Their food markets looked awful on television as they reopened. Have they learned anything? Let us all be alert and let God keep us safe.
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. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
Normally, our Parish would be passing a gift and a blessing to all Father’s attending Eucharist in our Parish this weekend. Unfortunately, this cannot take place. What can take place is our prayerful good wishes and blessings to all Dads on this their very special Sunday. We get an opportunity to pray for them. Even sometimes through failures and contradictions when we reflect enough on them we can see that they did their best in the situations they were in. May all Dads be blessed today with God’s blessings. The Dads that are in Heaven may they continue to pray for us. Enjoy Phil Coulter’s lovely song ‘The Old Man’.
The following is a beautiful reflection which Willie Pearse’s grand-daughter Claire shared lovingly at his funeral Mass.
(Inserted in this week’s Newsletter at the request of Hannah & family)
The love we have for Grandad Willie, will never fade away,
we’ll think of him, our special friend, throughout each passing day.
We’ll walk into the room and see his empty chair; Although we know he’s resting, we’ll feel his presence there.
With the power of the world, he had it in his hand, we’ll sit and laugh together, the memory will withstand.
The memories of his laughter his warm and loving smile, his eyes so full of happiness his heart that of a child.
Memories are forever be they laughter or of tears. Memories we will treasure through all the coming years.
13 June 2020
A KIND AND GENEROUS PARISHIONER: A very kind parishioner, who does not wish to have his name published, has offered financial help toward this weekly Newsletter. I believe the modern term for help like this is called ‘sponsorship’. Many thanks.
GATHERING OF VOLUNTEERS: We have a huge list of essentials that need to be put in place for the reopening of our Churches on June 29th. This Sunday at 3pm, please gather in your cars in Moyvane Car Park and I will speak to you as to the requirements that are needed as to the opening of our Churches, celebrating Mass with a congregation and the distribution of Holy Communion. Ten volunteers will be need per weekend Mass and four volunteers per weekday Mass. We will need stewards at the entrance to sensitively direct social distancing during Communion and people to their seats. We will need cleaners after each Mass who will be provided with the necessary cleaning and PPE. For the first week we will journey sensitively with Masses in Moyvane only. As we progress along the way procedures will be put in place for Knockanure Church. Your cooperation, guidance and any expertise you can offer would be deeply appreciated. So please come in your cars this Sunday at 3pm to discuss what’s best to reopen the Parish for Masses and Sacraments. The over 70’s are off the hook for now.
OUR SACRED HEART NOVENA CONTINUES UNTIL FEAST DAY ON 19th
Daily at 7.30pm in Moyvane (Sunday 11am). See Novena leaflets for the daily themes.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, source of every blessing, I adore you, I am sorry for my sins, I offer myself to you. Make me humble, patient and kind. Keep me close to you now and each day of my life. Protect me from all danger, be with me in joy and in times of sorrow. Give me health of mind and body and bless all that I do. Grant that one day I will be with you in your heavenly home and enjoy the peace and love of your kingdom. O most Sacred Heart of Jesus hear my prayer for (your Novena intention). We place all our trust in you. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved forever.
Amen.
THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi. It is a unique opportunity for each of us to reflect on how we approach the Lord when we come to receive the Body and Blood of Christ and does it make a difference in our life that we receive the Communion on a regular basis? The following is a wonderful example of one man who valued Holy Communion. After many years of distinguished service to one of our great Irish hospitals a surgeon was retiring and a special gathering was held to mark the event. As part of the tribute to him a plaque was unveiled bearing a replica of his hand. Many speeches were made praising the surgeon’s skill and then it came to his turn to say a few words. He noted how many references had been made in the tributes to ‘the skill of the surgeon’s hand’, but he pointed out that the hand itself was controlled by the mind, and then he added something like this:
“But behind the dexterity of the hand and the alertness of the mind there has to be a gentle touch that comes from the heart, a real compassion for one’s patients. Each and every day I felt my heart and life was touched and blessed by the beautiful gift of Holy Communion. Hand, head and heart – and for each of us, as well as surgeons, the greatest of these is heart. And when the heart is moved and touched by Holy Communion we are living life as God intended us to do.
“THE STORMY ROAD”
Gertrude Phillipson wrote her first book entitled ‘The Stormy Road’. Nothing especially remarkable about that you might say, but her publishers though she was remarkable because the book was published on the author’s 100th birthday! She had not even started to write it until she was 93. The forward was by the well-known author George Sava who wrote many books himself. Not only did he express the hope that he would be able to write the introduction to her second novel in due course he stated what so many people believe to be true: “Life does not begin or stop at any age. It goes on from our first day to our last, and Gertrude Phillipson has shown us the way of enjoying it to the full” Jesus came that we may have live and have it to the full.
ON BEING YOURSELF
You must learn that you cannot be loved by all people. You can be the finest apple in the world – ripe, juicy, sweet, succulent and offer yourself to all, but you must remember there will be people who do not like apples. You must understand that if you are the world’s finest apple and someone you love does not like apples you have the choice of becoming a banana. But, you must be warned that if you choose to become a banana, you will be a second rate banana, but you can always be the finest apple. You must realise that if you choose to be a secondrate banana, there will be people who do not like bananas. Furthermore, you can spend your life trying to become the best banana – which is impossible if you are an apple – or you can seek again to be the finest apple.
PRAYER TO ST JOSEPH
God, our heavenly Father, grand us the fortitude of Christ your Son to face the Covid-19 crisis with trust, patience and compassion. Give us the grace of the Holy Spirit to free us from fear and look forward together to the future of healing and hope. Through the intercession of Saint Joseph, the guardian of Jesus and Mary his mother and Mother of the Church, may we be guided through this time of peril. Preserve us in peace; protect the vulnerable; keep safe our health care workers and all who serve society, at home and abroad.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Composed by Fr. Kevin O’Gorman, SMA
ALTAR – ADORE, LOVE, THANK, ASK, REPENT
Lord, when we celebrate Eucharist we are remembering You. May that remembering bring us life here and hereafter. The Eucharist is a symbol of God’s love for us. It challenges us to imitate God’s love in our lives and calls us to go beyond ourselves and touch those we encounter daily. Vatican II tells us about the Eucharist:
Christ is present in the liturgy in four ways
………in the Priest presiding
………in the Word of Scripture read to us
……..in the meal of Bread and Wine
……..in all of us present
If we are honest, many of us come to Mass requesting rather than giving thanks. Sometimes we might wonder with so much turmoil in our lives and in our world, why we should thank God! Eucharist means ‘thanksgiving’. Through our participation in the Eucharist, we thank God for life’s basic gifts – food, clothing, family, friends and for the gift of His only Son. Jesus said to His Apostles: “Do this in memory of me”. We all love to be remembered. This was true even for Jesus, but if we want to be remembered, we have a duty also to remember. Memory is a powerful thing. Wrongly used it brings death; rightly used it brings life and is a form of immortality. It keeps the past alive. Those we remember never die; they continue to walk and talk to us. As children we were taught to pray – A.L.T.A. R. Adore, Love, Thank, Ask, Repent. What better way to raise our hearts to God during Mass.
June 6 2020
. PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Joan McEnery and extended family on the death of her husband Pat Joe whose funeral took place in Moyvane during the week. To Hannah Pearse and family and extended family on the death of her husband Willie whose funeral took place in Moyvane during the week. The death has occurred in Kilburn, England of Mary Shine, wife of the late Dan Shine and brother –in-law of the late Jack Shine, Glin Road.
Sympathy to the Shine family Kilburn (UK), Glin Road and Kilbaha. May Pat Joe, Willie and Mary Rest In Peace. NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART: The annual Novena to the Sacred will take place in my former Church, Church of the Sacred Heart, Western Road, Cork City from the 11th to 19th June. Devotions daily at 10am and 7pm will be live streamed. Just google ‘Missionaries of the Sacred Heart – Live stream’.
