“Just As Carlo Acutis Was Called to Be a Saint, So Are All of Us”. (Charlotte Gormley ) Icon Blessing – Omagh

THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 1

ISSUE 59. NOVEMBER 2020 PRICE - £1.50 The NET /€2.00 Sharing fruits of faith in Derry Diocese

See inside... “Just as Carlo Acutis was called to be a saint, so are all of us”. (Charlotte Gormley ) Icon Blessing – Omagh

Season of Creation – Ballinascreen

Sacramental Booklet Launch – Derry

Mary’s Meals – Omagh Choir Festival - Derry. JPII Reflection – Moville Sponsored Climb – Newtownstewart in focus in People

Fr Neil Farren - Ardmore. Gemma Gallagher - Three Patrons. Patrick Terence McKeever - Carnhill. Rebecca O’Doherty - St Eugene’s. Fr Columba Jordan, CFR - Galliagh

Also featuring: St Cecilia’s pupils let lights shine, Thornhill Mercy Moment Awards, Youth share thoughts on Carlo Acutis beatification, Derry Choir Festival, Allegri keeping music alive, Clonleigh schools celebrate Mission Month, Amazing lockdown works in Magilligan, Children’s Catechism Club, Irish Section, Quiz...and much more... 2 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 Roisin Rice, Acting Vice-Principal of St Mary’s College, Derry, reflects on the Holy Contents Father’s prayer intention for November...“that the progress of Robotics and Artificial

CopiesParish of ‘The Net’ will deliveries be available in parishes again Intelligence may always service humankind”. after restrictions, as a result of Covid-19, are lifted. Reflection on progress of Artificial Intelligence by Roisin Rice...... p2 Now is the time to pray that correct opportunities are taken New Sacramental Preparation Booklets launched...... p2 Diocesan Mass for Deceased Children & Young People.p2 Derry teenager’s faith & focus on art during lockdown.p3 so as to work in synergy with AI and Robotics By Roisin Rice World Drawing God Day...... p3 THE rate of growth of Pope Francis has kept a connected to our parishes and interact at a checkout. Return to school reflection by Serena Doherty...... p4 technology in our world today keen and watchful eye on community? The facial recognition Let Your Light Shine is exceptionally fast paced. these developments. When Just as the internet can be used software and fingerprint by Bernadette O’Mianain...... p4 What seems like the stuff of I think of his interest in this for the good of evangelisation, technology that is seemly CBS teacher turns to verse to say science fiction is now a reality area, I call to mind this verse communication and integrated into our mobile - these days won’t last forever...... p4 and many of us probably do from Ezekiel 33:6, “But if the connection, it can also be used devices, the algorithms that Thornhill recognises Lockdown Mercy Moments continually work behind by Ciara Collins...... p5 not realise the impact that watchman sees the sword for sinister purposes as well. AI Codetta chorister shares experience of Derry Choir artificial intelligence andcoming and does not blow and Robotics are no different. the scenes tracking our Festival...... p5 robotics already have on the trumpet and the people At a recent conference called, movements and harvesting Derry Youth Online...... p5 our lives. The proliferation are not warned, and a sword ‘The Common Good in the data about our shopping JPII reflections...... p6-7 of mobile devices and the comes and takes a person from Digital Age’, Pope Francis history, likes, personal and November Call to Friday Prayer, Fasting & Adoration.....p7 ease with which data can be them, he is taken away in his warned: “If mankind’s so- medical information, could all collected, communicated and iniquity; but his blood I will called technological progress have the potential to be used Carlo Acutis beatification commentary by Roisin Rice. Oisin Mulhern, Hollie Frystal, Zara Schlindwein, shared has led to a new term require from the watchman’s were to become an enemy for sinister purposes. Gemma Gallagher & Charlotte Gormley...... p8-9 for the era that we live in, ‘The hand”. This is an area that we of the common good, this All of this has dramatic principles of Optic for AI Hollie Frystal shares thoughts on RenAIssance’. need to watch, and an area that would lead to an unfortunate consequences for the future are upheld: Transparency, ‘Exploring Christus Vivit’...... p10 In a way we are lucky, has huge ethical implications regression to a form of of jobs, human interaction, Inclusion, Responsibility, Class on and off the pitch from a Liverpool Club legend barbarism dictated by the law security and privacy. An Impartiality, Reliability and by Peter Grant...... p10 blessed to have people with for society. The Economy of Francesco...... p10 the creativity and genius to The Vatican and Pope of the strongest.” ethical framework needs to Security, furthermore that A Prayer for Guidance...... p10 envision and make a reality Francis have faced this head It is troubling to think of the be agreed and this will be an AI and Robotics are used to Hollie Frystal, Zara Schlindwein & Shaciara McCallion such powerful tools. As Psalm on; an organisation called potential for barbarism that extremely difficult task, after create a better world for all of delve into the shed that fed a million children...... p11 139:14 so eloquently states: Optic was set up in 2012 by this type of technology has. all, never in the history of the us. Derry Youth to help Mary’s Meals Charity...... p11 “I praise you because I am the Dominican Order. Its At its worst level, terminator Universe has there been one, Mary’s Meals update...... p11 fearfully and wonderfully main goal is to ensure that type machines controlled by single ethical framework for Current Acting Vice Principal Children in Crossfire Appeal...... p12 at St Mary’s College, North- Ballinascreen pupils love exploring and caring for made; your works are emerging technologies respect people in bunkers, waging anything. Creation...... p12 wonderful.” God has given human dignity and it is led war with little thought for the Now is the time that we land Road, Derry, Roisin has Allegri keeping the music alive...... p12 us many gifts and talents by Father Eric Salobir. The destruction of life, economy must pray that the correct been a teacher for almost 20 Greencastle shepherd happy to take Badoney Lower to use for the protection of organisation regularly meets and society. opportunities are taken so as years, and joined the staff of St faithful into his flock...... p13 life, for the betterment of the with technological giants This isn’t really what I fear. to work in synergy with AI Mary’s in 2013. She is a Micro- Beautiful stained glass windows complete to discuss the ethical issues My belief in the goodness and Robotics, to ensure that soft Expert Educator and is re- Lavey chapel works...... p13 human race and to protect Clonleigh schools create beautiful our common home, the Earth. that these new and emerging of people, the structures of it is created in a way that it sponsible for leading the highly Mission Month display...... p13 Progression and growth in technologies present. democratic society and the works with human beings at successful Digital Schoolhouse Special Polish Icon blessing in Omagh...... p13 this area can do just that. Pope Francis, himself, has power of the United Nations its centre. programme at St Mary’s Col- Franciscan friar, Fr Columba The development ofmet with Microsoft president, could never, I hope, permit As Pope Francis states: “The lege. Roisin was awarded the embarking on new chapter...... p14 Robotics, ArtificialBrad Smith, Facebook’s Mark this to happen. What I fear dangers must not detract from coveted title of ‘IT Educator of Living Disciples tribute by Rhonda McColgan...... p15 Intelligence and Machine Zuckerberg, and Google is that we, as a society, walk the immense potential that the Year’ by the British Com- St Brigid’s blessed by Fr Columba’s ministry puter Society in 2019. She is by Shauna Fitzsimons...... p15 Learning (ML) has immense CEO, Eric Schmidt. In a blindly into a situation where new technologies offer.” potential for humanity. The Papal statement released in AI and Robotics impinge on The potential is immense, a regular presenter at BBC Patrick Terence McKeever of ‘wee blue shop’ Northern Ireland’s Teach Meets enjoys sweet treats on 100th birthday...... p16 potential for healthcare with June 2014, he said that the our security and civil liberties. for healthcare, the food chain, data mining, modelling and internet was a gift from God. I am reminded of a television safety and security, energy and co-hosted Microsoft’s Ceiliuradh na bhFirean monthly Global Tweet Meet in Irish Page by Fr Oliver Crilly...... p17 tracking disease as well as During the recent lockdown, advertisement from one of the discovery and exploration looking at lifestyle choices, what would we have done major supermarkets asking of the distant and yet June 2020, on the ‘Evolution Amazing cemetery and chapel lockdown works of Remote Learning’. Most re- in Magilligan...... p18 the impact of treatments and without the church webcams customers to download unchartered territories of the Newtownstewart pilgrims conquer majestic Binevenagh.. numerous other scenarios, has and the internet that allowed their scan, pay and go app, Earth that human feet cannot cently, Roisin has been asked to p18 life changing implications for us to communicate with each proudly boasting that it means tread. speak at TEDxDerryLondon- Parish Feature – Part 4...... p19-24 all of us. other and continue to be customers will not have to We pray that these six derryWomen on November 28. Bishop Donal sees youth as shining light of hope during dark days of Covid-19...... p25 November extension for Plenary Indulgences for Deceased...... p25 New Sacramental Preparation Booklets launched My faith journey by Fr Neil Farren...... p26-27 NEW Sacramental gathering together parents Reconciliation and First Holy Preparation Booklets have and families for the usual Communion, and the other Diocesan Vocations Prayer...... p27 Prayer for Priests...... p27 been launched by the Sacramental Talks evenings. is entitled ‘Disciples of Jesus’ Pope’s Prayer Intention...... p27 Diocesan Catechetical Centre One is entitled, ‘Friends of for those preparing for the St Teresa of the Andes - Part III in response to the current Jesus’ and covers preparation Sacrament of Confirmation. Life behind the cloister door Covid-19 restrictions, on for the Sacraments of First Talks for parents can be by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD...... p28-29 delivered by the Centre’s A Word of God for your Family Life Sacramental Team either – Resurrection by Fr Johnny Doherty, CSsR...... p29 via parish webcams or the Litany of Irish Saints...... p29 Catechetical Centre’s webcam, Stations, Turas and Crosses with Talk Packs available. Prayer & Reflection by Vera McFadden...... p30 About St Francis by Vera McFadden...... p30 The evening Sacramental Children’s Catechism Club – C3 Talks will begin with prayer, by Veronica Harley...... p31 followed by an activity for the Quiz Time with Lawrence...... p31 children while the parents Bishop Donal with Fr Paul Farren listen to a presentation, using and Therese Ferry for the launch The ministry of the Sacramental Preparation of the Diocesan Catechetical Booklets for families. Centre’s Sacramental Preparation Booklets. The NET Schools or parishes can was dedicated to Our Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese book a Sacramental Talk by Lady, through the contacting Anne Marie at intercession of Contacting us: the Centre by telephone, 00 St Maximilian Kolbe, in a If you have a story that you would like to share or an event you 44 (0)28 7126 4087, or by ceremony celebrated by would like covered by The Net, just drop an email to emailing ddcc@derrydiocese. Bishop Donal McKeown [email protected] org. Office hours are 9 am-5 or ring/text 07809292852 pm, Monday to Friday. on August 14, 2019. THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 3 Derry teenager’s faith and focus on art helped her face long days of lockdown UDDING teenage artist, Gemma Gallagher, from the Skeoge area of Derry, created a wonderful piece of religious art for her father during lockdown, and found that it led to the joyous Brealisation that she just had to keep her focus on God and everything would be alright. A Three Patrons parishioner, Gemma’s art teacher, Mr Sandy put the final touch. For me, it is to who usually attends Mass in St was highly impressed when he saw show the boldness of the colour. I Brigid’s Church, Carnhill, with her her ‘Last Supper’ painting, saying feel that black really completes a parents, Martin and Kathleen, and that he thought it outstanding. drawing...you can tell when one older brother, Dean, Gemma is “Our school is really into faith part ends. I don’t really like art that currently studying for her GCSEs and Christianity, so anything that blends in”. as a fifth year at St Brigid’s College they can do to encourage us in our While Gemma would like to go and hopes to go on to take Art for faith they do it,” remarked Gemma, to Art College, she has recently A’ l e v e l . adding: “We have a school mission found herself being drawn to Sharing her lockdown story every year, for which they bring tattoo art and has created some with ‘The Net’, the 16-year-old in friars and nuns, and there is a tattoo designs. said that she had found it quite focus on prayer.” “I think tattoo art is really cool overwhelming at the start: “I am While appreciating the faith and really me. I like to express quite a sociable person, so that aspect of Gemma’s lockdown myself and am always making aspect was taken away from me. I artwork, Mr Sandy obviously sees designs, and people who have realised during lockdown that my that she has a real talent for art seen some of them have said that I faith was being tested. I was calling and is encouraging her to keep the would be really good at this. out to God, asking why this was subject on for A ‘level. “The more I look at my art style, happening, but I wasn’t getting an Working towards her GCSE the more I think that it would look Gemma Gallagher answer. exams, she explained that she did really cool on a person’s arm or leg. “Then one day, about a month 60 per cent of her art course last I’ve chatted to my teachers about into lockdown, my daddy asked year and the other 40 per cent this this and they have said that they me to paint the ‘Last Supper’ for year. will help me to get the necessary him on a big canvas. It turned out “My daddy has claimed the ‘Last qualifications for a tattoo artist, that this was a sign for me that Supper’ painting and it is hanging which includes a First Aid Covid-19 was going to end and on our kitchen wall. He absolutely qualification. everything was going to be alright. loves it,” laughed Gemma, adding: “I need to get in to a tattoo studio “I remember when I was “But, I will be using it as part of my as an apprenctice, so I will need to working on the painting that I felt GCSE art portfolio and will bring get a portfolio together for that. a joy. It was like it was God’s way it into school at the end of the year I called into a tattoo studio in of telling me that all was going to for marking. Derry to get some advice and was be ok. It really helped me to get up “I have loved drawing from a told that if I put a strong portfolio and keep going”. very young age. Art just comes together, they would be open to While working on her ‘Last naturally to me and because I love taking me on”. Supper’ piece, Gemma recalled it so much, I become absorbed in Commenting on her experience that she had felt drawn to make it. When I have free time at school, of online learning during Judas stand out: “When I was I use it to do artwork and when lockdown, Gemma said: “I would painting Judas, I coloured his halo our art teacher sets us homework, rather have been in school. Online brings you away from what society about what others are wearing and anything, as it doesn’t bring a good a burnt umber. The halo for Jesus I don’t see it as homework. It’s my learning doesn’t do it for me as makes out life should be and back asking things like, ‘Why are you light on you. We should try not to was gold and I painted the other way of relaxing and I would like I’m a social person. I love being to what it really should be. wearing those shoes?’ do or say anything that would hurt halos silver, but I wanted Judas to do it for the rest of my life! It around people. Our school had the “My faith has grown stronger “My motto is, if you have nothing any on e .” to stand out with the burnt red is something I have always found least cases of Covid-19, so they are through being in Search and I nice to say, you shouldn’t say colour. peace in doing. doing really well with protecting am looking forward to going “I did that to show that if you “I am hoping to do Double us against it. to Medjugorje with them when put your trust in God, all will Award Art and Health and Social “I like being at St Brigid’s College. it is safe to do so. At the start, I World Drawing God Day be ok, unlike Judas, who always Care for my A ‘level subjects. I am I know some people used to think didn’t know what to expect and questioned and seemed to doing Child Care this year and I it was a bit mad, but it is a good the more I went to it, the more I Friday, November 6 is World Kiefer, which is an interesting struggle, and then turned away really enjoy the subject, but my school. The teachers are really could see myself praying at night Drawing God day. This initiative insight into and generating from God. It was like a message for heart is in art more than anything helpful and want us to get the best and in the morning. I was getting follows the publishing of a book for conversation about how people see me not to turn away from God but e l s e”. grades that we can”. a really good peace. I was able to children, called ‘Drawing God’, by God, even amongst adults. How do to focus on Him. Colours Outside of school, Gemma is understand my faith more and American mother author, Karen you see God? “This really helped me to focus She continued: “My theme a member of the Search Youth how good it was at helping things on the good and brought me back is usually street art and that is Group based in Iona Business be ok. Search has taught me that to doing my art, as I hadn’t really where the bright colours in the Park, on Southway, and she found you will never really be alone when done anything during lockdown ‘Last Supper’ painting come that this friendship group had also you have God”. up to that. It helped me to refocus from. People describe my art as been a great help during lockdown. She added: “Today, for youth, it on what I wanted to work towards”. outlandish and peculiar. Anything “While we couldn’t meet in is harder for us to be accepted. I Commenting on her choice of bright attracts my eye. The clothes person on Friday nights,” she said, would be quite a happy-go-lucky the reddish umber colour for Judas’ I wear tend to be very funky “we kept in contact by texting one person, but many want to look, halo, Gemma explained: “For me, or bright. I’m always wearing a another. The leaders were a great dress and act in a certain way. I red represents a negative feeling. It colour. I really like shape and block support too, sending us challenges find it very sad to watch other is usually linked to messages like colour, so I like to take different like making pizzas and shortbread, people my age go through that. red for danger, etc; something that shapes and fill them with colour. which we took a photo of and put “For me, it is great to go to Search it just not good. It just stood out The ‘Last Supper’ painting has on the group chat and then they as they teach you to be yourself and everyone who has looked at different shapes that I coloured in. chose a winner”. and to see that God created you as the finished painting has said that The more I draw the shape, I get Reflecting on the two years she a unique human being. You don’t they can pick out Judas because the colour. has been involved with this popular have to change just to be accepted of this colour. I placed him on the “The most important colour in youth faith group, Gemma said: by others. Others should accept bottom right and he looks like he is my artwork is black. When I finish “I love being in Search. There is you for who you are. Just be who reaching out to God, but in a way up with all the colours, I go in with something so warming about it. It you are and you will be accepted. He has fallen away”. black paint or marker or pencil to brings you back to the real world. It “I hear people all the time talking 4 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 As schools re-open following a stressful first term, Carndonagh Community School chaplain, Serena Doherty encourages her colleagues to... Thank God for our blessings and pray that He will help us meet challenges set before us THE spread of the coronavirus, merciful and kind provides a for our reactions to the various meditation or prayer, can help us Covid-19, has shaken the sense of support and safety that stressors in our working day, to gain perspective and shrink foundations of our schools. gets me through even the most acknowledging that we, too, can the obstacles and stresses of the Working collaboratively together, challenging day. be vulnerable at times. day that, in the moment, seem we have made our schools safe for Focusing on the spiritual side Our sense of wellbeing is insurmountable into something our students to continue learning of life can help us decrease stress defined by the PDST as feeling more manageable. by following the guidelines set by allowing us to be quiet, still good and strong in mind and St Eugene’s Cathedral, in Derry down by the relevant health and at peace. In school life today, body and having energy, getting recently posted seven keys to life: authorities in our regions. we spend so much of our time along with others, and helping 1. God first Principals, deputy principals, rushing to complete a myriad of others, knowing our strengths 2. Love one another teachers, caretakers and tasks before the school bell finally and feeling content because we 3. Never hate administration staff have worked rings to announce the end of are doing our best. Inherent in 4. Give generously tirelessly since August, ensuring another day: preparing for class, this definition is the need for us 5. Live simply that physical distancing is in marking tests and homework, to be continually grateful for what 6. Forgive quickly place, hand sanitisation can be moving from class to class and we have and accept ourselves just 7. Always be kind. maintained and that class sizes are sometimes building to building, as we are. Serena Doherty, Carndonagh Community School chaplain. within the guidelines set down by supervision and substitution Taking the time to stop and relax Finally, the best thing that we the department. duties, not to mention stopping allows us to focus on our own can do is to continue to thank Fear and anxiety about the along the way to help a student or mental and physical health. After God for our blessings and pray disease is at times overwhelming colleague out. all, we need to care for ourselves that He, too, will continue to help These days won’t last forever and, as the adults in the school It can be challenging for us to to be able to support others. us meet the challenges set before community, we have had to put find time in all this ‘busyness’ to At the end of the day can be the us as we reopen our schools for CHRISTIAN Brothers’ teacher of RE and our worries to the back of our stop and take time to appreciate most suitable time for some of us another term. History, Anna Alice Nugent composed minds and put our shoulders what is around and within us. to take that time to reflect and “God grant me the serenity to bravely to the wheel. Stress, Accepting that we may not be think about the events of the day accept the things I cannot change, the following poem for all the wonderful however, lurks in the recesses of able to control the things that go in a meaningful way. Taking that the courage to change the things I teachers, support staff and pupils who are our minds and for me, personally, on around us enables us to realise time to feel the sense of the Spirit can and the wisdom to know the the gift of faith in a God that is that we can, in fact, be responsible around us, through reflection, difference”. doing their best... So we’ve all returned to school, You pass your colleagues in the But nothing’s as it was before, corridors, We arrive every day, Like ships in the night, Let Your Light Shine! by Bernadette O’Mianain With no idea what’s in store. Smiles and identities concealed, WE, at St Cecilia’s College, Derry, It offers pupils Equine personal real talent for football, travelled this year when she welcomed Rushing from class to class in flight. pride ourselves on acknowledging development programmes and to Jordanstown to take part in our Education Minister, Peter Masks on before you enter, and celebrating all the many gifts facilitates alternative learning by the Northern Ireland football Weir to the school a number of Remember to sanitise your hands, You get to your next destination, and talents of each and every one providing Open College National development day – Orlaith Cooper weeks ago. She explained to Mr But balance the books you’re And you notice some empty chairs, of our students. Even during this Qualifications, delivered by(Year 11) and Ainara Hutcheon Weir that it was the continuous carrying Oh no they must be at home, very challenging and difficult community partners. (Year 9). These two young ladies encouragement and dedication of Who knows where they might Who is going to teach them there? time, our students have continued Students at St Cecilia’s are are inspirational. They train four the staff at St Cecilia’s College that land. to let their light shine even brighter encouraged to recognise the times a week, as part of their local had helped a very timid young girl I need to set them an assignment, during these somewhat dark days. potential they have to affect teams and also in school. They in Year 8 to have the confidence You go into the staffroom, They can’t have nothing to do, As a whole school community, a positive change in their are currently U16 NI Schools and ability to stand up and speak A tone of seriousness fills the air, But you’re stopped in your tracks we are always striving to make community. This can be seen champions, which is a testimony at such an important event. She The work has already begun, by the words, a difference in the girls’ lives, through the school Facebook to their continued hard work and commended every member of the There’s so much to prepare. “Miss, remember we need taught be it academically or otherwise, and Twitter streams, which are dedication to the sport. St Cecilia’s family for supporting t o o.” and our endeavours were abundant with celebrations of Orlaith has been on the U16 her and assisting her throughout You land into your first classroom, acknowledged this year when the positivity and kindness which Northern Ireland squad since her six years at the school and was Where is your remote? You reach the end of the day, school was awarded ‘The Silver pupils have enacted. 2018, with Ainara joining in 2019. very proud of being a St. Cecilia’s Surely it’s not in your bag Your last class trickles home, Award for Making a Difference – Pupils are regularly awarded the Both girls would ordinarily train Head Girl. downstairs, You finally catch your breathe, Secondary School of the Year’. We gold C badge for helping others. every Sunday at the University As St Cecilia is the Patron Saint of Or in the pocket of your coat? With your thoughts you’re now are so proud of the recognition Two recent recipients were Year of Ulster Jordanstown Campus, Music, we are frequently amazed alone. this affords our staff and the wider 10 pupils, Mia McDaid and Rachel starting at 8 am until 10 am, as at the hidden musical talents Why won’t this computer work? school community partners. Donaghy, who received the badge well as regional excellence training of some of our young students. Why will the internet not connect? You really are exhausted, St Cecilia’s College is like a big for their act of kindness. They had every Tuesday evening. One student in particular who is Little voices in the front row ask, Your head is pounding too, extended family, whose doors are undertaken to assist a member Orlaith played in an U14 so giving of her talent, and who “Miss are you not ready yet?” You think about the evening ahead always open to welcome everyone of the community who was self- competition in England during shares her music so beautifully And question, if you have it in you. in the community to be a part of isolating. As is often the way for the summer of 2019 against a through the school Facebook page, You finally teach your lesson, every event throughout the year. the girls who are awarded the C number of teams including: is Maeve Coyle (Year 9). Maeve And the work is all complete, You get home to your safe space, The school has a very strong link kindness badges, their act was Arsenal, Birmingham, Sunderland has played some beautiful pieces Now to get it uploaded quickly, You can finally rest a while, with the Bogside & Brandywell purely altruistic and was reported and Leicester. We look forward to on her harp throughout the whole Onto a One Note sheet. You try to ignore the marking, Health Forum to deliver a number to the school by a member of the seeing these young ladies continue of lockdown and shared these That’s stacked up in a virtual pile. of programmes addressing public who became aware of their to flourish in the future. through social media, and I have “But Miss I have no data” family support, physical activity, kind voluntary deed. Our newly appointed Head no doubt that she has certainly put And “Miss my phone is dead” Back to the screen you go, mental health, food and nutrition Two very gifted young ladies Girl, Jeannie Mc Laughlin made a smile on many faces as a result. “I’m not sure what app we are Lessons must be prepped, band alcohol/drug awareness. at St Cecilia’s College, with a her first public appearance I would like to thank all of using, Make sure everything’s online, our beautiful students - Orlaith, I’ve forgotten what you said.” You must not forget! Ainara, Jeannie, Mia, Rebecca and Maeve, who have definitely Then amongst all the questions, Then move on to the marking, let their light shine in whichever The bell sounds for you to go, There’s deadlines to be met, talent God has given them, and “Where am I going next?” No - keep going! we know that many more of our Hurry, there’s no time to be slow. It’s not your bed time yet. students will continue to discover their own gifts and talents in time, You gather your belongings, But your eyes become too sleepy, and will go on to let their light And hope you have them all, And that’s enough for one day, shine on others too. Mask on, glasses too, So you crawl in to bed Careful not to fall. And join your hands to pray. THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 5 Thornhill recognises pupils’ Mercy Moments during lockdown by Ciara Collins THE Religious Education Award for their thoughtfulness were gladly received by those who God and to know that, although Department in Thornhill College and dedication to their needed them most. they were apart from one awarded Mercy Moments to grandparents, who they had been Katey McMenamin, in Year 9, another, they were still very much pupils, during the lockdown in missing during lockdown. Eve and Beth Bradley, in Year 12, were connected. spring, who were inspired by the drew a beautiful pencil drawing awarded the Mercy Moment for Our final three Mercy Moment Mercy ethos of our school and, of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for their random acts of kindness in Awards were given to pupils in particular, the words of our her granny, and Cait played a May. Katey painted two stunning in Year 12, Aoife Kavanagh, foundress, Catherine McAuley. poignant piece of music on her pictures on wood with the Sinead O’Donnell and Hannah Catherine taught “we should harp also for her Granny Jean. slogans: ‘Where flowers bloom so Thompson, for composing their be shining lamps, giving light to These gestures touched so deeply does hope’, and ‘Stars can’t shine own prayers that were posted on all around us.” The shining light their family members, but also without darkness.’ Katey placed our department Twitter site each of their actions also exemplified reminded us of the importance these outstanding paintings in her morning. the teaching in the Gospel of of our extended families and how local area, so that their positive Each pupil was presented with Matthew, that faith should be the vital they are in our lives. messages would inspire those a specially commissioned Mercy “light of the world” and a beacon Lucy O’Donnell, in Year 9, and who saw them on their daily Angel, created by local business, for others to see. Rosie O’Donnell, in Year 13, both walks. Beth Bradley also painted Loopy Crafts. The angels were We were delighted to award individually looked after their positive messages on pebbles for made with the Mercy colours of 12 Mercy Moment awards for vulnerable and elderly neighbours her family. The slogans painted blue and white and included two pupils who voluntarily gave by taking care of their food by both Katey and Beth were quotations on the importance of so generously of their time to shopping weekly. They both gave beautifully chosen and reminded living out mercy in contemporary help a family member or those so freely of their time to ensure us of keeping resolute and to look society. in their community who were that their neighbours would not forward to better times. These girls were certainly angels struggling during the many have the stress or worry about Two Year 10 pupils, Lucia to those whom they helped and weeks of isolation. Members of shopping and could shield safely Gallagher and Ava Ward, inspired, and we feel privileged the RE department nominated at home. who were completing their to recognise their selfless actions. pupils weekly, for those who had Lauren Sweeney, in Year 13 also, Ambassador of St Paul Award, Their faith and dedication can be gone over and above and shown was given her Mercy Moment both lead the Rosary separately summed up in the words of Pope unconditional love for others. Award for her fabulous efforts in Ardmore Parish. This was a Francis, who reminds us that “to Eve Gorman, in Year 9, and Cait to make and supply keyworkers tremendous act of leadership and live by faith means to put our lives Ni Cheallaigh, in Year 14, were with face coverings. Lauren made faith, as they enabled their local in the hands of God especially in each given the Mercy Moment masks with her mother and these community to feel comforted by our most difficult times.” Codetta chorister shares experience of Derry Choir Festival up locations in the town. particularly special. Although I Choir Festival, and thoroughly “I really love the cultural aspect sat at home with headphones on, enjoyed the experience. of it”, said Rebecca, “it is something singing in my home alone, I felt “Our choir is currently having really different for Derry - hearing part of something a lot bigger to rehearse in year group bubbles singers from different parts of the and I think that’s something that because of Covid!” explained world singing contrasting musical perfectly describes the festival. Gerard, adding: “It was just nice genres in a variety of really You’re part of the Derry Choir to get doing anything with them different venues across the town, Fest family!” because they have been closed from The Sandwich Co, and City A number of choir members down for seven months now, Hotel, to the Foyleside Centre and from schools around the North their last gig was semi-final of the the Peace Garden. West enjoyed getting involved BBC Radio Ulster ‘Choir of the “It really is like a trail around this year too, including Loreto Year’, which was cancelled at days the town over the weekend. Grammar School, Omagh, notice back in March! The shoppers and locals turn Thornhill College, Foyle College, “They made their recordings for Derry Youth Online into listeners for what become St Cecilia’s College, Scoil Mhuire, the ‘Amazing Grace’ performance THE Derry Youth Online The Youth Team hope that all impromptu concerts!” Buncrana, Lumen Christi College, individually, from home, after we Programme got underway again young people will get involved She added: “I also love speaking St Joseph’s Boys’ School and Holy had rehearsed a little, and they last month with a live event on the with the programme as much as to the choristers. You become Cross College, Strabane. were then filmed in the Convent Derry Youth Instagram page. they possibly can. Rebecca O’Doherty. almost friends with them in the Loreto Omagh choir conductor, g r o u n d s”. The programme, the first theme A Youth Alpha course started on 30-minute slot you spend with Gerard Bradley told ‘The Net’ Work has already started of which is ‘Mission’, will be Monday, November 2, and will be THE City of Derry International them, and are always keen to hear that eight girls from the school’s on planning next year’s Choir running throughout the year to running for eight weeks. Choir Festival went digital this them compete and hope they do 66-strong senior choir, were Festival, which is scheduled to help students who are doing their Keep an eye on the Derry Youth year because of the restrictions well over the course of the festival, involved in the performance take place from October 20-24, JPII Award receive both parish and Instagram, Facebook and Twitter due to Covid-19, and managed keeping an eye out for their name of ‘Amazing Grace’ on the pre- 2021. social hours. pages for more updates. to present a fantastic programme on the social media accounts and recorded opening night of the of online concerts, performances, the programme”. workshop and podcasts. For Rebecca, the best part of The five-day October festival, the festival “is that it’s essentially directed by Donal Doherty, is staffed by singers”, and she recalled now established as a major event that many of the choirs comment and had choral music lovers tuned on that when they are here. in from many parts of the world, “It’s so special for us, as Codetta, including Argentina, Madagascar that we get to perform at the and Papua New Guinea. festival in our own concerts and Amongst the many who with the festival chorus”, she enjoy being involved with the said, adding: “The festival chorus festival is Derry teacher, Rebecca is such a brilliant community O’Doherty, who sings with centred opportunity to sing Codetta. a famous work with so many Sharing her experience of being groups from the area, with the part of the Choir Festival family, accompaniment of a professional Rebecca told ‘The Net’ how orchestra on the stage at the she started off helping out with Guildhall. the choral trails, meeting with “This year was slightly choirs who came to compete and different but the festival chorus performed around various pop- performance of ‘Danny Boy’ was 6 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 Pope John Paul II Award has taught me that I can make a difference by Hollie Frystal was a great confidence builder and During lockdown in March, I and vocation. gave me so many opportunities. got hugely involved with the new Another great course that I For example, my parish priest and Derry Youth online Instagram undertook was Youth Alpha. I a Sister in our Parish asked me program. It is an amazing understand Alpha as a platform to join them in a Prayer Service program which has helped me for young people to express their for the interdenominational enormously in getting through curiosity. This course offered me week. This service consisted of the worst of lockdown. I had taken a brilliant opportunity to make different Christian Churchespart in a LIVE Facebook event new friends and to listen to other JPII Award coming together to pray for called ‘Prayers around the Cross’, people’s opinions on interesting peace and unity. This, to me, was which fell on Good Friday. This topics. very significant, considering the was an amazing experience which In the past, a few months before an amazing history of our country and its involved prayer and reflection that I started the Award, I went on relations. The prayer service was touched the heart. a few Pope John Paul Award touching, as well as historic and Social pilgrimages, for example to educational. For my Social hours, I was Croagh Patrick and Lough Derg. opportunity to I also had the great privilege of involved in various charities, These pilgrimages are a fantastic by Hollie Frystal reading in the beautiful Basilica such as St Vincent de Paul, The opportunity to meet new people, I am a parishioner of St Mary’s, of Our Lady of Knock. One thing Three Bridges Cross Community grow in faith and to reflect on life, make new friends Melmount and a student at Holy that I will always remember was Group, Habitat for Humanity, and and where it is that God wants you Cross College, in Strabane. I the advice that my uncle gave me. the Koram Centre. I undertook to be. have completed the Gold Pope He told me to read very clearly, numerous tasks like bag-packing, During the pandemic, I John Paul II Award this year. very loud and to make sure that coffee mornings, assisting in the participated in a virtual Lough and gain new skills The 14th year of the Award has the person at the very back of SVP shops, bun/cake sales, etc. Derg pilgrimage with St Eugene’s by Fionnuala de Brún been a unique one. The Covid-19 the Chapel could hear what I was My participation in the Cathedral. It was a new experience pandemic has affected both the saying. He reminded me too of the community was a great eye- and the ‘difficult’ element to Lough enforced in Donegal, I got the Parish and Community aspects importance of the responsibility I opener to the social injustice that Derg still remained. I thought it chance to do a sleep-out in of the Award, from volunteering had been entrusted with, which our society is suffering from today. was a wonderful initiative as it solidarity with the homeless at in schools, charities, undertaking was to deliver the Word of God I remember the SVP shop, around united many people across the St Eugene’s Cathedral, in Derry. programs, etc, to having to engage and to make sure everyone could Christmas time, being a time of world in prayer. I had already experienced the with the fantastic Derry Diocesan hear it. I felt so privileged. I also chaos and worry for some people. In February, I took part in the sleep-out in 2019 and was really Youth Instagram online channel read at the Christmas Eve Mass It was heart-breaking to witness annual sleep-out at St Eugene’s excited to be doing it again. The to complete our Award hours. and at the Monday night Lent people struggling at Christmas Cathedral. Again, this experience challenge was that we had to stay I was very fortunate that I was Masses, which were very special time, when we all know it should was an education and a great eye- awake all through the night, and able to gain most of my hours in and a wonderful experience. be a season of utmost joy. The Pope opener to what needs to change in some hours were spent outside in my parish and community before Additionally, I had taken part John Paul II Award has taught me our society. the cold and rain to show us what the current crisis. Regarding in the ‘Faith Friends’ programme, that I can make a difference. On an endnote, I highly it is like to be homeless. Even parish hours, we had to make the which involved going to a primary In school, I undertook the recommend undertaking the though it was only for one night, transition from going to Mass to school to assist the children FLARE program and Peer Pope John Paul Award. As you can we got a glimpse of how hard it is relying solely on the webcams. in their preparation for their tutoring, in relation to the Award. see, I gained so much experience for these people. The adaptations that we had Sacrament of Confirmation. It FLARE was a suicide-prevention and skills from it. I have loads of During lockdown, all of the Fionnuala de Brún to make have also been both a was a great insight into Religious training course which has memories and have made new activities to finish off my Award unique and positive experience Education, which I feel was very broadened my understanding friends across the Diocese. In I am 17 years old and a fifth year were online. We did Rosaries and for young people and youth beneficial towards my vocation. of mental health and equipped addition, my relationship with student at Moville Community online programmes on Zoom, ministers. The Church found new I loved the program, and was me with helping my neighbour. the congregation at Mass and my College. I completed my Pope and it was something to look and appealing ways to minister, delighted and privileged to help Peer tutoring, like ‘Faith Friends’, community has become stronger, John Paul II Award during forward to every week. For my which is fabulous! those children prepare for a very has offered me exceptionaland I have decided to continue the transition year. I heard about the social awareness, I volunteered Pre-Covid, for my parish hours important Sacrament in their experiences which have helped Award this year by doing the Papal Award when Lizzie Rea came to at the Homework Club at my I read every Sunday at Mass. This lives. me to clarify and grow in my faith Cross our school and did a presentation school, where I was always kept on it. My older brother also busy between making drinks, completed the Award, so I had giving out sandwiches, cleaning also heard about it from him. and, of course, helping students The JPII Award increased my confidence – Overall, the JPII Award was an with their homework. It was an amazing opportunity to make amazing experience. new friends and gain new skills, When schools closed I was something I was not expecting! and I am now completing my quite lost about what I could do Papal Cross Award. I did lots because I only had about half by Kate McGorry of different activities through of my social hours completed. taking part. For my Parish Then JPII leader, Helen Grant I am a pupil at Holy Cross in peer tutoring in my school. for ourselves with very little Involvement, I was a part of the contacted me and said how the College, Strabane, and have gained I have currently joined a local materials for somewhere for us to choir in St Columba’s, in Drung. ears of nurses and radiographers so much by participating in the Search and Rescue team which sit. It was very difficult due to the On December 24, 2019, I sang ‘O in Letterkenny Hospital were St John Paul II Award. I became contributes to my social awareness conditions. Holy Night’ in front of hundreds red raw from wearing the face a Eucharistic Minister as part of hours also. We also had Mass, Eucharistic of people. It was so nerve wracking masks. This gave me inspiration my parish involvement hours in I have really enjoyed interacting Adoration and we said the Rosary, and scary but I was so glad that I to knit little bands that the elastic my local parish of St Mary’s in with the community through these which helped strengthen my faith did it in the end. Before I did my could connect to instead of their Melmount, which enabled me to activities, as I have developed my as a Catholic. This experience Award, I would have been quite ears. It was so heart-warming to strengthen my faith as a Catholic. social skills and made new friends humbled me so much and I gained shy and not very outgoing, but see how appreciative they were, I also did a few readings along the way. the opportunity to meet people doing these activities helped me especially because of how hard from the Gospel for my parish As well as this, I participated in a my age who are like-minded. to grow personally, as well as they are working during this time involvement hours which, I found ‘Sleep Out’ in Derry for those who Unfortunately due to grow in faith. of pandemic. strengthened my confidence,are homeless as an Award Top-Up COVID-19, I did not get an One of the scariest things I I am so glad that I completed which was something I was not for the JPII Award. This was an opportunity to engage in another did during my Award was, one the Pope John Paul II Award as it expecting! incredibly humbling experience. Award Top-Up. Although I can hundred per cent, going on the showed me how important it is to For my social awareness hours, I experienced what it was like for say that, as a whole, the JPII Award radio! I was so nervous when have young people involved in the I engaged in several different those who are homeless during was an incredible experience that Lizzie contacted me to speak on parish. It also gave me a chance activities, such as volunteering in a the night by staying up all night I am glad I participated in and I Radio Maria, but I was so proud to meet loads of new people and local primary school, participating in cold and wet conditions. As a would definitely recommend it to of myself that I did it in the end. grow closer to members of my Kate McGorry in a charity bag pack and engaging group, we had to make a shelter all of those currently in Year 13. Just before lockdown was parish. THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 7 Taking part in the JPII Award gave My JPII experience has gifted me me a place within my Church with greater sense of community by Leanne Delaney by Ruby Sturgeon

