Green fingers: The plant lady from Ballylickey – Page 37

Heroic callings during

˜ The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 Irish Catholic ,xxxx | Vocations Sunday |21 ˜ The Irish Catholic, April 2330, 2020 2020 | Vocations | Vocations Sunday ||23 XXXXX ||19

The Sisters of Bon Secours are an International Religious Missionary Sisters of ies who Congregation of Catholic women based in six countr d”. The ‘We assist all who ask us’ say Vocations Ireland bring to the world “Good help to those in nee Congregation was founded by a grouprnational of 12 women,Religious led by ing services online during opportunity to keep regular tion. “It was said recently that The Sisters of Bon Secours are an Inte to nurse Our Lady of Apostles Josephine Potel, who came together in Parissix countries in 1824 who the crisis, and “break into contact through these strange ‘young people live online’ and Congregation of Catholic women based in places” where it “wouldn’t times. Another initiative has it is where we meet young the sick and the dying in their own homes, demonstratingd”. The the bring to the world “Good help to thosegh their in nee compassionate care. normally have gone”. been to update and create people. I will be putting more healing presence of Christ throu “We have seen churches resources that may be used time and energy into provid- Congregation was founded by a group of 12 women, led by Congregation’s work has broadened tosince nurse the go out to their communities into the future on social ing space for reflection and JosephineAlthough Potel, the who came together in Paris in 1824 and offer their services, which media platforms and in more prayer online. ying in their own homes, demonstrating the something I wouldn’t have traditionalA waysGift as well. of“There Life is time for greater to the World theearly sick days, and the the d core intention stays the same, to bring the their compassionate care. seen previously,” he says on reflection, solitude and healinghealing presence hand of of Christ Christ to through all those in need. since 1824 Our Mission as Sisters of Bon Secours the Church reaching out. prayer,” says Sr Ryan of the as broadened since the ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of AlthoughToday Sisters the Congregation’s minister❛ ❛in healthcare, work h social services, healing, by serving “There is a real sense in ongoing coronavirus crisis. is to bring compassion and this crisis of being able to find “It has given me the oppor- earlypastoral days, andthe communitycore intention based stays ministries. the same, to bring the the harvest to send out labourers to his harvest.’ ~ troubled times ourselves,” says Fr Neville tunity to discern what is most healingIn Ireland hand Sisters of Christ of Bonto all Secours those in are need. based in Cork, God’s people in a diversity of ministries.since 1824 of his hope for more voca- valuable in life. I am thankful Matthew 9:37 n just Our Mission as Sisters of Bon Secours tions. “People, while they for the space and opportu- TodayDublin Sisters and Tralee.minister❛ Their ❛in healthcare, ministry includes social services, more tha serving is to bring compassion and healing, by remain very strong, will be Michelle Robertson nity to enjoy life at a slightly pastoralthe physical; and community it is a holostic based approach ministries. which includes nistries. feeling that absence of being slower pace and I value the peoples’ spiritual, psychological and emotional needs. God’s people in a diversity of mi able to come to churches and e are living through the freedoms that I have always In Ireland Sisters of Bon Secours are based in Cork,n just ecours celebrate the sacraments. strangest of times, a taken for granted until now.” DublinWe are and all Tralee. called Theirto serve. ministry It is just includes a matter more of tha finding Contact us to learn more about the Sisters of Bon S “There will be signs of turning point in human Vocation, according to Sr thethe physical; way that it isbest a holostic suits your approach interests which and talents.includes new life and new opportuni-Whistory. I’m su re we all Ryan, is “a call to live life in a s Vocations Ireland Executive ties out of this crisis, it’s the feel it, the world is on the brink of particular way” and adds that peoples’See our spiritual, website psychological and social media and foremotional opportunitie needs. engagement that creates a great change. now is an ideal time to “re- present to our spiritual “As a woman religious As weVocations gather, physicallyIreland at separate,a Weto are come all calleand dspend to serve. some It timeis just awith matter us in prayerof finding and Aron Hegarty ecours new line of outreach.” evaluate” our lives for going Contact us to learndepths, more to nurturing about an the Sistersfor the of past Bon 50 Syears, I can Sr Carmel Ryan DC of yet spirituallyCareer Fair together Day in on the Vocations RDS forward. get to know the Sisters. We regularly host retreat honestly say the search for the way that best suits your interests and talents. ocations Ireland is an awareness of the Divine the Daughters of Charity, Sunday to pray, we reflect on the pur- “Many of us have the God, for meaning in life has pose of this day – A World Day of Prayer days and prayer events. rtunities association of voca- presence within.” another board member, says opportunity during this time never grown old for me and for Vocations“Many - whereby people arewe prayusing to See our website and social media for oppo tion directors from Although Sr Quinn admits most of the association’s ini- of pandemic to question, there is a “crisis of vocation”, the search for meaning now is Lord ofthese the harvest platforms to send to access out labour- “the to come and spend some time with us in prayer and religious orders,@BonSecoursIre con- | sistersofbonsecours tiatives are currently online ponderTwo and OLA reflect sisters on crossingwhat a river in V | she explains it is about “public even more urgent that ever.” ers to hisplaces harvest.” of prayer and reflec- @sistersbonsecoursirelandgregation and societies which as the pandemic disrupts the our Westcalling Africa, in life circais. 1877 get to knowwww.bonsecourssisters.ie the Sisters. We regularly host | retreat perception of the institutional The next board member Popetion Benedict during XVI these said: times “Our and provides training in ethical usual way of meeting people life is “We have during these days and prayer events. to discuss present and future to be a wegift keepof love our to mediathe presence decision-making and assess- Church” and “a crisis of Faith face-to-face. world. But times the opportunity to in relation to God”. directives is Fr Alan Neville what willupdated that look with like? some We pieces must for The need for women ment of candidates for reli- “I keep contact with people value our relationships; our ter of Acts of the Apostles, “Cum | sistersofbonsecoursMSC of the Missionaries of the rememberpeople that tothrough use for our prayer Baptism, and gious life and | priesthood. @BonSecoursIre“What Faith provides for through email, phone and relationshipmissionaries with God, other Matre Jesu,” Maria, @sistersbonsecoursireland Sacred Heart. everyonereflection.” is called to holiness. Holiness with Mary, the Mother Over the last number of people is a lens through which Whatsapp,” she explains. “I people and oneself. Jesus. of www.bonsecourssisters.ie | “There are two things will look differentOne of thefor eachupcoming individual The story of this Religious 12-page Vocations supplement years, the association has to look at life,”We she Journey says. “Faith In The Search For Truth have been involved in a little “Perhaps this may promptorder began a The most important thing for the gives a person a way of relat- really,” he says when asked person becauseprojects God Sr Ryan works says uniquely she long time ago, back in 1876. This too My Life - Is This It? whosought to address the reality spiritual direction throughwith each soul. God gives each person somea time people of change. to re-evaluate The missi was sisters was to make contact with will be involved in is the ing to the universe, other what the challenges are ons of the people and build relationship. To the Be of life in IrelandGod and give talking to the individual ona particulardevelopment mission in oftheir appropriate vocation. howSMA they (Society live their of African lives Missions)and h people, oneself and the divine. concerning vocations in this ad facilitate this building of relationship, professional training for those the phone as we cannot meetThis missionresources lives in for the online soul andpublica is - we,extended as vocation across directors, the West willAfrican Coast “SearchersAs Dominican today are womencountry. of the “The 21st first century is the they learned the langu in the vocations ministry. and it helps them to have waitingthe to be discovered.” assistfrom Ouidahall who to ask Lagos us,” andshe thesays. priests of ages and dia- often at aWe loss asJourney to where In Themembership Search to For vocations Truth lects native to the areas in which they Discerning a vocation to religious life takes a On the topic of vocations, we strive to continue Dominic’s vision: these f ledgling missions were acutely My Life - Is This It? meantwhoyouto beto begin looking for purpose in Ireland where we will be worked and then went about opening The Irish Catholic spoke to An Extraordinary Call to aware that in order to reach the pe Be and meaning from a Faith looking at how vocations are ople schools for girls. They cared fo God of Afri lot of courage, consideration and prayer, three board members of Our mission is to study, share, proclaim ca, they needed to be able to build matching up to reality. an Extraordinary Life r the sick Vocations Ireland about their perspective. relationships with the women. In order and did the works of mercy called for by As Dominican women of“The the 21stsecond century is getting it is to embark on a quest to look at life with current initiatives, upcoming “We areand at a witnesstime of kai to- the liberating Word of God to do this they recognised the need for the great human need they met there. ourselves proactive in get- HOWIn Ardfoyle Convent,DO Cork,WE there REALIZE lives A number of these young women lost Discerning a vocation to religious life takes a meant projects and how they are far- ros,” sayswe Sr striveQuinn, to“a turningcontinue Dominic’s vision: women missionaries. to be a generation of ext the eyes of God. you in order that right relationships be restored their lives to the ravages willpoint and a time of oppor- ting the numbers enter- you raordinary w ing during the crisis. omen Father Augustine Pla of the African ing vocations to go up as who answered an extraordinary call. nque, co-Founder continent. lotSt of Dominic courage, founded consideration the Order and of prayer, Preachers 800 The first to speak is Sr Fion- tunity toOur lookbetween mission at what God, really is to people study, and share, the proclaim earth where and Superior general of the SMA was & opposed to being reactive, They are living in isolation right now, Today, the OLA sisters matters in life. it is to embark on a quest to look at life with nuala Quinn OP, chairperson and witness to the liberating Word of God GOD’Spart CALL...YOUR of the gro desperately VOICE trying to recruit nuns from continue their years ago. His method was simple: to go where set the “What reallythese matters are broken are duewhich to the is being lack ofdiscussed knowledge up that has been advised the existing Religious Congregations. The work in Africa and other places across the of the Vocations Ireland exec- by the Irish government to “cocoon” our relationships, with our among ourselves.” world. The heart of their mission lies in the eyes of God. utive committeewill and vocation in order that right relationships be restored because of the Corona virus that has missions were dangerous and the mortal- you their relationship with people, particu- people are, to preach and talk with them. families, ourand neighbours distortion and of the truth.He continues: “There’s director for the Dominican swept the world. They are an incred- ity rate high among the Europeans who our world.” stuff going on and a lot of it larly the women and children of Africa. St Dominic founded the Order of Preachers 800 & Sisters in Cabra, Dublin. between God, people and the earth where ibly resilient group of women – one of ventured to Africa. In fact, the founder of To do this, he needed people whose sense of Pages 15-26 On the impact of the is ‘up in the air’ as we have Vocations Ireland invites you to considerthe the SMA, Monsignormeaning de of Marion Bressil- The spirit of the OLA congregation years ago. His method was simple: to go where set “Today,the we seek to awaken these are broken due to the lack of knowledge whom just celebrated her centenary! is essentially an apostolic one. They worldcoronavirus pandemic, she been ‘caught on the hop’ due lac, and all in his mission group, had suc happiness was to be their most convincing a culture of vocation, in a If you feel that God might be calling you to be vocationWhen and you speakshare to theseyour Sisters musical talents with to this pandemic, but we cumbed to yellow fev - speak of a Cenacle spirituality, drawing people are, to preach and talk with them. wider context, that is charac- feels thereand is “opportunity distortion ofto the truth. they are humble and u er back in 1859. witness to the Gospel. withdraw” froma Dominican the “business Sister hope why we not can talk get with people us? to be 2021's Vocationnassuming Music Award.Fr Augustine, undeterred, and guided strength and inspiration from the expe- terised by inquiry, meaning, and when one points out that they rience of Our Lady and the Apostles in . of our minds” and to “sink proactive during hard times by his faith and trust in God To do this, he needed people whose sense of making, authenticity, while have lived an extraordinary life, the , founded the ‘Upper Room’, who were filled with down to whereWe thewould indwell be -happyto to do explore vocations. with you any If you have a passion for music and songwriting,the Sisters ofprepare Our Lady ofyour Apostles, spe- worldongrounded infire the search for the response is often genuine the love, joy and energy of their Pente- happiness was to be their most convincing ing of GodIf is you present feel andthat to God might“What be callingwe are hoping you to is be confusion. cifically to answer the needs of the Afri- Sainttranscendent. Catherine of Siena questions you might have. entry now for Thisa chance was the call to they compete answered andat the international Vocation cost experience. They continue to strive nurture our relationship with that we can get them together can Missions. “There is a different con- chose to be obedient to, a call that for to be signs of hope for all people. witness to the Gospel. the transcendenta Dominican one”. Sister whyand saynot ‘this talk is withwhere us? we are’ Music Award and Key2Life Music FestivalThis in call toGermany! mission in West Africa sciousness now,” continues. Sr some was an easy and almost effort- The spiritual l Congregation of “This is an ideal time for and go from there.” less discovery and f would be answered by only the most ife of these sisters i s Quinn, adding that “vocations We would be happy to explore with you any or others, a long audacious; and so in May 1876, i characterised by a filial trust in God, on fire discerning what is the mean- Fr Neville feels the and arduous search. These women, fol n an old devotion to the Most Blessed Sacra- are nurtured with creativity Saint Catherine of Siena Church has had to “get up - house in Lyons, France, nineteen young and authenticity”. ing of life questionsfor all of us andyou to might CONTACT have. US 1ST PRIZE:lowing in the footsteps2ND of thosePRIZE: who 3RD PRIZE: ment, and a deep love for Mary, Queen Dominican Sisters to speed” with things like came before them, gave up family and women met to form this new Religious “We are about conscious- be open to the promptings of of Apostles. of Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Catherine of Siena, Cabrathe Spirit,” Sr Quinndomsvocation says. social@ mediagmail.com and stream- friends and left the shores of Ireland to Congregation. They came from An Congregationness awakening, ofbecoming Nantes, Coutances, Lyon jou, So, as we live through this strange venture to Afr s, Cork and Dub- + ica where they worked lin and were time, we pause and pray not only for 089 4585708 and lived their calling. the first women missionaries to venture into the dangerous landscape new vocations, but for those very spe- CONTACT US They worked across man cial Sisters who answered the call Dominican Sisters y disci- of West Africa. www.dominicansisters.com Entry to the Key2Lifeplines including medicine, education, long ago, for the OLA Sisters across so of Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Catherine of Siena, Cabra [email protected] COFFEE MORNING WITH RELIGIOUS social studies, justiceTwo and Hours developmen in Irish the wor Music Festival + - With Mary, the Mother ld who continue to live lives f tal work. The heart of their mission of service during these difficult times, (Stg £1.70) @JoinDominicanSistersCabra Recording Studio €100 Thursday, April 30, 2020 €2.00 The-Irish-Catholic-Newspaper089 4585708 Travel for One lay Person in the upliftment of t @IrishCathNews www.irishcatholic.com of Jesus Land for the extraordinary women he women and childre n of Africa. They lived and These brave young women were filled cocooned in Ardfoyle. Come and join us for a virtual coffee@JoinDominicanSistersCabra morning and have the worked among the most vulnerable www.dominicansisters.com with the H Sharing in Our Mission chance to meet with different religious for a chat and share people, bringing hope by the very wit- oly Spirit, and took as their The deadline for submission of anmotto original the words song in the is first cha Interested in volunteering overseas? @JoinDominicanSistersCabra ness of their lives. p- stories of how COVID is affecting you in your faith journey. December 2, 2020, so start writing! Email: [email protected] www.olaireland @JoinDominicanSistersCabra .ie Interested in joining our Lay Mission There will be a virtual coffee morning every Thursday from 18/04/2019 22:23 Entrance Fee: €25 Single, €50 Group [email protected] Movement? 11.00a.m-12noon via zoom. Ardfoyle Email: [email protected] Facebo ok: OLAsisters | Twitter: @OLAireland | Instagram:Convent, O Ballinte mple, Cork Do you feel God is calling you to be an Contact [email protected] if you wish to join! For Rules, Guidelines and More Information, OLA sister 18/04/2019 22:23 LAsistersireland Email: [email protected] There will be some religious priests, brothers, sisters Visit www.vocationsireland.com Church urged to putavailable just bring your coffee. Sharing love in isolation plans in place for lockdown relaxation Continuing restrictions need to be provided for eown said they are working bers and what do you do with Chai Brady, on “the things that we would Holy Communion? How do you Róise McGagh and guarantee to undertake to do as distribute Holy Communion in Aron Hegarty soon as the churches are open, a way that is going to be safe,” Bishop Donal McKeown has said as soon as baptisms and wed- he asked. that Church leaders must come dings are possible and as soon “It’s not easy to solve…I am up with a plan to show health as Masses are possible. Whether certainly getting a lot of requests authorities that social distanc- it’s three in a seat, and ticket- here for Mass to recommence,” ing can work in parishes when only and lots of Masses to cover Bishop Cullinan said. a large number of people,” we Bishop of Ferns Denis Bren- restrictions start to ease. need to be ready Dr McKeown nan said that “refraining from As authorities on both sides said. attending church for Sunday of the border prepare to recon- Mass for the good of others is sider lockdown measures that Guidelines something we never antici- have meant public Masses are In Ossory, Bishop Dermot Farrell pated. Our people have been suspended and forced churches said that while churches were very understanding as to why in the North to close entirely, not closed, “given that social this was necessary and their the Bishop of Derry said that the distancing will be with us for adaptation to spiritual partici- Church needs a plan. some time to come, we would pation – through varying media “At some stage this lockdown welcome – if the guidelines of – has been almost seamless and is going to eased, people at some the NPHET allowed – the easing widespread. stage will be allowed to go back of restrictions for prayer, includ- “Like every other grouping in to churches, people at some ing and especially for funerals, society, we in the Church await stage will be allowed to cel- Sunday and weekday Masses”. the day when a move back to ebrate baptisms and marriages Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of ‘physical presence’ on Sundays even if only for small groups. Waterford and Lismore told The becomes possible. Quite likely “Our job is to be preparing for Irish Catholic that the Church it will be gradual. It will also what we would say – what we is trying to balance the spir- require careful planning and would do – when that possibil- itual needs of parishioners with co-ordination. Sarah O’Carroll and Mark Colton celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage despite the ity arises,” he said. health and safety. current pandemic in Holy Cross Church in Dundrum, Dublin. Although there was just In his own diocese, Dr McK- “How do you limit the num- » Continued on Page 2 a small gathering in the church, many guests joined via webcam.

MARIA STEEN DAVID QUINN MARY KENNY We need to know the We need answers about the We’ve been through truth about sin failure to protect nursing contagion before, and PAGE 7 home residents PAGE 8 it wasn’t fluPAGE 5

THE PATIENT WORK OF HOPE “Prayer of petition is an expression of a heart that trusts in God and realizes that of ourselves we can do nothing. It calms our hearts and helps us persevere in hope.” (Rejoice and Be Glad, Pope Francis no 154)

In this spirit, as we support each other through the present health crisis, the Prior welcomes your personal prayers of petition. Go to our website www.loughderg.org and click on prayer. 2 | Comment || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 Inside this week Health and safety can’t become the Notebook Mass appeal via Church’s sole pastoral priority the internet n our Catholic tradition we often speak of the communion of saints Page 40 as that spiritual union between Editor’s Comment Ithe members of the Church on earth and those of us who have died in God’s friendship. Michael Kelly Death is not the end for us, and Television & radio those who have gone before us remain a part of us and a part of Seán’s exit will the Church. That’s why since some members of importance, but it must not “If, after hearing this leave big shoes reverence for the dead the force are permitting lead to a situation where Gospel passage, we have to fill at RTÉ and their places of rest is travel to graveyards and churches and public worship nothing to offer but what central to how we grieve. others are not. The Garda are amongst the last things one author calls ‘the Commissioner must to be considered. What are Visits to cemeteries and technocratic imagination’… Page 35 urgently clarify the matter needed are credible plans the blessings of the graves then we have nothing to and – if necessary – the that will meet the need for are important rituals offer,” the bishop adds. Government must intervene robust distancing. which help the grieving It’s a sobering thought to permit bereaved people As Bishop Donal Seeds of happiness process. It was, therefore, and we must not allow to visit cemeteries while McKeown says (see page our pastoral outreach with great relief that applying all necessary 14): “It is so painful for Bake yourself people greeted the news and sacramental life to precautions. many Christians that they be subject to the rigors of at the weekend that the cannot gather physically the perfect health and safety alone. Northern executive was Restrictions and hear the Scriptures pick-me-up! While ensuring that people re-opening cemeteries. It More broadly, when proclaimed, and then share can be as safe as possible, was a huge source of pain restrictions are relaxed, in Holy Communion…God Page 34 the Church must be ready to for people that they could the Church will have to act wants to nourish us with not visit the graves of their swiftly to assure public the fullness of Jesus who is swing into communal action loved ones. health authorities that the Word of God – and that so that people can once Managing Editor: Michael Kelly, [email protected] In the Republic, no communal worship can includes his Sacramental again gather for worship – even if only in small Northern Correspondent: Martin O’Brien, [email protected] such restriction was take place while observing presence. formally imposed. It was social distancing. Most of “That is why, we as numbers. Multimedia Journalists: Chai Brady, [email protected] disappointing, therefore, our churches are very large a Church will prioritise Where churches remain Róise McGagh, [email protected] to hear reports this week buildings and can easily people’s physical health closed, every reasonable action and precaution Aron Hegarty, [email protected] that some gardaí were accommodate a larger group but are also able to speak a turning people away from of people while observing language that goes beyond should be taken so that they Newsroom: [email protected] 01 6874026 cemeteries. There appears distance. the economic and the can once again re-open as Books Editor: Peter Costello, [email protected] to be no uniform policy Public health is of utmost hygienic. places for private prayer. Layout: Declan Moroney Advertising: [email protected] 01 6874094 Church preparing for end of lockdown Accounts: 01 6874020 [email protected] » Continued on Page 1 ster – where the decision was effects, we can measure the “Our job is to propose to made to close churches – will health effects of the things government reasonable ways Magnificat: [email protected] “Returning as a public con- gregation of whatever number address the issue this week that we do, but I think we forward. Our job is to lobby Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday is a day we look forward to, and in an online meeting. “The have to look at the spiritual, them to say ‘this is a reason- 9.30am–5.30pm it’s one that will hopefully her- fervent hope would be that the emotional, the general able way forward, we can do we would be able to reopen welfare of people which is Shop: [email protected] ald the permitted return of the this without endangering churches for personal prayer much less measurable, much fuller congregations – with the anybody and that was the line Managing Director: Garry O’Sullivan but that depends on the con- less tangible but equally weekly reception of Commun- we pushed about considering ion – as we enjoyed so well, tent of the advice given by the important for very many peo- Annual Subscription Rates: Ireland €145. Airmail €250. Six months – €75. the cemeteries’,” he said. until recently,” Bishop Bren- health authorities. ple who are really distressed ISSN 1393 - 6832 - Published by The Irish Catholic, nan said. “The priority is the pro- and they can’t get into the 23 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. i He said he wanted to “com- tection and safety of vulner- church. See Page 14. Printed by Webprint, Cork. pliment priests on the creative able people who might be ways they have come up with at potential risk of the virus,” Place an Advert to reach out to people, and Bishop Monahan said. Phone 01 687 4094 or [email protected] people for the way they have Bishop McKeown said embraced and participated in that Church authorities had a the various online liturgies.” responsibility to cater for the Bishop of Killaloe Dr Fintan spiritual needs of people. THE BOOK OF MIRACLES Monahan told The Irish Cath- “We can be a bit easy in olic that the bishops of Mun- measuring the economic IS AVAILABLE v v Capuchin Day Care Centre LET'S WORK FOR A BETTER SOCIETY FOR 29 Bow Street, Dublin 7 OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. LEAVE A LEGACY FOR LIFE. View Entire Book Online and Order at Support the Pro Life Campaign in your will. www.bookofmiracles.co The Pro Life Campaign promotes pro-life education and defends human life at all stages. For more info visit www.prolifecampaign.ie Every day The Capuchin Day Care Centre provides Contact us today to order a copy of our Wills leaflet. 600 Meals for people who are homeless and each week 1000 Food Parcels for those on the poverty threshold. Help Bro. Kevin continue providing this caring service. Bro.Kevin or Therese 018720770 Pro Life Campaign, Suite 60, Clifton House, Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2 www.homeless.ie [email protected] | 01 6629275 The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | News ||3 Concern at low number of Covid-19: ‘I clung to prayer’ says older people getting ICU access Dublin-based “The standard admittance a patient of 90 years of age, or a Butler said that her attention Aron Hegarty rate is normally 13.6%. The rate Down Syndrome patient”. had been drawn to a number of journalist A Fianna Fáil representative to date is 9.4%, so that is a drop of However, in the case of “tri- issues relating to staff in home claims older people are “not 4.2% and I am concerned about age” where there are not enough care settings since the onset of Ruadhán Jones being treated fairly” when it that. resources to go around, she says Covid-19. Dublin based journalist Yvonne Kinsella has comes to healthcare treatment “I felt it was important to those “most likely to benefit “Around 90% of deaths are revealed how she “clung to prayer” when struck and coverage by mainstream raise the issue that fewer than most” from it “should be the among the over 65s and many down with the coronavirus. media. 10% of those over 65 progress ones who receive it”. of these deaths are happening Ms Kinsella spent 13 days in hospital due to Mary Butler TD, the party’s to the ICU and there is a grow- “It is going too far to assume in care home settings…Private Covid-19, and her condition worsened to the spokesperson on the elderly, ing fear being raised by older that some people’s quality of life or public, it doesn’t make any point that nurses told her she would be put in told The Irish Catholic that those people that they may not get the does not merit access to treat- difference: it’s clear that care for aged over 65 with Covid-19 full range of treatment and care ment, even if it is available, and the elderly is very important. an induced coma and taken to ICU. being admitted to hospital may available to them.” therefore to exclude them from Speaking to Pat Kenny on Newstalk this not be getting the clinical care getting treatment before they Mandatory week, Ms Kinsella described the experience. they require. Treatment ever become ill – whatever the “For example,” she said, “it is “They told me I had to be put into an induced Recent figures published by Meanwhile, philosopher Dr situation might be with regard now mandatory that masks be coma. I knew then I might never see my family Health Protection Surveillance Catherine Kavanagh has insisted to availability or benefit to the worn in all hospitals and nurs- again…but one of the nurses got me to lie on Centre this week shows 1,321 that treatment should not be patient or the patient’s wishes. ing homes but it is not manda- my front, she said that it relieves the pressure people over 65 were admitted rationed for older people based “That is to deliberately con- tory for them to be worn in the on the lungs. Any small improvement could to hospital with Covid-19 and on age alone. The acting head of demn some people to death, home care setting. help. 124 of them went to an intensive philosophy at Mary Immaculate without making any attempt to “It is very important that “After turning over, the nurse came back and care unit (ICU). College in Limerick insists that deal with whatever situation those cared for in their own told me that there was marginal improvement “I accept that ICU may not patients who will benefit most might present itself in real time, homes have the same terms and they wouldn’t have to send me to ICU.” be appropriate for many older from the treatment “should get and far from being triage, does and conditions in terms of PPE It was then that Ms Kinsella turned to prayer. people,” Deputy Butler said. “Yet it”. look very much like involuntary for those who come into their “I said, ‘Oh my God, thank you God’. And there is significant concern and She insisted that if the euthanasia,” she said. homes to care for them as those the relief – I literally prayed, and prayed, and apprehension that older people “resources are available”, then On the issue of personal working in hospitals and nursing prayed. And I wouldn’t – I don’t go to Mass, but are not being treated fairly. there is “no reason not to treat protective equipment, Deputy homes,” she said. by God, I clung onto prayer. I definitely clung onto prayer, and I kept thinking of my mam and how she’d react if I wasn’t around, and I prayed Follow The Irish and prayed and prayed.” Sports star says Catholic on Twitter Ms Kinsella’s whole family came down with the virus, but she told Pat Kenny that they are “thankfully now finally on the road to ‘Faith and family’ IrishCathNews recovery”. give her strength

