THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 1

ISSUE 62. FEBRUARY 2021 PRICE - £1.50 The NET /€2.00 Sharing fruits of faith in Derry Diocese

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Sr Clare Crockett - Vocation’s Prayer

“Life is beautiful because of Mercy...and it

Hollie Frystal - Youth Book Club turns sinners into saints” Fr Francesco Gavazzi CFR (p 24)

Celebrating Grandparents - Long Tower PS Divine Mercy image on a gable wall in Galliagh, Derry

Celebrating Catholic Schools - Ardmore Catholic Schools Week launch - St Eugene’s Gemma Gallagher - Carnhill Celebrating St Brigid Christian Unity Week - Ardmore in focus in People

Sr Deirdre Mullan RSM Roisin McKenna – Ballinascreen Michael O’Kane – St Colmcille’s PS Claudy The late Bridget Carroll – Long Tower Sharon Mallett – Thornhill College

Also featuring: Youth writers section, Youth Ministry update, Co Tyrone singer writes Sr Clare song, Strabane youth helping mark 125th anniversary of Church of The Immaculate Conception, Irish Page, Holy Spirit feature, Mercy feature, Ancient Celtic Church & Renewal of Faith, Children’s Catechism Club, Quiz...and much more... 2 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 Reflecting on Pope Francis’ prayer intention for February - “We pray for Contents women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society Parish deliveries Copies of ‘The Net’ will be available in parishes again and have their sufferings considered and heeded” – Sr Deirdre Mullan RSM after restrictions, as a result of Covid-19, are lifted. Reflection on protection of women by society by Sr Deirdre Mullan RSM...... p2 writes... St Joseph challenges men to embrace their role by Mary McMenamin...... p2 Ardmore Parish celebrates Catholic Schools by Fr Neil Farren...... p3 Prayer alone is not enough...we must ACT! Glendermott PS is one big family by Conor Duddy...... p 3 VIOLENCE against women While the call of Pope of personhood. Denying be infused with justice and Catholic Schools Week...... p4-5 and girls is not a new tragedy, Francis is encouraging, the personhood means treating directed towards action that Celebrating the precious gift of grandparents...... p5 and it is as prevalent today call alone is not enough. Until a person as a non-person. deals with root causes. as it was 100 years ago. all members of all societies are A person who is objectified Compassion is a powerful St Colm’s Draperstown school year a good faith diary...p6 Studies, sponsored by the challenged and taught to look has no right of objection and response to human need St Colmcille’s principal helping colleagues navigate online classroom...... p7 United Nations (UN) and out for violence occurring on becomes the commodity and human suffering. World Health Organization our very doorsteps, violence of the one holding power. Sometimes, however, an Young writers share thoughts on... - Lent (WHO) in the last 10 years, against women and girls So often, women and girls appeal to compassion can - Cherishing baptismal identity make it undeniably clear that will continue. WHY? In become ‘things’ to be used to remain an empty appeal – - Catholic Schools Week violence against women is a most societies, women are sell cars, washing machines, not because the experience - Christian unity perceived as the commodities jokes, and so on. of compassion is empty, but - St Brigid global problem of staggering - Pope Francis encouraging youth...... p8-11 proportions. of men. Yet, while I agree with the call because recognition of what New Youth Online Book Club The UN defines violence Understanding the concept of Pope Francis that “we pray compassion entails is empty. by Hollie Frystal...... p11 against women as “any act of of commodification is key to for women who are victims Since the present Covid-19 Derry Youth Ministry update...... p11 gender-based violence that this problem, and would go of violence, that they may be pandemic began, incidences Song released for WYD 2023...... p11 results in, or is likely to result a long way towards clarifying protected by society and have of sex trafficking and violence Derry Youth Community recruiting...... p11 Horror, disgust and outrage Thornhill calendar offers creative Lenten ideas...... p11 in, physical, sexual, or mental and concretely dramatizing their sufferings considered against women and girls are are not enough. How did we as Is God asking big sacrifices for Ireland? harm or suffering to women, the plight of women in a world and heeded,” prayer alone is on the rise. With the eyes of a society respond? Did any of Remembering Sr Ruth O’Callaghan, Servant Sister...... p12 including threats of such that still fails to recognize fully not enough! law enforcement elsewhere, us engage with organizations Hopes high for opening of Sr Clare beatification cause.p13 acts, coercion, or arbitrary the consequences of gender Compassion and respect are the people smugglers are very, which work to alleviate Co Tyrone singer pays tribute in song to Sr Clare...... p13 deprivation of liberty, whether inequality, violation of human a powerful combination and very active. human suffering? Did we Sr Clare – All or Nothing by Gerry Loughran...... p13 occurring in public or private rights and ignorance of the every human person deserves For example, most of us in learn or have we learned Strabane youth help mark 125th anniversary life.” depths of human suffering both respect and compassion. Northern Ireland remember how to recognize trafficked of Immaculate Conception Church by Hollie Frystal.....p14 Whether in the West or among us. Yet, when put to the test in with horror the recent Bridget Carroll’s legacy to Long Tower Church persons in our midst? by Ivor Doherty...... p14 the East, North or Global In many societies, this means certain situations, these two example of victims of human Prayer alone is not enough. May Lent be a time of prayer & discernment South, women are at high risk that as the commodities of imperatives can diverge from smuggling, which resulted in The God of Mercy knows – Bishop Donal...... p15 both at home and in society, men, women can be hidden, one another. While prayer 33 human beings dying in a that it is not enough to be Richness of universal church in intimate partnerships, disposed of or kept out of sight with compassion may evoke freezer lorry. The smuggler compassionate – we must evoked in week of prayer for Christian unity...... p15 the workplace and major for many varied reasons. warmth and caring, far too erased from his mind the Main churches in Derry collaborating for many decades ACT! by Bishop Donal...... p15 institutions, large and small. What does commodification often it is disconnected from fact that the people he was However hard it is for any mean? When any person is in the clear-eyed regard for smuggling were someone’s A Reflection on the ‘Year of the Family’ (Sister Deirdre Mullan is a by Sharon Mallett...... p16 of us to understand this, it is a situation of unequal power, human rights and dignity sister, brother, son or daughter. native of Derry who currently Cuimhní Cóivide – Part 1 estimated that one in every there is vulnerability. Where demanded by respect. The 33 Vietnamese nationals works in the USA. She is the Irish Page by Fr Oliver Crilly...... p17 five women faces some form there is vulnerability, there The victims of violence, were reduced to commodities, coordinator of the Mercy Girl Reflections on the Third Person of The Trinity of violence during her lifetime is always objectification, and trafficking and malnutrition which would yield a high Effect, an NGO in consultation - The Holy Spirit...... p18-22 – all too often leading to when any person becomes surely need our pity and our monetary return for the series with UNICEF, which highlights St Joseph – His actions speak louder than words serious injury or death. an object, there is denial prayers, but such prayers must of lorry drivers involved. the plight of girls worldwide.) by Fr Joseph Varghese...... p23 Consecration to St Joseph...... p23 Novena to Sleeping St Joseph...... p23 20 years, helping women in Blessed Virgin Mary. To you Memorare to St Joseph...... p23 unplanned pregnancies. A lot God entrusted his only Son; in Life is beautiful because of Mercy St Joseph challenges men to of these women did choose you Mary placed her trust; with by Fr Francesco Gavazzi CFR...... p24 life for their babies fortunately. you Christ became man. Reflecting on God’s Mercy – Part I by Bishop Donal..... p24 embrace their role in society From my experience, Blessed Joseph, to us too, show The Ancient Celtic Church & Renewal of Faith in Ireland by Fr Neal Carlin...... p25 however, I found that some yourself a father and guide us Holy Hour for Vocations...... p25 by Mary McMenamin men too easily abandon their in the path of life. Obtain for us Diocesan Vocations’ Prayer...... p25 responsibilities in the name of grace, mercy, and courage, and gave me a prayer card before in how he responded to the Prayer for Priests...... p25 a woman’s choice, when it is defend us from every evil. Pope’s Monthly Intention...... p25 we were married. Since then, news the angel gave him. discovered that their girlfriend Amen”. we have always turned to “Even though he does not Where are you going? or wife is pregnant with an by Fr Johnny Doherty CSsR...... p26 St Joseph in times of need understand the bigger picture, unplanned pregnancy. Often The Quality of Mercy and he continues to answer he makes a decision to protect by Fr John McLaughlin...... p26 women are pressurised by the our prayers in the best way Mary’s good name, her dignity A Reflection on Marriage father into having an abortion. possible. and her life”. by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD...... p27 Last year here, in Ireland, St. Teresa of Avila had a The letter goes on to say, Memories of Dungiven there were 6,666 abortions special devotion to St. Joseph, “Joseph set aside his own ideas by Vera McFadden...... p28 carried out that we know National Divine Mercy conference goes online...... p28 and said: “I cannot call to in order to accept the course of of. Abortion is legal for any mind that I have ever asked events and, mysterious as they The rise and growth of food banks reason up to 12 weeks and by Denis McGowan...... p29 him at any time for anything seemed, to embrace them, and late term abortions in certain The year we want to forget?...Looking back on 2020 which he has not granted; and take responsibility for them”. circumstances. The doctors by Caoimhe de Barra...... p30 I am filled with amazement Pope Francis, reflecting on who carry out late term Trócaire Lenten Appeal 2021...... p30 when I consider the great fatherhood, makes a beautiful abortions in Ireland have said Children’s Catechism Club – C3 I was delighted when I favours which God hath given statement that “Fathers are by Veronica Harley...... p31 that is a sickening procedure. heard that Pope Francis had me through this blessed Saint; not born, but made. A man Quiz Time with Lawrence...... p31 St Joseph is the perfect role dedicated this year to St the dangers from which he does not become a father model of father and protector The ministry of Joseph, from the Solemnity of hath delivered me, both of simply by bringing a child into and he challenges men to the Immaculate Conception body and of soul”. the world, but by taking up embrace their role in today’s The NET on December 8, 2020, until Pope Francis, in an extract the responsibility to care for society. was dedicated to Our the same feast day in 2021. My from his letter, ‘Patris Corde’ that child. Whenever a man Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese Below is a prayer that Pope Lady, through the initial thoughts were that this (With a Father’s Heart), accepts responsibility for the Francis includes in his letter, year will be a good one if St describes St Joseph as a life of another, in some way intercession of which he encourages us to Contacting us: Joseph is involved. beloved father, a tender and he becomes a father to that St Maximilian Kolbe, in a If you have a story that you would like to share or an event you pray together... would like covered by The Net, just drop an email to My personal relationship loving father, an obedient p e r s o n”. ceremony celebrated by

with St Joseph began many father and an accepting father. I worked as a volunteer with Bishop Donal McKeown [email protected] “Hail, Guardian of the years ago, when my husband Joseph’s obedience is reflected a prolife organisation for over on August 14, 2019. or ring/text 07809292852 Redeemer, Spouse of the THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 3 Catholic Schools Week very much a community celebration in Ardmore by Fr Neil Farren

THIS year’s 2021 Catholic all parents of the school of our McCormick, who are members of and Odhran Black. Schools Week was celebrated churchmedia.tv and Ardmore our Altar Society, in preparing the These senior students will extend in a totally different way for Parish Facebook live streaming, Sacred Space in front of the Altar our celebration, which here, in Glendermott Primary School and put this also on the school’s area, that had symbols placed Ardmore, goes beyond the official and the Ardmore Parish than any web page. depicting the various themes of Catholic Schools Week, to end other of previous years. To open Catholic Schools Catholic Schools Week. on the first celebration held for For a start, there are no children Week, we had the privilege of This year’s theme was Catholic ‘International Day for Human at this school, nor any other school having the former principal Schools: Communities of Faith Fraternity’; a day recently declared in this island of Ireland, due to of Thornhill College, Missand Resilience, so our sacred by the United Nations to be held Covid19 virus, except those open Marguerite Hamilton to introduce space included: a Crucifix, symbol annually on February 4. This day for key workers and special needs. the celebration on line for the of our Christian faith; Praying comes as a result of the Christian Traditionally, all the Catholic Parish with a liturgy and a talk Hands, symbol of Resilience; – Muslim cooperation to promote Glendermott Board of Governor members, Martina Donnelly and John Lafferty. School celebrations of this week in the Parish Church. She led this school RE books, symbols of peace, harmony and intercultural would be held in the school. Liturgy and was assisted by a child Learning; Hearts, symbol of Love; dialogue in the world; a theme There would have been school preparing for the sacrament of a Candle, symbol of Hope. close to Pope Francis’ heart, and assemblies, the school Mass for Confirmation, Liam Lynch, from Every day of the week, the which he has promoted in recent Grandparents, the day when the Glendermott Primary School and ‘Thought for the Day’, obtained years. grandparents would be invited the child’s parent, Pauline Lynch. from the Catholic Schools Week We wish all involved in our into the assembly hall with the On the following nights, other 2021 webpage, were read to Catholic Schools our heartfelt children for their school Mass and parents and their children remind us of the Catholic School prayers in these difficult times. A the wee cuppa afterwards. None of preparing for the sacrament of being Communities of Faith, special 10 am Mass at St Mary’s that this year. Confirmation assisted at the Learning, Love, Resilience and Church, Ardmore, was celebrated All learning is done on line, with Liturgies with their parents; Hope. on February 1, the Feast of St the children at home, learning Natasha McLaughlin with her Mr Duddy had made it known Bridget, for all involved in our on line from their teacher at the son, Shea, and Jenny Crothers earlier in the week to all the Catholic Schools Community. Josephine McDermott, chairperson of Ardmore Parish Pastoral Council, reading the scripture passage during the Covid-19 lockdown at St Mary’s Church, Ardmore. school. A whole new approach. with her son, Jake. The principal, parents in the school to participate The School principal, Mr We, in Ardmore Parish, decided Mr Duddy, assisted at the Mass, where they could on line, be it at Duddy on behalf of our School with the new technology of on line reading the scripture readings and the morning mass – depending on community, assisted at that approach, which we had adopted the various prayers on two of the their class working day schedule – Mass, reading scripture and in the past decade with MCN days. but especially to participate in the assisting with the Mass Prayers, Media and now Churchmedia. Also involved with reading daily Ardmore Parish Liturgies on remembering and praying for all tv, to also add, in the past year, at our parish Catholic Schools line, at 7 pm. at this difficult pandemic time. Facebook live streaming of our Week Mass were the chair of the The week’s Liturgies were In this 1,500th year since the Parish Liturgies. school’s Board of Governors, assisted by students attending birth of St Columba, December 7, These two on line tools we have Maureen Boyle, as well as Dr second level schools, as well as by 521 to December 7, 2021, we ask utilised for the school children and Sinead Hughes, John Lafferty those students who are doing the his intercession for all our safety their families at home, especially and Martina Donnelly, Board of special Pope John Paul II Award and well being in this year. for Catholic Schools Week. The Governor members. Programme: Ellie McLaughlin, St Bridget – Pray for us. St principal of Glendermott PS, I was assisted by Dolores Pamela Benson, Emily McCarron, Columba - Pray for us. Mr Conor Duddy, informed Chambers and Teresa Conor McCafferty, Alex Doherty, We are one big family at Glendermott PS by Conor Duddy, Principal CATHOLIC Schools Week is Fr Farren has been very proactive always an eagerly awaited event in his approach and we have shared in our school. It gives us a chance links to his online services that the to shine a light on all that makes older children have been able to our school unique. We are a proud enjoy from the comfort of their Catholic school and all our staff own homes. Several Y7 children demonstrate this on a daily basis and their parents kindly offered in their interactions with the to read at Fr Farren’s evening children. We are one big family. prayer services. The children read During Catholic Schools Week beautifully and the prayer services Glendermott Board of Governor members, Maureen Boyle and Dr Sinead Hughes. the highlight is Grandparents’ were enjoyed by the whole school Day. Obviously, this year we were community through the wonders Conor McCafferty, Pamela Benson, and, front, Emily McCarron, second level students who took part in the Ardmore Catholic Schools Week celebration unable to welcome visitors to our of technology. school but we still celebrated all A big thank you as well to our grandparents online. Samples the staff of the Derry Diocesan of work can be found here: https:// Catechetical Centre, who provided www.glendermott.net/news/ wonderful help and support grandparents/ throughout the week, as did It was lovely to see the work Bishop McKeown, who provided that the children produced. Some the children will daily reflections. of the prayers that they wrote Despite lockdown, through the for their grandparents were so use of technology our Catholic poignant and moving. It’s clear Schools Week reached a wide and that our children are missing the varied audience. We hope and interactions with the grandparents. pray that next year we will get God willing, they will soon be able back to some form of normality Jenny and Jake Crothers, to resume some form of normality for our Catholic Schools Week Natasha Doherty and her son, Shea, with Glendermott a P7 student from Pope John Paul II Award students from Ardmore Parish, who took part in the liturgy, PS principal, Mr Conor Duddy. Glendermott PS from left, Odhran, Alex and Eile. with them. celebrations. 4 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 Celebrating Catholic Schools as communities of faith and resilience, Bishop Donal praised all for their adaptability in this time of pandemic, saying... We have not just lain down under problems...We have risen to face them LED by Bishop Donal and the during which parishioners and He also noted how many young Diocecan Catechetical Centre Pope St John Paul II Award people really want to get back to team, school communities participants, Luke, of St Columb’s school after lockdown, saying: across the Diocese enjoyed an College, and Dara, Thornhill “That is not just because it can be inspiring programme of activities College, took part in the Liturgy, difficult to study at home. It is also to celebrate a rather different and Lizzie Rea, the Diocesan because you enjoy your education Catholic Schools Week. Youth Coordinator, led the singing and because schools work hard to With lockdown measures still in with her sweet lilting voice. build up a sense of identity and place due to the continued risks ‘Communities of Faith and of belonging. It is a place where associated with Covid-19, one Resilience’ was the very fitting young people can be with their of the highlights of the school theme for the 2021 Catholic friends and feel at home”. calendar, the annual Catholic Schools’ Week, and Bishop Donal Remarking that belief in God Schools’ Week launch Mass, opened his homily by saying that, was “not some sort of tablet or could only be viewed online during this pandemic, he had been vaccine against any problems with churches closed for public struck by how people have been so in life”, Bishop Donal added: worship. open to learning new skills. “Problems and mistakes will arise. While this is a much looked Grandparents are very much But faith in God can be a huge forward to occasion, when included in the Catholic Schools’ asset in facing the problems in pupils and staff from schools Week celebrations in the Diocese, life and bouncing back after the across the Diocese gather in St and Bishop Donal was sure that mistakes that we make”. Eugene’s Cathedral for a colourful many young people “have been He went on to point out that and music-filled celebration of impressed by how older relatives the faith we celebrate and seek to he added, “After a battle over a the pupils and staff members to and confidence. In years to come, the Eucharist together, before like grandparents have taken to hand on in the schools is not just book during which a number of celebrate their school communities you will look back on these times embarking on a weeklong following friends and church that God exists: “It is a message people died, he went across the sea during Catholic Schools’ Week, and remember them as tough but celebration of Catholic education, events on-line, as if they had been that, because God exists, we can to a windy island off the Scottish telling them: “You look inwards as times of great learning. And the Catechetical team made every doing it all their lives”. face challenges together and that coast, called Iona. There he set up to provide space and support for you can know that God’s grace has effort to ensure that it was still “We have all learned how to we are inspired to help the poor, another monastery and worked each person, whatever their talents made you more resilient to face all every bit as special. do things differently and share the downtrodden and those to bring learning and faith to the and challenges. And because you the challenges that lie ahead. And And by all accounts they our ideas and creativity,” he said, trapped behind all sorts of bars. people of Western Scotland. His have a strong community, you can for that you will be grateful”. succeeded, with some parents adding: “I know staff in school It is important to be reminded faith made him a man of resilience, look outwards, knowing that life In the lead up to the launch Mass, reporting back that it had indeed will be exhausted after all the of that because there have been able to bounce back, despite is very difficult for many people schools were asked to compose been very special for them to extra work – but many of them times in history when we seem to setbacks, prepared to believe that and believing that, together, we prayers for the special week of be able to experience, for the will be very proud of what your have forgotten that part of Jesus’ every crisis was an opportunity. are stronger in facing everything. celebration, and present them on first time, the celebration of this resilient school communities have teaching”. “You do the right thing even Faith tells us that selfishness makes dove-shaped paper, in reference uplifting school Mass by Bishop achieved. In fact, we have learned Highlighting the celebration of when you get knocked back. people sad whereas generosity to the 1500th celebration of the Donal, along with their children, new ways of working that we will St Columba’s 1500th birthday, the People of faith don’t settle down makes us saints and heroes. birth of the Dove of the Church, the majority of whom are not want to drop, once we get back Bishop spoke about how Columba in their armchair and say, ‘Leave “This week is an opportunity to St Columba. And Bishop Donal undertaking remote learning at to more normal life for schools. had sensed a call to be a monk me alone’. They seek solutions that thank all those people who have closed the ceremony by reading home during lockdown. That level of adaptability is a sign and a man of learning, and “came will help others. Even at a cost to shown great resilience in the last two of them; those composed by The Cathedral webcam offered of great resilience. We have not to the monastery on the hill of themselves”. difficult months. And we have a Crossroads PS and Loreto College, a bird’s-eye view of the beautifully just lain down under problems. Derry”. Bishop Donal then invited chance to face the future with trust Coleraine. decorated altar for the ceremony, We have risen to face them”. “But God asked him to do more,” THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 5 “If you have to fail, let it be on the side of kindness. Be kinder than kindness itself to the old people” - Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa, O.Carm. Celebrating the precious gift of grandparents

WHILE schools were unable to Born in Brocagh, Co Tyrone on and Mother Angeline became social and spiritual space for celebrate Grandparents’ Day as January 21, 1893, Bridget Teresa known as Venerable Mary grandparents and the next one usual this year during Catholic McCrory moved with her family Angeline Teresa, O.Carm. takes place on Tuesday, February Schools Week, when time in the to Scotland when she was seven Doing its bit to reach out to the 9, at 7.30 pm, via Zoom. The school day is devoted to them years old, and she became a Little elderly, the Catholic Grandparents’ theme will be ‘Grandparents as visiting their grandchild in their Sister of the Poor, a Congregation Association has recently expanded Influencers’ and the guest speaker place of learning, children still engaged in the care of the destitute its activities with the launch of is Bishop Fintan Monahan, of the got to express their love and aged, at the age of 19. the Catholic Grandparents’ Faith Killaloe Diocese. appreciation for their grandparents Making her Novitiate in La Tour, Cafe a couple of weeks before To register, email - info@ on this special occasion by sending France, she was sent to America Christmas, over Zoom. catholicgrandparentsassociation. their beautiful creations to their after her Profession and went on The Cafe serves as an online com. schools online for display. to become Mother Superior of a And Pope Francis has shown his Home of the Little Sisters of the own appreciation of the valuable Poor in the Bronx, New York, in contribution grandparents make 1926. to the lives of their families A year later, during an annual by instituting a Church-wide retreat, Mother Angeline felt an celebration of a World Day for urge to do more for the aged Grandparents and the Elderly, for whom she cared and went with the first to be held this year on to discuss this with Patrick on Sunday, July 4. That is also Cardinal Hayes of New York, the month we celebrate the Feast who also felt that more could be of Saints Joachim and Anne, the done for the elderly in the area grandparents of Jesus. and encouraged her. With his Describing the voice of the blessing, Mother Angeline and six elderly as “precious”, for its praise other Sisters withdrew from the of God and preserving the past, Congregation of the Little Sisters the Holy Father also spoke about of the Poor and were granted how they serve as a reminder permission from Rome to begin that “old age is a gift and that a new Community for the care of grandparents are the link between the aged incorporating Mother the different generations, to pass Angeline’s ideals. on to the young the experience of The Carmelite Sisters for the life”. Aged and Infirm was founded He urged for the elderly not on September 3, 1929 and to be forgotten, encouraging immediately drew the interest of grandparents and grandchildren the Carmelite Friars in New York, to get to know one another, as leading to the new Community each enriches the life of the other; becoming affiliated with the grandparents enjoying seeing their great Order of Carmel in 1931. grandchildren dream, while the It became known as ‘Carmelite young draw “strength from their Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.’ grandparents, will go forward and Going to her eternal reward prophesy.” on her 91st birthday, January There is a beautiful quote 21, 1984, Mother Angeline had regarding the importance of the great consolation of seeing kindness towards the elderly the Congregation beyond her attributed to Venerable Mary expectations. She is laid to rest Angeline Teresa, foundress of the in the Congregation’s cemetery Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and at St Teresa’s Motherhouse in Infirm: Germantown, New York. “If you have to fail, let it be on the On June 28, 2012, Pope Benedict side of kindness. Be kinder than XVI, authorized the Promulgation kindness itself to the old people” of the Decree of Heroic Virtues Lots of praise for amazing Catholic Schools Week programme CATHOLIC Schools Week by Bishop Donal, along with who reflected on Communities of witness and his study for an MA 2021 went ahead despite the Therese Ferry, Diocesan Primary Hope. in Catholic School Leadership. restrictions of lockdown, with RE Advisor, and Mary O’Boyle, One of the highlights of the Thornhill College sixth form the Derry Diocese excelling in Diocesan Post-Primary RE week of celebration was the live student, Evie Doherty, who is its online programme of daily Advisor, and were available to interview each evening, which also participating in the Diocesan assemblies led by Bishop Donal, watch online. took place in the Cathedral Hall, Youth Scholarship, gave an insight daily reflections by guest speakers, There were short videoacross from St Eugene’s, and could into the growing faith interest and live discussion sessions that recordings for each day also, with be viewed online. The 20 minute of young people, before asking highlighted all that was good about reflections by Bishop Donal, who conversations took place between Bishop Donal some questions of Catholic education. spoke about Communities of Bishop Donal and a different guest her own. The programme was put together Faith, Rita Moore, principal of St every night. The sessions ended with Bishop under the guidance of the creative Mary’s Limavady, who reflected Long Tower PS principal, Joyce Donal in the hot seat answering team at the Diocesan Catechetical on Communities of Learning, Logue was in the hot seat on questions sent in from schools Centre and received widespread Fr Paul Farren, director of the the Monday night, and chatted and the general public, and he praise from the many who tuned in Catechetical Centre, who talked to Bishop Donal about her expressed his gratitude for all during the week –long celebration about Communities of Love, experience as a Catholic educator who helped to make Catholic of Catholic education. Michael O’Kane, principal of St for over 30 years, and this was Schools Week 2021 so successful Each day, pre-recorded School Colmcille’s PS, Claudy, who spoke followed the next night with Mark in the Diocese despite the current Assembly prayers and messages on Communities of Resilience, McConnellogue, Head of RE at St challenges. relating to the theme of Catholic and Marguerite Hamilton, former Columb’s College, talking about The recordings are available for Schools Week were delivered principal of Thornhill College, the importance of the Catholic viewing on the Diocesan website. 6 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 Reflecting during Catholic Schools Week, retired principal of St Colm’s, Draperstown, Mrs Roisin McKenna highlighted how the Catholic faith is very much a natural part of the school day there... The school year in St Colm’s is a good faith diary thought in her as a 15-year-old supportive. stage. On many occasions there of the young people, and all sixth Harvest pupil at St Mary’s Grammar “The sixth formers lead the were PowerPoint presentations formers at St Colm’s sign up to it Following the Year 8 Mass at School, in Magherafelt, to be a whole school assembly on delivering a clear message set to She remarked: “If you are aged the start of the new school year, teacher. From there, Roisin went Mondays. If teachers are up there music, which the children loved. 16, you are starting to question another highlight for Roisin was on to train in St Mary’s University on the stage delivering during “Each morning, the pupils spend a lot of things, particularly your the Harvest Mass in Holy Rosary College, Belfast, and graduated in the assembly, the children don’t 10 minutes in their tutor groups parents, and why you should go Chapel, in October, which is now 1982. engage as well as they do if it is and on Thursday mornings they to Mass. If you want to achieve the also established as the start of The first three years of her career their peers talking to them. So, as have an hour together for the Gold Award, you need to engage year Mass for the whole school saw her work as a sub-teacher in six part of their JPII Award, the sixth Pastoral Programme, which gives in many parish and community community at St Colm’s. schools, as far away from home as years lead the Monday assemblies them time to bond and work on activities. This enables faith She recalled: “The Year 11 group Lurgan and Bessbrook, and as near every week. If it is a Feast Day, the their forthcoming assemblies. The education to continue for another are in charge of preparations for as Magherafelt and Claudy, and theme of their talk focuses on that, Pastoral Programme is part and two years. the Harvest Mass. They dress the gaining experience of the broad and other themes would include parcel of the Catholic ethos within “As well as doing parish duties, altar with everything you can spectrum of grammar, further kindness, faith, anti-bullying, St Colm’s”. they are doing a lot of work in think of relating to the harvest and Mrs Roisin McKenna, recently retired education and secondary schools. online safety, or environmental One very memorable assembly school, particularly with younger they do the readings, prayers of the principal of St Colm’s, Draperstown. It was when she was teaching in St issues for which St Colm’s has won for Roisin is that of the whole children. This is all character faithful, taking up the gifts. JANUARY has been a strange Patrick’s & St Brigid’s, in Claudy, many awards. Pope Francis has school assembly during last year’s building – they are role models, “Aware that some children month for Ballinascreen that she got a call offering her a made the environment very much Catholic Schools Week, when helping to organise assemblies and don’t go to Mass, we tried to do parishioner, Roisin McKenna. year’s post in St Colm’s. part of his own ethos. RE teachers, Jacqui Conway and fundraising etc. Through this they something different to engage Not only because of the New Year That was 1985, and when the “This gives the young people a Dympna Shields took the lead, are gaining important skills and them, opening up the possibility starting with continued upheaval teacher Roisin was filling in for, foundation of faith and when it with the support of the Pastoral confidence”. of them returning if they enjoyed caused to everyday life as a result of while she was on a year out, ended happens naturally, they absorb it Coordinator, Carol Devlin. Delighted at the number of Pope the experience. One year we had the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, up taking a job with the Education without realising”. “They put together a PowerPoint John Paul II Award pupils from a Year 11 who was very good at but also the major change in her Sector, Roisin was delighted to get She continued: “Everyone presentation of all the things we St Colm’s who join the Diocesan Irish dancing, and she and her daily routine now that she has the permanent post. is in their own year group for had done in the school in the Youth Group for the annual friend danced up the aisle in their retired as principal of St Colm’s “The experience gained in six the Tuesday and Wednesday year since the previous Catholic pilgrimage to Lourdes, Roisin Irish Dancing costumes with the High School, in her home town of schools prior to St Colm’s helped assemblies, which are led by the Schools’ Week,” recalled Roisin, said that an important part of this Offertory gifts.” Draperstown. me appreciate just how privileged head of year and include prayers adding: “I was standing on the was them going on stage, within a Roisin is also a great believer in St Colm’s has been such a great I was to gain a position in my and intentions – a child may want stage watching the presentation month of returning to school after keeping sport and faith connected, part of her life for the last 35 years, local school. There was something to pray for a loved one who is for the first time and it was really the summer holidays, to share and during her years as principal, first as a Home Economics and very special about St Colm’s,” she unwell or someone in the school moving to see how much good their experience with the rest of Mass was always celebrated before Geography teacher and then as recalled, adding: “A lot of people community who has passed away. work had been done during the the school. major games. principal for 13 years. But having asked me why I wanted to teach “The special assemblies are those year, such as the Shoebox Appeal, She explained: “They use a Recalling one of these occasions, been born and reared a few steps in the area that I lived in, but that held on Thursdays for Key Stage 3, the JPII children going to Lourdes PowerPoint presentation to show she said: “Our girls won their from the front door of the school, was a big plus for me, especially and Fridays for Key Stages 4 and in the summer, the SVP work, the what they did while in Lourdes, second All Ireland in Camogie her connection with it goes so when I became principal, because 5, and the theme can be anything Acts of Kindness, and fundraising. how they helped others, etc. It is in 2020. With the lockdown in much deeper than the norm that I knew the families of the pupils. that young people encounter in “There was such a special very important that they do this March, we couldn’t attend Mass, it is only natural her allegiance for As a local, I had a vested interested their lives, and include marking atmosphere at that assembly, because the children listening on but when we could we had a most St Colm’s goes well beyond the job in my own parish as well as a bond Feast Days”. with all the laughter. If you are the floor are the ones who helped beautiful celebration of the Mass description. with the children and the families. Impact fundraising for something, you them to get to Lourdes through the in Holy Rosary Chapel to celebrate With the recent celebration of I always thought that was a huge Roisin found that the assemblies put emphasis on the fun. We had fundraising activities”. our sporting achievements. Each Catholic Schools Week, ‘The Net’ advantage”. that had the most impact were a colour run, which is especially Describing the school year in player sat socially distanced with invited Roisin to share her life-long When Roisin became principal those led by the pupils, as not only good for raising funds to help the St Colm’s as “a good faith diary”, their parents. The pupils were experience of Catholic education in 2007, the strong Catholic faith were they developing their faith children going to Lourdes. The starting with the Year 8 Mass involved and it was a very moving and how her strong Catholic faith that had shaped her as a person but also their confidence. Key Stage 3 children are involved for the new pupils, Roisin is full occasion. It was a way of thanking helped shape her vocation. and a teacher up to then, continued “Standing up in front of their in the colour run and for them to of praise for the chaplaincy of the young people as well as being Deeply appreciative of having to guide her in her new role. And peers is not something pupils feel see themselves covered in coloured Ballinascreen parish priest, Fr thankful for their skills and for grown up in a traditional Catholic she was supported in this by her comfortable with,” she said, “but powder, during that PowerPoint Peter Madden. what they had achieved”. home, she said: “My parents had a vice-principal and close colleague, I felt it was important in building presentation later in the year, made “Fr Dermot McGirr is the school The links between St Colm’s very strong faith and I have a lot to Patricia Glass. their confidence, and also giving them laugh. It was a wonderful chaplain now”, she noted, “but Fr and the local community are very thank them for. I kept the values “It is very important in a Catholic them an opportunity to talk to occasion. These assemblies are Madden was the chaplain for my strong, and one of the occasions they instilled in me growing up”. school to lead by example,” she their peers about an aspect of their very important and so should be 13 years as principal and for three when this was clearly evident to The youngest of eight children remarked, adding: “The Catholic faith. memorable for the children.” years before, so that was 16 years in Roisin was during Lent, when born to Rose and Jim O’Kane, faith is very much a natural part “If someone in the group leading Making a point of celebrating total and he was fantastic. He is an many parishioners came to of O’Kane’s Supermarket in the of the school day in St Colm’s, the assembly was very shy, they every child’s achievements was integral part of the school and the the 8.30 am Mass in the school town, Roisin received her primary with prayers in the morning, when didn’t have to speak; they could encouraged by Roisin, and this children know him so well. When for three mornings each week. education next door to St Colm’s, intentions are prayed for. During be the one holding a candle or included taking a photograph of he was school chaplain, he was Another occasion she highlighted as a pupil of St Mary’s School, November, for the Holy Souls, operating the PowerPoint. For a a tutor group after its assembly almost a member of staff, he was was the annual Christmas Parish which was just across the road and May, the month of Mary, a child that is a very big step to get ended and displaying it on the year there that much. Fr Madden gave Service in Straw Chapel, when from her home. decade of the Rosary was said each up on a stage, and when they do group notice board. very freely of his time to St Colm’s, parishioners get an insight into the She feels that her elder sister, morning in tutor class. That would it in first year, then the shy child Roisin also regards the Pope John over and beyond any chaplain’s developing talents of the young Anna entering the teaching just be a natural part of the day and may find in second year that he Paul II Programme as essential for duty. It was a labour of love for him people, with the sixth formers profession is what instilled the is a team effort, with all staff very or she is ready now to speak on the continued faith development and he had so many great ideas”. see over -