I found the Pope John Paul II a prefect in Holy Cross College, make a huge contribution within Claudy Parish. Unfortunately, m safe during Mass. Award very innovative. It taught Strabane. the Church today. They could because of Covid-19, I haven’t For my social hours, I am me a lot of new skills and it This award has helped me in show their support by taking part been involved in many parish involved in peer mentoring and also made me aware of various many ways. It has helped develop in any activities the Church has activities but I am in the process lunch duties as part of my role as responsibilities a young person skills including leadership and to offer; this would show great of completing my hours as a a prefect in Holy Cross College, can have within the Church. communication. These skills were inclusion within the Church as a Eucharistic Minister. Strabane. For my parish hours, I got very important in my role as an community. However, I was involved with the This award has helped me in involved in a range of different usher, helping me to be able to The JPII Award can give young GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) many ways. It has helped develop roles in St Mary’s, Cloughcor, in engage and communicate fully people a chance to be part of a programme in our parish, which skills including leadership and the Leckpatrick Parish, including with other people. welcoming community. It can gave me the opportunity to communication. These skills were collecting money baskets, selling Taking part in the Award provide an opportunity for young connect with the youth in my very important in my role as an our Parish Christmas cards and, also gave me a place within my people through the people we area. We discussed the meaning of usher, helping me to be able to after the Covid-19 lockdown, I Church. It made me feel like I was meet and also the opportunities scripture and how it related to our engage and communicate fully acted as an usher to help guide helping people and giving people it provides us when completed. lives today. This was so essential as with other people. people and keep them safe during the guidance needed during It also teaches essential life skills we began to feel the first effects of Taking part in the Award Mass. these very uncertain times. And, that every young person should Covid in our community. also gave me a place within my For my social hours, I am it made me feel as though I was acquire. From the more experienced Church. It made me feel like I was involved in peer mentoring and giving something back to society. parish members, I learned helping people and giving people lunch duties as part of my role as I feel that all young people can valuable lessons on leadership the guidance needed during and communication, but also the these very uncertain times. And, importance of faith and sharing it it made me feel as though I was with others. giving something back to society. Ruby Sturgeon I am now much more aware of Above all, I consider my JPII I feel that all young people can I found the Pope John Paul II experience to have gifted me with make a huge contribution within Award very innovative. It taught a greater sense of community, in a the Church today. They could the sense of community present me a lot of new skills and it year when these aspects have been show their support by taking part also made me aware of various most challenged. in any activities the Church has responsibilities a young person I decided to do the JPII Award to offer; this would show great in the Church by Oran McGrath can have within the Church. so that I could give back to inclusion within the Church as a For my parish hours, I got those who have been integral community. MY experience of taking part among the young people in our There is a clear sense that everyone involved in a range of different in the development of my faith, The JPII Award can give young in the Pope John Paul II Award society. I believe that young people is valued and is important there. It roles in St Mary’s, Cloughcor, in and open myself up to the new, people a chance to be part of a scheme has been a very rewarding in the Church can learn from encouraged me to appreciate the the Leckpatrick Parish, including inspiring opportunities on offer. welcoming community. It can one. I chose to complete my Parish these older people, who continue importance of the individual and collecting money baskets, selling The numerous benefits I have provide an opportunity for young hours by reading the liturgy at to be devoted followers of God in to be aware of the fact that we are our Parish Christmas cards and, enjoyed from doing so have also people through the people we one of the weekly Masses in my their day-to-day lives. I am now all members of God’s family. after the Covid-19 lockdown, I encouraged me to continue my meet and also the opportunities local parish church, St Mary’s, much more aware of the sense of Some of the children at the acted as an usher to help guide parish involvement. it provides us when completed. Melmount. My family regularly community that is present in the training sessions were very shy people and keep the I am an upper Without a doubt, I recommend It also teaches essential life skills attended the 7 pm Saturday Mass Church. and wanted to go home, and sixth student at Thornhill College, that others avail of the JPII Award, that every young person should there and I felt that reading at our I chose to fulfil my social hours were reluctant to take an active Derry, and am completing the as it is a valuable part of playing a acquire. Mass would allow me to make by getting involved in coaching role in training. I believe that Pope John Paul II Award in the role in your local parish. a valuable contribution to the youth teams at my local GAA these feelings are not restricted to liturgy. Club, Strabane Sigersons, every children as many people of all ages I contacted our local parish Wednesday evening. I coached age experience these sentiments in a priest, Fr Michael Doherty and groups ranging from U6 to U14. I difficult world today. I believe that he kindly arranged for me to read found these sessions extremely it has encouraged me to become Call to Friday prayer and either the second reading or the educational. Firstly, I came to more empathetic about the needs Prayer of the Faithful at the Mass. appreciate how children behave of others and to try to listen more With another student from my and adapt to various challenges. acutely in my daily life when school, Holy Cross College, who Me and my fellow coaches placed friends might be going through fasting in November was involved with the Pope John their wellbeing at the forefront of times of trouble. IN response to the challenging Advent and the celebration of the wants for nothing; God alone is Paul Award, we read each Saturday every session and treated them My weekly coaching sessions times being experienced with Birth of Jesus, as an opportunity to enough’. night from late September. with respect and concern, in order at Strabane have allowed me the ongoing threat of Covid-19 “keep the light of Christ burning “Faith is often renewed and I have found this a highly to bring out their best ability. to witness the various stages of and associated restrictions, the brightly”. refined through deeply challenging worthwhile experience. I feel This experience also helped me development in the lives of young National Eucharistic Adoration In addition, they suggest offering moments in our lives and, as St I have taken on a much more to appreciate that some children people, and have affirmed in me Apostolate is encouraging this time of prayer and fasting Augustine so wonderfully said, prominent role in the weekly struggle with sport and various the importance of having a strong Adoration, Prayer and Fasting for before the Blessed Sacrament ‘God is closer to us than we are church service and played an tasks, and enabled me to develop sense of community. the four Fridays in November. for the renewal of the Catholic to ourselves’, especially during the important role in the spreading time management skills and Taking part in the Pope John Recalling the night scene faith in Ireland and in reparation most difficult times of our lives. of the Word of Jesus. It has patience, in order to maximise the Paul Award has opened my eyes to in St Peter’s Square back in to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and We pray that this initiative will awakened in me the realisation children’s experience. the need, as a young person, to get March, when Pope Francis went Immaculate Heart of Mary. deepen our faith and sustain our that, as a member of Melmount As with Melmount Parish, there involved in the wider community before the Blessed Sacrament in “Let us hear again the invitation hope at this time.” Parish, there is a responsibility on is a deep sense of community in and to aim to make a positive adoration, bringing with him the of Jesus to each of us,” urged the me to actively participate in the Strabane Sigersons GAA Club. contribution to Church life. pain of the world in prayer, the Apostolate, “Come to Me, all you service of, and be cognisant of, Apostolate’s national committee who labour and are overburdened spreading the Word of Christ. It feels moved to call for more prayer and I will give you rest. Shoulder allowed me to meet and interact for the Church and the world. my yoke and learn from Me, for with others who contribute to Many parishes in the Diocese I am gentle and humble of heart, the weekly service and develop offer parishioners the opportunity and you will find rest for your practical relationships centred on to spend time in Eucharistic souls. Yes, My yoke is easy and my the praising of God. Adoration each week and this has burden is light.” (Mt 11:28-30) I regularly read with older been a source of great comfort to “As people of the Eucharist and members of the community and many during this pandemic. people of hope,” they added, “let it was invaluable for me to see The Apostolate see this time us reflect the wise sentiments of how passionate they are about of prayer for “the suppression/ St Theresa of Avila, ‘let nothing following the teachings of the ending of the Pandemic and for frighten you. Everything passes; Church in a time when regular all who are affected by it”, for the God never changes, patience Mass attendance is diminishing Holy Souls and in preparation for obtains all. Whoever has God 8 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 THIS month, Hollie, Peter and Oisin, ‘The Net’youth contributors from the Co Tyrone, Inishowen and Co Blessed Carlo Acutis - A model for Derry Deaneries, have been joined by Zara Schlindwein and Gemma Gallagher, from the Derry City Deanery. Between them they share their thoughts after having young people by Hollie Frystal watched the ceremony for the Beatification of Italian ON October 10 at 3:30 pm, to God’s call by using the skills youth, Carlo Acutis, while Hollie also writes about the Carlo Acutis was beatified in the and talents that God had given recently launched ‘Exploring Christus Vivit’, which Basilica of St Francis in Assisi. him. This is a teaching for all looks at the themes in Pope Francis’ 2019 apostolic The ceremony was celebrated by young people today to simply be Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the ourselves. exhortation ‘Christus Vivit’ (Christ is Alive), and joins Papal Legate. The Italian teenager’s A brief account of Carlo’s Zara, as members of Derry Youth Scholarship, in beatification was broadcast live story was read aloud in public, writing about their chosen charity, Mary’s Meals. Peter, across a wide media platform. I requesting for him to be declared watched the ceremony on ‘Shalom ‘Blessed’. In response, Cardinal while not a Liverpool fan, is very gracious in paying World’, and it is also available on Vallini, with staff in hand, read tribute to The Reds’ manager, Jurgen Klopp for his care playback on YouTube. out Pope Francis’ Apostolic letter in responding to a letter from a schoolboy seeking his The Holy Mass and theto the Church, delivering the the Church as a relic. I could not providing food to the hungry near advice about how to deal with worry. Beatification of Blessed Carlo approval and joy of His Holinesses imagine how they must have been the Shrine. The other initiative, Acutis began with many bishops regarding the Beatification. Whilst feeling, because not many people which will more in likely occur in forming a procession. Whilst the Apostolic letter was read, the have had their family present at the future, aims to be a stimulus burning incense, they venerated congregation stood up. The letter their beatification. It was simply for the renewal of the economy. ‘the book of the Gospels’, contained the Pope’s satisfaction amazing! It is called ‘The Francis of Assisi displayed on the altar for all to of the evidence and the opinion of I try to imagine what Carlo think and Carlo Acutis International see. The incense represents the the Congregation of the Causes of if he was still here today. What Prize’ for a fraternal economy - a solemnity and mystery of the Saints. would he make of all of us trying small response to the Encyclical of Mass. The visual imagery of the It was also announced by the to work the internet during this ‘Fratelli Tutti’. smoke and smell remind us of the Holy Father, that Carlo Acutis’ pandemic? The Holy Mass and the transcendence of the Mass, which Feast Day would fall on