FUNERALS: Very many thanks to grieving families who have been so helpful to me in celebrating Mass for their loved ones. I appreciate too that the guards of honour from the Church gate to Brosnan’s Corner are proving supportive to families. I still encourage you not to congregate in the car park but to keep social distancing in mind while in the guard of honour (2meters). With regards to Parish Radio Link, these Masses are going out, but as we are not allowed to share microphones, readings and eulogies cannot be heard on Parish Radio Link, only to those present in the Church. As many of you have requested a copy of the tribute that Áine paid to her loving Dad Mike Joe at his funeral Mass, with this week’s Newsletter, you have that eulogy. BAPTISMS: As we have no clear guidelines as to when Baptisms will commence again or how many can attend them, can I suggest that parents with newly born babies can come if they wish to the porch Masses any evening and I will gladly give the babies a blessing after Mass. Until we have clear guidelines the diary for booking baptisms is not open, but be assured that when it is we will have individual baptisms as had been the custom since I have come to the parish and we will accommodate times and dates for the families.
This Sunday we celebrate the greatest mystery of our faith. We would not know anything about it if God had not revealed it to us. The mystery is this: that God is Father, Son and Spirit. It is not so much something to talk about (for words are totally inadequate), as something to celebrate, pray and live. Lets keep in mind, as we begin the month of June, the beautiful sentiments of the first reading from Exodus. God revealed Himself to Moses on Mount Sinai as a God of TENDERNESS and COMPASSION. Moses begged God to accompany his
stubborn people on their journey to the Promised Land. The second reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians gives a blessing to the Christians at Corinth, which we use as a greeting at the start of each Mass. While in the Gospel from John we are consoled by such a lovely message. God the Father sent His Son to us, not to condemn us, but to save us. May the love and protection of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit continue to keep us all safe and well.
DON’T BE SILENT IN THE FACE OF EVIL
I really believe that one of the greatest crimes we can be guilty of is silence in the face of injustice. It amounts to cowardice; more than that we share the guilt of injustice we could have prevented. Silence is the universal crime of decent people. A few years before my Dad died his shop was robbed a few times. He still preserved to his last breath in keeping his proud shop open. All I got when I went up to him to spend a few days was silence from the people. It made me sad, but Dad approached it differently. He was serving the great people he knew and loved – the few thugs were not going to make him bitter or force him to close. Think back in history, it was the silence of the majority of Germans which allowed Hitler and his evil few to exterminate millions of Jewish people. And it was the silence of white Americans that allowed the murder of Martin Luther King. The silence and lack of involvement from the three police officers which allowed the awful death of George Floyd in the States last week. It was the silence of the vast majority of Priests and Bishops which allowed 5% of priests to destroy trust in the lives of young innocent children. Silence is not golden.
MY PRIESTHOOD HAS CHANGED
Since lockdown and all that goes with it, I must confess, my priesthood has changed. I feel like a prophet of a future not my own. These days it has helped me to step back and take a long view. The Kingdom is not only beyond my efforts, it is even beyond my vision. I have thank God, to the best of my ability remained focused on service – which priesthood calls us to each and every day. While there are loads of times I fail on this call, I am ever conscious of the Jesus of Emmaus warming my heart with His love, compassion and forgiveness. The month of June has always been so special to me because of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and I am delighted that He is helping me to realise many lovely and encouraging things. I think we accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete which I think is a positive way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statements say all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral plan brings wholeness. No programme accomplishes the Churches mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything. In these times of new grace, I think this is what you and I are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities. I am fast realising these days that I cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realising that. So I try my best to do something and do it to the best of my ability. I too well know, these efforts may be incomplete but it is a beginning, a step along the way. An opportunity for God’s grace to enter and do the rest. I will never see the end results, but that is the difference between the ‘master builder’ and the ‘worker’. These days are the best days of my priesthood. I am a willing worker in the Kingdom, not a master builder – Minister not Messiah. I am delighted that my humble and feeble efforts have made me realise that I am a prophet of the future not my own. Let’s continue to support each other in prayer. Thanks.
OUR SACRED HEART NOVENA BEGINS NEXT THURSDAY 11th
The Sacred Heart Novena consists of nine days of praying the Novena prayer and attending Eucharist. These Masses will be celebrated at the porch door in Moyvane Church from 11th to the 19th. Our YouTube Mass on the 14th is a Novena Mass. For those of you who are unable to attend the following is the Novena prayer.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, source of every blessing, I adore you, I am sorry for my sins, I offer myself to you. Make me humble, patient and kind. Keep me close to you now and each day of my life. Protect me from all danger, be with me in joy and in times of sorrow. Give me health of mind and body and bless all that I do. Grant that one day I will be with you in your heavenly home and enjoy the peace and love of your kingdom. O most Sacred Heart of Jesus hear my prayer for (your Novena intention). We place all our trust in you. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved forever.
Amen.
Please note that there will be two boxes in the car park (next to Easter Water point) for Novena Intentions – one for intentions that can be prayed for publically (not including names) and the other strictly private which will be at the Altar for each evening Mass. Be assured that I am the only one that has access to these intentions. Each evening after Mass both these boxes will be kept at my prayer space in the Presbytery.
Novena prayer leaflets can be picked up at Holly’s, Noel’s and at the porch Masses in preparation for Thursday.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved forever.
ENDLESS EXCUSES FOR REJOYCING
In Malaysia so I am told, there is a very nice custom of celebrating some aspects of nature with a party. Guests are invited to join in a contemplative evening such as a moon party where they are expected to relax and enjoy viewing the rising moon. A peaceful way to spend time in a busy life! Other opportunities that come to mind are watching the sun rise in the morning, listening to the dawn chorus, the start of a new season or the fruits of our garden celebration. Think of all the good things we could celebrate if we really put our mind to it, whether we choose to do it on our own or in the company of a few friends. The lovely things around us can provide us with endless excuses for rejoicing.
ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY CONFERENCE: will be exclusively live on Radio Maria Ireland from
5.30pm on Saturday. Saorview TV channel 210; Listen on www.radiomaria.ie, download the Radio Maria Ireland App to your smartphone or tablet, listen through the Radio Maria Ireland Facebook Page or listen live by calling the landline number +353 1 4373 277.
A BIG SHOUT OUT: To Paul and Gerry and the Knockanure Community Centre who continue to provide beautiful meals each day (Mon-Fri) for us and thanks to those who deliver them. Thank you also to Marie and Mary who provide some meals on Saturdays and Sundays. Well done to all.
TOGETHER WE CAN………
Since mid-March, I have, to the best of my ability, tried to maintain spiritual and pastoral support for all in the Parish and beyond. As we head to July 20th, the Parish Pastoral Council and myself will need a support team of parishioners (ideally with suitable expertise …….medical, health & safety, project management, crowd control etc) who would help us implement Diocesan guidelines. We need generous parishioners who have personal skills to serve as stewards and who are willing to supervise the sanitizing of seating areas etc to the required standard. A whole parish effort could have the benefit of making it successful and easy to adapt to the new norm. While we enter a new era, it might be more effective in terms of facilitating numbers and maintaining hygiene to celebrate Mass initially in Moyvane Church. Depending on how we progress there then we can judge how safe it would be to take it to Knockanure. Outdoor Liturgical celebrations may be contemplated subject to adjustment in Government restrictions. Delightful news that Holy Communion will be distributed and I am delighted that the perspex frames that I had made last week complies with the distribution of Holy Communion – with an opening at hand level. I would urge any parishioners who can help out to contact me by phone on 49308 or email moyvane@dioceseofkerry.ie or engage with your nearest Pastoral Council member who are as follows: Michelle Mulvihill, Mary O’Flaherty, Elizabeth Brosnan, Mary Fitzgerald, Margaret Horgan, P.J. Mulvihill, Joanne O’Connor, Kay O’Hanlon and Eileen Roche. Depending on the plans we put in place will determine how we move forward. So let’s engage and prepare for the 20th. We can do it – and if we do the Parish will continue to be a delight and inspiration to its parishioners who deserve the best. May God bless, protect and motivate all of us in helping and looking out for each other. Stay safe, strong and well.
DAY OF PRAYER LIVE FROM CATHEDRAL: The Proposed Day of Prayer for the Parish Eucharistic Adoration Groups has been postponed. In its place there will be a Holy Hour streamed from the Cathedral on Thursday evening 04th June at 8.00p.m. streaming from Cathedral. Access the streaming via the Cathedral website.
