THE NET | MARCH 2021 1

ISSUE 63. MARCH 2021 PRICE - £1.50 The NET /€2.00 Sharing fruits of faith in Derry Diocese

See inside... “Joseph’s rest revealed God’s will to him. In this moment of rest in the Lord, as we pause from our daily obligations and activities, God is also speaking to us...But like St Joseph, once we have heard God’s voice, we must rise from Sacramental Preparation – McGill Family our slumber; we must get up and act.”

(Pope Francis to families in the Philippines, 2015)

Chastity Book – Derry Teen Writer

Exodus 90 – Derry prayer friends

Prayer Vigil – St Eugene’s St Patrick’s Way – Bernie Doody, Omagh Leaving Lagos – Fr Peter McCawille, Dregish Vocations Prayer – Fr Declan McGeehan, Cappagh in focus in People

Owen Doherty – Derry Maria Doherty – Buncrana Tanya McHugh – Donegal Roisin Doherty – Derry Frs Donal & late Terry Bennett – Omagh

Also featuring: Derry Youth online, Youth 2000, Young writers feature, New online sisterhood, Sr Clare week of prayer, Lenten comments feature from around the Diocese, Irish Page, Children’s Catechism Club, Quiz...and much more... 2 THE NET | MARCH 2021 Contents Pope Francis encourages us all to make use of the

CopiesParish of ‘The Net’ will deliveries be available in parishes again Sacrament of God’s rich and abundant mercy after restrictions, as a result of Covid-19, are lifted. Reflection on the Sacrament of Reconciliation by Bishop Donal by Bishop Donal...... p2 Preparing for Divine Mercy Sunday by Mary McMenamin...... p2

Crazy atmosphere, staying up late and singing together... A reflection on the Pope’s prayer intention for March...‘Sacrament of Reconciliation. - Owen Doherty reflects on his faithand Youth 2000...... p3 Lockdown with Youth 2000...... p3 Lenten focus for Derry Youth online...... p3 Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed

Forever grateful for unique way depth to taste the infinite mercy of God’. God’s Grace brought into our homes by Jennifer McGill...... p4 DURING the lockdowns, January 6, 2001, Pope John distress occurs when people it comes with strings attached!

Great response to virtual sacramental preparation people of faith have missed so Paul II wrote that it was cannot find that peace – and In the ‘Our Father’, we pray by Therese Ferry...... p5 much of our rich sacramental necessary that “Pastors Jesus offers it as a free gift. that God will forgive us our A real sense of strong prayer life. That was felt most acutely should arm themselves We should not underestimate trespasses – as we forgive during virtual Lough Derg pilgrimage in the inability to attend with more confidence,the power of those words, “I those who trespass against by Hollie Frystal...... p5 Victims and survivors of abuse Mass and to receive Holy creativity and perseverance absolve you from all your sins”. us. St Paul wrote that “God, remembered in prayer...... p5 Communion. in presenting (the Sacrament As recourse to the Sacrament who reconciled us to himself But the ‘keep your distance’ of Penance) and leading of Reconciliation has fallen, through Christ has given us Young writers share thoughts on... - Confession message has made it more people to appreciate it.” (Novo the use of counselling the ministry of reconciliation.” - St Patrick difficult for churches to MIllennio Ineunte, para 37). services has soared. People (2 Cor 5:11-21). - Way of the Cross celebrate the Sacrament of This year, we will need a lot have not stopped needing We live in a very - Trocaire Reconciliation. of creativity and perseverance reconciliation. They have confrontational world. There - Lourdes - Catholic Education In many churches, the in order to respond to the simply turned to other sources is a temptation, even in some - Parish JPII youth in action...... p6-9 Confessional facilities are hunger of many Catholics – – and are willing to pay church circles, to criticise and too small. Distance between and the need of many who feel substantial sums of money. burn bridges – and to take ‘Deirfiúr’ – online Catholic sisterhood launched by Derry-Donegal trio...... p10-11 Confessor and penitent burdened by their past! Pope Francis encourages pride in that. both for personal healing and meant that a low voice was The Sacrament ofus all to make use of the God has reconciled the for reconciliation between Exodus 90 feature... no longer effective – and that Reconciliation is focussed Sacrament of God’s rich world to Himself in Jesus. We people, there is a crying need – Empowering men to reach their full potential...... p12-14 has had a limiting effect on on facilitating reconciliation and abundant mercy. The are called to be ambassadors for forgiveness. That is what Vocations Holy Hour from Cappagh...... p14 where the Sacrament could be between me and God, me and forgiveness is free - and the for Christ, bearers of Pope Francis asks us to pray Diocesan Vocations Prayer...... p14 celebrated. myself, and me and others. service is free! reconciliation. for in the final weeks of Lent Over 20 years ago, on So much mental stress and The mercy may be free – but In our current context, 2021. Set the embers ablaze by Fr Joseph Varghese...... p15 Derry teen penning book on chastity...... p15 Week of prayer to celebrate Sr Clare’s anniversary...... p15

Journeying with the Holy Spirit In preparation for Divine Mercy Sunday, Mary McMenamin writes... by Fr John McLaughlin SSC...... p16 ‘Be kind to your mind’ Lenten talks...... p16 Jesus, in His great Mercy, is offering us Heaven in spite of Cuimhní Cóivide 2 Irish Page by Fr Oliver Crilly...... p17

Lenten feature our sinfulness with comments from around the Diocese...... p18-24 and water. she wrote that she heard am giving you three ways of Jesus told St Faustina, “by these words in her soul, “say exercising mercy towards Celebrating the priesthood of Fr Donal Bennett and his late brother, Fr Terry...... p24 means of this image, I shall unceasingly the chaplet that your neighbour. The first - by grant many graces to souls”. I have taught you. Whoever deed, the second - by word, The Leaving of Lagos He wanted the world to know will recite it will receive great the third - by prayer. In these by Fr Peter McCawille...... p25 Online Lenten workshops with Trocaire...... p25 about His inconceivable mercy at the hour of death. three degrees is contained the Prayer for Priests...... p25 mercy. Priests will recommend it to fullness of mercy and it is an Pope’s prayer intention...... p25 In her Diary, St Faustina sinners as their last hope of unquestionable proof of love salvation even if there were for me. The first Sunday after St Teresa of Avila teaches Devotion to St Joseph wrote that she heard Jesus by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD...... p26-27 speak to her. He said, “My a sinner most hardened, if Easter is the feast of Mercy daughter speak to the whole he were to recite this chaplet but there must also be acts of Every generation is a time of hurt world about my mercy. Let only once he would receive mercy”. by Bishop Donal...... p27 Novena to Sleeping St Joseph...... p27 all mankind recognise my grace from my infinite mercy. Jesus, in His great mercy Grandparents’ March Faith Cafe...... p27 unfathomable mercy. It is a I desire that the whole world is offering us heaven in spite Mary McMenamin sign for the end times. After know my infinite mercy. I of our sinfulness. What a The ‘Patrick’ on the hill by Vera McFadden...... p28 I feel it is appropriate at it will come the day of justice, desire to grant unimaginable wonderful gift; the gift of Jesus Christ, in atonement this time to remember the while there is still time let graces to those souls who trust complete forgiveness for all for our sins and those of the St Patrick’s Way – Come and be amazed messages Our Lord gave to them have recourse to the in my mercy”. our sins and of punishment. whole world. by Martina Purdy...... p29 fount of my mercy. Let them In another part of the Diary, Hopefully, we will get the • On the Hail Mary bead say A pilgrim’s perspective St Faustina, which are taken by Berni Doody...... p29 from her diary, ‘Diary - Divine profit from the blood and 881, Jesus tells St Faustina, “At opportunity to receive the this prayer, ‘For the sake of his Mercy in My Soul’. water which gushed forth for the hour of their death, I will sacraments this Divine Mercy sorrowful passion, have mercy Season of Lent – Freedom to love Divine Mercy Sunday is the t h e m”. defend as my own glory every Sunday. We should always on us and on the whole world’. by Fr Johnny Doherty CSsR...... p30 Memories through the Stations of the Cross Sunday after Easter; a feast day He also said, “I desire that soul that will say this chaplet be ready to meet the Lord • Finish the chaplet by saying, by Fr John McLaughlin SSC...... p30 instituted by St Pope John II in the Feast of Mercy be a refuge or when others say it for a because none of us know the ‘Holy God, Holy Mighty One, the year 2000. and shelter for all souls and dying person, the indulgence day or the hour He will call us. Holy Immortal One, have Children’s Catechism Club – C3 especially for sinners…I is the same”. by Veronica Harley...... p31 Jesus revealed the Divine mercy on us and on the whole Quiz Time with Lawrence...... p31 Mercy image to St Faustina in will grant complete pardon Jesus has also asked us to How to say the world’ x3 1931, in Poland, and asked her to the souls that will go to prepare for Divine Mercy Divine Mercy Chaplet: to get the image painted. It is Confession and receive Holy Sunday by doing deeds of • The chaplet can be prayed on The ministry of now very well-known all over Communion on the feast of mercy. In St Faustina’s Diary, rosary beads the world. my mercy”. she wrote that she heard Jesus • Begin with the Sign of the The NET In the image, Jesus is clothed Jesus has asked that we say, “I demand from you deeds Cross was dedicated to Our Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese in a white garment with one prepare for the Feast of Divine of mercy which are to arise out • Our Father, Hail Mary, The Lady, through the hand raised in blessing. His Mercy by saying a Novena of of love for me. You are to show Creed intercession of Contacting us: left hand is touching His Divine Mercy Chaplets from mercy to your neighbours • On the Our Father bead say St Maximilian Kolbe, in a If you have a story that you would like to share or an event you garment in the area of the Good Friday until the Feast always and everywhere. this prayer, ‘Eternal Father, I ceremony celebrated by would like covered by The Net, just drop an email to Day, which has an intention You must not shrink from offer you the body and blood, heart, where two rays come Bishop Donal McKeown [email protected] forth, one red and the other for each day of the novena. this or try to excuse or soul and divinity of your on August 14, 2019. or ring/text 07809292852 pale, representing Jesus’ blood In St Faustina’s Diary, 687, absolve yourself from it. I dearly beloved son, our Lord THE NET | MARCH 2021 3 While appreciating online efforts for the continued celebration of the faith during Covid-19, young Owen Doherty yearns for more of what he experienced live with Youth 2000... I loved the crazy atmosphere, staying up late and singing together 2000. sisters, when I was younger, and it take it because it was so special to Pentecost! was being called to go on mission “I would really welcome another was brilliant. It’s sad that it is not him, but he said that that was their “I remember going out to get a with Net Ministries,” said Owen, local flourishing of that spirituality the big thing that it was back then. ministry, to give people whatever suit for my Confirmation. I hadn’t adding: “I did the interview and to promote friendship with Jesus It would be great to have that again they had and that he thought I worn a whole suit before. The got in, and did a month of training. - and, through him, with one in our city; I would definitely get needed the Rosary more than him. whole occasion was well organised After that, I was put into one of the another. In a very fragmented involved.” “They were my first Rosary but what was happening with mission teams, and the team I was world, we need places for our Commenting on what he beads. From then on, I prayed the Holy Spirit was anything but in was sent to Co Westmeath, to a young people to gather, and to be thought the interest would be the Rosary on them until they organised! It was a very memorable little town called Kilbeggan. nourished by Christ.” amongst his peers for a group like disintegrated with my use of them! day. I ended up using two saints’ “We spent our time there with One young man, who lives Youth 2000, Owen said: “There has I only have the Cross left now.” names because I couldn’t choose another Catholic group, the Ceili within the Cathedral Parish and been a hunger for something like Baptised between my two favourite saints – Community. We worked with who would also welcome the Youth 2000 to bring young people The journey in faith with the St Pio and St Francis. I was the only them and it was great getting to opportunity to attend a local Youth together in that way, but now, after friars led to Owen getting baptised Pio Francis in the whole cathedral! know them. However, with the 2000 group is 19-year-old Owen what we have been through, I think when he was eight years old, along So, that felt very special too”. Covid-19 pandemic, it became Doherty, whose faith was nurtured more young people will be looking with his younger brothers and Recalling another very positive very difficult to mission in schools Owen Doherty as a child in attending Youth for that sense of community sisters. experience in his faith journey, or public places, to spread the YOUTH 2000 is a Catholic youth 2000 events with his mother and through faith-based relationships. “The five of us were baptised Owen spoke about his initial Good News about Jesus, so I organisation that was first set up in siblings, when there was a Youth “We have had so little contact this on the one day by Fr Paddy encounters as a 14-year-old with decided not to go back after response to a call by Pope John Paul 2000 prayer group in the Long past year. Much of our celebration O’Kane, in Holy Family Chapel, Bishop Donal at a series of Lenten Christmas as there was very little II at World Youth Day in 1989, when Tower led by the Franciscan Friars of Mass and Adoration has been Ballymagroarty,” he said, “It was youth faith evenings held in St mission experience. he told the 400,000 young people of the Renewal. online, so it would be good to a very special day. I remember it Mary’s College, in the city. “While my mission year didn’t gathered before him from around Just before the first lockdown have an opportunity to meet up was perfect weather, the sun was “Bishop Donal was so kind,” he work out, I still take with me the the world that it was up to the youth last year, Owen had attended the again, when it is safe to do so. I can shining and there was sweetness said, “and the sessions were very blessings that I received from the to bear witness to the faith and bring Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat in instantly think of 10 people within in the breeze, but I was glad to find good. We all chatted about our time I spent with Net Ministries, “into the Third Millennium the Newbridge, Co Kildare, where the city who would be interested in inside the chapel was nice and cool. faith and got to ask the bishop and I am continuing my faith Gospel of Christ, who is the Way, the he enjoyed meeting many young a group like Youth 2000, and each “I also remember feeling God’s questions, and I admired how, journey. During the past year, Truth and the Life”. people who were happily living of them would probably know presence in a very special way. if he didn’t know the answer, he I have been enjoying getting to Since 1993, Youth 2000 has been their faith, and he has kept in others.” I really did feel that He was referred to the Catechism. He was know people in my parish whom I organising lively faith festivals, contact with them. Owen’s earliest memories of celebrating with me. The friars had very humble. We were able to ask meet while out walking. I have met retreats, prayer groups and other “I was hoping to go to the big encountering the faith community talked to us about our baptism and him the toughest questions about so many lovely people.” events for young people aged 16- summer festival last summer, but in Derry, when he came to live in mum had also done some study on our faith and he was happy to During this time of discernment, 35 throughout Ireland, and has it was cancelled,” he said, adding: the City with his mum and siblings it. I remember her telling us that tackle them head on”. Owen feels that the Holy Spirit is changed lives and deepened the “My family watched the Mass and as an eight year old, are their we were going to be invited into He added: “Eventually, my guiding him back into education faith of many in the last 28 years, listened to the talks online, but encounters with the ‘Grey Friars’. God’s Family and that the Holy faith journey became more of a and he hopes to study IT at the including people from the Diocese it wasn’t the same as being there. “I really took to Bro Patrick and Spirit was really going to be there personal one that I walked with North West Regional College. of Derry. I loved the crazy atmosphere, we became friends,” he recalled, in our baptism. That was very Jesus. I started inviting Jesus into With regards to the impact of Greatly interested in young staying up late and singing adding, “I would ask him questions special to hear. It was great to have everyday situations. Every day at Covid-19 on life, he spoke about the people and promoting initiatives together. about the faith as I was so curious, our grandparents and aunts and school, I asked Him to walk with serious worries some people have, that help them grow in their faith, “I also enjoyed the whole and he always had something uncles there as well to celebrate as me. It gave me loads of confidence with particular fears experienced Bishop Donal is well aware of the camaraderie of going on the bus, to say. As my faith grew, so did a family together”. to know that He was at my side, by some for vulnerable members ministry of Youth 2000, which having a burger and chips with my friendship with Bro Patrick. Owen has special memories too and it felt very special to know that of their families. once had a group within the City, strangers on the way there and I particularly remember, when I of his First Confession and Holy God loved me. “When I see that people are very and he has expressed a hope to see then, after just days, feeling like you was about 10 years old, him giving Communion, and of receiving “So, I am trying to develop the worried, I try to help them by it flourish here once again. have known them for much longer. me his old Rosary. I had seen it the Sacrament of Confirmation: relationship that I have with God mentioning that Jesus tells us to He told ‘The Net’: “One of the That was the only Youth 2000 event hanging from the rope he had “After I was confirmed I felt so now, and I have also started to not be afraid,” said Owen. great riches of the Church is the I was at without my family, but around his robe and I said to him full of energy. I was ready to jump develop a relationship with myself, Looking forward to having range of spiritual traditions that much was taken from it! that I thought it was very cool. He around! I really felt like celebrating and God is involved in that too.” the public celebration of Mass have developed under God’s grace. “I went to the Youth 2000 prayer said it was very special to him, but and shouting from the hilltops that That journey led to Owen and the Sacraments again soon, One of those movements of the group that the friars organised, then he took it off and gave it to the Holy Spirit had descended on joining Net Ministries on finishing he said: “The Sacraments are so Spirit that have borne fruit is Youth with my mum, and brothers and me. I told him that I didn’t want to me like it had on the disciples at his studies at Oakgrove Integrated important and there is something College. He explained that he had about people being together in been considering whether to go on a congregation. It is so special Lenten focus for Derry Youth online by Niamh McLaughlin for further study or get a full-time having that connection between job, when a third option came by people. I am hearing this from a DERRY Youth are continuing Club every Thursday for the If anyone is interested in signing they are working towards gaining word of mouth about spending a lot of people, including my peers.” with the online programme for duration of Lent. There are 20 up, please message @derryouth a Level 1 certificate too, with year with Net Ministries. the Pope John Paul II Award young people signed up, who are on their social media platforms Youthlink NI. “I prayed about it and felt that I during this season of Lent. exploring the document and the or email Lizzie at lizzie.rea@ We, at Derry Youth, are hoping We have our live event on every position of young people in the derrydiocese.org. Anyone who is to hold a series of webinars after Monday evening at 7 pm, where church. doing the PJPII Award will gain the Easter period. For more Lockdown with Youth 2000... the theme for the week and the Derry Youth co-ordinator, hours from participating in this. information and updates on this, task are disclosed, as well as any Lizzie Rea will be having a live The Diocesan Scholarship group keep a close eye on Derry Youth’s YOUTH 2000 are running nights, and includes general other updates. conversation with Bishop Donal are continuing to work hard social media platforms. lockdown sessions on Monday, knowledge, music, and picture We are currently running McKeown on March 9. All are during these times. They hosted Any queries or questions, please Wednesday and Fridays, at 7.30 rounds. Join for the fun, the another Youth Alpha Series this welcome to tune into this. For a Live Pancake Tuesday Cook- do not hesitate to email Lizzie Rea pm via Zoom. craic and banter, and bring your Lent, with 40 young people from more details, keep a close eye Along, which is available to watch at [email protected] or The Monday ‘workshops’favourite cuppa! around the diocese participating on Derry Youth’s social media on the Derry Youth Instagram send @derryyouth a message on are talks and lectures by guest To join any of these events send in conversations about their faith. platforms. page. social media. speakers, with a time for Q&A on an email to Emma at office@ In addition, Hollie Frystal is Derry Youth are also planning a And, as well as continuing to the topics requested. youth2000.ie with the tagline ‘I’d holding the ‘Christus Vivit’ Book Live reflection for Holy Thursday. work alongside Mary’s Meals, Wednesday is the online prayer like to join!’ group night, which is led by You can get the Youth 2000 young people from around weekly Gospel reflection sent Ireland each week and includes to you directly by contacting music, lead prayer and live Emma also. Fr Frank Trias will Adoration of Our Lord. To watch be writing the weekly reflections the livestream connect via www. for the month of March. They can youtube.com/ watch?v=3YwMdkz also be viewed online at https:// W20A&feature=youtu.be youth2000.ie/home/gospel- The Youth 2000 Quiz is on Friday reflections/ 4 THE NET | MARCH 2021 We will be forever grateful for God’s grace being brought into our hearts and homes in a unique way by Jennifer McGill

their families. delivered directly into the very spiritual buzz. Thérèse, who is the Diocesan RE heart of our home! My husband, So, I would like to conclude Advisor for Primary Schools, and my son and I watched intently. that although Covid has incurred the extensive team of inspirational Ironically, the virtual meeting felt many sad, negative and restrictive colleagues and volunteers work to so personal to us...the advantages aspects, it has also provided us bring Jesus to the very hearts of of technology! We gained a deeper with a unique opportunity, in this these children and their families. insight regarding the graces fast-paced, digital era, to stop...yes, Preparation and fruits of the Sacraments just STOP! In regard to Sacramental in our daily lives, as we were After all, how can we nurture Preparation, usually this takes gently reminded of our parental our faith when we are always the form of families being invited responsibilities, and promises that ‘busy’? How can we see, hear and to attend a meeting in the school we made at our child’s Baptism, by fulfil God’s purpose for us? We hall prior to their child making Fr Aidan, Thérèse, Emmett, and have a golden opportunity to take their First Confession, First Mary O’Boyle, who was the co- control of our destiny, reset our Communion and Confirmation. presenter for the talk. thinking, our actions and the faith Initially, I, as a parent and teacher, When the meeting concluded, development of our children. was devastated at the thought a beautiful thing happened... So, with the same intricate web of the children, their families our family faith development of interwoven communities that and my son, missing such an blossomed. We, as a family, were helped my faith journey, amidst invaluable experience. However, graced with what I would say a pandemic, history is repeating being the innovative team they ‘divine spirit’. The questions and itself. It is nurturing a rich, are, this meeting was conducted discussion in our home began. spiritual, practical and life-lasting on a ‘virtual’ basis, delivered into This discussion, induced by the Catholic education deep in the our very own homes, via the issues covered at the meeting, took hearts of these children and their Catechetical Centre Webcam. us to a level of closeness to God families, even during restrictive I couldn’t have imagined that we had not encountered as a times, thanks to the advantages of the impact that this meeting family before. I was so grateful. technology and human creativity. would have, adapting to Covid There it was again...the We have overcome unforeseen restrictions. Of course, we dichotomy of Covid ‘restrictions’. barriers, have taught our children were well prepared by Emmet Our family faith took a new the skills of resilience and touched Thompson through receiving the perspective and it didn’t happen the hearts of many because with Catechetical Centre’s Sacramental in school hall...it happened in the God on our side, all things are booklets and the children’s core of our homes, in front of the possible. worksheets prior to the meeting fire, alive in the heart of the family Sincere thanks to Thérèse, I have the pleasure of being people. to visit our children on a weekly and setting the scene, encouraging hub. and the team at the Catechetical a teacher in Nazareth House I am also blessed with the basis, amidst his ever-increasing us to light our Baptismal candles. Next day at school, the feedback Centre, and the aforementioned, Primary School, Derry, for nearly greatest gift from God, a child busy schedule and makes it his We sat as a family watching the from the Primary 4 and Primary 7 for their guidance, continual 20 years now. I am the youngest of our own. My little boy is eight point to get to know the children computer, tucked in together on children was also so enthusiastic! support and innovations member of a devout Catholic years old and currently in Primary on a named, personal level. The our sofa, with the fire blazing on They, too, talked about sitting during these ever changing and family. As children, our family 4 at Nazareth House. I am now children just love to see him that cold, wintery night and we in the safety and comfort of challenging times. We will be played an active role in our in the privileged position of and really enjoy his teachings, had a very different...but beautiful their homes, together with their forever grateful for bringing God’s Church, St Eugene’s Cathedral, enriching the faith development especially his latest online experience. The message that is families. They chatted about how grace into our hearts and homes, from altar servers to singing in the of our primary children, from this innovation of Chaplaincy videos, conveyed so personally at the they, as a family, were planning in a unique way. choirs throughout the ages. tender, young and influential age. directed at the sacramental classes. usual meeting format, in our to prepare in full engagement of Let’s just hope and pray that we In fact, my recently deceased After teaching ReligiousOur pro-active, dynamic school hall, was conveyed in such the sacraments. They all wanted can enter back into God’s home dad was one of the longest Education to both Primary 7 and Pastoral Co-Ordinator, Emmet a way that it actually managed to to share their thoughts and what to receive wholly the gifts of His standing members of the heavenly Primary 4 pupils, I always looked Thompson is constantly linking in go beyond the barrier of home/ their mammies and daddies were Sacraments, as soon as is safe and adult choir and my mother was ahead with excitement and bated with the children, through various school/ Church divide. It was saying. There was a meaningful, possible. one of the founder members breath to the year that my own projects and helping them to not of the Thursday dance club for child would have the pleasure only participate, but to reciprocate the elderly in the Parish Hall. I of experiencing the sacramental within the wider religious attended Rosemount Primary programmes at our school. In community, taking their faith School and Thornhill College. keeping with the renowned development to the very much These interwoven communities religious teachings of the Sisters needed practical level, outside of nurtured a rich, spiritual, of Nazareth and the gift they have the classroom environment, with practical and life-lasting Catholic passed on to us, the time has now the ongoing support of the DYC Education deep in my heart, come. (Derry Youth Community). which has helped me in both the However, here we are and never One of the many projects is good times and most definitely, did I ever anticipate the possibility that of the ‘Do this in Memory the not-so good! that my son would not receive the of Me’ programme. This involves I am now a teacher in Nazareth ‘same’ spiritual experience that children attending Mass with House Primary School, under we, as a school, have provided their families. However, during the guidance of our principal, for all our past pupils, due to the the Gospel, they are invited to Mr Antoin Moran. When I was ‘restrictions’ of Covid-19. gather in their own space, with the first employed by the Sisters of Yes, it has certainly been an support and guidance of the DYC, Nazareth, Sr Bernardine Hannan, upheaval to many aspects of our to learn the message of Jesus in a ex-principal, I worked alongside daily lives and tapped into our fun, age appropriate and child- Sr Annette, Sr Veronica and our creativity, regarding adapting to friendly way. recent ex-principal, Mr Paul O’ these unforeseen changes. My part Finally, we have the ongoing Hea. Under the influence of these of this teaching is only a miniscule support of the Derry Diocesan inspirational leaders, I can put my part of a much wider network of Catechetical team, who are hand on my heart and say I could teams. Our children are fortunate pivotal in the continuous faith not have asked for any better enough to have several partners development and Religious insight on how to deliver the core working together to nurture their Education of the children today; message of God’s unconditional faith development. from supplying innovative love for all children. I only had Linked with the Long Tower resources and ideas for us to watch, look and listen to this, Church, our school Chaplain, Fr teachers, to being ‘hands-on’ with loving and inspirational array of Aidan Mullan, makes the time the children and reaching out to THE NET | MARCH 2021 5 Great response to virtual sacramental preparation evenings by Therese Ferry