October In the summer of 2006, Carlo Beatification of Carlo Acutis links Heaven and Earth and allows 12 – the day in which he was asked his mother, “Do you think concluded with a hymn inspired us to enter into the presence of born into Heaven. Following the I should become a priest?” After by Carlo, called “Not me but God.” Hollie Frystal, Oisin Mulhern, Peter Grant, God. This was to acknowledge proclamation, the letter was shown he died, Carlo’s mother said: “He I found his beatification to be a Co Tyrone Deanery. Co Derry Deanery. Inishowen Deanery. Carlo’s human nature as well as his to everyone, who responded with is being a priest from Heaven.” momentous event in the life of the divine appointment by God to be a round of applause. A large image Carlo’s question showed his desire Church. Never has there been a declared ‘Blessed’. was then revealed of Carlo, with to give his life to God and serve 15-year-old boy beatified with his The Procession was accompanied the choir chanting “Amen”. His people. At 15 years of age, he family present at the ceremony with an opening hym, ‘Giving When the image of Carlo was felt a call by God, therefore, for and who has left a website as his praise to the Lord’, which reflected revealed, I felt very emotional young people today it is important legacy. Carlo is an inspiration for the Church coming together with to see a young man at the age to realize that God is calling us all people, particularly the young. joy and gratitude as one of its of 15 being acknowledged and in every minute in our lives to In my school, Holy Cross College children was to be made ‘Blessed’. venerated as a special figure in the be with Him. Carlo’s life also in Strabane, my RE teacher Carlo’s mother, Antonia Acutis life of the Church. He is young, represents the fact that God has showed the class images of Carlo’s had had a dream in which Carlo therefore, relatable to me. He is a plan for each and every one of body displayed for veneration in told her that she was going to an encouragement for all young us, and that young people are as Assisi and she gave a brief account have two more children. On people, and he demonstrates important in the present as they of his story. They were surprised, the day of his Beatification, we the importance of the role and are in the future. although, very interested. Gemma Gallagher, Zara Schlindwein, beheld the miracle of his twin responsibility which young people Carlo had a great love for St Carlo gives us hope and Derry City Deanery Derry City Deanery. brother and sister sitting between have in the Church today. Francis of Assisi. The two of encourages us to take our place Carlo’s parents in the Basilica. Heart them had similarities in their in God’s plan. He teaches us to let They were born four years after Following the Rite of care and adoration towards the ourselves be loved by Jesus and to Carlo’s death. I thought this was Beatification, Carlo’s parents,poor and God’s creation. As a care of our neighbour – as he did, Carlo’s story shows amazing, however, touching, that Andrea and Antonia Acutis greeted seal of gratitude, the Church of with the poor and downtrodden. Carlo’s siblings, whom he never Cardinal Vallini and presented Assisi, through the Shrine of Link for the Carlo Acutis met, expressed their love and Carlo’s heart in a reliquary, which the Renunciation, where Carlo’s Eucharistic Miracles website: impact God and connection with their brother had the inscription, ‘The Eucharist body rests and is displayed for https://www.carloacutis.com/ and celebrated his next step to is my highway to Heaven’. During veneration, has promoted two en/association/mostra-miracoli- sainthood. this, the choir sang ‘The Church of charitable initiatives; they will be eucaristici After incensing the altar and Christ festively greets her young faith can have in the Crucifix, Cardinal Vallini son, O Carlo, Blessed’. opened the Mass, addressing The inscription on the reliquary is the Beatification of Carlo by a quote of Carlo’s, which indicates young person’s life proclaiming that, we “admire and the high level of his understanding. recognize the work of the Holy We know of Carlo’s great devotion Spirit who made him an authentic to the Eucharist and that he also by Gemma Gallagher witness of the charity of Christ, understood the importance of the today by nourishing himself on Christ Eucharist in our lives. THE story of Carlo Acutis, recognised his connection every day in the Holy Eucharist”. “The more Eucharist we receive, the Italian schoolboy who loved and loving nature towards the As we know, Carlo had a great the more we will become like computer programming and the Eucharist. devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Jesus, so that on Earth we will have internet, as well at the Eucharist, As a teenager in today’s world, I Sr Bernadette, the commentator a foretaste of Heaven”, is another is amazing for a young, male think lots of people can be pulled on the ‘Shalom World’ broadcast, of Carlo’s inspiring quotes. This teenager. away from their faith. Lots of emphasized that Carlo is “probably is a wonderful way to recognize My family and I talked about this the youth, some may say, have the first who, as his legacy, has left Jesus present in the Most Holy around the dinner table when his distanced themselves from God. a website” which is called ‘The Sacrament. Carlo teaches us to beatification was on the news. We Carlo’s story has opened my eyes Eucharistic Miracles’. The website be humble, appreciative and were really surprised that he had to what faith and hope can do to a documents all the miracles that to recognize the benefits of the created his own website, where he young person’s life and that God have occurred concerning the nourishment of the Body and documented stories of Eucharistic is always at the centre of every Eucharist. Blood of Christ. He asks us to Miracles from around the world situation in your life. This was Carlo’s own way of invite Jesus into our hearts and before he died from leukaemia. I think it is amazing that he is on evangelizing in the modern-day receive Holy Communion with There is also a display in the his way to be declared a saint, as age, where he put his incredible sincerity, and to acknowledge our Cathedral, which includes his many more teenagers will come to computer skills to good use. He hunger and our need for receiving words, ‘Highway to Heaven’, and discover, through Carlo’s story, the always said: “Everyone is born Him. thousands of people have visited it. impact that God and your faith can as an original, but many die as a I found it very touching to Carlos story has had an impact have in a young person’s life today. photocopy.” watch Carlo’s mother and father St Eugene’s Cathedral marked the occasion with a special display and on people and they have really He displayed a faithful response presenting their son’s heart to provision of prayer cards. THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 9 Zara Schlindwein sees the beatification of Carlo Acutis as... A significant step for young people CARLO Acutis, who was world in which we live in. We may doing this, they sent hope to the but if we are to do that, the youth recently beatified, will become not know everything, but we do rest of the world. Hope that the must work together, to make their known now and forever as a great know quite a lot. Especially during next generation will take it upon voices heard. example to all young Christians this time, when we are all more themselves to change the world I am a member of the newly around the world. politically, environmentally, and and make it a better place. A place established Derry Youth Ministry Carlo, who died of leukaemia spiritually aware than ever. where equality exists, hunger and Scholarship, and I feel that this in 2006 aged 15, was beatified at Young people deserve a voice. poverty don’t, clean air fills our initiative will allow us to do this; a ceremony in the town of Assisi They deserve a chance to share lungs and fear is drained from our to learn and grow in our faith, and was moved one step closer to their ideas and deserve to be minds. That dream is achievable, allowing us to receive the skills sainthood. The teenager recorded listened to and respected. As through the work of the youth and and develop the belief in ourselves Just as Carlo Acutis was purported miracles online and children, we view the world in the support from our predecessors. to greet the world with grace but helped run websites for Catholic a different way. We don’t see the Carlo made his voice heard. He also be prepared to change it organisations. He stepped on the world as what it is but as what it “used the internet in service to the dramatically. I thoroughly enjoy called to be a saint, so path to sainthood after the Vatican could be. gospel, to reach as many people working with the Derry Youth revealed he had miraculously Jesus, Himself, said: “I tell you, as possible.” His initiative and team and greatly appreciate the are all of us saved another boy’s life. The unless you change and become ambition were met with grace and impact it has on all the young Church claims that he interceded like little children, you will never appreciation, from all around the people, like myself, involved. by Charlotte Gormley from Heaven, in 2013, to cure a enter the kingdom of heaven. And world. Hearing the good news about Brazilian boy who was suffering whoever welcomes one such child He is believed to be the youngest Carlo Acutis and the profound A very inspirational event for today. from a rare pancreatic disease. in my name welcomes me”. contemporary person to be influence he is having on the world, young people took place on One of my good friends, Naomi His beatification is extremely The Vatican listened to this beatified; the last stage before has excited me for the future. It Saturday, October 10, with the Roberts, who is the Digital Design significant for all young people message. They saw the incredible sainthood. has given me hope that change is beatification of teenager, Carlo Lead for the Nottingham Diocesan now. In this day and age, it can be work Carlo Acutis carried out The message sent through Carlo imminent and assured me that Acutis. This young man is a great Catholic Youth Service, is greatly difficult for the youth to be taken throughout his life and death, Acutis to us all, is that we can all be young people have an important witness, role model and inspiration inspired by Carlo Acutis. She seriously. We can sometimes feel and they chose to acknowledge saints - we can all live God’s Word role to play in the dreamed success to all people, but particularly to told me the impact Carlo Acutis as if we have no control over the his mission and beatify him. By and strive to fulfil His mission, of our world in the near future. young people of the 21st Century. has had on her: “Something that Despite his short life, the way inspires me about Carlo is that in which he lived his life was we were both the same age, both an extremely powerful one. He trying to use the digital media dedicated his whole life to God, to communicate God’s love. It’s and he did this by loving God and exciting to think that as we carry incorporating his deep faith into on that mission here on earth, all aspects of his life. Carlo is praying with the saints Whilst having a deep relationship and angels, as a soon to be saint; with God and the Virgin Mary, interceding for us as we carry on Carlo was a normal teenage boy. what he was part of. Like many young people in today’s “I also love how in tune with world, Carlo loved computers, his vocation he seemed! He felt video games, football and various that people should know about other activities that teenagers something important, in this case enjoy doing for fun. He is set to Eucharistic miracles, and knew become the patron saint of the that the internet was a great way internet, which is very relevant for him to be able to communicate for the Church today, as we now that information. So he did it, Oisin Mulhern shares message that he has taken from the inspirational live in a world where the internet using his passion combined with and technology is more important his skills set, and has changed the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis… and prominent than ever before. w o r l d ”. Especially now, when a lot of I think that Carlo Acutis is our church ministries are done the modern day saint that the Faith is personal, faith belongs to you, online, for example, Masses being Church needs. All aspects of him streamed on webcams due to the and his life are very powerful and current Covid-19 pandemic. yet realistic examples, that we as Furthermore, Carlo has been young people can follow within and faith will get you through referred to as someone who our own day-to-day lives as young LAST month, I watched the Acutis. If a second miracle is just like any of us; the struggle to He believed that the Eucharist could very possibly be the first Catholics. That in these modern beatification of Carlo Acutis, the identified and confirmed, Carlo use our talents for the greater good gives us strength to become more millennial saint. Being a young times, using the example of Carlo, Italian boy that I wrote about will be canonized as a young saint. and the struggle to realise that life like Jesus and that it is a little bit of adult in the early 21st Century the internet can be used for good, in a previous issue. Carlo was I find this very inspiring for the is much more meaningful if we ‘Heaven’ on earth. has many challenges, especially and as a platform in which to share religious from a young age despite young people of today, including have faith. Many young people would when it comes to faith. However, the Gospel message, in a time when his mother not having been a myself. All of the young saints Material possessions do not fulfil probably see my views as quite millennials today now have a the internet is so often seen to have Mass-goer. He had an unwavering we are currently familiar with one’s life the way God and the unusual, particularly for my age as new inspirational peer and fellow many negative connotations. interest in God and the Eucharist, were about a long time ago, often Eucharist do. We have to open our ‘faith’ is no longer the ‘cool’ thing. millennial to take example from. Just as Carlo Acutis was called so much so that he created a hundreds of years before we were hearts to God and ask for help, and However, I see it differently. I take Many people relate to different to be a saint, so are all of us. And database that traced the history born. We find these Saints hard then we will find true happiness. Carlo as my inspiration to try my saints for different reasons, it might the young people today can take of Eucharistic miracles. To date, to relate to due to the fact that Carlo suffered great pain with best, open my heart to God and be because they grew up praying example from Carlo and see that it according to the Vatican, this has they were born in very different Leukemia, which ultimately ended to use my faith to help me get for the intercession of a particular is completely possible to be a saint been used by more than 10,000 times from now. Life during their his life. He faced this challenge through many of the challenges I saint, or because a particular saint in today’s world. parishes worldwide. time was much simpler, less fast head on and devoted his suffering face, and will continue to face, in is the patron of something close to Carlo’s beatification is apaced and materialism was less to Pope Benedict XVI and the my life. their heart. However, Carlo Acutis’ significant event in our lifetime prominent. universal church. This is almost Carlo was a strong individual, relevance for young people can be as he could become the first In today’s world, we can find it hard to believe, that a 15-year-old who put his faith at the forefront of seen even by the simple fact that millennial saint of our time. much harder to follow God, with boy could be so strong. If Carlo his life. He lived his life according you can see his body in the tomb Furthermore, it is believed that many more influences pulling the could face such pain and accept his to God’s ways and he helped those wearing jeans, a sports jumper, he is the youngest contemporary young people away from the path impending death with such faith, around him and continues to do and trainers. He is relatable for person to be beatified. One of ‘light’. surely we can see the benefit of so. many reasons. The fact that he miracle has been attributed to However, the fact that a young having God in our lives. We, too, The message that I have taken lived around the same time as Carlo, namely the curing of a man from Italy is on his way to can call on God for strength. from his inspirational life is that, young adults today, makes him young boy in Brazil with a rare becoming a Saint highlights that Carlo also believed we should ‘faith’ is personal, ‘faith’ belongs to a very tangible ‘saint to be’ who disease. As this has been accepted, faith, prayer and the love of God continuously ask our Guardian you and ‘faith’ will get you through. experienced the same pressures of Carlo has been beatified and can still exist, we just have to want to Angel for help and take the most the world that young people face now be called ‘Blessed’ Carlo find it. Carlo faced many struggles, Holy Eucharist as often as possible. 