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Key topics include: · Catholic Theology and Church History · Sacred Texts in Judaism, Christianity, and Other Traditions · Faith and Justice · Pastoral Ministry and Community Development · Interreligious dialogue between Judaism, said: “I was visiting her one day in the Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism Chai Brady hospital and I could tell she was praying Irish sports star Ciara Mageean has said so I didn’t go in behind the curtain, I said · Politics and Religion in the 21st century “Faith and family mean a lot to me” I’d wait and let her finish the Rosary. and that it is important people have She asked could she have the strength to something in their lives they can “look make it through her next scan, because it Undergraduate enquiries: towards for that little bit of strength”. was that painful. She said her Faith is part of who “That moment meant a lot to E: [email protected] P: 01 700 7048 W: www.dcu.ie/dc300 she is – something she drew from her me because she didn’t pray that it Postgraduate enquiries: grandmother who died of cancer. wouldn’t hurt her, she just asked for In an interview with RTÉ, Mrs Mageean strength.” E: [email protected] P: 01 700 7053 W: www.dcu.ie/dc693 4 | News || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 NOW AVAILABLE Britain ‘exceeded Embark on a Journey of Faith power’ imposing with Medieval abortion on the North propriate for the provision to ing abortion, insisting it must unplanned pregnancy,” Chai Brady have been so limited in light be debated “as a matter of Baroness Nuala O’Loan, in Britain’s secretary of state of the changed political con- urgency”. her submission to the House Irish Pilgrims for the North exceeded his text,” the Attorney General They said the current reg- of Lords reiterated concerns l powers by introducing lib- said in written evidence to a ulations, which were brought about the consultation pro- eral abortion regulations the House of Lords committee. in due to legislation passed in cess, which she dubbed region’s chief legal adviser Last year, abortion was Westminster, must be formu- “deeply flawed”. has said. decriminalised in the region lated to reflect the position of Under the European over the heads of locally- the majority of people in the Debate Convention on Human elected politicians by Brit- North. She stated: “It is time now Rights protection must be ish MPs in a move that was “While we regard this to for the NI Assembly to make given to the rights of those widely criticised and opposed be an unjust law, which was its voice heard, to debate the opposed on religious or phil- by all members of the UK Par- imposed without the consent issue and to reclaim its power osophical grounds, Attorney liament from the North who of the people of Northern Ire- over abortion. General John Larkin QC, said, take their seats. land, we are morally obliged, “This new law with its and it is doubtful that this was wherever possible, to do all obvious excess of power, adequate in this case. Regulations we can to save the lives of uncertainties, lack of detail “This is of political and Meanwhile, the north- unborn children, which could and dangers, has to be legal significance and, given ern bishops have written to be lost through abortion, approved by parliament in l that the relevant judgment members of the assembly and to protect mothers from the coming weeks. If this does call is best made by a local to voice their opposition the pressures they might not happen, the law will fall,” year 716, according Pádraig Ó Riain’s legislature, it may be inap- to new regulations regard- experience at the time of an she said. Priest calls for support for those in direct provision

Staff reporter A Co. Laois-based priest who has been an outspoken supporter of asylum seekers has said that the coronavirus pandemic is having a severe effect on those living in direct provision. Fr Paddy Byrne, parish priest of Abbeyleix, Whether atoning for sins, praying for an end told The Irish Catholic that he fears the current to the black death or seeking salvation, Irish crisis is “severely challenging” for “vulnerable” 3 pilgrims set out on religious pathways for families living in accommodation while awaiting a decision on whether their application for many reasons. Join Dr Louise Nugent as she asylum will be granted. uncovers the goals and destinations of these travelers, as well as the dangers they faced Unwell along the way. “They are living in very close proximity,” he explained, “often in one room, and if one Through historical sources, archaeological 9 99 family member becomes unwell because of the evidence and beautiful illustrations, follow coronavirus, how can self-isolation and social these Irish pilgrims to gain fresh distancing take place? understanding of the motivations and “This is a worrying time because my fear is 15 that the vulnerable and refugees will be locked experiences that shaped their journeys. out. START THEM YOUNG: Baby Éabha, born on April 15, enjoys her “The present situation is not something new for these people, who have experienced lockdown first Mass at just five hours old via webcam from Thurles parish with and confinement for too long,” Fr Byrne said. Order your copy today parents Wes and Sarah Morrisey. to explore Ireland's Christian Brothers make Dublin Retreat Medieval past. House available for coronavirus use “There hasn’t been a new member in brothers to ensure the congregation does + FREE Aron Hegarty €26.99 P&P the Christian Brothers in this country for not disappear. The Christian Brothers has made the about 30 years,” he said. “We are very aware of the decline in Emmaus Retreat House in Swords, Co. “And that is partly because services - vocations and we are determined to be Dublin available for the State to use dur- such as education - that we are involved more open to the idea of new members.” ing the coronavirus. in have been more or less taken over by Bro. Dominic, a leader in pastoral care, Phone 01 6874096 the State. The brothers are no longer “The State can use it in this time when feels the brothers are “needed in today’s we are dealing with a virus in whatever visible in schools and therefore peo- Visit www.columbabooks.com world” and said they are looking at ways form they wish,” Bro. Dominic Sassi CFC ple perhaps don’t see the need of them Post Cheque 23 Merrion Square North, Dublin 2 of keeping “themselves known”. told The Irish Catholic. [vocations].” Bro. Dominic also said he is fear- “Even now, during this crisis and ful that the vocation of brothers in the Vocation when it is over, we really need to keep Church is disappearing because it is a The vocation of the brotherhood is the vocation of the brother in the public ministry that is little understood – even “not well understood”, according to Bro. eye,” he said. within the Church. Dominic, and believes that it is up to the i See Pages 16 & 17. 01 6874028 23 2 The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | Comment ||5 There has been contagion before istoric memories of sensible to avoid the contagion the Spanish flu of – and TB was notoriously 1918-20 have been contagious. Hfrequently invoked Mary Kenny There was another case, too, during the present pandemic – in our neighbourhood, that I the novelist Emma O’Donoghue, only learned about later – a who wrote Room, will be young boy of about 10 years of publishing a new novel in July age living in Newbridge Avenue, based on the so-called Spanish Sandymount. He had to be flu. (Unfair to blame the Spanish isolated in a garden shed at the for that pandemic: Spain’s press back of his home and his meals simply reported it, being free of brought out to him, while he wartime censorship, whereas stayed alone. l Each Sunday now, I visit a different the newspapers in other coun- That young boy died, as did church with online streaming and it’s tries had reporting restrictions.) Tim Lloyd. Despite his wealth, interesting to see Masses in different But there’s a contagious his tuberculosis couldn’t be settings and with different approaches. disease which caused social cured. All of them have been rewarding in their isolation much nearer to our gentle kind of person and a couple of bottles of stout’, my good-looking man – my mother Ma was furious. My brother, Sanatoria different ways: the austerity of Mass from time, and which was also Glenstal Abbey has a prayerful beauty, thought he resembled the film earlier on, had had a brush with The family moved out of that greatly feared: tuberculosis. while the Newman Church in Stephens actor Tyrone Power, with dark TB himself, but successfully house, which had a magical, Effective penicillin treatment Green and Haddington Road in Dublin eyes and a rich supply of hair. recovered. Mother was terrified castellated aspect, with for TB started to be introduced have an aesthetic spirituality. But when my elder brother he would contract a second extensive grounds. It became by the late 1940s, but TB cases Last Sunday I joined the Dominican paid a visit to Timothy because dose. the Marist College, Ballsbridge. which were incurable still church in Claddagh, Galway which is a he was sorry for the poor Christian charity was TB patients were usually sent existed right into the 1950s. little gem. The priest was a very sweet fellow’s isolation, sharing, ‘a extolled, but it was still thought to sanatoria, but some were In Dublin 4, where I grew up, older man who brought a rucksack onto a evidently isolated at home. there was a family man of table by the altar to illustrate provisions l April 30 is the feast-day of St Faolchú of Iona, a successor How lonely they must have considerable means who was for a journey, like the disciples walking to Colum Cille. He became abbot of Iona at the age of 74, in the been – and in the days before obliged to be isolated in his to Emmaus. It was a charmingly informal, Dictionary of Irish Saints. electronic media or easy access large mansion house, because year 716, according Pádraig Ó Riain’s west of Ireland touch. Let us not forget that, according to Lord Clark in his famous BBC he was afflicted with TB. to phones. Even in sanatoria, TB Several Sunday Masses have female series Civilisation, the Irish monks who settled on the island of Iona patients felt the stigma of their cantors, who have been excellent. were among those who kept Christianity alive when it was being Smile contagion. I wonder if this experience of people extinguished by the barbarians all over Europe. I used to play with his children In this pandemic, I now think tuning into different Masses online will April 30 is also the feast-day of St Ciarán of Seirkieran at in the grounds of that house, back to what TB patients must impact on styles of worship. Comparisons Ballybott, Co. Offaly, the site of a former Augustinian monastery. He and their father, Timothy, would have suffered, not just from the often bring accretions or subtle changes was a bishop and a prophet, as he foresaw the arrival of the Vikings appear at an upper window disease, but from the isolation it to any ritual. to smile and wave. He was a in Ireland. imposed.

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01 6874028 | [email protected] | 23 MERRION SQUARE NORTH, DUBLIN 2 6 | News || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 NEWS Irish nuns on the frontlines IN BRIEF Catholics ‘will joyfully welcome’ new of Covid-19 crisis in Africa Rosary prayers Catholics “will joyfully misinformation and false Superiors General (UISG), said vides education, healthcare slums for very many years Róise McGagh news spreading in the coun- recently that women religious and social rehabilitation ser- but I have never seen poverty welcome” the Pope’s addition of new prayers to the Missionary Sisters of the Holy try, making people scared to “are on the front lines” in pre- vices to 8,000 children and affect the people in Mukuru adults every day. Rosary, says the Promoter Rosary in Liberia are attempt- access necessary healthcare venting the spread of Covid- as it has from last year. and use their water pumps as 19 and treating the sick. They recently began mak- of the Rosary for the Irish ing to tackle Covid-19 through “And it has gotten worse passing vital information needed. In the slums of Nairobi, ing face masks which will be Dominicans, Fr Colm Mannion now due to the curfew meant OP. between rural villages. Irishwoman Sr Pat Mur- Kenya, Mercy Sr Mary Killeen distributed in slums around ray, executive secretary of is in charge of the Mukuru the city. to reduce the spread of Covid- Speaking to The Irish Sr Bridget Lacey, one of the Catholic founders of Social Empower- the International Union of Promotion Centre (MPC) pro- “I have worked around the 19,” she said. , he said: “It’s ment Through Learning, said: great that Pope Francis is “Our aim of what we’re doing highlighting the importance in Covid-19 is to prevent vil- Christ in the city of prayer and the Rosary in lages from getting the virus. particular during the current “We are currently working crisis. I’ve no doubt that with around 300 villages in Catholics around the world will joyfully welcome these Lofa County.” The sisters are training additional prayers. people they work with to “Although the Faithful repeatedly visit villages to may not be able to receive give them correct informa- Jesus sacramentally in the tion on hand-washing, social Eucharist, we can always turn distancing and the spread of to Mary in prayer and ask her the virus. to lead us closer to her son.” “We are providing buckets “As our heavenly Mother, and soap in villages, as many the Blessed Virgin is always as we can afford to give. It’s caring for her children. We expensive to do, it is expen- know that she comes close to sive to have people going us in a special way when life from place to place providing is difficult,” he said. buffet buckets and soap but Redemptorists we’re trying. report surge in online Bucket engagement “Many people can’t afford to The Irish Redemptorists’ have a bucket specifically sit- have revealed that hundreds ting there for washing hands of thousands of people and getting water is difficult are tuning in to their online for people, people go long Masses during the Covid-19 distances from the villages lockdown. sometimes to get water,” said Statistics for the first three Sr Lacey who is currently in weeks of April show more Ireland on a longer stay than than 250,000 people world- planned due to Covid-19. Fr Paddy McCafferty PP of Corpus Christi parish in Ballymurphy gives Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament from a wide spent 160,000 hours She says there is a lot of car in west Belfast on Sunday. Photo: Mal McCann following live streams from the Redemptorist churches in Bel- fast, Limerick and Dundalk. ❛❛ Stress among main issues to Accord helpline Posts on Redemptorist Facebook pages reached people with issues of pressure and tionships from the Catholic marriage opposite to withdrawing, they sort of more than 500,000 people, Staff reporter stress caused by uncertainty around care service, spoke to The Irish Cath- explode – they can be sharp, they can generating almost 200,000 A ‘pressure cooker’ environment is security of employment, the effect of olic about how reasonable anxieties be tetchy, they can be rude,” she said, engagements in the month one of the main issues causing ten- the pandemic restrictions on children can bring out the worst of people stating that the service is also con- from 24 March. sion in the home that has been iden- and relationships that were vulner- in this time. “Sometimes stress and cerned for those dealing with issues “Though we cannot wait for our churches to open again, tified by Accord phone support lines. able, pre-restrictions . anxiety can almost paralyse some of substance abuse in the home and it is clear that our online pres- Since setting up their line in mid- Mary Johnston, a specialist in people. Other people when they’re instances of domestic violence. ence has provided support April they have received calls from counselling for marriage and rela- stressed and anxious, they do the i See Page 31. and spiritual nourishment to a lot of people,” said Limerick- Specific based Redemptorist, ❛❛ Crisis pregnancy group What do Bishop Leahy asks Fr Gerard Moloney CSsR. Derry young people to open new centre you think? public to ‘dig deeper’ step up Young people are stepping up Gianna Care, a crisis have been put in for ‘common good’ to be readers at daily Mass pregnancy support place we have seen an see signs of the strain. Worse in Ardmore Parish, Diocese organisation is opening increase in calls from Aron Hegarty still, a growth in domestic of Derry. Participants of the a new location in Kerry. Pope John Paul II Award, women who are needing The Bishop of Limerick has violence. Now is a time to The new centre is to mostly Year 13 students, a lot of emotional urged the public to work remember what is often called offer similar services would usually be very active support and luckily together to overcome the the common good. as the other locations in the parish through reading Let us know growing “restlessness” with “There’s a huge victory in Dublin and Galway we have been able to at Mass, serving at the altar, Covid-19 restrictions for the for us ahead,” Bishop Leahy including pregnancy provide this support by writing to: distributing Holy Communion, “common good”. added, “but it is going to take counselling, post- over the phone. decorating the Church, or Letters to the Editor, Dr Brendan Leahy used sacrifice and it’s going to take abortion counselling, “We are really singing in the choir or folk The Irish Catholic, sport as an example in his teamwork. emotional and financial looking forward to group. support for women, weekly homily to explain how “We are the team. If we opening our doors to 23 Merrion Square, They are now adapting to free maternity and baby all of us has “an impact on each don’t truly commit throughout the online reality doing what the public as soon as the Dublin 2, ❛❛ equipment and more. other” when it comes to life the ‘season’, we will lose. And they can by reading at the live A spokesperson said: restrictions lift but for or email: and death. we’re not talking about a sports broadcast of 10am Mass and “In the past few weeks the moment we are just [email protected] “A certain restlessness is championship, we are talking praying the Rosary each night since all the restrictions at the end of the phone.” now inevitable,” he said. “We life and death,” he said. at 7pm. The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | Comment ||7

Maria Steen The View

welcome” the Pope’s addition of new prayers to the Rosary, says the Promoter It may not be nice to hear, but we of the Rosary for the Irish Dominicans, Fr Colm Mannion

Speaking to The Irish , he said: “It’s need to know the truth about sin great that Pope Francis is highlighting the importance t the beginning of there is Hell: a place of of prayer and the Rosary in Lent we heard the eternal torment, in which particular during the current words: “Memento souls are banished from crisis. I’ve no doubt that Ahomo, quia ever seeing the divine Catholics around the world pulvis es, et in pulverem countenance or enjoying reverteris.” Remember, any reprieve from just additional prayers. man, that thou art dust, punishments. “Although the Faithful and unto dust thou shalt These being the may not be able to receive return. In the two months two possible ultimate Jesus sacramentally in the since then – has it really destinations for us all, what Eucharist, we can always turn only been two months? – a is the kinder, the more to Mary in prayer and ask her tiny virus has brought the loving thing to do? Is it to lead us closer to her son.” world to its knees. Many to say nothing about the families have suffered “As our heavenly Mother, gravity of a person’s actions terrible bereavements. the Blessed Virgin is always and allow him to persist in If they have even been caring for her children. We conduct that endangers his able to attend the funeral know that she comes close to soul? Or is it to point out the rites of our religion, they us in a special way when life fact of serious sin (without is difficult,” he said. have been denied the comforts and consolations condemning the person; of our national customs that is for God alone) in surrounding death. Even order to spare him from for those of us whose suffering? families have, mercifully, The fact that sin often The Irish Redemptorists’ been spared such pain, the leads to suffering even have revealed that hundreds coronavirus continues to in this world (as well as of thousands of people confront us with the reality the next) only makes the are tuning in to their online of our mortality. answer more obvious. When Masses during the Covid-19 Although Easter is a priest of the Catholic lockdown. a time in which we Church reminds those under Statistics for the first three express the joy of Jesus’ his care of the wages of sin, weeks of April show more Resurrection, the condition he is not being judgemental you will be justified, and The message is clear. words, he or she must not of the 2018 referendum on than 250,000 people world- of the world insists that we – he is performing an act of Fr Paddy McCafferty PP of Corpus Christi parish in Ballymurphy gives Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament from a by your words you will be No-one who professes belief have been under duress; and abortion, some good bishops wide spent 160,000 hours contemplate what it is to charity and mercy. car in west Belfast on Sunday. Photo: Mal McCann (3) the person must have had came under intense criticism following live streams from the be mortal and on what are condemned” (Matt 12:36). in Christ can reject the full knowledge that the act for daring to suggest that Redemptorist churches in Bel- traditionally known as the And again: “The Son of notion of the existence of was a mortal sin. people might consider going The role of the fast, Limerick and Dundalk. ‘Four Last Things’: death, man will send his angels, Hell. To do so is to disbelieve and they will gather out of Jesus’ own words and I have been thinking a to confession if they had ❛❛ Posts on Redemptorist judgement, Heaven and priest in providing good deal lately about the voted with the intention of Facebook pages reached Hell. his kingdom all causes of sin teaching. last condition. How many of legalising abortion. If such more than 500,000 people, As Catholics, it is and all evildoers, and throw While the road to Hell the Sacrament of us, if we have been brought criticism had been in good Staff reporter generating almost 200,000 essential to reflect upon them into the furnace of fire; may be paved with good up as Catholics, can truly faith (I doubt that it was), it Confession is as engagements in the month them from time to time, if there men will weep and intentions, what propels say that we do not have would have been difficult to from 24 March. only to remind ourselves gnash their teeth. Then the us along that path is sin, important as that of especially mortal sin. Mortal full knowledge of right understand. “Though we cannot wait for that we are not made for righteous will shine like the (or grave) sin is sin which and wrong? For example, When considering the a physician” our churches to open again, this world, and to consider sun in the kingdom of their cuts us off from God, which how man, can say they did motivation of a senior it is clear that our online pres- the direction our life is Father. He who has ears, let We may resist the notion, extinguishes God’s grace not know that voting for clergyman exhorting his ence has provided support taking. Are we following him hear” (Matt 13:41). but mortal sin needs to be within us. abortion was gravely wrong? flock to repentance, it is and spiritual nourishment to a the easy way leading to How many can say that they necessary to consider the repented of and confessed lot of people,” said Limerick- the wide gate, or the hard How many were unaware that (until the possibility that he may in the same way that a life- based Redemptorist, way to the narrow gate? Specific ❛❛ It being the case that Hell obligation was released for actually believe in the threatening illness needs Fr Gerard Moloney CSsR. Only one leads to eternal of us, if we have the duration of the current precepts of his religion: to be treated by medical life. There are things worse exists, and it being the case been brought up as crisis) deliberately skipping precepts like the possibility doctors: it is an emergency than death. Perhaps it that mortal sin leads us Mass on Sunday was a of souls being condemned to situation. would be to say there is Catholics, can truly there, what then are the mortal sin? suffer in Hell. Our atheistic During these days, somewhere worse than conditions that pertain to Young people are stepping up say that we do not mortal sin? How can we The outside world has establishment class finds when so many are facing to be readers at daily Mass death. That place is Hell. uncertainty – and even have full knowledge know what is mortal sin and rejected the notion of sin, this suspension of its own in Ardmore Parish, Diocese No belief what is not? The Church and long since forgotten disbelief impossible, but death itself – the role of of Derry. Participants of the is very specific about this. about it, only referring to if it possessed a more the priest in providing the Now some may say they of right and wrong?” Pope John Paul II Award, To be guilty of mortal – as it occasionally as a quaint sophisticated intelligence, it Sacrament of Confession do not believe in Hell. mostly Year 13 students, In Mark’s account, Jesus opposed to venial – sin, the notion swallowed by our might consider the following is as important as that of a Others may say they do would usually be very active tells us in the most startling following must apply: (1) gullible and benighted options. physician. The difference not believe anyone actually in the parish through reading terms that it would be better the sin must be grave, or ancestors. But has the On the one hand there is is this: while the doctor goes to Hell. at Mass, serving at the altar, to maim ourselves than serious; (2) the person must Church herself forgotten to Heaven: a place of refreshing Let us recall for a cannot know for certain distributing Holy Communion, to risk being thrown into have freely consented to inform the Faithful about the coolness and light, in which moment at what Jesus if he or she can heal the decorating the Church, or Hell, where “the fire is not committing the sin (whether dangers of sin? the soul gazes upon the face himself said about the body, the priest, through singing in the choir or folk quenched” (Mark 9:43). by act or omission) – in other In the wake of the tragedy of God. On the other hand matter. In the Gospel administering the sacrament group. according to Matthew, of confession to a repentant They are now adapting to Jesus says: “I tell you, on How many can say they did not know that voting for abortion sinner, is guaranteed the the online reality doing what the day of judgement, men ❛❛ ability to heal the soul. they can by reading at the live will render account for was gravely wrong? How many can say that they were unaware If we need it, let us take broadcast of 10am Mass and every careless word they this spiritual medicine, praying the Rosary each night utter; for by your words that...deliberately skipping Mass on Sunday was a mortal sin?” before it is too late. 8 | Comment || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 We need answers about the failure to protect It is untenable for the Government nursing home residents finally securing one. to refuse to They complained about how the State was essentially admit mistakes outcompeting them for staff, PPE and oxygen. This made and we need a it much harder for them to fight the virus in the nursing public inquiry, homes. A care worker without adequate PPE is writes David obviously far more likely to contract the disease and Quinn then infect others. ursing homes in Ireland, whether In some other private or HSE-run, countries,❛❛ however, Nlook after about 30,000 elderly people. That the authorities comes to roughly 0.6% of our population. Yet these homes have admitted that account for around 50% of all free mistakes were Covid-19 related deaths at the time of writing, a totally made, for instance disproportionate number. in Belgium and What accounts for this? Is it that the deaths were Sweden” home inevitable, or maybe some The official line has policy mistakes by the health authorities, and ultimately been that the first task of the health authorities delivery the Government, are also responsible? Also, is the was to protect the general situation in our nursing population and now they are home worse than in other moving to protect the care countries? homes. But does this make Let’s deal with the sense? Why could both not question of inevitability In addition, it can be hard In a way, the care homes was very likely others would On the other hand, 60% of have been protected at the first. Yes, it was inevitable to keep an elderly person in are in a similar situation to also get it because measles nursing homes do not report same time, especially in view that the infection would get their bedroom. They might the mother and baby homes is incredibly infectious. cases of infection. Is that of the much greater danger into nursing homes. It is in well have dementia, and will of old. Or indeed maternity This was in the days before because they are better run to nursing and other care the general community and be wandering the corridors, units in regular hospitals. vaccinations and antibiotics than other homes, or have homes? therefore there was always and if they sneeze or cough, Babies were being kept at of course. they merely been lucky? Also, it was a decision, the danger that it would get might not think to cover close quarters, and if one At one point after World not an inevitability, to into care home as well. Once their mouth or nose. got (say) measles, then it War II, the Rotunda in Dublin The official outcompete such residences in those homes, it would be had to basically close down for vital equipment and staff. ❛❛ The HSE has said it is hard to contain. Staff go from and set up a temporary line has been that patient to patient and if staff facility across the road the first task of the deploying staff to care are infected, then they will because so many infants homes. But thus far, this can infect patients as well. were dying. health authorities only happen on a voluntary Patients will also infect As we know, elderly basis, and fewer than one one another. This is what people, especially those with was to protect the HSE doctor or nurse per happens in families. If one an existing illness such as general population infected care home has member of a family gets it, hypertension, are the most been redeployed. That is then it fairly likely other likely to die if they contract and now they are hopelessly inadequate. members of the same Covid-19. moving to protect How do we compare with family will also contract it. In other words, it is other countries in regard to However, a family member understandable that care the care homes” these homes? We don’t have can stay in their room, homes are especially a comprehensive picture yet, and self-isolate, unless vulnerable to this pandemic. We also have to look at but the sector has been very they are a small child. The At the same time, we must the State’s role in this. In the hard hit elsewhere as well person doesn’t need to be not push the inevitability early stages of the lockdown, because many countries took fed, cleaned, gotten out line too far because it can be the State was clearly paying the decision to prioritise of bed and into bed, given a way of avoiding blame and far more attention to the the hospitals and effectively medication etc. not admitting that mistakes hospitals than to the care make the nursing homes were made. homes. The hospitals were their poor relations. Maybe Carer At the time of writing, prioritised for staff, personal groupthink had taken over The carer won’t then be about 40% of the country’s protective equipment (PPE) again. moving on to provide the 500 nursing homes are like gloves and masks, and In some other countries, same level of attention to affected by the virus. Many even oxygen. however, the authorities other people. Therefore, staff have been, and are, off The body representing have admitted that mistakes while a family home can sick. Hundreds of elderly private nursing homes were made, for instance in be compared to a nursing people have died, and (accounting for the big Belgium and Sweden. But home, in the sense that thousands of residents are bulk of the sector), Nursing here, the authorities won’t one infected people can infected. Almost a quarter of Homes Ireland, chased admit any mistakes. That is Minister for Health residents with confirmed or Health Minister, Simon spread the disease to others, Simon Harris. untenable. In due course, nursing homes are far more strongly suspected cases of Harris, for a meeting through there will need to be a public vulnerable. Covid-19 have died. the month of March before inquiry. News Delivery brought to you by WE LIVE IN EXTRAORDINARY TIMES… Don’t miss breaking news delivered directly to your home each week free home delivery *geographical restrictions apply Stay up to date with analyses that represent your voice on the national stage.