Community, young teachers and experience for the presenters, it Pope John Paul II Award students. has also been a privilege to be The parents also receive a family welcomed, albeit virtually, into preparation booklet and a candle the homes of so many, for what to use throughout the year at is a very sacred time in the life home. of their family. The feedback has This year, amidst the challenges been very positive and we have A real sense of strong prayer of the pandemic, with travel and been delighted to see the children’s contact restricted, the Catechetical activities shared afterwards on during virtual Lough Derg Centre had to rethink how they social media. could continue this aspect of their At a time when we can’t gather to FOR the past 16 years, the ministry. As with so many other pray and prepare for the reception Diocesan Catechetical Centre pilgrimage by Hollie Frystal Church activities, we decided to go of the sacraments in the normal has been engaged in Sacramental online and try virtual sacramental way, it was very important that we “Coinciding with the season of the Temptation in the Desert, we persistent prayer, keeping vigil, Preparation Evenings for families preparation evenings! found a way of keeping families Lent and our Diocesan Columban too can ask God for strength in constant movement in bare feet, throughout the Diocese. Parishes Using the newly installed connected and to reassure them Year, we focus on three common bearing the difficulties that we etc. The idea of vigil came from or schools book the evenings webcam at Cathedral Hall and that they are not on their own elements: Fasting, Prayer and face. Jesus’ request in the Garden of through the Catechetical Centre armed with two new parent in this journey - they have the Penance.” The second element is prayer. Gethsemane: “Can you not keep and, from the end of September booklets, ‘Friends of Jesus’ for support of their schools, their Lough Derg consists of a stark watch with me for one hour?” until completed, Centre staff and First Reconciliation and First parishes and the Diocese. ON February 19, St Eugene’s ascetic style of ‘prayer’, which The deprivation of sleep and a great team of volunteers set off Communion and ‘Disciples If you are interested in booking a Cathedral began a virtual Lough involves the whole person – food are exhausting, although at two or three evenings a week to of Jesus’ for Confirmation, we Sacramental Preparation Evening Derg pilgrimage with the Angelus body, mind, lips, heart - carried the same time, we continue to support parents, parishes and offered parishes and schools a for your parish or school, or would and Morning Prayer at 6 am, out through movement in bare pray through the hardship which schools in this very important ‘Virtual Sacramental Preparation like any further information, followed with Mass at 6:30 am, feet. Keeping vigil and depriving reflects what Jesus said to His stage on the children’s faith Evening’. please contact the Derry Diocesan followed by seven traditional oneself of sleep and rest, whilst Apostles: “The Spirit is willing, journey. Once the talk is booked, packs Catechetical Centre, email: Lough Derg Stations during a 24- fasting, provides the pilgrim with but the flesh is weak.” It is a real A sacramental preparation with the preparation booklets and [email protected], Tel: hour vigil. more time to reflect, rely on and challenge of faith, but a refreshing evening will include a time of children’s activities, with the link +442871264087. At morning Mass, the first communicate with God. and fulfilling experience. prayer, reflection on the gift of the to the webcam, are sent to parishes Further resources to support reading was taken from the For example, this year we Additionally, we must take into sacraments of First Reconciliation, and schools to be distributed to families for handing on the prophet Isaiah on ‘True Fasting’. commemorate the life and legacy consideration the environment in First Eucharist and Confirmation, families prior to the evening. faith are available at www. The people asked: “Why should of St Columba, an ancient figure which we pray. When kneeling, and activities for the children, Whilst it has been a very different catecheticalcentre.org we fast if the Lord never notices? of this monastic era where Lough our knees are on concrete ground, often delivered by the Derry Youth Why should we go without food if Derg has its roots. According and so become stiff and sore. He pays no attention?” to St Columba’s hagiographer As well, because it was a virtual God tells us that fasting Adomnán, “He could not pass the pilgrimage due to Covid, we have requires sacrificing and sharing, space of even a single hour without faced the challenge of being closer not pursuing one’s interests and applying himself either to prayer, to our food and beds in the house. becoming violent. He teaches us or reading, or writing, or else to The practice of bringing the body the correct way to fast. some manual work...He endured under subjection is a very old God answered, “The kind of hardships of fasting and vigils and traditional type of penance fasting I want is this: remove the without intermission by day and exercised in atonement for our chains of oppression and the yoke night; the burden of a single one sins. of injustice and let the oppressed of his labours would seem beyond I have undertaken both the go free. Share your food with the the powers of man” (Adomnán, virtual and, in 2019, the traditional hungry and open your homes to 7th century). three-day pilgrimage on Lough the homeless poor. Give clothes to Lough Derg connects us with Derg. Even though the pilgrimage those who have nothing to wear, the early Irish Church and its is so strictly disciplined, I would Therese Ferry, Diocesan Primary RE advisor, right, and Mary O’Boyle, Diocesan Post-Primary RE advisor, delivering one of the virtual sacramental talks. and do not refuse to help your own prominent figures. It basically say that it is one of my favourite relatives.” gives us an insight into the life Irish places of pilgrimage. The When fasting, we are reminded of St Columba too, over a day or experience is so refreshing and of those who are in need and are weekend pilgrimage. St Columba fulfilling, and the conversations Victims and survivors of abuse without basic living essentials, for demonstrated great faith, you have with people you meet are example, those who are deprived concentration, dedication and so interesting. of food, electricity and heating, determination through prayer. He However, the virtual pilgrimage remembered in prayer shelter, and people who live in showed that he relied on prayer also had its unique features. One poor and dangerous conditions. and believed in the power of of which was the real sense of THE vigil of prayer in St leaders like me, that we realise the God asks of us to let go of the prayer. strong prayer from around the Eugene’s Cathedral marked the harm that has been done to them, harnesses/sins that hold these Lough Derg focuses on the Diocese and in St Eugene’s. It was Day of Prayer initiated by Pope that we are sorry for that, and that people in the captivity of a soul rather than the flesh, which a wonderful and positive sense Francis for victims and survivors we want to make atonement. whirlpool of poverty and distress, prayer helps to nourish. The third of community, which was an of abuse, “And I repeat that to them today. by asking us to help our neighbour element is penance. Pilgrims experience so many people needed People were encouraged to I am sorry for what happened to and to love them as ourselves. on Lough Derg practice a range during this time of pandemic. light a candle of atonement as the you. I am sorry for the terrible Fasting is a traditional penitential of penitential exercises: fasting, Catholic Church across the island failures and crimes that happened exercise that opens our eyes to of Ireland prayed for victims in your Church, and I want to do the hungers of the world. It puts and survivors of abuse, with All- my best to ensure that no one else the important things in life into Ireland Primate, Archbishop suffers in the way that you did.” perspective. Eamon Martin offering an The Day of Prayer was first God added, “Then my favour apology “for the terrible failures marked in dioceses and parishes will shine on you like the morning and crimes” in a video message. across Ireland in 2017, and saw sun, and your wounds will be “No wonder so many people the Irish bishops blessing and quickly healed...When you pray, I who have been abused find it dedicating Candles of Atonement will answer you.” so very difficult to forgive or to for use in cathedrals and Fasting can give us the time trust the Church anymore,” said parishes throughout the country, and opportunity to reflect on our Archbishop Eamon, adding: symbolising repentance, a light in relationship with Christ. Recalling “They need to hear from Church the darkness and hope. 6 THE NET | MARCH 2021 THIS month, Hollie, Peter, Oisin, Gemma, Zara and John, ‘The Net’ youth contributors from the Co Tyrone, Inishowen, Co Derry and Derry City Deaneries, share Confession helps me to put their thoughts about Lent and Confession and how the story of St Patrick still inspires young people today. Zara writes about the important work of Trocaire and the God at the centre of my life need to continue to support the charity, and also reflects on Catholic School education, while Peter reports on an by John Joseph Augustine interview by Pope John Paul II Award participants, from IF there was to be a sacrament sins’. To be fair, this is what most world becomes more and more the parish of Iskaheen & Upper Moville, with one of their more misunderstood than Holy people think when they imagine connected, the privacy that used inspirational parishioners about her faith and how it has Communion, Confession would a confession; a priest and another to be commonplace before is fit the bill. The entire idea of person sitting in a room, with the being replaced by petabytes of helped her as a nurse working on the frontline amidst the confessing your sins to a priest is person recounting a list of sins data about us and many, which Covid-19 pandemic. seen by some as heretical, whilst they had done. are being stored in data centres Hollie shares her experience of Lourdes to mark the Feast others see it as a violation of My friends also referred to throughout the world. human rights. Whatever your confession as ‘judgemental’. The forgiveness that we used of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick, and perspective as a Catholic may be, Looking at Confession, the very to see in people, and the times Gemma uses her artistic talents in reflecting on The Way of for many out there, Confession fact that you have to confess your in which people gave each other the Cross. and its utility make no sense. sins to God, so that you may be another chance to become better, Confession, also known as forgiven, seems very judgemental are gone. However, Confession Penance or Reconciliation, is and unloving. rejects these negative things that briefly explained as the sacrament Before I understood the have become a part of our culture. sacrament. in which you are forgiven of your sacrament of Confession, I God gives each and every one of My friends often ask why I sins, through a priest (who is in thought that it seemed quite us another chance to be His child bother going to Confession so the person of Christ) absolving archaic as well. But Confession again, even if we falter later. often, and oftentimes I’m left with you from your sins. is not anything like that. Pope To quote Pope John Paul II, no answer other than that “I’m a The important thing to note Francis gives a very nice insight “Confession is an act of honesty sinner and Confession helps me is that Christ is the one who into Confession – “In Confession, and courage – an act of entrusting to better myself”. forgives our sins in Confession, Jesus welcomes us with all our ourselves, beyond sin, to the But I can say more than that – but this is where most people sinfulness, to give us a new heart, mercy of a loving and forgiving Confession helps me to go over misinterpret Confession. For capable of loving as He loves”. God”. my imperfections. It helps me to example, I asked my friends what The modern world offers very As someone who prefers to root out the bad and replace it Hollie Frystal, Oisin Mulhern, Peter Grant, they thought confession was, little of the privacy and mercy regularly take part in Confession, with the good. More importantly, Co Tyrone Deanery. Co Derry Deanery. Inishowen Deanery. and the first answer that came that God gives through the the pandemic has certainly it helps me to put God at the out was that ‘priests forgive your sacrament of Confession. As our restricted my access to the centre of my life. Confession for me is like a weight being lifted off my shoulders by Oisin Mulhern

Gemma Gallagher, Derry John Agustine Joseph, Zara Schlindwein, City Deanery Derry City Deanery. Derry City Deanery. THE Sacrament of Confession is continuously ponder our sins after need to tell the priest your sins, one that most people take part in Confession, instead we should God knows them already. at some point and it usually refers leave Confession with the belief However, I feel that it is a mark to a genre of prayer primarily that God has forgiven us and we of respect to God. It is a chance With the Sacrament of focused on expressing sorrow for can move on. for us to be sorry and to admit to their specific sins. There are many If we continually think back on our wrong doing in the way that Confession we can always different versions of the act itself, our sins, after we have confessed, we should. I feel that deciding mostly dependent on where you then there was no point in asking not to go to Confession is more reside. for them to be forgiven. Instead of a convenience; many have no start again with a clean slate When I think upon the act of of this, we should endeavour time for an activity that makes by Peter Grant Confession, I personally see it as to quickly move on with the them question their behaviour an intense moment between a knowledge that God has forgiven or actions. They are not willing person and God, where the person us for our transgressions against to take the time to identify Confession, we should move too. reveals actions that they believe Him. If God forgives us, we should wrongdoing and thus choose not away from the tradition of putting The opportunity you have with will move them farther from be able to forgive ourselves. to believe. ideas of sins in their heads. This the Sacrament of Confession is God. Although we all make these In regards to how important the Nonetheless, I also believe that immediately puts a negative that you can always start off on a mistakes, as that in itself is human sacrament is to me, I think it has over the years Confession was not stance on a very important clean slate. At times, Confession nature, we show a deep devotion a significant level of importance expressed in a positive light within sacrament. Young children should can also give you a sense of peace to God by deciding to identify and due to the fact that it allows me to the Church. It is something people be welcomed and encouraged to and relaxation, after letting go of speak our sins to Him. In addition, directly ask God for forgiveness. became scared of participating in; come to Confession with an open the thought of your wrong actions many consider Confession a There are many sacramentsthey grew anxious and hated the heart and if they have nothing to that keeps reminding you of it. conversation between a person that bring you close to God but experience. tell, that is fine. THE first thing that comes In life, many people find it and a priest, but it would be Confession is much more direct, It can be nerve wracking for Confession should be a spiritual to my mind whenever I think very hard to say sorry to the face more correct to define the priest as we are essentially speaking many. Therefore, I feel it is also and enlightening experience, not about confession is just simply of the person they may have as an intermediary between the directly with God. important that the priests teach one filled with dread. I am lucky being sorry for your wrong hurt physically or mentally, but confessor and God. In recent times, many have the value of Confession in a though that I see the true meaning doing. Whenever I received the Confession gives you a sense of Another area of Confession I fallen away from Confession, they positive light, so that young people of Confession and come away Sacrament of Confession, it gave comfort in sharing the wrong personally feel strongly about choose not to believe in its power. do not feel apprehensive. When from it feeling as if a weight has me the opportunity to talk to God actions to your local priest. For is the belief that we should not They have decided that there is no young children make their First been lifted off my shoulders. and understand Him more, too. me, it was always easy to say sorry Confession isn’t just about having whenever you’re at Confession mind whenever I think about never gave up on his lost sheep, but In a strange but true way, I would Confession may be hard to access that relationship with God but it with your local priest and God, the Sacrament of Confession is a searched the whole day looking describe God in the famous lyrics during this pandemic but we all helps us learn from our mistakes, because I, and many others, know famous parable of Jesus’ teachings, for it. This symbolises what God of a famous song by famous singer must remember that God is always especially whenever you’re a that we are part of God’s house and ‘The Lost Sheep’. I remember at my would do for us; even if we sin Rick Astley, “Never gonna give looking out for us no matter what teenager like me and my peers in we will always be part of it, even primary school that my teacher against him, we are “his sheep of you up, never gonna let you down, and, with light at the tunnel, we’ll today’s world; making choices and when we do something wrong or often read about the lost sheep his flock” and he will always look never gonna turn around and hopefully be back to normal with not knowing the outcome of them make mistakes. and how the shepherd of his flock out for us and many others too. desert you”. Mass and Confession very soon. and how that may affect our future Another thing that comes to THE NET | MARCH 2021 7 Let’s combat poverty Young people can relate to St with compassion by Zara Schlindwein Patrick’s Confessio by Hollie Frystal ‘Ego Patricius peccator rusticissimus et minimus omnium fidelium’ POVERTY is a state or condition were given on how to lead our in which a person or community lives. Jesus told everyone to love (Opening words of St. Patrick’s Confessio) lacks the financial resources for one another, to reach out to the when he was captured and taken We all know how it feels to be a person is ‘young’ they are a minimum standard of living. marginalised and help those in prisoner to Ireland. He believed misunderstood and rejected. estimated to be between 18-29 Poverty has become one of the need. that this was a punishment Some young people across the years of age. It is an age-related most prominent issues in our Some people do not want to see for not following God and His globe are deprived of their right period in every person’s life. global society today, as the world justice, as they fear rocking the commandments. He said, “It to an education, and so they must However, ‘youthfulness’ is an becomes increasingly separated by boat and ruining their perfect set- was there that the Lord opened find themselves in St. Patrick’s attitude of the mind and heart, finances. up. Some parade their endeavours up my awareness of my lack position – a sense of limitation and everyone can possess this One half disposes of almost of good work and seek glory out of faith. Even though it came regarding words and expression, attribute. St Patrick is relatable everything, indulging in expensive of profiting from someone else’s about late”. St Patrick shows us although, actions speak louder to people of all ages, especially luxuries, while the other half misery. Some perform acts of that repentance is never too late, than words. when you venture further into his starves. The imbalance surrounds charity, to relieve their own guilt, and that God is always waiting St James teaches us that Confessio. the earth and, as it grows rather than fulfil their passion with open arms to forgive and “faith and good works must go Regarding Lent, I think evermore, the less the richer half to tackle injustice. That is not a embrace us. together”, therefore, the language of St Patrick’s practice of care to admit to the problem. crime, however, it only silences the In relation to some young of action is just as important as fasting, prayer and penance Charity can stall this problem, symptoms of the problem. people, St Patrick demonstrates words. It is as necessary as words. on Croagh Patrick. He faced a strategy that our community If we want to diminish poverty, the lack of knowledge and St Patrick also speaks of how many challenges throughout his is well aware of. We are all well then we must revaluate the root consideration regarding faith his “youthful ignorance” and ministry as bishop, which serves accustomed to the Trócaire boxes and make some changes. The and Church growing up. His kidnapping impacted on his final as a continuous inspiration for I am struck by the first words of that reside around the country and possibilities are amazing when young teenage life mirrors some years of education: “Now in my people of all ages today. St Patrick’s Confessio: “My name the tradition of filling it does more a mindset is altered. We must young people’s lives today, as old age, I want to do what I was St Patrick had shown courage, is Patrick. I am a sinner, a simple good than we can even imagine. envisage the future as a bright faith nowadays can be easily unable to do in my youth. My sins especially when faced with country person, and the least of Trócaire is the Irish word for and prosperous place, just like overlooked and taken for granted, then prevented me from really Christian persecution from all believers”. ‘compassion’ and they turn the Trócaire do. They crave for a just until someday it reawakens when taking in what I read...I was taken Coroticus and his soldiers, great This opening declaration compassion of the Irish people into and peaceful world where: people’s they find themselves in need of prisoner as a youth, particularly faith and strength obtained highlights St Patrick’s humility. life-changing support for some dignity is ensured and rights are God’s help. young in the matter of being able through prayer and, more He opens with a humble of the world’s poorest countries. respected; basic needs are met and St Patrick highlights and to speak, and before I knew what importantly, he demonstrated recognition of his own failings They work in partnership with resources are shared equitably; apologises for his lack of I should seek and what I should what it is to be human. He wasn’t and shows determination to communities all over the world to people have control over their own education: “I did not learn as avoid.” for hiding his downfalls but make up for them. relieve poverty and tackle injustice. lives; and those in power act for others did...For me, however, St Patrick teaches us, young confessed them with a heavy The ‘Confessio’ is an account of Last year, Trócaire brought the common good. my speech and words have people, to not take the gift of heart and was forgiven. St Patrick’s life in his own words. support and relief to 2.5 million So, this Lent, when we put our been translated into a foreign education for granted, and he Young people can also take It also concludes with a striking people living in poverty and change into the Trócaire box, we language, as it can be easily seen also expresses his distress on from St Patrick, his faithful and phrase of utter humility: “This is conflict. From civil wars in Central should remember the true values from my writings the standard growing up too quickly. There is obedient response to his calling. my confession before I die”. America to the campaign to end for which we stand and begin to of the instruction and learning I a distinction between the words St Patrick ‘was about sixteen’ apartheid in South Africa, Trócaire let them dominate our lives. Only have had”. ‘young’ and ‘youthful’. When has been vocal in speaking- then can we achieve the fair and up on behalf of the oppressed just world that everyone deserves and marginalised, since 1973. to live in. St Patrick taught us to pray and trust in God and good They support people regardless of culture, ethnicity, gender or by Oisin Mulhern religion. And that is how we all things will come should act. ST Patrick is one of the most anger and hatred. However, that hearts to God’s love. pray and place our trust in God As members of the Catholic well-known saints in modern is where St Patrick was different. Another lesson that the ministry and good things will come, change Church, we can sometimes forget day, with many areas of the world He chose to forgive his captors of St Patrick can teach us is that we will happen and problems will be the roots upon which our faith taking part in St Patrick’s Day without hesitation. should practice both patience and overcome. Faith is key. was built, and the example we celebrations. However, rather than The message in this is to a calm obedience, even if in certain Although the celebration of focus on the celebrations of St step back and look carefully at cases it may seem outlandish to do St Patrick’s Day can, in some Patrick’s Day, I would like to focus situations that have left us feeling so. For example, there can be many ways, overshadow his ministry on how the life and ministry of St hurt or angry. These situations situations where we are annoyed and it’s message, I have many Not all superheroes wear Patrick has inspired me. generally will never come to close or angry in relation to others or good memories with regard to St As many will know, St Patrick the suffering endured by St Patrick, problems that we had no control Patrick’s Day and it’s celebrations. was captured and sold as a slave, therefore, shouldn’t we practice over. Some of my favourites include capes by Peter Grant which saw him end up in Ireland forgiveness much more easily. We However, St Patrick teaches us travelling up to our holiday home in the Parish of Iskaheen and working as shepherd, attending should forgive others and forgive that instead of becoming angry on the coast of Donegal and Upper Moville organised a Zoom sheep on a mountain. It is almost ourselves. St Patrick shows us and rising to these events, we spending St Patrick’s Day there. call meeting to interview health hard to envision such a traumatic that we must forgive these past should be patient and calm, not We would begin the celebration care worker, Rhonda McColgan, experience; being torn away from transgressions and keep moving allowing ourselves to fall into by attending Mass for the Feast who is a nurse in Letterkenny your family, your home and your forward, as we gain nothing from further issues that may arise along day, wearing shamrocks, dressing Hospital. country to be held as a slave for six looking back. with this. We should be obedient in green and spending time with The students came up with years. ‘Forgiveness sets you free’. A to God and believe that He will family watching the parades. questions about Rhonda’s job Such an experience would heart filled with bitterness will help us to deal with these issues or There is no harm in celebrating during these Covid times and how become all consuming and would hold you back from being happy. lead us to rectifying them. as long as the true meaning of the her faith has helped her overcome inevitably leave one’s heart full of When we forgive, we open our St Patrick taught us that we must celebration is not lost. the challenges she faces every day. They also told the story of in helping Covid patients, and illness and who sadly passed away rest for your souls”. She said that interview inspirational workers St Bernadette and how she many others too. at a young age. it had always stood out for during and many other people in witnessed Our Lady appearing Regarding the times some Rhonda mentioned that this had difficult occasions in her nursing, their parish, and outside their in Lourdes and how that changed patients don’t make it passed the inspired her to become a nurse as as it means that all of God’s community, during the time of her life. Bernadette became the line, Rhonda explained how she she had been very close to her burdens shall come to Him and Lent. The next road they will be Patron Saint of the ill and poor and other healthcare workers deal brother and had looked after him, He will take care of them and us. taking is to Hollywood, meeting and, famously, Lourdes. Nurse Rhonda McColgan who was with many difficult decisions on and tried as best she could to give The interview was a great all the famous actors, going by the interviewed by the JPII parishioners of Rhonda shared the experiences the frontline. She highlighted that him a happy life. success for the students in the great number of views of Rhonda’s Iskaheen and Upper Moville. she has had as a nurse, from caring her faith is always very important She also highlighted this verse parish of Iskaheen. The video of interview, and the many other for the sick in Lourdes to working to her in everyday life, as she was in the Gospel of Mathew (11:29), Rhonda’s interview can be viewed videos that they are doing in their DURING the Feast Day of Our in Altnagelvin and Letterkenny raised by a family devoted to God. ‘Take My yoke upon You and on the Iskaheen, Drung and Muff parish and wider community Lady of Lourdes, the Pope John Hospitals. She also shared what She also had a brother who had learn from me, for I am gentle and Parish Facebook page. Paul II and Papal Cross students life is like fighting on the frontline needed a lot of care due to his humble in heart, and You will find The students will continue to 8 THE NET | MARCH 2021 Commemorating the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick St Bernadette is a shining example for young people today by Hollie Frystal Lady: “I heard a noise like a gust we can pray for her intercession. apparitions. She lived in appalling of wind...I raised my eyes towards When Bernadette was about 10 conditions growing up, and had the grotto and saw a lady dressed months old, her mother lost her to choose a different way of life to in white. She was wearing a white milk due to an accident and could what she had planned. dress, a white veil, a blue girdle no longer breast-feed Bernadette, In celebrating the feast day and a yellow rose on each foot.” so she was entrusted to the care of Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette was only 14 of a family friend, Marie Lagues, observing World Day for the years old and, between February in Bartrés, who had lost her son, Sick, which Pope John Paul II 11, 1858 and July 16, 1858, she Jean at the time of his birth. established as a day of prayer, encountered 18 apparitions. On June 24, 1854, Bernadette’s reflection and observation in There were times when she simply father lost his job at the Boly 1992, we are reminded that we prayed with Our Lady in silence, Mill, which left the Soubirous are all in need of healing in some and other times she was spoken family in poverty and sufferin,g way or another, and through ON the February 11, 1858, at to and given a message. which eventually led them to St Bernadette, who suffered about 11 o’ clock in the morning After the third apparition, the dungeon. Interestingly, in excruciating pain physically, of the Thursday before Shrove Bernadette went to Fr Peyramale, the autumn of 1855, there was emotionally and mentally, we Tuesday, whilst living in very PP, to give him a message from a pandemic/plague. Bernadette can ask for her intercession and cold, unhygienic and poor Our Lady, “Go, tell the priests and was 11 years old then and she we can respond to Our Lady’s conditions, a young French that people should come here in got very sick. Her sores were invitation in forming a procession numbers every year from around peasant girl named, Bernadette procession and to build a Chapel treated in a rudimentary way; of prayer and assistance to those the globe. I went to Lourdes Soubirous, went with her younger here.” repeated friction with rags of in need. back in 2018, and it was the sister, Antoinette, and their ‘Come here in procession’ was straw exposed her sores in order I have always loved the story most wonderful and amazing friend, Jeanne Abadie, to the an invitation to come together and to eliminate the cancerous parts of Lourdes and have found experience. area of Massabielle, near the local pray for those who are suffering in and dress them. Although it was St Bernadette an absolute St Bernadette is a shining town dump, to gather bundles sin and sickness. ‘Build a chapel an effective treatment, Bernadette inspiration. As a young person example for young people today, of firewood and to pick up some here’ was requested in order to suffered from chronic asthma for growing up in the midst of a as she demonstrated great faith, bones to sell. accommodate the pilgrims and to the rest of her life, and later the pandemic, I find the message of humbleness, strength obtained When making the journey, also build a Church community combination of tuberculosis of Lourdes relatable, comforting through prayer, persistence, Bernadette’s asthma slowed her in Lourdes. As we know, Lourdes the bone led to her death at 35 and hopeful. loyalty and obedience in doing down and she fell behind her attracts the sick and suffering. years old. This year, Pope Francis asked us the will of God. sister and friend. There and then, The central prayer in Lourdes is Bernadette also faced abuse, to pray for those who have fallen Very interestingly and whilst she was on her own, she the ‘relief for those who are poor’ torture and torment from people ill due to the coronavirus, and importantly, Bernadette was beheld the first apparition at the in any state. who made fun of her because to pray for the protection of our a young lady of only 14 years Grotto of Massabielle. St Bernadette had suffered they didn’t believe her, and frontline workers. old when she was chosen and Bernadette described the immensely in her life; therefore, she suffered the exhaustion of Lourdes is now a very popular entrusted by God to bring forth atmosphere and the vision of Our she is someone we can relate to and constant investigation into the pilgrimage site that attracts mass the miraculous spring that would heal the sick for centuries. Catholic Schools’ Week through the eyes of a Catholic school student by Zara Schlindwein to this ‘acceptable society’, there idea that we are all made in the 9, “We are troubled on every Everyone is striving for the same our individual classrooms, each are others too, of all ages. image and likeness of God has side, yet not distressed; we are thing, success, but at a Catholic differing from the next. However, Sometimes I feel as though we always been presented to me, perplexed, but not in despair; school we are taught to seek for our challenges have been eased are misunderstood and branded furthering my regard for every persecuted, but not forsaken; cast more; love, honesty, respect and through the gift of technology. as easily influenced, however human being, no matter what down, but not destroyed.” integrity. We can connect through the hard we may try to balance the race, religion or anything that we That message has been living At Lumen Christi College, medium of the parish webcam, goings on in our lives. Granted, may lack in similarity. through the work provided by our school motto is ‘In Tuo online Masses, assemblies, there are countless shadows With the Catholic faith at our Catholic schools. Although Lumine Videmus Lumen’, which reflections and prayers. This may that young people may be more the heart of our education, we may not be able to attend translates to ‘In your light, we not be the same, but it still allows susceptible to fall into, but that everything else just falls in place the school building, the school see light’, and is based on the us to celebrate our community does not mean that we are not around it. This is because love ethos and values still lie central principle that the light of Christ of faith and give thanks for the strong in mind and spirit. That is must lie at the core of everything to our everyday living. The moral will inspire us all. resilience that has been shown. why I believe that our faith should we do. learning that has already been We hold the belief that academic Catholic Schools’ Week is a be respected and nourished at Going to school every day feels centred allows us to face off these excellence derives from a caring reminder to us that strong people such an ‘influential’ age. comfortable, knowing that I challenges easier than other environment imbued with the will withstand strong challenges Lumen Christi pupil, Zara and her I know we are not the first belong to a caring community, establishments. Christian Gospel in action, as we and that we must look forward sister, Saoirse, who attends Rosemount generation of young people to where we are encouraged to be The schools may come under look to Christ for inspiration. to brighter times. I hope that PS, Derry. walk this earth, and many of you our best selves and not let any battles with covid cases, lockdown Normally Catholic Schools’ everyone may feel included and THIS year’s theme for Catholic have walked in those steps before opportunity pass by. We are or even budget cuts. However, Week is one of the biggest valued within our community School’s Week was ‘Communities us, but certain circumstances all strong-minded, ambitious they still thrive, educating and celebrations in the Derry and that we may all work together, of Faith and Resilience’, and I have forced us to take an individuals, who when joined inspiring generations of young Diocese, when pupils, teachers for the mission of maintaining believe that message to be alive alternative route in the path together become a circle of people, coinciding with the faith and parishioners from every the moral ethos provided by our already in the presence of our known as growing up. mutual respect and support. that the community shares. corner of the Diocese come Catholic schools, that we may parish and community. We are I can speak from my own Our Catholic Schools have The trait that separates us from together to celebrate the caring appreciate every individual for a community of faith, whether it experiences and express the joy faced many setbacks in these any other type of school is the and inclusive culture that is so who they are and encourage them be our schools, local churches or surrounding my life within my recent times, with the pandemic trust that we place in something fortunately rooted within our to be their best self. even our homes, we rekindle the parish and school. Attending controlling our every move. There above ourselves, and that faith community. Of course, this We must also clarify the beauty fire of our faith every day. It may a Catholic school allows me is no doubt that the difficulty has encourages us to be the most year is very different. We were within our world, by educating be through prayer or devotion, or to broaden my knowledge been felt by countless students wonderful versions that we unable to celebrate together as and exemplifying the good work even better, through simple acts intellectually, whilst extending across the world, but we cannot can be. Despite this, we can all we have become banished to of caring for the environment. of kindness that may affect others my vision of faith. I have attended fail to recognise the perseverance stumble upon hard times, but in profound ways, that we may Catholic schools for almost that has been portrayed by the having the knowledge of offered not be aware of. my entire life, beginning in overall community. support can help you through As young people, we can Rosemount Primary and Nursery Adapted anything. sometimes wrongly lose the School, which led me to Lumen We have adapted our skills As we continue to grow in necessity for faith. We can be won Christi College. and continued to pursue our knowledge, we also grow in faith. over by thoughtless and shallow Having my education educational aspirations, whether Our teachers have made it clear propaganda that gets fired at us all intertwined with my faith has they are achieved in different that top marks may be one of our the time. However, we cannot be given me a very clear view of my settings or not. main goals, but overall health the only ones blamed as victims morals at such a young age. The As it says in Corinthians 4:8- should be our focal objective. Lumen Christi College, Derry. THE NET | MARCH 2021 9

The Way of the Cross with Gemma Gallagher

I. Jesus is condemned to death II. Jesus takes up His cross III. Jesus falls the first time IV. Jesus meets His Mother Jesus’ suffering begins so that we might have Proving His everlasting love for us, Jesus Falling under the weight, Jesus unites I see the love between a mother and her eternal life. takes on the heavy burden of the Cross. Himself with us in times of suffering. child and how it is never ending.