10 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 Class on and off the Hollie shares her thoughts on ‘Exploring Christus Vivit’… pitch from a Liverpool “The ‘Promised Land’ is always ahead of Club legend by Peter Grant us, never behind us” (Foreword) AN 11-year-old boy called Liverpool’s unbelievable Premier ON October 21, Veritas I am extremely impressed with Lewis Balfe, from Maidenhead, League season that they won last launched ‘Exploring Christus the effort our Church is making Berkshire, in England, was year. Jürgen wrote back to him Vivit’ in Dublin, via Zoom. I to bring young people back, and anxious about starting secondary saying that, unfortunately, he was very fortunate to attend the the emphasis on ‘Synodality’ is school during the Covid-19 couldn’t. virtual book launch and it was an encouraging, highlighting as it pandemic and sent a letter to I suppose every teenager or child eye-opening experience. Some of does that youth will be heard and Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp in our country and elsewhere you may have read Pope Francis’ counted on. about his anxiety and the situation would also be in Lewis’ shoes Apostolic Exhortation called The second point made in he found himself in. whenever they are going back ‘Christus Vivit’, published in ‘Exploring Christus Vivit’ focuses Jürgen Klopp wrote back to to school, or starting at their March 2019. You could say it was on the influence that surrounds Lewis telling him his secret: “I get new school, during this time of one of the fruits of the 2018 Synod young people, eg parents, nervous. To be totally honest, I pandemic across the world. on ‘Young People, the Faith and teachers, priests, and youth would be worried if I did not get People do naturally be anxious Vocational Discernment’. ministers. At World Youth Day nervous because when it happens or nervous about things at work or terms of holiness, mission, service we must preach and minister in Exploring Christus Vivit’ 2019, in Panama, Pope Francis it gives me the chance to turn that at home, like Jürgen Klopp would and authenticity.’ accordance with young people’s consists of a collection of essays reminded young people…“it is energy into something positive.” feel before a match wondering The book demonstrates the realities. brought forth by a range of impossible to grow unless we have Jürgen also stated to young Lewis if he had prepared his players Church’s acknowledgement of The foreword states…“there is people who have experience in strong roots to support us and to that you “do not need to worry properly, or if he has got his tactics the anxieties and stresses young no future in trying to reconstruct working with youth and young keep us firmly grounded”. about bad things happening”. He right for the big matches and people suffer today, and the the past. The ‘Promised Land’ is adult ministry. It is an addition As I mentioned before, our added: “As you know, I lost more occasions. difficulty they have in making always ahead of us, never behind and response to Pope Francis’ culture can be fascinating as well than a few finals and this isn’t a I, especially, feel for kids and decisions, noting, for example, us.” In other words, youth are a Apostolic Exhortation, exploring as overwhelming. We can be so good feeling but with the help of teenagers of my age group, and that vocation often requires new generation who need to bring the key themes and what are the drawn out by idols and trends that my family and friends I kept going staff and teachers returning an element of risk. The book their own style. Going backwards challenges young people face we can become very self-centered and in the end we were able to back to schools in a different explores ways to help and assist is not the answer. The only time today regarding faith and Church. and, therefore, fail to love our enjoy some really good times.” environment and setting for them youth in their vocational journey, we must look back is to cherish The first concern is the neighbour; in other words, failing As soon as Lewis got Jürgen’s for their work and education. and emphasizes the beauty of our tradition, protect it and learn challenges that face young people to contribute to the community letter, he posted a picture of it Most of the schools in my parish their calling and that young from our mistakes. today, and how to bring young mission of the Church, which on social media, which almost have done excellent work to keep people must be made aware that The Church is reminded in the people back to the Church and involves everyone. broke the internet with so much the schools and students safe, they are needed. Discernment, it conclusion of ‘Exploring Christus renew it. I think it is fair to say Previously, I mentioned Pope gratitude and class from the world when attending school at this states, consists of reflection and Vivit’ that we are not alone in this that the Church has experienced a Francis’ encouragement for towards the Reds boss. tough time. is the pathway to Vocation. Pope journey of renewal, but that the spiritual awakening, where it has intergenerational relationships. This wasn’t the first time Jürgen Schools across the world are Francis stresses that the presence “Holy Spirit who ‘rejuvenates’ been acknowledged that young The book reflects Pope Francis’ Klopp had shown his kindness also doing a superb job in keeping of youth ministers is crucial, the Church” is amongst us and people are the way forward. emphasis on the importance to and creativity off the pitch, as a students safe physically and also whilst young people are seeking is working naturally to guide us In Chapter 1, ‘The Divine stay connected to our elders, a young Man United fan from Co mentally, giving them a bit of answers to questions about their along the right path - if we allow Dinner Party’, it is noted that there ‘strong root’ – tradition. Donegal, Darragh Curley had also positivity, like Jürgen turns his vocation. it. are “two heavy weights” which Accompaniment written a letter to Jürgen, telling anxiety before a match and into On an endnote, I found I want to thank all who came young people bear…“the pressure Chapter seven, ‘Re- him to stop winning during positivity. ‘Exploring Christus Vivit’ a together to write this brilliant to be perfect and the desire to do imagining Ministry with Young fantastic guide for youth and those book, and all who are involved their own thing”. As a 17-year-old, People’, highlights the word who work with young people. I in working hard to support I can totally relate to this. This ‘accompaniment’. It notes that ‘Economy of Francesco’ – a papal call to was extremely impressed with the young people in their faith. I am chapter also comments on the accompaniment consists of strong understanding both Pope very grateful for the amazing young people to create fair economy for all culture in which our generation listening and walking with Francis and youth leaders have support offered for young people is growing up in…“Whether young people through challenges YOUNG economists, have been working in these 12 regarding young people in the like myself and others. The material, virtual or sensual, there and change. Youth must let the entrepreneurs and changemakers ‘EoF’ villages since March, each Church. background to this book and the are many potential distractions older people help, as they can from across the globe, and from of which has a different theme: I am realizing that the Church continuance of this refreshing that lead to an anesthetized provide experience, guidance, all religions, have been invited Management and Gift, Finance is renewing its attitude and have process, has given me great hope existence”. and advice! In other words, co- by Pope Francis to make a and Humanity, Work and Care, come to understand that pre- for my generation and for the Social media is the most responsibility. I agree with Pope commitment to the spirit of St Agriculture and Justice, Energy packaged answers, amongst other future of the Church. popular and contemporary way of Francis, that our elderly are Francis of Assisi and, in doing so, and Poverty, Business and Peace, problems, are ineffective, and that communicating, and we also use it greatly needed to assist young commit to making the economy Women for Economy, CO2 of as a form of escapism. This can be people on their faith journey, and of the future fair, sustainable and Inequalities, Vocation and Profit, a danger in many ways, however. that they have so much to offer. inclusive. Businesses in Transition, Life and Chapter 10, ‘From Online Masses Family is sometimes understood To enable conversation to Lifestyle, Policies and Happiness. to Online Communities’, reflects as the backbone of society, and take place, an event, entitled the Around 300 events have been on how effective the social media our parents as our first teachers. ‘Economy of Francesco’, has been organized in preparation for platform has been during the Clergy and youth ministers are organised to create a community the ‘Economy of Francesco’, pandemic. I know that in our relied on to attend to the spiritual in which the young people can with a series of webinars and Diocese, online Masses and needs of a young person and exchange views on prominent online seminars streamed on the online youth programs have been to make themselves available, topics regarding the global organization’s official Youtube a great success. This modern in any way possible, to support economy. channel, which have been way of ministering is very much youth. Teachers are also counted This came about when the Holy translated into four languages entering into the contemporary on in pastoral care, religious Father asked economists and young So far, the event has received world where young people live. education and in supporting faith people to consider a different kind registrations from 2,000 young We cannot let this new ministry development, etc. of economy to that focused on the people, under 35 years old, and go! The third theme I would like gain of material wealth. Pope Francis’ ‘virtual’ participation Pope Francis also encourages to talk about in ‘Exploring The scheduled March launch of is expected too. intergenerational relationships, Christus Vivit’ is Vocation and the ‘Economy of Francesco’ event The ‘Economy of Francesco’ has and that it is very important to Discernment. Pope Francis in Assisi was postponed due to evolved into a movement of young listen to the elderly and their great understands that young people the Covid-19 pandemic, and has people that is growing around wisdom. However, young people seek a purpose in life. In been adapted to take the form of the world, with the desire and having shared their technological Chapter 8, ‘Reflecting on the an online event from November creativity to change the current intellect amidst the pandemic, Path to Vocation’, we learn that 19-21, which has been preceded economy to one that will benefit demonstrates that we need both “for Christians, our vocational by months of study, reflection the poorest of the poor, so that no- young and old. journey begins at the baptismal and proposals within a series of one is left behind, and that will also This is a brief analysis of the font”. Hence, we share the same Economy of Francesco ‘villages’ safeguard the environment, our problems that have been assessed ‘mission’ as a community. In this set up around the world. common home. in the book. As a young person, chapter, vocation is reflected ‘in Almost 1,000 young people THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 11 Derry Youth Scholarship’s Hollie Frystal, Zara Schlindwein and Shaciara McCallion have been finding out about Mary’s Meals… The shed that fed a million children THIS year, the Derry Youth Mary’s Meals was inspired by a and strive to make our world a hunger, they also have always Scholarship has chosen to work simple but striking response of a better place. With the promise worked to provide emergency with the fantastic charity, Mary’s young boy named Edward, from of a nutritious meal, children relief to vulnerable regions around Meals, which was founded in Malawi. Whilst being in Malawi are instantly attracted into the the world. Since they grew from a 1992 by brothers, Magnus Fergus providing famine relief, Magnus classroom. They receive energy, a response to the Bosnian Conflict MacFarlane-Barrow in Scotland. met a woman called Emma who safe environment and the chance in the early 1990’s, they have been In 1983, Magnus and his family was dying of AIDS and she was to learn, all while satisfying involved in emergency relief work made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, lying on the floor surrounded by their hunger and guaranteeing in countries including Myanmar, in Bosnia Herzegovina, hence, the her six young children. Emma’s themselves a better future. Haiti, India, Kenya and Thailand. origin of the name of the charity biggest prayer was for someone to The Charity organises school At the heart of their emergency which is dedicated to Our Lady. take care of her children after she feeding programmes, which relief is their main objective: to The family’s faith was renewed, died. Magnus asked Emma’s son are all delivered by community feed vulnerable children in a and Magnus’ parents changed Edward what it was he hoped for volunteers in the countries where place of education. In many cases, their ‘guesthouse’ into a Retreat in life, and Edward responded, “I food is provided. There are over they have been able to extend Centre; a ‘Family House of Prayer’. want to have enough food to eat 80,000 volunteers in Malawi, who their work and support to wider In 1992, the horrors of the and to go to school one day”. take turns to prepare, cook and communities. Bosnian War had made the This is shocking. No child serve the daily meal in each school. Mary’s Meals is a perfect headlines of the news. Whilst should ever be denied the right The meals the children receive example of a mission. Their Magnus and his brother were to food and education. We help support families struggling volunteers were sent to send a talking over a pint one evening, can change this. We know that to feed their