Camogie Celebration Mass. St Colm’s Harvest Mass. THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 7 Doing his bit during lockdown to help schools navigate the best online classroom resources, the new principal of St Colmcille’s PS, Claudy, points out... We all go through our storms and get to the other side with help from people around us of a Catholic education during John’s Primary School, and later into technology and would have the annual celebration of Catholic that of St Patrick’s College, in stayed on for the after school club. Schools Week, the 35-year-old put Maghera.” I also remember ‘Santa’ bringing a the resilience he has developed He recalled always wanting to computer for Christmas, when I over the years down to a good be a teacher and, coming up to his was about 10 or 11 years old, and grounding in the Catholic faith A’level years, he decided to pursue I loved using it. and the support of his family. this vocation: “I discussed this with “I have always seen the value The eldest of five boys born to my mother and father and they of technology. When I went into Henry and Majella O’Kane, of really encouraged me. So, after education I got good opportunities Swatragh, Michael spoke of the my A’levels, I studied for a History to learn from the IT technicians in great influence his mother has degree in St Mary’s University the schools I taught in, particularly been in his faith life: “She talked to College, Belfast, and then did St John’s, in Swatragh, and also in St Joseph’s, Dunloy. Mr Michael O’Kane, principal of St us about God and Jesus regularly my PGCE at Ulster University, Colmcille’s PS, Claudy. and always encouraged us to do Coleraine. It worked out for me to “I worked with the Education the best we could. She encouraged do my teacher training placements Board for two-and-a-half years, WITH online learning very me to be an altar boy and I served in local schools and I enjoyed it helping to educate schools in the much to the fore in this time of in my local chapel during my from day one”. North in the use of technology, lockdowns, Michael O’Kane, the primary school years, after having After graduating in 2008,and Apple got in touch with me principal of St Colmcille’s Primary made my First Holy Communion. Michael’s first teaching post was to present conferences around the School, in the Co Derry village of “Being an altar boy gave me in St Joseph’s PS, Dunloy, where he world, in places like South Africa, Claudy, has been happily sharing an opportunity to serve the taught for a couple of years before Norway, Germany and Holland”. ideas and resources from his vast community, and I remember moving to teach in St John’s PS, Commenting on the importance technology experience with his serving at funerals and weddings in his home parish. Then he got a of equipping young people with colleagues, in an effort to help in the parish. One particular position as a Technology Educator the skills that they will need for them continue doing what they memory that stands out is serving with the Education Board, which jobs, for example in technology love best...educating children and at Mass in Kearney’s Glen, just up led to opportunities to work with and coding, Michael said: “Two young people to enable them to be the road from our home. That was Apple. hundred years ago, the linen the best that they can be. a big occasion every year; there “I still work with Apple and industry was the main source of That is something he, personally, was a great sense of community education authorities all over jobs, 100 years ago it was ship has striven for since childhood, coming together. It celebrated an the world as a result of that building, and then construction with the encouragement of his era that greatly interests me as to experience,” said Michael, who has in the last 50 years. Now, while parents, and the teachers and how the faith endured in Ireland at had interest in technology from Brexit and Covid have affected schools he feels blessed to have that time. childhood. employment greatly, we have been been educated in. “I grew up in a great faith He recalled: “When I was at St getting more and more American Rembrandt’s Calming of the Storm. Reflecting on this and the fruits community, including that of St John’s PS, I would have been really IT companies bringing jobs here, education. through our storms, and we get to not in big numbers, but 50 here “I share stories that I heard about the other side with the help and Continued from p6 and 30 there, so it is important that Jesus from my parents and at support of the people around us”. being the only readers. through the strong Catholic ethos Governors, the chairman, Patsy we help the children to learn the school, and encourage the children Michael thought it was fitting, Remarking that Catholic Schools in St Colm’s, will give them an McShane, staff, parents, local skills needed for these”. to use these as a way to live life. I therefore, that the theme of this are asked to connect with their array of strengths to draw on as community, and Fr Madden, and Awards try to highlight the inspiration year’s Catholic Schools Week community, she said: “This can they go onwards and forwards to have worked with so many And, Michael is more than Jesus was and is; His resilience and was ‘Communities of Faith and be hard to do, but St Colm’s does through life. One of the guiding wonderful children over the years. happy to share his knowledge in how He built a team of people to Resilience’, saying: “There are many this very well. The staff are very philosophies of St Colm’s has been I had plenty of challenges but this area, as is evident from his help others, and from this show positives to be taken from the last engaged in so many ways with the to give our young people roots there was always a way, with faith, role as an Apple Distinguished them that they should treat people year as well. A lot has been done community, and the school youth and wings. to help me deal with those, and I Educator, which he was offered as they would like to be treated to help those more vulnerable. In club has links with the local FOLD When it came to their own wish the new principal, Sinead after winning a few technology themselves”. Claudy, the local GAA Club has and go up and help tend to the leaving of St Colm’s, the most McAllister all the very best”. awards during his three years The prayer life of St Colmcille’s worked to provide assistance for gardens. Being kind and helping meaningful way for Roisin and Taking time to relax during as teaching-principal in St Peter normally includes daily morning families, and we, in the school, those who can’t help themselves is Patricia to have their retirement January, though finding it very and St Paul’s PS, Foreglen, in the prayer together in the Assembly had to ensure that all was safe for the main mantra of St Colm’s”. marked was through the strange not being in the school, Banagher Parish; his first principal Hall, which is sometimes led by those in the building and to help The school also has a biodiversity celebration of Mass. Roisin is looking forward to role. Michael, as principal, or by the the children learning from home”. area within the grounds developed “It was an absolute privilege to continuing an advisory role with “As an Apple Distinguished parish priest, Fr David O’Kane. The father of three children, aged by Mrs Clare Devlin, called Susan’s be the principal of a school like St CCMS, as an appointed associate. Educator,” he explained, “I help At Christmas, the children usually six, four and two, added: “Parents Trail after Susan Potter, a former Colm’s,” said Roisin, adding: “Not She is also looking forward to and assist other schools to plan lead a Carol Service in the local are having to be so resilient also school secretary who died in many people get to succeed in spending more time with her and deliver the use of technology St Patrick’s Church, and the with regards to remote learning, 2010, and within this area is a their career a few steps from their husband, Seamus, three children, in the curriculum, and help with school also hosts a big celebration and there are teachers who are Garden of Remembrance that was front door. If anyone had told me, Aideen, Conor, and Ryan, and remote learning.” for Grandparents Day, when, working with their own children officially opened by Bishop Donal when I was 18, that I would spend four grandchildren, especially When he arrived in St Colmcille’s in normal circumstances, the as well as their pupils”. McKeown. my career so close to home, I when the pandemic passes, as PS as the new principal early last community comes together in the Expressing his delight to now Roisin explained that anyone wouldn’t have believed them. well as keeping her hand in the year, Michael soon discovered school. be the principal of St Colmcille’s who had a loved one passed away “I was very fortunate to have education sector, walking, and that, under the guidance of the IT.. “My faith has helped me, as has PS, Michael paid tribute to the could plant a tree in memory had the support of the Board of reading novels. coordinator, Ms Katrina Robinson, the support of my family and wife, excellent school his predecessor, of them in the Garden, adding: the staff were delivering remote Nuala, and the importance of that Mrs Briege O’Neill, built up: “It is “Anyone within the school learning to the best that it can be. can’t be understated,” said Michael, great to be working with a fantastic community or parish can come He remarked: “They reallyadding: “Sometimes things don’t team and I hope we have great and spend time here whenever developed online teaching from go right and you take a couple of years to come. The staff really they want. There are lovely trees September to Christmas. It is days to dust yourself down and, are brilliant across the board; the and benches, and the area is to be nowhere near as good as teaching with the help of family and the teachers, classroom assistants, extended as, sadly, quite a number and learning in the classroom, but resilience that faith gives you, you secretary and caretakers. I walk of people have passed away since it it is the best that can be done at the get on with it. into the school every day and was first opened.” minute”. “I try to be the best I can. I always everything is done”. Other important faith As principal of a school, Michael wanted to be a teacher and as soon In turn, it seems clear that, in the celebrations appreciated by believes it is important to ensure as I became a teacher, I wanted short time he has been in the role, Roisin were the Year 12 and that the whole child is developed to be a principal. I wanted to give Michael is very much appreciated Year 14 Leavers’ Masses, with – academically, spiritually and children, staff and community the for his contribution to school life her hope being that the good physically: “Outdoor play and best that I can be and help them to in St Colmcille’s as principal, with curriculum time given to Religious awareness of the world around us be the best that they can be. one of the parents nominating him Education in the school and have an equally important role to “I have an image of Rembrandt’s for a ‘Hero of 2020 Award’ through all the opportunities that were Bishop Donal with Fr Peter Madden at the opening of the Remembrance play in developing our children. painting of ‘Jesus calming the the Stephen Nolan BBC radio taken to develop the whole child Garden. And that is a strength of Catholic storm’ on my office wall. We all go programme! 8 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021