V. Simon helps VI. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus VII. Jesus falls the VIII. The women IX. Jesus falls for the final time X. Jesus is stripped Jesus to carry His Again, I see Jesus showing us that there second time weep for Jesus Exhausted, Jesus is still ready to of His clothes Cross are people in our lives, such as our Out of love, Jesus The women were give His life for ours. What an I see great power This shows me that friends and loved ones, who can help unites with us crying because they amazing and loving God He is! in Jesus to stay during struggles us through life’s storms. again and again loved Jesus and strong for what He in life we should in our times of were there for Him believed in, and He be there for one suffering. We are in His struggles. did so with grace another, and we not to worry if we Mary Magdalene and great dignity. will pull through. fall, He will lift us was a woman up. of struggles but Jesus saw the past these. This shows me to never judge someone but to help them instead.

XI. Jesus is nailed to the Cross XII. Jesus dies on the Cross XIII. Jesus’ body is taken from the Cross XIV. Jesus’ body is laid in the tomb Here, Jesus is showing us how to Jesus’ Mother Mary stays with Him, Mary, Our Mother, knows the pain we Jesus is free from all pain and love even those people who hurt us though she suffers watching Him in suffer when someone we love dies. I see her suffering now. He wants us to believe sometimes. pain. I see how strong Mary is here and here taking us in Her arms when we are that we can get through any difficult I look up to Her. suffering, and helping us to stay strong. time, with Him leading the way. 10 THE NET | MARCH 2021 Down through the ages, women have been pillars of strength to those around them in troubled times, and now, in this time of a pandemic that has caused disruption to life worldwide... Three female prayer friends join forces to give life to ‘Deirfiúr’ – an online Catholic sisterhood ago after meeting at faith events together regularly online to read be a completely new experience for which is the life story of the run by the Franciscan Friars of the Scripture, pray and chat. some. late Derry-born nun, Sr Clare Renewal and Youth 2000, and feel Within a month of putting Explaining the meaning of the Crockett, that the groups could very blessed by the faith friendship out feelers for such a movement name ‘Deirfiúr’, pronounced jer- use, Roisin, Maria and Tanya have that they still have with each other. amongst their prayer friends in if-er, to the ladies who sign up, assured them of their ongoing So, when they discovered that different parts of the country and they write in the guide booklet: guidance as mentors, with each some women, especially young the world, they had over 60 women “We hope you will find sisters and having taken a number of groups mothers, were feeling very isolated signed up who come from parts of friendship in your groups. Friends to keep in regular contact with. in their homes during lockdowns the Derry Diocese as well as other are the sisters we choose”. Excited by this new faith venture, and had a longing for heart to parts of the country, the United They added: “We have women the trio are keeping it in prayer heart discussions and prayer with Kingdom, America Belgium, from all over the world, in different so all will be guided by the Holy other women, they put their heads and France, and they expect this states of life. We would love each Spirit, and are looking forward together to see what they could do number to grow as word spreads. group to make this their own and to welcoming more women to help. Blown away by the response, find what works for them. But it is on board. The contact email is AMIDST all the increased and friendship outreach by three And the fruits of their prayer and the trio pooled their experiences so important to us that any books, [email protected], and challenges and concerns over the prayer friends which has gone discernment are now being shared of leading small group faith programmes or formats chosen those signing up are asked to past year, as a result of the world- global during Lent. during Lent with the launch of discussions and got to work are in line with the Magisterium of give their name, contact number, wide Covid-19 pandemic, there Buncrana parishioner, Maria an online Catholic sisterhood preparing a booklet guide to the Catholic Church”. country and age, to enable have been some powerful positive Doherty, along with Roisin movement called ‘Deirfiúr’, which help and encourage the groups Recommending various faith grouping in similar time zones responses from people that have Doherty, Derry, and Tanya is Irish for sister. It involves various of women as they embark on this resources and inspiring books, and with women of a similar age, kept the light of hope burning for McHugh, of Donegal Town, small groups of women coming exciting faith initiative, which will including ‘Alone with God Alone’, which can help when sharing. many, and amongst them is a faith became good friends a few years Maria’s Story... God doesn’t leave you idle for long returning together for a top up that hymn. They said that they had had a raffle, and a good number When Rónán and I decided to give Derry. However, shortly after that each year. received healing. My father and I of people tuned in. As well as it a go, Bro Patrick said that he people started falling away and it “My mother was the first from now do the music for this week of raising some money, we helped would help us. eventually stopped”. our family to attend the retreat in retreat each year. people have fellowship. I think “Every month, we had young “But God doesn’t leave you Knock, which was the last led there “After that, I started singing this is something people are really people coming to our house in idle for long,” remarked Maria, by Fr Bill before he died and then at Mass back home in St Mary’s missing out on – coming together. Buncrana. Bro Patrick is into “because when the DTS ended, Fr Anthony was appointed to take Oratory, with my father, who Even if just sat at a screen, you are walking and he organised beautiful I was asked to present a Gospel over,” said Maria, “and when she would have played a bit with the still in some contact. hikes up mountains, to waterfalls, show on television! When my saw the joy on my face after my first folk group, and we have been “We also had the big summer and through forests. He also led us father and I made the CD, my encounter with him, she wanted doing that ever since. This led to festival and the Christmas retreat in prayer at some stage during the father’s friend made a couple of other young people to experience us recording a CD because a lot of online, which was a blessing. A trek. music videos with us and we put this as well about their faith, so people started asking about that. lot of young people were watching “Afterwards, we came backthem on YouTube. These were seen she organised a youth retreat in One week a man even came to the who are not part of Youth 2000, so to our house, where we have a by a man called Phil Mack, who Ards Friary with Fr Anthony. A chapel with a tape recorder to tape it was a great way of introducing converted attic. Eddie had said owned the Spotlight TV channel lot of young people came to this us singing!” what it is about to them”. that the DTS appeals to the senses, and wanted a Gospel music show, Maria Doherty. retreat and many found it a really Explaining that Fr Anthony ran Musical so we had incense and Gregorian so he asked me to present it and I BUNCRANA musician and beautiful experience. I would say an orphanage in Uganda, called Her musical contributions at chant playing and displayed holy have been doing that for over four singer, Maria Doherty feels very that it changed their hearts and the DePaul Boys’ Home, Maria Youth 2000 events led to Maria pictures. A charism of DTS is to years now. blessed in life, having grown lives. said: “We decided to record the being asked to play music at the pray for souls in purgatory, so “I sing songs that I think are up in a family with a strong “My mother now organises the CD, called ‘A Living Prayer’, to give Franciscan Friars of the Renewal every month we focussed on a meaningful and I share something Catholic faith that has led to many annual week-long silent retreat in something back. A lot of money healing nights, when they first different saint and prayed. about the artist or song that I think opportunities for her to develop Knock, which is for people of all was raised through sales and the came to Derry, and she went on to “Then we would all go downstairs will touch people’s hearts. I like a deeper relationship with God, ages. Unfortunately, we didn’t have proceeds went to the orphanage spend about eight years working and eat all the food that my mother presenting this show because most through such experiences as an it last year with lockdown and we and Foyle Hospice”. on prayer initiatives with the friars. had prepared, and would finish up times I would be singing hymns annual silent retreat in Knock, really missed that. A lot of people The summer after experiencing “Bro Tansi, from Nigeria, had by sitting around singing songs to people who already believe in Youth 2000 events, various prayer say that it is their nourishment for her first Fr Bill retreat, Maria been in charge of the music then and saying Night Prayer. The God, but this is a music channel initiatives with the Franciscan the year”. went to the Youth 2000 festival with the Friars,” she recalled, “and gathering lasted from afternoon that people are watching for the Friars of the Renewal, Children’s She added: “For me, Fr Anthony in Clonmacnoise and has been I ended up playing the music at until night-time. It was so much music, so the faith message is Ministry, Overseas Missions and is the closest to a saint that I have involved with it ever since. the First Friday healing services fun. People heard about it by word reaching people that it wouldn’t her own Gospel hour television met. It was through him that I “I started playing music at Youth for about four years and spending of mouth and came from Derry, normally reach”. show. started singing for God. He asked 2000 events and now I am the a lot of time in the friary each Donegal, Belfast and Fermanagh... The show is called ‘Maria’s Gospel Reflecting on her faith journey me to sing a song at one of the national music coordinator for it, week, because I also got involved one girl was from Portaferry. Hour’ and it airs on Sundays, from so far, the 34-year-old daughter retreats in Knock. I would have overseeing the music for the big with the youth group they ran on “We ended up having about 40 4-5 pm on Sky and Freeview, and of Hugh and Roisin Doherty said sung with my father, who has summer festival and Christmas Sunday nights and the Bible Study young people, aged 18-35 years, has around 100,000 watching it that while she had always believed been singing and playing music retreat, as well as for the retreats on Wednesday nights with Fr which was too much for our small every week! in God, it was an experience about all his life, but I never would have within Ulster, Munster, Connacht C o l u m b a”. house, so we moved the group Maria is heavily involved in 13 years ago that led her to realise thought of singing in the chapel and Leinster,” said Maria, who And it was through her to St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, in bringing the faith to people that not only was God real, He also and I hadn’t sung holy songs. But, also plays the piano, guitar and tin involvement with the friars that wanted her to have a relationship when Fr Anthony asked me to whistle. Maria and her brother, Rónán, with Him. sing during the retreat in Knock, I During lockdown, Youth 2000 went on to set up a local branch This revelation came during a couldn’t say no as I felt it was from has gone online, with a workshop of the Dead Theologians Society Fr Bill Retreat in Knock Convent God and for Him. on Monday nights, prayer and (DTS), which educates young given by Fr Anthony, a Vincentian “I tried to sing the hymn as a Eucharistic Adoration, with people about the saints and how priest based in Uganda, and with prayer and afterwards I was taken the Dominicans in Cork, on they lived like Christ. her parents and younger brother, aback to see big muscley men and Wednesday nights, and a quiz on She explained: “The founder of Rónán, similarly experiencing a older people crying. It was a lesson Friday nights. the DTS in America, Eddie Cotter, great depth of Divine love during to me that God can do anything Maria organised its recent online was coming over to Ireland once the week-long silent retreat, the through people, no matter how Valentine’s ‘Blind Date’ event: a year at the time, and we got an family have made a point of little they are, and He had touched “We got all the volunteers from opportunity to meet him, along these people through me singing Youth 2000 to take part and we with Fr Columba and Bro Patrick. Maria and her father, Hugh P Doherty THE NET | MARCH 2021 11 through other ministries as well, moved for one reason or another. women’s group in Belfast, wanted like Children’s Catechesis, overseas We had gone our separate ways. to do something similar to me. missions with The Missionaries of Tanya and I have been friends for Through good fortune, we ended Roisin’s story... My Catholic faith Charity in Norway and Belgium, years after meeting through Youth up discussing it along with Roisin events in Europe and Africa, and 2000, and she had gone to Belfast and decided to do something has played music all over Ireland for her work as a nurse. about it together. at faith events, as well as weddings “I had been wondering how “We knew how beautiful it has been a life-saver for me and funerals, and also overseas. they were on their own and I was to have the support of the in as visitors to the Bible Study four years. Just as the Gospel show has mentioned to Roisin that I wanted other women in our wee groups, nights. I joined in Prayer Ministry When the Living Disciples enabled God to touch many hearts to hold a women’s group in my and we wanted other women to with the friars. My Catholic faith Group moved away from the through Maria’s singing, His hand home, in Buncrana. We did that experience this too”. has been a life saver for me”. small groups’ format to focus seems very much to be in the for about 6-8 months, but when Praising the great work by Tanya Roisin and her young family more on Scripture teaching, creation of the online Catholic the virus came we couldn’t in producing the guide booklet for have particularly special some, including Roisin, Maria sisterhood, Deirfiúr, that she and continue meeting like we were, so Deirfiúr, Maria added: “When we memories of the Youth 2000 and Tanya, wanted to continue her friends, Tanya McHugh and we decided to meet online. I also started Deirfiúr, we didn’t realise prayer group that Bro Patrick had meeting in small groups because Roisin Doherty, have been inspired had the Youth 2000 online.” the response we would get. A lot started up when the friars came to they valued all that this offered to launch. With a desire in her heart to help of people can feel alone, and if one Derry. and went on to form groups with Recalling how this had come people grow in their faith, Maria girl finds a friend out of all this and “I was young enough to be able those who had a similar work-life about, she said: “Just before the added: “I wanted other women to they support each other through to go to Youth 2000 retreats and I balance, and met in each other’s virus struck, some of the girls I had have that support and sisterhood this time, then all the work will took my children with me, so they houses. met through faith events and small in the faith. It so happened that my have been worth it”. grew up in that great environment, “We knew, as women, that we group prayer with the friars had friend, Tanya, who was also in a with the involvement of the Friars were really being nourished in Roisin Doherty, Derry. and going to Youth 2000 events. the small groups and we were They also went to Camp Veritas, keeping each other going,” Tanya’s story... A mother of three boys and two A turning point in my life was again through the Grey Friars, remarked Roisin, adding: “We girls, Roisin Doherty has been and when Youth 2000 stopped, have been doing that on and off living in Derry with her young realising God loves each of us individually we went to the Holy Hours that for about two years. I am in a family for just over 10 years. they led. group of four, including Maria, the University of Ulster, in Derry, girls come along, who had heard Having lived in England with her “We have been so blessed to whose house we mostly met in and during her time living in the about the group by chance, and Derry-born parents since she was have had the friars accompany before the Covid lockdown. We City she was delighted to meet the share their whole life story on their eight, she decided to return to her us on our faith journey; they meet weekly and have been doing Franciscan Friars of the Renewal first visit, saying that this was what childhood home to bring up her have helped bring great depth so through Zoom these days. and travel further in her faith they had been looking for”. own children, when she became a and joy to our faith. My oldest Each group is different. Our’s journey with their support, and Again, God had a plan and the single parent. son, Owen really enjoyed going that of the many wonderful prayer Holy Spirit wasn’t long prompting And she is delighted that she does Lectio Divina and we talk on his own to his first big Youth friends she met en route. a friend of Tanya’s, who lived did because amongst the first about our dreams and our hopes. 2000 retreat before Covid, and he “When I first met the Friars they in Monaghan, to get in contact people to befriend her were the Sometimes we do sessions on the got an opportunity to work with were based in the Long Tower with her and ask if they could get Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, saints, and we did our Marian Net Ministries, and now he is Parish, and then they moved to together to pray online. who were based at Victoria Place, Consecration together and the 33 discerning God’s plan for his life, Galliagh,” she recalled, adding: “It Commenting on this, Tanya in the Long Tower Parish, at the Days to Merciful Love. while my 15-year-old daughter, was through going to their Bible said: “Just before lockdown, along time, and who inspired her to, “I found all of these so enriching. Susie, and her boyfriend are Study group that I first met Roisin, with two other friends, we started once again, begin practising her We try to tie in with the liturgical working on writing a book about year and are always looking for Tanya McHugh and Maria, whom I had already meeting to pray online. As we Catholic faith and pass it on to relationships and chastity, with known through the Derry Youth are all friends, we enjoy a wee her children. a new angle on our faith and the help of Fr Columba. He was AS a young nurse working 2000 prayer meetings, was also chat and then we pray the Rosary “All five of my children were explore the different teachings of encouraging them about it before in The Royal Belfast Hospital’s involved in this. together at the end, and this has under the age of seven at the our Church. he left for London and he is still ICU, Tanya McHugh has found “The friars were fantastic. As become such a beautiful source of time and the Friars came to my “We also have a Whatsapp guiding them.” her Catholic faith to be a great well as the Bible Study, I was friendship, prayer and consistency aid, because I had nothing,” said group, on which we share Healing source of strength and comfort, involved in the Dead Theologians during lockdown. Roisin, who now works with a Scripture and prayers or some It was through Bible Study particularly during this busy time Society and with the prayer “This is where the idea of a Catholic charity. inspiration that we had that day. with the Friars, and the wider with the pandemic when her role teams for the healing nights in sisterhood started to come into She recalled: “Fr Fidelis was For me, it’s about a single parent community of people coming to has meant working once or twice a St Joseph’s Church, in Galliagh. my thoughts. God put it on my speaking in Holy Family Church, sharing my faith journey, and the Healing Nights, and being week in the Covid unit. It was a fantastic time. We were heart that people needed the same Ballymagroarty, which I was learning to love and receive love. invited by Net Ministries to their Qualified five years now, the involved with so many different as I had with my wee group, and attending with the children as it Our group is a safe place; you can praise and worship sessions, 30-year-old grew up in Donegal things with them each week and He had simultaneously put it on was the Children’s Liturgy at that talk about anything and you will as well as attending the Open Town along with her younger there was so much time to chat, the hearts of Roisin and Maria. Mass, and I was struck by what he be accepted. I don’t have a partner Skies Christian Festival, held at sister in a family grounded in particularly during the DTS hikes The three of us decided to put the said. I felt that I really needed to at home to share this with, though Shane’s Castle, and Youth 2000 the Catholic faith, thanks to her up mountains. It was almost like word out to see if anyone would be find out more about my faith if I my kids are living their faith. But retreats, that Roisin got to meet parents, Raymond and Rosemary they were big brothers in the faith. interested in meeting, chatting and was going to bring my children up women grow with other women – many other people in their faith, McHugh. You didn’t feel like you were there praying together with others in a Catholic. heart to heart – walking together. including Maria Doherty and her Recalling an experience that to be converted as part of their group. “I got chatting to Fr Fidelis and “It’s great to know that I am whole family, from Buncrana, and led to a deeper understanding of ministry, but that they were taking “I was praying about it and he invited me to the Friary, and not alone, that there is always a Tanya McHugh, from Donegal her faith, Tanya told ‘The Net’: us on as friends. felt that God was saying to just from then the friars took us under listening ear, someone to talk to Town, who is now living and “Growing up, I believed in God but “It broke my heart moving to write a post and see if anyone their wing, because I was a single and share with. It’s great to feel working as a nurse in Belfast. my faith was just a small part of my Belfast when I started nursing in is interested...and there were. It mother and poverty stricken at supported as I prepare the way for “Once I found women to travel life. Then, in my last year of school, the Royal, as I was leaving such is so exciting. People have been the time. That is what they do my children”. in my faith with, I stayed in we had a Net Ministries retreat a beautiful group of friends and emailing me about it and one in their ministry; they reach out Through her faith journey so contact with them”, she said, “and which had a massive impact on community”. girl, from Ireland, wrote that she to help those in need, and my far, Roisin has become very aware I found myself walking more me. However, Tanya was blessed in had just been at Adoration asking children really took to them. of the need for groups like this: closely in my faith with Maria and “It was the first time that I really having a Youth 2000 friend living God for faith friends and then she “That is how my journey with “There is so much hunger for the Tanya.” realised that God loved me; that in Belfast, who introduced her came home to find the link on her them started and then my faith faith and knowing this is what led The Grey Friars’ Bible Study He loved each person individually to the Catholic community there phone about this online sisterhood journey. I started going to Bible to Maria, Tanya and I launching Group went on to become known not en masse, and that was a and, within a short time, she was starting. Study with Fr Columba and got ‘Deirfiúr’ as a Catholic online as the Living Disciples’ Group, turning point for me in my faith. helping her friend start a women’s “A few people have emailed in to know about the Holy Spirit sisterhood. It’s a very exciting and through this Roisin gained I went on to do two years on faith group. Called ‘Fiat’, the group who are young mums living out through the Net Ministries time. We’re just stepping out in valuable ministering experience mission with Net Ministries and it invite speakers to give talks on their faith, but do not have any missionaries, who were coming faith; leaving it in God’s hands was a fantastic time of formation various topics. friends at the same stage of life that in leading small groups for over how it turns out.” in my faith. Over the four years since starting, they can share their faith with. So, “My parents brought me up really the number of women in ‘Fiat’ has they are looking forward to being Maria came up with the idea for come across relationships and types of friendships have a depth well in the dos and don’ts of our grown to 20. While passionate in a group with other young mums the logo, which is a little crown of friendships that strive to build that other friendships don’t have. Catholic faith, but I didn’t know about it, Tanya eventually found in their faith too”. stars to represent Our Lady’s 12 each other up and lead each other This sisterhood is for women of the why behind the teachings. The herself unable to make the The friends set to work creating stars, so that we can be under Our to God, but I also think women any age and we have someone time with Net Ministries was a meetings as they collided with their Catholic Women’s online Lady’s protection”. can hurt other women in a way no aged 68 that has signed up. We great opportunity for me to learn”. her nursing shifts, but the group sisterhood, ‘Deirfiúr’, with Tanya Aware of the great benefits one else can. want women of whatever age to After the period with Net continues to meet, though online putting together a booklet: “I of female fellowship, Tanya “Through Deirfiúr, we want to be part of Deirfiúr, and we look Ministries, Tanya went on to study now because of lockdown. wanted it to be beautiful to reflect remarked: “We all have had our help people have friendships that forward to getting to know them nursing at the Magee Campus of “It was amazing,” she said, “to see the beauty of women’s femininity. good and bad experiences. I have are founded in Christ, as these along the way.” 12 THE NET | MARCH 2021 Exodus 90 – empowering men to reach Exodus 90 is a great their full God-given potential night’s sleep (at least seven hours in their formation for priesthood. programme for men is recommended); abstaining Following years of success, from alcohol, desserts and sweets, consideration was given to – Stephen McCafferty eating between meals, sweet opening up the programme to drinks (white milk, black coffee, laymen, so that they too could support he received from his wife: and black tea are permissible), benefit from this life enhancing “Deborah was very much part television, movies, or televised spiritual exercise...and thousands of the Exodus 90 programme, sports, video games and non- of men have. helping me with the dinner on A growing number of men in essential material purchases; and The programme takes its Wednesdays and Fridays, when I the Derry Diocese are taking listening only to music that lifts name from the Book of Exodus, ate fish”. up the Exodus 90 challenge – the soul to God, only using the wherein the story is told of the He added: “I have suffered from the 90-day spiritual exercise for computer for work, school, or Israelites, a strong people who depression over the years and, men based on the three pillars essential tasks (eg, paying bills), were oppressed not because they at first, I was afraid to do the essential for the Christian life: and only using mobile devices were weak but because they were programme as I thought that it prayer, asceticism and fraternity. for essential communications, strong and growing, and co- would put more pressure on me, While it is known to be cutting out non-essential texting, founder of the programme, James but it didn’t, it gave me strength. an extremely challenging app, and internet use. Baxter notes: “This is so similar I found that each day’s reading programme, it is appealing In addition, Wednesdays and to men today, who are so full of prepared me for the stage that I to men who want to grow in Fridays are days of fasting, so potential and power, that the devil was at. personal freedom and in their participants abstain from meat enslaves them to sin and worldly “I really enjoyed the experience relationship with God and those and only eat one full meal, as well distractions out of fear for what and it prepared me for the time around them, and, seeing the as two smaller meals that together they might do if they responded of lockdown because it was fruits of it in the lives of others are not equal to a full meal. to God’s high calling.” something similar. I would who have undertaken it, more Exodus 90 was first created To tie in with the making of definitely do it again if there and more men in the Diocese and Stephen McCafferty and his wife, Deborah. as a seminary formation New Year resolutions and Lent, were no virus restrictions as around the world are giving it a Another Cursillista who took “I went off drink for the first programme by Fr Brian Doerr, Exodus 90 is commonly started in the sacraments are a big part of go. up the Exodus 90 challenge at the time. With men, it’s a habit to take at an American TheologicalJanuary to end on Easter Sunday, the programme, for example The programme involves: same time as Martin was Stephen a drink and watch a film at some Seminary, with the aim of helping whatever date that is each year. Confession, which is very making a daily holy hour; reading McCafferty, of Foyle Springs, in stage on a Saturday. A lot of men the young seminarians grow in To join the challenge, or for more important to me”. each day’s provided scripture Derry. are just a slave to drink and sport personal freedom and many of information, visit Exodus90.com Commenting on his lockdown and reflection; taking short, “I was shocked at the start that and I am the same. You just want them credited the programme or check out the mobile app in the experience, Stephen said: “I have cold showers; practicing regular, it was for 90 days, but I decided your own pleasure, but Exodus 90 with being the most critical factor App store or Google Play store got used to Mass online but I don’t intense exercise; getting a full to go for the challenge of going is about sacrifice; it just broadens get anything out of it. At the start, off drink for that long and for the your mind. when I listened to Mass online exercise,” recalled Stephen. “I found the exercise easier from St Eugene’s Cathedral, I He managed to keep going with than spending an hour in prayer, found the prayer for a spiritual A lot of us who did Exodus the programme for 70 of the 90 but this improved as I felt myself communion very powerful and days, but got knocked off track having more of a relationship this encouraged me to go online when the Covid-19 restrictions with God; starting to understand for Mass when the churches were first led to the closure of churches, God’s love and then my closed. 90 are more secure and around this time last year. relationship with my family; my “You think if you don’t receive “When the virus started,” wife and children. Developing the sacrament you don’t get the he said, “it sunk my boat as I that deeper relationship with God graces, but I found a lot of grace in couldn’t get to Mass or receive the was a great experience and had a happy in our faith that spiritual communion prayer Sacraments. Fr Sean O’Donnell real impact on me”. and I hope that they continue by Martin Healey explained that it was because of Undertaking the Exodus 90 with that after lockdown”. the seriousness of the virus that programme as a group was a great the Holy Spirit and how it works The father of nine added: churches were closed but I threw help to Stephen: “I found being in their lives, so when one of the “These are God’s times now. This the dummy out of the pram”. part of a group doing it made men suggested that they do the situation with the virus has made Reflecting on his experience of the difference. I feel you would Exodus programme as a group, me look at my life and stick to the programme, Stephen said: struggle otherwise. People feel he decided to give it a go. priorities for my family. I have “The first two weeks were hard as better having someone encourage “Six of us signed up for it 90 packed in racing, triathlons, I was trying to get into a routine, them to carry on. days prior to Easter Sunday last which where a big part of my life, and the thought of giving up “I think it is a great programme year,” recalled Martin, “and as but it was the right thing to do. television or the internet was for men, especially young men part of the programme, I was One thing I have learned about difficult. I also found the cold who feel lost; Exodus 90 would going to Mass daily. I was also this virus and God’s plans is our showers hard, so I didn’t stay in help them to get back on track”. going to Confession every week, acceptance of suffering.” which was unusual for me, and I there too long! He also spoke of the great was reading more Scripture. “I took an hour every day for from the modern things around analyse. You start realising that as throughout the country and meditation or reading Scripture, us. a human being you are weak and closer to home who had taken on and each day we got a reading “It wasn’t anything over the top. vulnerable, and that if you want the Exodus 90 programme over from an online source, which I still had my normal work life but to follow God it is about getting the years. was from Exodus and about the I had more of a sense that I was back up every time you fall. You “It’s not just for Catholics,” Israelites; a strong people who created by God for God, and the also had more time to get back he added, “many non-believers felt that they were weak, but others felt this as well. We were up again. If you fall and watch a have done it and come out Martin Healey with his late mother, Moya, after she had completed her Cursillo weekend. with God leading them in their heading in the same direction, couple of movies, you decide to believers. There are a lot of people deepening our relationship with pick yourself up. To struggle and throughout the world who do it, AT the start of 2020, a group their way through the programme exodus, through Moses, they God without any real direction pick yourself up was all part of and it was a great support to know of male prayer friends from the again, Martin decided to give discovered who they were”. within the group”. the journey. that many others around the Derry City area took up the it a miss this year, but happily He added: “We weren’t to Noting that physical exercise “It was surprising how many of globe were doing the programme challenge of Exodus 90. One of recalled his experience for ‘The watch TV or use the internet and diet were part of the the readings reflected where I was at the same time. those who lasted the distance Net’, as he believes that it is a except, for example, to watch a programme as well, he said: at the time I was reading them. It “I found it a great preparation of the 90-day programme was tremendous way of learning more video of someone giving a talk. “I went for walks to physically was very accurate, for example, for the times we are in now. I have 59-year-old Galliagh parishioner, about yourself and developing a So, while my wife was watching improve my health, and abstained when I was struggling I found no fear, but just keep trusting in Martin Healey, who found deeper relationship not only with programmes on TV, I read the from sugar, chocolate, beer, fizzy myself reading, in the Book of God that all will pass. Detached it great preparation for the God, but with those near and Bible or went to spend an hour drinks etc, so much of that went Exodus, about how the Israelites from the world, you get into a challenges faced in the past year dear to you. or two in front of the Blessed out of my diet.” had struggled. There were many position where your faith deepens with Covid-19 and the resultant Just prior to being introduced to Sacrament. It turned out, that “It was a struggle,” admitted such similarities”. as you discover what God is to restrictions on life. Exodus 90, the Cursillo inspired we all ended up doing this. Martin, “but you learn a lot about He said that he had been you and what you are to God.” Aware that some of the men in prayer group that Martin is a Something was changing in our yourself and you learn not to over surprised at the number of people Explaining that the 90 day the group are currently making member of were talking about lives once we detached ourselves THE NET | MARCH 2021 13 Exodus 90 has been a wake-up call - Thomas Gallagher FATHER and son, Thomas and “However, over the first part of I have discovered that we are distracted by the world. Stephen Gallagher are a great the journey, up to before the start to turn our everyday life into a “Exodus 90 has shown me that support to each other during of Lent, I was falling down in living practice of our faith,” said so much time is wasted. It has their journey with Exodus 90. certain areas of the programme. Thomas, adding: “It is not just a been a wake-up call. I now want While Thomas, a St Eugene’s You have to work at it.” call for saints but for the everyday to put into practice what I can. I Cathedral parishioner, got his Considering the three essential Christian, and that is what I am going to clear as much of the first taste of the programme last elements of the programme, found happening through the useless things out of my life as year, it’s a first for Stephen, who prayer, asceticism and fraternity, Exodus 90 programme. possible.” lives in England. Thomas has found the pillar “It is not about what you give Referring to the annual The pair are over half-way there, of asceticism, involving severe up but about deepening your Cursillo Walk to Knock, with and after stepping away from self-discipline and avoiding relationship with God. The call its opportunities for walking, the programme last year when all forms of indulgence, as a is to draw very close to Christ. I praying and sharing, Thomas the Covid-19 pandemic caused means of drawing nearer to God know now that it is so important remarked: “When you make frustration with the closure particularly interesting. for me to surrender everything the effort to step out, God will of churches during lockdown, A Cursillista, he recalled a and to step out in faith. draw you closer to Him and that Thomas is finding the experience recent discussion at an online “When you really step out there is why the Walk to Knock has a a very revealing and fulfilling one Cursillo gathering, when it was is more reward than there is loss. profound effect on people; they this time round. mentioned that the great mystics So my prayer is at that level now. are taking time to step aside from Recalling his initial decision to had used certain practices to Exodus 90 has shown me that the normal and God draws them not tackle the programme again draw closer to God. prayer will give you strength. I closer.” when the suggestion was mooted “Lent,” said Thomas, “should am not perfect at it but I know Each week of the Exodus 90 amongst his prayer friends before be used as a way of drawing that I am making progress and I programme so far, Thomas is Christmas, Thomas said: “My closer to God, which is a call for have a great sense that God is in feeling more enlightened: “With first thought was that I definitely every Christian, not just the great total control. Covid, there is a lot of talk would not be doing Exodus 90, mystics.” He continued: “I am a devotee about boosting your immune but then it came to me in prayer He is also reminded of the calls of Medjugorje because it led to system, and when I thought about the need to make spiritual for prayer and penance in the my conversion, but I have come about the different undertakings preparation for the times we are messages of Fatima, Garabandal to realise in the time given to that are part of the Exodus 90 in, so when a couple of the men and Medjugorje, with penance to the Exodus 90 programme, that programme, such as cold water asked me if I was going to sign up take the form of offerings from while I had heard the Medjugorje showers, staying off fatty and for it, I decided that I would and everyday life, rather than severe message to pray and fast many sugary food, fasting and doing that I would give it more effort mortifications. times over the years, I had not put exercise, I realised that everything than I did last year. “Reflecting on these messages, this into practice because I was is covered in Exodus 90.” Thomas Gallagher, with his son, Stephen. continued from page 12 aspect referred to how long it took spending time in Adoration”. asked me if I would like to go on People think priests don’t need a human being to reprogramme Commenting on how having a Cursillo weekend and I decided their way of being, Martin said: come through the Exodus that I would, to find out about “The thinking is that if you do it programme had helped him this God...was He real or not? for 90 days you will keep doing during the past year’s Covid I had a lot of questions that I the like of Exodus 90...but we it. Although there were struggles challenges, he said: “All that I needed answered...Who created during those 90 days, the changes gained from the experience of the Cosmos?...Who was God?... just became natural to do. The doing Exodus 90 stood to me “And it happened in an instant probably need to do it more fasting a couple of days a week well in the year since, especially for me that I came to believe in became a natural way of life. It in having developed a deeper God during the weekend. I was – Fr Sean O’Donnell is very easy to do this once it is relationship with God. in the oratory when I realised 90 group, as they brave their have done something difficult but structured”. “It has really helped me to have that God was real and that my way through the daily challenge worthwhile for the glory of God. “The fears, anxieties of the a more positive outlook and it questions were irrelevant. I of cold showers, exercise, no It does help you to advance in world have now become quiet is also helping me with Lent realised that all I needed to do snacking between meals and spiritual growth. within me,” he reflected, adding: this year; so far I am finding it was to follow Him in faith. fasting two days, as well as “You do it because you know “I’ve become aware of the power much easier than I would have “At that stage in the weekend, I reading passages from the Book that you need to – that you have that God is in my life. God loves in previous years. Usually, I was for going home. I had packed of Exodus and committing to a sinned against God. I want to me and wants what is best for would struggle with whatever I my case and had told the boys it Holy Hour each day, 20 minutes offer it as an act of reparation, for me. I am more aware of looking had decided to do for Lent after wasn’t for me. But my mate and of which is in complete silence. my own sins and the sins of the around me and sharing with a week into it, but I did not have the fella I came on the weekend Not keen on the cold showers, Church. I want to grow in greater people. that issue this time. I just decided with asked if I wanted to go into Fr Sean finds the dietary element appreciation of the journey that I Searching what I was going to do and got on the oratory before I left. I told of the programme beneficial am on and become more detached “There was a lot of searching with it. I am also more spiritually them that I wasn’t sure about God in helping him to not consume from what is materialistic in this within to get a greater sense of organised, so it has helped me but after some prayer there I had foods that he shouldn’t be having life; to be in this world but not off God within you; a lot of tilling to be more disciplined in my a personal encounter with Jesus, anyway with his Type 1 diabetes. the world. your own soil, thinking about approach. and that was the changing point He also likes the aspect “In the Book of Exodus we why you do the things that “While I am not doing the for me. I felt that He had spoken of the building of prayer life read about the Israelites falling you do etc. I learnt a lot about Exodus 90 programme this year, to me in my own being. individually and with the group, away and worshipping false myself. It was certainly a different I make a point of joining in with “I had a gradual change from as well as the awareness of others gods after all that God has done programme for Lent than the the others who are doing it for the that instant to accepting God as on the programme around the for them. This helps us see our usual going off something. There Holy Hour. With the lockdown real and that He loved me. I didn’t world: “We pray for everyone on own sinfulness and that we are was a great sense of the person restrictions, Fr Sean O’Donnell, trust in anyone when I went into Fr Sean O’Donnell, CC Waterside. the Exodus 90 journey, so there is potentially rejecting the great gift God wanted you to be, and a who did the programme last year the oratory for prayer, so what a great universal sense. of eternal life from God. Through deeper understanding of who and is doing it again now, is the happened had to be a grace given HARDY Donegal born priest, “Another important part of the the Exodus programme, we can God is”. spiritual director for the group by God”. Fr Sean O’Donnell is over half- fraternity element is that each focus on our weaknesses, eg sins, He added: “A lot of us who did and contacts us when he is set up “On the weekend and for a way through Exodus 90 and feels person buddies with someone as on our mortality and on our Exodus 90 are more secure and for Adoration in his oratory, and time after,” remarked Martin, blessed to be joined not only by an anchor. As well as the benefits salvation”. happy in our faith. The spirit we can take part virtually from “you feel raised up by the whole some members of his Cursillo of having someone check in on Recalling last year’s Exodus has made us a lot more content our homes”. experience, but I never came friendship group in Derry, you for support, having a buddy 90 experience and the added and less worried about what Looking back on his faith down. I felt on fire after my but by men from other parts as someone to go on a walk with, challenge of Covid-19, Fr Sean is happening in our lives and journey, Martin said that he Cursillo weekend and I am still of the Diocese as well, such as for example, can make it easier said: “We were getting on around us. There is a sense that hadn’t really been practising as joy-filled about the Gospel as Castlederg, Omagh and his home for some to get themselves out for great last year until Covid and God has a plan for our lives and his Catholic faith until he was I was that day coming out of the county. exercise”. lockdown happened and threw so we are more at peace. A lot of in his mid 30s, when he had oratory, after that time of prayer. I Tackling the intense “The Exodus 90 programme a spanner in the works. Our things that we had been watching an enlightening experience still have my struggles but I know programme for the second year is definitely not a breeze if you Cursillo group was meeting up or reading doesn’t matter as during his Cursillo weekend in that God is real” in a row, Fr Sean is happy that his enter into it fully,” remarked Fr before that to support each other, much now. What matters more Termonbacca, back in 1996. priesthood has enabled him to be Sean, adding: “You feel that you so we had to find other ways to do is reading Scripture, Mass and He recalled: “A couple of friends a spiritual director for the Exodus 14 THE NET | MARCH 2021 I have reached a maturity in my faith that I didn’t have until now - Stephen Gallagher WHEN Stephen Gallagher my faith that I never had before. but since I started taking a cold received a call from his father, I don’t think I would have been shower each morning, I have a Thomas, asking him if he would able to achieve that without this lot more energy and feel more like to sign up for the Exodus 90 Exodus programme.” awake during the day. Cutting programme which was starting a A practising Catholic, Stephen out snacks and sugary food, etc, couple of days later, he decided to strives to live out the messages is probably contributing to this go for it...a decision the 36-year- of Medjugorje, which highlight as well.” old may not have made with the importance of the Mass, Greatly surprised at how more time to consider, but which monthly Confession, fasting, well he has been able to fast, is turning out to be one leading reading Scripture and praying he explained: “I have been to to a most positive, life changing the Rosary. Medjugorje six or seven times experience. “I attend Mass every week,” and fasting is something I have The father of two, a three-year- he said, “and I say the Rosary never been able to do for long. old boy and a baby girl just born every day in the car during my So, at the start, I thought there in October, said that his reason 40-minute drive to work, but I was no way I would manage the for undertaking the challenge have struggled with the fasting fasting but, for some reason, was to become a better father and regular Confession, and I have been able to do it every and husband, by becoming more reading Scripture every day is not Wednesday and Friday. Maybe present and so more attentive to something I would have done. it’s a result of getting up in the them. “However, I now find that I morning and my prayer being a Commenting on his experience am making an effort to go to cold shower, which I present to of the various elements of the Confession much more. I am God. This may have helped open programme so far, Stephen more aware of my sins, so if I feel me up to fasting.” highlights daily Adoration of that I have fallen or slipped, then Just before starting the Exodus the Blessed Sacrament as having I get an urge to go to Confession 90 programme, Stephen had the most impact on him: “I have that I would not have had before. been reading the book on the late always enjoyed Adoration any “I thought I was doing alright Sr Clare Crockett’s life, ‘Alone time I have done it, but I have in the practise of my faith before, with Christ Alone’. Saying that never spent time so regularly in but I feel that I have reached he had known Sr Clare before she front of the Blessed Sacrament a maturity in my faith that I left Derry for Spain, he went on to Stephen Gallagher, with his father, Thomas and friend, Fr Sean O’Donnell until I started Exodus 90. It is didn’t have until now. I have this remark: “When I thought of the something I do about two or awareness that there is a lot more young girl that I had known and the morning and have a cold parent, particularly the times think it is crazy, but when you see three times a year, when the on offer if I would only commit.” read about the journey she went shower, so I have discovered that spent in Adoration. the outcome then you realise that opportunity arises. Noting that many men on the on, I felt that I couldn’t come near when God asks you to do these “Sitting in Adoration before it is not. “It has really been a revelation programme don’t like the cold to the level of spirituality that she things, He gives you the ability to the Lord, the stress and worry “Going forward, I am going to to me spending this much showers, Stephen said: “I take the came to, but on this programme do them.” leave and you think that this is try and keep up a lot of what I am regular time in front of the cold shower every day and don’t I have started to realise that the Stephen has found that the way we need to be living,” doing through Exodus 90, and Lord. I love it. I have never felt find it that bad. In fact, I have more you open up and give to undertaking the programme he said, adding: “I feel fitter I am hoping to undertake the the presence of God more in my found that a cold shower in the God, the more graces you get to during this time of pandemic now and more at ease. I am less programme every year to refocus life than during these last couple morning physically wakes my do these things. has greatly helped him through anxious than I have ever been in me. It really is that good.” of months, and I feel that I have body up and gets my brain going. “I would not have had the the worries and stresses he my life. When you look at what is reached a level of maturity in I used to feel tired during the day, willpower to fast and get up in experiences as a teacher and a involved in the progamme, you continued from page 13 that and we did, through social together but not physically media. together; that is the wonder of Holy Hour for “This year, men who are doing the mystical Body of Christ, we it in other parts of the Diocese can all join in, giving of ourselves got in touch to ask if they could equally to the Lord. So we have 20 join in our Holy Hour because of minutes of silence in Adoration Vocations the lockdown restrictions. I have with the Lord, and sometimes we the Blessed Sacrament in the little do the reading for that day and God’s call, like St Columba, the oratory in the house, so I let them the reflection from Exodus. The time of reflection and prayer will all know when I hope to have the silent time benefits everybody encourage awareness of Jesus Holy Hour and they can join in as a time to let the Lord speak to knocking on the door of our online whenever it suits them. us, and the graces flow out to us. hearts. Sometimes there are up to 17 of Sometimes we can be too busy This month’s prayer and us in Adoration like this together, asking the Lord and not listening. reflection will come from the so my oratory is working as a wee “There is always going to be Cappagh Parish, with Fr Declan online chapel for that. work to do in our spiritual McGeehan focusing on St “It is great encouragement for advancement because we slip Patrick, St Joseph and Our Lady. me as well to have the others back all the time and that is why Looking at the similarities spend time in Adoration with me, we do Lent each year. Exodus 90 between the three, Fr Declan albeit online. People think when is another programme that offers will talk about how attentive you are a priest that you don’t an opportunity to advance and they were to the call of God in need to do a programme like this, not fall back, because it is for a their lives and their openness but priests probably need to do it longer period of time and so there to respond, and how their silent more. It is a great mechanism. It’s is a sense of reprogramming”. THE series of monthly ‘Holy moments enabled this. so well put together to help you Describing Exodus 90 as “What mattered most in each of advance on that spiritual journey “hard going but good”, Fr Sean Hours’ organised by the Diocesan Vocations Team, as part of the their lives was eternal life. They by making the sacrifices that you expressed the hope that one day, put themselves in the firing line make on it. It builds your prayer “everyone who takes part in it will Columban Year of celebrations in the Diocese, continues on because they realised eternity is life and fraternity with the other find themselves further down the the end goal,” said Fr Declan. fellas looking to do the same road to holiness and maturity of Thursday, March 11, at 8 pm. Focusing on the example of You can join in the Holy Hour thing”. spirit, keeping our mortality in via the Cappagh parish webcam He added: “With this lockdown mind, to be ever ready, and the men and women who have lived their lives by faithfully answering - www.cappaghparish.com/ so rigid, it is a way of coming salvation won for us by Christ”. webcam.html THE NET | MARCH 2021 15 Set the embers ablaze Plans for week of prayer to by Fr Joseph Varghese mark Sr Clare’s anniversary have different gifts according to the gifts given to us” (1Cor. 14:6). the Iona Monastery via the These gifts have an Termonbacca YouTube page. extraordinary range and are vital Fr Aidan Mullan, Adm Long in the current climate. While the Tower, will celebrate the Monday practice of ministry has been evening Mass in St Columba’s severely curtailed by the current Church, at 7.30 pm, when the regulations surrounding the speaker will be Sr Clare’s sister, coronavirus pandemic, there Shauna Gill. are many different things we Fr Joe Gormley, PP Creggan, can do to support others and will be the celebrant for the never has it been more necessary. Tuesday evening Mass in Long Many people feel isolated, alone, Tower, at 7.30 pm, when the afraid and abandoned. We need speaker will be Sr Clare’s close to keep our senses aware of the friend, Sharon Doran. Lord speaking to us in so many Fr Patrick Lagan, St Eugene’s, different ways. We must keep will celebrate the Wednesday tuned in to the ‘God station’. evening Mass in Long Tower at More than ever, in recent 7.30 pm, when the speaker will times, I can feel God calling me be Gretta McTaig, a teacher at St to be innovative in how I can Cecilia’s College, which Sr Clare cater for the spiritual needs of had attended. parishioners who are suffering The Thursday evening Mass greatly. People are worried in the Long Tower, at 7.30 pm, about hospital appointments, will include a healing service upcoming treatments, health celebrated by Fr Michael concerns, the effect that the McGoldrick OCD, with music to lockdown is having on the mental be provided by Lauren and Beth health of others and the constant Doherty. worry about family members. Fr Gerard Mongan will Fr Joseph Varghese. There is an onus on all of us celebrate the Friday evening to be aware of the worries and Mass in Long Tower, at 7.30 pm, ST Paul exhorts his beloved and domestic requirements and concerns of others and to do what when it is hoped that the talk will disciple Timothy, “I remind you as mentioned, it seldom ever we can to help. We might never be given by one of the Home of to fan into flame the gift of God, went out. The fire would have PLANS are progressing to mark in Termonbacca and in St know just how much difference a the Mother Servant Sisters. which is in you” (2 Timothy been fuelled late at night and in the fifth anniversary of the death Columba’s Church, Long Tower, kind word, a short phone call, a Over the weekend, Mass will 1:6). This is a personal and the morning, there was always of Sr Clare Crockett in her home with family and friends of Sr text message, a note or letter or a be celebrated in the Long Tower encouraging letter to his beloved enough life in the embers to light parish and city. Clare giving a short talk each video call could make in the life chapel at 3 pm on Saturday, April disciple. Be strong and faithful fresh fuel once the ashes were Amongst the events during evening. of one of these vulnerable people. 24, and at 6 pm on Sunday, April when time is getting hard. This raked out. This cycle continued the week of prayer, to and for The opening Mass will be Today, whatever our role in 25, by Bishop Donal, bringing the is when we have to think of ways throughout the year. the late Home of the Mother celebrated on Sunday, April 18, the body of Christ, we have been week of prayer to a close. of fanning the flame of our God Faith could be compared very Servant Sister, is the celebration by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD at 7 touched by the Spirit and are given gifts to help alleviate the easily to this traditional method of Mass by the Carmelite Fathers pm, and will be streamed from ablaze with its fervour, so watch situation. of kindling and rekindling the out for those finding things I am not a native of Ireland, but Irish fire. The raking of the fire tough, do what we can personally I have become aware of many to remove the ashes, enabling to offer support. Without doubt Derry teen penning book on of the customs and traditions the embers to blaze again or the that the divine fire of the Spirit, of the Irish way of life. I learned pump from the bellows to provide received in the Sacraments, gives that until comparatively recently fresh oxygen to invigorate the us unparalleled capacity to fulfil the fires in Irish homes seldom fire, can be compared to putting chastity God’s plan so that we continue went out. Indeed, I used to visit our total trust in God as a means this for other teens. I felt called have been talking about this over to be red hot in our devotion to a couple who always had the fire of rekindling the fire of our faith. to do it after praying about it and Zoom”. Him, as a member of the Body of on, even in summer. Sadly, both Just as our house fire will grow talking with my mum.” An added bonus is that her Christ. have now gone to be with the dim and eventually die if we do Saying that she had become 17-year-old boyfriend, Ben, who Perhaps, we need to realise Lord, but those visits taught me not rake it or add fuel to it, so will Christian at the age of five, she has been going out with more fully that, despite all a lot about the importance of fire our faith grow dim and wither Susie added: “One of the most for almost a year, is happy to the marvellous advances in in the Irish home down the ages. away if we do not pay attention important things that my mum contribute his thoughts, so giving technology, in science, medicine The main source of energy was to it and develop it along with all has told me is that my body is a both perspectives. and in understanding the peat which was harvested from our other vital God given talents. temple and that God would want “I am going to ask my friends development of the world, we the bogs all over the country. God has granted every person a anyone I was in a relationship about their struggles with teen are not in control at all. We, as Turf cutting was a way of life that spiritual gift in order to edify and with to respect me. chastity, and their experience always, are totally dependent on often involved the whole family build up one another. In Romans “I told my friends about this of societal pressures or God and turn to Him in prayer as it was very labour intensive. It 12:5-8 we read: “So, we, though and they saw the sense in it. Some expectations,” said Susie. as we seek the best way to address was great for bringing everyone many, are one body in Christ, people say that it is silly what I say, Saying that the book plan our current problems. together and there would have and individually members one of and so there is a lot of judgement included about 20 chapters, on While this pandemic has been great delight when the another. Having gifts that differ too”. such topics as ‘Sex...Why wait presented us all with huge She has been working on the until marriage?’, ‘Temptation’, peat or turf was safely home. according to the grace given to DERRY teen, Susie Doherty challenges, it has also provided idea since the start of January, ‘Self-respect’, ‘Sacredness’ and Families took great comfort in us, let us use them: if prophecy, in has shared how a conversation us with great opportunities to with the help of her mum and ‘Relationships’, she added: “I have knowing that they had all the proportion to our faith; if service, with a priest about the struggles look out for others, to put our Fr Columba Jordan, of the covered 10 chapters so far, but I firing needed for at least one year in our serving; the one who of being a teenager has inspired God given skills to maximum Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, still need to add the scriptural ahead, although many families teaches, in his teaching; the one her to write a book for her peers use, to allow the Spirit to flourish whom she got to know when back-up from Fr Columba”. attempted to have more than one who exhorts, in his exhortation; on chastity. abundantly and openly in our he was with the community in Once the book is published, year’s supply stored up. the one who contributes, in The 15-year-old told ‘The Net’: daily lives so that other members Derry. Susie hopes to have opportunities For centuries the fire was generosity; the one who leads, “I was chatting with Fr Mongan of the body may witness and “When I spoke to mum about it, to talk about its content to other vital to the Irish way of life as it with zeal; the one who does acts about the struggles of being a teen adapt into their own lives. It she was very encouraging,” said teens to encourage conversation provided heat and comfort for all of mercy, with cheerfulness.” and he thought it would be a very is simple practices like those Susie, “and she and some of her and to offer an alternative from household members, it allowed We must realise that every good idea for me to write a book. mentioned previously that “set friends are helping me. It would what has become the norm for for the provision of family meals single Christian has received the “That sparked an idea in my the embers ablaze”, just as St Paul be good to back up my writing many of her peers with regards to as all cooking was done on the gift of the Spirit. We can see this head, for I wasn’t aware of any requested. with Scripture and Fr Columba relationships. fire, it provided all the hot water when Paul, standing in support teen having written a book about needed for personal hygiene of all Christians, declares: “We all is helping me with that, so we 16 THE NET | MARCH 2021