children, whilst message to everyone through they were struck with the terrors education is the key to the door boosting the country’s wider their work. This message is that and sadness which they had of having a good chance to a economy. This allows the system no child should go without Mary’s Meals Omagh find new watched on television. stable life. Mary’s Meals provides to be more sustainable, offering food or an education. Many are In relation to Mission month, food in school, therefore, they are communities encouragement and joining them in this fight; through ways to feed and fundraise as... we acknowledge that even tackling both hunger and striving skill rather than short term refuge. fundraising, through volunteering though this situation was shown to support every child in the hope When Mary’s Meals becomes and through prayer. Covid-19 closed one door but on the news to everyone, the of giving them the best future established in new areas, the first Its aim is that every child two brothers felt compelled to possible. For example, it only thing they do is set up a school receives one daily meal in their undertake the ‘mission’ in which takes £15.90/€18.30 to feed one feeding committee, made up of place of education and that all prayer opened hearts to raise they were called to. So, the child for a whole school year. parents, teacher and volunteers. those who have more than they brothers brainstormed ideas on This is an amazing opportunity Monitors from Mary’s Meals need, share with those who lack thousands for hungry children how to support the Bosnian relief to make a difference to someone regularly visit schools to ensure the basic things. They aim to THIS year, the schools being anonymous donation came from effort and they organized a local else’s life. Remember, Jesus said, the precious ingredients are keep their administration and closed due to the Covid-19 a North West donor, and two little appeal. “Love your neighbour” and “do cooked and served correctly. fundraising costs very low, so that lockdown presented extraordinary girls, Shauna Rose and Lilly Rose, Food, clothing, medicines and unto others as you would have They work closely with these they can maximise the amount of difficult circumstances, and new from the Cappagh Parish set up a donations of money soon arrived them do onto you.” communities and also offer resources that they put towards ways had to be found to reach the Summer Lemonade Stall outside at their home. A month later, According to an advocate of training to the community those they are helping. children who eat Mary’s Meals, their home. Magnus and Fergus thought that Mary’s Meals, “that could have volunteers. Advocates from the The Charity has a lot of volunteer which is sometimes the only food Helen Quinn, and her family they had done their bit, however, been any one of us”. So, we must organisation say that being part opportunities. All fundraising they receive in a day. and friends, walked from donations kept flooding in and have gratitude for what we have of Mary’s Meals is like being part events, small or big, make a Working with governments, Derry to Fahan, raising £400, so they used their parents’ shed ourselves and try to help others. of one big family, where everyone difference to helping the children. community leaders and trusted while Greencastle man, Paul for storage. This became known The charity is currently operating is equal and fighting for the same You can fundraise by packing partners, Mary’s Meals have McLaughlin and his friend, as ‘The shed that fed a million in 19 countries. thing; an end to world hunger. bags at a supermarket, having developed new methods of Raymond Thom, ran the virtual children’. This is really were it all Survive Mary’s Meals try to serve a bake sale or get sponsored to distribution and are now London Marathon and presented started for Mary’s Meals. Around 64 million of the world’s locally produced food where do something. A great way to thankfully reaching virtually a cheque for £800. Over the years, Mary’s Meals, hungriest children do not attend possible, in order to support the volunteer is to participate in all of the children who rely on In addition, World Porridge formally known as Scottish school, as they have to work or local community, farmers and Mary’s Meals’ annual ‘Step by nutritious meals, with take-home Day was celebrated in Omagh, International Relief, has grown beg instead. They must do this the wider community also. This Step’ walk to Knock. food rations. with collections at McCullagh’s into a larger and stronger in order to survive. Hunger still provides work and income for Mary’s Meals has a mission, just The annual Knock ‘Step by Step Spar and McGirr’s Spar and organization which has been affects the few who make it to local people, further fighting like all those that we celebrated in Walk to Feed the Next Hungry free porridge sachets sponsored dedicated to building homes for the classroom by reducing their the war against hunger. Mary’s the mission month of October. All Child’, from August 7-15 took by Whites Oats, plus online abandoned children in Romania, ability to learn. Meals works in 19 countries those that help with Mary’s Meals a different form this year. Some donations amounted to £1,400. and has helped returning refugees Mary’s Meals provides every across Africa, Asia, Latin are completing their mission of walked the 220 km but more To all the regular donors who are in Liberia by setting up mobile child with a meal, when they America, Eastern Europe,and the helping starving children. They took part in small feeder walks so generous and all the shops and clinics. They continued to deliver come to school. By doing so, Caribbean. are a great charity to help and that from town to town, circuit walks, premises that have our collection material aid to Croatia and Bosnia this offers the next generation Although, Mary’s Meals is why we have decided to work 10ks and miles for Mary’s Meals; cans, we are sincerely thankful. – Herzegovina as well as funding hope; hope that they can become considers their main aim to with them this year. 10 miles from Derry to Fahan, Mary’s Meals Support Group in many other projects. healthy, educated egalitarians be finding a solution to world being one of them. Overall, it was Omagh sponsor Mtayanyemba a great success as money raised Primary School, Neno Malawi, by the Northern Counties alone which has a current enrolment Derry Youth to help Mary’s Meals Charity amounted to an amazing £31,000. of 693. As it takes £15.90 to feed During the month of May, a child at school for one whole THE Derry Youth Scholarship for this year is Mary’s Meals. Mary’s Meals’ founder, Magnus year, the annual cost to feed our met for their second meeting The Scholarship will be helping made an appeal for prayer for school amounts to £11,018. We on Saturday, October 17. We them with their social media the work. Fr Eamon Kelly, of the haven’t yet reached our target, but were blessed with the presence accounts as well as helping them Raphoe Parish, responded by during November, December and of Bishop Donal McKeown, to raise funds, especially for their holding a Holy Hour of prayer January, all donations are doubled. who led us through our opening Christmas Appeal. They will be for the children and the work, Gift Aid £1=2, so £15.90 will feed prayer and even played a round of helping them also through the each Monday at 8 pm, which two children for a year. Pictionary with us! constant need for prayer in their was broadcast via the Church ‘Love Reaches Everywhere’ is a Before he left, Bishop Donal work. webcam from May until October. new, inspirational story, filmed spoke to the students and The Scholarship will also be Other parishes across the UK and in Liberia and Haiti, about Mary’s emphasised how each and every starting their Youthlink course in Ireland also took part. Meals. Starring Hollywood actor, one of us are called to be a hero; the next meeting. This meeting In Omagh, prayer was an answer Gerard Butler, it can be viewed a hero in our own lives, and what took place on Zoom, but we hope to help with fundraising. While on YouTube. The Mary’s Meals can we do to be a hero to someone that the current restrictions will we have not been able to do the Family Hour that went out live on else, especially during this month ease so that in the near future, we normal fundraising activities, YouTube on World Porridge Day, of mission. may be able to have our events in Bishop Donal welcomed a group at St Eugene’s during the summer, who so many people have shown October The charity that was chosen person. were walking to Knock to raise funds for Mary’s Meals. many acts of kindness. A large 12 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 For children in crossfire...water = life by Shauna O’Neill provides well-trained teachers and properly resourced classrooms. Where schools are overcrowded, we fundraise to build new facilities. We also support nutritious school feeding, ensuring that no child goes home hungry. And now, we are also working to minimise the risk of St Columba’s Sixtowns pupils disease by installing new water stations. We can only do this work love exploring and caring for because of our supporters. By donating now you will be helping us to make this positive difference in so many young lives. creation by Nicole Kelly can have globally. This is why we programme provides an ideal If you wish to give, please: embraced an initiative from Pope way for fostering environmental • Send a cheque to: Francis, ‘The Season of Creation’. awareness in the entire school Children in Crossfire, Our RE Coordinator created in a way that links to many 2 St Joseph’s Avenue, age appropriate tasks for all curriculum subjects. They care Derry, BT48 6TH the different key stages and the for vegetables in our garden and children flourished during these then harvest the crops and make • Call Sarah on 028 7126 9898 lessons and special activities. soup for the whole school. In (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) Through their learning2015 we were first awarded our • Go to www. experiences in St. Columba’s, our first Green Flag status. This has childrenincrossfire.org/ children are prepared to meet gone from strength-to-strength donate the opportunities and challenges and, in 2017, we were proud to that they may face in a rapidly maintain our Green Flag Status Thank you very much AT St Columba’s our mission changing world. We encourage as an Eco-School. We have also is to work as a team to provide our children to develop a love been recognised as the top school SAFE, clean water is a basic Now, we are planning to bring the highest quality learning and of learning and experience in NI for STEM and received the human right. Children in WASH (Water, Sanitation & teaching in a happy, safe and enjoyment in their journey of ENTHUSE Award for STEM in Crossfire have long beenHygiene) facilities to 700 primary secure environment, in which holistic development, as they Primary School, in 2018-2019. committed to addressing the lack schools in the Dodoma region of our pupils are at the heart of all strive to fulfil their potential and We also aim to develop children’s of water supplies in communities Tanzania. 2020 has reminded us we do. We believe that every child to become the best they can be. awareness and understanding of we support. In Ethiopia, we have all how important hand washing entrusted in our care is a unique Children are naturally curious religion. We follow the NI syllabus built nine community wells over is for stopping the spread of individual, and strive to promote about the world around them for Religion, which focuses recent years, making life better for disease. We plan to install hand an inclusive and loving ethos in and we strive to give our children on encouraging each child to many thousands. No longer do washing stations all across schools which our pupils are cherished the best possible experiences in become informed and inquisitive people have to drink from dirty in Dodoma, supporting up to and respected. this subject area...“The teachers about their own religious beliefs rivers. 80,000 children over the next In addition, we create an connect creatively the children’s and practices and those of others. In 2018, we also built a deep three years. This is in addition atmosphere which is conducive learning with other aspects of This is so that, over time, they will water well at St Luke’s Catholic to our pre-school education to learning and which seeks the curriculum and build new grow as citizens of a religiously Hospital in Wolisso, guaranteeing programme, which will give all to promote values beliefs and concepts meaningfully through and culturally diverse and global year-round supply for a medical these children the start in life practices of our Catholic faith. active learning tasks.” (ETI 2016) society, aware of similarities and team that serves a population every child deserves. We hope our children in turn In St Columba’s, we encourage respectful of difference. of more than one million. By Our pre-school work supports become ambassadors for their our pupils to care for and be To put it simply, love grows providing water we prevent very young children, preparing local community and understand responsible for looking after our brains. disease. them for school. Our programme the very positive impact that they environment. The Eco-Schools’ Keeping the music alive for local musicians, Allegri prepares for Christmas extravaganza LOCAL arts organisation, members to register for the these troubling times, and right with BAFTA-winning Northern Ireland currently ranks as second Allegri hopes to launch this Allegri continues, like many, to community chorus, which will now that means refraining from Irish poet, Damian Gorman, highest in Europe, our hope is newly commissioned work for adapt to restrictions relating to record a virtual performance gathering together in the physical to explore their experiences of that this project will bring creative choir and orchestra in February Covid-19, so that it can continue of the Hallelujah Chorus from sense. lockdown and what it means for reassurance to our members 2021. delivering rehearsals, workshops Handel’s Messiah as part of the “Instead, we are using coming their lives through the written during what is a confusing and Anyone interested in registering and events in this increasingly Christmas Day programme. They together through technology to word. This will culminate in a difficult time for them. And we to take part in the Hallelujah virtual period. are also welcoming young people create opportunities for festive poem which will be set to music are hugely excited to be engaging Chorus is asked to contact Allegri Having successfully united 1,250 between the ages of 8 and 14, music-making in virtual groups. by internationally acclaimed the wonderful composer Seán directly on [email protected] music makers from over 30 choirs which will include the wonderful The result will be a musical Derry composer, Seán Doherty. Doherty to add an extra musical before November 6. in a programme of workshops opportunity of singing virtually Christmas extravaganza. This “This is such a special project dimension to the text.” and choral performances as part with a full symphony orchestra. year, it’s time for us to bring the for us,” said Maurice, “and it is of the Every Voice Festival, in While disappointed that the magic to you in what will be a very very fitting that we began the August, it is now focusing on City’s Guildhall will not be different Christmas for us all.” project on October 10, which was producing two virtual Christmas available after the two sell out As well as these Christmas World Mental Health Day. A lot performances which will see shows last year, the musical projects, Allegri’s 