SACRED HEART NOVENA: Novena to the Sacred Heart will commence on Thursday 11th June and will conclude on the Feast of the Sacred Heart Friday 19th. More details in next week’s Newsletter.
Unfortunately, there are still restrictions on First Friday calls, however, I want to assure all that I call to in Duagh, Knockanure and Moyvane of continual remembrance in my Masses and prayers.
CHANGED PEOPLE
This is the day ‘Pentecost Sunday’ when Jesus true to His promise sent His Spirit on His Apostles. The coming of the Spirit resulted in changed people and so the launching of the new community (The Church). This great day renews the gift of the Spirit in all of us and in His Church. Heading to July 20th, may the Spirit inspire and encourage each and every one of us to prepare for the new Church. May the Spirt enlighten the darkness of our minds and soften the hardness of our hearts. Kindle in each of us the fire of your love. Let’s hope and pray, like the disciples, we all change for the better.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: To Dan Joe Riordan, Moyvane South who celebrated a special birthday in the Friday sunshine. Dan Joe is very special to us in the parish and we wish him many happy returns on his birthday.
MONDAY 20TH JULY
LET US ALL PREPARE WELL FOR THAT DAY
Anticipating that Monday July 20th (seven weeks’ time) is the proposed date for the opening of the Churches, which please God, we will have Masses with a congregation. The same as me, I know you are all looking forward to some relief from the restrictions which have been with us from last March. While this date may excite us, it is vitally important to keep in mind that Covid-19 virus remains at some level in our parish and indeed right across our country. It will be there until such a time that as an effective vaccine is readily available and in active use. Human behaviour both within our parish and across our country has been very successful at keeping Covid-19 at bay. The very clear evidence of recent weeks has been that the most important factors in reducing the spread of infection have been the strict adherence to physical distance and hand hygiene. Please, please be aware that our return to Masses, Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals will have to be gradual and cautious. Common sense will have to prevail. The date July 20th is the proposed reopening date laid out in the HSE and Government directives from the ‘Road Map for Reopening Society and Businesses’ (issued 1st May, 2020). Please note that this date may change depending on the progress that has been made.
ONE OF OUR OWN –
FR. BRENDAN O’CALLAGHAN THE EYES HAVE IT!
This coming Friday, June 5th, Knockanure native Fr. Brendan celebrates 60 years of Priesthood. Born on 16th September, 1936, Fr. Brendan, is a man of great passion, humanity and vitality. His many activities over the years aptly demonstrate this in what has been a beautiful Priesthood. However, if one examines these, one cannot help but notice that they are all still driven by one underlying passion - the tremendous desire to spread the Good News in building up the Kingdom of God. Limited as we are in these times with all special celebrations I will celebrate the porch Mass from Moyvane Church on Anniversary day June 5th at 7.30pm. Fr. Brendan will be in his ‘famous blue car’ and his great pal also Knockanure native Fr. Tom McMahon, will be present in his own car too. Family were and still are so important to Fr. Brendan. He is the last of his family, all others have gone before him marked with the sign of faith. In his own words he gives us a glimpse of his parents and family, how his vocation started Fr. Brendan as a Priest’s and where it took him to. Fr. Brendan shares the following: meeting in Nottingham “I owe everything to a loving family who had a great sense of parish and community.
My father Pádraig RIP (from Dingle) came to Knockanure as head teacher and married local girl Bessie Cronin
RIP. My brothers Austin (RIP, January 1982) died while serving as a curate in the Parish of Lixnaw, Tony (RIP, September 2006) taught in Moyvane before being moved to Listowel. My sister Mairead (RIP, January 2014) taught in Knockanure before she moved to Clarinbridge, Galway. I was ordained on 5th June, 1960 and retired in 2003. I remember vividly Fr. James Leahy (RIP), first of many priests from Knockanure school challenged me (at half time of a football match in Listowel sports field) “Brendan we need priests in Nottingham”. There began the journey we are celebrating, joining with neighbour and fellow parishioner Fr. Tom McMahon serving in the Nottingham Diocese. By the 29th June that year, I was at St. Peter’s, Leicester, hence my loyalty to ‘The Blues’ Leicester City Football Club and Leicester Tigers Rugby Club”. We all wish Fr. Brendan continued good health and blessings, ad multos annos.
CONFIRMANDI 2020: It was a great blessing that our confirmation children this year received the sacrament on Tuesday 25th February. A beautiful celebration it was from both schools and all families involved. This Pentecost day please pray for those young hearts that received the Holy Spirit, long life and happiness to them. They are as follows: Murhur N.S Katelyn Casey, Cian Fitzgerald, David Hunt, Darragh Scanlon, Caoimhe O’Connor, Meave Ahern, David Brassil, Muiris Kearney, James Kissane, Seán Scanlon, Abbie O’Sullivan, Joshua
Nestor, Donnacha O’Connor, Aoife Scanlon, Rebecca Roche, Mikala Mulvihill, Eamonn Bowler, Kiegan Moloney, Conor Mulvihill. Scoil Chorp Chríost: Blathnaid Keane, Grace Barrett, Hazel Barrett, Jack Buckley, Brona O’Connor, Chlo e Moore, Chloe Kennelly, Chloe Walsh, Tommy Clancy, Rachel O’Connor.
May 23 2020.
JESUS BECOMES LORD OF CREATION
As we celebrate this weekend, the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus, we celebrate the crowing of His Easter victory over sin and death. It is a joyous day, a day to look upwards at where Jesus our Brother sits in glory at the right hand of the Father. Our destiny is to share in that glory of Jesus. We often forget this and pursue goals that are not worthy of our calling. As we begin our Masses this weekend on this lovely Feast, let us confess our sins honestly, asking Jesus to help us to rise above them.
A QUICK LOOK AT THE READINGS
The First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, this describes the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven and his promise to send His Holy Spirit on His disciples. Second Reading from the Ephesians, Paul describes the meaning of the Ascension which means that God the Father raised Jesus above all earthly powers and made Him not only head of the Church but Lord of Creation. The Gospel, Jesus commissions the Apostles to make disciples of all nations and He promises to remain with them always. These are very encouraging readings in these very anxious times as we prepare to receive the Holy Spirit next weekend Pentecost Sunday. We are also assured that the loving presence of Jesus is with us always. May that presence continue to guide, protect and encourage us to remain healthy, strong and safe.
CORRECT TITLE
I think that is a bit unfortunate that my venture of having the Masses in the porch of Moyvane Church with cars in the car park facing that door has been labeled ‘Drive-thru’ Masses. The correct title should be ‘Mass from the Porch’. I have been utterly amazed by the response from parishioners who join me for the Rosary at 7.15pm and stay for Mass at 7.30pm and prayerfully join with me from their cars. It has been a great uplift to me and many have said it has been uplifting for them as well. Newsletters will be available on Friday in both Churches and also from Holly’s and Noel’s. They are also available outside the front door of the Presbytery (weather permitting). Churches open from 10am to 5pm daily.
GETTING A NEW FOCUS – YES OR NO?