Journeying with the Holy Spirit by Fr John McLaughlin travelled out to Tallaght on a visit overcome my weakness. home, just to thank Fr Wilfrid for You shall guide my feet in your his enthusiasm, which inspired footsteps, and I will walk the him in Brazil, and me in Chile, in narrow path, that leads to your much of his pastoral work. House. A word on the witness of the You shall tell me when, and Jesuits to many of us in Latin where, I will walk your path, America. From the years of the totally bathed in joy. In the leadership of Pedro Arrupe, meantime, I ask you, God, that the 80s, the teachings poured you awaken, in the most intimate forth on the equal importance place in my soul, the Feast of Life! of their Christian commitment That of the Empty Tomb! That of to orthodoxy in Justice as in the Victorious Cross! the Faith. And so, there was Let your Gardener’s voice, the witness of Bishop Romero, awaken my hearing each morning, the Salvadorian Jesuit Martyrs, with news that is always fresh: “Go and the worker priests. My own and tell my brothers and sisters, Spiritual Director, Jose Correa that I have overcome death, that SJ, faced some of the ire of his there is a place for everyone, there own established family when he where the New Nation is built. embraced that role for some years There, where neither earth, love and gave a moving testimony to nor joy, can be bought or sold, his new apprenticeship. It upped where wine and milk, are shared the ante for many of us in our without money and without a own parishes, as they strove to price. There, where all my little obtain a social and missionary brothers and sisters, sit as princes commitment beyond the and princesses, at GOD’S TABLE.” domestic one. Keep reminding me loudly every Vida). They surely spoke of the I applied for permission from THE tradition of having in every parish a Pentecost Finally, if there can ever be night, that you have overcome, Spirit, at least to my own inner Archbishop Ryan to work for a Vigil in my time on mission in Chile, brought many a final to the influence of the him who confuses this world. Tell singing bird over many years. spell in Latin America, where Spirit, there has been my own me it does not matter, how bitter lovely moments. One year, in the Hills of Valparaiso, Mediocrity was always a warning. he opted to send me to Chile. reading and literature. Marilynn the cup of affliction may be, so In the Chilean Pastoral Though my initial proactive on a new territory without chapel or church, we had Robinson’s ‘Gilead’ series is full of that the heart can cease trembling; Orientations, of around 1989, thrust had been towards Brazil, to improvise in the Tenant’s Association building. I the Spirit. And so is my recently and this desert of indifferent there was a compact little where some of my Maynooth downloaded ‘Jack’, where she development, does not impede our had a scheme adopted from the suggested national litany around what might be a classmates were well settled. works through spirit themes of hope, nor prevent us from holding developed Catholic emerging On an early parish seminar in one. With the texts from Acts, etc, on the Young grace, and trust and encounter Your Hands, round the Fire, which from our catechetic and liturgy my first parish, San Luis, I had Churches in Antioch, Corinth, Jerusalem and Rome, in a most wonderful prose style. burns brighter in the Mountain, and community service: an brought along that wonderful Her own serious, if you like, essay Your People are the Mountain! youth leader Sebastian Clarke showed on a drawing experience of the Presence of text from Pope Paul VI ‘Evangelii on ‘The Givenness of Things’, is Be strong, within me, so that the where the places where and what were the strengths God - a fully human person - Nuntiandi’, and there, the challenging but certainly from a thousand excuses, with which the convinced and convincing of challenge towards evangelization of the communities in each. deeply faith-filled person. heart, seeks to escape, from the our faith - an outward direction for those catechists was palpable: Maybe, you might again pardon essential, don’t make me forget, of being a witness and giving the apostolate of like-by-like, With that as a motivation, we Hampson I knew to be also a man me for finishing with a favorite that in Your House, there is testimony - and a person where the Kingdom as the end of the posed to a largely young gathering of prayer and his words, in gentle piece of my own choice, perhaps always WINE and BREAD, and the word Catholic is the noun Church, and not the opposite, the with some of their parents, what irony, still stay with me all these somebody competent could read that Your House, God, is where, rather than the adjective. criteria and values we indicate would be the priorities of our years afterwards: “Ah, sure it’ll it at my funeral, God willing! the humble search for the Justice, Over a long life, I now reflect with our every decision. new young community. I had do!” Years later in Maynooth, When the Hour Comes that will shine in the New Society, on how many of those men and Pope Paul’s other great Pastoral arrived well-armed with old the boast of getting by with just When the hour comes, you shall that already enlightens us, with women in that last category that I Letter on Our Lady, ‘Marialis newspapers and a large chunk navigating was for most of the change my desert into a waterfall, glimpses, of your Kingdom! have had the great fortune to have Cultus’, became my own little of pottery clay. The images that ordinary foot soldiers, a bit of a you shall anoint my head with (Julia Esquivel ‘Threatened with known. The Spirit shone through bible during the November emerged, with the prayers and myth. fresh oil and your strength shall Resurrection’) the comments that accompanied Other phrases occurred in in those persons, and as I write Month of Mary nightly them, were a feast to the eyes and my own discernment. The film this (Febr 20º) there is one lady celebrations there, whether on the touch of their materials. New ‘Amadeus’, on Mozart and some in Valparaiso in what seems to the street, in a house meeting, or little chapels sprouted from their outrageous plagiarism, prompted be her final coma. Helga Hansen in the local chapel. Since his reign nimble fingers, doves and crosses, the passionate defence of the gave her whole life to her chapel covered my own early years as a and satisfied families gave me guilty one, “I hate mediocrity!” and making the Community a priest, and having been in his a near 100 % participation for In ‘Macbeth’, I think, there was happy and welcoming place. presence in Rome on August 15 any church activity I had ever the niggling challenge from Lady Charismatic on two moments, Pope Paul VI attempted. Macbeth “to be more than that Baptism and its meaning always seemed to inspire me in The Gifts and the Fruits of the which you were, then you would has been a constant with Pope the Spirit that he radiated. Holy Spirit were all around that be so much more the man!” Francis: Christian, Disciples This Journey in the Spirit is Pentecost Vigil in Las Palmas, ‘Exchelsior’, as we learned also and Missionary are the three beginning to go overboard. But I in Cerro Placeres in Valparaiso, in our school English classes, markers. In the great moments cannot begin to end it without a and hymns and litanies sprouted “The Spirit blows where He will”. of the Charismatic Renewal, mention of the Scripture reading forth. There was, of course, a I was never allowed to settle into many Dublin parishes grew once and sharing. One of the great good bit of cleaning up to do, just mediocrity! Maybe in the more into that sense of what gifts to the Maynooth of our time even with all the newspapers on golf, where I could seldom hit that Baptism really involves. Through was the Dominican, Wilfred the floor, but everyone was happy. same sweet spot on the woods, sometimes those joyful ‘Life in Harrington, then a very young It would still be a couple of years as my great friend, Johnnie Lott, the Spirit’ Seminars, The Word and enthusiastic priest-teacher. before they had the first of their of Arklow days, enthused over was shared amongst us, often The Parables of Jesus became two chapels. on occasion. Seldom in song, starting from the non-clerical alive for us, as he mentioned At college with the Holy Ghost though I loved the folklore music member of the group. some of the great scholars of the Fathers, the Spartans as they later of Altan and others at home, as Later, in Marino and Glasnevin time, such as C H Dodd, and established themselves, there was well as the great groups in Chile, (an older group) parishes, in encouraged wider reading on also plenty of motivation around Inti-Ilimani, Las Jaivas and the succession, I had the privilege our part; not that common in the the prayers to the Holy Spirit. great Violeta Parra. And there of hosting a small group in my Maynooth of the time. ‘Fides et Robur’ was the motto, was a part of the Spirit in those house to pray on Sunday nights. My Elphin classmate, Tony whether looking for more rugby songs for liberty and freedom There, too, my own Ad Gente Conroy, who has worked nearly success or making something out and gratitude (Violeta Parra and missionary calling was certainly all of his life on that topic in the of our privileged lives. Fr Anthony Mercedes Sosa in Gracias a la being slowly affirmed, before favelas of San Paolo in Brazil, THE NET | MARCH 2021 17 Eangach Ár nDúchas Cuimhní Cóivide 2 Lúireach Phádraig — An Sagart Brian Ó Fearraí, Gaoth Dobhair Éirím inniu taca domh ó chualathas trácht don i gcumhacht na bhFlaitheas, chéad uair ar an ghalar Covid–19. i soillse gréine, Ba iad tobar na heagnaíochta na i ngile na gealaí, briathra beannaithe céanna domh, in áilleacht tine, agus is iomaí ábhar misnigh agus i mire lasrach, tacaíochta a d’fháisc mé astu agus i luas gaoithe, mé ag treabhadh liom le linn na géarchéime. Bhí tráthanna ann le i ndoimhneacht farraige, linn mo chuid léitheoireachta, agus i mbuanseasmhacht talún, mé ag tumadh i ndoimhneacht i ndaingneacht carraige. na scrioptúr, gur léiríodh domh splancacha beaga éargnaí a spreag Éirím inniu machnamh agus meabhrú níos Neart Dé dom stiúradh, doimhne ar chastacht an tsaoil agus na géarchéime a bhí ag teacht cumhacht Dé dom chumhdach, chun solais go laethúil os comhair críonnacht Dé dom threorú, mo chuid súl. Bhog an taithí seo súil Dé ag faire dom, an croí ionam le meabhrú ar cluas Dé ag éisteacht liom, eagna Sholaimh, a d’fhógair óna briathar Dé ag labhairt liom, chríonnacht, ‘níl aon ní nua ann faoi lámh Dé dom chosaint, luí na gréine’, (Cóheilit 1:9) — ábhar a neartaigh mé le leanstan orm i An Sagart Brian Ó Fearraí, Doirí Beaga slí Dé dom tharraingt, mbun mo chuid ministreachta. Mar sciath Dé mar dhídean dom, sin féin, bhí tráthanna ann, agus slua Dé dom chaomhnú Cuimhneachán, le Mary Dunnion mé go domhain i nduibheagán, i ar ghaiste diabhal, gceartlár Covid–19, ag streachailt Bhí mé den bharúil i dtólamh go ar chathú duáilcí, le lámh láidir Dé a fheiceáil ar chúl raibh cur amach ag lucht leighis agus ar mhianta mí-ionraic, achan chor sa tsaol, gan trácht ar an eolais ar sheacht ngalair an tsléibhe, sciath chosanta chéanna a fheiceáil ar lucht mo mhillte, ach le leathadh an choróinvíris, a liom féin agus leis an phobal a i gcéin is i gcóngar, tháinig aniar aduaidh orainn, is bhfuil sé de phribhléid agam a im aonar nó i gcomhluadar. cosúil gur fágadh go leor i ngalar bheith ag freastal orthu. i ngan fhios. Is saoithiúil ar fad, agus is scáfar, leoga, go dtig leis an Críost do mo chumhdach Ceannógaí Covid–19 mhiocrób nó an bhitheog ghalair inniu is lú an bheatha is mó a thabhairt Agus i dtaca le cúram na n-easlán, ar nimh, ar loscadh, go talamh agus leoga a chur faoi smaoiním go háirithe ar amantaí ar bháthadh, ar ghoineadh, thalamh. agus mé i mo sheasamh ag go dtaga chugam fuinneoga tí, fliuch is tirim, agus Covid–19 faoi scáth Chóheilit 1:9 luach mo shaothair. mo ghuthán póca suite go socair Covid–19 ar leac na fuinneoige ar mhód Bhí briathra Chóheilit, a théann lámhshaor agam, guthán eile ag othair a bhí sínte tinn sa leabaidh. gcumhdaí Dia do chorp agus go siar chomh fada leis an tríú céad bunadh an tí istigh faoi dhíon agus ‘Go mbeannaí Dia an tAthair thú. slánaí sé d’anam. Go lonraí sé ar do roimh Chríost, agus atá ar fáil i muid ag gabháil dólámhach agus ag Go leigheasa Dia an Mac thú. Go chroí agus go dtreoraí sé chun na gcanóin na scrioptúr, mar chrann guí, ag ofráil paidreacha ar son an soilsí an Spiorad Naomh thú. Go beatha síoraí thú.’ Críost Linn sa Tinneas Nuair atá duine tinn inniu, thig leis fiúntas ar bith fágtha ann mar tinneas. Iarrtar orainn a bheith in é. Thug siad an Ola Dhéanach ar a bheith sa bhaile nó in otharlann, dhuine. Ní aithníonn sé fiúntas éineacht le Críost sa tinneas, cosúil Shacraimint na nEaslán ag an am nó i dtearmann nó óispís. Go ar bith san fhulaingt ná sa phian, le gach gné eile dár saol. Sin é an sin, nó Ola an Bháis, nó Ola na minic tiontaíonn sé a dhroim agus é cinnte nach bhfuil ann ach fáth go gcaitheann an sagart cuid Síoraíochta. Má chuala tú ag an leis na daoine, agus a aghaidh leis mallacht ar a shaol. mhór ama ag cuartaíocht ar na am sin go raibh an ola curtha ar an bhalla ionas nach bhfeicfidh daoine tinne, le sólás a thabhairt dhuine, bhí tú ag fanacht le scéala duine ar bith é nó nach mbeidh air Ach cá bhfuil Íosa Críost sa scéal dóibh agus lena spreagadh sa báis go luath ina dhiaidh, nó fiú féin amharc idir an dá shúil ar an seo? D’fhulaing seisean cuid mhór bheatha spioradálta nuair is lú an socruithe sochraide. Ag an am chuairteoir nó an rud atá i súile an ar mhaithe linn, agus leigheas sé dóchas iontu. sin, is ullmhúchán don bhás a bhí chuairteora a aithint. Tarlaíonn sé cuid mhór fosta. Is é an Críost i gceist. seo go speisialta nuair atá an duine seo ba mhaith linne san Eaglais Bhí am ann, agus ní fada ó le bás agus nach bhfuil leigheas ná a thabhairt chuig an duine tinn, shin é, nuair a shíl daoine gur (Buíochas le Foilseacháin Ábhair biseach i ndán dó. Ní fheiceann ionas go leigheasfadh sé é, nó ar a dhrochchomhartha é an sagart a Spioradálta.) sé fiúntas ar bith sa tinneas. Ní laghad go dtiocfadh sé ina araicis bheith ag teacht chuig an duine fheiceann sé ach a oiread go bhfuil agus a chuid féin a dhéanamh den tinn. Shíl siad gur chomhartha báis 18 THE NET | MARCH 2021 St Patrick had no problem calling himself “a most unlearned sinner” by Bishop Donal RIGHT from the time of Adam list of misdemeanours. We ask Bishop Donal and Eve, there has been the forgiveness for not being “perfect temptation to blame somebody as your heavenly Father is perfect.” else when I make mistakes. (Mt 5:48). And then we accept that Christian faith always calls us we are still offered a share in the to move away from that childish divine life - as a free gift. mindset. I hope that, over the next weeks, Our own St Patrick had we will be able to facilitate all those no problem beginning his who want to lay their sins before Reflections on Lent and ‘Confessions’ calling himself “a the Lord in Confessions. most unlearned sinner”. Children Then, as a Church, we can make excuses and dump the celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection the gift of Confession guilt on others. Adults accept and the gift of Christ’s risen life, AS we journey through Lent and prepare for Easter, a responsibility for their actions. when we have died a little bit more But our ‘sins’ are not just a to ourselves. number of people across the Diocese have shared what Lent and the gift of Confession means to them, with some reflecting on a quote from St Patrick’s ‘Confessio’ – “Each Lent is a time to let go in order to grow and all shall render account for even our smallest sins before the judgement seat of Christ the Lord”. by Edel O’Connor Some also shared their favourite memories of celebrating MY favorite season of the year the wilderness of the desert. The Ezekiel: “I shall give you a new St Patrick’s Day, as we approach the Feast Day of Ireland’s is springtime. The sense of hope, world does not offer certainty heart and put a new spirit in you.” Patron Saint on March 17 rebirth and renewal are palpable in to humanity; however, faith and Lent and, in particular, the the air. In springtime, the branches hope involve a risk to trust that sacrament of Confession are an long for the buds to bring new God will never fail to uphold His invitation to receive this new spirit. This Lent I felt God inviting life. Lent, for me, symbolises the creation. In these uncertain times It is an invitation into God’s mercy, opportunity to reflect, to listen to of this global pandemic, that trust but what is not acknowledged me to join Him every day in the calls of the Holy Spirit reaching and faith in God is sustaining me. cannot be healed. I am offered to the depths of my longings, and My understanding of Lent has forgiveness, compassion, courage Edel O’Connor it is a time to respond to that call grown over the years. Traditionally, and strength when I may be at the garden of my heart and renew my faith. as a child, I always associated my weakest. To forgive and to conclusion insists that we forever Lent is a time for reflection. I Lent with giving up sweets and be forgiven is to enter a world begin.” by Tanya McHugh ask myself what I need to let go chocolate. However, over the of freedom. Certainty that God I believe that the Holy Spirit is of in order to grow. It is a time of years I have discovered that my is an all forgiving God can be a continually in the hearts of people, THIS Lent, I have felt God discernment and questioning for Lenten journey is an opportunity healing power. The sacrament of insisting that they forever begin. inviting me to join Him every day me, to ascertain for myself how I to lighten my load and let go of my Confession is a gift of healing and During this Lent, as I wait for in the garden of my heart, for a can renew my faith. own heavy crosses and burdens I renewal. spring blossoms to appear and the heart-to-heart chat. Faith is surrendering to may be carrying. Removing the Brendan Kennelly noted: sounds of the birds singing in the Instead of getting my prayers God, opening myself up to the things that harden my heart and “Though we live in a world that air, I pray that I will acknowledge said and moving on to the next mystery of life and to the risks planting the buds of renewed dreams of ending, that always the presence of the Holy Spirit task of the day, I take the time to be of the unknown future. Jesus hope, faith and love. seems about to give in, something encouraging me to continue to quiet and really listen to God; to let surrendered Himself to God in In the words of the Prophet that will not acknowledge sing that song of hope within me. Him into the part of my heart that no one else sees. I so enjoy those moments of Without the Father I am fallen, but with Him I am lifted contemplative prayer that it didn’t feel Lenten enough, so I asked by Shauna Fitzsimons God, in this time with Him, if He was sure that’s how He wanted me AS I begin to prepare my child Galliagh, that I took that first scared, really scared, and yet I to pray. to celebrate his First Confession, I step back. Each month, I sat shouldn’t have been. With it being And I felt God gently say that think back to my own experience in the service listening to the my first time back, the nerves got my coming close to Him, giving of this occasion. As I sat alongside encouraging words to go to meet the better of me. I had to remind Him my heart, telling Him my the priest telling him of my sins, the Father; watching the line upon myself of the Prodigal Son and worries and trusting in Him, gives my heart pounding, I recall him line of people waiting to go before the image of the Father standing Him consolation in His Garden of looking at me saying, “Are you the Lord in humility. I longed to arms outstretched. To be forgiven, Gethsemane. Tanya McHugh sure this is it?” Did he know get up and join the queue, and as easy as it sounds, can be hard something? I was going through each month that longing grew and to accept, but what I have found What the Catechism of the Catholic a process, one that I would only grew. is that once I took that step, it appreciate many years later. Unbeknown to me, the Lord became easier to take the next step Church teaches about Lent... As a family, we would attend had been working within and the one after that. the Reconciliation Services in our me, preparing me. I had been The closer I grow towards God “The seasons and days of penance “Jesus’ temptation reveals the local church. I would always prefer reading St Faustina’s Diary, each in my life, the more I can see that in the course of the liturgical year way in which the Son of God to sit next to the priest face-to-face, chapter preparing my heart and He is calling out all those “smallest Shauna Fitzsimons is Messiah, contrary to the way (Lent, and each Friday in memory telling all my sins. I had a fear of soul to make that step closer to of sins”. Each fall is a reminder of example, through experiencing Satan proposes to him and the of the death of the Lord) are the Confessional boxes; unsure of reconciliation. For me, the idea my weakness but also of my need the compassion and forgiveness way men wish to attribute to him. intense moments of the Church’s whether to sit or stand, to speak that in my human failings I can of God the Father in my life, of of The Father, so that my children This is why Christ vanquished penitential practice. These times aloud or whisper. These issues sin and yet with a contrite heart be how much I depend on Him. will be encouraged to walk this the Tempter for us: ‘For we have are particularly appropriate for clouded the process and they forgiven by a Loving Father, was a Without the Father I am fallen, but path. To learn when I am wrong, not a high priest who is unable to spiritual exercises, penitential grew and grew to the point where lot for me to grasp, and yet, once with Him I am lifted. Of course, I to say I am wrong, and when I sympathize with our weaknesses, liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of I stopped going to Confession for I had experienced it, it is the one still fall, but it becomes more of a have been forgiven, to accept this. but one who in every respect has penance, voluntary self-denial a number of years. The longer I thing that provides me with solace. conscious effort now to live a life “Be ashamed of when you sin, been tested as we are, yet without such as fasting and almsgiving, left it, the more difficult it was to Eventually, I was able to go to that is pleasing to God. not when you repent.” - St John sinning.’ By the solemn forty days and fraternal sharing (charitable return. Confession during the Healing I want my children to know Chrysostom. of Lent the Church unites herself and missionary works)”. (CCC It was not until I started going Night and that first Confession and grow in a relationship with Now I can say that I fully each year to the mystery of Jesus in 1438) to the Franciscan Friars of the brought closure to the fears that a loving, understanding and appreciate the beauty and grace of the desert”. (CCC 540) Renewal Healing Nights, in had built up. Being honest, I was forgiving Father. I try to lead by reconciliation. THE NET | MARCH 2021 19 The light and hope we long for can be found through prayer, fasting and almsgiving by Sonya Darcy of Jesus. Assemblies. This gives us some and alone for so long, whilst key ourselves anything is a form of Confession ranges from my The word ‘Lent’ of course means sense of connectedness in this workers have been on the frontline discipline and, just like in popular childhood feelings of fear and forty in many languages, but I important liturgical season. throughout the pandemic working culture, it can provide a balance or apprehension, at having to account am drawn to the derivative from In this period of coronavirus hard and sacrificing for all of a new perspective in how we think for my sins out loud to another Anglo Saxon origins meaning and lockdowns, we have been us. But the light and hope that about things. person, to the feelings of joy and ‘lengthen.’ Lent for me has always asked to sacrifice many things, we are longing for can be found This season can bring about a liberation and being freed from been a sign that the darkness of such as family gatherings, within by drawing closer to God spiritual renewal, as Pope Francis the feeling of sin. The same feeling winter is drifting away to allow for social interactions with friends, through our prayers, fasting and said in his Lenten message, experienced, no doubt, by many the brighter days and waiting for celebrating Mass with our fellow our almsgiving. “Lent is a time for believing. For others, but perfectly captured by the signs of hope to appear with parishioners, and even a simple We are called to live a life of welcoming God into our lives one of my own children, who the first buds of spring and the hug that we took for granted. For prayer and service all year round, and allowing Him to ‘make His reported feeling much better celebration of Easter. It is also a many, the darkness and struggles but Lent is a time to refocus our dwelling’ in us”. It can be a time for and closer to God after their first time of growth, as the exam classes have been especially hard to thoughts and energies, to remove us to readjust and examine where experience of the sacrament. reach Easter it signals a time of endure and our long fasting has distractions and look closely at how we place God in our lives. We must not forget this transition perhaps academically made us weary. We are longing for we can improve our relationship The liturgical colour of Lent is childhood feeling of joy and and spiritually. a sign of hope; the lighter days to with God. Drawing closer to Him purple which is a symbol of both peace that can be found in this Sonya Darcy, Drumragh Parish, Ordinarily, our CBS students lift our Spirits. will give us the warmth, hope and joy and penance, highlighting sacrament, which Pope Francis Omagh. would have gathered in Sacred This year, for me the season of light that we seek. that it is impossible to talk about described as not only returning Heart Church, Omagh, and Lent is also a period of fasting Many self-help books talk about renewal and conversion of our to God but returning home, just THIS year, more than ever, we celebrated Ash Wednesday from each other and the routine of 21 days being the magic number hearts during Lent without talking as the Prodigal Son reluctantly have been finding our own way together as a school community, our daily lives, but Easter is a sign to make a habit stick, so the about the gift of Confession, which returned home but was welcomed of celebrating Lent. We may be and our Pope John Paul II students of hope as always and no better discipline of sticking at something will cleanse and heal our soul. with open arms. He reminds us celebrating alone in our houses, would lead our Morning Prayer in way to celebrate the Resurrection for 40 days really should reinforce In James 5:15-16, we are told, that “God never tires of forgiving but we still follow the centuries St Brendan’s Chapel. This year we than to be reunited with our loved our Lenten sacrifice and make it a “...If they have sinned, they will us, we are the ones who tire of of Christians who have spent have moved our morning prayers ones. part of our daily lives, whether that be forgiven. Therefore, confess seeking his mercy.” this period of 40 days and nights online and our senior pupils Some may be dismayed at the be giving up salt in my younger your sins to each other and pray The key is we must return to fully preparing for the celebration of lead the prayers on our social thought of Lent and 40 more days days or, this year, setting aside for each other so that you may be experience the joy of His limitless the Resurrection of Christ, by media platforms. Our Year Heads of fasting and sacrifice, especially a quiet time each day to devote healed.” love and mercy, which will bring sacrificing something in honour connect online to lead our Lenten when many have been isolated to prayer. Sacrificing or denying My own experience of us peace this Lent. Confession is a beautiful encounter with our loving Father by Rhonda McColgan