THIS month, Hollie, Peter, Oisin, Gemma, Zara and do better going forward. the Rosary. I find that the Rosary John, ‘The Net’ youth contributors from the Co Tyrone, I also use Lent as a time to especially gives me plenty of time Lent is a great become closer to God in many to appreciate Our Lord and Mary, Inishowen, Co Derry and Derry City Deaneries, share ways, these include making a and to thank them both for all that their thoughts on Lent, embracing it as an opportunity opportunity to reconcile good routine of saying prayers and they do to help me through daily to grow closer to God and others in preparation for the taking time out of my day to talk life. to God as well; discussing things Finally, I believe Lent also helps celebration of Easter, and extend this thought process with ourselves and God like my worries and aspirations me to become closer with my in their reflections on Christian Unity Week that was with Him. family, as there are many times celebrated in the latter half of January. by Oisin Mulhern God wants us to spend time when we come together and Hollie and John reflect on their Baptism, as encouraged LENT is one of the most offered up to Our Lord as a way with Him every day and, if we use pray with one another, the main the time of Lent correctly, this is example of this being the Rosary, by Pope Francis on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, important times of the year for or saying sorry and purifying our many people, as it is a time of souls. exactly what we should be doing. where we all pray together and while Zara shares her experience as a Catholic student to preparation for the most important This period is in relation to the Giving up distractions and making take our turns to each say a decade. celebrate Catholic Schools’ Week. event in the liturgical calendar, 40 days and nights Our Lord fasted time for God is all that He wants. This brings us closer together Gemma’s artistic talents come to the fore again as she Easter. It is a time to self-reflect in the desert. We, too, want to fast We should never let life get in because as the saying goes ‘those the way of our relationship with who pray together stay together.’ celebrates the Feast of St Brigid with a beautiful, colourful on how we have acted throughout and prepare, or give up things the year, seeing if we can improve that we enjoy in the hope that we God; after all, He is the One who I truly believe that Lent is, in painting of her school’s Patron Saint, and she also ourselves and act more in line with can have the strength that Jesus gave us life and He is the One who many ways, a very important time comments on how Pope Francis’ encouragement of young what God wants us to do. showed in the desert when He was offered His only son up so that we in the liturgical year and can be can share in eternal life with Him. used by everyone as a means of people is making an impact on her peers. As many will know, Lent usually taunted and tempted by the devil. Alternatively, we can go on doing One of the most important reconciling with themselves and And Hollie, who is also a Diocesan Youth Scholarship begins on Ash Wednesday, when we all go to Mass and receive good, such as making a point of wys to become closer to not only with God. participant, launches the project she is undertaking for her ashes in the shape of a cross on helping others in any way that we God but Mary as well is through JPII Papal Cross Award – an online Book Club to enable our forehead, which are made can; something that Jesus spent his JPII Award participants gain hours while exploring the key with the palms from the previous life doing. year’s Palm Sunday. This is a Personally, Lent is very important themes of Pope Francis’ ‘Christus Vivit’, ‘Making room for symbol of remorse for all we have to me for a variety of reasons. The the Young Church’. done wrong or that was not in line first being that I usually take a with God. It helps us to begin the moment to look inward at myself, period of self reflection. at how I’ve acted in the past year Usually, during Lent, many and whether I acted properly or people will sacrifice certain items, improperly in line with God would ranging from electronics to other want. Secondly, if I haven’t acted luxury goods, such as chocolate, properly in line with how God in order to repent and prepare for would want, I can use the time to Easter. These small sacrifices are ask for forgiveness and resolve to What Lent means to me by Peter Grant LENT is a period of 40 days outside our homes. Peter and his brother, Andrew regarding the pandemic, but there before Easter for reflection and In the Gospel of Matthew (10:1- sacrificed their jobs as fishermen is a sense of hope due to the rolling Hollie Frystal, Oisin Mulhern, Peter Grant, preparation, during which we 15), Jesus’ disciples had to sacrifice on the Sea of Galilee and became out of vaccines. There is always Co Tyrone Deanery. Co Derry Deanery. Inishowen Deanery. sacrifice one of our everyday items their ordinary working lives to Jesus’ disciples, putting all their light at the end of the tunnel, like or habits we like, just as Jesus did follow Jesus and spread the word trust into a person whom they what happened Andrew and also in the desert for 40 days and 40 of God to people across the globe. didn’t know and had seen for the Peter. nights, and we can also take on Jesus was walking by the Sea of first time. They both followed Jesus During Lent, we might not be in something for the better in our life. Galilee and saw two men, Peter and became preachers of the word our churches to celebrate Easter As we go into Lent, it also marks and his brother, Andrew. Both of of God when Jesus rose from the like last year, but we can always the first year anniversary of the them were casting nets into the sea dead, spreading the good news of be connected with one another coronavirus, Covid-19 leading to and Jesus approached them and God and Jesus around the world, spiritually through this time of the island of Ireland going into its said, “Come follow me, and I will with Peter becoming the first Pope special significance in our church, first lockdown. We are currently in make you fishers of men”. Both of of the Catholic Church. and, hopefully, see light at the end our third lockdown and we have the brothers followed Jesus and Today, I believe we can follow of the tunnel in years to come. a sign of hope with the vaccines became the first of His 12 disciples. in the footsteps of brothers, being distributed across the world. This Gospel account is very Peter and Andrew, in sacrificing Gemma Gallagher, John Agustine Joseph, Zara Schlindwein, Once Covid-19 came to Ireland, similar to today’s world during our everyday things and taking Derry City Deanery Derry City Deanery. Derry City Deanery. it was like Lent was extended for the Covid-19 pandemic, as many on something good during the the year, as we had to sacrifice of us across the globe have had to course of Lent, and also during the everyday things we do, such as sacrifice our daily routines, and pandemic. visiting our friends, grandparents some cases even jobs, to protect We might not know what is Let’s really push to achieve and family, and also our hobbies others from the virus. going to happen in the future our Lenten promises by Gemma Gallagher Whatever you choose to sacrifice this Lent...maximise the impact LENT can be a very challenging pandemic. you will have on others and the world by Zara Schlindwein time for many Christians who may Lent, this year, will probably WITH Lent beginning in We have faced many trials in this message. As we enter into Lent, on the planet itself. It so easy suffer from addictions, or many be even harder with the fact that February, we are given an insight this past year, but participating we should sacrifice bad habits that to make small changes, such as other people who struggle to come everyone is very isolated at this into the progress we have already in Lenten traditions gives us the may cause harm to others, on a using less plastic or burning fewer away from things. specific time. made this year. The six weeks of reassurance that we are not alone personal level, on a community fossil fuels, but, most importantly, Personally, this Lent I want to I would like to see Christians, preparation that we await allow and, no matter what challenges level and on a global level. That educating ourselves on the welfare take on something different, like including myself, pushing us all to stop and take stock of our may come our way, there is always means pursuing small acts of of the environment. branching out and discovering themselves harder to focus lives. However, we cannot expect light at the end of dark times. kindness to help people who may Whatever you choose to sacrifice what other talents I may have, as themselves on God and really push it to be peaceful; Lent is a time So, as we grow in confidence be in need, such as reaching out this Lent, just think about how you well as finding more motivation, to achieve their Lenten promises. of great difficulty and challenge, for the trying times that may lie to family, friends or neighbours, can maximise the impact that you which can be hard during this when our perseverance and ahead, we must also look forward whilst keeping them safe. will have on others and the world. tenacity will either wither away or to the light that will remerge in We also must strive to protect rise to its prominent role. the reflection of our increased our community and not degrade By observing the forty days of strength. the good efforts of those who are Lent, we replicate the sacrifice that In my opinion, Lent is a time following the guidelines regarding Jesus made through his withdrawal for change. As Pope Francis said, the virus, by doing the opposite. into the desert. We are told that “Lent is a good time for sacrificing. And, on an international level, we He experienced loneliness and Let us deny ourselves something could aid others through charity isolation, which I am sure many every day, to help others.” and prayer, whilst also limiting people can relate to today. We should take something from the negative impact that we have THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 9 Pope Francis reminds us to cherish our baptismal identity, writes Hollie Frystal... “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” ON January 10, we celebrated one mission through our Baptism: finally revealed’. The Holy Spirit I was baptised on January 31, the Feast of the Baptism of the Holiness. descends upon Him in the shape 2003, which is now over 18 years Lord. For most of us, the day of Pope Francis, speaking from of a dove, and Pope Francis ago. Reflecting on ‘my baptismal our Baptism is a blur because we the Apostolic Library during one added that “He lowers Himself identity’, I see myself as one of were very young; however, we of his Sunday Angelus prayers, upon us and the Spirit descends God’s children and, since the can connect with our Baptism in reflected on the account of Jesus’ upon Him.” Jesus bows down as a day of my Baptism, my identity several ways. For example, at Easter Baptism. His Holiness noted that (suffering) servant. has grown a lot stronger in we, once again, are sprinkled or after the Feast of the Epiphany, Thirdly, after Jesus came up the Church in many ways, for immersed with Holy Water and we we do not hear much else of Jesus’ out of the water, the Heavens instance, through making other renew our Baptismal promises. At life, until about 30 years later when opened, and a voice said, “You Sacraments. Confirmation, we ask for the gifts we encounter His Baptism, which are my beloved Son; with you I I have also been reminded of my of the Holy Spirit to shower down marks the start of His public am well pleased.” By ‘cherishing ‘baptismal identity’ through other upon us. ministry. our Baptismal identity,’ we are experiences, such as the Holy Additionally, we think of The Sacrament of Baptism, as reminded that we are all God’s Water Baths in Lourdes. Let’s keep Pope Francis’ reminder to stay we know it, ‘is a sacrament that children, and that He sent His in mind Pope Francis’ reminder of connected to our roots. We can washes away original sin, which only Son into this world for us. ‘cherishing our baptismal identity’ relive the day of our Baptism by makes us Christians and members We are reminded of our roots and - especially as a unified Christian Hollie sleeping peacefully after her baptism. asking family members about of God’s family and members of our collective mission as a whole Church who all are devoted to the it and, if possible, search for the Church’. This was a penitential Church. one and only God. photographs. practice, in which John the Baptist Throughout our Christianpreached a ‘Baptism of repentance lives, we continue to renew our for the forgiveness of sins’. Baptismal promises, encounter the However, Jesus did not need to Holy Spirit, attend Confessions, be cleansed of sin, as He was born reflect and ask questions, and without sin. Nevertheless, Jesus to grow in our relationship did this so that He could be like with Christ and continue our one of us, and to take the weight vocational journeys - like Jesus did of the sins of the world upon His when He embarked on His public shoulders. ministry that He initiated through The second element to Jesus’ Fr Michael Doherty, PP Melmount, holding Hollie after her baptism, with her His Baptism. We are all called to Baptism is that the ‘Trinity is parents and godparents. Hollie being baptised by Fr Michael Doherty, in St Mary’s Church, Melmount I am no saint, but without baptism I would not be who I am today by John Augustine Joseph explained the Holy Father. to the baptism of Jesus by John – “Thou art my beloved Son; with to baptise me, they made a For Jesus, it was a time of the Baptist. We again see Jesus thee, I am well pleased”. deliberate decision in entrusting preparation, in which He allowed humbling Himself in front of What God did at that moment me to the hands of God. The Himself to prepare for the journey. others, who do not know that he may seem insignificant in some baptism I received, the baptism He took time to stoop to the level is God, and John the Baptist, who ways, after all, many of our parents through which our Lord began His of us humans so that He could knew who Jesus was. take their time to express their love public ministry, began my journey live the ordinary life of a human, The Holy Father explainedto us. But through Jesus, God is as a Christian; a journey that I have but above all to conquer evil and in his address that the baptism extending His offer of love to all been warned countless times is not redeem us from the slavery of sin. consisted of a penitential rite and of us and, with those words, He the journey that the world expects For God, who created all that we commented that “it was a sign of makes his intentions clear. And me to take, a journey that goes see, smell, hear, touch or taste, it one’s willingness to convert, asking that offer is extended to us through against my inner instincts to do must have required great humility. forgiveness of one’s sins”. It shows the medium of baptism. what I want to do, a journey that FOLLOWING the Feast of during this period, apart from the As the Holy Father reminds us, Jesus’ willingness to guide us by The Holy Father describes the requires of me to be better than the Epiphany on January 6, the Finding in the Temple, the Holy God conquers worldly evil “by being like us, but not in our faults. day of our baptism as the day in who I am. calendar year takes a leap of 30 Father in his Sunday Angelus humbling himself and taking It is during this baptism, that which “we were immersed in the I am without a doubt no saint, years to the Feast of the Baptism address, pointed out that our Lord charge of it”. God reveals who Jesus is. If Jesus love of Christ who died and rose but without the baptism that I of the Lord. As we know, Jesus’ “spent most of His time living an Jesus’ 30-year ‘preparation’ was unknown before, he was out for us and in which we received received, I would not be who I am baptism begins the three-year ordinary life, without standing reveals to us the “greatness of daily in the open after this. The Trinity the gift of the Holy Spirit”. today. journey that would take him to o u t ”. life and the importance of every is revealed – the Father (the voice), It’s on that day we, by ourselves (https://www.vaticannews.va/ Calvary. It was a ‘hidden’ time that Jesus gesture and moment of life in the the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit or through a sponsor, accepted en/pope/news/2021-01/pope- Even though the Gospels give “spent with His family, obeying His eyes of God”, said Pope Francis. (the dove) – and the perfect love God’s universal offer to become angelus-baptism-lord-catechesis. us little information about His life parents, studying, and working”, The 30-year preparation leads between the three is said out loud His child. In my parent’s decision html) In a world full of storms, it is time to break down barriers, build relationships and accept difference by Oisin Mulhern CHRISTIAN Unity Week is both people of the Catholic and learning about different faiths Recently, it has become all too time to break down barriers, dedicated to praying for unity in Jewish faiths to come together and cultures. We must live as common to let conflict come build relationships and accept all areas of the world. It is taking and discuss their faiths with one one and show respect towards between different groups, causing difference. place as I write this. Personally, I another, seeing both similarities all other humans regardless of greater divisions and unrest, No one is perfect, no one is believe that Christian Unity Week and differences. background, faith or culture. Jesus where instead these groups without sin and no one is better is a great celebration as it gives Through open dialogue, people accepted everyone and so should should be working together for than anyone else. Threats and us time to reflect and discuss not can come to understand each we; who are we to judge? the greater good. violence lead to heartache and what breaks and divides us, but other’s faith with an open mind Another important aspect of As recent events in America pain but mature discussions can what brings us closer together, and realise that differences are the Week of Unity is what Pope showed, division causes lead to acceptance and peace. through forgiveness and dialogue. to be respected. Having differing Francis highlighted, this being devastation, destruction and even Unity is the way forward, if only The XXXII Day for Deepening opinions and beliefs does not the belief that unity should be death. If we truly believe in God everyone could open their hearts and Developing the Dialogue make us a lesser people. higher than conflict. I believe this then we should have dialogue, to this, the world would be a between Catholics and our I believe this is one of the best to be an integral message not only find common ground and work much brighter place. Jewish Brothers and Sisters also examples of how we, as Christians, to Christians but the world as a for peace. took place in Italy. This enabled can show unity, by discussing and whole. In a world full of storms, it is 10 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 Becoming one in loving Jesus we can succeed in life together Peter Grant CHRISTIAN Unity is the unique difficult times too, so that everyone thank Jesus for what He has done through our different Christian grace of the Holy Spirit which feels a sense of togetherness across for us. groups in Ireland and around the allows all believers from different the world, though from different As we know from the past, world, as we become one in loving backgrounds to come together to backgrounds. there has been war between these Jesus. show their love for Jesus in body, I think that it is important to groups in Ireland for many years, I agree that Christian Unity mind and spirit. celebrate Christian Unity Week and the same in many other Week isn’t just a celebration for Christian Unity Week lasted every year to bring people from countries across the world. Like our Christian groups, but for from January 18-25 this year, all different nationalities andPope Francis said, the main thing all other religious dominations and had the theme ‘Abide in my backgrounds to celebrate our love is that we abide in Jesus’ love, so throughout the world, as we use love and you shall bear much for Jesus. In Ireland today, there are that we might bear much fruit, this celebration to come together fruit’, which Pope Francis said many different Christian groups meaning that if we all put our with our different beliefs and learn highlighted Jesus’ wish that we that follow in the footsteps of Jesus differences to one side, and come from one another, like Jesus would “abide in His love so that we might and Christian Unity Week is a together to love Jesus and pray have wanted. backgrounds, we can all come Gospel, (15:13), “Greater love has bear much fruit”. great opportunity for all Christian together through body, mind and Using Christian Unity Week together to support each other in no one than this: to lay down one’s Pope Francis has encouraged groups to put their differences to spirit, we may all succeed in life as an example of acceptance need for the future as well as in life for one’s friends.” worldwide prayer during these the side and come together and together with the help of others, to all people from different today’s world, as John said in his The journey to unity has finally begun... How we can be inspired by Pope Francis and other leaders around the world by Zara Schlindwein POPE Francis has recently for unity. such as economic inequality, have one common factor: the fact Unity can be observed in encouraged the faithful This custom has a history of environmental protection and that we were all made in the image countless ways; the ceremony followers of Jesus to pray that over 100 years, with “the hope further inclusion and put them and likeness of God. So, let’s not of marriage provides a prime the holy desire for unity may be of moving closer towards the to the forefront of his papal waste time and effort to receive example of this. It can also be accomplished. The Pope revealed fulfilment of the Last Supper platform. ‘Time’ magazine negative outcomes. Why would observed through peaceful these words ahead of the Week prayer, ‘that they may all be one’.” declared him as the 2013 ‘Person we, as when we are collaborated, demonstrations in favour of of Prayer for Christian Unity. He However, I feel as though we of the Year’, describing him as we form an unbreakable force? racial, social or environmental explained that the theme for this have stepped into a new era ‘The People’s Pope’. There have been many others justice, where huge amounts year surrounded “Jesus’ request of hope that may bear more As the prayers concluded, he who have led the way on the of people merge to voice their that we abide in His love so that fruit compared to previous announced, “Let us pray together path to harmony. Despite the opinions in such a powerful we might bear much fruit”, which endeavours. The Church is blessed so that Jesus’ desire might be innumerable people who lost and positive way. And perhaps is inspired by John 15: 5-9. to have a forward-thinking leader accomplished – that all might be their lives due to the coronavirus, through political actions, such as ask for, it will be done for them by It was chosen to express during these pivotal times. one: unity, which is always higher others have continued to remain those of President Joe Biden, who my Father in heaven. For where the Christian community’s Pope Francis has made it his that conflict”. united in the struggle against it. strives to unite a divided country. two or three gathers in my name, vocation to pray and work for personal mission to transform These truthful wordsWhen together, the appeal for As I said, there are many there am I with them”. reconciliation and unity within the longstanding conservative summarise all arguments against the greater good is strengthened more forms that it can take, but This message should inspire us the Church, our human family image of the Catholic Church, discrimination or division; the and lives can be saved. Just look each follow the same principle, to face off any conflict that may and all creation. The week of working steadily to diversify it fact that amalgamation is better at the amazing work of those on and that is what is referenced in arise and encounter the future prayer involved representatives and welcome the true message of than dispute. We may all look the frontline, and how their joint Matthew 18:19-20, “Again, truly with a strong mindset and a of other Churches as well, Catholicism. different, share different cultures, efforts combine to diminish the I tell you that if two of you on united force, as it is only together highlighting his growing support He has adopted certain issues, or different interests, but we all challenge that we all face. earth agree about anything they that we can change for the better. Catholic Schools’ Week through the eyes of a Catholic school student by Zara Schlindwein we might bear much fruit”, which working steadily to diversify it waste time and effort to receive is inspired by John 15: 5-9. and welcome the true message of negative outcomes. Why would It was chosen to express Catholicism. we, as when we are collaborated, the Christian community’s He has adopted certain issues, we form an unbreakable force? vocation to pray and work for such as economic inequality, There have been many others reconciliation and unity within environmental protection and who have led the way on the the Church, our human family further inclusion and put them path to harmony. Despite the and all creation. The week of to the forefront of his papal innumerable people who lost prayer involved representatives platform. ‘Time’ magazine their lives due to the coronavirus, of other Churches as well, declared him as the 2013 ‘Person others have continued to remain highlighting his growing support of the Year’, describing him as united in the struggle against it. for unity. ‘The People’s Pope’. When together, the appeal for This custom has a history of As the prayers concluded, he the greater good is strengthened over 100 years, with “the hope announced, “Let us pray together and lives can be saved. Just look of moving closer towards the so that Jesus’ desire might be at the amazing work of those on Lumen Christi pupil, Zara and fulfilment of the Last Supper accomplished – that all might be the frontline, and how their joint her sister, Saoirse, who attends prayer, ‘that they may all be one’.” one: unity, which is always higher efforts combine to diminish the Lumen Christi College Rosemount PS, Derry. However, I feel as though we that conflict”. challenge that we all face. and positive way. And perhaps ask for, it will be done for them by have stepped into a new era These truthful wordsUnity can be observed in POPE Francis has recently through political actions, such as my Father in heaven. For where of hope that may bear more summarise all arguments against countless ways; the ceremony encouraged the faithful those of President Joe Biden, who two or three gathers in my name, fruit compared to previous discrimination or division; the of marriage provides a prime followers of Jesus to pray that strives to unite a divided country. there am I with them”. endeavours. The Church is blessed fact that amalgamation is better example of this. It can also be the holy desire for unity may be As I said, there are many This message should inspire us to have a forward-thinking leader than dispute. We may all look observed through peaceful accomplished. The Pope revealed more forms that it can take, but to face off any conflict that may during these pivotal times. different, share different cultures, demonstrations in favour of these words ahead of the Week each follow the same principle, arise and encounter the future Pope Francis has made it his or different interests, but we all racial, social or environmental of Prayer for Christian Unity. He and that is what is referenced in with a strong mindset and a personal mission to transform have one common factor: the fact justice, where huge amounts explained that the theme for this Matthew 18:19-20, “Again, truly united force, as it is only together the longstanding conservative that we were all made in the image of people merge to voice their year surrounded “Jesus’ request I tell you that if two of you on that we can change for the better. image of the Catholic Church, and likeness of God. So, let’s not opinions in such a powerful that we abide in His love so that earth agree about anything they THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 11 Derry Youth Ministry update Pope’s focus on youth DERRY Youth Ministry will be It will explore Pope Francis’s running a new series of Alpha that Exhortation to Young People, will take place via Zoom every ‘Christus Vivit’. Anyone who really is encouraging Monday, from 7.30-8.30 pm, would like to sign up to this book starting on February 15. club can do so by messaging @ Running for seven weeks, this derryyouth on our social media young people today programme is for anyone who is platforms or by emailing Lizzie. interested in joining other young Derry Youth Scholarship by Gemma Gallagher people from around the Diocese members have been working to ask big questions and have a closely with Mary’s Meals, and full potential. conversation about them. were a part of a post-primary I appreciate this as it encourages Anyone who is doing their JPII school programme for the young people who want to do Award will also gain some hours charity, where they were given the good with their life and are very by taking part. opportunity to review it before it focused on living out the best Email lizzierea@derrydiocese. launches now in February. they can for God, and to feel good org or message the social They are also involved with the about themselves. media pages @derryyouth for a Mary’s Meals Appeal for Tigray, in The Pope often says that every registration form. Ethiopia, which is currently in the young person has been given gifts, Derry Youth will also be middle of a crisis due to ongoing and that young people are called preparing two live events; one on conflict in the region. to change the world and the lives Pancake Tuesday and one on Holy Again, keep an eye on the @ of others, whether that’s through Thursday, in which the young derryyouth social media pages for their actions, talents or personality. people of the Diocese can get more updates on this, and how He also preaches to young Gemma celebrates St Brigid through art involved in. you can get involved in the appeal people not to not fall away from Keep an eye on the @derryyouth too. the Church, and I really think a lot I first did this St Brigid’s art piece especially all over the face because social media pages for more We would like to express our of young people are taking that in for my school, which is St Brigid’s I liked the way it almost looked updates on these events. gratitude to each and every one of today. College, in Derry. like a stain glass window and I I really enjoyed doing this wanted to take a modern twist Derry Youth Scholarship the young people in the Diocese POPE Francis often encourages From my experience, through painting of St Brigid because I on the traditional religious stain participant and ‘The Net’ youth for their amazing work, and we young people to go out and do his focus on the youth, I think this like her teachings and my own glass windows that we see in our contributor, Hollie Frystal is look forward to working with stuff with their lives and talks to Pope Francis really is encouraging confirmation name is Brigid. churches and cathedrals. launching a book club that is other young people throughout young people about reaching their the young people of today. Again, I used bright colours, beginning on February 18 at 7.30 pm. the year. ‘Exploring’ Christus Vivit - Youth Online Book Club Thornhill calendar offers ‘Making room for the Young Church’ creative Lenten activities by Hollie Frystal THE Thornhill Lenten (scratch) Ministries will also ensure people Calendar might be a good way of can get them. journeying through the six-weeks For families with a child WOULD you like to gain hours Holiness addressed the young initiatives both at parish and It is a great way to gain hours for of Lent 2021. developing their ways of faith, for your Pope John Paul II Award... people and said, “I believe in you!” diocesan level. Additionally, about your Pope John Paul II Award and, It is a simple little action each the Promise Card is an ideal tool To ‘explore’ the key themes of Pope Pope Saint John Paul II’s two years later, a book called like Pope Francis’ emphasis on the day, inviting those who undertake for home schooling - designed Francis’ post-synodal Apostolic words still echo throughout the ‘Exploring Christus Vivit’ was concept of ‘synodality’ – we, too, it to faithfully attend to the Lenten particularly with younger people Exhortation, ‘Christus Vivit’? And generations today and are vital published on October 21, 2020. can ‘journey together’ through the call ‘to pray, to fast, to give.’ in mind - though all tasks are more importantly, why not be especially in present day Ireland, This book consists of a collection season of Lent by growing in faith Since the Covid-19 restrictions, suitable for older children too. a voice for your generation and where sadly many young people of essays brought together by and having interesting, valuable the usual rhythms of life and, take part in the mission towards are not as involved in the Church a number of people who have and fruitful conversations. indeed, our faith practice have a youthful Church and a brighter anymore. experience in working with been limited in so many ways. future? From June 21-23, 2019, I went on youth, and have ‘explored’ the key The six-week book club will begin The Promise Card this year has This year, I am undertaking the the pilgrimage to Lough Derg and themes to Pope Francis’ original after Ash Wednesday, on February been particularly creative in the Papal Cross Award, and I was while I was on the island I bought document. 18, and will run every Thursday gentle, yet formative activities we thinking long and hard about what Pope Francis’ new Apostolic I will use this practical guide to at 7.30 pm, via Zoom, throughout might engage in. I believe could be a worthwhile Exhortation ‘Christus Vivit’, which help me lead this new programme. the Lenten period. It is not essential Geraldine, from Thornhill and fruitful programme that focuses on young people and those We will delve into the chapters, to have read either of the books Ministries, enthusiastically says: will benefit both me and the who work with young people. themes, topics, challenges and beforehand, however, it would help. “The Card for 2021 will probably participants. My first impression of the book issues which young people have This programme will solely consist be the most successful because of The project will be based solely was the fact that I found it easy expressed to Pope Francis, and we of discussions on key chapters the accessibility of the tasks for on the basis of peer-to peer to read and, more importantly, will reflect on the questions which rather than reading the book as a all.” ministry, with our focus being on I felt that the Church had finally ‘Exploring Christus Vivit’ has to group, as I am conscious that some Some parishes may have them, the fact that ‘young people are the grasped young people’s realities offer. young people are not that interested however, an email, ‘phone or future of the Church, but they are in which they find themselves in Finally, I do believe that this in reading, but instead like to talk facebook message to Thornhill also the present of the Church.’ today. There was a great sense of programme will consist of rich and discuss. To my knowledge, the hunger for renewal, which was conversations and that it is a Applications are available on the motivation behind this Award encouraging. brilliant opportunity to explore the Derry Diocesan Youth Instagram were the inspiring words of Pope The Vatican document has been key challenges regarding young Page. I look forward to this new John Paul II, celebrating a youth widely adopted, and continues to people and Church today, and to programme and I hope many of you Mass in Galway, in 1979. His serve and support youth ministry be a voice for your generation. will decide to sign up. Song released for WYD 2023 THE official theme song for set by Pope Francis for WYD 2023 World Youth Day 2023 has been – ‘Mary rose up and went with released, with the lyrics described haste’ (Luke 1:39), and recalls the as evoking the ‘party’ atmosphere Virgin Mary’s ‘yes’ and her rush to that builds up amongst the be with her cousin, Elizabeth, who thousands of young people was also with child. present, and reflecting the joy that The 2023 WYD gathering of comes from knowing and loving young people is scheduled to take Jesus. place in Lisbon, Portugal. Further Entitled, ‘Há Pressa no Ar’, which information can be obtained from translates as ‘There’s a rush in the the official WYD 2023 website. air’, the song was inspired by theme 12 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 Reflecting on the deaths of two young Irish nuns, Sr Clare and Sr Ruth, Home of the Mother Servant Brother asks... Is God asking big sacrifices for Ireland? THE Home of the Mother and being drawn into deep with her. She is guiding my life. had metastasized into her back.” Servant Sisters, the Order to reflection by its expression; one of Before, she wanted me in Ireland, He noted how, a year after Sr which Sr Clare Crockett belonged, tenderness, touched by sadness. doing ‘this and that’. But now, in Clare’s death, Sr Ruth had been are no strangers to her home city, She felt that Our Lady was saying silence, in hiding, I continue to the lead in setting up the first especially since they opened their to her: “Look at what they’ve done run the race with my prayer and community of Servant Sisters in first house in Ireland on April 16, to me. They’ve forgotten me. with my rosary in hand. Thanks to Ireland, in Roscommon town, 2017; the first anniversary of the Won’t you offer yourself to make the faith, I can live this with peace remarking: “This was something Derry nun’s death. reparation for this?” and joy”. we had found very difficult to do The new community’s first In that moment, Sr Ruth shares She also shared the recent in the previous 15 years, despite Irish location was in the town that she offered herself to her testimony of a priest that she felt having Irish Sisters.” of Roscommon, in the Elphin Heavenly Mother again, “so that confirmed her thoughts: “His This was followed by the setting Diocese, at the invitation of Ireland may recuperate its life and name is Jon García Escobar, up of the Servant Brothers in Bishop Kevin Doran, and its being, what it has always been: Pastor of Santiago Apóstol Mallow, Co Cork, then another documenting this new chapter in a Catholic country and a place of Parish in Madrid. He was in the community of the Sisters in their history on their website, the saints and martyrs”. hospital at the time, victim of Mitchelstown, Co Cork, and Servant Sisters shared how they The fruits of that offering began Covid-19. From his bed, he said, Fermoy, Co Cork, all within the felt the Lord was permitting them to show just two years later, when ‘The greatest thing we have in our Cloyne Diocese, at the invitation to finally fulfil a desire they had Sr Ruth was amongst the four parishes is our priesthood, the fact of Bishop William Crean, and Sr Ruth O’Callaghan, Servant Sister, RIP. long had to open a community Servant Sisters sent on a mission that we are priests. It’s not about then the establishment of a new in Ireland; a desire which, they to evangelise in Ireland, with the doing things, but about being community of Servant Brothers stated, had been very dear to Sr opening of their first community priests. And now all of us have the in Cahir, Co Tipperary, at the Clare’s heart. on the island. opportunity to do the same, even invitation of Bishop Alphonsus They added: “She had longed to When she was diagnosed with me, even though I’m in bed. No Cullinan, of the Waterford & see a community of Servant Sisters inoperable breast cancer and bone one can rob me of this: offering Lismore Diocese, in November in her own country. We are filled metastasis in December 2019, Sr my life, offering my life as a priest, 2020. with joy to see God’s providence Ruth again placed herself in Our for our people. I surrender myself and Our Lady’s hand which are Lady’s hands. Feeling immense from this bed for all of you. Now Youth very present. The date the Sisters peace, she said: “What comforts you are my Mass and my altar’.” In his HM Podcast message, fly to Ireland is no chance, but me is the gaze of the Virgin Mary Considering if it makes sense the Servant Brother recalled a thanks to Our Heavenly Mother upon me”. to offer yourself to the Lord, Sr request he had asked of Sr Ruth, who is guiding everything from Writing her thoughts down Ruth went on to write: “Yes, it after having celebrated Mass at above”. during this period, she noted: “We makes sense, because the Lord her bedside on the Feast of St The four sisters flew into Ireland are so often trapped in the things can use any suffering offered to Maximilian Kolbe, August 14, on April 16, 2017, and amongst we have to get done. Our feet Him with love. He can use it for 2020: “I said to her that I was them was Sr Clare’s good friend stick to this world and sometimes our own sanctification and for the going back to Ireland the next day and fellow countrywoman, Sr we work as if we were going salvation of souls...A toothache, and asked her if she could offer up Sr Ruth with some of the other Servant Sisters within the Roscommon community. Ruth María O’Callaghan, from to stay here forever. Our view an aggressive cancer, eating the all her suffering for the youth in Dublin, and in the years since moves away from what is most food someone prepared for you Ireland. And, she said, ‘Look, that then they made their way to Derry important, and we forget about even if you don’t like it: all of these was my prayer for the Home of several times to visit Sr Clare’s the great ‘why’ we are here in this things can be offered up. What the Mother, for the Sisters, and for grave and pray the Rosary there. world...As St. John Bosco said to you offer isn’t as important as the Ireland and the youth, but it has So, it was with great sadness his young people: ‘Walk with your love with which you offer it up to got to the point where I am only that the many friends the Sisters feet on the ground but in your H i m”. zoned in on one thing, and that is have made in Sr Clare’s home city heart, be in Heaven’.” In commenting on Sr Ruth’s me and Our Lord face-to-face. I heard of 43-year-old Sr Ruth’s She added: “Jesus also lived His death just before Christmas, the want to go to Heaven to see Him death in the Home of the Mother hour. ‘My Father, if it is possible, Servant Sisters’ website relates and that has been my continuous house in Spain, on December let this cup pass from me; yet, not how, in her last moment, “she prayer and focus’. 19, after a year of suffering from as I will, but as you will.’ The Lord looked upon each of the Sisters “However, I heard afterwards cancer. Her broad smile and sometimes asks things of us that who were surrounding her in that Sr Ruth had told Mother Ana joyous demeanour will long be seem to surpass us. But if He asks prayer. She then directed her gaze to tell me that the next day when remembered, along with the it of us, He also gives His grace”. towards the image of the Virgin she went to take her medicine, humorous stories she loved to Mary, lifted her hands upwards, she poured the pills out on the share about her friend, Sr Clare. Mission and expired”. table and saw, in the middle of Sr Ruth had entered the Servant Reflecting on her mission to In a Home of the Mother the pills, three of them that were The Home of the Mother community praying at Sr Ruth’s coffin. Sisters of the Home of the Mother evangelise in her home country, Podcast from Spain, a couple of almost side-by-side; an orange in 1999, two years before Sr Clare, Sr Ruth pondered the question, days after Sr Ruth’s death, one of pill, a white pill, and a green one. Ireland, where he said he had seen “Hope is so important; it is like a aged 22, having had a life-changing in her illness, “What can be the Servant Brothers, who is a And that she said, ‘I’m going to do “a huge lack of hope”. fire that needs to be kindled with conversion experience during a done from a bed? Isn’t it a failure member of Home of the Mother it. I’m going to do whatever I have He continued: “People are thoughts about Heaven. When pilgrimage to Medjugorje, which because you can’t even move?” Brothers’ community in Mallow, to, to put Ireland and the youth concentrating on this life and only I start thinking about how do I led to her wanting to dedicate her “Not at all,” she declares: “This Co Cork, that was set up the year of Ireland back on the front page, this life. No wonder it has not been want to die, I start thinking about life to God. is just the beginning. Now more after the Servant Sisters came to through sacrifices and prayers’... a huge problem for many if the how am I going to live, because In her testimony, she recalls than ever I can offer myself for Roscommon, noted that out of the she was suffering excruciating churches close because of Covid. everybody dies as they live.” organising a pilgrimage to Ireland my dear country. Our Mother three deaths amongst the young pain. They say, sure we’ll just watch He then urged people, the Irish in 2015 for young women, during has called me once again. She Home of the Mother Order since “This makes me feel that this Mass online and that’s fine. This in particular, to “take these two which they visited the Rock of has given me this illness to help its establishment, two were from whole ministry that we are doing, is because there isn’t an encounter examples that God has given us, Cashel, where many Catholics her make reparation for the lack Ireland – Sr Clare and Sr Ruth. evangelising the youth and the way any more. We are not having an Sr Clare and Sr Ruth. There are had died as martyrs in 1647. She of love. ‘Would you offer yourself Reflecting on this, he said: Sr Ruth offered up her suffering encounter with the living God, over 160 Servant Sisters, all young mentions a weathered statue to make reparation for this?’ This “Having been in Ireland for the as a sacrifice, that Our Lord is who heals our wounds, who and on fire, but the first two to of Our Lady in the graveyard illness is hers and I offer myself past two-and-a-half years, I am asking big things for Ireland. This speaks into our despair, who is the die are Irish. Is God not saying wondering if God is asking for inspires and encourages me to just only One who knows how to solve something to us? big sacrifices for Ireland. He has keep fighting for the youth. One of these problems that we have. “I think they are going to be taken two young sisters; Sr Clare Sr Ruth’s big loves was the youth, “There is massive relief, massive saints down the road. I think He Crockett was 33 when she was especially the really rebellious healing in that encounter, but is giving us the experiences these basically buried under the rubble ones.” when we stop going to Him we Sisters had of a living God, of during an earthquake in Ecuador Greatly moved by the Sisters’ just hold on to what we have here. an absolute hope and joy that is in 2016, after giving her life account of the moment Sr Ruth I could have a broken marriage, contagious. Hopefully with both completely as a missionary, and passed away, the Servant Brother I could have no desire to live Sr Clare and Sr Ruth up there, then Sr Ruth, who was 43 years said that whole experience had anymore, things could be falling with that one, two punch, they old, a year after she came back to given him “huge hope” for all apart, and that’s it, if I don’t have will start bringing Ireland back Spain with breast cancer which countries, but particularly for that supernatural vision to look to the faith because Ireland is not Sr Ruth’s funeral cortege. into the next life. done yet.” THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 13 Hopes high amongst Sr Clare devotees for opening of beatification cause regulations in place, with a of Clare Crockett are a blessing procession from Our Lady’s to this community as we seek to Grotto in the Brandywell, to St renew the mission of the Church Columba’s Church, Long Tower, in Derry”. where Mass will be celebrated by The story of Sr Clare’s life has Bishop Donal McKeown. been recorded by her Home of During that week, special the Mother Order in a video, evening services will alternate entitled ‘All or Nothing’, and a between Termonbacca and the recently published biography, Long Tower, with talks to be ‘Sister Clare Crockett: Alone with given by various people who had Christ Alone’, and has grabbed the connections with Sr Clare. attention of people from various Commenting on the example parts of the world, with many of Sr Clare’s life, Bishop Donal reporting how it has changed said: “We all need role models their lives and having received to inspire us to believe that the favours after praying for Sr Clare’s IT will be five years this April unimaginable is possible. The intercession. since the death of Sr Clare life of Sr Clare Crockett did not Amazed by her conversion from Crockett, the Derry-born Servant develop according to her plans or the heady life of a budding actress Sister who died in 2016 when as her teenage role models would to one where she gave herself an earthquake in Playa Prieta, have wanted. God had far greater completely to Jesus, following a Ecuador, caused the building she dreams for her. And she became deeply-felt spiritual encounter was in to collapse. the star of a film that no-one as she kissed the Cross during A special Mass has been dreamed of. a Holy Week Retreat in Spain, celebrated each year on the Fr Stephen Quinn OCD, Termonbacca, speaking at the blessing of the Sr Clare Mural in her native Brandywell. “A girl who died tragically as a 17-year-old, hopes are high anniversary of her death, April 16, thousands of miles away is a amongst the growing number of death of our Sister, we have seen jurisdiction of the bishop of the a s ke d .” in her home city, by Fr Stephen famous, smiling mural in her devotees of the young nun from the fruits that her testimony is diocese where the person has The statement went on to say Quinn, OCD, who also celebrates native Brandywell. She does not the Brandywell, who died aged 33, working in souls, and we sense died. The document Sanctorum that the Sisters are keeping all a Mass on the second Sunday of ask us all to do the same thing that her cause of beatification will that it is possible that the Lord Mater, published in 2007 by the testimonies received regarding Sr each month, praying with and that she did. She just asks young be opened this year. wants the cause to be opened. The Congregation for the Cause of Clare in their archives, noting: “... for Sr Clare in the Carmelite people to expect a lot from life While not wanting to anticipate Church always waits five years Saints, explicitly states: “It is the these will be useful when the cause Monastery, Termonbacca, that the because we all have our own form the judgement of the Church, after the death of a person before right of diocesan Bishops, Eparchs will be opened by the competent Church will recognise her heroic of beauty in God’s eyes, and to the Home of the Mother website, opening such a process. Since this and those who are equivalent to authority”. virtue. allow God to give us a lot more in response to an unofficial coming April will mark the fifth them in law, to investigate, within And for the fifth anniversary, than we can ever dream of. newspaper article that had anniversary of Sr. Clare’s death, we the limits of their own jurisdiction, The next monthly Sr Clare Mass plans are underway for a week “She has inspired a group of very published that the Servant Sisters have begun to take steps in view the life, virtues or martyrdom, will be celebrated by Fr Stephen of prayer starting on Sunday, determined devotees in Derry. of the Home of the Mother of opening the cause. However, and reputation of holiness or on Sunday, February 14, at 7 pm, April 18, with Mass celebrated Holiness is possible for everybody will open Sr Clare’s cause of the opening of the process will of martyrdom, alleged miracles live on the Termonbacca YouTube by Fr Stephen in Termonbacca, in every age and in many ways. I beatification later this year, stated: not depend only on us, but on the and, if it be the case, the ancient channel - https://www.youtube. and ending on Sunday, April believe that the life and witness “Over the past years, since the ecclesial authorities. cult of a Servant of God, whose com/c/TermonbaccaDerry 25, depending on Covid-19 “In this case, it falls under the beatification and canonization are Co Tyrone singer pays tribute in song to Sr Clare after watching ‘All or Nothing’ THE ever-growing number Derry. I was just blown away by her decided to record it: “In the video particularly folk, and sharing his of devotees of the late Sr Clare story. on her life, Sr Clare talks about her talent within his parish: “I play the Crockett includes the musically “I felt a connection with her wanting to be a famous actress, acoustic guitar and the harmonica, talented, Co Tyrone painter, Gerry straight away and wanted to write but that she might just become a and have played for my local choir Loughran, who has recorded a a song about her, because she famous nun instead. Amazed at in St Mary’s Chapel, Dunamore, beautiful song dedicated to the was an amazing person with an her story, I thought she should be for the last 20 years.” young Derry nun. unbelievable story that I wanted a famous nun and so when I wrote He has also performed to a The talented singer/songwriter more people to know about. I play the song, I decided to record it. I packed Millennium Forum thanks from Kildress came upon the story music and write a bit, so this is my felt that Sr Clare was pushing me to Derry radio presenter, Sean of Sr Clare unexpectedly, a couple way of celebrating Sr Clare’s life on. Coyle, who organised for him to of years after her death, while and message, ‘All or Nothing’.” “I wanted to do it right, so I be the warm-up act for the band, searching the internet regarding “Everywhere I go now, I talk about contacted Clive Culbertson, ‘Marmalade’, when they played at Medjugorje, where Apparitions of Sr Clare,” added Gerry, “asking who I worked with previously, The Forum about five years ago. Our Lady have been reported since people if they have heard about and recorded it in his Coleraine Regarding himself as having 1981. this young nun from Derry, and studio. Then a friend of mine, a good faith, Gerry shared an He told ‘The Net’: “Every so often then I tell them about the video Gary Devlin, of Devlin Media, experience of asking for Sr Clare’s I go on YouTube and that time, and encourage them to watch it. Brockagh, recorded a video to go intercession: “I had a relative very while looking up something about Many have come back to say how with it. ill in hospital and one day I asked Medjugorje, a Sr Clare Crockett great her story is and thank me for “I put it up on my Facebook page Sr Clare to intercede for her. She ‘All or Nothing’ video came up. I telling them about the video”. and also on my YouTube Channel. got out of hospital two weeks was watching it for a few minutes The 47-year-old found the words I was nervous about doing that later, so I believe Sr Clare is a great Sr Clare – All or Nothing before I realised that she was from for the song coming to him as he but it got 6,300 views on Facebook intercessor. You rest in Derry Sister Clare, All or Nothing the angels sing, got to know more about Sr Clare’s within the first two weeks of me “My girls also find her story very A fragrant rose it lingers there, Continued blessings on us please life: “It took about a month to write, putting it on. I had contacted Sr interesting and I hope it will help In a quiet repose I think of you, bring. and my sister, Pauline helped me. I Clare’s family beforehand to ask them in life, as well as many others. As surrounding life filters through. visited Sr Clare’s home city and her them if that would be alright with I think she will be declared a saint A silent voice called your name, grave a few times in the process. them. I sent the song to her sister, one day, meanwhile I want to do all Blessed am I to know your grace, You turn away from wealth and “I had heard about the mural to Sr Shauna and she said that she loved that I can to make people aware of Clare and went to see it. I stopped it and I think it is on the Sr Clare Sr Clare.” As you gazed with love upon His fame, in the Brandywell with a man Facebook page now too. To help Gerry in his mission why face, Prayer and love was what you who was out painting and asked “Various people have contacted not have a listen to his song, ‘Sr Chastity, obedience in all you do, gave, him if Sr Clare had lived around me about it and thanked me for Clare – All or Nothing’ on his Face- With gentle joy and wisdom too. To help lost souls reclaim their there, and he told that he was good taking the time to write the song, as book page - https://www.facebook. place, friends with her father. We got they think Sr Clare was an amazing com/gerry.loughran.7161 - or You- So now on earth your work is chatting and, before I left, he went person too”. Tube channel - https://m.youtube. done, Ave Maria. Ave Maria. into his house to get me a Sr Clare Married to Lyn and father of com/watch?v=sdS3d2Z00qM&- The Heavenly Father has called calendar!” three daughters, aged 17-22 years, feature=youtu.be – and share it Kildress singer, Gerry Loughran. you home, ©Gerry Loughran Having written the song, Gerry Gerry has always loved singing, with your family and friends. 14 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 Hollie Frystal reports on the project marking the 125th Anniversary of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in the Parish of Camus, Strabane. “Helping the young to discover the living richness of the past, to treasure its memory and to make use of it” (Pope Francis – Christus Vivit) ON Sunday, September and materials to try and paint a when Pope Francis said, in his 18, 1895, the Church of the portrait of how old the objects Apostolic Exhortation, ‘Christus Immaculate Conception, date back to. Although we know Vivit’ regarding intergenerational Strabane, was officially opened that the Chapel is 125 years old, relationships, about “Helping after a five-year building period. the items may go back longer, the young to discover the living Fr Hugh O’Hagan PP, who died which we can identify through richness of the past, to treasure in 1905, organized the building of the quality of materials and the its memory and to make use of the Church. representation of detail and it…”, and that is reflected in this The extraordinary thingpatterns, etc. Also, getting to brilliant initiative which is getting that I learnt during this 125th know the parish priests who wore young people involved with their anniversary project is the fact the vestments at that time is all so Church community. that the Chapel is literally the exciting and interesting! I would like to thank the leaders people of Strabane’s inheritance. I have included a photograph of of the project, Roisin, Mary and Our ancestors, who were very the white vestment which would Lorraine, who are so committed poor, funded the construction have been worn at Christmas and enthusiastic in their work, of the building on a weekly basis and Easter, as well as other feast and are excellent in guiding me to ensure that the cost was fully days like the Transfiguration or and fellow volunteers in our work. paid by the day it opened. The in celebrating the Sacraments, You can keep up to date with the community’s desire was to have like First Holy Communion or project via our Facebook website a beautiful place of worship, Baptism. I have also included a called ‘Church of the Immaculate where families, friends and photograph of a piece of altar Conception Strabane – History neighbours could come together stone which contains the relics and Heritage’. in communion to celebrate the of Saints. These are on all altars, We are hoping to hold an sacrifice of the Holy Mass. especially the older ones. exhibition sometime in the post- Prior to the building of the This is just a snippet of what Covid future. Until then, please chapel, there was a small church the project involves, and we are tune into our story, and when the called St John’s, which was located hoping to hold an exhibition exhibition comes about you are all on the very ground where the sometime when it is a lot safer more than welcome to visit. Grotto is today. I found this mind- regarding the coronavirus. blowing as a 17-year-old who is The project consists of a range Photographs by Roisin Doherty, from Strabane and brought up of sectors involving various Curator with Derry City & in Strabane, and although I have volunteers, like myself, who Strabane District Council. heard many stories, I have never works with the research and social heard of this old foundation. We media planning for Facebook. are simply blessed to discover There are other volunteers who such treasures and hidden gems I work with, such as Hannah, in our history, which reveals who does research on some of Bridget Carroll’s and reflects the precious and the interesting people involved in sentimental value of our past. We fundraising, designing, and the are forever grateful. building of the Chapel, such as legacy to Long Tower For this 125th anniversary James Pearse, who built the altar project, once again, the and, interestingly, was the father community has come together of Pádraig Pearse. Dearbháil also Church by Ivor Doherty and fundraised an amazing researches old photographs and amount of well over £200,000. labels artefacts. in January. The remaining monies needed We have construction workers Affectionately known as ‘Wee for this first phase of the project, too, who commit themselves to Bridget’ to all her family and £524,600, has been generously restoring the Chapel, for instance friends, Bridget was a daily granted from the National Lottery the roof, gutters, and drainage, and communicant and reader at Heritage Fund. to creating a heritage exhibition Sunday Mass, in the Long Tower, I first got involved in the ‘Church space in the conference room until chronic illness took hold of the Immaculate Conception above the sacristy and around the several years ago. Strabane – History and Heritage Church. There is a range of items, At every Benediction service, Project’ at the beginning of clothing, stonework and wood- Holy Hour, Parish Retreat, and September this year, though I turnings, which were created by Stations of the Cross, Bridget belong to Melmount Parish, hand by the men of Strabane at could be found in her familiar seat at the back of the church. She was Strabane. that time. The beautiful new green altar carpet. As a proud parishioner of And we have delved into the a particular devotee of the yearly Melmount, we are also celebrating archives of the surrounding areas parish retreat. our Golden Jubilee, marking 50 that link in with the Church of the Her friend, Kathleen Doherty years. I have many old family Immaculate Conception, such as The late Bridget Carroll, Long Tower. said: “It was a lovely gesture for members who are from Barrack the Strabane Convent of Mercy, Bridget to think of leaving money A much-loved parishioner of Street and were baptized in the Grotto, and the cemetery. to benefit the place she loved more Long Tower church, who passed Camus Parish, therefore, I also To conclude this brief than anywhere else in the world. away in May 2020, has bequeathed feel part of Camus Parish’s history. introduction, I find this project “She spent many hours in the money to the Parish to purchase a My first task consisted of absolutely fascinating. I see it as church praying and giving her own new carpet for the altar. research on liturgical vestments a great opportunity to engage in time working with the committed Miss Bridget Carroll, lately of and religious objects which were intergenerational relationships, group of Chapel cleaners. Alexander House, Bishop Street, found stored in a room in the between the volunteers, and also “I am delighted to see the carpet bequeathed enough money to parochial house of the Church to understand and learn from the on the altar now, and I’m sure the church to purchase the new of the Immaculate Conception. I figures of the past. many will think of Bridget when green altar carpet which was laid researched the colours, symbols I found it very important they see the beautiful new altar.” THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 15 May the Season of Lent be a time for prayer and discernment – Bishop Donal WITH the continued lockdown compulsory Lent since Spring affected by the lockdowns. on the wishes of the institutions. from the Northern Pastoral meaning another term of on line 2020. Those of us who grew up It is a worrying time for The 1977 Vatican document on Network which has promoted learning for school communities, in an earlier age experienced young people who fear missing Catholic Education was clear that the development of ‘domestic and churches and many businesses deprivation. It is very difficult for out on qualifications and job “first and foremost the Church rituals’. These are not just settings remaining closed, as we approach the younger generation, who were opportunities. Life was already offers its educational service to the like May Altars, a Crib or Prayers almost a year of life being turned given the message that the market pressurised enough for them. The poor and those who are deprived for the Dead. They are also on its head, Bishop Donal offers could provide a solution for every most important message is that we of family help and affection or great opportunities for family to words of encouragement that God problem. will get through this. Faith is not those who are far from the faith.” celebrate their faith together and is in the middle of it all, teaching us This is a real crisis for the the belief that everything will work (The Catholic School, para 58). to create memories for children. something. consumerist mindset. We are not out well but that, no matter how In all decisions, the needs of With churches still closed, we Preparing for the post-pandemic masters of the universe. We have things work out, all will be well, for the underprivileged have to be will be promoting the celebration mission to heal the hurting limited resources, and we cannot we are all in God’s strong, gentle given priority. As Pope Francis of Ash Wednesday within family This post-Christmas lockdown demand that everybody has the hands. Recognise the things that wrote in 2004, “If in our schools homes. I hope that we will be able seems to be the most difficult for right to everything. we miss but look for the lessons we do not develop another way to develop ways of celebrating many people. January can be a This is a time of reset. And we that we can learn. of being human, another culture, many of the feasts of February, wearing time for everyone – and have to be ready as a Church another society, we are wasting our and beyond, within the ‘domestic away in church and in the secular this year’s uncertainty has added to to speak of Christ into the post Emphasis in schools has to be on time.” (Bergoglio, J M., Education church’, where parents are ‘first world. And that offers new that. Families do not know when pandemic crisis. That is what the needs of young people for Choosing Life. Proposals and best teachers of their children opportunities to be true to the children can go back to school and Jesus would do. And that is what Exams are supposed to monitor for Difficult Times, 2014, San in the ways of faith’ (Cf Baptismal priorities of our Diocesan Plan, how they can catch up on what has parishes need to be preparing for! how much students have learned, Francisco, Ignatius Press, p.75) Liturgy). namely: build communities; form been missed. The lockdown is not a time for and to assess a range of skills. The These are all opportunities to people in the faith; and prepare Many parishes have been holiday but a space to prepare for lockdown has been hardest on With churches still closed, the see the pandemic as a time of them to share that faith in the post- working very hard with little the post-pandemic mission to heal those who may not have all the hope is that we will develop ways grace and not just as a time of pandemic confusion and vacuum. chance of a break. And now they the hurting in Jesus’ name. human and technical support at of celebrating many of the feasts deprivation. In that sense, I hope that the have to face a rather nondescript home to facilitate on-line learning. of February, and beyond, within Spring is a time of new life, in Season of Lent, as well as the couple of months. What do Recognise the things that we miss The Transfer Tests are not a the ‘domestic church’ nature and in the Liturgical Year. feasts of February, will be a time you do during one week after but look for the lessons that we part of the statutory curriculum We have been living a 12-month This year, we are not looking at a for prayer and discernment. I another? Will we have nothing can learn arrangements. They are something period of sacrifice, deprivation and ‘return to normal’. This is a year hope that we can have local and to look forward to or plan for – So many schools have responded that some schools are not loss. So much of the Lenten ritual to discern, Columba-like, how diocesan level conversations about Ash Wednesday, St Patrick’s Day, magnificently to the challenge. forbidden from using in selection is not possible under lockdown. we go on mission in a changed the pastoral needs of the Diocese, Holy Week? Will we be able to get In my role as Chair of CCMS, I Year 8 pupils. Many Catholic However, one grace of the last environment. and of parishioners, as we come moving when things are again have heard reports of huge care schools realised very early on that months has been the material Certainties have been swept out of the pandemic lockdowns. possible? for pupils as well as creativity in any post-lockdown Transfer Tests The first thing that people of faith teaching. Our schools have so would discriminate against those do is to recognise the difficulty that often been places of great care who had fewer resources at home. we are in and then we acknowledge and compassion in normal times. Ultimately, schools exist at the that God is in the middle of this, They have simply developed that service of the pupils that they teaching us something. In some generosity of spirit to support those have. The emphasis has to be on ways, we have had a 12-month who have been most negatively the needs of young people and not Main churches in Derry collaborating for many decades by Bishop Donal THE Week of Prayer for through the city centre in Derry. out to each church for uploading Richness of universal church evoked in Christian Unity has been observed And we have been involved onto their social media platforms, in one form or another since 1908. together in many public activities. one day at a time. week of prayer for Christian unity Each year a theme is offered and This year, specifically for the My focus was on ‘Called by God’. IN the run-up to Christian Unity St Augustine’s Church, featured unity was launched in the Ardmore materials are made available to Week of Prayer for Christian That involved scripture readings Week last month, Pope Francis Archdeacon Robert Miller, Church Parish with an online ceremony all churches to help their prayer Unity, we hoped to have a joint about the call of Abraham expressed the hope that in praying of Ireland, and Mr Michael Parker. from St Mary’s Church, where intentions. The theme for this year walk for peace and reconciliation (Genesis 12:1-4) and the call of together, “Jesus’ desire might be Carlisle Road Methodist Church Fr Neil Farren, PP, was joined by 2021, “Abide in my love and you around the City Walls, stopping the first disciples (John 1:35-51. accomplished – that all might be was the venue for the recording of retired Presbyterian Minister, Rev shall bear much fruit,” was inspired at different points for prayer. They were followed by a reflection one: unity, which is always higher the reflection, ‘Praying Together’, David Latimer. by John 15: 5-9. And a booklet was However, that was ruled out from the Taizé Community and a than conflict”. which was led by Captain Julia This year’s resources for the prepared on this theme with ideas because of the lockdown and the closing prayer. In Derry, the week-long Mapstone, Salvation Army, and Christian Unity programme and reflections of reach day. fear of gathering people. Other contributions were Christian Unity programme of Rev Nigel Cairns, Rector of St were prepared by the Monastic In Derry, there has been much What was agreed was that recorded in the Long Tower, prayer saw representatives of the Augusine’s Church, and for the Community of Grandchamp, in ongoing collaboration between the different church representatives St Augustine’s Church, Carlisle different local churches involved in following day’s reflection onSwitzerland, that experiences the main churches for many decades. would take the prayers and Road Methodist Church, First leading the prayers and reflections ‘Letting Oneself be Transformed’, richness of the universal Church Bishop Daly and Bishop Mehaffey readings for one of the eight days Derry Presbyterian Church and St based on the theme, ‘Abide in my which featured Rev Canon Katie in bringing together sisters from had set up the Churches Trust and of the Octave – and record those Eugene’s Cathedral. love and you shall bear much fruit’ McAteer, St Columb’s Cathedral, different churches and countries. the Inner-City Trust. Those two in a church building of another I hope that this has helped to (John 15: 1-17). and Mr Warren Alfeche. Choosing the theme, ‘Abide in bishops were the last individuals denomination. In a virtual way, we remind people that Christian With Covid-19 restrictions, the Fr Aidan Mullan, Adm Long my love and you shall bear much to be made Freemen of the City would be travelling form church to disunity is a scandal and not the reflections were pre-recorded from Tower, and Mrs Deirdre Amor fruit’, enabled the Sisters to share in 2014 – all because of their church in the city. desire of Christ. What unites all different churches around the City led the Saturday reflection on the experience and wisdom of cross-community work for urban Thus, I was asked to go to Christians is a shared faith in the and then viewed online, with ‘Welcoming Others’, while the their contemplative life abiding in renewal. St Columb’s Cathedral for love of God. If we abide in that Bishop Donal opening the week Dean of Derry, Very Rev Raymond the love of God. Each Good Friday representatives my contribution. The various love, we will bear much fruit – in of prayer on the Monday, speaking Stewart, St Columb’s Cathedral, Formed in the first half of the of the main churches carry a cross recordings were collated and sent God’s own good time. from St Columb’s Cathedral on the and Mrs Rosemary Parker were 20th century, the community has theme, ‘Called by God’. recorded in St Columb’s Cathedral, close ties with the Community of On the Tuesday, Fr Paul Farren, reflecting on ‘Growing in Unity’, Taizé and Abbé Paul Couturie, and Adm St Eugene’s, was joined and the week was brought to a its contemplative spirit ensured by Methodist Minister, Rev close by Bishop Andrew Forster, a fruitful period of discernment Richard Johnston, in reflecting on Church of Ireland, who led the with regards to the theme and ‘Maturing Internally’, which was prayers for ‘Reconciling with all the associated meditations, which recorded in Long Tower Chapel. Creation’, from his residence at See were finalised in collaboration The Wednesday reflection, on House. with Pontifical Council for ‘Love one another’, recorded in The week of prayer for Christian Promoting Christian Unity. 16 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021