While we can contribute to the lives of other at a distance, the sort of service that is mutual is usually handmade, something that happens in a deeply personal way between two people. At such times, we may come to know the true value and worth of our lives. That kind of service that transforms us the most has our fingerprints on it. It is rarely accomplished by simply signing a cheque. At the age of 47 Donal’s path and my path crossed in a Dublin Hospital where I was working as a Deacon preparing Priesthood. A very successful businessman who had patented a part of a medical intervention. For more than 15 years he was the director of a small but successful company that manufactured and distributed these parts worldwide. Donal was a fine businessman and a shrewd investor. Lovely nature and a man who travelled widely. Looking at him, one would have to be impressed with his life and achievements. He was in hospital because he was diagnosed with lung cancer. His diagnosis had shaken him badly. I was expecting him to be silent and depressed about the hopelessness of his situation, but that was not the case. There was a lot else on his mind “I have wasted my life Kevin”, he told me. “I have three children and my lovely wife couldn’t take anymore and left me. I support all of them but I
don’t know any of them. I never took the time to know them or anyone else. I have spent my life doing business building my company from my garage to what it is today. I’ve nothing behind me but a lot of money”
He looked away and shook his head, “What an old fool! A stupid old fool, Kevin, that’s what I have been”. What Donal invented and that his company manufactures is a part of a medical device that enables people whose chronic disease was previously unmanageable to live almost normally. By a very strange coincidence, a lay member of the Pastoral Care Team was able to be with us because he had the device. He was speechless when he discovered that Donal was in hospital. Donal was surprised that I knew a patient who used his invention. He was thrilled when asked could this pastoral worker meet him. They got on great which resulted in Donal, after a few weeks in hospital, was invited to the pastoral worker’s home. Present was his family and extended family who thanked Donal for giving this pastoral worker a new lease of life. “You saved my life and I was delighted. As a result of your creative device, I got the opportunity to work in the hospital. You need to know Donal that you have touched and changed lives for the better”. There were tears of joy at that dinner gathering. “How many of these things do your company make each year Donal?” I asked. He smiled and looked at me. “Kevin, it is close on ten thousand”, Donal replied softly. “Up to today I just knew the numbers. I had no idea what they meant” So far from being a stupid old fool, Donal was a very good man who lost his focus. His sickness, the chats and above all the experience from the pastoral worker gave him a new direction and a new focus. Slowly he, his wife and his children got an opportunity to make up for lost time. They began to talk and have time with each other and were beginning to get comfortable in each other’s presence. Love, family, life, friendship were now far more important than his business and money. Are you getting a new focus during these shut down days, or are you getting angry at the slow pace in returning to the old normal?
NOTICED AND ADMIRED
I was admiring a beautiful flower arrangement recently when I asked the person who had done it. “What’s the secret?”. “Well Fr. Kevin”, she smiled. “Flowers come in all shapes and sizes and some attract more attention than others. I try to show the best in all of them. I think every flower deserves to be noticed and admired, no matter how small and humble”. Isn’t it the same with people?
MURHUR N.S. FIRST HOLY COMMUNICANTS
Delighted to acknowledge and appreciate the children from Murhur N.S. who should have made their First Holy
Communion on Saturday 23rd. My sincere thanks to the school and in particular to class teacher Deborah O’Flaherty and Principal Maria O’Regan and the entire staff for their help in honouring the children. Our prayerful blessings and support to their parents and their families. Please God Knockanure and Moyvane will have First Holy Communion later this year.
MOYVANE PARISH NEWSLETTER
INCORPORATING THE CHURCH OF ASSUMPTION MOYVANE
AND THE CHURCH OF CORPUS CHRISTI KNOCKANURE
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: To Terry & Mary O’Brien, Glin Road on the sudden death of Terry’s brother Mick in Limerick whose funeral took place in Limerick. To James & Mary Ita Ahern, Athea on the death of James’ uncle Seán Ahern, Tarmons, Tarbert whose funeral took place on Thursday. To Finbarr Prendiville and loving family, Carrueragh on the death his wife Anne whose funeral took place in Moyvane on Friday. To Sheila Stack & family, Moyvane South on the death of her brother-in-law Tom Stack, Ennis & l/o Moyvane South. Private funeral will take place next week in Ennis. May Mick, Seán and Anne and Tom Rest In Peace.
REOPENING OF OUR CHURCHES: In compliance with Diocesan regulations we will reopen both Churches for private prayer on Wednesday 20th May. As this is still a nervous time for all of us, at the entrance, there will be simple but effective directives and it is hoped that all entering the Churches will adhere strictly to these.
GRAINS OF CARING
Two brothers worked together on the family farm. One was married and had a large family. The other was single. At the day’s end, the brothers shared everything equally produced and profit. Then one day the single brother said to himself, “It’s not right that we should share equally the produce and profit. I’m alone and my needs are simple”. So each night he took a sack of grain and dumped it into his brother’s bin. Both brothers were very puzzled for years because their supply of grain never dwindled. Then one dark night the two brothers bumped into each other. Slowly it dawned on them what was happening. They dropped their sacks and embraced one another. We have often heard it said that love is sharing and caring. The Holy Spirit will help us to put love into practise. Weren’t they lovely brothers!!
RIPE BERRIES
A Dad and his son were travelling through a dense forest when his young son complained he was hungry. Suddenly the little boy spots a patch of ripe berries and begins picking them and eating them. When the hour grows dangerously late, the boy couldn’t bring himself to leave the patch. What could his poor Dad do? He loved his son in spite of his childish behaviour. His Dad says, “I will start out; you may stay a few minutes longer, but to make sure we don’t get separated, keep calling, ‘Dad! Dad!’ I will answer you but as soon as my voice begins to fade, come running”. I feel that is a parable for these days. It reminds me of the need to keep united to God through prayer. Prayer is so vital in these days of separation.
Anne, A Teacher With A Difference
People die in character in much the same way they have lived. This is totally true in the case of much loved and respected Anne Prendiville who died last Wednesday surrounded by Finbar, Robert, Emer and extended family. Having no sooner gotten our heads and hearts around the news of her serious illness, now we are shocked and numbed by her quick death. Having taught in Murhur N.S. for close on 33 years, Anne shared a great legacy in the fact that some of her pupils ended up sending their children to be taught by her.
A great teacher who never left anything to chance and looked out for those pupils who needed that extra bit of care. Her faith and the beautiful way she practised it was a joy to behold. Anne and Finbar were a great team and Robert and Emer are testimony to that. I have invited former work colleagues Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Mary B. Curtin and a parent Carmel O’Connor who was taught by Anne and her children were taught by her too to pin a few lines in appreciation, which they gladly accepted. Carmel’s tribute is on the back page.
Gabriel reflects………
Anne Prendiville joined the staff of Murhur National School, Moyvane, in 1982 having previously taught in Clondalkin in Dublin city. Initially she taught the senior classes but eventually she moved to her beloved infant room where she proved to be an inspired and dedicated educator. Never boastful, she took great pride in her pupils for whom she wanted the very best. She had the pleasure of teaching her two children, Robert and Emer, during her long years of service in the school. A fine teacher, a loyal colleague and friend, she loved to engage with her pupils who held her in high affection and esteem. A highlight of the school year was the annual Christmas pageant she produced with her infant classes where her highly developed sense of drama and deep religious conviction was evident in the commitment and passion of the young actors. Anne retired in December 2015 after a lifetime of service to the school and to the community. In her private life she loved to read. Indeed she was an avid book collector whose library was a veritable repository of first editions that included a comprehensive collection of books by the writers of North Kerry. She was also a connoisseur of antiques and wooden artifacts of which she had a large collection from many countries. She had a great interest in all things religious and since her retirement visited the Holy Land on three occasions, the last being at Christmas 2019. A lifelong learner she continued her interest particularly in history after she retired. Anne was a proud woman – proud of her family, proud of her school, proud of her parish. It was always a pleasure to be in her company. There was nothing she loved more than to be at home with her family in Carrueragh. Her death leaves them, and us, under a great pall of sadness. But, woman of faith that she was, we know that she is looking down on us from the heaven that is her reward. Our deepest sympathy goes to Finbar, Robert and Emer, her daughter-inlaw Mairéad and loved grandson Finn and loving sister Ena and extended family who are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Solas na bhFlaitheas dá hanam uasal.
Mary B reflects……
Our school community has been hit with such sadness as we have learned of the passing of our former colleague and teacher Anne Prendiville. Anne was a wonderful teacher who nurtured all the children who she taught. She had such a love for every child under her care. She was a mother-figure to them all. Her knowledge was immense and that shone through in the children that left her classroom. She had a love of nature and her nature walks to the wood were definitely a great source of knowledge. She had such a green finger and enjoyed planting seeds and flowers with the children. Anne also was a dear colleague and great friend to the staff of our school. We all have fond memories of our time together. It was a pleasure for some of our staff to have been taught by Anne in their primary school days and to teach with her also in Murhur N.S. She would tell you about the history of Moyvane in a heartbeat and if you needed to know about ancestry she was the person to go to. We keep her in our prayers today. Our heartfelt sympathies we send to her loving family who she treasured so much, her husband Finbar, son Robert and daughter Emer, her daughter in law Mairéad, adored grandson Finn, her sister Ena and family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam díl
PRAYERS & SYMPATHY: The death has occurred of Nora Smith (née Lane), l/o Kilmorna who has died in London in her 96th year. Mass for the happy repose of Nora will be at a later date. May Nora rest in peace. OPEN AIR MASSES: With no clear directives coming from the Church, it is simply trial and error at the moment on how best to keep contact with parishioners. On Wednesday last we had Mass through bell speakers in Moyvane Church. It is hoped to relay the Masses Monday to Saturday in these speakers, starting each evening with the Rosary at 7.15pm. You are free, if you so wish, to come in your cars and prayerfully listen and respond to the Rosary and the Mass. If you think this connection with Rosary and Mass is helpful to you at this time, please feel free to drive into the large car park in Moyvane Church.