Augustine famously stated, “You This priest was Fr Claude de la “I, I it is who blot out your us to return; the prodigal son or have made us for yourself, O Lord, Colombiere. In looking for proof offenses for my own sake and daughter. He waits at the gate and, and our heart is restless until it of this vision, he instructed her remember your sins no more”. when He sees us coming over the rests in you.” to ask God to reveal the last sin (Isaiah 43:25) field, He runs to meet us with arms So, how do we start out on this that he had confessed. St Margaret St Faustina, too, reassured us of outstretched to welcome us home. journey? Well, I’ve discovered that Mary asked Jesus this question and God’s unfathomable mercy. He This truly is the joy of confession. it begins with the acceptance of His answer was, as the story goes, revealed to her that our sins are It is a beautiful encounter with our that invitation. Then, along with “I have forgotten”. This answer like a drop falling into an ocean of loving Father. our cooperation and trust, God was enough to reassure the now mercy. (Diary 718) During this Lent, I’m using this does the rest in leading us through St Claude de la Colombiere of the This is good news, and my own great opportunity to go deeper still this journey that is like no other. authenticity of the visions. personal experience is that God is with the Lord and, as I go deeper It is one that takes you through It was during Lent a couple our loving Father, who waits for within, may I climb higher above. many trials as if breaking free from of years ago that I discovered slavery, escaping our inner Egypt the power of the Sacrament and entering onto Mount Nebo of Confession. I was at a Bible that overlooks the Promised Land. study talk. Fr Columba Jordan, a During the invitation of Lent, we Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, have the opportunity to examine was explaining scripture and I ourselves and take a fresh look at found myself being completely our relationship with God. Giving convicted of my sin. up certain luxuries and food habits I had a strong urge to go to helps us to highlight the weakness Knock and make a big confession. of our flesh. It is this saying ‘no’ So, a few days later, I got up really that allows us to deny our flesh, early and headed off to Knock. thus becoming stronger in the Once there, I made my way down Rhonda McColgan, Iskaheen Parish. Spirit. It helps us to shift our focus to the confessional area and in towards God and, at the same there I poured my heart out. AS I reflect upon this Lenten revealing myself to me, as if on a time, helps us to root out any areas Perhaps going to Knock was an journey, I find that I must look parallel journey of hearts. Lent is that we have perhaps placed before indication of my lack of humility back whilst at the same time one of those invitations. the Lord. by not going to a local priest. moving forward in order to answer This, indeed, sounds like an One of the biggest gear shifts However, God provided the this question. I recall the different exciting adventure of discovery. for me along this journey has right priest for me that day and What the Catechism of the Catholic experiences that I’ve had with the But what I’ve discovered, in this most definitely been through the proved His love for me through Lord as He calls me to ‘Come and upside down Kingdom, is that Sacrament of Reconciliation. the consoling words He spoke Church teaches about Confession... s e e’. it’s not an outward journey of St Patrick said that each of us to me through that priest. After God has offered me many adventure but rather an internal shall render account for even our some prayer time and reflection at “Conversion is first of all a work sin and being separated from him. invitations to come closer. He one and, sometimes, one of smallest sins before the judgement Knock, I skipped out of there and of the grace of God who makes The human heart is converted by calls me deeper into the mystery struggle and pain. seat of Christ the Lord. This is a felt as free as a bird! our hearts return to him: ‘Restore looking upon him whom our sins of His very being. He invites me This journey enters into the very sobering thought! So, reflecting on St Patrick’s us to thyself, O LORD, that we have pierced: Let us fix our eyes into a personal relationship with depths of my being. I know that the However, I call to mind a story sobering words to us, I like to think may be restored!’ God gives us on Christ’s blood and understand Him; a relationship of discovery. destination rests with the treasure related to St Margaret Mary that, in giving God our sins in this the strength to begin anew. It is in how precious it is to his Father, for, He shows me His very nature as of what is the dwelling place of the Alacoque. After she received a life, when we stand before Him in discovering the greatness of God’s poured out for our salvation it has my Father, Friend, King, Lord most Holy Trinity. If I keep my vision of the Lord, she looked for the next He will have blotted out love that our heart is shaken by brought to the whole world the and Saviour. At the same time eyes focussed on this prize, I know a confessor to ask for direction. our sins. the horror and weight of sin and grace of repentance”. (CCC 1432) as revealing Himself to me, He is that one day I will get there. As St begins to fear offending God by 20 THE NET | MARCH 2021 Confession in Covid by Fr Gerard Mongan FOR the past year, the Church soon found that it had to the children of God’ (Catechism was gracious to him (Conf 1). unprecedented circumstances deal with post-baptismal sin. 1468). We see Patrick’s sheer caused by the spread of Covid-19 In the early Church, the What do we do then during this dependency and trust in God’s has forced the Church to adapt, Sacrament of Penance could be time of restriction? Please God mercy when he writes: “…it making use of digital technology received only once in a lifetime. we will be able to celebrate this was [in Ireland] that the Lord to stream services and find new The penances assigned were often wonderful life-giving Sacrament opened the understanding of ways to respond to the spiritual very long and severe, sometimes soon. In the meantime, we can only my unbelieving heart, so that I needs of believers. lasting several years. During do what the Church prescribes should recall my sins even though During that time, and in this time, penitents usually had for a time like this and follow the it was late and I should turn with particular during the periods of special places in church, wore clear direction of Pope Francis if all my heart to the Lord my God, lockdown, many people have special clothes, and commonly one can’t find a priest: to ask God and he took notice of my humble expressed to me their longing for left the Sunday liturgy after the for forgiveness and then to go to state and pitied my youth and my the sacraments of Penance and homily, just like the catechumens Confession when one is able. ignorance and protected me before Eucharist in the midst of the global preparing for Baptism. And there’s no better man to I knew him and before I had sense Covid crisis. Indeed, it has been In the 5th-century, discipline of inspire us this season to trust in or could distinguish between good a time when many have begun, the practice was to hear confessions the Lord’s infinite mercy than and bad and strengthened me and perhaps for the first time, to really at the beginning of Lent and to our national patron himself, St comforted me as a father comforts appreciate how vital they are for reconcile the penitents on Holy Patrick. Patrick’s ‘Confession’ is his son” (Conf 2). the nourishment of their spiritual Thursday in preparation for Easter. a declaration of the mercy and May God comfort us as lives. Gradually, however, the practice of faithfulness of God to him in Jesus inheritors of Patrick’s legacy of Fundamentally, they long to reconciling, or absolving, sinners Christ. faith in God’s infinite mercy to all receive Jesus sacramentally. I’ve immediately after confession Always and throughout his his adopted sons and daughters in seen some people kneel in tears in and before fulfilment of penance writings, Patrick speaks of himself Baptism. May we use our Lenten adoration as the Blessed Sacrament was introduced. In Ireland and as only a lowly sinner who was lockdown to reflect on the sins was carried in procession around a England, people began to consult pitied by the Lord. We see his that separate us from God and Derry City estate last Palm Sunday. holy men (monks) when they humility in the immortal first line from one another and, perhaps I admire and have been inspired were in need of forgiveness. The of his ‘Confession’: “I am Patrick, a also, to refresh our knowledge and by many priests throughout penitent went to private confession sinner, most uncultivated and least understanding of the great gift of the world who have used their and received penance – the of all the faithful and despised in Christ’s pardon and peace in the initiative and sought creative monks had devised books (‘Celtic the eyes of many” (Conf 1). sacrament of penance. ways to bring the sacraments to penitentials’ or libri paenitentialis) He speaks of the sins of his youth Christ is the centre of this people while respecting safety and which contained lists or scales and he presents them as being sacramental act; that meeting social distancing. For example, of penances commensurate with committed against God. He knew with Christ who makes himself the experience of ‘drive-thru’ various sins. The community was that “We shall all certainly render present in the priest. God’s glory Fr Gerard Mongan, CC Three Patrons. confessions, has been a great not involved, and the ritual was an account even for the smallest and love must be more important source of spiritual comfort and very private and repeatable. sins before the judgment seat of than our sins. Each time we receive avoid the occasions of sin so as to Confession may well be amongst consolation to many in the USA By the end of the 11th century, the Lord Christ” (Conf 8). the sacrament, a rebirth of the life try not to fall again into the same the sweetest, the most comforting and other parts of the world. only notorious sinners were In his waywardness, he had of grace takes place within us. We faults. and the most decisive moments For people who find itreconciled on Holy Thursday. deserted the God of his fathers and receive greater light from God, and The sincere confession of our in life”, (Address, 27th February impossible to access the Sacrament Often, those guilty of serious, disobeyed His commandments increased strength, special graces faults always leaves great joy and 1975). Perhaps we can, at least, of Reconciliation at this time, mortal sins put off penance until and neglected the church’s to struggle against the inclinations peace in the soul. As Blessed Paul look forward to that moment. Pope Francis’ reassurance of the death approached. To correct this message of salvation, but the Lord which have been confessed and to VI said, “the moments of a sincere Church’s guidelines at this time is abuse, the Fourth Lateran Council also comforting. During one of his (1215) established the rule that live-streamed morning Masses in every Christian should confess For many years I dreaded going to Confession...but the chapel of his home, the Casa to a priest at least once a year. Santa Marta, he said: “I know that Through the centuries, the Church many of you go to Confession has continued to develop in its I needed release from my sins before Easter...Many will say to me, understanding of this sacrament ‘But Father...I can’t leave the house so that it can be more responsive to by Lexie Morrison and I want to make my peace with the needs of the people and more FROM my late teens, as I I always looked forward to Today, I still struggle slightly the Lord...How can I do that unless meaningful in their lives. encountered Jesus, I regarded my Lent, but for so many years I with Confession, but I don’t see I find a priest’?” Community spiritual life as a combination of just abstained from chocolate, Jesus as that judge looking down The Pope continued: “Do what Reconciliation, like all good or bad, and right or wrong. lemonade or take-aways. Did this on me. He is the righteous judge the catechism says. It’s very clear. sacraments, has a fundamental I was either in the middle of sin or bring me closer to Jesus? Weren’t with eternal Love and Mercy. You If you don’t find a priest to go to community dimension. This was trying to avoid it. This perception all my Lents just the same? see that is the secret! Do we really Confession, speak to God. He’s most obvious in the early Church of my journey had an impact on For so many years I dreaded believe Jesus loves us? Not to say it your Father. Tell Him the truth, with the Order of Penitents. But me because I saw the almighty going to Confession, but I needed only as words, but to live his ‘Love’ ‘Lord. I did this and this and this. even with the later development God as a judge looking down on the release from my sins. At and to live his ‘Mercy’. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness of private penance, the Church has me with contempt, when I fell into different times I felt my penance It’s truly awesome having God with all your heart with an act always insisted on the importance sin. It was as if He loved me better wasn’t enough or hoped that it as your best friend too. It took of contrition, and promise Him, of the priest in the experience of when I was trying to avoid sin. I wasn’t a priest who knew me. me a long time to get to that point ‘afterward I will go to confession.’ reconciliation. This is not because seemed to see God as being more Lent for me was a way that I could as I looked in different places for You will return to God’s grace God will not forgive us directly human than divine. ‘make up’ to the Lord for my God. And, indeed, in a lot of those immediately.” (God always forgives those who The lives of the saintsfailings and sins. It was a chance places I found him; in the church, The manner of ‘going torepent), but because the priest is demonstrated their own struggles for me to perform some physical in His people and in nature. confession’ has clearly developed the representative of the Church but highlighted that call to action of reparation, as if the Lord I always had the habit of looking over the centuries since Jesus community. Reconciliation with holiness, which is a call for each was requiring it. up to the sky, as if looking to Lexie Morrison, Derry. uttered his instituting words on the Church community is the of us. The idea that I could live a So many times I had high Heaven, when I chatted to God praying for me. I’m not interested Easter Sunday night: “Receive sacramental sign of reconciliation similar life to these saints seemed expectations of journeying as I walked, but recently I felt as as much in ‘going off chocolate’, the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you with the Lord. The priest is the a fantasy; something impossible to through Lent, in the desert, and if an inner voice was saying to but I am fasting to some extent forgive are forgiven them, and representative of the community, me. It was something I felt I could reaching the promised land of me, ‘Why do you look up, look and I’m taking on more spiritual whose sins you retain are retained” as well as the representative of never attain. Maybe I was looking Easter. But, so often, it felt I lost inside!’ That’s where God is! That’s reading. This Lent, I feel the call (John 20:23). Christ. at myself, and my life, with my own something during Holy Week in where He dwells. But this only to a ‘deeper trust’ in the Lord and A glance at the early history of Normally, the celebration of the eyes. If I could have seen myself my expectation. So where was I happens if I love Him and obey to spend more time with Him. He this sacrament makes it clear that Sacrament of Reconciliation is with the eyes of Jesus, I could have going wrong? His commandments and keep His must be our light in the darkness. Penance has had a lively and varied an important part of our Lenten seen something different. But, In recent years, I have come Word. Jesus tells us that if we do To love the Lord is to do His will, past. The primary sacrament of observance. There is no better then again, that was my problem – to a deeper relationship with this, our Heavenly Father will love so that when we come before the forgiveness in the early Church was way to prepare for the celebration I saw Jesus as the eternal judge. So, Jesus and the journey has been us and God will make His home Lord in Judgement, the prayer of baptism. To the first Christians, it of the Resurrection of the Lord confession was a sort of difficult something similar to a series of with us. So, when the Almighty our lives, and of our souls, will seemed unthinkable that anyone at Easter than by this Sacrament, task for me over the years. Was the on-going ‘lents’ and ‘easters’, with Trinity dwells within me, do I already have been: “Thy Will be who had been converted to Christ ‘which brings about a true spiritual priest going to judge me too? Or perseverance in the struggles and need to fear the judgement Seat of done on Earth as it is in Heaven”. would return to sin after they had resurrection, restoration of the did I pass judgement on myself as then enjoying the consolations of Christ? Amen. been baptized. Nevertheless, the dignity and blessings of the life of I entered the confessional? the Holy Spirit. This Lent is a time of extra THE NET | MARCH 2021 21 Growing further in their faith together during Lent...... Roisin Doherty and her five children share the joy of being Catholic Lent reminds me to try to live like Jesus by Owen Doherty THINKING back on Lent in and to try to live like Him. previous years, I have come to see My favourite memories of Saint that no matter how many times I Patrick’s Day are all of my family break my Lent, do the things I said being out together, wearing green, wouldn’t and fall, Jesus allows me eating cotton candy from the ice to get right back up and start again. cream vans and feeling the rumble I feel like this is very similar to of the city even once we come the gift of Confession. As Jesus and home. I walk together through the desert, St Patrick’s Day makes me think we continue to walk together even of the love that people have for after coming out of it. him; to be dedicated enough to Lent is a time when I remember celebrate a day every single year in Christ’s strength and forgiveness his honour. Owen Doherty. Lent gives me a chance to change and challenge myself by Tom Doherty (aged 17) I find that Lent is a time that The gift of Confession is a fond memories and joyful not only gives me a chance to unique opportunity to be free experiences. Most years I spend change and challenge myself, but from sins I’ve committed; I often it with my friends, watching the to also remember the difficulties find myself under appreciating it. parade and just enjoying the Jesus faced. It’s sometimes hard to be honest company. It’s a vibrant day that The trial He went through is with myself and face my sins, but always has a strong sense of Roisin Doherty a reminder to keep my head up through the act of Confession, I community and makes me feel and have faith when things are become clean and open to Jesus. at home. We found our tough. St Patrick’s Day always brings During Lent I’m focusing on what Jesus did for us home in Jesus by Susie Doherty (aged 15)