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For further details Ph: 081 846 4465 | Email: [email protected] | www.newsdelivery.ie 10 | Events || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 Out&About There’s never a bad time for a party!

LAOIS: Some staff and residents from St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit in Mountmellick enjoy a cocooning party.

WATERFORD: Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of the Diocese of WATERFORD: After celebrating Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore enjoys some beekeeping during Waterford and Lismore follows the Divine Mercy image as it’s brought through the streets of Waterford where lockdown. He has a few beehives in his garden. many stopped to venerate the image of Jesus. INSHORT praying of the Rosary at 2.30pm, followed by at 2.30pm and Mass at 3pm. For further of its good working habits, the small Knock Shrine offers Mass and Benediction at 3pm. The celebrant details, see www.knockshrine.ie. honeybee is a well-known symbol for work, virtual pilgrimages in will be Fr Richard Gibbons PP, Rector at good order, and diligence. Knock Shrine. A great time to ‘bee’ “Less commonly known is that the bee In advance of the day, pilgrims may place unique times is a representation of virginity. The worker their petitions online on the Knock Shrine productive This year Knock Shrine pilgrimage Masses bees have no part in the reproduction of its will be broadcast online from Knock Basilica website and these will be placed on the altar Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of the Diocese of species, except for that of feeding the baby every Sunday at 3pm. Each weekend, there for the Mass. Waterford and Lismore has always been will be a welcome for the pilgrimage groups Many pilgrims light candles for loved interested in beekeeping and told this paper bees. that traditionally travel to the National ones and their intentions during their how he has been enjoying his pastime during “The responsibilities of bee parenting are Marian Shrine for their own celebrations. visit to Knock Shrine and this service is these weeks of lockdown. left to the queen bee and the drones. Since Pilgrimage Sundays have long been a central also available online. A candle will be lit at About one year ago, a woman offered to virginity is a virtue we find exemplified to its the outdoor candelabra for each request install a few beehives in the bishop’s garden part of the annual calendar at the shrine and highest capacity in Our Lady, the bee quite the season traditionally begins on the last received. since no fertilisers or weed-killers are used naturally becomes one of Her symbols.” Sunday in April. Daily Masses continue to be broadcast on on the property, making it an ideal and safe Pilgrims are welcome to join the the Knock Shrine website and Facebook page place for keeping honey. Bishop Cullinan added he plans to use the afternoon ceremonies from their homes. The at 12 noon and 7.30pm, with Rosary at 7pm. The bishop explained how the bee has wax from his hives this year to make candles schedule for the afternoon will include the Sunday Mass is broadcast at 12 noon, Rosary always been a symbol of Our Lady: “Because for the Easter Vigil next year. The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | Events ||11

Edited by Chai Brady Events deadline is a week in [email protected] advance of publication

l In the current CLARE Covid-19 crisis, readers MONAGHAN: The Parish Cloughleigh Oratory will continue are advised to check of Tydavnet came to pray the Novena Prayer to St with local organisers to together online as Mass Anthony every Tuesday morning ensure events will take was celebrated by Fr at the 9.30am Mass. place. If organisers have Stephen Joyce at the put in place alternative Penal Cross on Bragan CORK arrangements, please Mountain on Divine Mercy Medjugorje prayer meeting in email us the details and Sunday. the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament every Wednesday we will publish same. night at 8pm in Holy Trinity first and third Friday, from 2.30- Church, Fr Matthew Quay. 5.30pm. Prayers for healing first Wednesday of every month. A Pro-life Mass is held on the last LOUTH Friday of every month at the Eucharistic Adoration takes place Poor Clares Monastery, College each Friday in Raheen church Road, at 7.30pm. following 10am Mass until 10pm, Crecora on Thursdays, DERRY following morning Mass until Dungiven Parish: Adoration of the 12pm and from 6-10pm, Blessed Sacrament, Monday to and in Mungret church on Friday, 8-12pm and 3-9pm. Wednesdays, from 10-12pm. St Maria Goretti Prayer Movement: Mass in reparation to the Prayer for healing for victims Immaculate Heart of Mary will of abuse and reparation for the take place at 10.30am every Church. First Holy Hour of prayer first Saturday of the month in in the Immaculate Conception St Malachy’s Church, Anne Church, Trench Road, at 8.15pm led by Fr Sean O’Donnell on the Street, Dundalk. Organised by third Tuesday of every month. the Legion of Mary, Presidium of Our Lady of the Listening DONEGAL Heart. Spiritual Director: Fr Bede McGregor OP. Holy Face of Jesus prayer meeting: A Centre Prayer Meeting The oratory St Mary’s Buncrana, Tuesdays following Rosary after is held at Mount Oliver 10am Mass. Contact: 085 252 (near Ballymascanlon, Dundalk) 5612. every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. Contact 00353 Some staff and residents from St Vincent’s Community Nursing Unit in Mountmellick enjoy a cocooning party. DUBLIN 863623361 from the North of Ireland or 0863623361 from the Our Lady of Knock prayer Republic of Ireland. meetings take place on the last Thursday of every month in St Gabriel’s Nursing MEATH Home. Glenayle Road, Raheny, Enfield Prayer Group meets every Dublin 5 from 8-9pm. Monday afternoon from 2.30- Adoration Hour for Healing during 3.30pm in the Oratory, Enfield, for Lent in St Laurence O’Toole Adoration, Rosary, Chaplet and Church, Seville Place, Dublin 1 petitions. Also once per month at 8pm every Tuesday in Lent. a Lay Apostle meeting. However, Periods of silence, reflective music, individual prayers for all meetings are presently healing all in the presence of suspended because of the DUBLIN: Depaul staff John Smith and Pauline Mitchell thank the Blessed Sacrament www. coronavirus pandemic. Elliotts Food Service in Dublin for supporting frontline workers at northwallparish.ie Adoration in St Patrick’s the charity’s Back Lane hostel in the Liberties. Church, Stamullen, after FERMANAGH 10am Mass every Thursday A Mass to St Peregrine for until 5pm, and in St Mary’s all the sick is prayed each Church, Julianstown, on MAYO: Fr Richard Gibbons PP, Rector of Knock Shrine, Tuesday evening in St Patrick’s Wednesdays from 9am and after celebrates Mass for Divine Mercy Sunday at Knock Church, Derrygonnelly, at 10am Mass. 7.30pm: www.churchservices. Dunshaughlin & Culmullen parish. Basilica. tv/derrygonnelly. There Sunday Mass live on Facebook is also a St Peregrine Novena Mass in Holy Cross (Dunshaughlin.Culmullen.Parish), Church, Lisnaskea on 12pm. All welcome. Tuesday nights at 7pm. www. churchservices.tv/lisnaskea ROSCOMMON Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament GALWAY at St Bride’s Church, Ballintubber, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Wednesday, 7.30-8.30pm. After celebrating Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of the Diocese of at St Croan’s Church, Ballymoe, Eucharistic Adoration takes place Waterford and Lismore follows the Divine Mercy image as it’s brought through the streets of Waterford where every Monday, 10-11am and many stopped to venerate the image of Jesus. Thursday, 8-10pm. in Drumboylan Church on the first Friday of the month from KERRY 9am-11pm. Weekly Monday prayer meetings led WESTMEATH by Ben Perkins, from 8-9.30pm in Knock Shrine offers the Ardfert Retreat Centre. Holy Face of Jesus prayer meeting: virtual pilgrimages in La Verna retreat centre beside KILDARE private hospital Ballinderry, unique times Mullingar. Thursdays at 7.30pm. Praying, reading and sharing the Contact: 085 2525 612 following Sunday’s Gospel DUBLIN: Catholic in Resurrexit, Kilmeague, every hospital chaplain Shauna Wednesday from 8-9.30pm. WEXFORD Sweeney, pictured in See www.resurrexit.ie for details, or ring 087-6825407. Taizé prayer services every first Tallaght University and third Friday at 8pm in Good hospital, has said it’s Counsel College Chapel, New “extremely harrowing” KILKENNY Ross. to see what patients Traditional Latin Mass every Sunday and families are at 5pm in St Patrick’s Church, WICKLOW ARMAGH: College Road, Kilkenny (opposite going through during Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All-Ireland, St Kieran’s College). The Glencree Parish Group hold the pandemic as she celebrates Mass in St Patrick’s Cemetery and prays for all Adoration of the Blessed a special Mass for healing in St supports them and staff. deceased loved ones. He then blessed graves and prayed for all Sacrament in the Church of the Kevin’s Church, Glencree on the who have died in recent weeks. Assumption, Urlingford, every first Saturday of the month. 12 | International news || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 World Report

IN BRIEF First state in Germany Dutch cardinal expects euthanasia reopens churches to surge following court ruling l Saxony has become the first state in Germany to allow churches to re-open for public services. The governor of A Dutch cardinal says a recent written euthanasia dec- Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, announced that from last week Supreme Court ruling per- larations of patients with onwards churches could hold services albeit “on a small scale”. mitting the euthanising of advanced dementia, the Mass was duly celebrated in the Catholic Provost Church of patients living with dementia Supreme Court leaves this to the Holy Trinity in Leipzig for the first time since the suspension creates confusion and raises the judgement of the physi- of Church services over five weeks ago. questions about consent – cians involved, by which their Attendance was subject to the first 15 members to have particularly for the most vul- uncertainty only grows.” registered on the internet and were let into the church by parish nerable at the end of life. The doctor who euthan- priest Provost Gregor Giele. Speaking on behalf of the ised the patient with Alzhei- Dutch bishops’ conference, mer’s was initially cleared of Catholic university in US offers Cardinal Willem Eijk high- any wrongdoing in 2019, but new students free tuition lighted renewed concerns the case was further referred about the growing practice in to the Supreme Court in an l A Catholic university in the US has announced it will cover the Netherlands. effort to establish legal prec- tuition costs for all incoming students this winter. Cardinal Eijk referred to edent. President Fr Dave Pivonka TOR of Franciscan University the ruling, delivered on April The Archbishop of Utrecht in Steubenville, Ohio said: “We feel called by God to ease the 22, which found that doctors added that those “who con- burden for students, so they can experience the irreplaceable could forcibly euthanise such sider human life as an intrin- value of a Franciscan University education. patients if they had previously sic, and therefore universal “We hope this unique response will help them to overcome signed a document approving Cardinal Willem Eijk. value, and is convinced that these obstacles and uncertainties and step out in faith with us.” the procedure. years earlier that she wished viously expressed a desire to it may not be terminated The free tuition will go to new undergraduate students. by euthanasia, medically- The University has also created a financial aid fund to assist to decide when the time was be euthanised. Declaration assisted suicide and termina- returning students facing hardship due to the pandemic. right for her death. “In 2016, a physician of a She resisted the attempt to Legal process tion of life without request, Church offers facilities to help nursing home performed place the needle in her arm, Cardinal Eijk said that experts would prefer that these euthanasia in a woman who was instead given a sedative were concerned the legal pro- actions never take place”. Myanmar fight virus had a written euthanasia dec- in a cup of coffee before being cess left much to be desired He insisted that “one may l Catholic officials in (Karuna) Myanmar, said laration, firmed four years reportedly held down by fam- in the case. “Does the legal fear that the Supreme Court’s before. This itself does raise Myanmar have offered the Church has joined the ily members and euthanised. proceedings against the phy- judgement, though mak- the question of whether such Charges were brought ing physicians perhaps more Church properties for the nation’s battle against the sician of the nursing home State to use as quaratine a written declaration, firmed against the doctor who lead to the clarity desired by uncertain in performing virus through Karuna-run centres during Covid-19. years ago, still expresses the administered euthanasia the college of attorneys gen- euthanasia in patients with Seminaries, Church- awareness campaigns and actual will of the patient,” and he was acquitted. The eral? Physicians of nursing advanced dementia, will not owned land and a Catholic a response team led by said Cardinal Eijk. Supreme Court further found homes think that that is not lead in general to a decrease Religious Conference Cardinal Charles Bo. The woman, who was una- that it was lawful to euthanise the case,” he asked. of the number of cases of ble to communicate due to someone who cannot consent “Instead of laying down euthanasia and medically- building have been offered “The Church has pledged in Yangon as facilities to her condition, had stated four to the procedure, but had pre- criteria for interpreting the assisted suicide”. to contribute its involvement accomodate patients, nurses and doctors. as a wider response through Bishop Raymond Sumlut Caritas and the national China starts new wave of cross Gam, head of Caritas team,” he said. Indonesia Catholics and removals after Covid-19 Muslims offer Ramadan aid China has begun another wave of cross officials that they were acting on the “After the religious symbol is l The Jakarta Archdiocese and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) have removals from church buildings as the “directions from superiors”. However, removed [ ] it is no longer a church.” teamed up to help those affected by coronavirus during coronavirus pandemic subsides on the no documents were produced to prove Since October 2018, hundreds Ramadan. mainland. this claim. of crosses across China have been The removals began over the past “The same routine and tactics are removed. Under the project ‘Your Ramadan, My Ramadan’, NU Social fortnight as government officials used all across China,” says Fr Chen Dioceses in Zhejiang, Henan, Hebei Care and the diocese have started distributing food packages became relatively free from the from Anhui Diocese. “This is not the and Guizhou provinces have witnessed from April 24 to May 25 to marginalised Muslims. pressure of fighting the pandemic, case of a particular diocese or province. several crosses being removed, “We and the NU are friends,” said Jesuit Fr Christopher according to Christian leaders in the It is happening all over the mainland, allegedly after they violated planning Kristiono Puspo. “Whenever there is a natural disaster, we country. but the mainland Church is silent. laws. always work together in emergency response and disaster Authorities have removed crosses Fr Chen fears there will be more In October 2019, for instance, a mitigation. from Our Lady of the Rosary Church cross removals and said the Chinese church in Guantao County in Hebei “When it comes to humanity, we have the same vision, have in Anhui Diocese and one church in Communist Party did not stop their was accused of “illegally occupying one heart and mind. As Muslims enter their holy month, we Yongqiao district of Suzhou City. persecution of Christians even when cultivated land” and then demolished. Most recently, they attempted to Covid-19 was raging in China. Priests say the dioceses will want to build solidarity with them in dealing with the Covid-19 remove the cross of a church in Suzhou “If the churches don’t unite to resist, normally cooperate with authorities in pandemic,” he added. Road in Hefei City on April 27. many more crosses will be removed,” the removal of crosses in the hope of Zambia bishops establish Parishioners were told by local he says. saving the church building. coronavirus response fund l The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has set Increase in young people’s Faith during pandemic up a Covid-19 Response Fund (CRF) to give support to health A third of US young adults service say that interacting ington, Minnesota of “Belong- were clergy or Faith leaders. facilities and help prevent the spread of the virus. who responded to a recent with people, even virtually, ing: Reconnecting America’s Despite churches, religious “This fund will supplement the efforts government has put survey have reported an makes them feel more con- Loneliest Generation”. or Faith communities provid- increase in their Religious nected. Yet, nearly half of Following the study, into place,” said Bishop Moses Hamungole on behalf of the ing online rituals and virtual Faith during the coronavirus. these respondents report Springtide interviewed 508 ZCCB. spaces during this time of In addition, nearly half feeling isolated because no young people aged 18-25, and social isolation, the survey “We therefore urge our Catholic Faithful and other people of (47%) of those reported one has reached out to them found that many young adults good will, to heed this call and contribute generously towards that their level of Faith has individually. are experiencing increased found that what mitigates this fund.” remained the same during The survey of 1,000 young levels of isolation, loneliness the experience of loneliness Bishop Hamungole said the fund will be used to support the crisis. people aged 13-25 resulted in and anxiety. for young people is the act of Church initiatives dealing with the sick, elderly, people with Seven out of 10 respond- publication by the Springtide Less than 1% of adults who caring adults checking in and mental and physical disabilities, orphans and the poor. ents who watched an online Research Institute of Bloom- reached out to young people connecting with them. The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | International news ||13