A reflection on the ‘Year of the Family’ by Sharon Mallet ‘The Christian proclamation of the family is good news indeed’ (‘Amoris Laetitia’) POPE Francis has given challenges to family life. Many encourage inter-action without advanced notice that as of March families have been denied access imposing unrealistic prohibitions. 19, 2021, the year will be dedicated to their usual social and support In any event, we cannot ignore as, ‘The Year of the Family’. systems and, therefore, there has the risks that these new forms of Throughout this year, Pope Francis been a forced return to a slower communication pose for children has asked that we examine and pace of life and an opportunity and adolescents; at times they can reflect on the teachings of ‘Amoris for valuable family time. The foster apathy and disconnect from Laetitia’ (‘The Joy of Love’), which experience of the pandemic has the real world. This ‘technological is the encyclical which was written highlighted the central role of the disconnect’ exposes them more following the Synods on the family family as the domestic Church. easily to manipulation by those in 2014-2015. There is much in ‘Amoris Laetitia’ who would invade their private As a Christian mother and wife, which would support this slower space with selfish interests”. (278) and a person involved in working pace of life and much direction There is, of course, a fine line with young people, it seems clear for developing strong family between parental over governance to me that the essence of ‘Amoris bonds. For instance, it encourages and providing our children Laetitia’ is both pastoral and a family prayer time, it calls for with the necessary freedom and personal call to find meaning for mutual respect, understanding of autonomy to find their own way. the Joy of the Gospel in our family all members and a reminder of Pope Francis encourages parents to life, in the modern world. the need for unconditional love, be self critical and to ask ourselves, In the nine chapters of the letter, especially in the darkest of hours. “Do we seek to understand ‘where’ it addresses many themes, such as, However, because of the our children are in their journey? Christian marriage, challenges, pandemic, there is most likely an Where is their soul do we really unconditional love, the gift of increased reliance on the use of know? And above all, do we want children, sanctity of life, family technology to keep us connected. to know?” (292) life, motherhood, education, Whilst this has been invaluable prayer, and mercy, all of which is to keep connected to loved ones, Support underpinned by the power of the given the many restrictions that When I reflect on these questions Holy Spirit. are in place, there is also the as a mother, I am mindful of the I shall endeavour to reflect opportunity for an over reliance supportive role that Catholic on Chapter 7, towards a better of the use and influence of social education, and the support of my education of children. media and technology. parish, has had on my children’s The central tenet of chapter 7 Back in 2015, Pope Francis moral and spiritual development. is that parents play a central and highlighted vigilance on the use of From the baptism of my pivotal role for the development emerging technologies, boys, to their communions and of their child’s spiritual, moral and “When well used, these media confirmations, there has been ethical formation. Pope Francis platforms can be helpful for a cast of thousands involved in writes, connecting family members supporting us as a family as we “Parents always influence the who live apart from one another. endeavour to raise our children moral development of their Frequent contacts help to overcome to live a life based on the Gospel children, for better or for worse. difficulties. Still, it is clear that values of truth, justice, respect, It follows that they should take these media cannot replace the forgiveness, love, prayer, sacrament up this essential role and carry it need for more personal and direct and faith. out consciously, enthusiastically, dialogue, which requires physical Whilst this is the case for many reasonably and appropriately”. presence or at least hearing the families, Pope Francis reminds (259) voice of the other person. We us, once again, that our children’s As a mother of four young boys know that sometimes they can spiritual development remains this is no mean feat, as to direct keep people apart rather than deeply rooted in the family, Sharon Mallet children in their faith and moral “Raising children calls for an 144:4) and ‘fathers make known our family, friends and the wider and ethical development can often orderly process of handing on to children your faithfulness’ (Is community. be very challenging, given the the faith. This is made difficult by 38:19). This means that we need From the Pope Frances states, “In the influences of secular and modern current lifestyles, work schedules Parents need to to ask God to act in their hearts, in baptism of my family, three words need to be used. society. and the complexity of today’s consider what they places where we ourselves cannot I want to repeat this! Three words: Pope Francis is only too aware of world, where many people keep boys, to their reach. A mustard seed, small as ‘Please’, ‘Thank you’, ‘Sorry’. Three this and advises, “Families cannot want their children up a frenetic pace just to survive. it is, becomes a great tree (cf. Mt communions and essential words! In our families help but be places of support, to be exposed to, (306) Even so, the home must 13:31-32); this teaches us to see the confirmations, there when we are not overbearing and guidance and direction, however continue to be the place where we and this necessarily disproportion between our actions ask: ‘May I?’; in our families when much they may have to rethink learn to appreciate the meaning has been a cast of and their effects. We know that we we are not selfish and can say: their methods and discover new means being and beauty of the faith, to pray thousands involved do not own the gift, but that its care ‘Thank you!’; and in our families resources. Parents need to consider concerned about and to serve our neighbour. This is entrusted to us. Yet our creative in supporting us when someone realizes that he what they want their children to be begins with baptism, in which, as who is providing commitment is itself an offering or she did something wrong and exposed to, and this necessarily Saint Augustine said, mothers who as a family as we which enables us to cooperate is able to say ‘Sorry!’, our family means being concerned about who their entertainment, bring their children ‘cooperate in endeavour to raise with God’s plan. For this reason, experiences peace and joy. Let us is providing their entertainment, who is entering the sacred birthing’. (307) Thus ‘couples and parents should be our children to not be stingy about using these who is entering their rooms begins the journey of growth in their rooms through properly appreciated as active words, but keep repeating them, through television and electronic that new life. Faith is God’s gift, live a life based on television and agents in catechesis…Family day after day. For certain silences devices, and with whom they are received in baptism, and not our the Gospel values catechesis is of great assistance as are oppressive, even at times spending their free time. Only if electronic devices, own work, yet parents are the an effective method in training of truth, justice, within families, between husbands we devote time to our children, means that God uses for it to grow and with whom they young parents to be aware of their respect, forgiveness, and wives, between parents and speaking of important things and develop. Hence ‘it is beautiful are spending their mission as the evangelizers of their children, among siblings. The with simplicity and concern, and when mothers teach their little love, prayer, own family”.(309) right words, spoken at the right finding healthy ways for them free time. children to blow a kiss to Jesus To conclude, I wish to reflect on sacrament and time, daily protect and nurture to spend their time, will we be or to Our Lady. How much love one of the humblest messages of faith. love.” (134) able to shield them from harm. there is in that! At that moment the entire letter. I was fortunate As I begin this New Year, a Vigilance is always necessary and together, as when at dinnertime the child’s heart becomes a place of you’ and ‘sorry’. He said that if we to attend the World Meeting of new year of hope and healing, of neglect is never beneficial. Parents everyone is surfing on a mobile prayer’. (308) Handing on the faith want peace, joy, love and harmony Families in Croke Park in Dublin, promise and kindness, I will try have to help prepare children and phone, or when one spouse falls presumes that parents themselves in our homes we must use these in 2018. Pope Francis gave the to remember those three simple adolescents to confront the risk, asleep waiting for the other who genuinely trust God, seek him and three words regularly. Practice most beautiful and inspirational words in the humble belief that for example, of aggression, abuse spends hours playing with an sense their need for him, for only them, make them daily habits. of speeches on the love of a family. they will guide and inspire my or drug addiction”. (260) electronic device. This is also in this way does ‘one generation This is such a simple message that He said that the most important words and actions towards the The COVID-19 pandemicsomething that families have to laud your works to another, and could make a profound difference message for any family is to live by Gospel of hope, love, justice, peace has brought many additional discuss and resolve in ways which declare your mighty acts’ (Ps to all of us in our dealings with the three words of ‘please’, ‘thank and forgiveness. THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 17 Eangach Ár nDúchas Cuimhní Cóivide 1 A Íosa, Ó Saor Mé aois na dí-chéille í; … ba é am na A Íosa, ’Mhic Mhuire, soirche é, agus ba é am na doirche féach ar mo chás, é; ba é earrach an dóchais é, agus is beir mé leat féineach ba é geimhreadh an éadóchais é; go Cathair na nGrást’. bhí gach uile dheigh-nidh roimh na daoine, agus ní raibh rompu Díbir gach dríodar ach neimhní; bhí an saol mór is cathú as mo lár; ag tarraingt caol díreach ar na díbir gach smaoineamh Flaithis, agus bhí an saol mór ag is obair gan aird, tarraingt caol díreach ar athrach na bhflaitheas de áit.’ is dírigh mé ina dhiaidh sin go Flaitheas na nGrást’. Baineann sollúntacht agus A Íosa, ó saor mé dáiríreacht áirithe leis na focla le toradh do Pháis’. céanna seo don saol corrach a dtáinig muid fríd agus ina maireann muid go fóill. Is cinnte gur ‘.. scoith saol agus díoghadh gach saoil’ é ag An Sagart Brian Ó Fearraí, Dún Lúiche. an am chéanna. In éineacht le Muire Ag caitheamh súil siar domh go Go raibh Muire, tús aimsir na pandéime Covid–19, máthair ár dTiarna, Faoistin le linn Covid-19. is dócha go bhfuil neart ceannógaí ag guí in éineacht linn, a thig liom a chruinniú i gceann mar bhí sí ag guí a chéile le léargas a thabhairt ar Ag deireadh na bliana 2020 in éineacht leis na hAspail an tionchar atá ag an ghéarchéim d’fhoilsigh Foilseacháin nuair a thuirling an Spiorad orthu sláinte seo ar mo shaol agus ar mo Ábhair Spioradálta leabhar i bhfíor-thús na hEaglaise. shaothar, ar mo mheon agus ar neamhchoitianta: ‘Covid–19 in mo mhinistreacht i bhfíonghort 2020’. Tá alt ann ag an Sagart Brian Go dtaga an Spiorad an Tiarna. Tá sé ráite gur ó thaithí Ó Fearraigh. De bhunadh Inis Bó anuas orainne freisin, saoil a thig tuigbheáil, bíodh sé Finne é an Sagart Ó Fearraigh, agus agus go líona sé ár mbeatha lenár leas nó lenár n-aimhleas. tá a shliocht sin ar shaibhreas a le haoibhneas, le dóchas, Creidim gur toradh a leithéid chuid Gaeilge. Seo mar a scríobh sé: agus le grá. de thaithí a mhúnlaíonn muid agus a chuideochas linn aghaidh Biseochaidh Rudaí Soilsiú, le Mary Dunnion. Amen. a thabhairt ar imeachtaí an tsaoil mhóir le muinín láidir agus Nuair a shuigh mé síos leis an alt Galair Ghránna na Bliana staid na ngrást. An drochuair a chur dóchas buan. ’Sé is cuspóir agus seo a scríobh rith na línte tosaigh ó tharainn agus muid a thabhairt slán cúram an ailt seo nó cuid de na shaothar de chuid Charles Dickens Ag cur ceann ar an Phaidrín as gach contúirt agus gábhadh, ó nithe a mhúnlaigh mo chuidse liom. San úrscéal finscéalaíoch domh guím go hard na bhflaitheas mhuir agus ó thír, ó ghaoth agus ó ministreachta agus an modus staire, ‘Scéal fá Dhá Chathair’, ag iarraidh ar Dhia ’..muid féin ghrian, agus ó ghalair ghránna na operandi a raibh orm tabhairt faoi scríobh Dickens, ‘Ba scoith saol agus ár gcairde gaoil agus ár b l i a n a’. in aimsir Covid–19 a roinnt libh. é, agus ba é díoghadh gach saoil ndaoine maithe muinteartha uilig (ar lean. Buíochas le Foilseacháin é; ba í aois na céille í, agus ba í a choinneáil ar dhea-staid agus ar Ábhair Spioradálta.) Sacraimint na nEaslán: Ola an Bhisigh Táimid beo i ré na heolaíochta, Ní hionann leigheas agus biseach bhfeicfeadh duine ar bith iad. Shíl mar shampla. Deir siad leat gur agus shílfeá ó bheith ag éisteacht i gcónaí. Aisteach go leor, shílfeá siad, ar bhealach, go raibh rud éigin imigh an eagla, agus go raibh siad leis na saineolaithe, go dtiocfadh in amanna gur mó an eagla atá ar déanta contráilte ag na créatúir seo sásta cur suas leis an tinneas agus leis an eolaíocht muid a choinneáil dhaoine roimh an bhás in aimsir seo nach raibh ach ag iarraidh a sláinte, síocháin ina gcroíthe. Is é an Críost slán ón tinneas agus ón bhás, na heolaíochta ná sa seanam nuair le focail Sheosaimh Mhic Grianna a céanna seo ar mhaith linn bualadh agus go dtiocfadh am nuair nach ba léir do chách go dtiocfadh do úsáid. Mar sin, nuair a chuaigh Íosa leis inniu agus muid tinn, an Críost bhfaigheadh duine ar bith bás ar sheal agus go mbeadh ort imeacht. thart ar an dúiche agus é ag iarraidh a leigheasann daoine áirithe, agus chor ar bith. Muidne, lucht an Bealach amháin nó bealach eile, tá daoine a leigheas, agus dea-scéal a fhágann daoine eile gan leigheas chreidimh, tá a fhios againn nach a fhios againn uile gur ábhar mór an tslánaithe a thabhairt dóibh, ach le síocháin ina gcroíthe. Ach bhfuil sé sin amhlaidh, agus go imní é an tinneas. Chomh maith ba é an rud iontach gur tugadh na chuaigh Críost trí laige agus pháis bhfaighimid uile bás, luath nó leis sin tagann sórt ciontachta leis daoine amach chuige, faoi sholas an agus bhás nuair a bhí sé ar an saol mall. Tá meas as cuimse againn an tinneas in amanna, sa dóigh go lae. Leigheas sé cuid acu, agus iad seo, agus caithfimidne a bheith leis ar an chúram is féidir a thabhairt mbraitheann duine gur air féin atá siúd nár leigheas sé, tugadh amach sna himeachtaí sin dá shaol, chomh don duine tinn le cuidiú na an locht go bhfuil sé tinn. os comhair an tsaoil iad, agus fuair maith leis na rudaí iontacha. heolaíochta, agus nach teip é nuair siad cead a bheith tinn. (Buíochas le Foilseacháin Ábhair nach n-éiríonn le lucht an leighis an Bhí sé sin coitianta in aimsir Spioradálta.) duine a choinneáil ón bhás. Chríost, agus choinnigh siad na Is iomaí duine ar tharla an rud daoine tinne istigh ionas nach céanna dó amuigh i Lourdes, 18 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 The Catechism of the Catholic Church shares the Good News... “Through the Holy Spirit we are restored to paradise, led back to the Kingdom of Heaven and adopted as children, given confidence to call God ‘Father’ and to share in Christ’s grace, called children of light and given a share in eternal glory.” (CCC 736)