MASS CARDS: With the office remaining closed for the foreseeable future, Mass cards for the deceased and Mass bouquet cards are available from Holly’s Gala. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff for being so helpful. I wish to assure you that a lot of my priest colleagues within and outside the Diocese who celebrate Mass daily are most appreciative of these intentions.
ST. JOHN'S TRALEE: have launched an online ZOOM Adult Faith Formation experience which comprises of 7 programs varying from Grief & Loss, Faith & Addiction, The Gospel of Matthew, & Living Laudato Si. Programs run for 30/45 minutes, one day a week for 3 or 4 weeks. If interested email paddy.daly@stjohns.ie to find out more & to register your interest.
POPE FRANCIS INVITES: everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary…..you have an ideal opportunity to join us in Moyvane Church Car Park at 7.15pm Monday to Saturday. The full text of Pope Francis’ letter and the prayers are on the diocesan website – https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/2020/04/bishop-ray-suggests-turn-to-our-lady/ SCOIL CHROP CHRIOST: The children along with their teacher Ms. McDermott were due to celebrate their First Holy Communion this Saturday 9th in Knockanure Church. I know that they are very sad and disappointed but they are prayerfully remembered in our Mass this Sunday (available on YouTube). Our sincere thanks to Ms. McDermott and Mrs Donegan for their help with this Sunday’s Liturgy.
NOTICES:
CLOTHES BANK: With so many having lots of time to declutter unwanted items from their homes these past six weeks, I have arranged for a clothes bank to be set up in Moyvane Church Car Park. As so many are still restricted from travelling and with Charity Shops closed we now have a facility in the Car Park to take unwanted clothing. I am assured it will be emptied on a weekly basis. These clothes will go to help those in need. Thank you in advance for your support.
MAY ALTARS: Those of you with May Altars in your homes may like to avail of a special treat to be included in our YouTube Mass on Sunday 17th. Photograph your May Altar at home with a brief greeting for your loved ones watching in various parts of the world. The greetings can be in the form of artwork placed in front of your May Altar or a WhatsApp voice message (no more than ten seconds otherwise it may not be included). You can send your picture along with your message to Conor Hogan on 089/4252896 no later than 2pm Wednesday 13th. So get WhatsApping kind parishioners!!
TURNING TO GOD IN THE TIME OF CRISIS
At this stage you must be sick and tired of I reminding you that I was born in the mid 50’s in Cooraclare. A good friend of mine born around the same time tells this story……“As a young boy in the mid 50’s he was struck down by pneumonia. His family lived in a very rural part of West Clare that neither had a Doctor, nor were near a hospital. Not Cooraclare, I quickly add! His Dad was working away from home on the week that he got sick. His Mum was home alone with no phone and no car. Frightened and completely without resources she came to his sick bed, knelt beside it, pinned on a medal of St. Therese (The Little Flower) to his pyjamas and prayed to St. Therese in words to this effect: ‘I am trusting you Little Flower to ask God to make my child better, tell Him I am going to remain kneeling here until his fever breaks’. Both my friend and his loving mother eventually fell asleep, he in his sick bed and she kneeling beside it. When they both woke up some hours later, his fever had broken. My friend shares this story not to claim that some kind of miracle took place (though who is to judge) but to make a different point – namely how his loving Mum, in a situation of fragility and helplessness dropped to her knees and turned to God as if by natural instinct. Contrast that if you will, to the response of our Catholic Church to C19 when it arrived in Ireland. We certainly did not respond like that mother in turning to God first. Our first reaction as a Church was fear and fear dictated the responses we made. As a result Holy Week, Easter and the Easter Season was shut down. We let the Government and the HSE run everything, which of course was absolutely correct. But in the whole process we didn’t make any religious response to the people. Masses appeared in all forms of social media which to a certain extent kept some people connected, but those who had no access to social media were completely cut off. Easter readings even palms for Palm Sunday were all discarded. That mother all those years ago had love and gratitude in her heart. We don’t need to have fear instilled in us but rather gratitude. It is only when we realise that we are not in control of our lives and our safety is in the hands of our great and loving God that gratitude will blossom within us. Only then can we bend our knees in gratitude both when we are joyous and fearful. A prayer kind reader that as a Church we can talk and listen to each other with love.
DEATH OF FORMER PARISH PRIEST
At the time of going to press with this Newsletter, news had just reached us of the death of Canon Michael Fleming, P.P. Killorglin. Many of you will remember Fr. Michael who served in this parish from 2001 to 2003 as P.P. At all Diocesan gatherings whenever I encountered him he would always ask lovingly how was everything in Moyvane and Knockanure. He enjoyed his time in our parish. His sudden death is a huge shock to his family, to parishioners in Killorglin and to his priest colleagues in the Diocese. I ask you to keep Canon Michael in your prayers and especially his family who are distraught at his sudden
death. Still in the Easter season may he enjoy the Eucharist face to face with the Lord whom he served generously and faithfully for so many years as a priest. May he rest in peace. At a later stage please God we will have a Mass for the repose of his soul in the parish.
EASTER WATER AND NEWSLETTERS: Both of the aforementioned are available on Fridays in front of
Knockanure Church and outside the Presbytery door. The Newsletters are also available in Noel’s and Holly’s. As the weekday Masses are going out over the tannoy Monday to Saturday, you can keep up to date on who the intentions are for through the Newsletter.
May 1 2020
ARE YOU WILLING TO PUT YOURSELF OUT FOR OTHERS?
Dr. Martin Luthur King wrote: “One night I had just got into bed and was about to doze off when the phone rang. An angry voice at the other end said ‘Listen, nigger, we’ve taken all we want from you; before next week, you’ll be sorry you ever came to Montgomery’. I hung up, shaking and sleep would not come. It was as if all my fears coalesced into one giant terror. I got out of bed and began to walk the floor. Finally, I went to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. I was ready to give up. With my cup of coffee sitting untouched before me, I tried to think of a way to move out of the picture without appearing a coward. In this state of exhaustion, I tried to take my problem to God. With my head in my hands, I bowed over the kitchen table and prayed aloud. The words I spoke to God that night are still vivid in my memory. ‘Lord, I am here taking a stand for what I believe is right but now I am afraid that people are looking to me for leadership, and if I do not stand before them with strength and courage, they also will falter. I am at the end of my powers, I have nothing left, I can’t face it alone.’ At that moment, I experienced the presence of God as I have never experienced Him before, it seems I heard the quiet assurance of God’s voice saying: ‘Stand up for righteousness, stand up for truth and I will be at your side’. My fears evaporated, my uncertainty disappeared, I was ready to follow God and face anything”. This weekend – Good Shepherd Sunday – where Jesus depicts Himself as the Good Shepherd, as one prepared to die for His sheep. To what extent are we willing to put ourselves out for others? Martin was assassinated on 4th April, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.
SEÁN AND MYSELF SAME AGE BUT……
Talented and gifted Seán O’Rourke of RTÉ fame, brilliant interviewer, who did an excellent job with RTÉ for so many years retires this coming week. He claims he would have liked to continue and that the law against over 65’s is ageist – which compels those who reach 65 to retire. That law does not apply to priests. Seán and myself are the same age, just a few months between us, God willing I will be 65 in October, while Seán retires, my work load gets bigger and bigger. Three funerals in the parish since lockdown and two in neighbouring parishes. These funerals are so painful and sad for the families as they are so restricted in how to honour and celebrate their loved ones lives. I find these funerals so hard and uncomfortable. Celebrating a funeral Mass for someone you don’t know and not being able to visit the family to get a beautiful pin picture of their loved ones lives. Phone contact is just bearable and people don’t know what to say when you ask them for some information about the person who has died. I will please God continue to be available to celebrate funerals when called upon to do so. Ideally, I would love such funerals to come to Moyvane Church – plenty of space and I am the only priest who celebrates Mass there, but I equally acknowledge that for families at this vulnerable time their local Church has more meaning. He/she always went to such and such a Mass etc., comes very much into play and it means so much for the family to gather in their own Church. While a little nervous, as funerals increase, I will, with the help of God continue to celebrate these Masses. Your prayerful support for me is vital at this time. Continue to keep me in your daily prayers. Thank you.