Edited by Aron Hegarty Vatican [email protected] roundup Designed to be noticed

l Saxony has become the first state in Germany to allow churches to re-open for public services. The governor of Pope and French President Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, announced that from last week discuss global unity onwards churches could hold services albeit “on a small scale”. Mass was duly celebrated in the Catholic Provost Church of l Pope Francis has expressed his closeness and support the Holy Trinity in Leipzig for the first time since the suspension to France during a telephone conversation with the of Church services over five weeks ago. country’s leader. The President’s office said the Pope and Attendance was subject to the first 15 members to have President Emmanuel Macron spoke for about 45 minutes registered on the internet and were let into the church by parish last week by telephone. priest Provost Gregor Giele. The Pope positively acknowledged “the constructive responses taken by France at the international level after the health crisis caused by the pandemic”. Although the Holy See Press Office has not released a statement about the event as yet, President Macron’s office l A Catholic university in the US has announced it will cover said the two leaders also agreed on the need for a global tuition costs for all incoming students this winter. ceasefire in all conflicts. President Fr Dave Pivonka TOR of Franciscan University President Macron also announced the possibility of in Steubenville, Ohio said: “We feel called by God to ease the cancelling the debt of African countries to assist them in burden for students, so they can experience the irreplaceable their fight against Covid-19 virus and, in line with the Pope, value of a Franciscan University education. has also called for unity. “We hope this unique response will help them to overcome The President’s office said the two leaders stressed these obstacles and uncertainties and step out in faith with us.” their convergence of views on these issues and revealed The free tuition will go to new undergraduate students. that President Macron wanted to explain how France was The University has also created a financial aid fund to assist committed to going forward. returning students facing hardship due to the pandemic. At the beginning of the call, President Macron reportedly also renewed his invitation to the Pope to visit France. And after, reportedly engaged in dialogue with religious leaders Myanmar fight virus and secular associations in France. l Catholic officials in (Karuna) Myanmar, said Pope Francis offers gifts Myanmar have offered the Church has joined the A man drives an auto-rickshaw depicting the coronavirus in Chennai, India to create awareness about staying at home on his ‘name day’ Church properties for the nation’s battle against the during the pandemic. Photo: CNS State to use as quaratine l virus through Karuna-run The Church celebrated go to a hospital in Lecce, centres during Covid-19. St George the martyr last Italy and three more to Seminaries, Church- awareness campaigns and week and marked the a response team led by Madrid, Spain. owned land and a Catholic Catholics in India preach to occasion by delivering “It is a beautiful sign Religious Conference Cardinal Charles Bo. ventilators to Romania, that falls on this particular building have been offered “The Church has pledged Italy and Spain. in Yangon as facilities to day when the Holy Father to contribute its involvement Pope Francis also accomodate patients, nurses tribal villages about Covid-19 offered medical equipment, does not receive a gift but and doctors. as a wider response through Catholic missionaries in India are shortage, making their life miserable.” among tribal people about the global masks, protective glasses gives it to others,” said Bishop Raymond Sumlut Caritas and the national trekking long distances to create Fr Jose said he had visited some pandemic. for doctors and nurses Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Gam, head of Caritas team,” he said. awareness about the Covid-19 100 families of Baiga and Gond tribal “Our priests are running awareness and coveralls for intensive the Papal Almoner. pandemic among tribal people in people, saying they knew nothing campaigns in more than 50 mission care as a gift on his “name Last year, the Pope inaccessible villages of Madhya about Covid-19 as they do not have stations. Each station covers some 20 day” to these countries donated Rosary wreaths Pradesh. radio, television, newspapers or other villages,” said Fr George Thomas, who particularly affected by made for World Youth Some 150 volunteers, including 45 mass communication means. Most are directs the Jabalpur diocesan social coronavirus. l The Jakarta Archdiocese and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) have Day in Panama to young priests, in Jabalpur Diocese are on this also illiterate. work society. A number of hospitals teamed up to help those affected by coronavirus during people in the Archdiocese particular mission visiting Gond and “I have advised them not to follow “Some priests allow one or two are to benefit – one is Ramadan. Baiga tribal communities, who have this custom until the threat of Covid- volunteers to accompany them, but in the city of Suceava, of Milan, and a 20kg chocolate egg to the poor Under the project ‘Your Ramadan, My Ramadan’, NU Social not even heard of the disease, to teach 19 infections is completely over. They they too follow social distancing Romania, where five latest Care and the diocese have started distributing food packages them ways to prevent infection. have agreed,” he said. norms.” generation ventilators are at the Caritas canteen at from April 24 to May 25 to marginalised Muslims. Most tribal people lack basic Gulzar Singh Markam, a prominent expected. Another two will Termini Station in Rome. “We and the NU are friends,” said Jesuit Fr Christopher facilities such as proper food, shelter No masks Gond trial leader, agreed that villagers Kristiono Puspo. “Whenever there is a natural disaster, we or water and, with the start of the Since they have no masks, the villagers had been unaware of Covid-19 and Vatican prepares to ease always work together in emergency response and disaster summer season in April, the situation cover their faces with towels, which its ill-effects prior to the priests’ has worsened. they commonly use in summer to campaign. restrictions in May mitigation. “Water shortage is a big problem protect their faces and heads from the “It [priests’ campaign] has given us l Cardinal Pietro Parolin has met with members of the “When it comes to humanity, we have the same vision, have for many,” said Fr Thankachan Jose. heat. a proper idea about the infection and Roman curia last week to discuss the gradual reopening one heart and mind. As Muslims enter their holy month, we “They depend on the forest for food, Other priests in Jabalpur also the protection we need to take,” he of Holy See offices as Italy prepares to end its national want to build solidarity with them in dealing with the Covid-19 and the summer also creates a food visit villages to create awareness said. lockdown. The heads of Vatican dicasteries have decided pandemic,” he added. to implement a “gradual reactivation of ordinary services” starting in May. Indonesian Catholics start social movement for virus-hit families Italy’s strict lockdown is due to end on May 4 and Prime An Indonesian Catholic youth lic Youth members wanting to commit to donating 200,000 dination with local govern- Minister Giuseppe Conte announced he will be releasing organisation has formed a help poor people, especially to 500,000 rupiah (US$12- a plan to slowly lift the coronavirus restrictions and reopen l The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has set ments, dioceses and other solidarity movement where those who had lost their jobs 32) per week for an affected businesses. up a Covid-19 Response Fund (CRF) to give support to health religious groups. people are being encouraged after restrictions on activities family. “We want others to act, not “I wish I could say: let’s reopen everything, facilities and help prevent the spread of the virus. immediately…but such a decision would be irresponsible. to help support families dur- were imposed to prevent the “After we receive their only through our organisation “This fund will supplement the efforts government has put It would bring up the contagion curve uncontrollably and ing the coronavirus. spread of the virus. data, we contact them about but also individually or with into place,” said Bishop Moses Hamungole on behalf of the The ‘Adopt One Brother’ “First, we mobilised our where they would like their it would frustrate all the efforts we’ve put in so far,” said other groups.” ZCCB. movement, started by Catho- own members to help our fel- donations to go,” he said. “If Conte. Gusma said the initiative “We therefore urge our Catholic Faithful and other people of lic Youth, has spread to 26 of low brothers and sisters who a donor wants to donate to The Holy See press office director, Matteo Bruni, has will continue until the pan- good will, to heed this call and contribute generously towards the country’s 34 provinces, are experiencing difficulties. a family, we will coordinate repeatedly said that the Vatican is implementing measures demic ends. this fund.” according to Stefanus Asat Then we extended our reach with our members to seek a to prevent the spread of coronavirus in coordination with the “We want to show the Italian authorities. Bishop Hamungole said the fund will be used to support Gusma, who heads up the to anyone who was willing to family in need.” group’s Covid-19 task force. help others.” He said they have also importance of showing St Peter’s Basilica and square, the Vatican Museums Church initiatives dealing with the sick, elderly, people with He said the movement He said the group is sign- distributed around 2,000 aid human solidarity in the midst and several other public offices in the Vatican City State mental and physical disabilities, orphans and the poor. involves thousands of Catho- ing up volunteers who will packages to families in coor- of this current crisis,” he said. have been closed for more than six weeks. 14 | Feature || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 The Church will prioritise people’s health but will also go beyond economic and hygienic concerns

It remains painful that we cannot gather physically and hear the scriptures pro- claimed and share in Holy Communion says Bishop Donal McKeown he Holy Bible is full make sense. He draws them of great stories. It out. With them He walks may be events like away from the place where Tthe one we have they thought those broken heard about today [the dis- dreams lay dead and buried. ciples meeting the Lord on Jesus walks with each of the road to Emmaus] – or it us this morning. Many peo- The Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio. might be parables like the ple have suffered. Life has Prodigal Son. But none of been stripped of the hopes them were written down to and plans that helped them pleasure and happiness we essential characteristics of who eats this bread or Scriptures. But God wants to be of merely entertainment get up in the morning. Never can get and that everything the early Christian commu- drinks this cup of the Lord nourish us with the fullness value. All these dramatic sto- be afraid to voice your anger, should be removed that nity, alongside the teaching unworthily will be behav- of Jesus who is the Word of ries have a teaching purpose. hurt and disappointment to upsets my plans or causes of the apostles, the com- ing unworthily towards the God – and that includes his St Luke wasn’t writing the Lord. The One who was pain. That is my right! But munity and the prayers. All body and blood of the Lord” Sacramental presence. That his Gospel to help us escape let down by His followers the Jesus narrative of Cal- the Gospels talk about the (I Cor. 11:26-7). is why, we as a Church will from reality. Of all the things and rejected by many, the vary is much closer to what multiplication of loaves and It is not surprising in St prioritise people’s physical that happened in the life One who suffered in Gethse- we are now discovering. The fishes - and use the words John’s Gospel that when health but are also able to of Jesus pre- and post- mane and on Calvary knows heroes are those who face ‘took, gave thanks, broke Jesus talks about eating His speak a language that goes Resurrection, this story was what physical and mental harsh reality, those who love and gave’. We hear the same flesh and drinking His blood, beyond the economic and one that the early Jerusalem distress are like. and sacrifice themselves. words today in the Gospel. many of his followers walk the hygienic. If, after hearing community kept telling – But, having listened The ones who nourish us are away because of this intoler- this Gospel passage, we have and Luke, writing 30 years to Cleopas and his friend, not those who keep repeat- able language (John 6:60). nothing to offer but what one later, knew it contained Jesus tackles their issue ing foot-tapping, mind- Breaking Breaking of bread opens up author calls ‘the technocratic teaching important enough head on. He doesn’t move numbing jingles but those bread❛❛ was one of a Divine horizon. It is God’s imagination’…then we have that it needed to be written on to talking about foot- whose lives and actions action, not ours. nothing to offer. down for posterity. As some- ball or the weather. Their speak of courage and mean- the four essential For that reason, it is so At the end of this story, one said, the Bible stories sadness has to do with the ing beyond what tickles my characteristics of painful for many Christians we see what happens are not merely a window on awful thing that happened fancy here and now. It is that they cannot gather when people encounter the the past, they are also a mir- to Jesus and their dreams not all about me, screaming the early Christian physically and hear the Risen Christ. Even though ror on the present. on Good Friday. They can out from a lonely place that Scriptures proclaimed, and it is night-time, they race At the centre of the story reluctantly accept what hap- ‘I am worth it’. Jesus takes community” then share in Holy Com- back to Jerusalem to share are Cleopas and his friend. pened on Calvary – death us seriously but speaks of The early Christian munion. That is not some their encounter. They don’t They are there at the start is concrete. But they can’t a heroism that comes from Church had discovered that hangover from a bygone age quite understand what has and at the end. In the mid- really get their head around facing challenges with a the Risen Lord continued to that means nothing to much happened. But they know dle they have an encounter the possibility of Resurrec- generous heart. He calls show Himself to His follow- more intelligent modern peo- that something has hap- that changes how they view tion. Calvary was sad but us to believe in something ers when they gathered to ple. Christianity was never a pened that makes sense of both the past and the future. Resurrection sounds mad, beyond our own unimagi- let the Scriptures speak into solo hobby that can be lived Calvary. We don’t have to These are real people. They too good and unreasonable native dreams. There was the hopes and sadness’s of equally well at home. Chris- be able to articulate all the are open to share their feel- to be true. But Jesus reaches a time when not believing our lives – and then to do tians have always believed in logic of what is happening ings. We hear what their into the writings of the Old in God was the rebellious in memory of him what he the Church as physical body now. But Christians walk initial dreams had been and Testament to water into thing to do. Now the real had done at the Last Supper. of Christ and in the Eucharist on with the conviction about their dashed hopes. bloom the seeds that they rebels are those who dare to But St Paul – in the earliest as an intimate sharing in the that there is One who does And, at the end, we see thought were all dried up. believe in Resurrection and written book of the New Body of Christ broken for make sense of the appar- them newly enthused. Here, The story he tells is not just not just in a return to the Testament, the first letter us. As in His dealings with ent madness of shattered as everywhere else in the that things will be all right. status quo. Don’t be afraid to to the Corinthians - is very people 2,000 year ago, Jesus human dreams. Gospels, Jesus deals with His story about the prophets let Jesus remake your hopes. clear that we are not merely still wants to touch us, mind, I suggest reading this real people. creates a whole new narra- Thirdly, having explained breaking bread in some body and spirit. Jesus still passage in St Luke’s Gospel, The first thing that comes tive about God’s love for the the scriptures to them, Jesus human memorial action. He wants to sit at table with us Chapter 24 a few times. Let through in this story is that world and the new Passover does something that had wrote to his listeners that and touches us sacramentally. Jesus speak to your broken Jesus takes them seriously. Lamb whose blood reveals become central to the life of “when we eat this bread Yes, the Lord wants to make dreams and allow Him He asks them what they hope and mercy for all. The the early Church. Breaking and drink this cup, we our hearts burn within us to make your heart burn are talking about. These are early Christians began to bread was one of the four proclaim his death. Anyone with the words of God in the within you as He walks people who would have see Calvary, not as a place with you. And look forward been his followers – but of butchered dreams but as in joyful hope for the day who were now heading a revelation of God’s new when He can gather us home because things had dream for the world. Our cultural narrative has tended to move together around the table Our cultural narrative ❛❛ not worked out as they and nourish us with the had planned. He listens has tended to move towards towards the assumption that we are entitled to fullness of His grace-filled to their shattered dreams the assumption that we presence that makes us and the events that don’t are entitled to whatever whatever pleasure and happiness we can get” apostles of His Good News. The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | Vocations | FeatureSunday ||15

VOCATIONS SUPPLEMENT 2020 Heroic Callings during Troubled Times

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❛❛ 1616 | | VocationsVocations ||Sunday | The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 Religious communities are here ‘if and when needed’ in cr

Aron Hegarty haplaincy, provision of food supplies and offering Church Cproperty as refuge are some of the ways religious orders in Ireland are reach- ing out to those need during the pandemic. This week The Irish Catholic asked three reli- gious communities how they are coping, operating and helping society during the lockdown. The first of these is Sr Mary Hanrahan PBVM of the Presentation Sisters, who serves as a chaplain at Arbour Hill Prison in Co. Dublin. As the only member of the team providing this service, Sr Mary’s posi- tion has become integral to the prison in the current crisis. “At present we are the only outside agency that are allowed into the prison,” she says. “The other agencies like psychology, probation etc. are working from their offices, but they are not Bro. Kevin Crowley and Fr Sean Donohoe with Pope Francis. Photo: Damien Eagers being given access. “As chaplains we have the same access that we always most marginalised and I’m her work for as long as she have had to the prisoners delighted to be facilitated “needs to do it”. and prison staff. We are by my congregation to serve “We hope that going there all day doing what one of the most marginalised forward we would be able to we try to do best which is groups in our society today.” maintain access with those to be a listening, support- Since the onset of Covid- who are locked up, if not ive presence.” In terms of 19 in Ireland, all work prac- being there physically then preventing prisoners from tices must now adhere to over the phone to provide feeling isolated or lonely due health guidelines and pre- support and listening. to restrictions on physical cautions in order to prevent visits from loved ones during contamination and stop the Our main the lockdown, Sr Mary offers spread of the virus. “Our ❛❛ materials as well as spiritual biggest response is being concern is that messages. “My congregation ultra-careful in terms of we don’t want and the Irish Prison Service how we are in the prison (IPS) are able to fund and and out of the prison,” says to see anybody support me in purchasing Sr Mary of how she and the going hungry and things like jigsaws, music IPS have responded to the compact discs and prayer pandemic. “We are very we seem to have a cards which are important careful that when we are for clients who maybe in at home that we limit our lot of new faces” contact with other people quarantine or isolation for “We also want to keep so that we are not carrying 14 days. giving prisoner families that anything into the prison.” Christian Brothers inside the Entrance to Emmaus. “We would be very mind- support and reassurance that She adds: “We are doing ful of the difference between the person is ok, the prison is our utmost to keep the pris- a person being in quarantine safe and Covid-19 free. and a day to bring them Kevin Crowley OFM Cap, of in the mornings to about ons Covid-19 free by doing or isolation in their home “These are the little things together, which unfortu- the Capuchin Day Centre in 200 people to takeaway. little things like changing to being on their own in a we will continue to do and nately we had to cancel due Dublin, whose service helps In the afternoon for lunch our clothes before we go prison cell.” Sr Mary, who keep doing as long as we to the pandemic. feed the homeless, families and evenings for dinner, we into the prison, being careful has been working full- need to do it.” “We are hoping to resume and those growing numbers have between 700 and 900 about hand hygiene and fol- time in the prison for four On the entirely different with that once restrictions in need during the crisis, is people every day.” lowing the usual protocols. years, says her “essential” subject matter of vocations, are lifted as we have had a adapting. Bro. Crowley continues: “We are also tempera- chaplaincy role allows her Sr Mary says the sisters good level of interest, which “Our main concern is “On Mondays we give out ture checked every time we to serve and be there for a have a “very active voca- has come directly through that we don’t want to see baby food and nappies enter the prison.” Sr Mary “marginalised” group. tion group” and have had a social media.” anybody going hungry and to about 200 families. As hopes that even if the situ- “We are very happy that “number of enquiries” this For homeless people and we seem to have a lot of well as that, we are giving ation gets worse and leads we, as chaplains, are recog- year already. those reliant on resist- new faces,” he says. “These out food hampers every to tighter restrictions being nised as an essential service “We had a number of ance, coronavirus has not are people who have prob- Wednesday to between 800 imposed, she can carry on and it is very significant enquires online with us changed their needs. Bro. ably lost their jobs and are and 900 families. for us to actually able to be finding it extremely diffi- “The most important physically there for people, cult to ‘make ends meet’. thing of all is we never ask which is our role at all times. “Unfortunately the centre any questions such as where “Our [Presentation We would not be able to do what we are itself [at 29 Bow Street] is they are from or who they Sisters] founder Nano Nagle ❛❛ not open, so what we do is are, we want to maintain the always wanted to serve those doing only for our excellent volunteers” give out food for breakfast dignity of each person.” The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | Vocations | Vocations Sunday ||17 e ‘if andand whenwhen needed’needed’ inin crisiscr

where the homeless could with one another by ringing has been one death in the eat their food. up every now and again. congregation so far during “The majority of people “We also employ a nurse, the pandemic - a 90-year-old take the food away and go who is working from home brother, who lived in a nurs- off, but there are people but is in frequent contact by ing home. However, it has who come to the church telephone or visit. not been established if the and treat it with great “She [the nurse] would go cause of death was coronavi- dignity and respect. We are around and keep in constant rus related or not. “As there supervising social distanc- contact with the brothers.” are very few Christian Broth- ing and constantly cleaning ers under 60 years of age,” the building, taking all the These are necessary precautions.” points out Bro. Dominic, ❛❛ “it means that many of our He concludes by saying: the little things “Hopefully when all this members would be in that [coronavirus] is over, there we will continue ‘high risk’ category. will be a big turn back to the to do and keep “We are trying to stress Church and more vocations. to each other how impor- “It’s a very difficult time doing as long as tant it is to comply with the for us and many people are we need to do it.” guidelines through isolation, experiencing great difficulty, staying at home or cocoon- but we hope that our Lord The brothers keep them- ing and we feel we are com- God and Our Lady will lead selves active through regu- pliant with those rules.” us though it and many peo- larly praying and engaged The brothers have gener- Sisters and Friends of Nano pray at the tomb of Nano Nagle, foundress of the Presen- ple will come back to us.” through online religious ously offered the Emmaus services, according to Bro. tation Sisters. Bro. Dominic Sassi CFC Retreat and Conference Cen- of the Christian Brothers is Dominic. “As a religious Cork native Bro. Kevin says three days, then the other long as it can during the tre in Swords, Co. Dublin to the third one to speak on his community, we have various the charity, which he estab- comes in for two or three outbreak and “for as long as the State to use in “whatever times for prayer in the com- lished back in 1969, relies on days. There is great harmony we get the support”. congregation and how they munity which, even with form they wish” as a way of donations, fundraising and the and spirit, and there is no “Thankfully none of our are operating in the current social distancing, we encour- reaching out in the crisis. support of volunteers. problem adapting to a new staff have gone down with climate. age the brothers to continue “We have made that “We would not be able to system. They [volunteers] are the virus so far, which is “We function mainly through Google, Zoom, Skype doing. We encourage them [Emmaus Centre] available do what we are doing only fantastic, a great advertise- a great blessing. The local and we got a reply back say- for our excellent volun- ment for us and are helping church is open for people or teleconference when we to do the liturgy and daily ing ‘thank you very much’,” teers,” he explains. us in every possible way.” to eat in because when the want to speak as a team or Mass through RTÉ or other says Bro. Dominic. “They are “We have two groups: Bro. Kevin says the crisis arose we said we had speak to a particular com- web sources.” not sure if they will need it, one comes in for two or centre will keep going as to provide a shelter or place munity,” he says. “We try to Bro. Dominic, a leader make sure we keep in contact in pastoral care, says there but the offer is there.”

Kenya

OUR ROLE IN THE WORLD ❛❛ Be humble, simple, loving servant of persons who live in poverty. Be joyful servants See the face of Christ in all people Be a voice and advocate from those who cannot speak for themselves Affect systemic change through our ministries and social outreach Probe deeply into the causes of injustice that keep Ireland people in situations of humiliation, hopelessness and despair. “Take good care of the service of the poor. Above all, live together in great union and cordiality, loving one another in imitation of the union and life of Our Lord.” St Catherine’s Provincial House, (St Louise) Dunardagh, Blackrock, Co Dublin. ❛❛ Phone: +353 (01) 288 2896 www.daughtersofcharity.ie Email:[email protected] Presentation Brothers Responds during this time of COVID-19 by staying home to protect Through the text, WhatsApp, email, Zoom, Brothers, the Presentation Pope Francis says, your families, community, initiatives of the etc. Offering words of encour- Family and beyond. “This is the moment to see friends or an elderly person, or agement and hope. We are On a global level, The Mis- the poor. Jesus says we will working in the health sector as L.E.A.F. Project this conscious, especially, of those sion Development Office of have the poor with us always, frontline workers, or support- is how we are trying who are elderly, feel vulner- the Presentation Brothers has and it’s true. They are a real- ing those on the frontline, or able or isolated. applied for funding to help ity we cannot deny. But poor by leaving home to keep the to help now PRACTICE: We are put- support the health authori- are hidden because poverty ting into practice some of is bashful. In Rome recently, country going as a key worker. Brother Martin Kenneally, ties in Ghana in its efforts to We thank and applaud you for the gems from our Leader- in the midst of quarantine, Director of the L.E.A.F. Pro- contain COVID-19 in those this and wish you and your ship Conference last year. a policeman said to a man: ject, based in Cork, says that areas with extremely poor families the absolute best at We need them more than You cannot be on the street, the “Major challenges in mis- health care systems. The fund he Presentation this difficult time. ever now! We are conscious go home.” The response was: sion awaits us. Beyond this will help poor families with Brothers extends What does this mean for of the Power of Gratitude “I have no home; I live on crisis, there will be a great food, soap, and other essen- their prayers, the Presentation Brothers and and practice it as we connect the street.” To discover such need for repair, renewal, and thoughts, best wishes the Presentation Family? As with people. tials. PPEs and other protec- a large number of people on T healing. Many people, per- tive gear will be purchased and expression of solidarity to a human family, we all need PRESENCE: We are being the margins…. And we do not haps most especially those all affected in so many ways by inspiration in the ordinary liv- present in the moment, pray- for health workers in the see them, because poverty is who suffer poverty or disad- this COVID-19 outbreak. The ing out of our lives, and more ing for the grace, to act in a community health clinics in bashful. They are there but we vantage, will need help. God united effort, both local and so at this time of crisis. Pope way that is worthy of our call. villages. The funds will also, do not see them: they have is setting a new agenda for global, to combat this virus, Francis would say we need to PREPARATION: Thinking be used to support vulner- become part of the landscape; the Church now. Religious has been phenomenal. Peo- proceed by way of discern- of the challenges post this able households, pregnant they are things …. To “see” the and lay groups are called to ple have rallied together to do ment. What is God asking of pandemic, we are discerning women, the aged in the vil- poor means to restore their be at the centre of this.” We their part in the flight against us now as we seek to respond how we might respond to the lages where the Brothers live humanity. They are not things, are responding through: the spread of the virus. Every to a suffering world? We see needs of people who might be and minister. not garbage; they are people”. PRAYER: We are praying for one of you is doing your part the witness to Christian Hope disadvantaged, suffering or in the sick and the recovering, the to save lives - whether that’s as the great need now. need of support. deceased, and the bereaved. MESSAGES OF HOPE: A We are praying for medical series of ‘Messages of Hope’ personnel and frontline/essen- at this time of the coronavi- tial workers. We are praying for rus has begun. Several people civil and Church leaders that involved with or connected they may have the wisdom and to the L.E.A.F. Project have courage to lead well. been invited to share a word COMMUNICATION: We are of encouragement with oth- Br Raj and Br Simon with friends at staying in touch by phone, ers within the Presentation Youth2000 Summer Festival

Vocations to the Religious Life and the Presentation Brothers: Is God Calling You? If you are interested in knowing more about becoming a Presentation Brother, Please contact: Br Barry Noel, Presentation Brothers, Glasthule, Co. Dublin, A96 FH67 Bros. Martin and Raymond with Bishop Fintan Gavin Mobile: 087 7519794 | E-mail: [email protected]

The mission of the Sisters of Mercy is to be a compassionate presence in our world

‘Mercy is the true face of love’ - Pope Francis

For information about the Sisters of Mercy, please visit: The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | Vocations | Vocations Sunday ||1917 A Barefoot Jesus Walks into a Bank

a barefoot Jesus, along with was reported that the word Peter, looking slightly scruffy ‘prayer’ has been Googled and decidedly out of place. more times than ever before. A number of MSC students at their first profession in Cork With his arm extended, Jesus In our isolation we seek con- points at Matthew, who nection and meaning. It’s who responds with a look of shock we are. There is that restless- and incredulity. Matthew ness deep within us that can even points to the person only be satisfied by God. This next to him, assuming Jesus time is an opportunity for has made some sort of mis- reflection and discernment, take. Jesus couldn’t possibly when we come face to face be calling him, could he? with ourselves. It is also a This is at the centre of time for us to take action. our understanding of being When this crisis has called by God. Isn’t it all too passed, we will look back easy to become distracted and assess the work of our and to lose our way? So leaders, our carers, and our much of our world today is Church. Some will point to y favourite paint- designed to get us to settle the closed doors over Easter ing, without for those things which don’t and comment about the doubt, is found really satisfy. You are meant absence of priests, religious, M for more. Before Jesus mis- and the parish community. in a small church in Rome, just off the Piazza sions Matthew they share However, we are an Easter Navona, only a short walk a meal, breaking bread people and if history has from St. Peter’s. The Call of St. together. Matthew opens his taught us anything it is that Fr. Alan Neville MSC leading a time of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Matthew is tucked away in a heart to listen to the Word of when things appear at their corner with two other works God. Then he is finally free to most difficult our Church by the same painter, Michel- let go of whatever was hold- comes into its own. Earlier angelo Merisi de Caravaggio. ing him back to follow Christ this week I was reading the It depicts the very moment with an open heart. story of Elijah’s encounter where Matthew’s life is with God (1 Kings 19:10-18), turned upside down, when Googling Prayer not in the strong wind, the he abandons his old life to fol- It’s interesting that as we violent earthquake, or the low Jesus. When we read the spend more time at home raging fire, but in the gen- story in the New Testament during this pandemic we can tle breeze. Throughout our we can lose the sense of how become bored of constant country we have seen our extraordinary the encounter streaming and consuming hospital chaplains work- was. In the painting Matthew a never ending supply of ing tirelessly alongside our and his colleagues, all splen- social media memes. Like nurses and doctors, caring didly dressed, are hard at Matthew, we are looking for for the sick and dying. Chap- work, assessing taxes, divid- that deeper encounter, even lains have ministered to fam- ing the profits, and making if we’re not sure what it will ilies as their loved ones have money. Into this scene walks look like. Only last week, it died, accompanying them to

the best of their ability. Par- been responsible for encour- challenging, but now with ishes have reached out to aging our men and women COVID-19 the work is even the entire community, but to be leaders. In a vocations more difficult. So what can especially the isolated, offer- conference last year a panel we do? First, we can pray. ing prayers and the possibil- of religious in formation We can pray for all those who ity of picking up shopping addressed the group. While serve and care, especially or prescriptions from the they came from a wide vari- those who put their lives local pharmacy. Religious ety of backgrounds, the two sisters have continued their things they all had in com- on the lines to help others. outreach to people living in mon were a desire to serve Secondly, we can encourage direct provision, providing God and that not one of those around us. There has a vital lifeline to those who them had put themselves been an immense sense of have fled their countries. forward first as a potential renewed solidarity both in Acts of faith are quiet, gen- vocation. They did not feel our communities and glob- tle, and often unnoticed, but personally worthy or good ally. Also, if there is someone are nonetheless remarkable enough. It was only after you see that has the mak- for their power bring hope, some words of encourage- ings of a good brother, sister understanding, and love. ment from friends, work or priest, you might men- colleagues or fellow parish- Where To From ioners that they decided to tion the possibility to them. Here? contact someone to begin Finally, we can remember Certainly the cocooning of the conversation that would who we are called to be. Like everyone over seventy has change their lives. Matthew, we can become dis- shown the reliance we have As we look now beyond tracted or even lost, but the on our older sisters, broth- the boarders of Ireland, call of God is insistent. Let’s ers and priests to run our there is real concern about remember that we are all parishes, community ser- developing world. Our Mis- followers of Jesus and renew vices, and outreach work sionaries of the Sacred Heart our commitment to Him at priests, sisters and broth- with people on the margins this time. If you feel that God of society. It illustrates our ers are working with local is calling you to a particular indebtedness to them, but communities in almost fifty reminds us that we need to countries in health clinics, role of service in the Church be open to raise up men and hospitals, schools, and par- perhaps now is the time to Fr Martin Morrissey MSC women as good shepherds. ishes to witness to the love make that phone call or write working in South Africa Since the earliest days of the of God in concrete ways. The that email that will change Church, the community has circumstances have been you life forever.

