As Christmas returns and the light of the Incarnate Word breaks once more into our winter darkness, I find myself reflecting on a year shaped by grace, perseverance, and the quiet work of God in unexpected places. Life in Monasterevin … Continue reading A Year of Faith, Creativity, and Community
From Monasterevin to Killarney by rail, this pilgrimage blended history, faith, and quiet heroism. With my Kerry Camino stamp and ties to the Order of St John, I honoured Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty’s legacy—proof that God Has No Country, and true journeys are measured not in miles, but in meaning. Continue reading God Has No Country: A Pilgrim’s Journey Through Kerry by Rail
It’s the second Tuesday of Lent already, and only now have I downloaded the Lent pilgrim 2019 app from the Church of England. Yes, I know that sounds strange, here I am living in Ireland: what am I doing using that? Well, quite simply, it is available and seems to be a sensible thing to do. And I have to do something simple for Lent this year, what with everything else that is going on. This year, Lent Pilgrim is taking us through the Beatitudes. Days 11 to 15 concentrate on Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the … Continue reading Praise and thanksgiving – daily practices for Christians
Just as Evensong finished in St George’s there was a series of explosions outside. So much so that a large group of the congregation gathered in the Narthex to find out what was going on. It was no problem it was just the Hallowe’en Firework display starting from next to the Lagan. Today has been a liturgical nightmare for some of us. What day do we celebrate? According to the 1962 Calendar in the Roman Rite it is the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King (White or Gold hangings). In the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite it … Continue reading A liturgical nightmare and the holy motorists
This morning I had the pleasure of playing the organ and helping to lead the worship in St Dorothea’s Parish Church, Gilnahirk. It was rather unexpected to receive a text message late yesterday afternoon from Fr Nigel Kirkpatrick, the Rector, … Continue reading A real pleasure subbing for Andrew
Most holy Mary, to thy faithful care and particular protection and to the bosom of thy mercy, to-day and every day, and particularly at the hour of my death, I commend my soul and my body. All my hope and … Continue reading A prayer of St Aloysius to Our Lady
Yesterday I visited the mother of my friend Peter Davies in her home in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. We went in, sat down in the sitting room and in pride of place on the mantelpiece was the picture illustrated here.
Mrs Davies told me to take it down and look at it if I wanted, so I did. I then asked if I might photograph it. The only camera with which I have been equipped for a while has been the one on my iPhone 4. Nevertheless, the camera has done me proud, I believe.
For those that don’t know, there are 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart Continue reading “A traditional devotion that every Catholic should practice”
Yesterday, in St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, The Rt Rev Mgr Richard Moth told Scouts that ‘Service is uncomplicated – it is the giving of ourselves for others’, during the Founder’s Day Mass for Catholics in Scouting in England & Wales. Continue reading Service is uncomplicated – says Catholic Bishop to Scouts
Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?John L. Bell & Graham Maule
This verse was sung at our Covenant of Commitment in All Souls’ Church in Belfast by a large congregation back in May last year. I wonder what many people thought it meant. Continue reading “The core issue: will you kiss the leper clean?”
O Jesus, life of my soul, make me rise each day to a new life of charity and fervor. The thought that Jesus is our Life shines forth even more in the Gospel (Lk 7.11-16 Soon afterward he went to a … Continue reading Jesus our Life – part two
Gyronny Herald 