MEMORIES I will always have with food and drinks, which during Lent in with me are those surrounding made me realise the importance the time of Lent. I found myself of joy and how much God loves to in awe at having the ashes on my see His children happy. by Roisin Doherty forehead each Ash Wednesday, Not only is this time a time of Derry which I never wanted to wash off. joy, but one of reflection. Hearing my mum talk about Although still young, reflecting IN late winter 2010, my five the woman’s ache to be seen, to be Jesus’ time in the desert drew me on my faith had always been children and I arrived in Derry known and to belong became so into wanting to know more about a sacred space for me. Having seeking to make a new life in real as I identified with her. my faith, and the sacrifices He fruitful, and sometimes chaotic, the hometown I’d left as a child The man in grey spoke about made for us. family discussions about Jesus’ during The Troubles. We were just Jesus and I found myself crying, One of my fondest memories life paved the way for an intimate and overwhelming experience. and I found myself completely settling into our new home as Lent recognizing God’s presence in around the period of Lent is of relationship with my Father in Picking out green clothes and intrigued by St Patrick’s vocation approached. these words of profound, radical, being part of a Folk Choir. On the Heaven. setting off for the parade felt like of being a missionary, and I knew The Cathedral bells rang across scandalous love. lead up to Easter, we learnt the I can still remember having the biggest adventure. I wanted to be like him. the city each Sunday morning I realized in these moments of most joyful songs about Jesus and arguments about what colour I clambered onto a bench to see I’m focusing on what Jesus did and our yearning for belonging newness that the Catholic Church His Resurrection, which we sang Mary’s robes were with my above the busy crowd, only to find for us, and using this Lent to and community got us wondering in Derry was where my children with pride in Long Tower Church brothers and sister. a huge float of St Patrick who, at reflect on the past and what’s to what the bells were celebrating. and I would come to know Our on Easter Sunday morning. Spending my first St Patrick’s the time, I wasn’t familiar with. come in the future. Our new neighbours said one Lord, the God of Love. An Easter egg-hunt followed, Day in Ireland was a colourful An avalanche of questions later of the churches had begun a After Mass, the friar invited Children’s Liturgy they thought the children and I to their friary my children would love. where we began the most amazing Confession is an opportunity Every Lent I try to become We bravely set out to our first journey into our faith. We learned time at Mass together. It would be about the sacraments, Holy my first time at Mass since I was a Communion, Confession, prayer, to feel free from sin more and more like Jesus teen. I had no idea what to expect. the Rosary, joy and perseverance, Inside the church my young holiness, happiness, the Holy by Eddie Doherty (age 14) by Eilish Doherty (aged 12) family indeed loved the Children’s Spirit, Our Lady and the saints. LENT to me is a wonderful and more like Jesus. Liturgy and ran off to enjoy the All through the rest of Lent WHEN I remember the time time of year. From the dog walks This Lent, I have tried to go on a activities. I sat alone in the empty and Easter that year was an of Lent, I think of the days Jesus through the parks long walk every single day, which bench as Mass began, surrounded excited frenzy of the five children spent in the desert going through to picking flowers in bighas really helped to keep me busy. by friendly strangers. preparing for their Baptism, which all that pain for all of us. It warms meadows, it blows my mind that Saint Patrick’s Day is also a big I didn’t know Jesus and I was happened in summer. my heart to know His love. God has created all of that beauty part of our life here during Lent. It looking for safety, acceptance, We found our home in Jesus The courage, strength and faith and nature. is the day where a bunch of people hope and a community to lean during Lent in Derry. We met Jesus had is amazing and I’m glad Not only is Lent a great cleansing come together and celebrate Saint into. our new faith community and and grateful for all that He’s done. for my soul, it is a cleansing for my Patrick. We have big parades and A man in grey walked across the we made friendships we still hold I feel that Confession is an body and mind. eat special foods. altar. He was wearing long hooded dearly 11 years later. opportunity to feel free from your Every single Lent, I try to go on It is considered a very big holiday robes with a rope around his waist. Glory, praise and thanks be to sins and to really feel God’s love. I new things and go off things to in Ireland and reminds me of how He read the Gospel about the God. think without it I would be more stop bad habits, and try to do good much I love Jesus. woman at the well. As I listened, lost and stray further from God deeds in an effort to become more 22 THE NET | MARCH 2021

What greater power than forgiveness...it brings the chance for a fresh start and freedom by Martin McKeever “The church is not a museum for The first one seemed very and God. welcome, and then invited me to saints; it’s a hospital for sinners”. negative to me until I came to Hurt have a seat and settled back into Also, Fr Neal Carlin, founder of the understand it fully later. I had just It took me a long time to get his own chair for a long chat about Columba Community, speaks of finished the five-day Peace Walk past that ‘hurt’, and it was only by everything in my life, including sin as “missing the mark or falling from Derry to Knock and then talking it through with another our trip to Cork. We talked for short”. Both of these men of God stayed on a few days in the caravan priest at home that I started to ages and, as I was leaving, he give me hope when I fall short; park with my family. Walking 135 move on. I used it as the perfect leaned forward and said, “Now, there’s a chance of repentance, of miles gives you plenty of time to excuse to stay away: “Sure why what does it feel like to be leaving recovery and making a fresh start. pray and reflect so, in my own should I bother if they can’t be here as a saint?” Repentance is turning towards opinion, at the time I was ‘perfectly bothered”. I had no thought or I was a bit stunned and said I holiness, returning to receive prepared’ for ‘a good confession’... consideration for how many hours had never really considered the “the happiness for which we were whatever that might be. or days that young priest might possibility, given the conversation created”. It’s like the prodigal son I joined the queue and eagerly have been sitting there. It was we had just had. He sat back who turned towards home and awaited my turn because I had the almost as if I expected a prize for smiling and said, “That’s the power began his journey back to a fresh expectation that this was going just showing up. of this sacrament, you’re leaving start, after admitting that he had to be one of those life changing The next experience was some here now washed as clean as the fallen short and got it wrong; experiences. And it was, but not years later, when passing through day you were born and should even the servants back home were in the way I expected. The young Knock en route to a men’s retreat you need to come back in 10 better treated and cared for than he priest, who, in hindsight, looked in Cork. I was driving the minibus minutes,10 days or 10 months, the was in this foreign land. He knew pretty tired and worn out, seemed and running a bit late because of a result will be exactly the same, as he’d fallen short of the standards totally uninterested in anything diversion at road works, but I had long as you come with an open expected of him by his father, but that I said as I ‘bared my soul’, and promised everybody the chance of heart and pure intention”. he still trusted in the kindness and at one point even trimmed his confessions on the way through. I I certainly don’t think of myself compassion of a loving father. broken fingernail. remember telling them not to be as a saint, but I am delighted to Fr John Farren told me in My ego was screaming inside of hanging about too long and joking be part of the ‘Hospital Church’ Confession one time that God me saying, ‘After all the time and about “only tell the big ones so it’ll that Pope Francis speaks of. I didn’t expect me to do everything effort I put in, you’d think he’d at be quicker”, so we could get back am a member of The Columba at once, but would like me to lean least pretend to be interested!’ on the road again to do ‘God’s Community and our Mission towards a particular situation and After absolution, I left thework’ in Cork. Statement is: “To joyfully come He would make up the difference. confessional with a huge chip on I joined the shortest queue that together as a group of individuals Martin McKeever, Faughanvale Parish. It worked out without me hardly my shoulder, making all sorts of was moving along fairly well, believing and celebrating the even noticing it had changed. rash promises to myself about so I was all set for a quick spin power of Jesus Christ, for mutual “EACH and all shall render some kind of big book where He I would like to share two never going through that again. through without losing too much support and to minister to other account for even our smallest kept a check on everything we had very different experiences ofIn my frustration and anger, I precious time. It was almost as if p e o p l e”. sins before the judgement seat of ever done wrong, and no mention confessions I had in Knock. They missed the most important part of God was having a laugh because What greater power can there Christ the Lord” (St Patrick). That’s of a place where you had done took place years apart, but each the sacrament, my confession was the old priest seemed to sense my be than forgiveness, it brings a pretty scary place to start if you something right. had its own powerful message for never between me and this young impatience and frustration. He the chance for a fresh start and grew up like me, thinking God had Thankfully, Pope Francis said: me. weary priest, it was between me introduced himself and made me freedom.

Confession and sorrow for sin with joy by Noel Bradley sins you might be committing!” sin because of his inclination of Penance at various times in consciousness at the end of the soon as he really sees and accepts As a teenager 60 years ago, I in the contrary direction” (De a person’s life, but there was day. Where have I been moving that he is a sinner, he ceases to went to Confession about twice a Veritate 27, 1-9). But that was not something a way out of balance towards or away from God during be one. Knowing that you have month, but I have to say that it was emphasised. I only found that out in the past. I think that people are the day, in my thoughts, words or sinned IS contrition. Forgiveness to keep on the right side of God. much later. There was also the just leaving this kind of practice deeds? Where has He been gifting comes with that. That is the nature It was all very self-centred and teaching that if you were sorry for behind. How it develops we will me with an increase of love, faith of contrition. You notice that the guilt-centred. I saw God primarily your sins they are forgiven. You have to wait and see. or hope, joy, gratitude? Where rest of the story is not about the as a judge and a harsh judge at had to have ‘perfect sorrow’, but St Patrick have I been weak or blind? father forgiving his son, but about that, especially in regard to sexual that did not refer to intensity or to ‘St Patrick, Bestow a Sweet All this is done before the loving the father celebrating, welcoming pleasure of any kind outside the absence of less worthy motives Smile...Look down in thy Love’. gaze of God, not the gaze of a his son with joy and feasting. He marriage. That was considered than the love of God; it just meant When St Patrick says that ‘each Judge or Policeman. The whole runs towards the son, who does ‘grave matter’ and needed to be that whatever motives you had the of us shall render account for purpose of Christ in the Gospel not even get a chance to speak, confessed. Many of us at that time love of God was present. But that even our smallest sins before the is to communicate that we are His embracing him and calling quickly thought we were committing did not get the emphasis either. So, judgement seat of Christ the Lord’, ‘beloved’ (Rom: 1:7), being drawn to get a robe and sandals and a mortal sins quite frequently and I think that a lot of people lived I would like to think of that in a into His (eternal) life and (eternal) ring, and kill the fatted calf. This is felt guilty and needed to go to with a lot of unnecessary guilt, and positive way, and not get myself or love; the love ‘that casts out fear’ (1 the God of Jesus, unconditionally Noel Bradley, Buncrana. Confession, otherwise, if you fear of God. others into thinking that God is a John 4.18). in love with us. died in mortal sin you could go Some readers will remember the harsh Judge and is just waiting, like The Parable of the Prodigal Son It is not the case that if we do THE practice of sacraments has to hell. Someone compared it to long queues for confessions on a heavenly policeman, to pounce (Lk 15) is very rich in symbolisms; good, God will reward us, and if we always changed with time. We ‘Snakes and Ladders’. You went to a Saturday night. Now there are on us with punishment from some the younger son comes ‘to his do evil, God will punish us. God is used to attend Mass in Latin. If Confession and went up a ladder, fewer and fewer Catholics going to ‘judgement seat’, ‘for even our senses’, and sees himself ‘as one of just in love with us. In a way, He you were living in the 17th century only to fall down a snake later. You confessions regularly. I don’t think smallest sins’. That is not the God your hired servants’ who gets his doesn’t care if we are sinners. Sin you would go to Communion never really got started in growing this is necessarily a bad thing. revealed in Christ in the Gospels. wages and what he deserves. His doesn’t alter God’s attitude to us; only very rarely. In 1970, I spiritually. A more communal penitential On the positive side, I would sin has changed him from seeing it alters our attitude to Him, so remember trying to persuade my The teaching of St Thomas was rite is also becoming popular. like to think that St Patrick wants himself as a son to seeing himself that we change Him from the God mother that she did not need to also there: “Although grace is lost There is also the teaching that the us to have a sensitive conscience as a hired servant. Luke repeats who is simply love, and nothing go to Confession every time she by a single act of mortal sin, yet it is Eucharist is THE sacrament of and consciousness about all our this twice. The vital thing is that else, into a punitive judge. Imagine wanted to go to Communion. not easily lost. For it is not easy for Reconciliation and the pastoral thoughts, words and deeds; that he recognizes his sin for what it is: the opposite of that and going She was brought up with the idea a man (or woman) in the state of implications of that. I’m sure he would approve of the practice something that changes God into a to Confession to celebrate your ‘Confession before Communion’. grace to perform an act of mortal there is need for the sacrament to examine our conscience and paymaster or a judge. Of course, as experience of forgiveness! She said: “You never know what THE NET | MARCH 2021 23 The Sacrament of A Lenten reflection for St Confession has helped Patrick’s Day by Teresa Hodgins memory of my devout Granny Celtic Church! that resonates with the life and Well, thank you Fr Walsh and humble example of St Patrick. In Thomas Bradley, as it was a me a lot over the years his, ‘Confessio’, Patrick writes, “... Baptism of fire for me but armed in a single day I have said as many with the fulcrum of the wisdom of by Dale Krause as a hundred prayers, and in the these Celtic scholars, I embraced night almost as many”. all that the Celtic Church had to in every place and in all hours, utility room. At times the statue During Lent, our sense and offer and it was here that I learned against their fierce hostility gets moved to more salubrious duty to pray is heightened, it is a of the wisdom, faith and vision of I bind to me these holy powers. locations for veneration purposes wonderful time of year when time St Patrick. and on occasion gets to visit is set aside by the Church to focus It was not the dating of Easter or Christ be with me, Christ within me, school on St Patrick’s Day. Our son on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. the ‘two Patricks’ controversy that Christ behind me, Christ before me, loves to hear the tale of St Patrick The faith and example of prayer piqued my interest in St Patrick. Christ beside me, Christ to win me, expelling all of the snakes from by St Patrick reverberates from It is rather, the abiding impact of Christ to comfort and restore me. Ireland - a popular bedtime story generation to generation, from the story of how Patrick prayed Christ beneath me, Christ above me, request. Church to Church, and his legacy earnestly before being ambushed Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Though we were at Banagher Teresa Hodgins is universal in its appeal and global on his way to the hill of Tara. Christ in hearts of all that love me, Forest last weekend and saw in its impact on mission and Whilst there might be much Christ in mouth of friend and the sign in the accompanying I have always loved music and community. scholarly debate to the origin and stranger. photograph, I didn’t have the dancing and, when I think about For years, as a child, I proudly exact content of this prayer, the (Verse extracts from CF heart to point it out to Patrick it, both are inspired by St Patrick. put on my Irish dancing costume legacy of the prayer of St Patrick’s Alexander’s 1889 version of ‘St least he question St Patrick’s My mother’s family are from and we danced our way through Breastplate and The Deer’s Cry Dale Krause Patrick’s Breastplate’) efficaciousness! a small townland in Co Dublin the streets of Balbriggan in the have impacted greatly on Celtic LENT is an interesting one To all readers of ‘The Net’, I called ‘The Black Hills’. Back in annual St Patrick’s Day Parade. In spirituality and, indeed, in modern this year. A common theme of I have lots of memories of various wish you a decent Lent and a very the day it was considered rural, those days, it was pure community Church culture. discussion amongst people at the St Patrick’s Day celebrations as a happy St Patrick’s Day, during sandwiched between the coastal joy. Every group in the town ‘I arise today through God’s moment seems to be: Since we younger man, but my favourite St these difficult times. towns of Balbriggan and Skerries, participated. Farmers turned their strength to pilot me. have had such a truly difficult last Patrick related memories did not and on the doorstep of what is now tractors green and local haulage God’s might to uphold me, 12 months with the pandemic, come until later life. The first, is known as the popular Ardgillan companies took the sides off their God’s wisdom to guide me, why make things more difficult for that my now wife and I officially Demesne. lorries and provided the stage for God’s ear to hear me, ourselves this Lent? became ‘an item’ on one distant I have clear memories of this robust traditional music that filled God’s word to speak for me, It’s a fair question, especially as St Patrick’s Day, as quaint as that time. I attended a two-teacher the air and, whilst the theology God’s hand to guard me, many of us have had it so tough seems to say now. primary school, called Milverton, of St Patrick might not have been God’s way to lie before me, this past year. But when you think In later years, we named our until I was seven, then we moved evident to many of us, the craic God’s shield to protect me afar back to ‘normal’ years gone by, first born after St Patrick. Patrick to the outskirts of Balbriggan. and sense of community was and anear, alone or in a multitude’. it’s nice to remember how much had always struck me as a solid In the Hills, I shared a bedroom indeed mighty! closer to God and our loved ones, name and a hard one to go wrong with my Granny Cleary and the Having spent many years This is the legacy of St Patrick Lent can help us to be. with. As a teacher, when you’re abiding memory I have is of being teaching in England, I found that resonates with me in my life, The Sacrament of Reconciliation naming your children you always beside her in bed as she devoutly myself back in Derry in 1999. and every time I pray those words has always been an important part inevitably end up thinking of the recited the Rosary. She always had How fortunate was I to land a or hear that beautiful hymn, I feel a of Lent, although the classic image names of children that you’ve a handkerchief over her eyes, so I job teaching in Thornhill College. connection to God that is inspired of closely packed, Lenten lines of taught! I have to say though, hand copied her thinking it was part of God is good! I was delighted to by the faith of St Patrick, who people in pews won’t be the case on heart, all the Patricks that I have our Marian ritual. I would peek find that I was teaching A Level, placed his trust in God during the this year, of course. taught over the years were very over at her as she sang her prayers as this remains a passion of mine most difficult of times and had the I’ve had some tough Confessions good! and I fell asleep to the comfort and to this day. However, the syllabus patience and mindfulness to, ‘Be over the years. It can be hard At the time of our eldest son’s security of this nightly practice. was slightly different to my still and know that I am God’. to take a good, hard look in the birth, a good friend gave us a When reflecting on the teachings experience of teaching Philosophy https://youtu.be/fqxzBxZooqc mirror, particularly when you’re small porcelain statue of St Patrick and life of St Patrick, it is the above of Religion, indeed, I was to teach young and a bit hot-headed. But which currently sits guarding the the Sacrament of Confession has helped me a lot over the years. Lent is a time for me to reflect on my My first proper brush with the works of St Patrick coincidentally came after one memorable relationship with Jesus by Martin Callaghan Sunday evening Confession at St Bernadette’s RC Church, in help, I have chosen the Gospel hurt and loss of the family unit. Manchester, around 10 years ago. passage, ‘The lamp of the body The separation hurts deep to the My penance from the Monsignor is the eye. It follows if your eye is core. Likewise, when I separate was to go and sit in the pew and sound, your whole body will be from Jesus due to my sins, there is silently read the hymn, St Patrick’s filled with light. But if your eye is an ache in my heart and I feel like Breastplate, from a hymn book. diseased your whole body will be I have lost all hope because I have Since then, it has been one of my in the darkness, what darkness been weak in my love for Jesus. favourite hymns and the words that will be”. (Mt 6:19-23) Not everyone has an Uncle Ethan, resonate with me even now: To stay close to the light of but I do have someone mightier Christ, I am reading the book, to come to my rescue, Our Lord, I bind unto myself today ‘Consecration to St Joseph’, by Fr Jesus Christ, by shattering the The power of God to hold and lead, Donald Calloway, MIC. It is a 33- shackles of temptation and sin. his eye to watch, His might to stay, Day Consecration Prayer to St “He has delivered us from his ear to hearken to my need. Joseph, which I began on February the dominion of darkness and the wisdom of my God to teach, Martin Callaghan, Burt, Co 15 and will finish on the Solemnity transferred us to the kingdom of his hand to guide, His shield to ward; Donegal. of St Joseph, March 19. My hope is His beloved Son, in whom we have the word of God to give me speech, that this book will open my mind redemption in forgiveness of sin”. I look forward to Lent because his heavenly host to be my guard. and heart to be more dedicated (Col 1:12-20) it is a time for me to reflect on and fulfilled, and give me a So, scriptures, sacraments, my personal relationship with Against the demon snares of sin, yearning for Easter Sunday. tradition and Christian family give Jesus through one of the seven the vice that gives temptation force, Like the movie, ‘The Searchers’, me hope, and this hope flourishes sacraments, Confession. the natural lusts that war within, by John Ford, the niece of on St Patrick’s Day when I see the I need to wrestle with my the hostile men that mar my course; Ethan Edwards is kidnapped by gathering of families waving and conscience before I confess. To or few or many, far or nigh, Comanches and Ethan feels the singing ‘In Erin’s Green Valleys’. 24 THE NET | MARCH 2021 It is important to stop at times throughout the year and take stock by Anne Friel become caught up with work, time Genesis where God asks Abraham and drink. It makes me conscious of Lent, I try to go to Confession. absolved, I am removing barriers passes and I devote less time to to sacrifice his only son, and the of saying no to buying a bar of I do not go as often as I believe to how we live together in parish. prayer. Gospel of the Transfiguration chocolate or a bottle of wine. Lent I should and, again, Lent itself These days, each week during I try to put a bit more order in where Jesus takes Peter, James also is a time to give to those who focuses me on doing so. My Lent, Tony Brennan, the Diocesan my days during Lent. To start with, and John up a mountain where are not as fortunate as me – either grandmother always talked about Pastoral Co-ordinator, and this means going to Mass each day. they could be alone by themselves. through Trocaire or St Vincent de examining your conscience and I members of the Diocesan Pastoral When we were not in COVID- There is a contrast for me in these Paul. do this in three areas - my home Council are meeting with parishes lockdown, I would go to early readings – the great sorrow and Initially, Lent seems to go very life, my work life and my spiritual across the Diocese. We are morning Mass. This started my day angst in the pit of his stomach that slowly and then, all of a sudden, I life. Breaking it down this way also listening to what they are doing, by listening to the Word of God Abraham must have felt as he was find myself in Holy Week with its helps me to remember what I want how they have been supporting and celebrating Eucharist with about to sacrifice Isaac, and the rich liturgy and music. My father to say. each other during the pandemic my parish family, and feeling that excitement of Peter who wanted to was the organist in our church The sacrament gives me strength and what new things they have closeness as we journeyed through stay on top of the mountain. for 40 years. He wrote music to to continue on my journey through started to do as we move forward. Lent together. I miss seeing those I try to be more diligent in all the Psalms of Holy Week and Lent to Easter and beyond. It is a These are the first of a series of people this Lent. Praying together, praying morning, evening and Easter and these, when I sing further opportunity to become meetings. It is important that we especially during Lent, brings a night prayer. After Mass, I usually or hear them, bring me back to closer to God, not to be judged each continue to build and grow Anne Friel, Waterside. parish closer together. sit on to say Morning Prayer. I love previous years. The Psalm of but to experience God’s mercy our parish community, to be The readings at Mass during the sense of sitting in the still, early Good Friday (Psalm 30) sung and love. It is also an opportunity welcoming and inclusive, to grow LENT is a time to take a step Lent are very familiar, yet each year morning air of the chapel where without accompaniment reflects to get closer to parish and Church in faith together and to make Jesus back and examine how I am living I seem to hear something different I was baptised, just aware of the vulnerability and a yearning to as a member of the body of Christ. known and loved. I believe that my life. It is a time to prepare for in them. I take the example of the outside noise of the start of a new trust in God. I always hope that I The priest in Confession is a we do these things – all part of the Easter. It is important to stop at readings of the Second Sunday of day. have grown more to trust in God representative of all the people of Derry Diocesan Plan - particularly times and seasons throughout the Lent, when we heard two of my Lent is a time when I try to be by the time Good Friday comes. God and by talking through my during Lent and through the year and take stock - otherwise I favourite readings – that from more thoughtful of what I eat At the beginning and the end sins, saying I am sorry and being Sacrament of Confession. Fr Donal Bennett reflects on his vocation, and that of his late brother, Fr Terry, as a Columban Father... We had done what we had set out to do – build up the local church and gracefully retire Instead, Fr Donal concelebrated around Omagh, at the time, that Commenting on his own call, Mass with Fr Ignacy Saniuta, Terry was a brilliant footballer. Fr Donal said: “I left school around CC Drumragh, in Sacred Heart He played for Omagh Town and 16 without any qualifications. My Church, Omagh, where he had he was pretty good at that, so father had opened a new business, celebrated his first Mass 60 years he might have gone on to play a men’s drapers, so I helped him previously. professionally”. in the first few weeks with that. I Residing in his home town Ordained in December 1950, could have returned to school but since his retirement, 88-year-old Fr Terry’s first assignment was the I opted to stay in the business with Fr Donal reflected on their faith Philippines. Arriving in Manila my father. journey and priesthood, which he in November 1951, he moved “I saved up £40, and a friend recalled came like a bolt out of the to Isabela, Negros. He spent and I went hitch hiking in the blue for both of them. three months there before being summer of 1952 in France. In a family of four boys and appointed as chaplain in St Paul’s We went to Lourdes and had a two girls born to Nicholas and College, Dumaguete City, Negros great time there, going to all the Fr Donal Bennett. Molly (nee McGovern) Bennett, Oriental. Three years later, he ceremonies. We also enjoyed of Market Street, about 200 yards returned to Negros Occidental dances and having singalongs from Sacred Heart Church, Terry and was assigned to several in the hostel. Then we finished was the oldest of the siblings while parishes. up hitch hiking across Southern Donal was the youngest of the Later he was assigned to Student France and stayed in a hostel in November 1961. before, we all knew that our time boys. Catholic Action, in Manila, where Cannes. “Terry was there at portside to was up. We had done what we had “My parents were married in members met at the weekend in “In November of that year, my meet me. He said to us on arrival, set out to do – build up the local Monaghan Cathedral in February small groups to discuss Scripture parents had gone to bed early. I ‘You guys are lucky to be arriving church and gracefully retire. 1925 by my mother’s first cousin, passages and help each other was alone in the sitting room and in the cool season’. I was sweating “Now, I am living in retirement Tommy McGovern,” recalled Fr grow in their relationship with this notion came to me out of the from the minute I got off the boat, here in the Derry Diocese. I help Donal, adding: “He had been God. This small group eventually blue and, by morning, I was telling and so I said, ‘If this is the cool out occasionally here in Omagh, ordained in December 1925 and expanded throughout the country. my parents that I was thinking of season, I don’t want to see the hot where I am living in a rented three months later he celebrated Memorable being a priest. season!’ house offered by my bosses. I the wedding of my parents in Reassigned later to Negros, it “So when the tonne of bricks “We were both in the said to Terry that he could stay 1926. The following December, was there that Fr Terry spent most arrived, I had to go back to the Philippines for all that time. All with me here but he opted to live 1926, Terry was born”. of his time and energy as a priest, Christian Brothers in Omagh to my assignments were in one permanently in Dalgan, when he The late Fr Terry Bennett. He explained that Fr McGovern and it was there, in Sipalay in get qualifications. There was no diocese; I served several years in returned in 2008, and he drove THE Bennett family in Omagh had been one of the early members 1978, that he had his most difficult shopping around; automatically several parishes”. up here once and a while to visit have been a great support over of Maynooth Mission to China and most memorable experience. I was going on the Maynooth He continued: “After Terry me. I have family living around the years to the ministry of the – now the Columban Fathers... In their fight against injustice, Mission to China. Even if I had finished with the university, he me here”. Missionary Society of Columban, starting a family tradition. the people had organised a rally wanted to go to Maynooth to came back and was promoting and so the work of the Lord, “He joined the Missions, against soldiers who had been study for the diocesan priesthood, vocations to the Missions in with Fr Donal and the late Fr but unfortunately after he was violating the rights of the people, I couldn’t as I hadn’t had my England. Then he went back to Terry, serving 40 and 50 years diagnosed with arteriosclerosis, so and Fr Terry was one of the education in St Columb’s College”. the island of Negros, where he respectively in the Philippines. he never made it to the Missions. speakers. As it turned out, the He entered the Maynooth resumed pastoral work. He was The brothers had been due to He prayed that his first cousin speaker before him had raised Mission to China in September in the Philippines 50 years. I was celebrate their 60th (Fr Donal) would have a son who would go emotions amongst those gathered 1954, was ordained six years later only there 40 years. The purpose and 70th (Fr Terry) anniversaries to the Missions as a priest. So, I and Fr Terry, concerned that the and assigned to the Philippines in of the Columbans was to work of their priesthood last December, blame him for Terry being called rally might turn violent, took it September 1961. ourselves out of a job, to build but sadly Fr Terry died just five to the Missions and then later me, upon himself to restore calm. “I hadn’t been to England or up the local church in parish and weeks before the occasion, aged with his prayers. He was a great This he managed by singing and anywhere, except for France Diocese. 94, at St Columban’s Retirement holy person and a great influence dancing before them, and by the before that,” laughed Fr Donal, “When the Columbans arrived Home, Dalgan, on November 12. on us on the occasions he visited,” time he was finished they were going on to recall his journey to in the Philippines in 1950 at the They had concelebratedsaid Fr Donal. singing with hopeful hearts “The the Philippines: “I took the boat invitation of the Archbishop of Mass to mark their Golden and He continued: “The call to Joy of the Lord is our Strength”. from Cobh to New York and flew Manila, they purposely asked to be Diamond Jubilees 10 years before, priesthood hit Terry like a tonne Fr Terry retired to the Dalgan to Chicago, then San Francisco. sent to a parish or diocese where in St Mary’s Church, Killyclogher, of bricks when he was 17 years community in 2008, and enjoyed That was my first time in an the faith was rejected because of ‘Fr Terry dancing to diffuse and a similar celebration had old, and, in a different way, it hit serving as Spiritual Director to aeroplane, at the age of 28. Then heresy or other reasons, and then a tense situation at a rally been hoped for to mark this next me like a tonne of bricks as well. the local branches of the Legion we took a ship across the Pacific to gradually local vocations started while ministering in Negros milestone in their priesthood. There was a general opinion of Mary. the Philippines, where I landed in coming in. By the year 2000 or THE NET | MARCH 2021 25 The Leaving of Lagos by Fr Peter McCawille, SMA “Be grateful as your deeds become less and less associated with your name, as your feet ever more lightly tread the earth.” (Dag Hammarskjöld, 1905-1961, second Secretary-General of the United Nations)