If you would like to talk about a possible vocation to the priesthood or religious life, you can call Fr. Alan on (086) 7857955 or email him at [email protected] Further information is also available on our website www.mscvocations.com 20 | Vocations Sunday | The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020

A life of Prayer and Service in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi

Over 400 Years of Service in Ireland

The Capuchin Franciscan Friars were founded in the early 1500's in Italy with the desire to return to a closer living of the rule of St Francis of Assisi. Capuchins arrived in Ireland in 1616 and since then have become an intrinsic part of the Irish story. Today in Ireland we have Friaries in Cork, Dublin, Donegal, Carlow and Kilkenny as well as Irish Friars serving overseas in Zambia, South Africa, New Zealand, South Korea and California. Wherever we are found our mission is the same, to be an authenƒic Gospel presence as Brothers of the People.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am called to be a What are the vows that you take? Capuchin Friar? We take three vows: poverty, chasƒity and obedi- The process of discovering what God is calling you to is ence. Poverty allows us to develop a deeper called discernment. It oŠtenƒimes begins with a feeling or respect for the world around us and for all the an experience or encounter that invites and compels us to good things that God provides. Chasƒity encour- seek deeper relaƒionship with God, others, and all of ages us to live with hearts centred on God and Creaƒion. This takes ƒime, paƒience, prayer and guidance. obedience invites us to listen deeply to God’s It requires of us that we open our hearts and begin to trust plan for us. in God in a whole new way. In many ways, it requires a step into the unknown. How long does it take to train as a Capu- chin Friar? Who can help me discern my vocaion? Our training is known as formaƒion and usually The Irish Province of the Capuchin Franciscans takes the takes between six to eight years. A Friar in forma- discernment process very seriously. We are committed to ƒion will study, work, pray and minster while helping men discover their call by means of a comprehen- growing into what it means to be a Capuchin sive vocaƒion accompaniment programme. This programme Friar in the world today. Formaƒion is an exciƒing enables people explore the quesƒions they have and to and deeply meaningful ƒime. discover some new ones. The aim of accompaniment is to walk with you as a brother as you discern, listen and reŽlect, Was Padre Pio a Capuchin Friar? while o‘fering sound guidance and pracƒical support. Each Yes, the Capuchin Franciscan Order are blessed and every vocaƒion journey is blessed and unique. to have many saints and St Pio is certainly one of the best known, parƒicularly in Ireland. Saints Do you wear a habit? like Pio, all went through a ƒime of discernment, Yes! Capuchins wear a simple brown habit and white cord. in fact it was something they did throughout The cord has three knots that serve as a reminder of the their lives. As St John Paul II reminds us ‘we are three vows we profess. all called to be Saints’.

That’s great, what do I do now? I’d like to find out some more. To arrange a conversaƒion with our Vocaƒion Promoter, simply e-mail: capuchinvoca[email protected] You can also visit the vocaƒion page of our website www.capuchinfranciscans.ie f l x The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | Vocations Sunday |21

Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles A Gift of Life to the World ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers to his harvest.’ ~ Matthew 9:37

Michelle Robertson

e are living through the strangest of times, a turning point in human Whistory. I’m sure we all feel it, the world is on the brink of great change. As we gather, physically separate, yet spiritually together on Vocations Sunday to pray, we reflect on the pur- pose of this day – A World Day of Prayer for Vocations - whereby we pray to “the Lord of the harvest to send out labour- Two OLA sisters crossing a river in ers to his harvest.” West Africa, circa 1877 Pope Benedict XVI said: “Our life is to be a gift of love to the world. But The need for women ter of Acts of the Apostles, “Cum Maria, what will that look like? We must Matre Jesu,” with Mary, the Mother of remember that through our Baptism, missionaries Jesus. everyone is called to holiness. Holiness The story of this Religious order began a The most important thing for the will look different for each individual long time ago, back in 1876. This too was sisters was to make contact with the person because God works uniquely a time of change. The missions of the people and build relationship. To with each soul. God gives each person SMA (Society of African Missions) had facilitate this building of relationship, a particular mission in their vocation. extended across the West African Coast they learned the languages and dia- This mission lives in the soul and is from Ouidah to Lagos and the priests of lects native to the areas in which they waiting to be discovered.” these fledgling missions were acutely worked and then went about opening aware that in order to reach the people schools for girls. They cared for the sick An Extraordinary Call to of Africa, they needed to be able to build and did the works of mercy called for by an Extraordinary Life relationships with the women. In order the great human need they met there. to do this they recognised the need for A number of these young women lost their lives to the ravages of the African In Ardfoyle Convent, Cork, there lives women missionaries. continent. a generation of extraordinary women Father Augustine Planque, co-Founder Today, the OLA sisters continue their who answered an extraordinary call. and Superior general of the SMA was work in Africa and other places across the They are living in isolation right now, desperately trying to recruit nuns from world. The heart of their mission lies in part of the group that has been advised the existing Religious Congregations. The their relationship with people, particu- by the Irish government to “cocoon” missions were dangerous and the mortal- larly the women and children of Africa. because of the Corona virus that has ity rate high among the Europeans who The spirit of the OLA congregation swept the world. They are an incred- ventured to Africa. In fact, the founder of is essentially an apostolic one. They ibly resilient group of women – one of the SMA, Monsignor de Marion Bressil- speak of a Cenacle spirituality, drawing whom just celebrated her centenary! lac, and all in his mission group, had suc- strength and inspiration from the expe- When you speak to these Sisters cumbed to yellow fever back in 1859. rience of Our Lady and the Apostles in they are humble and unassuming Fr Augustine, undeterred, and guided the ‘Upper Room’, who were filled with and when one points out that they by his faith and trust in God, founded the love, joy and energy of their Pente- have lived an extraordinary life, the the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, spe- cost experience. They continue to strive response is often genuine confusion. cifically to answer the needs of the Afri- to be signs of hope for all people. This was the call they answered and can Missions. The spiritual life of these sisters is chose to be obedient to, a call that for This call to mission in West Africa characterised by a filial trust in God, some was an easy and almost effort- would be answered by only the most devotion to the Most Blessed Sacra- less discovery and for others, a long audacious; and so in May 1876, in an old ment, and a deep love for Mary, Queen and arduous search. These women, fol- house in Lyons, France, nineteen young of Apostles. lowing in the footsteps of those who women met to form this new Religious So, as we live through this strange came before them, gave up family and Congregation. They came from Anjou, time, we pause and pray not only for friends and left the shores of Ireland to Nantes, Coutances, Lyons, Cork and Dub- new vocations, but for those very spe- venture to Africa where they worked lin and were the first women missionaries cial Sisters who answered the call so and lived their calling. to venture into the dangerous landscape long ago, for the OLA Sisters across They worked across many disci- of West Africa. the world who continue to live lives plines including medicine, education, of service during these difficult times, social studies, justice and developmen- With Mary, the Mother and for the extraordinary women tal work. The heart of their mission of Jesus cocooned in Ardfoyle. Sharing in Our Mission lay in the upliftment of the women and children of Africa. They lived and These brave young women were filled Interested in volunteering overseas? with the Holy Spirit, and took as their worked among the most vulnerable Email: [email protected] motto the words in the first chap- people, bringing hope by the very wit- Interested in joining our Lay Mission ness of their lives. www.olaireland.ie Movement? [email protected] Email: [email protected] Do you feel God is calling you to be an Ardfoyle Convent, Ballintemple, Cork OLA sister Email: [email protected] Facebook: OLAsisters | Twitter: @OLAireland | Instagram: OLAsistersireland Franciscans Friars - OFM Walking in the Footprint of Jesus

e Franciscans Joyful brothers in the Lord are a Frater- nity in Mission, Br Ian Cunningham at his First Profession with his family and Br Pat Lynch (left). Winspired by the life of St. Francis to bring heart of all he has created. As us the spirit of peace, who the Gospel of Joy and Grace God’s children we are called tells us we should work to to the world. We devote our to praise and thank God daily build peace, within our hearts lives to the search for God in for the gift of creation, a world and among ourselves.” a communal life of prayer, that mirrors God’s beauty “Pace e Bene!” (Peace and simplicity of life and service and goodness. Francis shows Good!) is a greeting used on to others. At the heart of Fran- us how to live with a spirit all continents by Franciscan cis’ Gospel vision is delight in of gratitude for the gift of men and women since the the Lord and His overflowing creation and how to joyfully time of Francis. It has grown goodness. We strive to con- embrace our responsibility to to be an unofficial motto of tinue our Order’s 800-year- care for that same creation. old mission as we serve the Pope Francis, who chose the Franciscan family. Church and the world as St. Francis as his patron and In the joyful and prophetic brothers and priests in a vari- model when he became Pope, spirit of St. Francis, the Irish ety of ministries. We are part said, “Francis of Assisi - for Franciscan friars are dedi- of the world-wide Franciscan sent them out two by two and today there are about 40 me, he is the man of poverty, cated to sharing the Gospel Order present in 120 coun- to preach the Gospel. Today friars in the Franciscan Cus- the man of peace, the man of Christ by serving the poor tries with some 13,000 friars. there are many thousand tody of Zimbabwe. who loves and protects crea- Br Ronan Sharpley greets and promoting justice, peace, Franciscans witnessing to We are still inspired by the tion. He is the man who gives some furry friends. and the care of creation. Mission to the World Christ in mission lands. words of St. Francis: “God has St. Francis was a man on fire Irish Franciscans are pre- sent us into the whole world If you would like to know more about following Jesus as a Franciscan Friar contact Friar Pat. with the desire to tell others sent in Central America, South so that by word and deed we Friar Pat Lynch OFM of the love of God that Jesus Africa and Zimbabwe. Zimba- may bear witness to Him.” had made know to us. He bwe is now the chief mission Mobile: 087 1346267 | [email protected] spoke often of following “in area for the Irish Franciscans. Peace and Good Postal address: Franciscan Friary, Athlone, Co Westmeath the footprints of Jesus.” Even The friars came to Zimbabwe Through a life of prayer and We look forward to hearing from you and having a conversation. God will do the rest! when the numbers of his in the 1958. Young Zimba- relationship, Francis came Check out: www.franciscans.ie friars were very few, Francis bwean men joined the Order to see God’s goodness at the

Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

“I HAVE HEARD MY PEOPLE CRY” MORE HEROES NEEDED! On 10th May, 1873, a young Belgium Missionary The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus priest belonging to the Congregation, having heard and Mary was founded in 1800 in France in the the cry of men, woman and children who had been aftermath of the French Revolution. It was a time banished to the Island of Molokai due to an of great disorder and fear. One of God’s responses outbreak of leprosy (Hansen’s Disease), to the cries of the people of that time was to call volunteered to go to the Island. His name was together a community of men and women who Damien De Veuster. He was 33 years of age. committed themselves to contemplating, living From that time until his death in 1889, aged 49, he and proclaiming God’s compassionate love for all placed himself at the service of his 'beloved lepers'. and especially for the most poor and the marginalised. You, too, can make a difference as a sister, “WHOM SHALL I SEND?” brother or priest of the Congregation of

Today’s world is no different. The cries of the poor can the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, working still be heard in many places throughout the world. There at home or abroad spreading God’s love. is a great need for men and women to be messengers of God’s compassionate love. Is God calling you? For more information contact: EUROPE, NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA, AFRICA, JAPAN, Sisters: 11 Northbrook Road, Dublin 6 Brothers/Priests: 27 Northbrook Road, Dublin 6 INDIA, INDONESIA, PHILIPPINES, FIJI, TONGA... [email protected] [email protected] www.sacred-hearts.net www.ssccpicpus.com The Irish Catholic, April 2330, 2020 2020 | Vocations | Vocations Sunday ||23 ‘We assist all who ask us’ say Vocations Ireland

ing services online during opportunity to keep regular tion. “It was said recently that the crisis, and “break into contact through these strange ‘young people live online’ and places” where it “wouldn’t times. Another initiative has it is where we meet young normally have gone”. been to update and create people. I will be putting more “We have seen churches resources that may be used time and energy into provid- go out to their communities into the future on social ing space for reflection and and offer their services, which media platforms and in more prayer online. something I wouldn’t have traditional ways as well. “There is time for greater seen previously,” he says on reflection, solitude and the Church reaching out. prayer,” says Sr Ryan of the “There is a real sense in ongoing coronavirus crisis. this crisis of being able to find “It has given me the oppor- ourselves,” says Fr Neville tunity to discern what is most of his hope for more voca- valuable in life. I am thankful tions. “People, while they for the space and opportu- remain very strong, will be nity to enjoy life at a slightly feeling that absence of being slower pace and I value the able to come to churches and freedoms that I have always celebrate the sacraments. taken for granted until now.” “There will be signs of Vocation, according to Sr new life and new opportuni- Ryan, is “a call to live life in a Vocations Ireland Executive ties out of this crisis, it’s the particular way” and adds that engagement that creates a now is an ideal time to “re- present to our spiritual “As a woman religious Vocations Ireland at a Aron Hegarty new line of outreach.” evaluate” our lives for going depths, to nurturing an for the past 50 years, I can Sr Carmel Ryan DC of Career Fair Day in the RDS forward. honestly say the search for ocations Ireland is an awareness of the Divine the Daughters of Charity, “Many of us have the God, for meaning in life has association of voca- presence within.” another board member, says opportunity during this time never grown old for me and “Many people are using tion directors from Although Sr Quinn admits most of the association’s ini- of pandemic to question, the search for meaning now is these platforms to access religious orders, con- there is a “crisis of vocation”, tiatives are currently online ponder and reflect on what V she explains it is about “public even more urgent that ever.” places of prayer and reflec- gregation and societies which as the pandemic disrupts the our calling in life is. The next board member tion during these times and provides training in ethical perception of the institutional usual way of meeting people “We have during these to discuss present and future we keep our media presence decision-making and assess- Church” and “a crisis of Faith face-to-face. times the opportunity to directives is Fr Alan Neville updated with some pieces for ment of candidates for reli- in relation to God”. “I keep contact with people value our relationships; our MSC of the Missionaries of the people to use for prayer and gious life and priesthood. “What Faith provides for through email, phone and relationship with God, other Sacred Heart. reflection.” Over the last number of people is a lens through which Whatsapp,” she explains. “I people and oneself. “There are two things One of the upcoming years, the association has to look at life,” she says. “Faith have been involved in a little “Perhaps this may prompt really,” he says when asked projects Sr Ryan says she sought to address the reality gives a person a way of relat- spiritual direction through some people to re-evaluate what the challenges are will be involved in is the of life in Ireland and give ing to the universe, other talking to the individual on how they live their lives and concerning vocations in this development of appropriate professional training for those people, oneself and the divine. the phone as we cannot meet we, as vocation directors, will country. “The first is the resources for online publica- in the vocations ministry. “Searchers today are and it helps them to have the assist all who ask us,” she says. membership to vocations On the topic of vocations, often at a loss as to where in Ireland where we will be The Irish Catholic spoke to to begin looking for purpose looking at how vocations are three board members of and meaning from a Faith matching up to reality. Vocations Ireland about their perspective. “The second is getting current initiatives, upcoming “We are at a time of kai- HOW DO WE REALIZE ourselves proactive in get- projects and how they are far- ros,” says Sr Quinn, “a turning ting the numbers enter- ing during the crisis. point and a time of oppor- ing vocations to go up as The first to speak is Sr Fion- tunity to look at what really opposed to being reactive, GOD’S CALL...YOUR VOICE nuala Quinn OP, chairperson matters in life. which is being discussed of the Vocations Ireland exec- “What really matters are among ourselves.” utive committee and vocation our relationships, with our He continues: “There’s director for the Dominican families, our neighbours and stuff going on and a lot of it Sisters in Cabra, Dublin. our world.” is ‘up in the air’ as we have Vocations Ireland invites you to consider the meaning of “Today, we seek to awaken On the impact of the been ‘caught on the hop’ due a culture of vocation, in a coronavirus pandemic, she vocation and share your musical talents with to this pandemic, but we wider context, that is charac- feels there is “opportunity to hope we can get people to be 2021's Vocation Music Award. terised by inquiry, meaning, withdraw” from the “business proactive during hard times making, authenticity, while of our minds” and to “sink to do vocations. grounded in the search for the down to where the indwell- If you have a passion for music and songwriting, prepare your “What we are hoping is transcendent. ing of God is present and to entry now for a chance to compete at the international Vocation that we can get them together “There is a different con- nurture our relationship with and say ‘this is where we are’ Music Award and Key2Life Music Festival in Germany! sciousness now,” continues Sr the transcendent one”. and go from there.” Quinn, adding that “vocations “This is an ideal time for Fr Neville feels the are nurtured with creativity discerning what is the mean- Church has had to “get up and authenticity”. ing of life for all of us and to 1ST PRIZE: 2ND PRIZE: 3RD PRIZE: to speed” with things like “We are about conscious- be open to the promptings of social media and stream- ness awakening, becoming the Spirit,” Sr Quinn says. +

COFFEE MORNING WITH RELIGIOUS Entry to the Key2Life Music Festival + Two Hours in Irish Travel for One Person Recording Studio €100 Come and join us for a virtual coffee morning and have the chance to meet with different religious for a chat and share The deadline for submission of an original song is stories of how COVID is affecting you in your faith journey. December 2, 2020, so start writing! There will be a virtual coffee morning every Thursday from Entrance Fee: €25 Single, €50 Group 11.00a.m-12noon via zoom. Contact [email protected] if you wish to join! For Rules, Guidelines and More Information, There will be some religious priests, brothers, sisters Visit www.vocationsireland.com available just bring your coffee. Today, as people who look to, and pray to Blessed Edmund, we are called: - To live the gift and mystery of life to the full - To live with an awakened consciousness - To live in communion with each other in the Edmund Rice whole human family 1762-1844 - To live in communion with the whole of The Christian Brothers were created reality especially on this planet founded just over two hundred years ago by a remarkable Wondering where your heart is leading you? Irishman called Edmund Rice. Could your heart be moving you to serve as Born into a situation where his people had little a Christian Brother? share in their country’s resources, Edmund was part of a minority who had the advantage of a Christian Brothers live in a faith community. good education and everything needed in the way They engage with people in their daily lives, of material goods. He saw that education and often in the context of education but also as care of the young was the key to truly liberating community workers, youth leaders and people. At the age of forty, with no training or teachers. They are committed to being with experience as a teacher, he made the decision to poor people in their struggles, and in their give his life to God by educating the neglected desire for a better life. A Brother is boys and young men in Waterford. Soon, in A young African Brother Charles Belmoh signing his final vows as response to requests, Edmund’s brothers spread Christian Brother in Sierra Leone West Africa. committed to all over Ireland and then beyond the sea. This presence of Christ was the focus of the mystery - Spiritual search of his life and of his connection with the poor and Blessed Edmund was a man of deepest compas- - Life in community sion and concern, particularly for the poor and disadvantaged. His vision still inspires thousands of those who were downtrodden by the social and men and women today. - Service of others, especially the poor. religious circumstances of the times in which they Today we recognise that we are living in challenging You may be called to follow the example of lived. It was this awareness that led him to open times, with the need for a new kind of education, and Blessed Edmund Rice in sharing your life his heart to these people who, for him, were the a new recognition of the needs, and indeed the rights, and your gifts in serving others. special image and presence of Christ in the world. of those who are poor.