BEARING WITNESS WITH TENDERNESS
Nursing Homes have been in the headlines this past weeks. My prayers and healing thoughts are with all who live in them and work in them. Back in the mid-seventies, I spent many of my summer holidays, while training for the priesthood working in a Nursing Home in Dublin. Some of our elderly priests were residents there. Fr. Tommy was one such resident. After a dozen years, Alzheimer’s disease had virtually destroyed his brain, erasing his memories and with them all of his sense of who he was. The summer I met him, he was adrift and frightened, given to pacing back and forth in a seemingly endless fashion filled with a nameless anxiety. Such repetitive pacing is common in people at the last stage of this disease, almost as if they are being driven to search for something hopelessly lost. All the staff’s efforts to ease Fr. Tommy’s fear had failed. For a long time Fr. Tommy was at rest only when he slept. His unending movement had caused him to become painfully thin. Then one day, quite by accident, as he passed the full-length mirror that hung on the corridor near the day room, he caught sight of his own reflection in the mirror. Becoming still for the first time in many months he stood before it, fascinated, an odd expression on his face. Fr. Tommy looked as if he had just met a friend from years ago, someone whose face was vaguely familiar but whose connection to oneself cannot be immediately recalled. As a result of his disease, Fr. Tommy had not spoken in many months, but drawn to the image in the mirror for reason long forgotten, he began to speak a language all of his own. Day after day he would stand and talk to the man in the mirror for hours on end. It made him calm. The Nurses welcomed this new behaviour with relief. His endless pacing and anxiety had made him very different to care for.
Accustomed to much random senseless behaviour with very many patients they paid little further attention to how Fr. Tommy spent his time. They were delighted that he was quiet and peaceful in front of the mirror. But his Doctor saw this differently. Every day on his rounds, he would stop at the mirror and spent some time with Fr. Tommy. Standing next to him he too would talk to the man in the mirror with his usual kindness and respect. Once at the end of his longer chats with Fr. Tommy’s reflection, he was deeply moved to notice that Fr. Tommy had tears in his eyes. I had tears in my eye too as I witnessed this from a distance. I could also see that the Doctor was deeply moved too. Unable to cure his patient’s brutal disease, this true physician instinctively strengthened Fr. Tommy’s last connection to himself with his simple and caring presence and validated his worth a human being. I know so many these days who are bringing a simple and caring presence to so many who are ill, lonely, frightened and lots more. Let us all continue to be Easter people. Let us make time to contact each other. Bearing witness with tenderness indeed.
LIGHTS OF HOPE: Each evening after my Mass while praying my Rosary, I light candle at both Shrines in Moyvane Church. During the day there is big candle lighting continually and also there is a specially erected light depicting a candle in the lawn of the Presbytery. With these lights I continually pray that this time of darkness and vulnerability will soon be lifted and the light and love of the Jesus of Easter will make us new in mind, heart and memory. Alleluia!
24 April 2020
THE TIME IS NOW
If you are ever going to love me,
Love me now, while I can know
The sweet and tender feelings
Which from true affection flow.
Love me now while I am living,
Do not wait until I am gone
And then have it chiselled in marble,
Sweet words on ice-cold stone.
If you have tender thoughts of me,
Please tell me now,
If you wait until I am sleeping, never to awaken,
There will be death between us,
And I won’t hear you then.
So if you love me, even a little bit,
Let me know it while I am living,
So I can treasure it,
These are ideal days to put the above sentiments into practise – the time is now.
NOTICES
KILPADOGUE-MOYVANE-KNOCKANURE COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIP FUND: Given the current
Government restrictions EirGrid has taken the decision to extend the deadline for applications to the Kilpadogue-Moyvane-Knockanure Community Sponsorship Fund until the 3rd July 2020.
MINISTER CANNEY WELCOMES YOUNG SOCIAL INNOVATORS “OPEN CALL TO TEENAGERS” FOR SOLUTIONS TO THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19: The Young Social Innovators have launched an ‘Open Call to Teenagers’. This initiative invites teenagers to create, explore and make a difference around the issues caused by the Coronavirus. The ‘Open Call’ is asking young people for their ideas on how to tackle the problems in their communities. Young Social Innovators believe that young people have a powerful role to play and their ideas and voices are important. The ‘Open Call’ will run from 20th April until 31st May and is open to young people aged between 13-19. For more information visit: youngsocialinnovators.ie. or the Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office 076-1006843 / 087-1734633 Press.office@drcd.gov.ie
HAD IT TO SPARE – SO WE DECIDED TO SHARE: Young parishioners Mikala and Shíona are dedicated Alter Servers in Moyvane Church. I wish to acknowledge their generosity and dedicated service. I was deeply touched when their loving parents volunteered both of them to paint the wooden fence around Moyvane Church. Having already painted their own fences at home they had paint to spare. They both worked very willingly and did an excellent job. Well done to Mikala and Shíona on these Easter days. Your generosity was fantastic.
BIRTHDAYS: To the young and not so old who have had birthdays over the past six weeks, our prayerful blessings. No celebrations, no get together especially for the children, so painful, so difficult. This humble Newsletter, invites all of you to sing aloud right now Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to all who have missed out because of C19, Happy birthday to you. Hip, Hip, Hurray!!
CANDLES AND LIGHTS: Each evening in Moyvane Church I light candles praying that the Lord will continue to keep us all safe and well in these trying times. This week in front of the Presbytery there is a special light that comes on each night from 9pm to Midnight reminding all of us to continue to keep in our prayers the Frontline Workers who are helping all of us immensely at this time. May the Lord continue to bless and guide them. I ring the bells in Moyvane Church a quarter of an hour and a minute before Mass starts and the Jubilee bell is rung after Mass finishes. These bells invite all of us to keep the prayers going.
TEN SECOND SERMONS
• Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom
• Gratitude is the best attitude
• Admit your errors before someone exaggerates them
. Isn’t it a great blessing since we shut down that we have had no C19 deaths in our Parish. One of our oldest parishioners, Betty Moody, Woodgrove, who has overcomeC19 and returned to a rapturing reception as she was applauded as she entered her lovely home. Surely Betty’s victory shows us how to receive blessings. Many years ago I had a First Friday call to Mai. She had a hard life and worked all her life cleaning homes in order to raise six children and more than a few grandchildren. A mighty woman, who in some profound way never left the holy ground of her childhood. She always viewed her faith as a blessing and a gift that she was always grateful for. By the time our paths had crossed, she had grown old and was suffering with cancer. Mai celebrated life. Her laugh was a pure joy. It made you remember how to laugh yourself. These past few weeks just thinking of her makes me smile. Every time I called on First Friday with Holy Communion and I would ask Mai “how are you doing?”, she would chuckle and reply, “Fr. Kevin, I’m blessed. I am blessed” The night before she died, I called, and her loving family gathered around her bedside. I went to bless her with the holy oils. I had tears in my eyes and instinctively I whispered, “Mai, how are you doing?” There was a sound I could not identify, which slowly unwrapped itself into a deep chuckle “Fr. Kevin, I’m blessed, I am blessed” Mai was one of those people. I am blessed too. How about you? Count your blessings. Thank God we all have got this far safe and well.