Highlighting that a bishop’s role involves listening...to God in prayer and to the Holy Spirit in the awkward questions and great ideas of others, Bishop Donal writes... It is huge relief to know that the Holy Spirit is guiding the Church! THE Baptism of Jesus marked thousands of missionaries who and pride out of the road, and Reflections on the Third the beginning of His public life. He went to the Americas, Africa let God be God in His Church. knew that He was destined to play and Asia had to build up local Discernment involves a lot of the role of the Suffering Servant. churches, starting from nothing, prayer and listening. Person of the Trinity – He was anointed with the Holy not sure where the Lord was It is clear that many will see the Spirit to take on that role. But the leading them. Often enough they Reports on scandals from the past the Holy Spirit details of how He would fulfil the saw their efforts destroyed by wars as an opportunity to remove the role were unclear. or persecution. Church from the public sphere in AFTER reflecting on a quote from Bishop Donal’s homily Immediately after His Baptism, But for many centuries, the Holy Ireland. But our focus should not He was tempted to takes shortcuts. Spirit was ‘the forgotten person be on finding evil enemies out on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 10, a The devil suggested that there of the Trinity’. In fact, it was the there. For us, the only question number of people from across the Diocese have shared were easier ways to win people’s Second Vatican Council which to ask is ‘Where is God leading their thoughts about the Holy Spirit, and workings of the admiration – like turning stones inserted ‘Blessed be the Holy us and what lessons do we have to Third Person of the Trinity in their lives and in their parish into bread or jumping off the Spirit the Paraclete’ into the Divine learn?’ Temple. Even in the Garden of Praises. Our Lady had been there – History shows that, when the communities and Diocese. Gethsemane, Jesus prayed that He but not the Holy Spirit! Church gets too close to power, it In that homily, Bishop Donal said: “Baptism is the would not have to drink the cup of Coming from a long history of a will be corrupted by that power. beginning of a journey. For us that journey calls us to suffering. strongly established institutional History also shows that, when We know from the Acts of the Church in this country, we can God remakes his Church, new life minister in the middle of a pandemic and the right or Apostles, that the early Christian sometimes find it difficult to think bursts forth. As Psalm 50 says, ‘A wrong political decisions about how to respond to that Church was constantly being of walking forward, trusting only humbled contrite heart you will Bishop Donal McKeown reality. None of us knows what God will ask us to deal driven down roads that it would in the guidance of God’s Holy not spurn, O Lord.’ with in the future. The baptised are asked only to pray have normally avoided. The Holy Spirit. But that has been the norm In my role as Bishop, it is huge Spirit drove them out of the upper for Christian missionaries over the relief to know that the Holy Spirit will be in 25 years’ time. But unless intensely for the Holy Spirit to descend on us so that we can room on the day of Pentecost. Later last 2,000 years. And generations is guiding the Church! I don’t have I am open to the promptings of the ‘act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God. they had to deal with preaching to of saints have testified to how to have achieved anything before Holy Spirit, who does know where When Jesus is Lord, our personal agendas and fears pale non-Jews who wanted to become much wiser God’s grace is than I retire or die. All I have to do is we will be in 2046, I can be letting my big ideas get in God’s way. into insignificance. Today, through St Mark’s Gospel we Christian. Could they do that human thinking and planning! my best, knowing that God can without first becoming Jews and We are currently facing into not use what I consider failures as The annual celebration of Christ’s begin our journey of discipleship with hope and trust. We obeying the Jewish Law? And Paul just an age of change but a change well as those things that I consider Baptism is a chance to begin again are called by name and trust that Jesus has overcome the was sent by the Spirit to evangelise of age. Some will be unsettled by successful. Those who are faithful as new disciples of Jesus and to world. And on that journey of discipleship, we are assured Asia Minor and then to go to that and want to go backwards. will be fruitful in God’s own good allow Him to lead our hearts and Greece. But the Holy Spirit has always time. decisions – trusting that “all will that we will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Missionaries have always had to been leading the Church forward A bishop’s role involves listening be well and all things will be well” Bishop Donal’s full homily can be read at: move forward in trust. St Patrick into new territory. God is always – to God in prayer and to the Holy (Julian of Norwich). https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/homily-baptism-of- in this country, and generations remaking his Church. Spirit in the awkward questions We walk on in trust, knowing that the Holy Spirit will lead us in the-lord-bishop-mckeown of missionaries from Ireland, But we will be led by the Spirit and great ideas of others. had to keep going in faith. Those only if we try to get our priorities I don’t need to know where we God’s strange paths. Thanksgiving for Baptismal Graces My first visit to Knock was like a second Baptism that I believe in you, O God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth. You have accepted me as Your brought me much closer to God by Ashlene Canning child, and in the laver of regeneration, You have KERRY is a beautiful place Sion Mills, she sent me Rosary It was gradual, but I felt a lovely peace that I found in Knock. constituted me as an heir to Your Kingdom. to visit, it’s a long journey from beads from Lourdes. sense of peace come upon me. I I believe in You, O Lord Jesus Christ, only-begotten Tyrone but we go there every year Even in those rebellious teenage arrived expecting nothing and left ‘Peace I bequeath to you; my own to see our relatives. years, I prayed an Our Father, a with a great deal. peace I give you, a peace the world Son, who has suffered and died for me, and through In August 2011, for a change of Hail Mary and a Glory Be on the Something happened to me that cannot give, this is my gift to you. Your Precious Blood has ransomed me from the slavery route we came up the West coast. beads every night. I was faithful day which is quite difficult to put Do not let your hearts be troubled of Satan. My husband, Nicky was the driver to this for about 10 years. But, into words. I don’t know if it was or afraid’. (John 14:27) that day. In the backseat was our in my 20s, I got caught up in the Our Lady of Knock and the Saints I believe in You, O Holy Spirit, Who has made me baby son, Oscar, all of 16 months, busy world and my three prayers praying for me or the Lamb of God and consecrated me at Your temple and chosen me as a with his 13-year-old cousin, Cahir fell by the wayside. I became calling me. It was an unforgettable vessel of grace. by his side. disillusioned with the Church; moment, and one which I feel we I renounce the devil with all his works and all his By the time we reached Co it wasn’t until Nicky and I began were drawn into by the Holy Spirit. Galway, Nicky suggested we press preparing for marriage that the The short visit to Knock brought pomps. I renounce all the evil desires of the flesh and on as far as Knock, to the National faith beckoned once again. me an inner peace. Now when I the world with all its vanities and deceits, and I firmly Shrine to Our Lady, who could When we arrived in Knock in look back to that day, I think of resolve to lead a truly Christian life. argue with that? 2011, I was not expecting anything it as a second Baptism which has May the Most Holy Trinity strengthen my purpose, I was keen to see Knock; I had special to happen. But I was brought me much closer to God in never been. To be truthful, I was immediately drawn to the gable so many ways, especially through by whom I seal this renewal of my baptismal vows, in slightly nervous because I wasn’t wall where the apparition had prayer. the Name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy very holy. I had prayed quite a taken place in 1879. The statues are I have a deep desire to pass Spirit. lot as a child because our school beautiful, Our Lady, Saint Joseph, on this love of God to our three principal, Mrs Georgina Turbett Saint John and the Lamb of God children. On our annual journey Amen was inspirational. In fact, a couple carved in white Italian marble. to Kerry, they look forward to a (Source – Devotion to the Holy Spirit Booklet) of years after I had finished in St My family and I stood in silence visit to Our Lady’s Shrine and I Theresa’s Primary School, Glebe, outside the Apparition Chapel. trust God to send them the inner THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 19 I pray the Holy Spirit will continue to lead and raise up in us all we need to be Church in these times by Aoife O’Neill

pandemic and the right or wrong of a computer screen trying to control of my life. I have learned political decisions about how to master Zoom meetings, YouTube to get up each day and do my best respond to that reality. None of us channels and video makers. to give that day, and all that will knows what God will ask us to deal The Holy Spirit led me to reflect happen, to the Lord. I still find with in the future.” on Our Lady in the Annunciation. myself most of the time trying to On the day of our baptism, the When the angel appeared and take over, but I am learning. Lord knew what lay ahead of us. asked her to be the mother of We, as a Church being unable to He made us all “for such a time God, she willingly and openly laid worship in public or rely on the as this” and made each and every aside all her own plans for her life structures and Sacraments that are one of us to become saints in these and totally trusted in the Lord - so important, have had to find new days. “Behold, I am the handmaid of ways of living out our faith at this At the end of 2019, I started work the Lord. May it be done to me time. I really believe that the Lord is in my new role as youth minister according to your word.” calling us all into a deeper personal in Three Patrons Parish. We had I believe that, in this time, we are relationship with Him. If we have a lots of meetings and plans in place all being led into a greater trust in strong relationship interiorly with for things we wanted to do with the Lord. the Lord, then exterior situations Aoife O’Neill our young people. I was excited Naturally, I like to have things and circumstances will not have for this new challenge and couldn’t under control. I like structure and the same battering effect on us. IN the book of Esther (4:14), we wait to see how our plans would timetables and plans. I like to know I hold onto the hope that the read of the rebuke of Mordecai, unfold. what will happen at any turn and Lord has made me, and each of us, who told Esther: “For if you keep The beginning of March 2020 have a back-up when things don’t for these times. I am trying each The Holy Spirit in silence at such a time as this, relief brought a change to all those plans, go according to plan. The past 10 day in work and in my personal and deliverance will rise for the when the Covid pandemic made months have been a challenge, as life to call on the Holy Spirit to Jews from another quarter, but you nothing we had planned possible. time after time we saw plans being help me find new ways to reach and your father’s house will perish. As each month came and went, dismantled by a situation that is out to others; to give and to receive our pandemic And who knows whether you have we saw another plan go under. well beyond any of our control. support from my brothers and by Brenda Deery not come to the kingdom for such Summer schemes, family fun I have had many moments where sisters in Christ. a time as this?” days and youth retreats all became I have felt like Peter sitting on that I pray that the Holy Spirit will This is what springs to my THESE can only be described inspirational speakers that are impossible as messages of stay safe, boat and trying to muster up the continue to lead us all and raise up as strange times for most of us. available to us via social media. My mind when I reflect on Bishop stay home, wear a mask and wash courage to join Jesus out on the in us all we need to be Church in Donal’s homily from the Feast of Many of our normal routines have faith has been awakened from its your hands filled all of our lives. water. I have felt the panic and these times. been abolished due to the ongoing slumber through listening to these the Baptism of The Lord. At our On a human level, it was so the sinking moments when I have As Bishop Donal reminded Baptism the Lord called us all by lockdowns since last March. The many mighty faithful speakers. disappointing and frustrating to taken my eyes off Jesus and felt the us, “We are called by name and novelty has certainly disappeared On New Year’s Eve, I came across name. He appointed us and gave leave aside all those plans we had. seas close in around me. However, trust that Jesus has overcome the us a mission for our lives. and, with our wintery weather, a beautiful witness to the spiritual My heart felt so heavy that instead when I fix my eyes on Jesus I know world. And on that journey of things can look a lot bleaker for power of our Holy Rosary which Bishop Donal reminded us all of all the vibrant activities I had that nothing is impossible. discipleship, we are assured that that “Baptism is the beginning of many. was so affirming and hopeful. I hoped to be doing with young I feel like this time has helped we will draw water from the wells Our ongoing news updates are have listened to several talks on a journey. For us that journey calls people, I found myself in front me grow a lot in giving the Lord of salvation.” us to minister in the middle of a dismal, our lack of local parish St Joseph and discovered, through contact is isolating and weary, and social media, that this year is our conversations are saturated dedicated to St Joseph and has got with COVID-19 updates, muffled many graces attached to it. I now If we open our hearts to God’s love from the Holy words through our face masks realize the protection of St Joseph and trying to keep our two-meter is so needed in our times. Spirit, He makes things new distance. It is great to be able to One could be excused for asking access Masses throughout the by Bernadette Ó Mianáin where Our Lord is, His Holy Spirit countryside and hear the different and His spiritual aids at this time. reflections on the Word of God. and every one of us. I explain to We are asked to pray for the dirty and messed up it becomes, So, what is the Holy Spirit saying However, I do realize that, in my students that the Holy Spirit is Holy Spirit to come into our hearts it doesn’t lose its worth. Some to me? This pandemic has really all this, the Holy Spirit is asking like the wind outside on a windy and guide us as children of God. pennies remain shiny and clean got me thinking that my life before me to ‘switch off’ to the many day, or it’s like a fan indoors. Each Although we say: ‘In the name of and some end up dirty and messy. our pandemic, in all its busyness, distractions, take time out, be has the power to move things of the Father and of the Son and of Pennies are like humans; in the had become disconnected silent, switch off the gadgets and which we cannot see. The wind the Holy Spirit’ at the beginning midst of all the mess, if we open somewhat from God and was not reflect and pray. can move leaves, twigs etc, and of each prayer, I don’t think we our hearts to God’s love from the fully attuned to the Holy Spirit I really believe I do need to step a fan can move paper. The Holy actually believe that we are asking Holy Spirit, He makes things new. with all my relentless distractions. back from all that is happening Spirit moves each of us. It guides God to be with us in our hearts as In the midst of despair He gives I know God never stops His around me and in our world, us and helps us when we need to baptised children, to give us hope hope, in the midst of turmoil He mighty works, but had I stopped and listen to what God is asking make important choices. and peace especially in this time of gives peace. God has the power listening and responding to God? of me, today in my wee bit of the Sometimes we can feel the Holy uncertainty, sadness and upheaval to make us shiny again. We won’t This pandemic has got me to try universe. Spirit moving us in our hearts, just from the norm. ever lose our worth in God’s eyes. harder, in different ways, to listen As a speaker said recently, like we can feel the wind against This is the message that I am There is a beautiful prayer to the for the promptings of the Holy small changes are most effective our faces. The Holy Spirit is God’s giving to our young people, that Holy Spirit which I encourage our Spirit. With not getting to Holy when looking to build up God’s own personal true love for each of God loves us unconditionally. students to say when they need Mass, it is more challenging to kingdom. I believe the Holy Spirit by Bernadette Ó Mianáin us. God is love. He loves us no God’s Holy Spirit for guidance and take time out on my own to read, is saying to me that if I want to HOW has the Holy Spirit been How can we say no to the giving matter what we have done or support: reflect and disconnect from the assist in changing the world in working in my life? As a teacher of God’s love when it is being even not done, who is able to world. However, I do believe God these challenging times, then start of Year 8 RE in St Cecilia’s College, poured into our hearts by the Holy forgive us wholeheartedly for any “Breathe in me O Holy Spirit, is asking me to stop, take stock of with changing myself to become a Derry, it is very apt that I am Spirit? wrongdoing we may have done in That my thoughts may all be holy. my life and tune in again to His holier person. writing about the impact the Holy This is what I am asking the our past. Act in me O Holy Spirit, voice and Spirit through prayer. So my prayer is: Spirit has on our lives, as this is young people whom I teach. So We can think of ourselves as That my work, too, may be holy. The lockdown has got me “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of our current theme in the Year 8 many young people are not aware a penny – something small and Draw my heart O Holy Spirit, praying more in private, looking your faithful and enkindle in them Programme of Study. that this is the case. I truly believe somewhat insignificant in this That I love only what is holy. up spiritual websites, seeking the fire of your love. Send forth I am privileged to be able to that the Holy Spirit has given me big crazy world. A penny can get Strengthen me O Holy Spirit direction from our Pope and your Spirit and they shall be created teach our young girls about how this mission of transcending this passed from person to person, it To defend all that is holy. Mother Church and listening and You shall renew the face of the powerful the Holy Spirit is for each message to the young people in can get stepped on, it can fall in Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, to some of the wonderful, e a r t h .” my school. the muck, but, no matter how That I always may be holy.” 20 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 The Holy Spirit in the life of the Church by Fr Pat O’Hagan, PP Moville patience, kindness, goodness, the Holy Spirit in my life and in questions is a resounding “No!” gentleness, faithfulness, self- the life of the Church, but of the We need the Holy Spirit now control (cf. Galatians 5:22-23). compelling need for each one of us more than ever. We need the There are many references to the to call on the power of the Spirit. Spirit’s guidance and wisdom. Holy Spirit in the Bible, starting at This has, perhaps, beenWe need the courage to step up the very first chapter of Genesis. heightened by the Covid-19 to do and say the right thing. We We read there that the Spirit pandemic which has brought need the Holy Spirit to help us to hovered over the waters at the many people, literally and understand and read the signs of beginning of creation, breathing metaphorically, to their knees. the times. the life of God into the abyss, the Many people who had been We need the guidance and darkness, the nothingness that somewhat lukewarm in their example of the Saints. I’d like to was there, and bringing life to the faith and practice have found encourage you as you read this world. themselves regularly watching article to look into the life of at Bronagh Currie on her Confirmation Day with her aunt and Godmother, Mary. Psalm 139 says, “Where can I flee online Masses or joining other least one Saint, perhaps the Saint from your spirit? Or where will online religious and prayer whose name you chose at your I run from your presence?” The services. There has been an active Confirmation, and see how he/ I have seen the Holy Spirit Spirit is everywhere, and always campaign to have our churches she allowed himself/herself to be with us. reopened, so that people can once influenced by the Holy Spirit. Each at work in my life many Fr Pat O’Hagan, PP Moville. At the beginning of His public again join together with other one of them has a tale to tell of how ministry, Jesus quotes from the members of their faith community the Spirit of Jesus changed them, IT’S fair to say that, for many prophet Isaiah, saying that “The to pray and worship together, changed the direction of their times by Bronagh Currie years, the Holy Spirit was the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for and many have expressed a deep lives, and set them out on the path ‘Cinderella’ member of the Holy I have seen the Holy Spirit unwell. the Lord has anointed me, and sent hunger to receive Jesus in the of loving and serving Jesus as their Trinity in terms of Catholic working in my life many times, I have had to really work at asking me to bring the good news to the Eucharist. Lord and Saviour. spirituality. We knew God the when I have asked and also when for the gift of Reverence and poor…” My Confirmation name is Father and we knew Jesus, God I have not asked. Wonder and Awe, with regards to Jesus promised to send the Holy Outpouring Anthony. He’s never far from me, the Son, and we addressed many I have been told that one of my how I treat others. I ask the Holy Spirit to the Church after His Prior to the pandemic, I was especially when I’m looking for of our prayers to them directly, late aunts had the gift of speaking Spirit to help me show respect for Ascension, a promise He fulfilled asking people to join me in something that I’ve lost or mislaid, but while we mentioned the Holy in tongues; she had a great God and to see God in everyone on Pentecost Day (Acts 2). He praying for a fresh outpouring of so I’m often praying to him. I Spirit when making the Sign of devotion to the Holy Spirit. I do and the world around me. said the Spirit would be a “helper” God’s Holy Spirit on the Church think, too, of St Ignatius of Loyola, the Cross, it didn’t really figure in not possess such a gift. During this trying time of the (John 14:15) and a teacher (John and on the whole world. In the whose life was turned around much of the rest of our thinking or I call on the Holy Spirit during pandemic, when we are physically 14:26). He also promised that the past eleven months, in particular, completely when he learned to praying. trying times, when I need to separated from family and friends, Holy Spirit would bring power, I’ve been actively encouraging discern the movement of the Holy In my own case, I can’t even say make important decisions, and the Holy Spirit is needed more enabling God’s people to be prayer to the Holy Spirit because Spirit in his life. that I remember hearing much I ask for the gifts of Wisdom, than ever to guide and strengthen witnesses for Jesus “...even to the of the serious need for the Spirit’s Moving to more recent times, I’m about the Holy Spirit when I was Understanding, Right-judgement us all with these gifts. ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). And presence in every single one of us very taken by the life, spirituality preparing to receive the sacrament and Knowledge. We have seen the fruits of the what power they received! at the present time. and example of Blessed Carlo of Confirmation – although that I take time to pause and consider Holy Spirit in how everyone has St Paul talks about the fact that When I’m talking to children who Acutis – whose canonisation I could be put down to the fact that what might be the best decision for dealt with the challenges of this we are all baptised into one body are preparing for Confirmation, I hope to see in the not too distant I was confirmed back in 1970! Nor me and those around me. That’s pandemic: Love, some Joyful by the one Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13); encourage them to say the simplest future. How he lived for Jesus; his did I learn much about the Spirit in not to say I always get it right! moments, Kindness, Goodness, that we were sealed with the of prayers, “Come, Holy Spirit!” It’s unshakeable belief in the presence my secondary school years. I have prayed for the gift of Peace in the slowing down of promised Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13- a prayer any of us can say anywhere of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament; It was only when I went to courage for myself and others in busy lives, Self-control, and 14). In Romans 8:26, he assures us and at any time, preferably with how he was led by the Holy Spirit Maynooth and heard about the trying times, for example, when I Faithfulness. that “…the Spirit will come to help our hands outstretched and open; to help his classmates, to befriend Charismatic Renewal Movement or my friends or family have been Come Holy Spirit. [us] in our weakness…” praying in ready to receive an outpouring of those who were being bullied or that I learned some more about us and on our behalf. the Spirit. ridiculed, to adopt a very real and the role of the third member of In 1 Corinthians 12, St Paul On the Feast of the Lord’s meaningful “option for the poor”, the Holy Trinity in the life of tells us that only those who have Baptism, at the beginning of spending his free time helping out Prayer to the Holy Spirit God’s people. Added to that was received the Holy Spirit can say, January, I likened that pivotal in soup kitchens, never passing the recurring singing of the ‘Veni, “Jesus is Lord”, and that when moment in the life of Jesus with the a beggar or a poor person in the Creator Spiritus’ (Come, Creator O Holy Spirit, Divine Spirit of light and love, I each one of us uses the spiritual pivotal moments we’re currently street without helping them in Spirit) at the regular ordination consecrate to You my understanding, my heart and my gifts we’ve received, we can work living through in the history of some way, even refusing the offer ceremonies in the seminary, together for the good of the whole humanity. I wondered out loud of a new pair of trainers from will, my whole being, for time and for eternity. calling on the Spirit of God to fill community. He mentions there – although “wonder” isn’t really his parents because the ones he May my understanding be always submissive to Your those called to the service of God’s the gift of wisdom, the ability to the word to use when one already had were good enough. He was people as deacons and priests. heavenly inspirations and to the teaching of the Catholic speak in God’s name, the gifts of knows the answer to the questions never afraid to stand up for his Since my own ordination as faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, – if the previous US President had faith, and was particularly vocal Church, of which You are the Infallible Guide; may priest in 1984, and my duties as discernment, and tongues. asked the Holy Spirit for guidance in expressing his pro-Life views. my heart be ever inflamed with love of God and my school chaplain in the parishes In Ephesians 4:30, St Paul advises before addressing his followers He died in 2006, at the age of 15, where I’ve served, and my contact neighbour; may my will be ever conformed to the Divine us not to “…grieve God’s Holy outside the White House on but has left behind a legacy of with the young people who were Will, and may my whole life be a faithful imitation Spirit…” by committing sin, since January 6, would he have said the ‘faith in action,’ and is a wonderful being prepared for Confirmation the indwelling Spirit is God’s things he said? Would those who example to the young, and to the of the life and virtues of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus over those years, I’ve spoken much presence in us. heard him speak on that occasion, not so young, of how we can say Christ, to whom, with the Father and You, be honour about the Holy Spirit, particularly Thinking of the Holy Spirit, as many of whom are probably “card- “No” to the fashions and trends of about the gifts the Spirit gives at and glory forever. Amen. a diocese we’re blessed to have St carrying” members of various our time. Confirmation, and what those Source - Devotion to the Holy Spirit booklet Columba as our patron. The name Christian denominations, have We’re all called to be Saints, to be gifts mean – or should mean – Columba means “dove” (the Irish stormed the Capitol building and holy people. There’s a story told of to those who receive them: how word for dove is “colm”) and the caused the fear and destruction a child visiting a church with an those gifts should be used; how only if we open our hearts to the wherever we are. Right now! diocesan logo is a stylised dove. So, they did? Would many of our adult, and they’re looking at some important and necessary it is to Spirit of Christ Jesus, and allow on many diocesan occasions, we political leaders, at home and stained-glass images of Saints. call on the Spirit when a particular the Holy Spirit to transform us, to “The grace of the Lord Jesus regularly see a dove which should abroad, do the things they do The adult asks the child if they gift is needed – when we need remove from our hearts any trace Christ, the love of God, and the remind us not only of our patron if they asked the Holy Spirit for know what a Saint is, and the child courage, wisdom, knowledge, of selfishness or greed, and give us fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with saint, but also of the Holy Spirit guidance? Would people in Ireland answers, “A Saint is someone who understanding, holiness, strength, instead hearts filled with love for you all.” (2 Cor. 13:14) who appeared in the form of a and elsewhere be organising lets the light shine through.” and when we need to show wonder the poor, the needy, the vulnerable dove at both the baptism of Jesus parties or meeting in “shebeens”, That’s the kind of people we and awe in God’s presence. and the underprivileged. We and on Pentecost Day. flouting Covid-19 regulations and should aim to become – good, I’ve learned too that when we should ask the Holy Spirit to give I can’t explain how or exactly thereby endangering themselves loving, forgiving, patient and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the us a true and genuine concern for when it happened, but in the past and many others if they were understanding people, who let the fruits of the Spirit are brought out justice and equality, and to help us few years I’ve become increasingly praying, and listening, to the Holy light of Christ shine through our in abundance – love, joy, peace, to establish the Kingdom of God aware, not just of the presence of Spirit? The answer to each of those words and actions. We can do that THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 21 Covid 19: A time of questioning the Holy Spirit and... A time of witnessing to the work of God’s Holy Spirit by Fr Neil Farren, PP Ardmore There are many tragic stories hardened hearts have been stirred that are yet unknown and untold from thinking only of their from this pandemic; from virus own pockets to becoming more related deaths and financial woes conscious of the other in dire to domestic abuse, stress, delays in strait, from isolation to financial health provision and isolation. woes. The Holy Spirit has tapped Where is the Holy Spirit at work into people’s social action response in all this? to many a plight by provision, be it That is the million dollarof food coupons or actual material question that is hard to answer giving to another, wherever and at this point in time. It may well whoever. come to light more fully at another Many may wonder where time ahead. Right now, January/ the Holy Spirit is at work. Yet February 2021, we seem to be when we are taking Covid-19 in the thick of Covid-19 and all precautions, be it with the wearing seems very murky. When the dust of the face mask, the keeping of Covid-19 settles, then it will of social distance, keeping the become clearer the working of the travel restrictions and observing Fr Neil Farren, PP Ardmore. Holy Spirit in this local to global the hygiene code, there is good virus era. We can only, at this stage, practice observed not entirely for A young woman related to me see dimly the Holy Spirit at work. one’s own health care benefit but recently that she personally liked There are many shining lights also for consideration of others “the creative” opportunity that this out there in society, from those around. Here, the Spirit of God lockdown/more restricted time who are at the coal face of works for each of our good. was giving to her, more than she Covid-19, particularly the health This has been a difficult time had previously experienced for care workers who stand head and for so many people and yet a time the weight of loving assist is working in and through each of each other’s company without many a year. On the other hand, shoulders above everyone in these when some stood tall, despite not reciprocated. It can be a our lives, enabling each of us to fear. To share the social side of she admitted that she was deeply virus days. Their lived witness is challenges posed or unfavourable challenging and maybe hurting respond in this pandemic time to life again, to celebrate more fully concerned about Covid-19 and revealed not only through their decisions made, be it in the world time, for this period we are in can bear fruit in the ways of our duty life to the full, and to thank God’s the need to take all the necessary God given skills, but also their of local/national politics or those be more isolating and difficult for of care for each other and for the Spirit for bringing us through what precautions. She, who had health, emotional, spiritual and mental who take care of us in our daily some people when love is scarce. earth we share. needed to be got through. felt for those whose health courage, which is one of the tasks, from shopping to work May the Holy Spirit give courage I see the working of the Holy With the vaccination, praise was affected or taken away by greatest gifts of the Holy Spirit. places, to those who look after to not keep silent but to seek assist Spirit in the spirit of people’s God, that time won’t be far off and Covid-19, as well as those who had All the rest of us can do is our our young people’s educational from helping agencies when it is prayers offered daily for allby 2022 be a reality for all of us, bereavements. The stress it was utmost to take all precautions to needs online. Here, in these often needed, and not endure till the concerned in this era of Covid-19. when the dust of Covid-19 finally putting on the health care workers, stay Covid free and keep the extra taken for granted assists, we too heart is broken in fear and sorrow. Many a person’s prayer in the is settled. We hope and pray for she very much empathised with. stress away from their hospital see the Holy Spirit at work in their The Holy Spirit also brings light past was more superficially felt, this. Then we will know the fruits This lady, who was fortunate to wards. We can only stand back attentiveness to duty of care. to where there is darkness, hope whereas today many people pray of the Holy Spirit at work for a new remain in good health and seen in awe and amazement at their Daily, people in all walks of life where there is hopelessness and more fervently and regularly. True, dawning of a people giving thanks creativity in her own life improve dedication and commitment to have responded to people’s prayers courage where once there dwelt the reception of the sacraments to God for all He has done for us in with time on hand has, indeed, keep those affected by Covid-19 to God Almighty for their needs to fear. has been depleted due to Covid real time, even being there in the been fortunate, as opposed to the safe and nursed back into health be met, and they were, as seen in Yet there is, in all of this, an restrictions placed on all, but darkness of it all. many others whose experience in to the best of their ability. There multiple ways, be it in the health awakening. At this stage, we do yet we have, in mirror form, the These areas are where best this past year has been difficult and is where we best see the working care, voluntary sector, schools not know where this awakening sacraments open to us via the on practice of witnessing to the Holy challenging. of the Holy Spirit; in the witness and colleges, local government, will bring us, but we pray for an line media. Spirit is most visible at this time. There is in this more restricted of their testimony of care and retailers both open and closed, even better world than before the Many people have kept From on ones knees in prayer Covid-19 time, a sense of restoration to health, and now transport, people we meet socially pandemic. Creation has, through connected with their Parish Masses to health care provision, from blessing as well as curse, with its vaccinations. distant in the street or parks, to this past year, seen great and and Services on line, and those outreach to those in need to serious disadvantages as well as This has been a chastening people in their homeplace and necessary improvements, with of us who are priests celebrating attentiveness to each other for the advantages. experience for all of us, no matter many, many, more besides. less pollution in the atmosphere. Mass in an empty church, do not health care sake of each person Countless numbers of people, what our experience in the And nature seems to have quickly feel alone but very connected to met. from the local scene to further past year has been, from being Love responded, from the simple all who are participating on line. It We invoke God, the Creator, to afield, have been deeply impacted bereaved to overworked, from There are many good practices chorus of birds chirping to better may not be the same as gathering hear our prayers, our pleas and our by this pandemic. It brought, and unemployment to Covid-19 out there as well as not so good. air quality and less pollution from together around the altar live in groanings at this virus time. May still brings, its fair share of woes for positive, from more free time to Some people have more time on our roads and industries. church, yet the connection is kept His Holy Spirit give us vision and those affected as well as for their being afraid. This past year has hand in their home, which is no We have become a people with the help of the Holy Spirit, may the Divine Assistance keep loved ones. brought the vast majority of people, bad thing. Many are creative in more conscious of creation until we can all return safely to up our hopes and good worthy No one knows better the of all ages, to an awakening of the this time in varied ways. In many and the damage that each of us church as before. practices in these darker days as impact until they are, themselves, fact that there is more to life than an unseen home, there are families are imposing on this once well We have witnessed, and continue we journey toward brighter days impacted by it. Its effect has as the ‘9 to 5’ working day and chill working earnestly to keep the connected eco system, to now to do so, in our parishes, so many ahead. many harrowing variations as out weekends. There is more to love in the home intact, despite an earth more fragile with our people who have volunteered to people’s retelling of it. Countless life than thinking only of my own the inherent difficulties thattoo long disconnect from it. An assist in a multitude of ways, from numbers of people with no needs. Now our hearts consider restrictions place, from travel to earth we humans, of all religious offering their services to assist Come Creator employment at this time, due to the needs of others around us, financial, yet, creating all the while traditions and none, have too long in the liturgies to sanitizing the Covid-19, are experiencing serious even if it means wearing a face an atmosphere for a home to be a dominated than shared. church, from the 19-year-old to the From chaos and emptiness, repercussions to their financial mask. real home with happy memories. Here, too, through this Covid-19 90-year-old. How heart warming it From loneliness and lifelessness, situation, with knock-on effects This is a time when people’s It is not always easy, and some experience, from the local scene is to see this outpouring of grace at Come, Creator, Come. on their health and wellbeing. hearts have been enlarged; when homes have it difficult when to the global, many prayers from work for the benefit of others in Christians and others over the ages church or on line. From darkness and shapelessness, have been heard. Each person, There are, in this darkened time From the abyss and awfulness, in their own capacity, can and of year, many lights shining in Come Creator, Come. hopefully will respond to the pleas witness to the action of the Holy of so many prayers to bring about Spirit. From fearfulness and hopelessness, change to the care of creation. What an amazing time lies ahead, From weakness and dreadfulness, God’s Holy Spirit hovered over with the thought of our gathering Come Creator Come. the earth at the beginning of once again as a congregation close creation, as is stated in the book to each and close to the Lord. What (Tides and Seasons of Genesis. God’s Holy Spirit is amazing times we took for granted by David Adam) not alone above us as then, but in the past, to meet together in 22 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 Is the Holy Spirit real?...As real as Jesus is real? by Noel Bradley It is also difficult because if cut out television at night, to go to thirsty” (Revel 21:6) Pastoral Council. The atmosphere we turn inward to our own bed earlier with no reading when I is cordial with everyone having consciousness, the stuff and data got there. I also decided to get up Consolation from the Spirit a voice in decision making. we find there can be all over the earlier to spend time in prayer, to I believe I drank from this water There is an attempt at communal place - like looking into a churning get a walk in nature each day, to get freely during these days and I am discernment. washing machine sometimes; very quiet time for prayer in the evening grateful. It was an experience in There are parish pastoral confusing and frightening even! again, to try to stay present to my consolation for me. Now I want councils as well and, while they Many of us also may carry hurts deeper self...‘recollected’...during to continue to carry that renewed are struggling, they are the future and pain, and anger or resentment the day as I went about some sense of the Spirit into my life. way for the Church. There is a about our past that block our Zoom commitments, to be a little I will try to listen for the voice of Priests’ Council. Pope Francis energy to experience God’s love bit more sensitive with my wife the Spirit, to follow that thread, to talks often about letting the and so see with new eyes. It is and children, and that allowed for discern my path in all the pulls and Spirit guide our discussions much easier to be continually fun and laughter too. I felt guided counter pulls of my life into the and the need for discernment extroverted, outside ourselves, to do all these things. future. (personal and communal), honest blown about by this, that and I met a spiritual guide each communication and dialogue. the other, with no real sense of morning and she listened to what Consciousness Examen That is emerging slowly. direction or being guided from was going on for me as I tried to I think the Holy Spirit is nudging There are all kinds of prayer within or called in our life, in be open to the Spirit and share, me to really take seriously ‘an groups (Lectio Divina) that listen what we call our ‘vocation’. That as much or as little as I needed evening exam’ of consciousness to the words of Scripture, reflect call goes on everyday of our lives. to, about things that I wanted to before I go to sleep; to really take on them and then share what We are called each by name and talk about in my relationship with time to look back and see where attracted or touched them. There “my sheep hear my voice”, and if God and with life. I tried to listen God’s Spirit was in the past day, is a ministry of prayer and prayer vocation is real for you, then you within myself for the truth of my then to give thanks for that and guides trained through Thornhill live it out among the ‘bits and life and share that. She would to notice where I might have been Ministries and elsewhere. A lot pieces of everyday’. notice things and share them with resisting or missing His ‘voice’. of people are using their own If the Creed says ‘We believe me. She would suggest a few lines I find Pope Francis’ words in an initiative to go on line for Mass, in the Holy Spirit’, it is quite from Scripture that I might pray interview with his Jesuit brothers courses, retreats and talks. There is legitimate to expand that and about during the day. They were helpful here. He was asked, “What a ‘Laudato Si’ group with concern say ‘we believe that the Holy very apt and I believe the Spirit was things give you consolation at the for the environment. There are Spirit inspires each one of us in showing me things. A word from end of each day and what things people planting thousands of trees discerning our personal vocation Mass often also spoke to me. take consolation away?” in various parishes. in each moment of our lives and So, I would see the Spirit working He replied: “For me, consolation There is an ongoing development to respond to God’s love there’, as in all of this. To paraphrase a is the best anti-depressant I have of the Diocesan website. There is Noel Bradley, Buncrana. is stated in a very recent and good different translation (The Message ever found! I find it when I stand ‘The Net’ newspaper. There are book published by Veritas, called translation, biblegateway.Com) of before the Lord and let Him catechists and volunteers of all I was invited to write something the world. ‘A Creed for Today’ by Donal Dorr. the fruits or gifts of the Spirit in Gal manifest what He had done during kinds and, of course, the creative about “How I see the Holy Spirit This is why I ask, “Is the Holy 5:22, I would say that I now feel A the day. When, at the end of the day work in schools. working in my life, and in the Spirit real for you?” Of course, we A directed retreat online BIT MORE alive and affectionate I realise that despite my resistance, The priests are at the continual parish and Diocese, and where say as the Creed does, ‘We believe So, after that long introduction, towards others and the natural there was a driving force there, service of the people and that is I see the Holy Spirit leading in the Holy Spirit’, but have we any how do I see the Holy Spirit world (love), exuberant about life like a wave that carried me along, in the power of the Spirit. They me and us at this time?” To be real experience of it? Jesus is real; working in my particular life, (joy), serene (peace), a willingness this gives me consolation. It is like desire to be better for their people asked a question like this is very He took flesh and dwelt among just now? Well, it just happens to stick with things (patience), a feeling, ‘He is there’…” in word and sacrament. The same challenging because it is asking us - the Spirit not quite so real, that I have just finished an eight- sense of compassion in the heart I find it interesting that in all is true for the small number of something very personal and certainly not like Jesus is real. Have day directed retreat, on line from (kindness), a conviction that a basic the appearances of Jesus after the Sisters. intimate of me and, secondly, it I, or you, any tangible evidence of Manresa, in Dublin. So I will just holiness permeates things and Resurrection He comes to people Do not forget the day-to-day is quite difficult to articulate an the Spirit? reflect back on that experience people (goodness), a willingness as The Consoler. love of parents for their children, answer because the notion of the as an example of the Holy Spirit to stay with some commitments I can only be brief regarding the the love of friends and the wide- Holy Spirit working in our lives is Experience of the Spirit working. (faithful), not needing to force my second-half of the challenging spread love of people in general. very vague to most of us, I think. To find the Spirit, we have to I believe I was inspired to do way in life (gentleness), and able question. Where do I see the Spirit All this love is a gift of the Spirit or For centuries, we have put the turn inward, to the interior of our the retreat because I wanted to to marshal and direct my energies working in the Parish and the even is the presence of the Spirit. emphasis on Jesus and the Father, own consciousness and notice our do it away back in September wisely (self-control). Diocese? I am sure I have left out many and particularly on Jesus. The feelings and sort them out, and but, because of Covid, I couldn’t. I sound like a great fellow I can only mention a few things. groups because of my memory Spirit was the forgotten one. I this is difficult because from birth I heard of online retreats and felt altogether in that translation and I see more lay people getting or lack of knowledge. I do believe believed in the Spirit, of course, we are extroverts, always looking drawn immediately. I felt more that is why I say I feel a BIT MORE involved. This is a trend in the that the Holy Spirit is doing a new but it was very notional for many out and reaching out. We also and more nudged to do it and I of these fruits/gifts of the Spirit. I whole Church and I believe the thing and I believe that a key part years, and I am only learning to learned that it was the teaching believe that was the Holy Spirit. Of ended my retreat by praying over work of the Holy Spirit. I know of that newness is the increased take the Holy Spirit seriously and and doctrine that mattered and course, I can’t prove any of this. To the text, “I will give water from the there is a good mix of lay and involvement of lay people in the as real and working in my life and not so much our feelings. give it my best, I also felt nudged to well of life free to anybody who is clerical members on the Diocesan mission of the Church. It is the Holy Spirit that gives me the grace to do the Will of God by Oliver Barrett FOR many of us, the first time As with most of my education, it the third Council of Toledo (589 western mind and world view. we encountered the Holy Spirit was a case of learning by osmosis. AD). This is how I understand the was when we were preparing for I only began to understand the When I started to read the Spirit, as the animator, advocate, the Sacrament of Confirmation importance of the Holy Spirit writings of the Patriarchs to and counsellor, (paraclete). I in primary school. This involved later in life when I began studying understand the reason for the believe the Spirit leads us (Luke learning about the gifts of the the schism between the Catholic schism, I found that all facts and 4:1). Holy Spirit. Church and the Greek Orthodox figures in the Greek Orthodox I believe the Holy Spirit is Looking back, at the age of 11, I Church. Church are considered in leading us to heal the schism do not know if I fully understood The breach between the East terms of the Holy Spirit. In the between the Greek Orthodox the gifts of the Spirit or if I learnt and the West happened in the Eastern Church, there is a deep Church and the Roman Catholic answers to questions so I could 11th century. It happened partly appreciation of the Spirit as the Church. I know it is the Spirit answer the Bishop correctly. I because the East could not accept animator of life itself. who gives me the grace to do picked my best friend’s name that the Holy Spirit proceeds I think the reality of the Holy the will of God. I see the Spirit as my confirmation name, and from both the Father and Son, Spirit, like the reality of Angels, animating people in our parish thankfully it happened to be the (filioque). This concept began is more in tune with the eastern and diocese to do good. name of an Irish Saint. to be added to the Creed from mind and world view than the Oliver Barrett, Leckpatrick. THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 23 Saint Joseph: His actions speak louder than words by Fr Joseph Varghese went about fulfilling the duties this happened, he had a dream in Mary. to Jesus as He grew up in their We generally look upon the Holy assigned to him in circumstances which an angel appeared to him Obedience care. We see ample evidence of Family as an oasis of peace, quiet that were difficult to understand. and explained the situation. Joseph Soon after this Joseph was this in ‘The Agony in the Garden’, and tranquil family life of which It is timely and appropriate that accepted this and took Mary as again instructed in a dream that when Jesus, knowing what trials we hope and pray. As we study we should be entering this ‘Special his wife. Doubtless, there were he should move Jesus and Mary lay ahead of him pleaded, “If it is events which occurred in the Holy Year of St Joseph’ just now, in the numerous remarks from those to Egypt for their own safety. In possible Lord, let this chalice pass Family and how St Joseph followed midst of the global pandemic around, but no word of complaint obedience, he set off with them, from me”, and then, “Yet not my the Law and an angelic dream caused by the Coronavirus. The from Joseph about this. However, at dead of night, on what would will Lord, but Thine be done”. This from God to deal with upsets, we peoples of the world would do an angel appeared to him in a have been a difficult journey. They was Jesus being totally obedient to see why the silent saint, as he is well to adopt a response to the dream and explained God’s plan lived in exile there until once more the will of God. known, demonstrates that “Words pandemic similar to the response for Mary and him, and he agreed Joseph was instructed by an Angel Joseph is often referred to as the sound, but action Thunder.” St Joseph adopted when he had to to marry Mary irrespective of what in a dream to return to Israel. They ‘Silent Saint’, as we don’t hear any Pope Benedict XVI also helps us decide his best course of action to anyone thought or said. He just came back and settled in Nazareth, of his words recorded in Scripture to reflect more on the efficacious the problems he was confronted accepted that this was God’s plan a small village far from Joseph’s but are continually witnessing silence of St Joseph in the following by, prior to the Birth of Jesus. and that he should be guided by it. ancestral town of Bethlehem. his complete trust in God, his words: “His is a silence permeated Never was patience, trust, concern When the census was called, he There they lived in almostdetermination to comply with His by contemplation of the mystery Fr Joseph Varghese. for others and understanding more immediately set off from Nazareth anonymity, rarely venturing to will and his regard for the Law. He of God, in an attitude of total necessary than at this moment in to Bethlehem, with Mary riding places of note. However, on a always gave due consideration to availability to his divine wishes. Let ON the 150th anniversary of time. St Joseph had those attributes on a donkey even though her baby pilgrimage to Jerusalem when each situation and responded in us allow ourselves to be ‘infected’ Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration in abundance. Let us consider the was almost due. It was almost Jesus was twelve years old, we got the manner which he felt would be by the silence of St Joseph!” (Pope of St Joseph as patron of the situation that he found himself in. impossible to get accommodation. a glimpse of things to come when the one most pleasing to God. He Benedict XVI, December 18, 2005) Universal Church, Pope Francis Joseph was a humble carpenter Eventually, Joseph and Mary took He became detached from both didn’t succumb to outside pressure Let us keep these thoughts in has issued a new Apostolic Letter about whom we know few shelter in a stable and he made Joseph and Mary. Realising that or problems of daily life but trusted mind as we endeavour to follow entitled ‘Patris Corde’ (‘With a details. We depend on snippets it as comfortable as possible for He was missing, they searched God to help him through. Pope Francis’ invitation to honour Father’s Heart’). In this letter, of information to help us build her. There, in the humblest of frantically for Him and found Him Fathers would do well to adopt St Joseph in this special year. he proclaims a ‘Special Year a mental picture of him. Joseph surroundings, the baby was born, in the Temple discussing matters Joseph as their model. He has In today’s world, with all its trials of St Joseph’, beginning on the was a descendant of David. He while the shepherds and the magi, with the Doctors of the Law. provided a perfect template in the and tribulations, especially with Solemnity of the Immaculate followed the Law assiduously and who represented the people of While it would have been manner that he reared Jesus in the scourge of Covid-19, we need Conception 2020 and running was guided by its teachings and the Israel and the pagans, looked on absolutely natural and difficult circumstances. He fully to have someone we can trust to until the same feast day in 2021. instructions of those in authority. in adoration. He was given the understandable to have ignored accepted the word of the angel in rely on. We should respond exactly All Christians know the story of Joseph was betrothed to a young name ‘Jesus’, as Joseph had been the instructions in dreams and the Annunciation, accepted Jesus as Joseph did; trust in God, in the the Birth of Jesus but how often girl named Mary and was preparing instructed in his dream. all the demands placed on him, as his son, watched over him and knowledge that He will do what is have we considered the role of for marriage. He received a great Forty days after the birth, Joseph Joseph was obedient to the Word guided him through childhood, best for us in the long run. It was Joseph in this? It is hard to imagine shock when Mary told him the and Mary presented Jesus in the of God and the Law, placing taught him the skills of the trade good enough for St Joseph so it just how much trust he put in God story of the annunciation. After temple, committing Him to the complete trust in God’s will. There of carpentry and showed how should be good enough for us. in accepting total responsibility for serious thought, he decided that Lord, and they were amazed at is no doubt that both Joseph to respect God and everyone he As we think of St Joseph now, we looking after Mary and her baby. to divorce her quietly would be the prophecy of Simeon regarding and Mary passed this absolute encountered. That is the most can see clearly that actions speak Whatever God asked of him he the best course of action. Before what lay in store for Jesus and obedience to the will of God on perfect model for any father. louder than words. accepted and, in his own quiet way, Novena to Sleeping Saint Joseph SINCE Pope Francis’ a Novena to Sleeping St Joseph proclamation of a ‘Year of St from March 10 until the Saint’s Joseph’, December 8, 2020 to Feast Day on March 19, will no December 8, 2021, to mark doubt be warmly welcomed. the 150th anniversary of the This Novena follows the very declaration of St Joseph as Patron successful Novena to the Divine of the Universal Church, many Child Jesus led by the Derry people have spoken of their Carmelite Fathers in the lead up to devotion to this humble carpenter Christmas Eve, which was a great and husband of the Virgin Mary, source of comfort to many in the with some delighted to have midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. received a statue of the Sleeping St Likewise, this Novena to Joseph as a Christmas gift. Sleeping St Joseph will be another And so, the announcement time of prayer to look forward to by the Carmelites, of the Iona in the middle of Lent. Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, in Further details will follow in the Derry, that they are going to lead March edition.