For more information on becoming a Christian Brother, please write Br David Gibson at [email protected] or visit www.christianbrothervocation.org.

composed the prayer in the 1750’s. We trembles due to the threat of the see in this story of community prayer pandemic, I would like to propose to PRESENTATION SISTERS legacy, as in the life of Nano Nagle that all Christians that together we lift our the family plays a critical role in sowing voices towards Heaven. I invite all the IRELAND the seeds of prayer in the life of Presenta- Heads of the Churches and the tion Sisters. leaders of every Christian community, In the midst of the current pandemic together with all Christian of the When Presentation Sisters reflect on various confessions, to invoke the At morning’s dawn and evening’s shade, Presentation Sisters, Friends, Associates Vocation Sunday, the timing of the and Co-workers are again uniting in a Almighty, the omnipotent God, to annual day of prayer influences their Mary, to thee we call for aid. circle of prayer, this time through a prayer recite at the same time the prayer reflection. The day is placed in the At every hour while swift it flies, circle across rotating time zones around that Jesus, our Lord, taught us. I, post-Easter calendar, the same time of therefore, invite everyone to do this Mary, to thee our souls arise. the world in order to invoke God help in the year as when the foundress of addressing the the pandemic. The global several times a day.” Presentation Sisters, Nano Nagle, Yes, yes, thy dear and sacred name, network of prayer shared between our Prayer amongst Presentation Sisters passed from the world (26th April Till life’s last breath shall be our theme, communities in five continents is inspired at this critical time in world history, 1784). One month after her death one Mary! our guide from childhood’s day, by the invitation of Pope Francis: “In draws too on the intercessory power of her founding companions wrote an these trying days, while humanity of Venerable Nano Nagle: account of Nano’s final days for a Mary! to thee, to thee we pray. Dublin friend, Teresa Mulally. A picture Oh! grant us, ere our course is run, clearly emerges of how Nano Nagle’s Ere we appear before thy Son, O God, you filled the heart of Nano Nagle life was rooted and grounded in personal prayer. We are told in this Ere we at his tribunal kneel, With loving care and compassion for the needy letter that in the week before she died Mary! thy own sweet aid to feel. Through her intercession help us in our need she spent eleven hours on Holy Oh! shed from thy all radiant throne, during this time of the pandemic Thursday night before the Blessed Sacrament. This call to personal prayer The light that still must guide us on. Grant that like her, we may do your Will continues to be central to the life of Grant us Contrition’s healing sigh, And that we may grow in your love Presentation Sisters. In grace to live, in peace to die. And the love of thy neighbour As Presentation Sisters living through the current pandemic we are reminded This Prayer to Our Lady was called in Through Christ our Lord. AMEN of the many health challenges - posed Mooncoin the “Tapestry Hymn” because it by famine, war and illness across the was worked in cross stitch in 1845 on native VOCATION ENQUIRY Presentation Sisters years in the various parts of Ireland – material by local woman Mary Lucas. In due [email protected] Dublin Vocation Link through which Sisters have lived and course, the Tapestry was presented to Knock Presentation Sisters Cork Vocation Link ministered. They were always and is on display in Knock Folk Museum. Acorn Centre Nano Nagle Place, addressed by more intense prayer, as Mary Lucas’ two sisters joined Kilkenny 28 Blackpitts, Dublin 8 Douglas Street, Cork well as frontline service. A Family Prayer Presentation community in 1842 and 1846. TEL: 087.2033006 TEL: 021 4975190 from the Famine Years was special to They knew the impact of the health challeng- www.presentationsisterssw.ie www.presentationsistersne.ie the Mooncoin community in South es of those times and both died very young. Kilkenny, for example. The prayer read: Their grandmother, Mary Lucas, had originally Follow us on Instagram: womenofwelcominghearts The Dominicans Truth has no Expiry Date!

"Opinion is a flitting thing, but Truth outlasts the sun." - Emily Dickinson

Vocations Director - Fr Colm Mannion OP Mobile: 086-0864420 | Email: [email protected] ˜

The Sisters of Bon Secours are an International Religious Congregation of Catholic women based in six countries who bring to the world “Good help to those in need”. The Congregation was founded by a group of 12 women, led by Josephine Potel, who came together in Paris in 1824 to nurse the sick and the dying in their own homes, demonstrating the healing presence of Christ through their compassionate care. Although the Congregation’s work has broadened since the early days, the core intention stays the same, to bring the healing hand of Christ to all those in need. Today Sisters minister❛❛ in healthcare, social services, Our Mission as Sisters of Bon Secours since 1824 pastoral and community based ministries. is to bring compassion and healing, by serving In Ireland Sisters of Bon Secours are based in Cork, Dublin and Tralee. Their ministry includes more than just God’s people in a diversity of ministries. the physical; it is a holostic approach which includes peoples’ spiritual, psychological and emotional needs. We are all called to serve. It is just a matter of finding

the way that best suits your interests and talents. Contact us to learn more about the Sisters of Bon Secours See our website and social media for opportunities to come and spend some time with us in prayer and get to know the Sisters. We regularly host retreat days and prayer events.

www.bonsecourssisters.ie | @sistersbonsecoursireland | @BonSecoursIre | sistersofbonsecours

My Life - Is This It? BewhoGod We Journey In The Search For Truth Discerning a vocation to religious life takes a meant to be As Dominican women of the 21st century lot of courage, consideration and prayer, you we strive to continue Dominic’s vision: it is to embark on a quest to look at life with Our mission is to study, share, proclaim the eyes of God. &youwill and witness to the liberating Word of God St Dominic founded the Order of Preachers 800 in order that right relationships be restored years ago. His method was simple: to go where set the between God, people and the earth where people are, to preach and talk with them. these are broken due to the lack of knowledge To do this, he needed people whose sense of and distortion of the truth. happiness was to be their most convincing world witness to the Gospel. If you feel that God might be calling you to be . a Dominican Sister why not talk with us? on fire We would be happy to explore with you any Saint Catherine of Siena questions you might have. Congregation of

Dominican Sisters CONTACT US of Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Catherine of Siena, Cabra [email protected] 089 4585708 www.dominicansisters.com @JoinDominicanSistersCabra @JoinDominicanSistersCabra The Irish Catholic, April 30 2020 | Feature ||27 No patient’s needs should be dismissed because they are no longer deemed useful to society

act with a view to bringing Before capitulating about their death”. to the law of Compulsory DNR orders for disabled and the jungle, it is elderly people indicate worth thinking an excessively narrow conception of ‘quality of about triage and life’: the thinking behind them can only be that these euthanasia writes people do not have ‘quality Dr Catherine of life’ anyhow, and that death from Covid-19 would Kavanagh be a good thing for them. iscussion is raging That does look a lot more all over the internet like euthanasia than triage, (which is currently since triage aims to save Dthe only place life as much as possible, where it can rage) about tri- is not concerned so much age. Anecdotal claims are with broader ‘quality being made that automatic of life’ issues as with ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ (DNR) immediate benefit given orders are being requested the resources available, and for disabled and elderly is not concerned with long- people living in managed term disability or age. If care situations without any the patient would benefit, consultation with families and the resources are or primary carers. available, there is no reason Perhaps these stories are not to treat a patient of true; perhaps they are not. 90 years of age, or a Down However, one phenomenon Syndrome patient, or Photo: CNS that is certainly present is the whatever. reaction to such allegations when they surface. think any more about it. those who are seriously the treatment to the requiring extensive medical We can see “Eugenics!” exclaim some However, before capitulating injured, but will benefit person most likely to treatment, which can really ❛❛ people, “this is euthanasia. completely to the law of the from treatment. recover – but that is not only be given to one of them, an important They want to kill off the jungle, it might be worth We can see an important to dismiss anyone else then it is the patient who principle elderly and the disabled!” thinking about triage and principle emerging here: as useless, but simply will benefit most from the euthanasia, and asking if we benefitting from treatment. to say that they would treatment who should get emerging here: This situation really need to do this. Triage, in any situation, not benefit from the it. Once again, age is not a ❛❛ The basic dictionary is an action intended to treatment. factor, but benefit to the benefitting from has been definition of triage is “the give the best balance of patient. Moving on to Covid- treatment” discussed for sorting of and allocation treatment available in an Need a 19, one can see that the same of treatment to patients emergency situation, to ❛❛ criteria apply: all patients We can all imagine several decades and especially battle and those who most need it doctor prescribe likely to benefit from tragic situations where disaster victims according and those who most likely antibiotics for treatment should receive it; some people cannot be in medical ethics to a system of priorities will benefit from it. Need, in the case that there is not treated because they will balance and availability all “Not euthanasia at all”, designed to maximise every patient enough to go around, then not benefit from treatment, factor in, but there is no others claim “this is triage: the number of survivors” those most likely to benefit or because, given that there patient whose needs are who comes down when there aren’t enough (Merriam Webster) The most from it should be the is not enough treatment to dismissed because they are resources to go around, we original use is military, as with pneumonia? ones who receive it. go around, they will have to no longer deemed useful must resocrt to triage, to the definition indicates, and It is difficult to see where yield to someone else who to society or lack quality of This situation has been try and make the best and in civilian situations which compulsory DNR orders for will benefit more, and we can life. Rather, if a patient does discussed for several decades most ethical use possible present similar problems the elderly and disabled all sympathise with medical not receive treatment, it is in medical ethics, obviously of scarce resources”. Such to those of a battlefield, would feature here, since personnel who have to make because either: not in relation to Covid-19, statements are usually such as a car accident or triage is not a matter of such judgements, which a) He can no longer benefit but in relation to pneumonia, followed by some kind of some kind of outrage, we anticipating emergencies is what is meant by triage. from it, or colloquially known as the theoretical example: “If also talk about triage. There before they happen, but However, it is going too far to b) Given the availability of ‘old man’s friend’. Need a a young man and an old are different systems of of applying principles in assume that some people’s resources, including time to doctor prescribe antibiotics person both present at an prioritising patients on an ongoing situation, and quality of life does not merit respond, someone else, who for every patient who comes ICU needing a ventilator, we the basis of need, but all one cannot say for certain access to treatment, even if needs it just as badly, would down with pneumonia? must give it to the young presume an immediate that any given old person it is available, and therefore benefit more. The medical ethicist F. J. person, who has years of emergency, with a need for or disabled person will to exclude them from getting One can imagine a Fitzpatrick observes that the life in front of him!” very quick decisions. The necessarily be in a situation treatment before they ever situation where a few answer to that depends on One feels oneself pushed point to note here is that where there is another become ill – whatever the ambulances pull up at an the benefit to the patient: if towards either claiming the goal is to maximise the patient who will benefit situation might be with emergency department there is no real benefit to the that all patients at all times number of survivors, and more from treatment, which regard to availability or all needing ICU treatment, patient in treatment with must be given all resources to ensure that those who then becomes unavailable to benefit to the patient or the but one patient will most antibiotics, then one is not and all possible treatment, need it most get treated them as a result. patient’s wishes. That is to likely never recover from obliged to give it. But if there or else accepting the brutal first, and that those who However, there has been deliberately condemn some the condition, another is real benefit, then one is logic of ‘strongest first’. can afford to wait, wait. an increasing tendency people to death, without is likely to make a full obliged to give treatment. Given that the former is There are those who will in recent years to extend making any attempt to deal recovery, whereas another It has nothing to do with likely impossible, since not be treated: those who Fitzpatrick’s ‘benefit from with whatever situation may recover, but with age, but rather with the resources, even in the best are already dying, and are treatment’ criterion to might present itself in real ongoing problems: it benefit to the patient. Again, managed situations, are unlikely to benefit from much broader quality of time, and far from being seems reasonable to give if there are two patients finite, it seems that we treatment, will give place to life issues. As he points triage, does look very much must all become brutes, out, ‘quality of life’ is a like involuntary euthanasia. dangerously ambivalent and it is alarming just how Dr Catherine Kavanagh One feels oneself pushed towards either term: “the phrase ‘quality many people, who, when is senior lecturer and ❛❛ of life’ can be used to you object to compulsory acting head of the claiming that all patients at all times must be intimate that some people’s DNRs, (if they exist), will Department of Philosophy lives are worthless, and now simply shrug it off as at Mary Immaculate therefore that we should inevitable and refuse to given all resources and all possible treatment” College, Limerick.

❛❛ 28 | Opinion || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020

Post to: Letters to the Editor, The Irish Catholic, 23 Merrion Square North, Dublin 2, Letters or email: [email protected] Letter of the week acebook community Put Sr Clare Crockett on the path to sainthood Each week we publish a selection of comments Dear Editor, I was delighted to see fame and worldly things but in the end begin the process that puts a person from The Irish Catholic Facebook page your front page article [IC 16/04/2020] dedicates her life to Jesus Christ and on the path to sainthood, for that regarding the calls for Sr Clare Crockett dies helping schoolchildren during an reason I would encourage the bishop Cardinal Pell: ‘I knew God was with me, to be put on the path to sainthood. Sr earthquake in Ecuador – a story I am of the Diocese of Derry to do just but I didn’t know what he was up to’ Clare’s story is inspirational for us all. very grateful your publication has so that, it would be wonderful for the Furthermore, I believe her devotion wonderfully highlighted. diocese, Ireland and the world for her and Faith can be an example for young There have certainly been many Thank God justice was served. May God bless him and to be made a saint, but particularly for people today, who are constantly stories about people praying for protect him from those who wish to destroy him. being led astray by false role models. her intercession and their prayers young people. – Mary Duggan Murphy Her life, depicted in the wonderful being answered, these must be She is a powerful role model. film All or Nothing: Sr Clare Crockett investigated. Yours etc., There have been innocent men accused both in priesthood is a must see, it documents the story In my understanding the diocese Pádraig McGill, and laity. – Caroline Hendron of a young women who was pursuing the person is from must be the one to Derry City, Co. Derry. Justice done at last. – Adam Conroy Time to open churches Covering up clerical abuse is just as bad as the abuse itself, safely for sacraments victims need to be heard and listened to. Dear Editor, I read with interest the front – Donnacha Ciaráin page article ‘Priests face severe cuts as pandemic takes toll’ [IC 09/04/2020]. Bishop ‘delighted’ with Catholic schools’ I wish to take the opportunity pose a response to pandemic few questions to the Church on the matter around Covid-19 in follow up to the Any chance front line workers and family members could article. Are Church services not considered borrow Churches for Mass on Sundays? – John Donohoe essential in the current crisis? This was pointed out by Bishop Baldacchino in New A time to take stock rather than to stockpile Mexico recently where he pointed out that the Church services are surely as much Point of clarification: the hoarding has not stopped. We of an essential service as the off licences came two rolls away from running out of toilet paper and still remaining open? couldn’t find it. Had to reach out to friends and family to find It’s now obvious the virus is going any. – Jon Brill nowhere anytime soon and I suggest the Church should press the Government to What do you think? Join in the conversation include religious services as essential and on The Irish Catholic Facebook page put creative mitigation measures in place A simple call to repentance at parish level to allow religious services Dear Editor, It has struck me during When the perplexed disciples to commence otherwise the content of the this Easter season how many of the approached Jesus, trying to figure out Archangel Michael article may come to fruition before this daily Mass readings one hears the the reason for or meaning behind crisis ends. Apostles, in the fledgling Church, disasters that occur on this earth, Also, for example the Sacrament of speaking specifically about the need Jesus did not reply with the empathy, prayer ‘badly needed’ Reconciliation could possibly continue for repentance and the forgiveness of compassion or ‘niceness’ we have Dear Editor, The daily televised Mass on RTÉ is a wonder- where screens are installed and social sins. come to expect. His reply was simply a ful consolation to many people during this pandemic. I am distancing measures are put in place. During the RTÉ televised Mass on call to repentance. sure members of the Irish hierarchy had a hand in that initia- Yours etc., the second Sunday of Easter, Bishop Yours etc., tive and if so, they deserve our gratitude and RTÉ deserve Brendan Ferguson, Kevin Doran again reminded us of the Judith Leonard, praise for giving television time to it. Belleek, Co. Fermanagh. need for Confession Raheny, Dublin 5. In a lot of churches up and down the country, in normal times, the Rosary is prayed after weekday Masses. During this There is scope for online Mass to improve televised Mass, a very brief announcement by the priest, after the Gospel, suggesting people say the Rosary, in the privacy Dear Editor, Many people on the screen before Mass l Concelebrant to read the donating say €10. of their own homes, praying that Ireland be protected from are now getting their daily starts so participants can spiritual Communion prayer l From this donation the worst excesses of this virus, must surely have a powerful Mass online at ChurchSer- meditate on same. at the end of all Masses. perhaps 50% could go effect. vices.tv. Obviously, this is l Have readings done l As we all have time to to the local hospice In The Irish Catholic some months ago, Fr Pat Collins CM a good service for those by laity and not just the spare, why not say the movement or other spoke about the efficacy of reintroducing the St Michael with quality broadband and concelebrant. Chaplet of Divine Mercy at the Archangel prayer [IC 26/09/2019], which was dispensed worthy Christian charity, access to a PC. l Play some Irish music the end of Mass for all those with after the Second Vatican Council. Given the rise in the However, there could and popular hymns dying from the coronavirus for example during Lent practice of witchcraft and satanism, not just in Ireland, but be some improvements during the Mass – surely and other causes? this could be Trócaire. worldwide, I would suggest that it is badly needed. made by all concerned as ChurchServices.tv could l Have an easy-to-use online Yours etc., Yours etc., follows: manage this from the many donation link so viewers Liam de Paor, Pat Mullin, l Show readings for the day CDs available? can pay for this service by Carrickane, Co. Cavan. Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Were we always too close together? Letters to the Editor All letters should include merits of letters. We do not Dear Editor things and there’s never been such an appropriate respectful distance? In this , On a spectrum from the writer’s full name, postal publish pseudonyms or array of enticing things around. There’s distance to closeness, I’ve been wonder- space God was able to communicate address and telephone other formulae to conceal possession of people, when we over rely ing if we had become too close before with him and he was able to hear what numbers (day and evening). the writer’s identity, such on others or don’t give them enough Covid-19. This seems like a strange God was asking him to do. Letter writers may receive a as “name and address space and respect. question but phrases like ‘physical Arising from Covid-19, have we subsequent telephone call with editor”. We do not Likewise, there’s possession of the distancing’ and ‘social distancing’, and been forced into a somewhat similar from The Irish Catholic as print letters addressed environment that we have controlled, what they imply, are strange. space as Moses? Could it be the subtle part of our authentication to someone else, open And yet, in the midst of those strange bordering on destroyed. promptings of God in our less cluttered process which does not letters, or verse. Letters to distancing days, there has been the birth Then there is God. Saints speak of minds and hearts that are helping us, amount to a commitment to the Editor should only be becoming detached from the things of of a new spirit of neighbourliness, care publish. sent to The Irish Catholic, this world that we might focus more not just to find resources to live in a and concern for others. It’s like as if We regret that we and not other publications. on God. We have tended either to new way ourselves, but to reach out to there is more space in our lives, freeing cannot give prior notice of Letters should not exceed ignore God or to try to possess God. others? us from possessions of various kinds. a letter’s publication date, 300 words and may be Didn’t God ask Moses, who was close to Yours etc., If too much distance means ignoring, acknowledge unpublished shortened for space Him, to take off his shoes and to ‘come Eileen Gaughan, too much closeness means possession letters or discuss the requirements. and control. There’s possession of no nearer’, in other words to keep an Strandhill, Co. Sligo. The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | The week in pictures ||29 Around the world

GREECE: Children display drawings from their home in Thessaloniki. The drawings read GHANA: Women wear protective masks at a market in Accra. The country’s religious leaders ‘I want Spring back’ and ‘We stay home’ which is the country’s national slogan during the held three days of national prayer and fasting from April 24-26. Photos: CNS pandemic.

▲ BRAZIL: A man prays in front of candles during St George’s Day celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, where the feast is a holiday.

▲ HOLY LAND: A nurse wears a protective suit while taking the temperature of a Palestinian boy at St Joseph’s Hospital in East Jerusalem.

PERU: Kukama boys watch boats on the Amazon’s Maranon River near Dos de Mayo in ARGENTINA: Inmates are seen on the roof of the Devoto prison in Buenos Aires during a the country’s Loreto region. riot demanding health measures against the spread of Covid-19. 30 | Spirituality || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020

t is funny where the lessons of our classrooms are God and the principle sometimes understood. I studied philosophy when I was still a bit too young for it, a 19-year-old studying the metaphysics of Aristotle and of non-contradiction Thomas Aquinas. But something always be four – and that you can from a metaphysics course remains is lying, the denial of facts, the anchor your sanity on that. That indelibly stamped in my mind. changing of facts, and the creation God is undivided assures you that We learned that there are four of fake facts. Nothing, absolutely Fr Rolheiser if you saw package twisters in a ‘transcendental’ properties to God: nothing, is as dangerous and Scholastic metaphysics tells us store for 12 years, they were there pernicious as lying, dishonesty. that God is One, True, Good and www.ronrolheiser.com …and you are not insane. That God It is no accident that Beautiful. My young mind then is One is the basis for our sanity. Christianity names Satan the had some grasp of what is meant It undergirds the principle of non- Prince of Lies and teaches contradiction: something is or it by True, Good and Beautiful since suspecting that possibly someone I’m certifiably insane! If she’s right that lying is at the root of the is not, it cannot be both; and two we have some common sense that taken them as a prank, I then I’m completely out of touch unforgiveable sin against the Holy mentioned to the cashier that with reality, have been for a long plus two can never be five – and notions of what these are; but what Spirit. When facts are no longer all the twisters were gone. Her time, and I have no idea what that allows us to live rational, sane is Oneness? What is divine about facts then our very sanity is under answer took me aback: “But, sir, sanity is!” lives. Because God is undivided, being undivided? siege because lying corrupts the The answer to that didn’t we have never had them in this I was certain that I had seen the we can trust our sanity. basis for rationality. come to me in a classroom or store!” twisters for 10 years. Well, they God is One! That means that in an academic discussion, even Thinking she might be new on had reappeared by the next time There is no internal there is no internal contradiction though I have often tried to the job, I said: “I’ve been coming I entered the store and they are ❛❛ contradiction within within God and that assures explain its meaning to students here for more than 10 years and there today, but that little episodic us that there is no internal in a classroom. It came to me in a you’ve always had them! You can challenge to my sanity taught me God and that assures us contradiction possible within the grocery store. even see their containers from something. I now know what it that there is no internal structure of reality and within a Containers here!” means that God is One and why With an assurance that comes that is important. contradiction possible sane mind. I had been buying groceries from absolute certitude, she What has happened, has in the same store for 12 years replied: “I’ve been working here Sanity within the structure of forever happened, and cannot be when a trivial incident helped for a long time, and I can assure That God is One (and not divided) reality and within a sane denied. explain God’s Oneness and its you we’ve never had them!” is the very foundation for all Two plus two will forever be importance to me. The store, a I pushed things no further, but, rationality and sanity. That God is mind” four and because of that we can large supermarket, has a fruit isle remain sane and trust reality walking out of the store I thought undivided and consistent within The truth of this was never where you pick up apples, oranges, enough to live coherent lives. this to myself: “If she’s right, then assures you that two plus two will jeopardised by the great grapefruits, bananas and the like The single most dangerous and then bag them yourself in epistemological debates in history. thing in the whole world is lying, plastic bags the store supplies. Doubts about rationality and sanity That God is undivided and dishonesty, denying facts. To Alongside the plastic bag do not come from Descartes, Kant, ❛❛ deny a fact is not only to play dispensers there are small consistent within assures you that Hegel, Locke, Hume, Wittgenstein containers holding metal twisters or Jacques Derrida; these fast and loose with your own you use to tie up the top of your philosophers merely argued about sanity and the very foundations bag. One day, I picked up some two plus two will always be four the structure of rationality, never of rationality; it is also to play fruit, put it into a bag, but all the about its existence. fast and loose with God whose containers containing the twisters – and that you can anchor your What jeopardises our sanity consistency undergirds all sanity were empty, every one of them. (and is, no doubt, the greatest and all meaning. God is one, As I checked out my groceries, sanity on that” moral threat in our world today) undivided, consistent. Family& Personal Profile Dodging bullets at a dangerous time in Guinea Page 34 LifestyleThe Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 Love in lockdown

o one’s relationship is won’t talk about anything because “A lot of times couples would perfect. They require Róise McGagh chats to a we’re stressed. Sometimes stress feel, ‘oh we’re having arguments, constant work in order specialist in marriage and and anxiety can almost paralyze maybe we’re not getting along so Nto keep both parties some people. well,’ but it’s not really around happy, contrary to the songs; love relationships counselling “Other people when they’re the number of arguments is not always simple. stressed and anxious, they do you have - it’s about how you Issues that usually crop up in from Accord about the issues the opposite to withdrawing, manage an argument, how you relationships are undoubtably heightened by lockdown. they sort of explode - they can treat the other person in an going to be magnified, more be sharp, they can be tetchy, they argument, how you speak to difficult and more heated as you can be rude” them, they’re the things that can end up sharing more time in a spoke to The Irish Catholic about making an effort to understand Ms Johnston explained how really do the damage.” likely not ideal space with your the kind of things that come them,” she says the heightening of these kinds of Treating your spouse with spouse and family. up for couples that could easily We are not only stuck in behaviours and mismanagement respect and understanding, no Everyone living in a family become more prominent due to our homes at the moment, but of conflict can impact other matter how heated it gets is has less room to themselves, less our circumstances. we are also stuck with a huge parts of the relationship. “The important, but not always easy. private time, less connections She says the most common amount of very reasonable intimate relationship will be It is particularly important to not involve children in conflict. with other people and a lack of issues are, you guessed it - stresses and anxieties. Many affected by how good or not A 2018 research study from the outlets compared to the way they communication and managing are worried about their health, the communication is, if you University of Vermont showed normally live. conflict. the health of their family, the feel somebody is being hurtful that the emotional processing Mary Johnston, a specialist “Whether people are finding security of their employment, or neglectful to you, you’re of children, can be affected in counselling for marriage and it hard to understand one pay or financial issues. not going to be open to being another or people might feel “We can go very silent and by parental conflict. It has the relationships from Accord, the physically or sexually close potential of making them overly Catholic Marriage Care Service, that the other person isn’t retreat into ourselves and we to them.” » Continued on Page 33 32 | Family & Lifestyle || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 Family News