GRADUATION
Our thoughts and prayers are with our young parishioners due to sit the Leaving Cert this year. The uncertainty you, your families and teachers find yourself in is painful and distressing. Our prayerful support is with you at this time. Rudyard Kipling once addressed the graduating class of McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He spoke on this theme:
“If a person’s scale of value is based solely on material wealth, that person will be in difficulty all his or her life. Do no pay too much attention to fame, power and money. Some day you will meet a person who cares for none of these, and then you will know how poor you are”
LOVING POWER OF GOD OUR FATHER
Some people think that if you have enough faith life will be plain sailing for you. This of course is not so. The fact that you can swim doesn’t give you control over the sea. It doesn’t prevent you from getting knocked about in the very same way faith doesn’t shied us from the hard knocks of life or death. What then does faith do? It enables us to live in a topsy-turvy world, without getting lost of giving into despair. It gives us bearings, just as swimmers trust that if they don’t panic, and if they do a few simple things, then the power of the sea will uphold them. So as believers (people of faith) entrust their lives to a power greater than themselves. A power greater than us all. This power is the loving care of God the Father. That same loving Father who brought his Son back from the dead. May He continue to protect us and keep us going in these difficult times.
HUGE STONES AND LOCKED DOORS
Easter Gospels tell us that the disciples were huddled in fear and paranoia behind locked doors wanting only to protect themselves. Then the Risen Jesus came through their locked doors, the doors of their fear and self-protection and breathed peace into them. May that same Jesus breathe peace and protection into us. Special blessings to all over 70 who are cocooning and find this time very difficult and lonely. We are all so proud of the responses that you are making. New days for all of us please God will come again.
9 4 2020
. A RESURRECTION TREE This surely is our strangest Easter ever, I hope and pray you are all keeping safe and well. My prayerful support is with you. Some years ago, a young woman planted a shrub in her lawn beside some sheds. It was covered with lovely red berries and was of the weeping variety. In December 1997 during a very bad storm, the sheds were destroyed by lightening. The family were devastated with the loss and destruction. It took months to even clear away the debris, but one day in the Spring the man was coming to the end of cleaning up, when he lifted up the final sheets from the ground, there was the little shrub lying flat on the ground. When the weight came off, the tree sprang up again. Its name doesn’t matter; from there it became a resurrection tree. Admire and give thanks for the resurrection of people you have encountered during these stay at home days. People who like the tree, spring up again and again after heavy knocks and set-backs. Thank God for such people – resurrection people. TEN SECOND SERMON *Strength in prayer is better than length in prayer! Let us continue our strength of prayer in our Parish that we will continue to be safe and well during this difficult time, with God’s help.
WHAT TO DO IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS The message of the Cross of Jesus, the message of every cross is that there is strength in weakness. There is no shame in being needy. There is no shame in crying out for help. Yet Jesus’ final lesson is the most difficult to follow. We hate to be needy, we hate to ask for help. When I look at the relatively few crosses that have been part of my life or when I reflect on the crosses that others have been asked to carry, one thing is certain: Those crosses were never carried alone. We all need and have been blessed with a Simon of Cyrene, who helps carry the crosses that enter our lives. Jesus cried out, “I am thirsty” when life turns dark we need to follow the example of Jesus and ask for help. When the cross enters our lives, we should reach out for help. Jesus got sour wine, but it was enough. The help we get might be very ordinary. A friend may sit with us and listen to our troubles. A teacher might give us a little extra help. A priest may raise his hand to extend absolution. A neighbour may comfort a huge person who is numb with grief. A good friend might bring over a casserole or a sinfully rich dessert. A brother might sit on the back steps and share a beer. A sister might cry with you and help you smile in recalling the better days. Our crosses have the power to weigh us down, to crush us, but they can also be invitations to ask for help. A shared cross is always lighter. Jesus helped all who came to Him in need, but before He could say “It is finished” He needed to open up and ask His executioners for help. Our lives will never be finished or fulfilled until we learn to receive help as freely as we give it. Our Parish and indeed all Parishes are experiencing terrible pain and heartache with the fall-out from Covid-19. Many of our Parishioners are working fantastically well in health care, home helps, Paul & Co in Knockanure with hot dinners, the lovely sensitive staff at Holly’s, good neighbours and the over 70’s, the young children – the list is endless. All of the above have been fantastic in creating a caring and loving presence in helping all of us cope with the severe restrictions. Jesus Son of the Living God, help us follow Your example and ask for help when the Cross or the shadow of the Cross enters our lives. I am carrying your intentions to my daily Mass and prayers. We will, with the help of God get through this. Easter blessings to you and yours. LOVE, PITY AND COMPASSION Charlie Chaplin was one of the most celebrated and one of the most controversial comedians ever. He died, God rest him, in 1997. He was a genius of the silent films and he left behind miles of film playing on our heartstrings as the loveable little tramp. He wrote many brilliant & successful songs and finally an autobiography which was acclaimed for decades afterwards. When he was one year old his parents split up and his mother, a singer was left to look after him. Things went reasonably well until his loving Mum’s voice failed to recover from a bout of laryngitis. Their savings vanished and his Mum’s belongings were sold to help keep them alive. She took up dress making as her only means of support. Chaplin recalled that they lived in a world of utter poverty, but the great love his mother had for him kept him going. “I remember an evening in our own room in the basement of Oakley Street. I lay in bed recovering from a fever. Mother and I were alone. It was late afternoon and she sat down with her back to the window reading acting and explaining the New Testament and Christ’s love and pity for the poor and for little children. She read well into the night stopping only to light the lamp. Then she told me of the healing Jesus gave through helping the sick. She described Jesus and His arrest and dignity before Pontius Pilate, in His last agony crying out ‘My God, my God why have you forsaken me?’ Mother had me so convinced that I wanted to die that very night to meet this loving Jesus. But mother said ‘Jesus wants you to live first and fulfill your destiny here’. That night left a lasting impression on me” Chaplin went on to explain the lasting image of Jesus which his loving Mum left him through her reading of the Bible, especially the Passion stories. He said when he thinks of those times he thinks of Jesus in three words LOVE, PITY and COMPASSION. What a lovely image for all of us to hang on to this Easter – a true picture of Jesus.
TOM & MARY MAC: My late parents Tom & Mary, God rest them, never ever panicked anyone for money. Their General Grocery shop which also provided flour and meal in Cooraclare Village all those years ago had a large credit book. Credit was a big item at the time where farmers and locals ran up a credit book with monthly payments. As loving parents they passed on a delightful philosophy to me with regards money and paying for things. “Always remember don’t get what you can’t pay for – but never hassle people when they are vulnerable regarding money. Be kind to them at such vulnerable times. Things nearly always work out well in the end”. It always did! Many are asking about paying for the meals that come daily hot and delicious from the kitchen in Knockanure Community Centre which are catering for close on forty cocooned parishioners. Well done to Denis & David who deliver the dinners and also for the many who call to collect dinners for cocooned neighbours. Don’t worry about the money but if people wish, there is a box at the Centre for contributions. You can text or phone chef Paul on 087/9378663.
CONOR & BRENDAN – KEEPING THE PARISH IN THE PICTURE
Integrity is doing the right thing when nobody is watching. The opposite is hypocrisy, pretending to be somebody you are not. Integrity means being a person with only one face - not two faced, a person who is the same on the inside as the outside. Our Parish, our Nation and so many places in the world are acting with tremendous integrity over the last number of weeks. Well done to one and all! People will doubt what you say but they always believe what you do. So very well done to one and all for responding so magnificently to the call of the Taoiseach and HSE in trying to combat the Covid-19 virus. Vulnerable and sad days for myself as I continue to celebrate Mass in our beautiful Moyvane Church each and every day on my own. Both Moyvane and Knockanure Churches are closed until further notice. Heart-breaking for all of us especially this Holy Week with no public ceremonies. Please persevere and be patient. However, in difficult, sad and trying times a light, a blessing appears. Brendan Hogan, Leitrim Middle phoned offering the delightful skills of his son Conor to put the weekend Masses from Moyvane Church up on You Tube. Last Saturday evening (7.30pm Vigil) and Sunday morning (11am) were on YouTube. So many locally and from so many parts of the world joined us for these Masses. The seats may have been empty but we had a delightful congregation dotted around the Parish, around the country and around the world. Very many thanks to Conor, Brigitte and Brendan – they are making these awful and painful times so much better by their fantastic work. Conor you are so gifted and thanks to you and Dad for such sensitive filming. Our Parish, which we are all responsible for is acting with great integrity these days. There can be no holiness without integrity. Entering our strangest Holy Week ever keep that integrity going in our Parish. Be assured I will carry your prayers and intentions to all the ceremonies, which I will celebrate alone. Pray for me as I do for all of you. It is Holy Week – let’s make it holy.