of the Immaculate Conception of spiritual or corporal work of mercy. In addition, the Apostolic detached from any sin and have the 33 Day Consecration to St Joseph Our Lady. • The recitation of the Holy Penitentiary grants a plenary intention of fulfilling, as soon as IN this special year honouring – The Wonders of Our Spiritual The plenary indulgence isRosary in families and among indulgence to the faithful who will possible, the three usual conditions St Joseph, a number of people Father’ (2020), which is available granted under the usual conditions engaged couples is another way of recite any legitimately approved and recite an act of piety in honour across the Diocese are planning on Amazon. - sacramental confession, obtaining indulgences. prayer or act of piety in honour of St Joseph, offering to God the to undertake a time of prayer Day 33 of the programme falls on Eucharistic Communion, and • Everyone who entrusts their of St Joseph, for example, ‘To pains and hardships of their lives. to consecrate themselves to this Friday, March 19, the Feast of St prayer for the Pope’s intentions daily activity to the protection you, O blessed Joseph’, especially Patron of the Universal Church. Joseph. – to Christians who, with a spirit of St Joseph, and every faithful on March 19, May 1, the Feast of The 33-day Consecration will Anyone wanting to take part can detached from any sin, participate who invokes the intercession of St the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary start on February 15 and involves contact the coordinator, Veronica in the Year of St Joseph on these Joseph so that those seeking work and Joseph, on the 19th of each daily prayer at home and an Harley by email – vonnieharley@ occasions and manners indicated can find dignifying work can also month and every Wednesday, a optional meeting once a week, hotmail.com. by the Apostolic Penitentiary: obtain the plenary indulgence. day dedicated to the memory of via Zoom on a Monday evening, A decree granting special • The plenary indulgence is • The plenary indulgence is also the saint according to the Latin led by Fr Roland Colhoun, CC indulgences has been issued by granted to those who will meditate granted to the faithful who recite tradition. Newtownstewart. It will also entail the Apostolic Penitentiary for the for at least 30 minutes on the Lord’s the Litany to St Joseph or any other With the Covid-19 pandemic, one day of fasting. duration of this special year, which Prayer, or take part in a Spiritual prayer to St Joseph proper to the the gift of the plenary indulgence Participants will receive a daily ends on December 8; the 150th Retreat of at least one day that other liturgical traditions, for the is also extended to the sick, the reminder email and will need a anniversary of the proclamation includes a meditation on St Joseph. persecuted Church ad intra and elderly, the dying and all those who copy of Fr Donald H Calloway’s of St Joseph as the Patron of the • The indulgence can also be ad extra, and for the relief of all for legitimate reasons are unable to book, ‘Consecration to St Joseph Universal Church, and the Feast obtained by those who, following Christians suffering all forms of leave their homes. They can obtain St Joseph’s example, perform a persecution. the plenary indulgences if they are 24 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 Reflecting on the gift of Mercy, Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, Fr Francesco Gavazzi asks us to look into the face of Mercy this Lent... Life is beautiful because of Mercy...and it

Fr. Francesco, second from left, with fellow Friars at their Galliagh Friary in turns sinners into saints Derry LIFE is a gift. Mercy is beautiful. “It’s funny isn’t it...now that we have raised 28 people from the sinners to repentance” (Lk 5:32). am only hidden by the priest, but for returning after squandering, Sin is ugly. Sin makes the gift ugly. are priests, the most beautiful dead. That’s truly amazing. But the He calls us to turn from what I myself act in your soul”. He also I’ll never know Who He really is, Mercy makes the gift beautiful moments of our day, we can’t even raising of the dead happens in the hurts us – sin - to what heals us – told her: “The greater the sinner, And what He’s really like. again. Life is beautiful because of speak about”. confessional every time someone relationship with Him. the greater the right to my mercy”. It’s been said, Mercy. It took me a second to catch in mortal sin makes a sincere The great illusion is that we Mercy is beautiful. You have ‘Every saint has a past and ever In 2018, I was ordained a priest on to what he was saying. Then confession. One of the friars must get our act together before a right to it, to accept it, if you sinner has a future’. with three other friars. There is it clicked. He was referring to said that someone can wake up we can truly come to Him, meet are a sinner. And that’s all of us. The sinners who become saints a tradition that after a man is hearing confessions – “the most spiritually dead in the morning, go Him, encounter Him, enter into We simply have to acknowledge are the ones who ordained a priest he returns to beautiful moments of our day, we to confession, and fall asleep that relationship with Him. But look the truth about our sins and the enjoy the Father’s joy his home parish for a Mass of can’t even speak about”. night spiritually alive again. at the Gospels. Who experiences truth about His mercy. Where at the party Thanksgiving. Before going back The seal of confession means that new life, joy, freedom and healing? these two truths meet, we have they know they don’t deserve. to Australia for mine, the four of us what happens in the confessional Confession raises the dead. It’s not the ones who stay away transformation and a cause for friars, Fr Angelus, Fr PT, Fr Mark stays there. In fact, in confession Another one of the friars calls it from Jesus and it’s not the ones celebration. This Lent, let’s give Him our sins Mary and myself, flew from New class at the seminary, we were the divine exchange; I give Jesus who think that they’re righteous. Mercy is beautiful. Accept because He suffered and died to York to California for Fr Mark simply taught to ‘act as though my sins and He gives me new life. It’s the sinners, the wounded and it, receive it and finally, make take them from us. Let’s receive Mary’s Mass of Thanksgiving. It it never happened’. Most priests It seems too good to be true doesn’t the broken who accept Him and sure you look longer and more what is beautiful because He was a great time of celebration out will tell you that they have ‘divine it? But that is how good God is. “As His simple invitation: “Come to attentively at His face than at your suffered and died to give it to us. there in Orange County, a blessed amnesia’ anyway! far as the east is from the west, me” (Mt 11:28). It seems too good sins. Because what really changes Let’s look into the face of Mercy. part of the world. But, apart from the seal of so far does he remove our sins” to be true but it’s true. Faith says us is when we experience His joy Let’s give His mercy more time and After the Mass, we stayed for the confession, why did he say that? (Psalm 103:12). Jesus describes ‘Amen!’ to a gift we don’t deserve, over us coming back, coming attention than we give our sins. week and did a parish mission at How could he describe confession reconciliation as if every time it could never earn, but desperately home. Why? Because sin loses its Life is beautiful because of Mercy. his home parish. On the Tuesday as something beautiful when we happens, there is a party thrown need. attraction when we discover how And it turns sinners into saints. night of the mission it was are dealing with something as ugly in heaven: “There will be more He was crucified in giving it to amazing God is. It’s easier to let ‘Confession Night’ and the four of as sin? Isn’t confession all about rejoicing in heaven over one sinner us. “God shows his love for us in go of the counterfeit, when you us new priests heard confessions sin? No. Sin is not at the heart of who repents than over ninety-nine that while we were yet sinners experience the real thing. for hours. Driving back to the confession. God is. And God is righteous persons who do not Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). I will end with these words, house late that night, there was love. It’s about our lives becoming need to repent” (Lk 15:7). We let Jesus comes from heaven to us reflecting on my own experience total silence the whole way. Now beautiful again because they are heaven celebrate even more simply and, despite all our betrayal, He of His mercy, of confession and this was unusual for the four of touched by God’s mercy. It’s letting by making a good confession. announces: “Peace…Your sins are His joy when I return, no matter us because we’re good friends Him take what is ugly - sin - and forgiven…Receive your sight… how far I’ve strayed… and there’s usually plenty of ‘good give us what is beautiful - His Wounds Arise…I must stay at your house”. craic’. But there was total silence, mercy. Mercy makes the gift of life Do you know what makes you But remember, we have free It’s hard to let Someone give you the whole way. beautiful again. Life is beautiful the best candidate to enter into will. A gift must be accepted what you’d rather not have to need, We finally got to Fr Mark Mary’s because of mercy. That’s why relationship with Jesus? It’s not and received. And where do we and know you don’t deserve. parent’s house, pulled in the hearing confessions are some of your virtue, or your togetherness, go to accept it and receive it? I’d rather be thrown a party for driveway, stopped the car, got out the most beautiful moments in the or your success or your talents. It’s The Sacrament of Confession. accomplishing something great and approached the front door. life of a priest. your wounds and your brokenness. Jesus told St Faustina that it’s than for squandering something Still no word had been spoken. Do you know that, in the history He said it Himself: “It’s not the Him who is waiting for us in the great Then, standing at the front of the of the Catholic Church, we have healthy that need the doctor but confessional: “When you approach and having to turn around. The Divine Mercy image painted on house, one of the friars finally saints who have raised the dead? the sick” (Mk 2:17). And, “I have the confessional know this that I But if I never let Him throw me a a gable wall in Galliagh. broke the silence. He said this: St Vincent Ferrer is reported to not come to call the righteous but myself am waiting there for you. I party In this first of a three-part series reflecting on God’s Mercy as Lent gets underway, Bishop Donal writes about Mercy in the Scriptures, with reflections on the Proclaiming of Mercy in our time and the Ministry of Mercy to follow in the March and April editions, in the lead-up to Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday. There are lots of encounters and parables where Jesus shows loving mercy POPE Francis’ message to comes to meet us in Jesus. The rendered as ‘Repent so that you the Prodigal Son is a powerful inaugurate the Year of Mercy mystery of mercy revealed in may believe Good News’. image of God’s unreasonable in 2016 (Misericordiae Vultus Jesus is thus to be contemplated The Benedictus emphasises love-based mercy for the sinner. MV) began with a clear opening rather than merely understood this. It is through the tender Similarly, He says that we should sentence, “Jesus Christ is the face in an abstract sense. When mercy of our God that His be prepared to forgive others of the Father’s mercy”. Greeks come to Philip, they people will know salvation seventy times seven times (Mt The term ‘mercy’ has deep roots have one request, “We want to through the forgiveness of their 18:33). In the ‘Our Father’, we in the Old Testament where see Jesus” (Jn 12:21). It is not sins (Lk 1:77). Without knowing pray for we will be forgiven as it appears over 250 times. It is surprising that Saint Pope John repentance and forgiveness, we forgive those who trespass particularly strong in the Psalms. Paul II, writing in 2001, insisted there is no encounter with the against us. The Hebrew word ‘hesed’ has that there is no faith in our times God revealed in Jesus. Lent provides an opportunity been translated into English as without contemplating the face Many people saw the face of the to contemplate the Jesus who ‘loving kindness’ or ‘compassion’. of the sorrowful and the risen Father’s mercy in Jesus. We read emptied himself, taking on the In the Benedictus, the prayer of Christ. (Novo Millennio Ineunte, in St Matthew’s Gospel that ‘Jesus, form of a slave (Phil 2:6-11). Zechariah (Luke 1:67-79), the para 16-28). seeing the crowds of people who Becoming merciful challenges original Greek speaks about the All Divine mercy begins with followed him, realized that they His followers to empty ourselves ‘bowels of mercy’ from which mercy towards me. If I have not were tired and exhausted, lost from the urge to condemn or Jesus comes. Mercy comes from known it in my own personal life, and without a guide, and he felt exclude. As the prodigal son the heart of God. Mercy ‘reveals I cannot speak about it, except in deep compassion for them’ (Cf discovered, being forgiven the very mystery of the Most theoretical terms. If I have not Matthew 9:36 MV 8). There are means believing that you are Holy Trinity’ (MV 2). known Divine mercy, then I lots of encounters and parables loved. St John’s Gospel tells us that have not obeyed the first words where Jesus shows that loving And that Lenten self-denial and the reason for sending Jesus lies of Jesus in His public ministry, mercy. It is the sick, not the self-emptying is a key element in in the love of God for the world “Repent and believe the Good healthy that need the doctor. preparing for the Feast of Divine (Jn 3:16). It is in mercy that God News” (Mark 1:15); that can be The figure of the Father and Mercy on April 11. THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 25 Reflecting on the life of St Columba in this year of the 1500th anniversary of his birth, Columba Community founder, Fr Neal Carlin considers... The Ancient Celtic Church and renewal of faith in Ireland with the variety of gifts that you Saints, only 200 years after Adamhnan, Eunan writing will follow Pope Francis’ plan for have in any gathering of believers, Columba died, said: about Columba, tells the story a synodal church, where women with Christ as the cornerstone; “These monks went out with a of how the saint prophesied and meaningful lay leadership The notion of being a Light to strange eagerness to preach the about an old chieftain’s visit. One come to the fore. others when we live as a Christian gospel, most never to return to stormy day a wounded crane was In summary, if we are looking Community, ie. Evangelisation; their native land.” swept up on the beach on Iona. for smouldering embers from the And last, but not least, is I want to focus on Reconciliation The monks took care of it. Then heart of ancient Irish Christianity Reconciliation, repentance and in the life of Columba. He became Columba prophesied: “Tomorrow on which we can ignite and forgiveness – a challenge for a great confessor and a man of an old chieftain in need of mercy, rekindle faith, we need look no everyone. reconciliation. He learned the after much bloodshed, will come further than the Golden Age of These factors are true in the lives hard way if we are to believe here. Be kind to him. He will stay Ireland (5-12 centuries). of faith we are living. They are true O’Donnell’s “Beatha Colmcille”, for a month.” Let us pray with people like in the lives of the Celtic saints, written in the 16th century. The This happened exactly asColumba, Ita, the foster mother like Columba, the Donegal man story goes that Columba made a Columba had stated it would. of the 12 apostles of Ireland, who founded his first monastery copy of Finnian’s Psalter. Finnian Later the penitent would leave the and Columbanus, patron of the in Derry, Doire Cholmcille. Our demanded Columba’s copy and island chastened, and at peace and European Church. first great Irish missionary, who Columba refused to surrender it. forgiven. Let me finish with a prayer from sailed to Iona in 563, founded his Columba, we are told, was a proud We only confess when we see the Celtic Saints’ prayer book monastery and then went on to man. The High King rules on the the wrong we have done. A good which we use at the Celtic Prayer convert the entire North West of problem of the Psalter. He said: example of this is after Pentecost, Garden: Fr Neal Carlin Scotland. “To every cow its calf, to every when Peter preaches with courage Recently I stood outside the book its copy.” and truth about the Risen Christ. “Lord we thank you for our great outsider and welcome them home. replica cell we have dedicated to Columba was stubborn and The Jews, through God’s grace get patron Columba. Increase your Let us live in the Trinity of love. him in the Celtic Prayer Garden still retained his copy. Colmcille, converted and ask: “What will we people’s love of your Word and your Columba’s last words to his brothers and I thought of his prayer, such as he was called in his native Tir do?” Only then can Peter say, Presence in the Holy Eucharist. were: ‘Have unfeigned love for one an example of discernment and Connell, was from the Ui Neill’s “Repent; believe in the name Teach us to be reconcilers like another with peace. If you keep this compassionate ministry: clan, kings of Ulster. A mighty of Jesus for the forgiveness of Columba. Teach us to pray in your course according to the example of battle ensued between the Ulster your sins and you will receive Spirit. Teach us to build Christian the holy men and women of old, “Sometimes in a lonely cell in the and Leinster Ui Neills at Cul the Holy Spirit.” This they did Communities and to be on fire with God, who strengthens the good will presence of my God I stand alone Dreimhne. It was reported that and thousands were added to the your presence. Give us a love for the help you and I dwelling with Him and listen. In the silence of my one thousand soldiers perished. Church that day. will intercede for you”. heart I can hear His will when I Columba was convicted and Among the many other good the courage to proclaim your listen. Despairing people flock to converted as he walked among the characteristics of the monastic Word of justice, love and truth. me. They expect that I can see the dead and he repented of gathering Celtic Church displayed for six THE 1500th anniversary of Bless, in a special way, answers. They ask for my advice, his kinsmen to fight on his behalf. centuries was a love of nature. the birth of Columba gives us Your servant they say that I am wise. I answer He went to Iona as a penance They made no distinction between opportunities to reflect on the that nothing can deceive me if I and promised never to return to the human and the divine. All life of our local saint and, perhaps Father.... stand alone and silently listen. For I Ireland. is sacred, for them there is no more importantly, think about Send your Spirit upon him am but a servant in the presence of He became a great man of peace mundane. God is everywhere and what lessons he has to teach us. So that he may always walk my King, when I listen. Sometimes and reconciliation. He reconciled in all things. What is there of value in the in the path of faith, hope and love, in a lonely cell in the presence of King Aidan of Dalriada, Scotland, This characteristic is powerfully ancient Celtic Church and in the in the footsteps of Christ, my God I stand alone and silently with King Aed of Dalriada, echoed in Pope Francis’ letter, life of Columba that can help the eternal priest, who offered listen”. Ireland, regarding payment of ‘Laudato Si’, which calls us to care reignite a renewal of faith in Himself on the cross for the life of tithes. He also reconciled the for the earth and curtail pollution. Ireland? the world. Amen. What a powerful example of Bards and the local chieftains All creation is such a great gift In answering this question, let us listening prayer and ministry that in Ireland, when the chieftains from God. look at the normal Christian life. Remember in prayer: could be a template for any parish threatened them with extinction. I really believe that the It involves four clear elements. today. It allows God’s will be done. St Columba, having experienced characteristics of Celtic These you will find in the Pastoral Fr John Doherty (Feb 1st) The Celtic Church knew about forgiveness himself, became a Christian Spirituality are like Plan for the Diocese and in the All priests (2nd) silent listening. We need to return compassionate confessor. So an underground river that runs lives of the Celtic Saints. to this today. They knew how to much so that Iona became the throughout the land, just waiting Fr Michael Doherty (3rd) These are: unite a community of humble, penitential centre for sinners to be invited to the surface to Pope’s monthly Fr Patrick Doherty (4th) The centrality of Prayer is gifted people into a people of from these islands. People who quench the thirst of our searching, Mgr Andrew Dolan (5th) the first expression of the faith prayer and service. They certainly have experienced love and thirsty people. intention Fr Brian Donnelly (6th) community (“with the Beloved” were by example more than great forgiveness often become This truth gives me Mgr Joseph Donnelly (7th) as Saint Therese tells us). Real The Holy Father has asked for anything else, great evangelists. channels of such grace to others. encouragement, hope and joy for listening prayer gives discernment Fr Liam Donnelly (8th) The Venerable Bede writing the future of the Irish Church. prayer during February for: and God’s guidance; All priests (9th) about Columba and the Celtic Repentance and true confession This will involve governance that The building of Community Fr John Downey (10th) Violence against women: All priests (11th) We pray for women who are Fr Malachy Gallagher (12th) victims of violence, that they Holy Hour for Vocations may be protected by society Fr Jack Farrell(13th) THE series of monthly ‘Holy Termonbacca. and have their sufferings Fr Paul Fraser (14th) Hours’ organised by the Diocesan The Holy Hours will take place considered and heeded. Fr John Farren (15th) Vocations Team, as part of the on the second Thursday of each Fr Neil Farren (16th) Columban Year of celebrations month, at 8 pm, from churches Fr Paul Farren (17th) in the Diocese, continues on throughout the Diocese, with the Prayer for Priests Fr Christopher Ferguson (18th) Thursday, February 11, at 8 pm. first to be led by Fr Pat O’Hagan, Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless Fr John Forbes (19th) Focusing on the example of PP Moville, from St Pius X Church, our bishops and priests and to men and women who have lived on Thursday, January 14. confirm them in their vocation of Fr Edward Gallagher (20th) their lives by faithfully answering Fr Stephen will focus on the service. Fr Dermot Harkin (21st) God’s call, like St Columba, the search for holiness and how that As they stand before us as Fr John Gilmore (22nd) time of reflection and prayer will holiness was shown in the life of ministers of Your Sacraments, Fr Joseph Gormley (23rd) encourage awareness of Jesus Sr Clare Crockett, the Brandywell- may they be channels of the love Fr Eamon Graham (24th) knocking on the door of our hearts. born Servant Sister, of Home of and compassion of the Good Fr Gerald Hasson (25th) Fr Stephen Quinn OCD will the Mother, who died when an Shepherd, who came not be served Fr Karl Haan (26th) lead this month’s prayer and earthquake struck Ecuador in but to serve. Fr Eugene Hasson (27th) reflection, which will be broadcast 2016, and is known for motto, ‘All Give them the grace they need to All Priests (28th) from the Carmelite Monastery at or Nothing’. respond generously to you, and 26 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021