AND EVENTS LIVE CLASSES ONLINE The language Gyms have been closed for over a month now. Many of us will have spent hours scouring online for at-home workouts and tutorials and it’s starting to get old. Not being able to interact with a class or get tips on your form can slowly start to take the fun and the impact out of exercising. of silence Many instructors have started offering online classes, you might have already spotted some on your social media feed. If you haven’t however, there is an easily accessible one on Eventbrite at the moment. Eat Dance Breathe is providing live online pilates and yoga classes for all levels. They cost €6.19 and have limited space to ensure attention can be given to each person. Pilates is a particularly good form of exercise for strength, especially core. If you want something slower and more focused on flexibility, then yoga is a better bet. The classes are 30 minutes long and taught by Simona, a yoga and pilates Instructor at 1Escape Health Club in Smithfield. xceptional life events express it fully. It transcends the and essential, level of our FATHER’S INVOLVEMENT PASSED stop us in our tracks power of language. It has to be being. And, yet, it is vital for and can force us to Mindful experienced. And to experience our individual and collective DOWN THROUGH GENERATIONS see the world very it we need silence. wellbeing that we find a way A study done in the US has shown that E differently. That truth takes on living As we go about our everyday of talking about what matters fathers involvement in their kids life is a very practical meaning in the activities, as we scurry about most in life and to encourage passed down through generations. economic and social lockdown in the busyness of doing, we its expression in public Dads who were involved in their child’s life caused by the coronavirus, primarily engage with life discourse. when they were one year old, were found to Covid-19. through the body and the mind Many people who no longer In extraordinary times, our Dr Noel see themselves as affiliated have a better father-child relationship when and, for many, more through the everyday, routine, habitual to any religion describe they were aged nine. Keating mind than the body. And, in our worldview, our underlying, busyness, we forget that there themselves as spiritual but not Fathers who took part in the study who religious. They acknowledge, as often unquestioned, way of is more to our being than body reported involvement from their own dad in a core element of their identity, seeing the world is exposed and mind. But in the silence and a desire to live life with their childhood tended to be more involved and we come to realise how stillness of meditation, when the our consciousness to the more authenticity. Recognising that with their kids at age one, they were also many extraordinary, yet very body and mind become still, we fundamental aspects of our being. to be human is to be spiritual, shown to have a better relationship with their ordinary, things we take for come to realise there is more to granted. The writer, Michael Harding, the past 30 years or so have father. This suggests a pattern of father-child us, even if we struggle to find When we reign in our in a note to the journalist Barry seen the rise of spirituality words adequate to describe relationships and father involvement are personal freedom for our own Egan, described his awareness as an area of study separate what that is. But we know with passed down through generations. sakes and the good of society, we of the importance of silence as from theology. It explores certainty that there is something Research has already shown that kids with may develop a new appreciation follows: “In each of us there is a how human beings engage essential to our being that holds more involved fathers tend to perform better for those same freedoms. core which is silent and I don’t their spiritual capacity to tap together and integrates all into the creative source of the in school, are less likely to be involved in One of the freedoms that know why I say this but I think that’s the place to be now, on the aspects of our nature. Universe and to work out for drugs, and have better emotional well-being. we often unknowingly deny ourselves is the freedom to edge of that silence, listening, to themselves how to live well. The average age of the fathers in the simply be, without doing. The find out now who we really are. Meditation is a gateway study was 27 and half were not in romantic frantic pace of modern life That silence is the ground of all to this rich inner resource. relationships with their child’s mother when presses in on all of us and tends being. All our love and joy and In meditation we come to a the child was nine. Around a quarter of them to draw us in to its hectic pace. hope are founded in that silence, personal, practical experience of the spiritual. We learn that had not lived with their child at any point We develop an incessant – and arise from that silence, and silence is the language of since their birth. often unconscious – focus on that silence is our strength.” getting things done, on reaching spirituality. And we learn this in practice, not as a theory, not DIFFICULT CLASPS EASILY SOLVED targets quickly, on personal When we reign in as a set of words and concepts achievement and personal gain. our❛❛ personal freedom A lot of things get difficult as we get older. One Modern culture encourages to be understood rationally, of these is our ability to do nimble tasks with individuals to strive for ever for our own sakes and but in terms of personal our hands. Having difficulty using a lobster greater power, prestige and the good of society, experience, personal spiritual clasp or ring fastener on jewellery can be a possessions and we rarely take experience. And that experience mysteriously changes how we time out to reflect on whether we may develop a new common problem for people of all ages, young live in the world. children, older people, and those of us that are these are the things that matter appreciation most to us. i After 40 years in the not blessed with neat fingers. When we are forced to slow Writing a few days later While different wisdom education sector Noel Keating A magnetic clasp converter is a small set of down and take a step back from in the Irish Times, Harding and religious traditions give was awarded a PhD for his strong magnets that you can attach to the end our habitual way of life, we often added: “When I light a candle expression to this deeper level research into the child’s experience of meditation and of your piece of jewellery. These can be put experience it as an unwelcome at twilight, I see and I hear the in diverse ways, they can only imposition. Sudden illness or the world inside [within me]; and its spiritual fruits. Noel now on by a family member, neighbour or jeweller do so by using words and death of a loved one can force us then I know I am not alone”. concepts. For centuries, because leads, in a voluntary capacity, if you have issues with attaching them to to question our core values and What Harding describes so religion was such an inbuilt a project which offers free the clasps, then the ends can snap together way of life, just as this pandemic beautifully has been affirmed part of the culture of Western in-service to primary schools who may wish to consider and come apart without any fiddling around. has. But even though our initial by the wisdom and religious civilisation, the language of introducing meditation as a They come in a variety of different of metallic reaction can be one of deep traditions of the world for theology dominated that frustration and annoyance, over millennia. Although he discourse. Given the decline of whole-school practice. Noel colours, shapes and sizes and can be easily time we may come to appreciate describes it really well, it is religion in modern society, it is is author of Meditation with found online. that this unwelcome burden, this nonetheless a truth that defies extremely difficult in secular Children: A Resource for imposed silence, has awakened the capacity of language to society to talk about this deeper, Teachers and Parents. The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | Family & Lifestyle ||33

» Continued from Page 31

and it’s starting to get old. Not being able to Bairbre Cahill

ow are your Easter and a greater sense of Alleluias going? gratitude for what they have. Is it, as Leonard I find it frustrating in this HCohen would say, beautiful weather not to be on your social media feed. If you haven’t a holy or a broken Alleluia? able to get out to the hills It has been strange these and beaches of Donegal. weeks since Easter not being However, within the 2km able to go to Mass and sing radius of my home I can walk those vibrant, uplifting hymns every evening and see the to proclaim the resurrection. hills of Inishowen and Fanad, In some ways it feels as if Muckish and Errigal. Queuing we are still living Lent and to get into supermarkets is yet we know we have come stressful but I’m aware of the through Holy Week, we staff, putting themselves at have welcomed Easter, we risk by dealing with us but vigilant, anxious and ‘vulnerable to become a form of physical abuse but “The other thing I would think have celebrated – if rather continuing to do so with a on flexibility, then yoga is a better bet. The distorting human interactions that it could be as frightening or as fear is important’s a routine,” says Ms quietly – the resurrection. The smile and a friendly word. are neutral in tone’, throwing their provoking as physical abuse.” Johnston. If you have felt your challenge now is to live it. interpersonal relations as adults off There are a number of supports routine slipping, now is the time During the week I took part 1Escape Health Club in Smithfield. balance. available for people experiencing to get it back in motion. We have in an online prayer gathering. Accord recently set up a domestic abuse including Women’s been encouraged to give kids set Soul Space happens once free phone line where people Aid, SafeIreland, What Would You Do spaces and times for school work, a month and is run by the experiencing extra pressure due and Operation Faoisimh by the Gardaí recreation and helping around the Rev Dave Tomlinson, an to social restrictions caused by the to assist victims of domestic abuse. house – it’s time we do the same for Anglican vicar who is Covid-19 pandemic can call with Luckily for many, the issues at ourselves. Balance the housework, chaplain at St Ethelburga’s issues relating to marriages, families home are not as serious as this, but the childminding, when you each Centre for Reconciliation and relationships. they can still be difficult to deal with. have to do your paid work, in a and Peace in London. A Dads who were involved in their child’s life Ms Johnston said that the service Again, nobody is perfect, we all routine – and most importantly friend of mine had invited is concerned about those dealing do things that we regret. “Being make sure there is time for each me along to this virtual space with issues of substance abuse in able to repair from a difficult issue, person to have some space to for prayer so I turned on the the home and instances of domestic being able to apologise, being able themselves. computer, clicked the link violence. There has been a 16% to see the other persons perspective, If there is something you like and found myself in a group spike in offences of domestic abuse being able to look at yourself - when doing that allows you to take some of almost forty people. Dave recorded by the Gardaí since the things go wrong it’s not all about time away from the noise and chaos Tomlinson uses a mixture lockdown period began. the other person we have to look at of family life - it’s great to get a bit of of scripture, poetry, imagery These may seem like Alcohol is not an issue if it’s ourselves really,” says Ms Johnston. personal space for rejuvenation. and contemporary music and small things in the context a simple glass of wine or beer in There are a few things you and “The other thing for couples I have to say I found it very of all that is happening but the evening, however if habits are your spouse can do to help ease any I would say is that they do need beautiful and meaningful. He they are some of our small not healthy, it can have a more tensions that might arise from being to talk to one another about how picked up on that quote from broken alleluias. The more prominent impact on those living in a confined space together. they’re feeling and how this time Leonard Cohen about the holy we notice them, name and with the person. People could get out It is important to remember that period is affecting them and how and the broken alleluias. In proclaim them the more we are proclaiming Easter. Even of order; they could be withdrawn or this is a temporary situation. Of they’re managing,” says Ms Johnston. Cohen’s opinion both the holy problematic in another way. course, at the moment the national “Try and understand each other and the broken alleluias have the disciples had to grow into At the moment when money is advice is saying it isn’t time to and where you’re coming from the same value. an understanding of what the short for a lot of people and things slow our efforts yet, however it it’s and explain how this problem is That struck me as a resurrection meant for them. have to be tightened, if one person is important for people to bear in mind affecting you and what feelings and powerful image. We may be The Gospel readings that we spending on alcohol it could cause a that this is not going to be permanent. thoughts are going on for you. Try struggling with that transition have heard during these early lot of tension in the home. Ms Johnston says, “I think and do a little of that on a regular from Lent into Easter. We are weeks of Eastertide remind us relationships with their child’s mother when “You would be concerned it’s important to manage your basis and also to get a little bit of aware that so many people that Jesus had to appear more about the people who have some thinking, let’s not be going down space for yourself. than once to his companions are walking a daily ‘way of to convince them of the problematic behaviours that they’re the catastrophic road - that this will “The other thing I think is really the cross’. The pattern of our trying to manage because maybe never end we’ll never get out again.” important is self-management.” It lives at the moment is one reality of his resurrection. So some of those support groups - is important to know when you’re of restraint, limitation and we should not be hard on maybe they’re happening remotely, felling hot headed or easily worked the self-discipline of social ourselves if it is taking time for ❛❛ people who attend AA, people attend up - this might not be the right time distancing. So we may falter us to fully embrace the Easter A lot of things get difficult as we get older. One groups for gambling people, who to bring up issues or argue back in our efforts to raise our experience this year. attend groups for drug use or use of or hash something out. The last voices in song, to proclaim a What is essential is that we our hands. Having difficulty using a lobster pornography.” thing you want is this stressful time joyful, holy alleluia, but what keep noticing and thanking “It would be difficult for people pushing you to say something that of the broken alleluias, the God for those broken alleluia who are struggling with an issue so causes difficulty now or in the future. little ones, the ones we would moments. Pope Francis has called upon us to be people of that might impact the family as well.” Remember, this is difficult for almost miss if we didn’t pay It is not always physical abuse that everybody. attention? hope. Ultimately that is what not blessed with neat fingers. Easter is about, not a naive can make people afraid of someone Speaking about communication I’m involved with Family they are living with. Ms Johnston Ms Johnston says, “I think it’s Support organisations and optimism but hope based on explains how abuse can come in something that takes a lifetime; families are reporting that the reality of the cross and all different forms: “Sometimes to keep relationships healthy and amidst the hassles of trying to resurrection. So those small when we say we are fearful of the close, to keep it going and to keep it keep to a routine, struggling broken alleluias strengthen person we’re living with, we think a good thing. to limit screen time and the us and sustain our hope that when we emerge from this of somebody who maybe has an “When you think about the difficulties of home schooling implement or who is physically relationships - we have children, we they also notice that they pandemic we will know the Some things that can help with meaning of Easter in a more and come apart without any fiddling around. aggressive. Both domestic abuse and have siblings, we have parents, we have more time to sit and eat this is some prayer or meditation, profound and powerful way abusive behaviours can happen on have spouses. It’s no mean feat to try together, time to reflect on a male side or a female side and it getting out for a reasonable amount and keep relationships going and to what is important in life, less than we ever have before. of exercise, and journaling your can be about verbal intimidation, it keep them so that they’re good for Photo:Rama / CC BY-SA. thoughts - or even speaking them stress because they aren’t can be about control, it can be about us and good for the other people in running to school activities Source: Wikimedia Commons harassment and it might not ever out loud to someone willing to listen. the relationship as well.” 34 | Family & Lifestyle || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 Dodging bullets at a dangerous time in Guinea

gone, a lot of the support that you were supplying is gone too,” said Sr Lacey of leaving Sierra Leone. Personal Profile “When we got to Liberia then, we decided that we would prefer to set up something that would be there when we were not there. “We didn’t know what might happen next, we thought maybe this war could escalate again and we will be gone again.” You have grenades ❛❛going over, not Róise McGagh knowing where they’re going to land” You have grenades going over, not knowing where they’re They set up an NGO called going to land and you have Social Empowerment Through “bullets flying – like our house Learning that would be mainly run had a number of bullet holes,” says by locals so that it could continue Sr Bridget Lacey, speaking of her on without the congregation if personal experience of an attack on a they had to leave. It has been refugee camp where she was working running now for 14 years. at the time. They teach literacy, mostly to It was late in 2000 when the camp women who never had a chance in Gueckedou, Guinea was attacked at an education, “within that we by various Liberian militant groups. It do lots of other things, it’s not was, at the time, home to refugees from Srs Felicitas Ogbodo, Bridget Lacey, Franca Onyibor (Congregational Leader), Ann Kelly, Loretha Michael just ABC”. They use situations Sierra Leone and Liberia where civil when their congregational leader visited Voinjama, Lofa County, Guinea in October 2019. that arise in people’s hometowns wars were raging. and new legislation brought out “At that stage in Guinea, there other side of it was, we were being They travelled to Conakry, about through checkpoints. They stayed to teach people literacy and also would have been up to a million watched very closely by people. 700km away and those that could with the Liberian refugees who inform them of their rights. They refugees between the two countries The feeling was that if the sisters returned to Sierra Leone as it was were moved by the UNCHR further are currently working on having and then there were various go, then it’s over, were all finished,” then considered safer there for them inside the country. “People didn’t a law changed so that women in different camps,” says Sr Lacey. says Sr Lacey. than Guinea. “There were lots of feel very safe to be so far inside the long term relationships can inherit She had come with three “As it turned out nothing people with disabilities in the camps country because they felt they were land – not just married women as others from her congregation, happened to us, but a lot of people as well, and a lot of people actually too far away from home if anything most couples are not wed. the Missionary Sisters of the Holy got killed in the town that night, walked to get out of the camps. happened. Sr Lacey who was born in Rosary (MSHR) alongside the Sierra refugees and locals. The town was “We thought; how are all the “The Liberians remained in Tipperary and started off as a lab Leonians who fled. She had been blockaded for a number of months.” people with disabilities going to Guinea so we, the sisters decided we technician in the Regional Hospital the administrator in a hospital She says the sisters could hear be able to move quick enough? would remain in Guinea with them. in Limerick and was a late vocation there for just six months. people looking for them: “We were So, we decided we were going to So then when peace came to Liberia The sisters taught literacy and in the bathroom, on the floor, with try and hire buses to Conakry and and the first election was held at at the age of 30, is currently in other practical skills in the packed everything going on and we had get the people with disabilities on the end of 2005 at that stage we Ireland due to Covid-19. She is still camps that lined the boarders of the dog and the cat as well and it those buses.” At the time, the Sierra decided we would head to Liberia.” working remotely from her sister’s Guinea from 1995. Sr Lacey says was scary. Leonian embassy in Conakry was The congregation had never home in Dublin where she was there it was actually a great chance “But thank God for us it was operating a ship carrying Sierra been there but decided to go home only meant to be holidaying but for people to access education they okay, we stayed another night Leonians back to Freetown. with those they had been working would prefer to be on the ground. would not have received in their because we didn’t know which way “We found people very willing to with for so many years, to Lofa She says she has trust in the own rural homes. The camps were to go. When we did try to go, one help and put themselves in a risky County in the north of the country. sisters that are there to implement then attacked. road was blocked so we knew there position to help their own people.” “Overnight you’re gone out of the the same kind of plans they put to “We had decided we weren’t was no hope there. Eventually we The sisters themselves couldn’t country and what you were doing action during the Ebola crisis, and it moving, we went there to be got going on another road and we travel on the bus as it would put and who you were with, you’ve was them who got her through all there so we’re not moving and the had quite a long trip.” the journey at risk as they went left them all behind and you’re just the dangerous moments in her time. Sweet Time for a fresh, zingy springtime treat Treats f you can get your hands on some flour and l ¼ tsp salt 35-40 mins until golden brown, springy to the sugar these days, why not try and create a l 2 tsp baking powder touch and a skewer inserted into the middle Laura lemon and poppy seed drizzle traybake? This l 4 medium-large eggs of the cake comes out clean. About five adaption of a classic Mary Berry recipe is the minutes before the traybake is ready, I l 60ml (4tbsp) milk Anderson perfect springtime treat to make with the kids. With prepare the lemon drizzle by mixing all the ingredients going into one bowl together it l 25g poppy seeds together the sugar and lemon juice. will allow them to practice their baking skills without For the lemon drizzle icing: Granulated sugar will make this driz- fear of it ending in disaster. It’s also ideal if you are l 100g granulated sugar zle nice and crunchy so if you have a novice baker as long as you measure everything the option, use it. Take the cake out l 3 tbsp lemon juice (about one of the oven and allow it to cool slightly correctly it’s practically fool proof! You can leave the lemon) poppyseeds out if you wish, but they do add a nice for five minutes in the tin. You want it difference in texture. l Extra zest for decoration still warm so the drizzle will soak in. Using a fork or skewer prick small holes evenly Ingredients Preheat the oven to 180℃/160°Fan/ Gas mark 4. Grease and line a across the cake which will allow the juice to sink (Makes 16 squares) in nicely. Pour the drizzle on top, I like to do this still 30x23cm/12x9in baking or roasting tray with bak- For the traybake: ing paper. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and in the tin as it saves on the mess and top with some l 225g unsalted butter softened, plus extra for beat together on medium speed for about 2 minutes extra lemon zest for decoration. Leave in the tin for a further 15 minutes until the drizzle is somewhat set greasing until combined into a smooth mixture. You could then gripping the baking paper lift it out and trans- l 225g caster sugar do this by hand it will just require a bit more elbow grease. If using a stand mixer, be sure to scrape fer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into even l 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 medium lemons) down the sides of the bowl halfway through. Turn the squares before serving. This cake keeps for 3-4 days l ½ tsp vanilla extract mixture into your prepared tin spreading it into the in an airtight container or alternatively freezes well for up to a month. l 275g self-raising flour, sieved corners and smoothing the top. Bake in the oven for The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | Reviews ||35

TVRadio Brendan O’Regan Personal Profile Seán’s exit leaves big shoes to fill at RTÉ egular readers will tee’s deliberations, but when know how unhappy O’Rourke asked her what pas- PICK OF THE WEEK I am with media sages in her report supported NEW! MESSIAH treatment of con- R that claim, her only answer EWTN, Saturday, May 3, 7pm troversial social issues. I find was ‘I don’t have the report New documentary series with interviews, old masters art- so many presenters pushing in front of me’.” He could give works, music and more. Narrated by Leonardo Defilippis. their own viewpoints and conservative commentators ❛❛ being unwilling or unable a tough time too – I remem- THE 13th DAY to ask the hard questions of ber driving down the country EWTN, Sunday, May 4, 9pm those promoting a suppos- once listening to a particu- (2009) A dramatisation based on the true story of three edly liberal viewpoint, while larly robust interview he gave shepherd children from the village of Fatima who experi- being well able and willing to to John Waters. enced numerous visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. grill those of a conservative I hope we’ll see more of RETREAT: MEDITATIONS FROM A MONASTERY leaning. O’Rourke in the media, per- BBC4, Sunday, May 4, 10pm I’ve always found RTÉ pre- haps as an independent com- Repeat of series going in search of inner peace in three senter Seán O’Rourke to be mentator, which would be Benedictine monasteries in Britain. This week: Downside an exception. An old school interesting. In the meantime Abbey. journalist in the best sense of the execs at RTÉ will have a the word he asks tough ques- challenging time filling the is worth noting. On last Fri- Mason, The National Chaplain tions of all sides, while gen- mid-morning weekday slot day’s show he told us that for the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller erally keeping his own views – maybe they’ll try a hold- in the first three weeks of Communities in England and to himself. So I was very sad ing operation for the summer March, around one and a half Wales. He had just recorded a to hear that he was retiring with the opportunity to try million watched religious ser- Mass for his communities and from RTÉ and his must-listen out alternative presenters. vices from Knock Shrine, that found that they engaged well Today With Seán O’Rourke While I’m writing of RTÉ over 600,00 tuned in to the through smartphones. The show. presenters, a comment made live streams from the Knock younger travellers, he found, He announced this rather by the host on the Ryan Shrine web page and that were literate, seeing practical RTÉ presenter Seán O’Rourke. unexpectedly at the end of his Tubridy Show (RTÉ Radio 1) over 700,000 viewers tuned applications of being able to morning show on Tuesday of he thought a doctor was deal- So, it’s only a baby if the in to their YouTube channel. read and write. last week. ing with one or two patients mother thinks it is? It was no Tubridy reckoned that As regards travellers on I remember two striking in a pregnancy situation wonder that Seán O’Rourke “Faith is probably a good sites he found they were doing interviews during the most he answered: ‘The patient followed this up with an exas- friend to have at a time like their best with the challenges recent abortion referendum. you’re dealing with is the perated “is there not anything this in guiding you like a light of hygiene and social distanc- He was the only one that I patient in front of you. That’s objective here?”’ hopefully for those of you ing. He also found a sadness heard who was prepared to the woman. At a later stage, who are fortunate enough to among these communities as ask challenging questions of beyond viability or when the Challenge have a strong Faith”. they particularly missed the An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pregnancy is wanted, you The other interview I remem- On the Sunday programme sacrament related gatherings while others took the free treat it in that scenario as two ber was when he challenged last weekend (BBC Radio 4) that were so important for pass route and got with ‘the patients.’” former Senator Catherine presenter Edward Stourton their communities. programme’, effectively the So, the unborn child is only Noone (she had been chair also reflected on the growing It’s a sadness we all share. pro-choice agenda. I looked a patient if it’s wanted? Later of the Oireachtas Commit- phenomenon of online reli- back on my review of that he was asked if it was a baby tee dealing with the issue). gious services – “virtual wor- i [email protected], interview: “That interview that was in the womb. He It’s worth revisiting what I ship is one thing but there’s no @boreganmedia was robust, as it should be, answered: “Absolutely...that wrote then: “She made out substitute for being with peo- but some of the answers were often depends on the woman that the unborn child was ‘at ple”. This was in the context very telling. Asked whether carrying the foetus or baby.” the centre’ of the commit- Ryan Tubridy. of a discussion with Fr Dan Music Pat O’Kelly Distinguished ensemble elevate Mozart’s love for the quartet Mozart’s two Piano Quartets nothing more, and grow hun- tions, in the convivial atmos- positive feeling for the music l Rosanne Philippens. f you can get your hands on some flour and date from the mid 1780s – gry or maybe the devil take phere of the Swiss Embassy and single-mindedness in l a period that also brought, me!” But he did write another on Dublin’s Ailesbury Road. their approach to its inter- l of the cake comes out clean. About five among many other things, Piano Quartet – in E flat major Ambassador Louis-José Tou- pretation. l five of his major piano con- K 493 – completing it on June ron was the genial host and Ms Philippens, who stud- l certi, two important string 3, 1786. This time the more speaker and, with Finghin ied in The Hague and Berlin, quartets and his opera Le obliging firm of Artaria pub- Collins at the piano, Mia plays a Stradivarius violin nozze di Figaro. lished it. Cooper, Ed Creedon and Wil- dating from 1727 while István fear of it ending in disaster. It’s also ideal if you are l While there were ear- liam Butt stood in for the Várdai’s cello, also a Stradi- lier incursions by less well- Distinguished l CD’s string players to present varius, has a 1673 imprimatur. correctly it’s practically fool proof! You can leave the remembered figures into the But why am I telling you all a sample of the disc’s music. It was previously owned for five minutes in the tin. You want it piano quartet arena, it took this about Mozart’s Piano The occasion, which included l by the late English cellist Jac- Mozart to raise its status on works requested by the Vien- satisfied with what Mozart Quartets? Well, the Swiss some appetising Swiss cui- queline du Pré. Preheat the oven to 180℃/160°Fan/ to an unprecedented plateau. nese publisher, Franz Anton submitted, complaining the record company Claves has sine, was highly agreeable. In his two quartets he found Hoffmeister, who was also a music was too difficult and recently issued a CD of both Interestingly, the record- Máté Szücs, principal viola 30x23cm/12x9in baking or roasting tray with bak a way of giving each instru- composer. In it Mozart treats that the public would never of them played by an ensem- ing was made in the excellent with the Berlin Philharmonic ment – violin, viola, cello and his four instrumentalists as buy it. ble of distinguished European acoustic of St Peter’s Church for seven years from 2011, is l piano – its rightful sense of equals, with the concerto- He told the composer to musicians – Dutch violinist of Ireland in Drogheda in currently a professor in Gene- until combined into a smooth mixture. You could independence. like piano part well balanced write in a more popular vein Rosanne Philippens, Hungar- May 2019. The CD sound is va’s Music University. Like his l According to the compos- against the continuously or else he would neither print ian violist Máté Szücs and cel- bright and spacious with the CD companions, he also pur- l er’s own catalogue, the K 478 interesting string writing. any more of his music nor pay list István Várdai and our own instrumental rapport hand- sues a worldwide performing G minor Quartet was com- celebrated Finghin Collins. career. l However, Hoffmeister, him. somely blended. Despite the pleted on October 16, 1785 hoping for something to suit The disgruntled Mozart The CD launch took place, musicians’ individuality they The number of the splen- l 275g self-raising flour, sieved and was among a number of the amateur market, was dis- responded: “Then I will write just before Covid-19 restric- coalesce perfectly and convey did CD is Claves 50-3002. 36 | Reviews || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020