Part II contains face-to-face sacrifices made in the past by interviews with 10 retired senior Italian, French and Irish SMAs Lagos priests, all of whose paths to is now amply reflected in their priesthood were greatly influenced readiness to donate generously to in their childhood years by many help their own Nigerian sons and of the Irish SMAs profiled in Part I; daughters build on the pioneering Part III connects with a new era work of those SMA predecessors. of SMA development in Nigeria, They are acutely aware that those which began with the first intake who have been evangelised in the of young Nigerian seminarians past must now help those who who, in 1986, spent their first year want to become evangelisers in the in residence at Ss. Peter & Paul future. Major Seminary, Ibadan, before I conclude by paraphrasing the taking up residence in the newly- words of Dag Hammarskjold, erected SMA House of Formation, which I quoted at the beginning while they continued attending of this article, and I leave the last lectures at the Major Seminary. word to St Luke…“So when you An experience similar to what a have done all you have been told group of Irish SMA seminarians to do, say, ‘We have done no more did in 1969, when they moved than our duty’.’’ (Luke 17:10) from Dromantine College to take Fr Peter’s book, Leaving a Legacy up residence in Maynooth College Copies of the book are available in Lagos. before moving to the newly-built from Fr Jarlath Walsh, SMA hostel in 1972, while continuing to African Missions, Blackrock Road, attend lectures at the College. Cork City, Rep of Ireland. From 1986 onwards in Nigeria, steady progress followed until the first SMA Nigerian deacon was ordained to the priesthood Word of justice, love and truth. on November 27, 1993. From a Bless, in a special way, small step in 1986 came a giant Your servant leap 33 years later in November, 2019, when an autonomous SMA Father.... Nigeria Province, which now Send your Spirit upon him comprises 60 Nigerian SMAs, was So that he may always walk created. in the path of faith, hope and love, I freely admit that I found in the footsteps of Christ, reading the profiles of my the eternal priest, who offered Himself on the cross for the life of Fr Peter McCawille SMA and Fr Jose Florent Kakpo, SMA from deceased, illustrious predecessors the world. Amen. the Republic of Benin a most moving experience. Their stories helped me to appreciate ON Monday, October 25, 1976, SMA missionary, William to print for future generations. that they were men whose hearts Remember in prayer: I set foot on Nigerian soil for the Connaughton (ordained on I then embarked on a project and minds were woven into the Fr John Irwin (March 1st) first time. I was in no position December 22, 1883 and died in which has finally seen the light fabric of the lives of the men, to know it then, but it has since April, 1887) arrived in Lagos and of day in a book titled ‘Leaving a women and children whom Fr Charles Keaney (2nd) turned out to be the start of a began an unbroken association Legacy in Lagos’, which chronicles they served here for many years, All Priests (3rd) wonderfully fulfilling adventure between Irish SMA missionaries the varied experiences of SMA stories that are pulsating with acts Fr Patrick Lagan (4th) and it hasn’t finished yet! and the local Church. priests who collaborated with a of service, heroism, generosity Pope’s monthly Fr Michael Keaveny (5th) In the 90s, I also had the Today, there are just seven priests wide range of people at parish and the inevitable moments of Fr Seamus Kelly (6th) opportunity to spend 10 years of the SMA Irish Province still level – parents, catechists, teachers, disagreeableness. intention Fr Edward Kilpatrick (7th) in Ireland on a very rewarding active in Nigeria, and three of them church leaders, female and male After I finished my stint as editor, All priests (8th) (I visited nearly every county are natives of the Diocese of Derry members of the laity – in breaking I returned to Nigeria in March 2000 The Holy Father has asked for interviewing many of my favourite – Mark and Dan Monaghan, from new ground in Lagos Archdiocese prayer during March for: Fr Charlie Logue (9th) to continue my missionary career Fr Paul McCafferty (10th) sport stars!) home appointment Omagh, and myself, from Dregish. in times past. by promoting what is called the Mgsr Bryan McCanny (11th) as editor of our SMA missionary When I returned to Nigeria after SMA Family Vocations Movement Sacrament of Fr Michael McCaughey (12th) magazine, ‘The Africanmy last home leave in December, Looking back and forward (FVM). My task involved moving Missionary’, while the remaining 2018, I began reflecting seriously ‘Leaving a Legacy in Lagos’ is Reconciliation: Fr Andrew McCloskey (13th) around from parish to parish in Let us pray that we may 35 years of my missionary on the reality that we are among divided into three parts… Fr Frank Lynch (14th) Lagos, Ibadan, Benin City and experience the sacrament of priesthood have been spent in a diminishing group whose active Part 1 looks back at the careers Abuja, encouraging the people to reconciliation with renewed Fr Peter Madden (15th) Nigeria. links with Nigeria are coming to of 125 Irish SMAs who worked in assist the SMA Society, prayerfully depth, to taste the infinite Fr Noel McDermott (16th) an end. It also struck me fairly Lagos since 1884 and have since and financially, in the education mercy of God. Fr Eamon McDevitt (17th) Pioneer SMA missionaries forcibly one day that, before the passed on to their eternal rewards. and training of our seminarians. Fr John McDevitt (18th) Ninety-two years before I last Irish SMA finishes his work Many died in Nigeria and are Their appreciation of the Fr Anthony Mailey (19th) reached Nigeria, the first Irish here, I should commit something buried there; Prayer for Priests Fr Kevin McElhennon (20th) Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless Fr Daniel McFaul (21st) our bishops and priests and to confirm them in their vocation of Fr Dermot McGirr (22nd) Online Lenten workshops with Trocaire service. Fr Micheal McGavigan (23rd) and will run from 2-3 pm. d/e/1FAIpQLSdsitZjQ6LENkWcg South Sudan, which is the focus of As they stand before us as Fr Brian McGoldrick (24th) The following one take place on fhJng9VHUFFtxTTSq4jelHAZRp this year’s Lenten Campaign. ministers of Your Sacraments, Fr Neil McGoldrick (25th) Tuesday, March 30, at the same CgzqLWQ/viewform Parish Resources: https://www. may they be channels of the love All priests (26th) DURING Lent, Trocaire time, with the theme being Never The following are links to trocaire.org/our-work/working- and compassion of the Good Fr James McGonagle (27th) Waste a Crisis. Trocaire’s parish and development in-ireland/parishes/resources/ is running a series of online Shepherd, who came not be served Dr James McGrory (28th) The workshops are open to education resources, which Education Resources: https:// workshops on various themes, but to serve. All Priests (29th) everyone and the link to register explore issues of peace and justice, www.trocaire.org/our-work/ with the next on Tues, March 16. Give them the grace they need to Fr Edward McGuinness (30th) is below. conflict, solidarity, and kindness educate/peaceandjustice/ respond generously to you, and This workshop will focus on Bishop Donal McKeown (31st) Peace and Justice in South Sudan, https://docs.google.com/forms/ through the charity’s work in the courage to proclaim your 26 THE NET | MARCH 2021 St Teresa of Avila teaches the Devotion to St Joseph by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD EVOTION to St Joseph is comparatively she prayed to the holy patriarch. the home life of Jesus, Mary, and Then, one morning, she was Joseph was about prayer. a new thing, certainly in terms of the miraculously found making her In that house of Nazareth, Church’s long history. The first devotions way across her room on all fours, Joseph learnt a unique manner of andD liturgical feast days date from the Papal Bull under her own steam. The healing living in intimacy with Mary and of Pope Sixtus IV in 1480. The Church seemed for Teresa put down to her glorious Jesus. Those years of prayer had patron and she worked ever after turned Joseph into a master of almost 1500 years of its history to have had a strange to share the power of her devotion the spiritual life and so he could form of collective amnesia in regard to the role to St Joseph, “I wish I could teach his insights to those who played by Joseph in the plan of Salvation. persuade everyone to be devoted sought out his counsel. Teresa sat to this glorious saint, for I have at his feet and learnt this art of Maybe, on second thoughts, her day believed was death. She great experience of the blessings true prayer. From him, she learnt that is a statement in the actual only escaped the fate of being which he can obtain from God.” that prayer was not a matter of success of Joseph’s mission; like buried alive because her father There you have the first aspect thinking or saying a lot of things any good father, even if he was an could not bear to part with his of St Teresa’s devotion to St Joseph. but rather was about relating in a adopted father, it was not himself favourite daughter, and refused to He was an advocate to whom real way to Christ and learning to that he sought to draw attention to let the undertakers put her body people could turn for gracious love him more and more. but to his wife, Mary and his son in the coffin and so proceed with assistance, whose very intimacy It could have only been from and Lord, Jesus Christ. His role a funeral. with the Son of God promised Joseph that she learnt the best was simply to share the Son that On the fourth day, she finally the possibility of a hearty and advice that she would later share he had been given charge off and generous response, even to the with the nuns in her community, then to disappear. In this mission, point of miracles. Teresa, however, “prayer is an intimate sharing he seems to have been singularly did not want to leave her devotion between friends; it means taking to the adopted father of the Lord time to be alone with Him we successful. Teresa resolved to It took the Church that he had to an intermittent plea for help, know loves us.” fostered into existence 1500 years seek a cure so that or to some last chance saloon for Joseph led Teresa to the art to give him any notice at all. As prayer. She wanted more than that of real interior prayer through ‘successful’ as that mission may she could return from the head of the Holy Family, silent listening and turning the have been, the Church’s amnesia to the religious life she wanted him to play a real role eyes and ears of the soul to the had had its own negative effect; an in her day-to-day living of her One who wants to speak to us; a access point for Christ’s grace had of the convent. In Christian discipleship and to have more fundamental art to living been closed down for too long, need of a miraculous an effect upon her relationship even than a miraculously restored and a particular avenue to the with Jesus. body. heart of Jesus was by-passed. intervention from There is another gift that the Openness glorious St Joseph can give and It seems like such a simple the Divine Physician, point to make that the head of Teresa looked closely into that is the art of living. In the the Holy Family had to have had Teresa wrote, “I took Joseph’s life and she realised that living of his marriage with Mary just as Mary conceived the eternal and in raising Jesus to be an a special place in the affections of for my advocate and Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and Word in her womb by the power obedient and loving child, Joseph yet, somehow, the Church forgot Lord the glorious of the Holy Spirit, so Joseph showed that the art of living is in to exploit and turn to that filial received that same Word, the only a real loving relationship. Love is St Teresa and Our Lady and St Joseph. relationship in its own prayers. St Joseph...And I Son, through generous spiritual the sole ingredient that makes life openness. How else could anyone worth living. Pope John Paul II, in It is an interesting accident found that my father is shared between those Three to Joseph to learn this art of explain his response to the dream his first encyclical to the Church, of history and, with the benefit Persons is perennially modelled living and loving. In 1562, Teresa delivered me.” and the mission that the angel made the outstanding observation of hindsight, it was maybe not for real life and human existence decided to set up a reformed shared with him? Why did he not that “humanity cannot live such an accident in God’s time, by the three members of Jesus, Discalced Carmelite life. She rise the next morning and just say without love. He remains a being that only 35 years after the first Mary, and Joseph. They show poor envisaged a whole new idea of to himself, “Well that was a lovely that is incomprehensible for Papal Bull, the Foundress of the ordinary mortals that the Love monastic life. Teresa wanted all dream” and then get on with the himself, his life senseless, if love Discalced Carmelite Order, who woke out of her coma to the her communities to be small in business of ridding himself of the is not revealed to him, if he does was destined to play a large role in consternation of all who witnessed number; 12 nuns with a prioress, a troubling situation? not encounter love, if he does the evangelisation of the devotion the sight. Even though, she came number evocative of the very first How else can we explain his not experience it and make it his to St Joseph, was born in Avila, out of her coma, she awoke in a Christian community in history, response other than that, in his own. If he does not participate There is another gift Spain, in 1515. pathetic state. She was completely Jesus and the 12 disciples. Teresa soul, he heard the Word that was intimately in it.” St Teresa was one of the first paralysed; she could not move her that the glorious St was not happy with just numbers; addressed to him and accepted it In the commitment of two to exploit this new ‘hotline’ that limbs at all. The experts who had she wanted the entire community for what it really was, a Word from spouses to each other, in their joint the Church had so recently been wrong about her being dead, Joseph can give and to live quite consciously in the God and not some figment of an efforts to nurture their children, opened up. St Teresa’s devotion now diagnosed that this paralysis company of Jesus, Mary, and overactive imagination. He could in the children endeavouring to that is the art of to the patriarch of the Holy was permanent and there was no Joseph, and for them all to live have only been able to hear that be formed and to be disciplined, Family began in the first years of hope of recovery. living. In the living together as an extension of that Word and recognise it because and in their engagement with her religious life as a nun of the Teresa resolved to seek a cure of his marriage with family. unreformed Carmelite monastery so that she could return to the he had spent hours and hours in one another as a family, they prayer previous to this experience. form the fundamental cell of life, of the Incarnation in Avila. Not religious life of the convent. In Mary and in raising Star Prayer not in the sense that we a communion of life and love long after her solemn profession, need of a miraculous intervention She writes of the life that she use it today, with the rattle of that teaches every person in it, Jesus to be an the young budding nun was from the Divine Physician, Teresa wants in this monastic community beads and a multitude of words, self-giving love; the meaning of struck down by a strange and wrote, “I took for my advocate and obedient and loving - “One day after communion His but prayer that had a profound human existence. seemingly constant illness. She Lord the glorious St Joseph...And Majesty earnestly commanded me sense of God’s intimate presence When any person hears the child, Joseph showed suffered major heart palpitations I found that my father delivered to strive for this new monastery and that paid careful attention to word communion, it speaks of followed by long fainting spells. m e .” that the art of living with all my powers, and He made discovering the whereabouts of one ultimate reality - the life of She became so debilitated by the She judged that when Joseph great promises that it would be that presence. the Blessed Trinity in heaven. A is in a real loving ongoing problem that her father brought some prayer or need to founded and that He would be He was able to respond to what Father, ever turned towards his and family took her out of the his earthly Son, now that that Son relationship. highly served in it. He said it the Lord asked of him because in Son, taking out all that is most Convent. was in His heavenly glory, there should be called St Joseph, that fact he had been watching and precious and sharing it with this They took her out in order would be nothing that He would this saint would keep watch over waiting in prayer for exactly this Son, the Son’s eye ever fixed on that she might be able to attend a not do for this father figure. Teresa us at one door and Our Lady at the moment. Even when the Word his Father, offering all within Him quack doctor in Becedas, whom put all her great heart into praying of God is not infinitely distant other, that Christ would remain was finally born in Bethlehem, his of any value He has back to the they had heard was a reputed to her adopted father, Joseph for from us, but that it can dwell in a with us, and that it would be a star practice of prayer was to continue. Father, and the Spirit, the whole herbalist and healer. The herbal a miraculous healing. For four simple carpenter’s home far more shining with great splendour.” Prayer is the interaction of the of their expression of their love for treatment proved worse than solid months, her family and her intimately than humanity could Not that bricks and mortar human soul with God and with each other. the actual malady. It sent Teresa community of sisters waited on have dreamed. could become a star shining, you His saints. If this is true, then The Three are a communion into a catatonic state, a coma-like her hand and foot, caring for this Even Teresa, in her vocation understand, but people who live that means that every moment of of eternal love and the love that existence that the medicine of poor paralytic, while all the time to be a contemplative nun, went with the divine example of the THE NET | MARCH 2021 27 In his second reflection on God’s Mercy during our Lenten journey, Bishop Donal writes about the proclaiming of mercy in our time. Every generation is a time of hurt a hole in the roof to let down a to start by accepting responsibility paralysed man (Mk 2:1-12). On for ourselves. another occasion there were so Mercy, not condemnation, many people flocking around brings healing. Jesus comes as Jesus looking for healing that His the One who takes on His own relatives set out to take charge of back the sins of the world. He is Him, convinced He was out of His announced as the sacrificial Lamb mind (Mk3:20-21). of God. He fulfils Isaiah’s prophecy Mercy is needed in every of a Suffering Servant. He is generation. tempted to take an easier route – We know how, despite a huge but He resists that diabolical voice. health service, many people are Sin will be conquered only by Him tortured in mind and body. Lots proclaiming the Father’s mercy in of people find it hard to forgive word and deed – and then being others or to forgive themselves. sacrificed to take away that sin. Blame is dumped on many people There is a temptation for and groups – the young, addicts, Church in 2021 to get angry at our most common phrase in the sign of the Father’s action in our the mysteries of Christ’s life and parents. When something goes loss of power. There are those who scriptures is “Do not be afraid.” lives”. (MV 3) work in the Rosary. wrong, somebody has to accept cry out that evil powers are out The Church in 2021 is called Lent is a time to gaze on In Lent, we are invited to IN Jesus’ time, there was the guilt. That was how the to crush the Church. The Devil to spread mercy. But how do God’s mercy. Twenty years ago, • Pray that we may know God’s much illness and little medicine. Pharisees loved to act – seeing the and the religious establishment we learn to do that. We begin Pope John Paul II wrote about mercy in our own lives; There was political strife and guilt in somebody else. were out to crush Jesus. But He by recognising our own sin contemplating the face of Jesus. • Do penance as our response to no apparent hope. People were Jesus has come to be “the face proclaimed mercy. and unworthiness before God. (‘Novo Milleni Ineunte’, para 16- those areas where we need mercy; harassed and dejected, like sheep of the Father’s mercy. These words Angry Christians will do little There we receive divine mercy. 28). We do that in the mystery of • Give alms to help those most without a shepherd (Matthew might sum the mystery of the to reveal the Father’s mercy. We cannot offer what we do not the Eucharist, where we celebrate in need of God’s mercy. 9:36). They came in droves to the Christian faith”. (Pope Francis, Frightened people are not able to know. Pope Francis wrote: “At the sacrificial victory over sin And then we will better know house where He was (Mk 1:32- ‘Misericordiae vultus’, MV 2015, bring mercy and healing. Blessed times we are called to gaze even on Calvary – and in Adoration, what we are celebrating on Divine 33). On occasions, there were so para 1). He came to help us, not are the peacemakers – not the more attentively on mercy so that where we adore the sacrament of Mercy Sunday. many that some people made to condemn things out there but battle winners. That is why the we may become a more effective that mystery. And we contemplate continued from page 26

Holy Family, who from Jesus, of Joseph. In his 2015 visit to the God is also speaking to us...But Mary, and Joseph have learnt Philippines, Pope Francis spoke at like St Joseph, once we have heard living and loving. length of his particular devotion God’s voice, we must rise from our St Teresa’s devotion to her to the ‘Sleeping St Joseph’. He said: slumber; we must get up and act.” glorious St Joseph exposes a “I have great love for St Joseph Based on this reflection on mysterious face to the Church; a because he is a man of silence and the sleeping St Joseph, we have face that had been lost in the mists strength. On my table, I have an two lessons. The first is that God of centuries. She puts features image of St Joseph sleeping. Even seldom speaks in a direct and on a face that only a few decades when he is asleep, he is taking care dramatic sentence but rather Novena to Sleeping St Joseph before, Pope Sixtus IV told the of the Church”. speaks in profound silence, THE Carmelite Fathers, at the pm, with the Devotions to St Petitions are welcome and can Church to rediscover. What she both in exterior and interior Iona Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, Joseph afterwards. be submitted via the Termonbacca found in that face was nothing but worlds. The second lesson is that in Derry, are leading a Novena to With no public worship during Facebook page, from which they a true father! A father who was after Joseph’s three dreams, he Sleeping St Joseph from March the current Covid-19 lockdown, will be printed out and placed so involved in fathering that he Five hundred years immediately got up each time God 10 until the Saint’s Feast Day on people are invited to join in the under the statue of the Sleeping St forgot himself and was so involved separate these spoke in the silence; Joseph heard March 19. Novena Mass and Devotions via Joseph at the front of the altar. in giving that even his children him and acted upon it down to the Mass will be celebrated each the Termonbacca Derry YouTube forgot him and his testimony. modern times from last detail. There is a fundamental evening in Termonbacca, at 7.30 channel. Yet all the time, he was there for relationship between the two; the the Church and he wanted to St Teresa, so it is whispers of God to our hearts give to those who turned to him incumbent to find must be translated into real life what was truly good, namely his and action. son, Jesus. In his hands he holds a way of making Pope Francis also explains gifts, gifts that he gained from his the lessons learnt another way of praying with St own life, struggles, and his own Joseph every day, “When I have experience. In his left hand there by her available to a problem, a difficulty, I write a is family, and, in his right, there is the people of this little note and I put it underneath prayer, these are his chief means St Joseph, so that he can dream of sharing his Son with those who generation. about it! In other words, I tell him: come to him. to pray for this problem.” Five hundred years separate The Pope noted that God Pope Francis said that he can these modern times from St continued to speak to St Joseph in sleep peacefully at the end of the Teresa, so it is incumbent to find a particular fashion. When Joseph day. After doing all that he can a way of making the lessons learnt was most silent, when he was do, he then entrusts the things by her available to the people of wrapped in the silence of sleep, that he is helpless to do anything this generation. Our Holy Father, God spoke to him about taking about to St Joseph. He once Pope Francis has taken up the Mary to his home as his wife, told a conference of religious challenge of helping modern to flee the wrath of Herod into superiors that St Joseph “sleeps on people to come to this prospective Egypt, and to return to Nazareth a mattress” of his prayers. What father. His mission to step into at the appropriate time. The Pope an attractive and straightforward the shoes of the fishermen was believed that there was a message devotion to the patriarch of the inaugurated on the Solemn in that for the whole Church, Holy Family? Who can prevent Feast of Joseph on March 19, “Joseph’s rest revealed God’s will us from putting our deepest 2013. With such an auspicious to him. In this moment of rest in prayers for love and a true praying beginning, the new pope put the the Lord, as we pause from our relationship with God under the Church into the protective hands daily obligations and activities, pillow of the sleeping St Joseph? 28 THE NET | MARCH 2021