A Word of God for your Family Life Where are you going? by Fr Johnny Doherty, CSsR PEOPLE generally go where they make sense of it all. challenge of faith is to constantly together. Parents need to be free to prayer as part of it all so that we are looking! But they do not always move back to pinning all our hopes understand their children and are can both grow in our power to look where they are going!! The Look towards the authority of on love: in marriage, in family life, often blocked from this ability. In love and in order to celebrate the beginning of a new year is always Christ and in our life with one another in our faith communities, we need goodness and wonder of love. It a good time to think about where On Sunday, December 31, at our faith community of the parish. Christ’s power to heal us into is only through the power of God we are going in life. One of the best the beginning of the first week of This is becoming more and more generosity so that we can take on that we can love as we should. ways of doing that is to think about February, the Gospel says: “His important as our society changes our responsibility to care for those what we are looking towards for (Christ’s) teaching made a deep with such speed and can leave us in need. Look towards the call of Christ our happiness and fulfilment. impression on them, because without our roots. On February 21 we celebrate Some people look towards unlike the scribes, he taught them Look towards the presence of the First Sunday in Lent, having success in work, or in sport, or with authority.” Look towards the healing power Christ in daily living introduced this season on Ash in popularity for their happiness As Christians, our core belief is of Christ “Whatever you eat, whatever you Wednesday, February 17. In the and fulfilment – yet this fails so that Jesus Christ is the Son of the The second week of February drink, whatever you do at all, do it Gospel on this day, Jesus says: often. Others look towards wealth living God. Everything is built begins on Sunday 7 with an for the glory of God.” These words, “Repent and believe the Good and possessions but there never on that belief. Because of that, we account of several healings, one which are taken from the First News”. This call of Christ sets the seems to be enough. Others, believe that He is the one above of which was the healing of Peter’s Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians agenda for the next six weeks. The a profound difference to our lives again, look towards pleasure and all others who can teach us about mother-in-law from a fever. The and are part of the Second Reading first thing we have to do is repent. and our love relationships. entertainment but often end up in God. And the God that Jesus Gospel simply says that Jesus took of the Mass on Sunday, February This simply means to let go of the loneliness and frustration. reveals to us is a God of infinite her by the hand and helped her 14, give a very good focus for our things and the ways of living that Postscript love and compassion. At times up ‘and the fever left her, and she thoughts and prayers for the third limit our freedom to love God with I have written this short article Our Way we, as the Church, move away began to wait on them’. week of February. our whole heart and strength and without once mentioning The Sunday Liturgy, during the from this God and create a false One of the lovely features of the We often think of faith and our neighbour as ourselves. Covid-19!! It is not that I have been four weeks of February, calls on God of fear and judgement. Our Gospels is the number of healing religion only in terms of prayer. Secondly, Christ tells us to believe ignoring it because it has been in us to look towards Christ and in responsibility, as followers of stories they contain. These are not And, of course, prayer is vitally the Good News. This means to live the back of my mind all the time. Him to find the fulness of life. This Christ, is to keep firmly moving just accounts about past events but important! But the extraordinary the good news – to practice being It is the context in which we are refocusing of our eyes is a constant back to the God of Jesus. a revelation of what the present thing about Jesus and His teaching happy, to bring joy and peace and practicing our faith and living our need in the lives of Christians. If In accepting Jesus as the Son of possibilities are. Nothing is too big is that true religion is to be found healing to those we live with and love today. We need to focus on you go into a dark place, it takes a God, we also believe that He is the or too small for Christ’s attention. in the ordinary things of life and those we meet. our faith and our love rather than long time before you begin to see one above all others who can teach He raised Lazarus from the dead true faith is to be lived in daily This has huge implicationson the virus, and do everything anything. Your eyes play tricks on us about the meaning of human and He healed this woman from living. This is especially true of the for married couples in their possible to preserve our faith and you. life. He teaches us very clearly that a fever. day-to-day loving of marriage and relationship; for families in build up our love especially in Even after a time, when things the only way to live human life is We all need His healing power family life. their life together; and for every family life and in marriage. become visible, you can find it the way of love – ‘to love God with in so far as we set limits to our Each married couple live out community of faith. Lent is not May God keep each one of us difficult to move around freely. your whole heart and to love your love for one another. Husbands their spirituality in the ways they just about giving up things but safe through this time. And may Then you find the light switch, and neighbour as yourself’. and wives often need to stretch tenderly love one another. In rather about changing in ways Mary show herself as Mother of everything becomes clear. Faith in We make human life about their love into being able to family life, the quality of love is that will bring life to one another. Perpetual Help to all of us in our Christ is the light switch that can so many other things and the forgive if they are to go forward what makes people holy. We need Six weeks’ practice should make homes and families, and in our parish communities. Enjoying retirement in Moville after almost 40 years as a Columban missionary in Chile, Fr John McLaughlin reflects on… The Quality of Mercy …A unique present on a Christmas Day IT was Christmas in the hills el Señor’ (I can trust in the Lord… women, week about, and well of Valparaiso. I had just finished even when the sun darkens). All prepared celebrations for those Columban Group Retiro 2015 Masses in the two chapels of Las celebrated with attention and took removed for a time from church encouraged by older couples. That in whose Departamento I had Italian Church where they have an Palmas and was packing up to up the songs. belief and practices, then the Retreat would be later celebrated lodged in that period of loss. immigrant centre. It was the Feast drive to Santiago to celebrate with The Blessing over, I approached confessions and the Eucharist, at a supper in one of the parish There were other moments too, of the Peruvians, The Lord of the friends and, later on, with my the widow to express my pesame followed by return to Santiago rooms the following week, where the Nona (grandmother) Miracles, and they were present Columban sisters and brothers. – condolences - only to hear her after the long weekend of being when participants stood and, had the calming influence - a series there in numbers, all resplendent Then appeared Sashka and her say something louder, “Father, received by families in the chapel individually, gave joyful witness to of sexual abuse and harassment in dress and outfits and flags. mother, calling at the window of can you put some sense in those and their simple testimonies and a new way of life for them. issues that had the family The Final Hymn would be the apartment. Would I do them sons of mine!” There was a sudden hymns. Relations had been healed, It was all part of the wonder at deeply divided, suspicions and familiar to anyone with some a big favor, they asked…“We want hush in the room. Two young men addictions could be faced, hurts the Incarnation that this morning murmurings - she brought calm kind of roots in Latin American you to come up the road with us stood before their mother and and failures were being pardoned. enveloped my emotions as I drove to four families and she mourned culture. Maybe it was in the mind to say a prayer for our friend being were having a tearful embrace. There were shared joys, smiles and into Los Cerrillos, in the city. the deaths of her own resourceful of Pope Francis when he gave buried today”. Dealers, like them, “You know they have not spoken applause as the leaders introduced Anita, my friend, was waiting for mother, Sra Carmen, and later, of that first great exhortation on The on the streets. How could I refuse? for 14 years of hostility,” somebody the participants to the waiting me to join the family of the Hein- Pepe, now back at her side. Mercy of God, which has been the So, onto the jeep and down explained to me. The occasion family and members of the chapel. Gonzales clans and exchange I blurted out to her, my great theme of his pontificate: “Solo le the hill towards Recreo, in the just got to everyone and I found I had rather similar memories presents. But first I had to tell friend, “Anita, I will never ever pido a Dios…que la Guerra (el next parish. I found myself myself emotionally sharing in the of Valparaiso and the Nazarene her of the event of the morning. have a greater Christmas present engaño, el dolor, el injusto) no me being led into an unpaved house wonder, the joy and the gratitude Movement of families. A long Anita knew it all; after a period than what I received this morning, sea indiferente”; sung by all the where people were gathered for as I withdrew with Sashka and her weekend encounter this time, of separation from Pepe and nor do I ever want one”. She knew great trovadores of the Continent, a Responso. After introducing mother. with couples of all ages together, marriage, infidelity hurt. “When the territory better than I. Pablo Milanés, Mercedes Soza, myself, I started off with the easiest On that drive to Santiago, I could sometimes of two generations. you love, then you can and must Back last autumn, on an Silvio Rodriguez etc…“I only ask hymn, ‘Juntos como hermanos’, not put on the radio to listen to the This was testimonial too, and forgive everything”, she said many extended visit to Chile, my second God…that war…and injustice and and immediately the group took Christmas messages. Something emotional, some even coming into times to me, her close friend, and homeland, I went to Mass in the sorrow are not indifferent to me”. it up. That was a good sign of the marvellous had happened and I confession as a married couple, faith in those partaking and I was an instrument of God in it testifying to their hopes for a became more motivated. Prayer, all. There was a sense of wonder new life together. Some seemed readings, Psalm and Gospel and about reconciliation, so apt for the to have had a long and embattled a short homily, before Prayers Nativity mystery. For the hour and life in their poverty, and one pair of the Faithful, and the long a half drive, memories flooded in I remember celebrating 25 years commendation and blessing of the of Conversion Retreats on the of a marriage that started at 16 ataud, singing and reciting ‘The scheme of the great Santiago years of age - I got emotional Lord is my Shepherd’ and, finally, priest, Pepe Valdès, down the over that Absolution /Blessing! the well known ‘Puedo confiar en coast in Cartagena with men and Couples were sponsored and THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 27 Sullivan Ballou’s Letter: A Reflection on Marriageby Fr Stephen Quinn OCD desire to do something quite different with what he had originally meant the many pains that I have caused brokenness is not always going in the act of creation; they are you,” - those words remind us that to be a factor. But for marriage to this month’s article. I want to share with you no longer merely two but one. the words, “I promise to be true to be marriage we have to be able to an old letter. The letter bears the date July 14, Sullivan and Sarah could say in you in good times and in bad, in share that thing about ourselves 1861I and it holds a sender’s address as Camp Clark, a more serious way than even sickness and in health, and I will that we are most embarrassed Washington DC. The date places the letter at the very Adam and Eve that “here at last is love and honour you all the days of about, with the one we love; to bone of my bone and flesh of my my life”, that are uttered on the day take out and share that deepest opening salvos of the American Civil War and the flesh.” of marriage are not static, those part of ourselves that we seem address situates our attention on one of the many Blind words do not fall like weights from helpless to do anything about. military camps that were dotted around America’s There is a chance that Sullivan the persons lips before the priest Daring to put that weakness and Sarah had been unaware of but are rather alive and active. As into the hands of the one we love; capital as it lurched into war. The penman writes: how far they had come over the the pair walk down the aisle so the by some “strange coincidence” years together. We, human beings, words accompany them, as they finds the very hands that were “My very dear Sarah: Sarah, do not mourn me dead; can be so blind to the miracles go through the church door so do meant all the time to help us carry The indications are very strong think I am gone and wait for thee, that grow up around the small the words, and as they get into the the weight of ourselves. In sharing that we shall move in a few days for we shall meet again. things of life. The oncoming of car, the words proceed with them that weakness, the other person is Major Sullivan Ballou. - perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should Lovingly, Sullivan.” war maybe had a sobering effect, to wherever they are going. Those prepared for the moment when horded away in their own hearts not be able to write you again, I feel and each of them had started to words and that commitment they will need to step in, when and give them to the other. When impelled to write lines that may fall The penman of this beautiful comprehend in twenty-twenty will be there in every little thing they will have to brace themselves, a person becomes capable of such under your eye when I shall be no letter was Major Sullivan Ballou of detail their reality. that presents itself and in every when they will pick up the person generosity then they are able to more. the Rhode Island Volunteers, and In the face of such a harrowing moment that they share together. like a beam across their back and receive happiness. I have no misgivings about, or he died of his injuries five days experience, life seems to boil Those words hold and mesh carry it out of love. This shared lack of confidence in, the cause later at the First Battle of Bull Run, With such thoughts, Sullivan down to its most fundamental them together long after they truth of weakness creates space for in which I am engaged, and my the very first major engagement consoled himself as he prepared elements: life and love. The vows can no longer actually remember mercy and for forgiveness. courage does not halt or falter. of the Civil War. There are just so to go into battle. He had managed of marriage and the concrete uttering those words. The words One spouse can say to the I know how strongly American many qualities to this letter. I do as best he could to make Sarah’s living out of those vows had do not grow smaller with age, in other, just as Sullivan and Sarah Civilization now leans upon the not want to draw your attention life happy. He was only sorry meant more than having a joint fact the exact opposite happens, do in the letter, “I have failed you triumph of the Government, merely to the style of the author, that the road to Bull Run now so bank account, sharing a house or they grow and expand as the in so many ways and I have hurt and how great a debt we owe to I do not want to comment on the threatened that happiness. In so even a bed. Sullivan and Sarah had horizons of the pair’s own life you maybe more than anyone else those who went before us through aesthetical quality of the author’s many ways, the World around entered into a holy compact. As grows and changes: growing up in this world,” and after saying all the blood and suffering of the language, nor do I desire to let us is deaf, dumb, and blind to they had taken each other’s hand with them. The words are not to that, it still does not spell the end Revolution. And I am willing - the manifest emotion that flows the parts of human life that truly and shared their promises, God be left floating in mid-air but must of the couple’s story, they have perfectly willing - to lay down all from every word of the author’s matter. It does not seem to see the Son had poured out on them be applied in the harsh realities of room for so much more! Room my joys in this life, to help maintain penmanship hold you wrapped. anything unless it glares and does the affection and grace of His own life. In some ways, the words only in terms of the size and shape of this Government, and to pay that I want everyone who not hear it until it blares. The Sacred Heart. A Divine Love that take on reality when troubles God’s omnipotent forgiveness. debt. encounters and engages with problem is that the true qualities seeks nothing for itself but to only come. When life is going well, we The couple have to remember Sarah, my love for you is this letter to hear again an age- of marriage will never be found pour itself out to the last drop for tend just to be rolling along with that always in marriage there is deathless, it seems to bind me old wisdom that few in modern in anything that glares or blares. love of the Church and humanity. events. The momentum of things never just two, there is always a to you with mighty cables that times care to comprehend. If you The true qualities of marriage A Love that sacrifices unto death just seems to carry us along in Third Person and that Person can nothing, but Omnipotence could do not believe me, turn on your are found in the small, almost for the object of one’s love; to their tide. It is only when we hit a forgive all the sins of the World. break; and yet my love of Country television, watch one of these insignificant details of the living of give, to give, and to give again not block in the road, or that a spanner He can step into the deepest comes over me like a strong wind bright magazine type television a real daily life and trying to invest counting the cost so as to raise is thrown in our workings, that failure that one spouse can inflict and bears me irresistibly on with all programs, and hear the story that those details with Him who came the object of one’s love high above we are forced to stop and do on another and bring His peace. these chains to the battlefield. they have to tell about marriage. In not to be served but to serve. oneself. something ourselves. We have As the letter draws to its painful The memories of the blissful their characterisations, marriage Sullivan Ballou and Sarah This was given to two people at to choose to do the loving thing. conclusion; Sullivan tells his moments I have spent with you does not rise above rancour, Ballou were by no one’s measure the very foot of the altar, not the Trouble becomes the time when beloved Sarah that at this moment come creeping over me, and I feel suffocation, infidelity, and despair. extraordinary people; they were counterfeit notion that invades the vows take on rubber tires and of writing, his mind is filled with most gratified to God and to you The divorce word is used almost exactly the same as so many our brains from poor romantic hit the road. all the “blissful moments” of their that I have enjoyed them so long. interchangeably with marriage as others, they probably failed as novels and cheap movies. This Only in the moment when you marriage, those moments that had And hard it is for me to give them if one is inevitable because of the many times as they succeeded. love is more than merely some have to spiritually and morally given him greatest happiness. He up and burn to ashes the hopes of other. It is to a people polluted The only thing different about starry-eyed emotionalism; it is pick up your loved one and carry does not actually mention what future years, when God willing, with the suggestions of these self- them was that they found some rather the difficult task of raising their weakness on your own back, those memories are; but I am we might still have lived and loved help gurus and to this commonly means to give full expression oneself up by raising up another. only then can you truly say that prepared to bet that the memories together and seen our sons grow up held opinion of marriage that this to what had passed between Seeing that person as somehow you have endeavoured to love are not about houses, money, to honourable manhood around us. letter primarily addresses itself. them, the Sacrament that they more than oneself, holding that them. Exactly as the Lord did on holidays, and lifestyle. Rather I have, I know, but few and small Even though Sullivan and Sarah had shared, and that they were person up above oneself, and the Via Dolorosa to the cross, Sullivan’s mind turned to what claims upon Divine Providence, are gone over a hundred and fifty living a deathless love that could seeing into the truth of that carrying everyone else’s great was the small and simple in life; of but something whispers to me - years, in this letter they breathe even transform this moment of person and recognising them weight all the way to Calvary. sitting with her, talking with her, perhaps it is the wafted prayer of life again, their life together starts goodbye. The beauty that they are as something holy. This type of All around us, a strange belief of laughing with her, and of loving my little Edgar - that I shall return to speak, and what is it that they able to express in their letter is not loving is made only possible by has arisen that love makes all with her. Funny thing about his to my loved ones unharmed. If I do have to say? Why, it is nothing reserved singularly to them. They the Sacred Heart of Jesus and that of life easy and simple and that happiness, it came in seeing that not, my dear Sarah, never forget less than to renew after all these lived a life not unlike that lived is only measured out by means of when things get complicated and she was tranquil, that she was how much I love you, and when years their vows to each other. Just by my grandparents, parents, and the sacrament of marriage. start to go wrong, then there is a satisfied, that she was thrilled with my last breath escapes me on the as if that was the only thing that other married couples that I have On first impressions, this corresponding problem with the something, and that she was really battlefield, it will whisper your mattered to them. Really hear the known. type of loving seems beyond the marriage. Sullivan and Sarah tell happy, in that paradox, we find name. words that they share as they take In so many articles and paygrade of ordinary mortals; us that the exact opposite is true. the greatest difference between Forgive my many faults, and leave of each other! The words sermons, I have sung the praises how could anyone live up to that When things go wrong as they the wisdom of the World and the the many pains I have caused you. are almost quivering with the of religious and monastic life, but standard? If we were to attempt to inevitably do, there is actually wisdom of the Gospel. How thoughtless and foolish I have vibrancy that is held within them, I have to recognise that there is a do this type of loving on our own, something going right, there is The wisdom of the World often been! How gladly would I jumping off the page and hitting whole other way to holiness and of course, it would be beyond something working itself out, exalts taking and the Wisdom of wash out with my tears every little our ears with their power. that Christ came to the wedding any of us, but we do not have to there is something emerging into the Gospel cherishes giving. St spot upon your happiness… Sullivan says to his wife, “my feast of Cana long before He do it our own. The Gospel gives life. Francis so rightly put his finger But, O Sarah! If the dead can love for you is deathless!” What called His own disciples. At us strength, the Gospel lets us Weakness on the difference in his prayer, “it come back to this earth and flit an outstanding way to express Cana, Christ blessed married in on a secret: apart from Christ Married couples need to own is in giving that we receive, it is in unseen around those they loved, oneself! Where did he find such love at the wedding feast and His we cannot do anything, He loves their own weakness. Weakness is pardoning that we are pardoned, I shall always be near you; in the words for such a moment? blessing made marriage capable enough for all of us and, what is something that, from an early age, and it is in dying that we are born brightest day and in the darkest Surely, it is manifest that we of carrying the “best wine” of His more, He invites people to adopt we learn to bury, to disguise, and to eternal life.” night - amidst your happiest scenes hear in them an echo of the divine love. His loving as their own. What else to go on pretending is not there Happiness for the Christian and gloomiest hours - always, Gospel. Christ, himself, saying So, through the letter of Sullivan do you consider the sacrament at all. We learn a type of thinking comes as a person grows in their always; and if there be a soft breeze such words to the Church and and Sarah, Christ speaks again to as? Sullivan and Sarah were that if people see us for who we character, nature, and stature. upon your cheek, it shall be my each and every member of His this generation, a generation that ordinary people enfolded in an really are then they will not be able They grow by means of the good breath; or the cool air fans your body. Jesus, Himself, is speaking seems so keen to embrace all extraordinary mystery. to love us. We imagine that we that they do. They grow by living throbbing temple, it shall be my through these two ordinary kinds of alternatives, and He says Other words jump off Sullivan’s can do marriage in the same way, in virtue. They grow by taking out spirit passing by. individuals - they have become through the sacrament, “Come page, “forgive my many faults and pretending that weakness and the personal treasures that they and follow me” to a deathless love. 28 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021