THOSE WHO MADE HOLY WEEK WHAT IT IS
I invite you to look some of the men who put Jesus to death. We have always tended to see those as a uniquely evil bunch of men who were acting from the vilest possible motives. But this is a mistake. The truth is that, dark evil sleeps in us all. This being so, we shouldn’t have any great problem in seeing ourselves as capable of playing the roles of these men who put Jesus to death.
THE PHARISEES: These were austere, religious men who devoted all their energy to doing good and the study of God’s law. But they were convinced of their own rightness and history shows that such men are capable of the most appalling evil.
PILATE: He was thinking about his high office and the preservation of law and order at a time of great unrest. He knew that Jesus was innocent but he feared that trouble would ensue if he did not give the religious leaders what they wanted. He was also, of course, thinking about his own job. Many people know what to do, but how many do it? At times we dilly-dally, even when we clearly know what to do.
JUDAS: Most likely here we are dealing with a disappointed and disillusioned man. But even this character, so maligned down the ages, came to recognise and condemn the evil of what he had done. The killing of an innocent man was something he could not live with. Many people today seem to have no such problem. We all betray our friends at times and we often betray our ideals.
PETER: Here we have a man who was simply weak and cowardly. Any one of us would probably have denied Jesus in the same circumstances. Peter at least shed tears over his denials. We know our own denials. We refuse to speak up for the unjustly accused or for the truth when pressure is put on us. We prefer to lie or to remain silent. How many of us shed tears over denials?
SOLDIERS: These men were simply carrying out orders. Eichmann made the same excuse. So they tossed for Jesus’ robe! Eichmann’s men collected the gold fillings, the jewellery and even the skin and hair of their victims. We too are rather good at blaming others for our sins. “I’m only doing what I’m told”, says the company man or the party man. We refuse to accept responsibility for our cowardly acts and evasions.
THE CROWD: It was a highly emotional occasion. They simply got carried away. They didn’t really know what was happening. Do we often take refuge in the crowd? “Everyone was doing it I didn’t want to be the odd person out”, we p==rotest.
Holy Week starts this Sunday. It’s a week not for throwing stones at Pilate, Judas, Peter and the others directly involved in the death of Jesus. Rather is it a week that gives us an opportunity to look at our own commitment to truth and justice, and our loyalty to Jesus and His Gospel. After my daily Masses and prayers in the Church, I light many candles at Our Lady’s Altar and the Sacred Heart Altar for your intentions, Stay safe, love and prayers. Fr. Kevin.
==Diocese www.dioceseofkerry.ie
GUIDELINES WITH REGARDS SACRAMENTS
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Funerals are said privately with immediate family present. Those who have booked weddings and baptisms, have rightly in my opinion, decided not to go ahead with them at this time. So with the huge restrictions on public gatherings, I would be suggesting that all would adhere to having these celebrations at a later date. However, I am available to discuss options with you. There will be no First Friday Calls until further notice. However, I am available on the landline 49308 after 9pm each evening if anyone would like a blessing, a word or reassurance. Holy Week ceremonies are cancelled and I will celebrate them privately behind closed doors. We have received the following instructions with regards sick calls and anointing from Bishop Ray: As the virus is so c
DIOCESAN PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
Blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit,
we worship and praise You.
Father, through the Holy Spirit you give to every
Christian a unique calling as you provide and care
for the needs of your people.
Hear our prayers for our needs as parish
communities.
Bless our efforts to strengthen lay ministry.
In our diocese and in all our parishes
give to each person the grace
to discern, follow and live their calling.
Call forth from among us
vocations to the diocesan
priesthood.
Fill the hearts of our priests
and deacons with renewed
Peace and Joy.
Father, in all things ‘Thy will
be done’.
We entrust our prayers to
you through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
ontagious and because the situation is changing so much by the day, goggles, masks, gloves and gowns are not available to us (Priests): Bishop Ray asks that Priests do not enter a house on a sick call.
Bishop Ray makes the following bullet points:
• How can you be sure the person or someone in the house has not got the virus?
• Our hospital chaplains only visit any patient under the strictest of conditions. They are completely gowned up. They do not even bring the oil stock or prayer book into the room.
• I have enquired and protective clothing is not available to us.
• It is likely that the family themselves will be divided regarding you entering the house. Many people are worried sick about any risk of contracting the virus.
• I feel certain this is what a local doctor will advise.
What is important is that if these occasions arise in our Parish please make sure to contact me by phone and we can discuss the situation. Easter Duty with regard confession: Catholic doctrine teaches that if a person cannot get to Confession, it is sufficient to confess one’s sins to God, seeking forgiveness and with the intention of going when next possible to Confession. God forgives the sins and the person is renewed in heart and soul. When the opportunity then arises later to go to Confession, he or she should do so.
NO OFFERTORY BUT WHAT ABOUT THE ENVELOPES
Many of you are enquiring about Offertory and Dues offerings and what to do with regard keeping up your contributions. I have put a letter box near the Presbytery door. Those who wish to can in their own time place the envelope in this locked postbox. Thank you.
PRAYERS & SYMPTHY: To Janet McNamara & family on the death of her husband John and to his brother & sisters and extendeded family in Birmingham & West Clare. May John Rest in Peace.
KEEP THE PRAYERS GOING
Jesus when You walked our world You travelled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness”. At Your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the massive global spread of the Coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love and protection. Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations and all of us from working together and neighbours from helping each other. Heal us from our pride which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders. Be with us in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Be with those who have died from the virus, may they be blessed and at rest with You in Your eternal peace. Stand with and be close with families of those who are sick or who have died, especially all in my first cousins family, John in Birmingham and West Clare. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know Your peace. Be with doctors, nurses, hospital chaplains, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace. Be with leaders of all Nations especially our own Leo and Simon. Continue to give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they serve. May they know Your peace as they work together to achieve it here on earth. Jesus stay with us these days as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. Bless all in Holly’s, Noel’s, Bobby’s, Kennelly’s, Colm’s and those in the Creamery who are keeping things going so well in these trying times as well as those whose businesses have been shut down. Help and bless all who are out of work because of the virus. Jesus in place of anxiety, give us your peace.
JESUS RAISED HIS FRIEND LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD
Lent has taken a back seat because of C19 and the fact that we have no public Masses. I have been broadcasting Masses through the radio link and hopefully this Sunday we will have Mass available on YouTube. The whole world has been shocked by how powerless we are in the face of this pandemic. There is huge anger all around our country and the whole world. So many who put their faith in science, in money and in the value of economic systems now find themselves side lined. Tens of thousands of loyal workers now have no jobs. They have no guarantee that their jobs will still be there when the dust settles – and the C19 is controlled. It is difficult and humiliating to have to re-think our basis for living. But C19 has destroyed so much of what we had convinced ourselves was sacred that we are forced to admit we got it wrong on so many counts. In the spoken and written word all through this time of pain and awful uncertainty there has been very little mention of God or Jesus the healer. He gives us the ultimate healing, which is life eternal. The Gospel this weekend tells us of the raising of His friend Lazarus from death. By this loving and generous act Jesus irked the religious authorities of His day, that they concocted a dishonest plan to kill Him. In this experience, we find two contrasting attitudes from the sisters of Lazarus. One had faith in Jesus, the other had angry feelings and no faith in him at all. In the place we find ourselves at this time which sister do you most identify with?
PAUL GREATER THAN ST. PAUL
What a fabulous presence and blessing Paul Cosgrove from Duagh is – an exceptional chef – who enthusiastically accepted my invitation to cook hot dinners in the excellently equipped Knockanure Centre from Monday last. Hot delicious dinners (I have one each day) are going to twenty parishioners Monday to Friday, leaving the Centre at 1pm. So many delivered by willing generous drivers, others are collected. If you would like to have a lovely hot dinner this coming week and save yourself going out into over-crowed shops, please text Paul by 4pm the day before on 087/9378663. Please adhere to the directions if you are collecting a dinner. If you are a new addition to our current list and if you can contribute €5 per dinner it would help us immensely. If this is not possible, there is no problem, a warm dinner is available to all on request. Very many thanks to Knockanure Community Centre committee for the generous use of their wonderful facilities at this time.