BookReviews Peter Costello In the North: a man of the peasantry The Autobiography of William Carleton with a foreword by Benedict Kiely (The White Row Press, 1996; other editions are now available on line). J. Anthony Gaughan his is the unfinished autobiography of William Carleton. TAlthough it ends well short of when he died on January 30, 1869, together with his other writings, it is an important source for the social history and culture of 19th-century Ireland. And this The cover of William edition is greatly enhanced by Carleton’s autobiography Benedict Kiely’s perceptive and, right, Carleton Foreword. with, far right, a modern Carleton was born on pilgrimage at Lough Derg. March 4, 1794 near Clogher, Co. Tyrone. His father was a Derg caused him not only enthusiastic proselytiser for nationalist Nation. Influenced high point of his career in our country’s manners, her Catholic tenant farmer. Wil- liam was educated at a few to lose his vocation but also, Protestantism. At Otway’s by Thomas Davis, he also pub- the 1840s. He was granted a virtues and her vices’. local hedge schools. as he wrote subsequently, suggestion he wrote a num- lished a number of novels on government pension in 1848. Carleton’s last years were He exhibited early intel- “detached me from the ber of stories for the Church political and social themes. This followed a public peti- characterised by drunken- lectual ability and his father Roman Catholic Faith”. of Ireland Christian Exam- tion, which was signed by ness and poverty and it was hoped he would see him Not having settled to any iner. The short stories grew Carleton’s a cross section of the Irish a time when he succeeded in ordained to the priesthood. occupation he left home in into a very successful series, ❛❛ political and intellectual life offending almost everybody This was also an ambition 1818 and found occasional entitled Traits and Stories of last years were of the time. Among those who he met. But, it seems, one shared by William. Hence he work as a tutor. Then he held the Irish Peasantry, the work characterised by signed it was Maria Edgeworth, friend remained with him to spent two years studying in St a number of teaching jobs in for which Carleton was to one of the pioneers of the Irish the end. His home was near Patrick’s College, Maynooth. Dublin, Mullingar and Carlow. become best known. He was drunkenness and tale. She wrote that Carleton’s the Jesuit College at Milltown However, his experiences In 1827 he met Rever- prolific, also contributing poverty” writing gave ‘with masterly Park in Dublin and Fr Robert while on a pilgrimage to St end Caesar Otway, a writer stories to the unionist Dublin stokes and in such strong and Carbery SJ, a member of the Patrick’s Purgatory in Lough and magazine editor and an University Magazine and the Carleton reached the vivid colours the pictures of community, as Carleton lay Storytelling and social reflection through fantasy

Dark Enchantment had died in 1939), and she sets by Dorothy Macardle Dark Enchantment in the imaginary (Tramp Press, Recovered Voices town of St Jacques, in that area of Series, No.6) the French Maritime Alps. Teresa Whitington Social reflection Dorothy Macardle has been The novel’s heroine, Juliet primarily associated with her 1937 Cunningham, is paired with an partisan history The Irish Republic, anti-heroine, the Romany woman written at Eamon de Valera’s Terka. These two women, as well request to give an account of the as the hero Michael Faulkner, independence struggle from the each have a dual aspect. They are anti-treaty side. creatures of fairy tale (princess, In so far as the novelist sorceress, prince) and real Dorothy Macardle is known, inhabitants of the 1950’s (young she is sometimes presumed woman whose career as a teacher to be a different writer, of the has failed, outlawed gypsy, young same name. It’s important to botanical researcher) existing on correct this. As Leanne Lane has Dorothy Macardle. the twinned planes of Macardle’s commented: “Macardle’s literary project: story-telling and social work was central to her sense of cultured internationalist. and thanks to the inclusion of such as Leanne Lane and Caroline reflection. self throughout her life, making Alongside The Irish Republic three of her novels in Tramp Press’s Heavey as vehicles of dissidence: Throughout the novel, we it essential to look at her fiction can be placed her 1949 study Recovered Voices Series we can as a means of objecting to the can note the co-existence of in any attempt to understand the Children of Europe (London, Victor now appreciate the ways in which potentially damaging impact of fantasy and realism at every woman in all her complexity.” Gollancz). This book analysed she did this. a given society on its individual stage of the narrative. For every Macardle was far from being the impact on children of the Tramp Press has republished The members (often, for Macardle, its fairytale pleasure that Macardle just a narrow devotee of her bereavement, displacement and Uninvited (2015), The Unforeseen female members). offers her reader, she will offer political colleague de Valera and trauma occasioned by World War II, (2017) and Dark Enchantment Let’s look at Dark Enchantment a corresponding element drawn the internecine intricacies of Irish with details of their reactions and (2019). Well-conceived and to suggest how this is done. from the real world of post-war politics. Educated at Dublin’s their special charmingly written 20th-Century Macardle had lived between European society. Alexandra College and later a But she reflected on society fairytales, Macardle’s novels have 1952 and 1953 in the Provençal Romance and realism effectively teacher there, she was a deeply through the vehicle of fiction also, also been assessed by critics town of Roquebrune (where Yeats co-guarantee each other. Hence The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020 | Reviews ||37

Readers should note that The Irish Catholic circulates throughout the island of Ireland and the book prices listed are the retail price recommended by the Irish or British publishers, in either euros or sterling, as a general indication of what purchasers may expect to pay. Cork scientist: the plant lady from Ballylickey

Some of the mosses loved by Ellen Hutchins and, inset, the cover of A Quiet Tide. A Quiet Tide and painting them. She by Marianne Lee is introduced to us in the (New Island Books, prologue to the novel €14.95) as “the plant lady from Felix M. Larkin Ballylickey”, the location of her family home. Ellen Hutchins (1785- Her return home after dying sent a message that he most of all both excelled in credit by his brutal candour, 1815) is described in her sojourn in Dublin is the Dictionary of Irish and there without direction would come and give him the story-telling. But, while Kiely as one chronicler noted, he depicted in the novel as Biography as “one of the or influence”. ‘Last Rites’. However, Carleton merely gently teased his fel- succeeded in offending ‘every involuntary. She is ordered earliest Irish women Early in the novel, sent back word that he had low-countrymen and women class of Irishman’! back home by Emanuel, scientists...an avid collector Ellen wonders: “What not been a ‘Roman Catholic for their failings and foibles, i For further information the head of the family of plants, especially the will become of me? My for half-a century or more’! Carleton was brutally honest about Carleton, editions since their father’s death, mosses, bryophytes, fungi in order to care for their place in the world.” This Benedict Kiely in his Fore- in displaying their coarseness, of his work and events in ❛❛ and lichens around the aging mother and crippled question is answered word brilliantly captures the fecklessness and savagery at Ireland and elsewhere, family home on Bantry brother who are the only later when Ellen muses spirit of Carleton. Indeed wakes, weddings and faction- contact wcarletonsociety@ Bay”. family members now living upon how she manages they were kindred spirits. fights; as well as their secret gmail.com for bookings Though she never there. He tells her: “It’s my to juggle her domestic Both were proud sons of societies, superstitions, pop- and further information, published anything herself, decision to make, Ellen, and responsibilities with her Tyrone; both studied for the ular beliefs and family feuds and at http://www. she corresponded with I’ve done so.” She accepts botanical endeavours. She priesthood; both were distin- and in so doing earned unfor- williamcarletonsociety.org and shared the fruits that it is her duty to obey thinks: “...with one hand I guished literary figures and giving opprobrium. But to his on the Internet of her collecting with her brother. hold a knife, a paintbrush, many of the leading male I adjust the microscope botanists of her time, At least today lens. With the other I wipe and her achievements ❛❛ my brother’s face, help my were recognised and duly women’s voices are mother to the chamber pot, the fairytale is an authentic one her own Romany family, Terka’s acknowledged in their darn moth holes and feel – the social reflection equally A moral occult strength is central to work. being heard loud for the pulse of a newly laid compelling. ❛❛ Macardle’s gothic plot. This debut novel by egg.” To take an example from the and physical and clear” The Tarot reading Terka gives Marianne Lee is based on opening of the novel, Juliet is victim of the to Juliet structures the novel. The Ellen’s life, starting from Such was the fate of Fine novel gazing in wonder at St Jacques as Social reflection subsequent path for Juliet and when she left school and women in the early 19th This novel inevitably it first appears to her, “hanging inhabitants’ Michael does not, of course, run went to live at the Dublin Century, even one with prompts us to consider how there in the golden air”, until her smoothly. home of Dr Whitley Stokes the unusual ability of Ellen much real progress women companion interjects with: “They hostility and The fairytale does (with wit, – a friend of her eldest Hutchins – whose “name have made in finding a call that a village?” brother, Emanuel. was noted beyond the “place in the world” in This companion, her father rejection, lightness and humour) reach Under Stokes’ influence, confines of place”, to again the 200 years since Ellen Frith, is in “good walking the destination prescribed by she became interested in quote from the novel. They Hutchins lived and died. form” and looking forward to and expelled its genre. For Terka, the end is botany. He tutored her and had to be “adaptable” to No doubt the author reorganising his career as an actor a hospital clinic, where she is even by her equipped her to pursue the wishes – the whims – feels not enough, but at protected from her own violence “…if he only could think of what what became the passion of of their men folk; “women least today women’s voices and that of the villagers by the the devil to do with the girl” (i.e. own Romany her life after she returned usually have little choice to are being heard loud and Juliet!). The chapter is poised family, sympathetic care of a psychiatric to West Cork. She spent be otherwise”, Ellen is told clear. Unlike her near- between Juliet’s qualities as specialist. the last ten years of her life by Whitley Stokes’ wife. namesake Mary Ann Evans, romantic heroine – vulnerability Terka’s She is rescued, contained, there, dying just before her Her crippled brother the novelist George Eliot, combined with strength of unfree. She has provided Macardle thirtieth birthday. describes womanhood as Ms Lee does not have to character, attractiveness, occult with a means of exploring the “an affliction” comparable adopt a male pseudonym sensibility – and her father’s mechanisms of social rejection. Virgin territory to his physical infirmity, in order to have her work rueful worldly self-concern. strength is Of exploring too the treatment Being then a remote and and she tells him: “I wasn’t taken seriously. Then, before the chapter of women who show an ‘occult’ fairly inaccessible corner allowed your freedom, A Quiet Tide is a ends, there emerges the ‘dark central to being a girl.” drive towards sexual and of the world, West Cork fine novel, thoroughly woman’ of its title, glimpsed Her school-friend, economic freedom; freedoms was virgin territory for a researched and beautifully with fascination by Frith and his Macardle’s married off by her father to which Macardle had seen botanist and Ellen was able written; and the publishers, daughter as they walk through the to discover many plants a much older man, writes New Island, are to be gothic plot” undermined in the constitution town’s gilded streets. not previously known or to Ellen that she hopes one commended on a very promulgated by de Valera’s A moral and physical victim recorded – preserving day “to feel less like a piece attractive production – of the inhabitants’ hostility and government, two months after the samples, and drawing of muslin, to be blown here with a well designed cover. rejection, and expelled even by publication of The Irish Republic. 38 | Classifieds || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020

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Crossword Junior Gordius 323330 Crossword Gordius 446453 Please pray for the beatification of 1234567 Little Nellie 89 of Holy God “May God enrich with every blessing all those 10 11 12 who recommend frequent Communion to little boys and girls proposing Nellie as their model” 13 14 – Pope St Pius X, June 4, 1912 15 16 17

18 Legacy 19 20 21 22 23 for Life Across not belong to you (5) 24 25 1 Three-wheeler (8) Down 6 A short form of the name 2 Mend, fix up (6) Samuel (3) 3 Show you see in a Big Top 26 27 7 A cowboy wears this at the (6) back of his boot (4) 4 You can use this to make 8 They hang beside a window Across conflict (3,5) (8) butter (5) 1 Mandible (3) 3 Should one pour whipped 9 Girl’s or lady’s garment (5) 5 Broke to pieces (7) 3 Stair I chain up in old Oslo (11) ice-cream into these 13 Shouted to encourage your 8 Left the old city with a gin There is no greater legacy that will leave a mark 6 Jump over a rope (4) before placing them on the team (7) 10 A message you might go cocktail? How enticing! (6) on future generations than supporting our pro-life 9 Lucy A sat around a hospital motorway? (5) 15 You might carry this to help on (6) and pro-family work. department (8) 4 Tend to slope (7) you see as you walk around 11 Where pupils and teachers With your legacy commitment today we will in the darkness (5) 10 Imperial measures of length 5 ‘One Night in Paris’ with a learn together (6) (5) Rebuild a Culture of Life in Ireland. 16 Sea creature with eight denizen of the Arctic (5) 12 Read it to see how you did 11 Freshwater fish (5) tentacles (7) 6 Horatio’s surname or Mandela’s Call for our free brochure today to find out how in your tests (6) 13 Make a meal of it when an 17 Musical instrument with Christian name (6) you can save countless lives for years to come. article is missing from the five strings (5) 14 Exactly the same (5) boat (5) 7, 16a & 21a During ‘The summer alone? You don’t have to! Let 18 Took something that did 15 Baths (4) Tempest’, one is not too ‘Heavenly Partners’ introduce you to other genuine Catholics For further advice or to avail Family Life 15 & 23d Strangely, he banned of our Solicitor’s free Wills SOLUTIONS, APRIL 23 bran as he wrote ‘The Borstal choosy about the fortified service, please contact us 26 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1 GORDIUS No. 452 Boy’ (7,5) drink, it seems (3,4,2,1,5) today on Ph:01 8552790 | email: [email protected] 16 See 7 down 12 O, I hack Sky TV in order to www.familyandlife.org Across – 1 Detonation 6 Isis 10 Yukon 11 Bus driver 20 Implements (5) see a great composer (11) 01-8552790 www.prolife.ie 12 Carafes 15 Manse 17 Limb 18 Ivan 19 Latch 21 Silence 21 See 7 down 13 Jumped (5) 23 Lit up 24 Gnaw 25 Acre 26 Dig in 28 Stetson 33 Converted 23 Kipling’s bear takes a 34 Naiad 35 Swag 36 Charioteer bachelor to the toilet (5) 14 Barbed items of fishing tackle Down – 1 Days 2 Take apart 3 Ninja 4 Table 5 Ouse 7 Seven 24 & 25 Apostle of questionable (5) Will the MSC Missions 8 Screech owl 9 Grumble 13 Fiji 14 Sleeves 16 Diplodocus disposition? (8,6) 17 End a film in order to have 20 Ten to five 21 Spaniel 22 Come 27 Genoa 29 Tudor 26 Gin’s nickname can turn aroused passion (8) Missionaries of the Sacred Heart bring hope to the 30 Tango 31 Etch 32 Oder heroism around (7,4) 18 Do have a bet, woman! (7) No. 329 poorest people living in over 48 countries worldwide. CHILDREN’S 27 Arid (3) 19 Travel with a statue to Across – 1 February 5 Owl 6 Shouting 8 Elm 9 Snooker Please help us with a gift in your Will Down achieve financial ruin (2,4) 10 Target 13 Rag 15 Skid 17 Farmer 18 Sell 19 Scissors 1 Infants after dessert food - how 22 Bishop’s headgear (5) Down – 1 Fastest 2 Bookmark 3 Alien 4 Flour 7 Good 9 Shed 23 See 15 across Contact: sweet are they! (5,6) generations. Phone the office on 061 414142 or 11 Ashes 12 Gills 13 Romeo 14 Germs 16 Ears 2 Atrocity committed in time of 24 Hydroelectric structure (3) MSC Missions Office, PO Box 23 Western Road, Cork. Tel: 021 – 454 5704 Email: [email protected] Last week’s Easy 329 www.mscmissions.ie Sudoku Corner 330 Easy Hard

When you remember It’s easy to get started, and we’ll help you every step of the way. Trócaire in your Call Grace Kelly on 01 629 3333, email [email protected] Will, you bring hope or write to me at Trócaire, to people living in Maynooth, Co Kildare. Last week’s Hard 329 the world’s One day, parents and their children will tell the story poorest places of how your legacy of love changed their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to Trócaire in your Will. 40 | Comment || The Irish Catholic, April 30, 2020

Notebook Fr Bernard Cotter To make Where there’s a will, there’s always a way you smile... I HAVE BEEN live-streaming the lockdown ended that: now it People share lots of fun Sunday Mass onto our parish was just me and the camera on messages on social media. Enjoy Facebook page since March 15, so I the iPad, and the hope there was these: feel like a hardened cyber-veteran someone, somewhere, listening l Afraid of Santa? You may be at this stage. But even with nine and participating. claus-trophobic. broadcast Masses under my belt, Technology came to my aid. A l People are making apocalypse the Sunday morning liturgical computer was set up near the altar jokes like there’s no tomorrow. adventure is always preceded by and a Facetime connection made l The trouble with political a sleepless Saturday night. Maybe to the house of a Minister of the jokes is that sometimes they get after a year, when this becomes Word, where the minister read the elected. ‘normal’, I may become more readings and a family provided the l Is irony the opposite of placid. responses. A couple of songs were wrinkly? Taking on the livestreaming of taped onto a phone by another l I’m terrified of lifts and am Mass has involved a steep learning parishioner and these were played taking steps to avoid them. curve. I have never worked with a at the start and end. It was partici- l Cows have hooves because leaves too many people without camera before, never even made by a very strong rubber band. A box pation, but “not as we know it” (to they lactose. any Mass. a video on my phone. I am not the of matches, inserted between the quote Jim in Star Trek!). l I’m friends with 25 letters of For the first couple of Masses, I All continues to rely on world’s most adept technology iPad and the bookend, brought the the alphabet. I don’t know Y. user but I have become humble had on-site technical help, before technology. Wifi, it turns out, is camera’s focus down a fraction, so l Just because you are offended enough to realise that the parish the severe lockdown eliminated not as constantly reliable as had that more of the altar table came doesn’t mean you are right. has many who are (usually people that possibility. On the first Sunday, been thought, but, like humans, into view, and less ceiling (and l For chemists, alcohol is not a half my age). In any house which the ‘studio’ (see photo above) was sometimes stutters and fails (rain cobwebs). problem, it’s a solution. broadcasts elements of the Mass, laid out as it has continued. A and fog usually being the cul- For those first Sundays, a l Dogs can’t operate MRI the young people are always those small step-ladder was set up in the prits). Back-up systems are always Minister of the Word could scanners, but catscan. consulted when things go wrong. kitchen and a solid, ‘Thomas-the- needed. come and read, and a couple of tank-engine’ bookend placed on top Mass is shorter in this format. I of it, to which my iPad was bound people made the responses, but Temptation try to keep it to 30 minutes, recog- 1 8 Live-streaming involved a l You are welcome to join in Sunday Mass from Newcestown at 10.30am nising how hard it is for watchers temptation: will our parish aim on Sundays. Our Facebook page carries the official parish name ‘Murragh to retain focus. The comments to be the best ever, to have the and Templemartin’ – you can find that on Facebook. Even if you are not a made on Facebook give me hope most professionally-finessed member, simply insert those words into a search engine and you will be though, and some people punch production? That temptation was transported to our page. You will be offered an option to log in, but can reply the ‘love’ emoji during Mass as resisted, in the knowledge that the ‘NOT NOW’ and view the Mass as if you were a member. I also lead a short their way of participating. It’s a perfect is often the enemy of the quiet prayer session on Wednesdays at 7.30pm. Both weekly events are new world, but we believers have good, that waiting to be the best posted to the parish page afterwards. always adapted, so why not!

HELP TRAIN A YOUNG MAN FOR THE MISSIONARY MISSIONARIES PRIESTHOOD NEED YOUR MASS YOUR EASTERTIDE GIFT TO OUR RISEN SAVIOUR OFFERINGS Your Mass offerings help to Each year THE LITTLE WAY ASSOCIATION receives numerous requests from Religious Orders in mission provide the missionary lands for help to train their seminarians. priest’s maintenance and assist him to extend the The Little Way It costs approximately €100 a month Kingdom of God upon earth. Association (€1,200 a year) to feed, clothe and educate We like to send a a student for the priesthood missionary a minimum of €6 or more for each Mass. Crossed POs and cheques should be sent and made payable to: The great majority of young men who come forward to offer their lives to God, and His people, come from THE LITTLE WAY ASSOCIATION poor families. Their parents do not have the means to WELLS NEEDED Sacred Heart House, 119 Cedars Rd, Clapham Common, London SW4 0PR support them financially. The cost of educating and (Registered Charity No. 235703) Tel 0044 20 76 22 0466 maintaining seminarians is often a heavy burden on Missionaries constantly www.littlewayassociation.com the Religious Orders. It costs approximately €100 a appeal to The Little Way for I enclose €...... to be allocated to: month (€1,200 a year) to feed, clothe and educate a funds to sink wells in order to To donate online go to provide clean water, the lack €...... TRAINING FORTHE PRIESTHOOD tinyurl.com/lwadonations student for the priesthood. We appeal wholeheartedly, €...... NEEDS OF MISSIONARIES this Easter/Pentecost, to all readers to help train and of which causes much illness €...... MASS OFFERINGS support a candidate for the priesthood. and many medical needs. On (Please state number ______) DONATIONS FOR THE average, women in Africa and €...... WELLS AND CLEAN WATER MISSIONS ARE SENT WITHOUT DEDUCTION FOR ANY Asia walk around three hours €...... LITTLE WAY ADMIN EXPENSES Any donation you can send will be most EXPENSES. gratefully received, and will be sent every day to fetch water, Please tick if you would like an acknowledgement often in scorching heat. without deduction, to help to train a Name (Rev. Mr. Mrs. Miss) (Block letters please) young man for the priesthood. Can you help provide a well? Address EVERY EURO YOU SEND WILL BE VERY Your kind gift will be forwarded GRATEFULLY RECEIVED AND FORWARDED intact and gratefully received. IC/04/30 WITHOUT DEDUCTION.