Memories of Dungiven by Vera McFadden other side of a protective barrier. This part of the former church was beautifully ornamental. There was a walled area with a door, but the keeper was not there so it was not open. When I expressed my wonder at this place, a Dungiven man said, “Cooey-na-Gall and his seven sons”. Cooey O’Cahan’s daughter had married a Spanish chief, Angus McDonnell. He had asked for men to run the O’Cahan territory to become husbands to the daughters of Spanish chiefs. Was this why Cooey had been called Cooey-na-Gall (Cooey of indications of its position? of whom gave so much friendship Scotland. Dungiven has several the foreigners)? Had the rath been part of the and care to the people of Derry. links with that country – Agnes When we were coming back up Monastery or was it the stronghold He recalled the church and a who married Angus MacDonnell the lane, the archaeologist who of the ancient chiefs, for Dungiven great pillar stone which stood on and Finvola, daughter of Dermot was leading the outing told me that was the main fort for the rulers the other side of the graveyard O’Cahan, who married another there had been a rath in the field to of Glengiven. Had the monastery hedge. I wondered if it had been a Angus MacDonnell from Islay. the right, which was just beside the site been used for the building of Bronze Age chief’s burial site or a The tragic story of her early death main road, but that it had been too the present day Church of Ireland distance marker along an ancient is told in the ancient Ballad, ‘The difficult to locate. across the road? road. This area has since been gem of the Roe’. Her remains were I went back to admire the All of these places are near the investigated by archaeologists, brought back to be buried at the priory site a few times later. The present-day church which I loved but no very ancient material was Augustinian Priory. Hopefully first time there were some cattle to visit. It was a peaceful place, at discovered. the monastic site may yet be on the narrow road, so I turned which we took time to rest from Now there is another big change discovered. I still wonder about back, thinking I had come to our journey. Everybody’s life has in the area. Part of a new motorway the round tower and if there were the wrong place. Then I was told its times of difficulty and pain, has been brought through there, even two? that, as the lane passed through of decisions and changes and and I have been told that there is When we came to bus pass age, farmland, there could be cattle adapting. I was at one of those no entrance to the little approach my friend and I sometimes visited about. One day, as I was driving stages of change and had made a lane. The church is on one side Dungiven for a few hours. I always down, I noticed an upright stone decision, but was finding that it of this new road and the Priory found what I needed there and the near the top of a sloping field, and caused me a lot of stress. On my is on the other. Of course, during short journey from one place to I wondered if it was a Bronze Age way to Derry, after visiting my the layout of the road the territory another was restful. burial site or a termon marker to daughter in Belfast, I stopped at St it was passing through would If you are ever passing through show the end of monastic land. Patrick’s Church in Dungiven and have been examined, but I do not the short Main Street of Dungiven When I visited the site several went in to pray for a while. As I know if any early material was - or bypassing it on the new years ago, with two friends, there left, I stopped in the porch to look discovered. I expect that another motorway - you can remember DUNGIVEN is one of my told that it was a Plantation Castle. had been some exploratory at the book stall. There was usually route to the Priory will be laid out. that it was the home of great favourite places. Though I was It was near the site of the O’Cahan excavation and there were little something interesting on it. I And I still wonder about the site chiefs and an important centre only there for an occasional visit stronghold which overlooked the informative notices about the picked a book and then another of the Monastery where Neachtain of Christianity. There is a well or passing through, it has given me river Roe. The last O’Cahan chief layout of the former Priory. We smaller one. Neir and his monks prayed and documented past and much more many pleasant memories. It was was Donal Ballagh, who died as a were now able to see the tomb area. When I arrived home, I decided fasted, led ascetic lives, helped still hidden, still to be discovered. It the place where my children and prisoner in the Tower of London I wonder if it had been covered to to have a quick look at them and I the needy and worked hard in is a little town with a vast heritage. I always stopped for refreshments in 1618. protect it from acid rain. picked up the little one, intending the fields. Neachtain was born in on our journey to Derry or back When we came back to live While there was Christianity in to have a short read. It had been to Belfast. Sometimes we looked in Derry, my children and I the area in the fifth century, the written by Julian of Norwich around the shops. went on outings with the North first known historical Christian long ago. It held my attention They were not large shops, West Historical Society. One of foundation was St Neachtain Neir’s for it was the answer to all the but they were interesting. There these was to a site near the town Monastery in the seventh century. traumatic experience that I was was the newsagent who also sold of Dungiven. On the narrow The exact site of this holy place has going through. It was about the books and, occasionally, some of approach road there was a ‘wart yet to be established. My curiosity sacrament of the present moment; my books. well’, that is an old bullaun stone about its location was increased the importance of the now. It was There was the draper’s where I which was originally used for when I read about a round tower fascinating and it gave me a proper was able to get a lovely, reasonably grinding corn. It usually has one at Dungiven. sense of perspective. priced suit and comfortable shoes or two hollows which held the Monastery A few weeks later, I met a friend for my niece’s wedding. Then corn. Sometimes an old monastic One of my books tells that it who had been struggling through I discovered Hasson’s with its stone was placed beside a holy was part of the seventh century a similar experience. When I asked lovely tweed and the wonderful well and, at times, pieces of rags monastery and another tells that it how it was, I was told that initially Benbradagh magazine. It was were attached to nearby bushes to was part of the 12th century priory. it was extremely painful but then named after the mountain near signify the cure from some sore Both state that it collapsed in 1784. National Divine Mercy after reading a little book by Julian Dungiven. We passed it on our way or illness. One man on the outing I felt that I had to find the position of Norwich about the sacrament to Belfast. I knew that there were was very interested in that well and of the early monastery and so work of the present moment, it was Conference goes online many prehistoric remains on those stone. I learned later that it was out the period in which that tower a lot easier to endure. Imagine! mountains between Dungiven and called St Patrick’s Well. was erected. A friend read that, at THE annual National Divine the Kingdom the Power and the Two people in a similar difficulty Maghera. The magazine contained Our destination was quite one part of the Priory, there had Mercy Conference will run from Glory’ (Matthew 6:13). getting immediate help from a good mixture of stories, poems near the holy well and at the end been a tower which was round at February 19-21 and can be viewed The conference will get the same little book! How many and history and folklore. of the lane. It was the site of an the top and square at the bottom, online free of charge. underway at 6 pm on Friday, more must Julian of Norwich have On our way from Belfast, we Augustinian priory, which had but there was no mention of any Speakers for the event include February 19, finishing at 9 pm, helped over the centuries! stopped at the church if the gate been built for the Order by the collapse in 1784. The research was Fr Columba Jordan CFR, and will run from 10 am until 9 The Dungiven man told me was open and went in for a visit, O’Cathan family, the leading clan beginning to be like a jigsaw puzzle who recently moved from the pm on the Saturday, and from 9 some childhood memories of his and then had a short walk in the at the time. was too many pieces which did not Franciscan Friars of the Renewal am until 5 pm on the Sunday. schooldays and classmates. Some grounds. In later years, God would What we saw was very interesting fit. community in Galliagh, Derry, While viewing if free, donations very gifted people came from use that church to enlighten me in and unusual. There were tombs I am still wondering where to London, Sr Breige McKenna, will be most welcome and can be here. There was Mr Hasson, who a difficult situation. with sculpted recumbent figures. the early foundation was. Had OSC, Fr Hayden Williams, OFM made via the Donate Button on was very erudite and had a great We also passed a castle before All three were dressed in the garb the priory been built on the site Cap, Fr Eunan McDonnell SDB, the Front Page. love and knowledge of history and we came into the town. I always of Gallowglass warriors. One of of Neachtain’s Monastery? Was and Fr Brendan Walsh SCA, and The Conference can folklore. There was the famous meant to go and have a look at it, them was identified as Cooey-na- it near the site? Were the little Fr Eamonn McCarthy. be accessed at WWW. iconographer, Sister Aloysius and but I never got the chance. I was Gall. We could see all of this on the standing stone and the holy well This year’s theme is ‘For thine is DivineMercyConference.com her sister, Perpetua McVeigh, both THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 29

The rise and growth of food banks by Denis McGowan SINCE early in 2010 there numbers of people living in the was growing public concern UK faced going hungry as a result throughout society about of a sudden crisis. Many were just the effects of the United one pay check away from poverty, Kingdom government austerity living precariously from ‘hand to programmes and the worsening mouth’. Any sudden upset such effects it was having on families, as an illness, loss of job and very particularly those living on low quickly they and their dependants incomes and social benefits. were plunged into poverty. Austerity programmes were sold In 2010, Paddy started the to the general public as a very Salisbury Foodbank in his garden necessary response to the 2008 shed and garage, providing financial crash. The consequences three days’ of emergency food of that crash had far reaching to local people in crisis. By 2011, effects on society and even yet, there were 65 food banks in the society still struggles to recover Trussell network, and in 2019 from it. there were 1200+. Now, there It was obvious, during that time, are more than 2000 food banks from media reports and concerns throughout the entire UK. There raised by various people in the are more foodbanks than there voluntary services working on are McDonald’s! A real and very the front line, that they were visible indication of the total dealing with a rising tide of failure and effect of government struggling families and people austerity and income benefits who were trying to cope with programmes were having on Denis McGowan unemployment and experiencing the lives of people vulnerable to extreme difficulty living on low hunger and poverty. live in poverty in the UK. Levels April. More people than ever are being with the consequences of the benefits and low income jobs. The very simple reason people of deprivation throughout the This is unprecedented and is forced to use food banks due to austerity programmes. It is for The consequences of the financial go hungry is that they do not UK, once considered shameful due, in no small measure, to the effects of UK government’s governments to deal with the crash had a major impact and have, for whatever reason, and a failure of government social, the social consequences of the austerity programme, that has underlying causes. Politicians of were far reaching. enough money to buy food. For welfare and work policies, are now Covid-19 pandemic and austerity, seen, since 2010, when food all shades must come together and The consequences of austerity some people that is a life-long treated as normal. particularly the Universal Credit banks first appeared, and 2019, start working towards ending the was felt particularly severely in chronic condition. Underlying Many people also believe that system. They have combined more than £30 billion in spending reliance on food banks. many previously deprived areas, root cause circumstances prevail poverty and hunger will never be to create an almost ‘perfect reductions being made to welfare This is the stark reality of such as here in the wider North that prevent them from escaping eradicated; that it will always be storm’ of extremely challenging payments, housing subsidies and the environment in which the West and other areas of Northern the poverty trap, circumstances with us. It most certainly will if conditions affecting the lives of social services. ‘temporary’ Foyle Foodbank Ireland. Throughout the whole that no food bank can fix. Many those in power continue to ignore ordinary people, many of whom The simple reason people are continues to grow and, like other of the UK, the gap between people never seem to be able to the catastrophic negative effects now suddenly find themselves, forced to come to the Foyle food banks, continues to be the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ was escape from it. They and their and outcomes of the decisions at times, without food and Foodbank is that they have an embarrassing indicator of a widening. In deprived areas it children condemned to constantly they make and the policies they the money to buy it. They are reached a point where they have government’s failure to deal with was, and still is, the time of payday experiencing hunger. introduce on behalf of the people driven by their need to the Foyle no, or not enough, money to a broken economy and lack of loans, loan sharks and zero hours It is hard to believe, but there are they govern. It is against that type Foodbank. buy food. They are in food crisis. jobs. Our hope is that constantly contracts. Many people became many people who do not believe of background the foodbanks The Foyle Foodbank is a Many people who come to food highlighting the problem of trapped by money lenders and that poverty and hunger exist have become an essential part of compassionate charity, grounded banks are deemed destitute. hunger and poverty, and its causes, loan sharks and still struggle to or they believe it is self-made, life for far too many people. in a sense of injustice - it is quite Low paid jobs, unemployment, through the media, our elected get themselves free. that is, people blame individuals Christian simply not right or just that workless families, zero hours representatives, nationally and The voluntary services at that for being in poverty because of Trussell Trust and the Foyle anyone should face poverty and contracts, delays in benefits and locally, will pick up the gauntlet time produced several reports lifestyle choices, many think they Foodbank are founded on the hunger. No child should ever benefit changes, brought about and work for change. expressing alarm about the rising should try harder to find jobs Christian principle expounded grow up living in chronic hunger by the Universal Credit system, We are indebted to the many tide of hunger; of people having and work more. For some there by Jesus: “For I was hungry and but they do, and far, far too many are among the most prominent people who volunteer to work to skip meals; facing the dilemma seems to be no easy exit even with you gave me something to eat, of them live right here on our underlying causes why our people at the food bank and those who of whether to ‘heat or eat’; adults help. Some people cannot see the I was thirsty and you gave me doorstep. People should not wake go hungry and are experiencing work as our referral agencies, cutting down on portion sizes to bigger picture, eg, the multitude something to drink.” (Matthew up each morning wondering how poverty. without them we could not make sure their children would of underlying root causes that 25:35). and where they will get food. However, it should be recognised operate. Finally, we could do have enough to eat. However, it combine and keep people locked As well as providing food for The vision of the Foyle Foodbank that here, in Northern Ireland, nothing without the donation of seemed that no one, particularly into hunger and poverty. the hungry, an important part of is to help bring an end to hunger local politicians have done their food and money from the entire among the powers to be, was really In our City, Derry, almost half the mission of Trussell and the and food poverty in the Foyle area best to offer some protection to the community here in the North listening, certainly not the people the benefit claimants (49%) are Foyle Foodbank is to highlight by providing emergency food most vulnerable by introducing West. The management board who controlled the purse strings. classed as long-term (chronic) and bring to the attention of the supplies and hygiene products mitigation measures, such as food of the Foyle Foodbank thank It was against that background unemployed. For those in work general public, and the powers directly to individuals and access programmes and voucher you on behalf of all those people, that the first foodbanks made in the Derry/Strabane area, the that be, the real facts and accurate families in need, or through other systems, however, they too will who, from time to time, are forced their appearance. gross weekly median wage is £324 numbers about hunger in their organisations working to prevent not go on indefinitely. by circumstances to experience The Trussell Trust was founded per month approximately. The particular area. We make no hunger or relieve poverty. The benefits system is supposed hunger or food poverty and by Carol and Paddy Henderson Northern Ireland average is £393. apologies for placing the problem Our values guide how we carry to protect us all from being swept come to the Foyle Foodbank in 1997, supported by a legacy left Derry has the highest levels of at the feet of the only people who out our mission: providing help into poverty. No one should for assistance. Words are simply by Carol’s mother, Betty Trussell. children getting free school meals can ultimately end the life and without creating dependency; be going hungry, or waking inadequate to express our deep It is a Christian organisation with (43.3%). The NI average is 30.7%. growth of food banks – the people treating people with compassion, up in the morning wondering gratitude to all the many generous its roots in both those families. In 2017, a report from the Western in government. Surely it is the job dignity and respect while where the next meal is coming people who support them through Initially, the Trussell Trust projects Trust showed that one out of every of any government to ensure their maintaining confidentiallyfrom. Food banks can only deal the work of the Foyle Foodbank. focused on improving conditions three of Derry’s children is being people are fed and do not have to and privacy; and maintaining for 60 plus children sleeping raised in poverty. Some front rely on charity? a welcoming environment, a at Central Railway Station in line workers in specific deprived It is a sad fact that the ‘temporary’ listening ear and signposting Bulgaria. In 2000, Paddy received areas of the city estimate that the Foyle Foodbank has grown so service to other agencies that can a call from a mother in Salisbury real figure is two out of three. much since it began in 2106, and is help with the underlying root saying, “My children are going to Some children depend on going still growing. In 2016, we provided causes of poverty. bed hungry tonight – what are to school for their only real meal food for 1,102 adults and children, Whilst the Foyle Foodbank you going to do about it?” It left a that day. in 2020 it was 4,643. As I look at considers itself as temporary, it is deep impression on Paddy and he In 2016, legally binding targets our figures today, it stands at 7,800 a sad fact that it will be here for a began immediately investigating to reduce child poverty were adults and children and we expect long time yet, as there is simply data on poverty and deprivation dropped – the figures immediately to go beyond 10,000 before we no end in sight to the underlying in the UK. The results horrified jumped! It is now estimated that close out our accounting year in causes of hunger and poverty. him. He found that significant more than four million children 30 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 The year we want to forget? Looking back on 2020 Trócaire CEO Caoimhe de Barra reflects on the year. Irish general election resulted in a against corporate exploitation. programme for government with The community of Azacualpa what has been an incredibly challenging year. Yet, there is cause for hope. the strongest commitments ever stood up against a gold mining The fact that we now have seen on Climate Change. corporation that was digging up She looks at how Covid affected some of the COVID vaccines means that we However, there is a danger that bodies from their cemetery to get poorest people on the planet, but also shares can begin to hope that the end is public stimulus funds to recover to the gold underneath. Our local in sight for the pandemic. Vaccine from the economic devastation partner took a case all the way to some hope in the fight against climate change development is usually a long and of the pandemic will support the Supreme Court and won. The and success stories in struggles against injustice complex process that typically polluting sectors and fossil fuel company now have to stop their takes a decade. Yet an incredible industries. ‘Building back better’ activities and let the dead rest in across the world. effort has resulted in a COVID post-COVID should be based on peace. COVID dominated our lives this The pandemic has also been vaccine in less than one year. a just transformation that protects There have been many other past year. Our whole way of life used as a ‘smokescreen’ by many This is an inspiring story of the planet from further harm. successes this year, including has been disrupted, in ways that repressive regimes to clamp down human ingenuity and collective Bailout funds should be used getting Palestinian farmers back we could never have imagined on human rights, as we recently effort. It shows that if we have to transition economies towards on their land, growing crops that possible. Over 1.8 million people exposed in our documentary, enough energy, political will and renewable energy sectors, not are drought resistant in Zimbabwe, have lost their lives to the virus, an ‘Never Waste a Crisis’. shared resources, we could rally propping up the fossil fuel industry. and providing incredible mental enormous human tragedy. Despite calls for a global ceasefire together to tackle other global While the planet got somewhat of health supports to people affected Trocaire CEO, Caoimhe de Barra. Global lockdowns have put the during COVID, conflicts have issues such as hunger and climate a rest this year, the drop in carbon by violence. brakes on the world’s economy continued apace and violence and change. emissions may just be a blip if we As we begin this New Year, from living lives free from poverty, and this has had devastating oppression have forced people As the global economy slowed don’t take considered action to we can start to envision not just injustice, gender inequality and effects for people, especially in the to flee for their lives. This year down, people stopped getting protect our futures. what a better, fairer world should human rights abuses. poorest countries of the world. As we passed a grim new milestone, on planes, working from home Despite the challenges of this look like, but how we can use the The support of parishioners in we begin 2021, over 270 million for the first time there are over started to replace daily commutes year, there were many causes for collective pooling of ingenuity, Derry in 2020 has been nothing people are facing hunger, that’s 80 million people in the world for many, and the planet got a hope and celebration. resources and political will that short of magnificent. You have double the number since last year, who have been forced from their much needed rest. Our carbon In DR Congo, after two years, delivered a vaccine in record time stood in solidarity and provided due to the impact of COVID and homes. footprints are probably looking a devastating outbreak of Ebola to tackle the major problems of essential support to families all drought. On top of all of this, we also a lot more sustainable this year, was finally halted. Trócaire played our times. As Nelson Mandela over the developing world. Women and girls have been faced unexpected catastrophes and globally carbon emissions are its part by reaching a quarter of a said: “It always seems impossible As we begin 2021, a year particularly affected as violence this year, such as the explosion in down 7% for 2020. million people with hand-washing until it’s done”. designated as a special year for the against women has increased Beirut which made 300,000 people Many breathed a sigh of stations, water tanks, latrines, and As always, Trócaire continues to family by Pope Francis, I want to during the pandemic. Calls to homeless in an instant and caused collective relief when US President water pumps to provide safe water support some of the poorest people thank you for being with us on our helplines have reportedly increased untold destruction, and two elect, Joe Biden reconfirmed he to people and prevent spread of the in the world to achieve change journey for justice. by five times in some countries as devastating hurricanes hit Central would bring the USA back into disease. locally, while also campaigning To find out more about Trócaire’s violence increased during COVID America within the space of just the Paris Agreement on Climate In Honduras, there has been to challenge the root causes and work visit www.trocaire.org lockdowns. three weeks, towards the end of Change. Closer to home, the good news in the struggle global rules that prevent people Trócaire’s Lenten Appeal 2021 shares story of displaced families once fearful for the future... Two Sudanese mothers find hope in the love and support shown to them IN December 2013, a civil to drink their own urine just so this love and support onto others. war broke out in South Sudan they wouldn’t die of thirst.” Ajah arrived into Malek after the between rival political factions. She was alone with her five war destroyed her village. She had Almost 400,000 people were killed children. She had no home. No eight children and a husband who during the war. One in every three money. No food. She arrived into was very ill. Awut knew that this people in South Sudan - about the town of Malek scared, hungry was her opportunity to support 3.6 million people - fled their and fearful. But in this very special Ajah just as others had supported homes and remain displaced or place she found what she thought her. living as refugees in neighbouring she had lost forever: love, hope and “She welcomed and settled us countries. the welcoming arms of strangers. next to her,” says Ajah, “On the Awut and Ajah are two women “I arrived in Malek and told them first day, she allowed me to share who present the very human face I was fleeing the war,” she says, “the her plates and utensils. She gave of this vast displacement and their people here welcomed us. They me food to start up and settle in. story is featured as part of this gave us food and some land.” I had nothing. So she tried to help year’s Trócaire’s Lenten Appeal. It was March when Awut and me and my family.” The two women survived the war her family arrived, a time of year Awut and Ajah came from but every day remains a battle: A known as ‘the hungry months’, different backgrounds and battle to earn money; a battle to when the last harvest is exhausted different regions, but have been grow food; a battle to pay for their but the new one yet to bear crops. brought together by the tragedy children’s school. People in Malek had little of their of war. Today, they are best friends Ajah and Awut are two incredibly strong women who have been supporting each other as they face the challenges These two remarkable women own, but what they had they and support each other. posed in conflict-ravaged South Sudan. Photograph by Achuoth Deng were strangers when they lost shared with this widowed mother “I am thankful to her,” says their homes and their husbands to of five. Ajah, “she lifted me when I was support our families. We make I can’t always provide school fees, To find out more about Trócaire’s South Sudan’s brutal war. Today, “People had to feed on wild in need, when my husband was sure our kids stay together and shoes, uniforms and all the other 2021 Lenten Appeal, or to make a they are the closest of friends. Far fruits,” she remembers, “then terribly sick and I had nothing. live in harmony. We have to show school requirements. That is why donation, visit www.trocaire.org away from the villages they once Trócaire came in and started She accommodated me and humility. As displaced people, it is they stay at home without school. or call 0800 912 1200 (NI)/1850 called home, they are working providing help. This help changed provided for me and my family good to join hands and work out It is a struggle but I have hopes for 408 408 (ROI). hard together to rebuild from the our lives. The people gave my until I picked up. We sit together ways to survive together. Most my children.” ashes of war. family land and Trócaire gave us and discuss ways of life. We share a importantly: always stay in peace. Awut and Ajah were once fearful Awut still finds it hard to talk seeds. Now I plant my own crops. lot. When she is down, I lift her up It is my desire for people to live in for the future, but the love and about the time she feared herself I am working hard and providing and vice versa. She is a very dear peace without conflict. Let’s live as support shown to them has given and her five children would for my family. Trócaire also helped friend. We help each other at the one people and one world.” them hope. This Lent, support for die stranded in the dangerous us begin a savings and loan group. times of need.” Trócaire has provided seeds, Trócaire will help Awut, Ajah and bushland, trying to flee the war. Women in the village contribute Awut agrees and says the people tools and shelter to help the people many more like them put the daily “The experience of fleeing was money each month. It really helps of Malek’s determination to help of Malek. It has given people like struggle for survival behind them. horrible,” she says, “we suffered a a lot.” each other has allowed them to Ajah and Awut a chance to rebuild The UK government will match, lot in the bush with hunger and Awut found a new life in this survive. their lives, but so many challenges pound for pound, all public thirst. The children and I trekked welcoming community where “We share everything we have,” remain. “We work hard but it is donations to the Lenten Appeal for long days and nights without people fleeing war and suffering she says, “Ajah and I do everything difficult when the rains fail,” says 2021 in Northern Ireland, up to a food or water. The children’s feet are welcomed and supported. together. We farm together and Ajah, “I am a widow with eight maximum of £2 million. were swollen. I forced the children Soon, she had a chance to pass make sure we have enough to kids. It is difficult. I try hard but THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021 31

was the first of eighteen appearances. was preserved free from every stain Children’s Catechism Club - C3 During these visits the Lady, who of original sin is a doctrine revealed did not immediately identify herself by God and, for this reason, must be by Veronica Harley as the Blessed Virgin Mary, asked for firmly and constantly believed by all HELLO children. Welcome to the month of February. This month throat, while he says the prayer of the a chapel to be built on the grounds, the faithful”. is dedicated to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The saint and imparts God’s blessing. so that Bernadette could pray for the Lourdes has become a place of The priest says: “Through the conversion of sinners. She also asked pilgrimage and healing, but even Holy Family is where Jesus spent the time from his birth until intercession of St Blaise, bishop and Bernadette to drink the spring water more of deep faith. A beautiful He started His public journey telling us about God. The Holy that was revealed to her at the grotto. church has been erected near the Family is our best example of love, hope, faithfulness and joy The news of the apparitions grotto. The shrine of Lourdes is (CCC 533). spread rapidly and caused quite visited by millions of pilgrims each a commotion in the town. As a year. It has become one of the most In Ireland we have special devotion result, Bernadette was detained, prominent places of pilgrimage in to St Brigid’s Cross. Tradition speaks interrogated and harassed by the civil the world. The water of Lourdes of how Brigid went to visit a dying authorities and treated as if she were is readily available to all pilgrims pagan who needed to hear the Gospel. a common criminal. The villagers, and numerous miraculous healings The man was very unsettled so she however, came to Bernadette’s rescue of Lourdes have been medically sat and prayed with him and, as she and demanded that she be released. documented. Many people who visit prayed, Brigid lifted some straw from Through all these difficultiesLourdes return home with renewed the floor and weaved it into a cross. Bernadette was given an interior faith and a readiness to serve God in When the man had become quiet he strength. their lives. asked her what she was doing. Brigid Many of the townspeople believed Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us explained the Gospel to him with the that it was the Blessed Virgin Mary use of her cross made of straw. He who was appearing to Bernadette, and Lent immediately came to believe in Jesus. martyr, may God deliver you from they came down in large numbers to Lent begins every year with Ash Brigid baptised him before he died. every disease of the throat and from the grotto to pray. The spring which Wednesday, this year it falls on every other illness, in the name of the Lady asked Bernadette to drink February 17. The word ‘lent’ means During the month of February we the Father, and of the Son, and of the from at the grotto quickly revealed to lengthen and is also an old English celebrate The Presentation of the Holy Spirit.” itself to give forth blessed water with word for spring. The season of Lent Lord – Candlemas Day (CCC 529). We should also ask St Blaise to miraculous healing properties. lasts 40 days, not including Sundays, The Presentation of the Lord is the protect us against any spiritual On March 25, the Feast of the before Easter. story of Jesus being brought to the illness like cursing, gossip or unkind Annunciation, the Lady appeared During Lent, people give things Temple in Jerusalem by Mary and St remarks which come from our at the grotto again, this time up like eating chocolate, biscuits, or Joseph. It was customary for Jewish tongues. St James in his letter (James identifying herself as the Immaculate maybe try to do something which parents to present their child in the 1:26) reminds us that our tongues Conception... helps others, like helping out at temple forty days after birth. When should only be used to praise God “With her two arms hanging down, home. Some adults fast and pray as St Joseph and Mary brought Jesus and not to curse others. Therefore, she raised her eyes and looked up at part of their penance so that they can to the Temple they met Simeon, a we should pray to St Blaise to protect the sky, and it was then that she told prepare themselves better to celebrate devout Jew who had prayed that he us from all physical and spiritual me, joining her hands together now Easter. would live to see the coming of the ailments which attack our throats. at the height of her breast, that she Lent then is a time when we have Messiah. Simeon, filled with the Holy was the Immaculate Conception. the opportunity, each year, to change Spirit, took the baby Jesus in his arms, Our Lady of Lourdes Those were the last words she ever our thoughts and actions so that we blessed Him and proclaimed that He We celebrate the Feast of Our Lady said to me.” can open our hearts to Jesus at Easter. was truly the Son of God. Today people still make St Brigid’s of Lourdes on February 11. This feast The Marian dogma of the On Ash Wednesday, the priest The Feast of the Presentation is also crosses out of rushes and place them celebrates one of the most famous Immaculate Conception (CCC 490- places the mark of a cross on our known as Candlemas or Candle Mass in their home to ward off evil and apparitions of the Blessed Virgin 493) had been announced by Pope forehead with blessed ashes. The Day. It is given this name because welcome Christ. Mary. It took place in Lourdes, in Pius IX a few years previous, on ashes are made out of the burnt Palm Christ is the light who has come into southern France. On February 11, December 8, 1854. This infallibly branches from Palm Sunday the year the world to chase away the dark and 1858, a young girl named Bernadette defined dogma stated that the Blessed before. The ashes are a symbol of drive out sin. Since the 7th Century, Soubirous was out collecting Virgin Mary, “from the first moment sadness and death, while the cross candles have been blessed before firewood with her sister and a friend of her conception, by a singular reminds us that we belong to Jesus Mass and used in the year ahead near a grotto. Suddenly, Bernadette grace and privilege of almighty God, who died for all humanity on the for celebrations like baptisms and saw a vision of a beautiful lady. This and in view of the merits of Jesus cross. prayers in the home. Christ, Saviour of the human race,

Saints of the Month 12. Who sang ‘This Land is Your Land’ at President Joe Quiz Time with Lawrence Biden’s inauguration? February 1: Saint Brigid of Ireland 13. In GAA, for how many consecutive years have Dublin 1. What is the capital city of Serbia? February 3: Saint Blaise been All-Ireland football champions? 2. In which US state would you find the Little Bighorn February 5: Saint Agatha 14. Up until March 2020, which show was, and still is, battlefield monument? Broadway’s longest running hit musical? February 10: Saint Scholastica St Blaise - Blessing of the 3. What is the name of the annual carnival celebration 15. Which former ‘Happy Days’ actor played the title role that translates to ‘Fat Tuesday’ in English? Throats in the 1976 movie ‘Bugsy Malone’? 4. What band had a UK chart hit in 1980 with the song Feast of St Brigid of The feast of St Blaise is celebrated 16. The River Danube flows through 10 countries before ‘Geno’? on February 3. Blaise was a doctor emptying into which sea? Ireland 5. In football, when was the last year a non-European before he was consecrated as the 17. Name the tenor who performs in the ‘Go Compare’ St Brigid, one of the most loved country won the FIFA World Cup? Bishop of Sebaste, in Armenia. He television adverts? saints in Ireland, was born during 6. Which female film star played the lead role in the 18. Which South African city is overlooked by Table the fifth century. There are many was imprisoned for his faith during movies ‘Life of the Party’, ‘The Boss’, and ‘Tammy’? Mountain? stories about Brigid, especially her the persecutions of Licinius. While 7. What famous UK tourist attraction opened to the 19. Who is the patron saint of animals? generosity to others. One story in prison, he miraculously cured a public on 31 December 1999? 20. How many karats signify pure gold? young boy who was choking to death 8. What Biblical name translates from Hebrew into tells how St Brigid, after giving her 21. In a game of Poker, which ‘suit’ holds the highest on a fishbone lodged in his throat. English as ‘Man of Peace’? mother’s whole butter supply away value? 9. In which US state would you find Princeton to the poor, prayed to God that the From the sixth century, people who 22. The John Deere tractor is traditionally what colour? University? butter would be replaced. And it have been sick with diseases of the 23. In which sport do sisters Jessica and Nelly Korda 10. Which book of the New Testament recounts The throat have prayed to St Blaise, asking compete? miraculously re-appeared! Beatitudes as presented in the Sermon on The for his intercession. 24. What is the main ingredient of guacamole? Brigid founded a monastery under Mount? 25. Which is Ireland’s smallest county in terms of an oak tree in Kildare. The monastery he custom of the blessing of throats 11. In Delia Owens’ bestselling. ‘Where the Crawdads population? quickly grew in numbers. Many men arose from this and it is practiced Sing’, what type of creature is a Crawdad? and women came there to study the every year in our churches. The priest Quiz Answers: 1, Belgrade. 2, Montana. 3, Mardi Gras. 4, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, 5, 2002 (Brazil). 6, Melissa McCarthy. 7, The London Eye. 8, Solomon. 9, New faith and learned the skills of ornate holds two blessed candles over the Jersey. 10, Matthew. 11, A Shellfish. 12, Jennifer Lopez. 13, Six. 14, The Phantom of the Opera. 15, Scott Baio. 16, The Black Sea. 17, Wynne Evans. 18, Cape Town. 19, writing and religious art. head of the faithful, or touches their St Francis of Assisi. 20, Twenty-four. 21, Spades. 22, Green, 23, Golf. 24, Avocado. 25, Leitrim. 32 THE NET | FEBRUARY 2021

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