The ‘Patrick on a hill’by Vera McFadden was where he finished his work from the High King and the local here, for it was here that he died chiefs to preach the Word of God after he received Holy Viaticum in their areas. When he arrived at from Assicus. During his wake, Tara, the druids who would have the people heard beautiful angelic been officiating at the ceremonies music. were there too. They resented One Saturday, my children and Patrick greatly. Their own magic I went on a bus from Belfast to was powerful, but Patrick’s prayer Downpatrick. When we arrived to the true God was answered by there, we went to look around the greater signs. old church and graveyard, and saw King Laoghaire listened to the big rock with the word ‘Patric’ the prisoner and realised that he sculpted on it. Some believe that was not an Irish native. What he this marks Patrick’s grave. wanted seemed to be no threat and After seeing the church, we had he was looking for permission. So, lunch and then began our uphill Laoghaire gave his consent to the walk to Saul. There we saw the evangelising of the Irish, though present-day church which is on at this point he personally did not the site of the barn which had been become a Christian. given to St Patrick. After that, we Several years ago, while staying went on the pilgrim walk up the in the area, I was taken on a visit mountain, stopping to pray at each to Tara. We could see Slane very station. Our path was much steeper clearly from the Royal Hill, and so at the top. When we arrived there, understood the direction in which we were standing beside a massive they had been looking when they statue of the saint and listening to saw Patrick’s fire so long ago . as well. That is the way St. Patrick lived. the whistle of the wind around it. There was a statue of the saint Everybody has times of change He worked hard for God, and he Below, there was a lovely view of near the present-day church and during life. There are the times practised poverty, giving away sea and coastline. I do not know if quite near the Rath of the Synod. of pain and bewilderment, when unnecessary personal gifts that the saint ever climbed this hill, but This is now damaged, having we hopefully learn how God will he received. When he was given I have a strong feeling that he did. been excavated by some Jews support us through it all. There are land on which to build a church, We were back in Downpatrick in who thought that the Arc of the the times when we embark on a or something to be used for the time for another light meal and the Covenant was buried there. new location or lifestyle and have church, of course he accepted bus home. The fourth Hill on the list was decided, “This is what I’m going to these. Churches founded by him The third hill was Slane and Croagh Patrick and its symbolism do”, and tell others. There are the were given the name “Domhnach”, its symbolism was ‘Making a was ‘A Time Apart’. Patrick had times when we need a break or a the Irish word for Sunday. He Statement’. I have never walked been working extremely hard. time of quiet to gather strength. converted many more people in there, but every time I have driven He had been disillusioned by the And of course, the most important Ireland than the other missioners on the road nearby, I have thought criticism of some contemporaries. time is right now, where we are at and, of course, climbed many more that it was very steep. So, Patrick He needed a break to pray and now. hills – among those in our district Photograph courtesy of St Patrick’s Missionary Society, Kiltegan. was incredibly good at climbing contemplate. Jesus spent 40 days As Padre Pio said,” My past, oh are familiar places like Elaghmore, Lord, to Your Mercy, my Future Grianan, LeitirSeanDomhnaigh A programme was being The symbolism was turning to up hills. in the desert and went to remote to your Providence, my Present to and Cooley, or `Domhnnach Bile. prepared. The theme was ‘Patrick God. It was at Slemish that Patrick Remember the chorus of places to pray and be alone with your Love.” Each of these has its own story. on a hill’. We had been asked worked as a shepherd. His recent the song from ‘The Sound of God His Father. So, Patrick went to jot down any ideas. I was experiences had been unbelievable Music’?...“Climb every mountain, up this high mountain for a 40-day babysitting when I did this. My - he had not been able to escape ford every stream, follow every retreat. When it came to an end, little granddaughter had her time form the Raiders and so he had rainbow, till you find your dream.” he saw a great flock of big white of activity and then I put her into been brought to this strange Well, St Patrick did not climb birds and heard their beautiful her seat, and told her, “Granny is country, where he had been sold every mountain, but he went up a music. This unusual event gave going to write now.” She looked to the local chieftain, Milchu, who lot of them, forded many streams him great joy. There are stories back at me placidly, wondering. ordered him to take care of the and journeyed along many valleys. about these great white birds in the “Patrick on a hill”, I wrote on the flock of animals on this hill. His He already knew his dream and in lives of some other early saints. notebook page. Then I thought, family did not know where he was, it he had heard the Irish calling, Of course, Croagh Patrick has what hill? He had been on so many or even if he was still alive, and he “Come back and walk among become a place of pilgrimage. of them. I began to write down all had no way of letting them know. us”. He knew that this was his Many people, Irish and visitors, their names. I realised that each He felt so fragile and isolated here, vocation - to convert the Irish to climb it. The last Sunday in July is of these had a special significance away from everything. Christianity and he had a plan. the final day for the Turas, and on of its own, as there were different Then he began to realise that Climbing Slane was part of it. that day a great number make the circumstances at each time. It was he was certainly not on his own, ascent. like the Scripture passage about for God was with him. He began Fire One time we went on a “a time for every season under to pray many times during the day It was festival time and fires pilgrimage around the shrines Heaven.” and during the night, and endured would soon be lit all over the of Ireland with a group from So, I wrote the symbolisms his captivity for a long time, until country. Patrick had gathered Letterkenny. Croagh Patrick was beside the name for each hill. the angel, Victorius told him that it plenty of sticks, enough for a huge one of the places we visited. I have As I wrote, I chatted to my was time to escape and that a boat fire. He knew that no one could no head for heights, but I was able granddaughter, referring to myself was there. light a fire before the High King to go up the little path and steps in the third person - granny - and The second hill was Saul and lit his at Tara. Of course, the One to the statue of the saint. There I using the inclusive “we”. As she was its symbolism was ‘A Beginning’. that Patrick was following was the was rewarded by the lovely view not yet walking or talking, I do not Patrick had been sent by the Pope High King of the universe. Also, St of Clew Bay below. Only three know how much she understood, to evangelise, but of course some Patrick was not lighting this fire to people were climbing to the very but she listened and watched others had already been teaching celebrate a pagan festival, but to top of the conical peak. The rest of attentively. the good news in some parts of celebrate Easter and to establish us went down to look around and It did not take long to make that the country. When St Patrick the Light of Christ. So, he set it have a snack and we all met up for list. I realised that only a part of it came, the ship was brought into alight and it blazed. Easter and our evening meal later. could be used, as the programme Strangford Lough. The local chief, the pagan festival were at the same These were the four hills that could only last for several hours. Dichu, welcomed him, became time that year. were used. I do not know what They decided to use my ideas and a Christian and gave him a barn, They saw it from Tara. Someone format the team prepared, for I someone told me that this kind of a shelter for his prayers and had broken the rule and men were was not involved in that part of symbolism usually worked very celebrations. That was the saint’s sent to bring the culprit to be it. I know that the young people well. first church in Ireland. questioned. That was what Patrick enjoyed the experience and, of The first hill on the list was, of Saul was where he began his had wanted, for he had already course, got the blessings of the decided to obtain permission Rosary, the sacraments and Mass course Slemish, in Co Antrim. ministry in Ireland, and later it Photograph courtesy of St Patrick’s Missionary Society, Kiltegan. THE NET | MARCH 2021 29 With the words “You will have to change” ringing in her ears from an Ash Wednesday homily after receiving the devastating news that she was to cease being a Sister of Adoration, Martina Purdy writes about the amazing journey that led to the creation of … St Patrick’s Way – Come visit and be amazed! IT was the eve of Ash governance issues was a bit like a When we arrived at the house amazed all you Wednesday, 2019, when I was death sentence. Sr Martina of the in Downpatrick, having travelled Pe op l e …” given the news: you must leave the Blessed Sacrament would cease abroad for two months, everything I was amazed. Really amazed. I convent in six months’ time, and to exist and I would be laicized was prepared: food in the shouted to Elaine: “Come quickly! cease to be a Sister of Adoration. on the anniversary of my vows, cupboards, furniture, fresh linen St Patrick used your words…” Having spent five joyful years September 23, the Feast of Padre and even fresh paint. There was no On my first day of work, I was on the Falls Road as Sr Martina Pio. question: I was amazed. shown to my new office in the of the Blessed Sacrament, it was I felt I was dying. I knew there After Christmas 2019, I felt centre; it was the old BBC studio. a shock. I knew our congregation would be new life but I didn’t know it was time to find a purpose. I was amazed - and amused. had grown fragile and that there where or how. I could not go back What would I do? I needed to Covid soon hit, however, and it were strenuous efforts being made to my old life as a BBC political make a living but I also wanted a was during the lockdown that to resolve the issue. But I never correspondent any more than St meaningful Christian role. I began Elaine and I found some new life believed that I, along with three Peter could go back to fishing. to pray to St Patrick for help. We exploring, in Downpatrick, the other sisters in temporary vows, Throughout those months, Elaine were, after all, in the parish of St beautiful sites associated with would not be allowed to complete and I pondered the meaning of, Patrick: the place he began his Ireland’s patron saint: Inch Abbey, our nine-year formation. “Be amazed.” mission in Ireland, the place he an ancient ruin on the banks of We all sought solace in prayer, At times, it seemed that there founded his first church, the place the Quoile River, where the monk immediately entering our chapel may be some hope of staying in he died and the place he is buried, Jocelyn wrote that St Patrick had for an hour of silence. As I knelt the convent, and then it would be along with St Colmcille and St banished the snakes; Saul Church, before Jesus, I was perplexed. Later, dashed. I kept telling Elaine – and Brigid. built on the site where St Patrick Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly as Adoration Sisters. another sister, who had become a the Lord – that I was not amazed, “St Patrick”, I prayed, “help me founded his first church; Slieve close friend, shared an experience though I knew in my heart, riding find my place”. Patrick, where the world’s largest she had while pondering our a rollercoaster of emotions, that One Saturday morning after monument to St Patrick towers situation and praying before Jesus would not abandon me. Mass, in late February, I went over the landscape; St Patrick’s Jesus’ real presence in the Blessed I would have to face the cross, to St Patrick’s parish shop and Wells at Struell, a well-preserved Sacrament. Sr Elaine of the Heart setting my face like flint, and trust purchased 10 St Patrick’s prayer pre-Christian site where St Patrick of Jesus said she had received two in the power of the resurrection. cards. I was still holding the tiny bathed and sang psalms in the well, words from the Lord in the silence As Elaine, a former barrister and purchase on my way to adoration, a centuries old place of pilgrimage. of her own heart. “Be amazed!” I had taken our vows together in when a parishioner approached I began writing a Pilgrim “Be amazed?!” I retorted. I was St Peter’s Cathedral, we would be me. He wondered if I would be Passport, which would allow feeling more dazed than amazed. leaving at the same time. Knowing interested in doing some writing pilgrims to walk up to 17 miles to At Mass on Ash Wednesday, the Lord sent his disciples out two and public relations work for the all the sites. With the help of Elaine our chaplain, who knew nothing by two, we discerned that we had a Saint Patrick Centre in the town. I and Dr Tim Campbell, Centre of our news, gave a very direct mission together. was amazed. director, we mapped out a scenic homily, fitting for Ash Wednesday A week before we were due to Since then, my relationship route. And, since then, hundreds St Patrick’s Way and our circumstances. leave, a friend of the congregation, with the Saint Patrick Centre, the of pilgrims have come and we “You will all have to change,” he who had been inspired by Elaine’s only permanent exhibition to the have a beautiful new coastal Way told Mass-goers. In fact, he said it story, heard our news. She was saint in the world, has flourished. to St Patrick’s Well near Ardglass, three times. very upset. And, like Lydia in the I started to read St Patrick’s walking amidst some of the Lent is a time for renewal. Those Acts of the Apostles, immediately Confession (it’s online); a personal most stunning beauty you will words: “You will have to change,” offered hospitality. “I have a place,” account of his life. I was familiar encounter in Ireland. echoed more forcibly than “Be she said, a house that had just with his description of being That’s how St Patrick’s Way, amazed.” become vacant. And so Elaine and found by God, like a stone in the Downpatrick, was born. The motto Being told that you have to I found ourselves in Downpatrick, mire, before being lifted up and for the walk is: “Be Amazed!” leave the convent in six months County Down. “We landed on put on a high wall. But the next Why not come and be amazed? because of Canon Law and holy ground!” we would declare. words jumped off the page: “So be A Pilgrim’s Perspective by Bernie Doody Martina and Elaine as pilgrim guides at Inch Abbey. days, with a stopover at Denvir’s place was at the back of the group! Coaching House in Downpatrick. The following morning, Martina This meant that I joined the Purdy was our pilgrim guide and, morning group at lunch-time as we had only six miles, this and would complete the morning was at an easier pace, but just as section of the pilgrimage the informative and interesting as the following day with a new group. day before. Elaine Kelly, former Adoration In the course of the two days, Sister, was our pilgrim guide for I discovered not Patrick the great the 10-mile afternoon trip. She patron saint, but Patrick the man kept the pace brisk in order that - a humble man who wanted to we had more time to spend at the answer God’s call to bring the different religious sites and that we faith to the poor people of Ireland, Bernie Doody, Omagh finished our day at 6.30 pm. despite criticism from his own HAVING had my plans to We were blessed with beautiful people of ever wanting to return to continue the French Camino in weather, and when another that wild savage land. Spain brought to a halt in 2020, I pilgrim asked me if this was like Before departing Downpatrick, was pleased when a local walking walking the Camino in Spain, I I returned to the St Patrick’s group sent me an e-mail about could only answer “Yes”. Centre’s gift shop to purchase a the new St Patrick’s Pilgrimage in There were eight pilgrims in the book on Patrick’s Confessions Downpatrick. I knew immediately afternoon and, as what quickly as I felt I was only beginning to this was for me. happens on a shared journey, we discover St Patrick. As I was travelling from quickly bonded and became a little I felt uplifted after my two days Omagh, I decided to follow what team. and I would recommend this was suggested to me, to complete As I don’t hike regularly, it pilgrimage to anyone with two the 16-mile pilgrimage over two wasn’t long before my established good legs. 30 THE NET | MARCH 2021

Season of Lent... Freedom to Love by Fr Johnny Doherty, CSsR WE could, with a lot of a community of faith but do little far more than we ever imagined no good, as hopeless. Or they settle following Christ is the fear of how justification, say that we have been Week 2: February 27th – March to build community. We can so possible. for a way of life that they know is much it will cost us. In order to in Lent for the past 12 months! 6th easily allow ritual to become more Marriage and family life are the unworthy of the Lord. face that fear, in Holy Week we take Because of Covid-19 our lives have We see Christ’s glory in the important than the people of our two great schools for learning self- Prayer is so vital at this time of on board how much it cost Christ been greatly restricted in almost Transfiguration, and we arehomes and communities. giving. It is there that we grow in Lent to free us from our guilt and to be our saviour – in how the every way. Our world has shrunk able to say with Peter: “Lord, it our knowledge of the death and to give us the courage to make people turned against Him; in His to the size of our own homes; our is wonderful for us to be here”. Week 4: March 14th – 20th resurrection of Christ. decisions that will set us on the suffering and death; in the betrayal contacts are almost entirely just We should reach for that sense We are anointed with the Following Christ is an exciting road with Christ. A very important by His closest friends; in His utter our own families and our bubble. of wonder and gladness in our knowledge of God’s extreme love journey, a difficult journey, an part of our prayer at this time is loneliness and desolation. The cost And yet, it is very important knowledge of Christ and our for us. “God sent His Son so that essential journey. Yet it is possible the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to any of us will never come even that we begin again to face the love for Him. And we have the through Him the world might that we may not travel it because in which we are set free from the close to what He has done for us. implications of Lent and make a responsibility of bringing that be saved”. We think of faith as of our reluctance to leave where crippling effect of our sins. fresh start in our journey of faith same sense of joy to those close to meaning our belief in God. Our we are right now in our faith and Many other people are just too Conclusion in Jesus Christ. us in marriage and family, and in Christian faith is much more about in our lives. busy to travel the road with Jesus. Lent can seem a burden for many our faith community. God’s intense belief in us and in They might do the minimum in of us. It is possible to use this time The season of Lent our goodness and beauty. He Blocks and helps terms of religious practice, but to discover what the real burdens The Season of Lent is a very Week 3: March 7th – 13th wants us to come to a knowledge Some people can be blocked other things tie them down. It is are and to let Christ lift these off us, special time when we are invited to We are let into an experience of of His crazy love for us. We from following Christ fully a full-time job making a living so that we can come to the joy of travel the road to Jerusalem with Christ’s anger and frustration with come to know that reality mainly because of the arrogance of their these days. There is so much the Resurrection. Jesus as He faces His death for the those who have turned religion through our love for one another, lives. They are alright the way they work to be done on the house. It salvation of the world. The stages into a business type ritual: “Stop in marriage, in family and in our are, and they stand in judgement is so important to get the proper of this journey are signposted for turning my Father’s house into life as a faith community that is on everyone else. People like this holidays and breaks. Where could us by the week-by-week Sunday a market”. It is amazing how we open to the world around us. can settle for fulfilling the duties you get the time to take Christ too liturgy. human beings can miss the point of religion but without it ever seriously? of even the things we treasure Week 5: March 21st – 27th touching their hearts. During this time of Lent, Week 1: February 21st – 27th most. For the Jewish people, the And we are given the absolute Lent is a time of penance for us almsgiving is proposed to us as We hear Christ’s teaching calling Temple was the most sacred of assurance that Christ’s death and when we are like this, penance like very important so that, by letting us to “repent and to believe the places. Yet it became a market for resurrection will transform the fasting, denying ourselves much of go of some of our money and Good News”. To repent means money-making! We call marriage world. “Anyone who loves her/his our ordinary comforts in order to possessions to those in real need, to let go of the ways of living that a sacrament, yet we can have little life loses it. Anyone who hates her/ realise that there is so much more we can get in touch with how limit our freedom to love God with care for the couple relationship his life in this world will keep it for to gain in life than what we have well off we already are and get the our whole heart and to love one except when it is in trouble. We the eternal life”. If our priorities are surrounded ourselves with. This freedom to readjust our priorities. another fully, so that we can live call the family a ‘Domestic Church’ all about the here and now and more is to be found in following the Good News of love ever more and can so easily treat our homes our own gratification, we will lose Jesus. Week 6: March 28th – April 3rd. fully in marriage and family life as if Christ did not live there everything. If we set our sights on Other people get blocked by Holy Week and in our faith community. among us. We talk about us being what God wants for us we will gain their sins. They see themselves as By far the biggest block to Fr Johnny Doherty

Valparaiso and Dublin… Memories through the Stations of the Cross by Fr John McLaughlin SSC

LOOKING through my photos Jesus’, etc, and what our own falls texts, or the reflection offered and recently, I came across some of might be. the prayer, which was followed by the Stations of the Cross that I At the ‘Carrying of the Cross a Hymn. Between standing and thought had been consumed by by Simon of Cyrene’, people read kneeling, or holding hands in other a pen-drive virus. From the hills out from little placards the names expressive ways to accompany the in Las Palmas, in Valparaiso, they or titles of those who help ‘carry Station, everyone came away from represented a very participative the Cross of Jesus today’, clubs that two hours feeling involved celebration out on the roadway and youth groups, ecological and participative in the mystery of every Good Friday afternoon for a groupings, senior citizens and the Cross for today! couple of hours. tenants associations, etc. There were moments when my Later, out in Puente Alto in At the ‘Crucifixion’, nails were mind would flash back to my own Santiago, amongst the poorer hammered into the wooden cross favorite story of my early years folk around the chapel of San representing our own complicities in the Dublin Diocese. Fr Ned Columbano, and La Lecheria, in the social sins that brought O’Brien was then a senior figure, with married deacon, John about the death of Jesus. When warm and humorous from his Pacheco and team, we had we came to ‘Jesus Meets the Tipperary days. He told a group something similar in and around Women of Jerusalem’, I usually of us, from his early memories of the departamentos, with the dogs went directly into dialogue with the Diocese, about the practice in and cats and the musical equipos the women in the cortege… “for one of the north county parishes, often at full volumes. Some of the what are the women of Las Palmas where a certain Fr Moriarity PP women intoned along the way (La Lecheria) weeping today?” would halt during a moment of ‘decimas’ from the deep south The answers came quickly from deep silence at the same Station and Chiloe, where missionaries all corners of the bystanders: every year, that of ‘Jesus Speaks generations had put to a plain drugs and their sales, family to the Women of Jerusalem’. chant the stories of the Passion violence, machismo, drunkenness, Then, after announcing the title, and the Gospels. alienation from their spouses, low and with a deep deep sigh, came Starting there, in upper pay for the cleaning jobs, poor forth his great lament: “They have Valparaiso, Cerro Las Palmas, on schools, long queues at the clinic. crucified you Lord, and now they the higher part of the quebrada, It had a big emotional pull on me, are crucifying me” or gully, the little group wended its just to hear it come pouring out This used to resonate with way along the roadway and down like that! me in my days as parish priest! the hill, protected by a volunteer We often stopped outside the Somehow, since coming to retire from the local police precinct and Departamento of a sick person in Moville, there seems to be no accompanied by songs and chants and invited the family to join in call for such a lament! Maybe it is and little tableaus of the ‘Falls of some of the reading of the Bible only for parish priests! THE NET | MARCH 2021 31

7. Before he left,the angel travelled into Jerusalem riding on Children’s Catechism Club - C3 told Mary that her old cousin a donkey. It is called Palm Sunday Elizabeth, was going to have a because on this day people were so by Veronica Harley baby too. happy to see Jesus, and knew how

Hello children. Welcome to the month of March. This month is True or False? important He was, that they took

5.false, 6.true, 7. true 7. 6.true, 5.false, palm branches from the trees and dedicated to Saint Joseph, the spouse of Mary and foster father true, 4. true, 3. 2.false, false, 1. waved them. The people shouted of Jesus. ‘Hosanna’, which means ‘God saves’ in places such as Lough Derg and in Hebrew, as Jesus passed by. Palm Croagh Patrick. After a life of prayer Sunday is also known as Passion and many sufferings, St Patrick died Sunday, as Holy Week reminds us of on March 17, 461AD. He is buried Jesus’ passion and death. We celebrate in Downpatrick, the little town that Palm Sunday this year on March 28. bears his name.

Instructions: Connect the dots to make In Saint Matthew’s Gospel, Joseph is this St Patrick’s Day picture. Palm Sunday described as a just man. This means Palm Sunday (CCC 560) is the that he was a true and faithful person, True or False? first day of Holy Week. On this day, filled with justice and virtue. Joseph Today’s Gospel Reading” Christians remember how Jesus was given a very important task by The Angel Visits Mary God; he had to protect Mary and Jesus, to work hard to provide for How well do you know the story Use every second letter to fill them, to teach Jesus and lovingly of the Annunciation? See if you watch over Mother and Child. St know which are true andwhich Joseph fulfilled this family mission are false. in the blanks beautifully. As a result, he has been T A H B I C S D I E S F M G Y H B I L J O K O L D M O N F O T P H Q E R N S loved and celebrated down the 1. God sent the Angel Michael to E T W U C W O X V Y E Z N A A B N C T bring his message to Our Lady. centuries. St Joseph, pray for us! D W E H F I G C H H I W J I K L L L M True or False? B N E O S P H Q E R D S F T O U R V M W A X N Y Y Z Saints of the Month 2. When Mary saw the Angel, she March 4 – St Casimir covered her eyes. March 9 – St Francis of Rome True or False? March 17 – St Patrick March 19 – St Joseph 3. The angel told Mary, “Do not The Annunciation of the be afraid.” True or False? Lord – March 25 (CCC 494) On the feast of the Annunciation of 4. The angel to Our Lady that she the Lord (CCC 494), March 25, we would have a Son that she would celebrate that the Archangel Gabriel name ‘Jesus’. appeared to Mary of Nazareth with True or False a special message. The Angel Gabriel announced to Her that She was full 5. Mary just said okay and the of grace and the Lord was with Her. angel left right away. God had chosen Her to conceive True or False ______through the power of the Holy Spirit. The angel said he must be called 6. When Mary said she didn’t ______Saint Patrick Jesus. The baby would be unique. He understand, Gabriel told her ______St Patrick is the Patron of Ireland, would be the Saviour of the world, that the baby would be the Son but he was born in Britain. When he the Son of God (Luke 1:26-33). of God. True or False? Answer: This is my blood of the new covenant which will be shed for many was 16 years old, he was captured and Mary, trusting in God, replied “Yes” taken to Ireland as a slave, where for to what the Angel Gabriel had told six years he took care of sheep and her. She was meek and obedient to 14. Who plays Phil Mitchell in Eastenders? pigs. God’s will. We can learn from Mary Quiz Time with Lawrence 15. Which planet in the solar system is closest in distance to the sun? The young Patrick was very lonely how to live humble Christian lives 1. What is the longest river in Scotland? 16. Which city will host the 2024 summer Olympics? and prayed to God all the time. and to be always ready to say ‘yes’ to 2. Which female artist reached Number 1 in the UK 17. What role do ‘cruets’ marked A and V serve during Eventually, he escaped from his charts in 1990 with ‘Tears on my Pillow’? God as She did. the celebration of Mass? 3. Who famously wore the Number 23 shirt for the captives and returned to Britain. 18. The world famous painting by Johannes Vermeer is Chicago Bulls? He studied to become a priest and called the girl with what? 4. In which US city would you find the Bunker Hill teacher. His studies may have been 19. Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan were all part of monument? in France. In 432AD, he returned to what musical ‘supergroup’? 5. What TV programme is currently hosted by Holly 20. Name the three US states that start with the letter Ireland as a bishop to teach the love Willoughby and Emma Willis? ‘O’? of the true God. 6. Which European country has no upper speed limit 21. Which biblical event is said to have taken place on Bishop Patrick used the shamrock on its major motorway network? the site of ‘the fruitful garden of Tabgha’ on the Sea to explain the Holy Trinity. A 7. Which actor voiced the part of ‘Mufasa’ in the Lion of Galilee? shamrock has one stem and three King movie? 22. What television programme has been hosted by 8. What is the last book of the New Testament? leaves. There is only one God but Stephen Mulhern since 2013? 9. What is the capital city of Turkey? God is three Persons; the Father, the 23. What body of water separates South West England 10. In which city would you find the world’s only current Son and the Holy Spirit. from South Wales? 10-star Hotel? Patrick worked many miracles as 24. The Buenos Aires ‘Superclasico’ football match 11. Which English football club plays its home games at features River Plate and which other team? he preached and converted people ‘Deepdale’? 25. Which multi-national franchise will this year (2021) all over Ireland. He baptized and 12. Which American actor played the role of Coach Gary celebrate the 30th anniversary of their first outlet confirmed thousands and ordained Gaines in the 2004 movie ‘Friday Night Lights’ opening in Northern Ireland? many priests. As a result, many 13. Ireland’s Slaney River flows through which town? kingdoms within Ireland converted Quiz Answers: 1, River Tay. 2, Kylie Minogue. 3, Michael Jordan. 4, Boston. 5, The Voice UK. 6, Germany. 7, James Earl Jones. 8, Book of Revelation. 9, Ankara. 10, to Christianity. He lived in poverty Dubai. 11, Preston North End. 12, Billy Bob Thornton. 13, Wexford. 14, Steve McFadden. 15, Mercury. 16, Paris. 17, They hold water (A) and wine (V). 18, A pearl earring. 19, and did constant penance, especially The Travelling Wilburys. 20, Ohio, Oaklahoma, Oregon. 21, The miracle of the loaves and fishes. 22, Catchphrase. 23, The Bristol Channel. 24, Boca Juniors. 25, McDonalds. 32 THE NET | MARCH 2021

Aghyaran, Ardmore, Ardstraw West &Castlederg, Ballinascreen, Ballymagroarty, Banagher, Bellaghy, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Claudy, Clonmany, Coleraine,Creggan, Culdaff, Culmore,Desertmartin, Donnyloop, Drumquin, Dunamanagh, Dungiven, Fahan, Faughanvale,Garvagh, Gortin, Greencastle,

Christ Christ beneath me. within me.

Christ Christ before me. above me.

Christ behind me. Christ on my right.

Christ Christ on my left. in me.

Moville, Newtownstewart, Omagh, Plumbridge, Sion Mills, Steelestown, Strabane, Swatragh, Templemore - Long Tower and St Eugene’s, Three Patrons, Waterside Waterside Patrons, Three Eugene’s, St and Tower - Long Templemore Swatragh, Strabane, Steelestown, Mills, Sion Plumbridge, Omagh, Newtownstewart, Moville, Photograph of St Patrick painting by Sr Aloysius McVeigh, courtesy of St Patrick’s Missionary Society, Kiltegan.

Greenlough, Iskaheen, Killyclogher, Killygordon, Kilrea, Lavey, Leckpatrick, Lifford, Limavady, Maghera, Magilligan, Malin, Melmount,