14-18 years of our members are currently self- Orchestra NorthWest join with director of the Allegri choirs and olds are working on a special isolating but came along to engage Allegri Ladies, Allegri Youth and Orchestra NorthWest, Maurice 2020 pandemic project, ‘Living in online discussion about how a choir of community singers. Kelly remarked: “Given the in Lockdown’, to offer uplifting they are coping in 2020. These online concerts will be seriousness of the situation we all music and poetry workshops to “At a time when the DCSDC streamed on Christmas Eve and find ourselves in, it’s important reflect on the personal and social area is recording among the Christmas Day. that we all play our part to help impact of Covid-19. highest number of Covid-19 Allegri is currently inviting navigate our way safely through The young people are working cases in the UK, and Northern THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 13 Greencastle shepherd happy to take Badoney Lower faithful into his flock added, before reading a short extract from a piece of research entitled ‘Priests of the Diocese of Derry 1704, pertaining to the local area: “John MacConnelly was parish priest of Badony in 1704. He was ordained at Dublin in 1660 by Edmond O’Reilly, Primate of all Ireland. In 1704 he was seventy-years old. He resided at Enisgodan and had charge of all Icon blessing a special the Monterloney district, which was no sinecure for an aged priest of seventy years. occasion for Omagh “The entire Tyrone district of the diocese of Derry was under the spiritual care of ten priests. The Polish community parishes of Leck, Donagheady, Camus and Drumra, seem to have THE Polish community in have a great devotion to the Black HAVING embraced rural life here which, thankfully, is not at an ceremony, while other family been fairly supplied but, to anyone Omagh gathered in Sacred Heart Madonna. amongst the faithful of Tyrone end as you have so kindly agreed members were watching from acquainted with the district, it is Church for a special ceremony, Saying that the Polish since his appointment as parish to stay on here for the foreseeable afar on YouTube. quite manifest the poor priests when their chaplain, Fr Ignacy, community greatly appreciated priest of Greencastle five years future and continue your pastoral Saying that the present who were located in Monterloney blessed an Icon of Lady of having Mass celebrated here in ago, Fr Eddie Gallagher has ministry here as Priest-in- pandemic situation had meant and Termonamongan had more Czestochowa, also known as the their native language, Fr Ignacy now happily welcomed the Residence”. that he had not been able to be out than a usual proportion of labour Black Madonna of Poland, the added: “This Icon has been extension of his role to include the Delighted to have such a fount and about amongst the people of assigned to them.” Patron of Poland. contributed by the local Polish neighbouring parish of Badoney of local knowledge to call upon, Fr Badoney Lower over the past few He concluded: “So to the Accompanied by parish priest, community”. Lower, on the retirement of Fr Eddie joked to Fr John: “I am sure weeks, as he would have liked, Fr Muintir Lunaigh of 2020, I say it is Fr Eugene Hasson, Fr Ignacy Mass is celebrated in the Polish John Forbes as parish priest after your local knowledge of Badoney Eddie recalled their paths having a privilege to labour as your pastor blessed the Icon following the language every Sunday evening 12 years of ministry there. Lower is better than your golfing crossed many times during the and may I be labouring here in celebration of Mass. at 5 pm in Sacred Heart Church, Speaking at his Induction Mass, local knowledge, which often past five years he has been in my 70th year also. God bless and Fr Ignacy, based as curate in Omagh., and Fr Hasson says all conducted by Bishop Donal, Fr means, in the words of our late Greencastle. thanks to all for attending both the Parish of Drumragh, told are welcome to attend, whether Eddie noted that Greencastle and lamented Bishop Francis Lagan, “I look forward to the time here in the church and virtually ‘The Net’ that the Polish people you speak Polish or not! Badoney Lower, incorporating that when looking for your golf ahead and the challenges that at home”. Gortin and Rouskey, had “very ball you spend most of the time await us working together,” he close historical, cultural and ‘futtering around in the rough’. familial links, with Greencastle He went on to remark that Fr having been formed as a parish John was not unknown to the of its own in 1892 out of Badoney Gallagher family, as he had been Lower, having itself been formed the priest in their home parish out of the greater Badoney Parish of St Brigid’s, Carnhill, in Derry, a few short years before that”. when their father died 25 years Paying tribute to Fr John, whose ago. ministry stretches back some Fr Eddie was delighted that his 46 years to his ordination day, mother, brother, sister, brother- Fr Eddie said: “I know you have in-law and nephew were in thoroughly enjoyed your time attendance for the induction Beautiful stained glass windows complete Lavey chapel works

THE final touches have been leaves the Church as a legacy for implemented in the renovation future generations”. project on The Church of Our During the dedication ceremony Lady of Mercy, in Lavey, with for the windows, Saturday, the installation of two beautiful October 10, the Covid prayer was stained glass windows. recited and a candle lit in memory Parish Priest, Fr Eamon Graham of the Covid victims during the explained that the Lady Chapel dedication. within Lavey Church had been “The Candle will remain lit for renovated as a part of the recent the duration of the pandemic”, Church renovation. said Fr Eamon, adding: “This “As well as the Altar, which was complements the exterior spire installed in 1886, being removed, lighting, which has been blue to cleaned, polished and returned honour NHS and frontline carers.” as new”, said Fr Eamon, “the two circular tracery windows have been replaced with stained glass. “One of the windows depicts Clonleigh schools create beautiful the Holy Spirit as a reminder of the Annunciation, as well as the descent of the Holy Spirit at Mission Month display Pentecost. The second depicts THE three National Schools in The fruits of the work of Schoil Church, Murlog. the monogram AM intertwined, the Clonleigh Parish got creative Noamh Padraig, in Murlog, Schoil The children of the three schools representing Ave Maria”. with their focus on Mission Mhuire gan Smal, in Lifford and also participated in the ‘Five He continued: “The placing Awareness Month, much to the Schoil Naomh Colmcille, in Finger Prayer’ as promoted by of the windows completes the delight of parish priest, Fr Colm Cloughfin, were represented in Pope Francis. Church renovation and hopefully O’Doherty. a beautiful display in St Patrick’s 14 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 Leaving for London as he embarks upon a new chapter, Fr Columba Jordan CFR tells ‘The Net’... Ministry in Derry best years of my religious life so far GLENSHANE Forest was the quick tour of the Bible, looked scenic setting for Fr Columba at Ephesians and considered St Jordan’s last walk with members Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits. of the Living Disciples Bible Study We actually did lots of study group, which he had founded regarding the Holy Spirit”. during his time in Derry, before After the friars moved to live taking leave of the City of the in Galliagh, in the Three Patrons’ Oaks and the Emerald Isle this Parish, the group was opened up month, to join his community in to teenagers, with pupils from the the big smoke of London. nearby St Brigid’s College wanting A Dubliner, Fr Columba has to come to a prayer group when spent almost 10 of his 20 years they got to know Fr Columba and with the Franciscan Friars of the his fellow friars during their visits Renewal Congregation in the to the school. And, eventually, it Derry Diocese. He joined his was opened up to all age groups. fellow friars, who had already “There is a good momentum settled in the Long Tower Parish, within the group, which is great,” in June 2011, and since then he remarked Fr Columba, hopeful has grown to love the city and its that it will continue after he people. leaves under the guidance of Fr As he strode along the winding Charles Reche, who has also been forest paths, in his grey robes involved with the group since his and sandaled bare feet, after arrival. celebrating Mass at the ancient Recalling that there had been Mass Rock deep in the forest, Fr 20-30 members of all ages Columba spoke to ‘The Net’ about attending the Bible Study nights how he would really miss Derry before Covid, he noted that as and the people he had come to well as people from in and around know there. Galliagh, there were members “These have been the best years travelling from other parts of the of my religious life so far,” he said, City and beyond as well. smiling as he recalled the various Fr Columba led an hour of faith initiatives he had been worship on Sunday nights too, involved in and the characters he with young musician, Christy had come to meet and befriend. McQuaid, and he hopes that this The Living Disciples group, he will restart when lockdown is explained, started out as a young over. adults’ group which he had set While he will miss all those he up about a year after arriving in has come to know during his time Photograph by [email protected] Derry. in Derry, Fr Columba said that Missionaries thought that I was staying on temporary. There are five in the “I wondered if this could be of “The members were mostly in it is particularly tough having to “But it was very successful in with our community in Galliagh. London community and their service to our community and got their 20s and 30s,” he added, “and leave the community of St Brigid’s that they have a lot more faith. However, that turned out to be a main ministry is running a soup in touch with guys in New York to had been in the Long Tower Youth School: “I was working mostly A number of the young people temporary measure to help the kitchen for migrant workers and see what they thought. We were 2000 group. We met for prayer with sixth years. I told them a few we engaged with have gone on to new servant, Fr Francesco, settle the homeless. It is a beautiful just gearing up to do these short and went on hikes. As time went weeks ago that I was leaving for become missionaries; some went in. ministry and I am looking video talks for our own group, and on, they really wanted to grow in London and so we chatted about to Net Ministries and some got “I am really at peace about the forward to being a part of that”. then to go wider, when lockdown and learn more about their faith. that, and I also did a little video for more involved in their parishes move; that’s where the rubber Fr Columba went on to share happened. “As it happened, I had been the school to show to the rest of and music ministry”. meets the road of obedience. I that he felt “called by the Lord to “Then, one morning I woke up wanting to set up a Bible Study the year groups”. Although he would love to joined the Congregation to follow do media work”, recalling a video realising that this was what ‘Called group, but I didn’t want it to be Reflecting on this youth continue ministering in Derry Jesus, and when you are told this is talk he had watched on YouTube to More’ had been asking me to do. just because I wanted it, so when ministry experience, he remarked: and had been looking forward to where you are going, that is really back in 2017: “It highlighted that I decided to call Katie but, before they came to me and said that “I would love to have done more the opening and development of important to remember. So, I am we should ask God if there is I did, she emailed me following they wanted to learn more about in leading young people in the Pio House to meet the needs of glad to be able to follow Jesus. It something more that we should up on the initial invitation to ask their faith, I felt that this was the school to Jesus. Sometimes you the people, Fr Columba is at peace is an opportunity to trust that He be doing for Him. So, I decided to if I would do something on Zoom go ahead I needed for the Bible end up leading them to yourself with having to leave. has a beautiful plan. He wants me do that. about studying the Bible. Study. That was in 2012 and it has and, while it is important to get to “I thought in May that I was in London for some reason. “Then, in 2019, I was contacted “So, I did that. Katie interviewed been running weekly since then. know the young people, the goal going to be moved,” he said, “when “I have never been stationed in by ‘Called to More’, an Irish online me on Zoom about how to get “We studied the Gospels of Luke is to lead them to Jesus. That’s the the new servant was named, London before, but I think my ministry set up by journalist, into reading and studying the and Mark, and have just finished beginning and end of our reason but when that didn’t happen, I time there is going to be very Katie Ascough and her husband, Bible. I love doing things off-the- John’s Gospel. We also did a for being in the school. which aims to form Catholics in cuff and decided that I would like their faith through various social to be able to do more of that. I media outlets. They asked if I will be providing short talks for would like to be involved in giving ‘Called to More’ on the basics of talks. I said ‘no’ at that point as I the faith, so that people can learn didn’t think I would be able to more about their faith and live a commit to it”. rich Catholic life. “Once Covid hit,” he continued, “I love that disciple work; “we were doing Facebook videos taking some of these treasures and people started saying that they and making them more readily had been really struck by some of available. We’ll see where that the things I had said and that I goes....if it is in God’s plan”. should consider recording talks. Mikhail Kennedy, the former Charlton Athletic and Derry City footballer, was one of those who spoke to me about this, suggesting that I put some of my talks into two-minute videos for people, as he had been really struck by what Photograph by [email protected] I had said on occasions. THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 15 Fr Columba came down to the grass roots and walked with us by Rhonda McColgan

I first met Fr Columba on passage about the Road to and understanding”. September 5, 2017. It was a Emmaus, when the two followers I thought, that’s it! Fr Columba Tuesday evening at a Living were met by Jesus, “Were our is that shepherd, he’s after the Disciples Bible Study Group that hearts not filled with ardent Lord’s own Heart. I know here, he had set up a few years earlier. yearning when he was talking to within the Derry diocese, we have My family had been going us on the road and explaining the amazing shepherds under the through a difficult time after scriptures?” (Luke 24:32) great leadership of Bishop Donal, the death of my mother. I had I bought my first Bible after who also bears great witness just come back from a trip to about three weeks in and, my to Christ. But here, at Living Medjugorje and it was quite goodness, this beautiful living Disciples, I was getting to witness miraculous how I came across Word offered a joy deep down in this up close, as it were. this Living Disciples group. To my soul that could never be filled The thing that I will always take this day, I believe it was a grace by any other means that the world with me is how Fr Columba truly received through the intercession would ever have to offer. poured himself out, came down of Our Lady. One day I was reading a to the grass roots and walked My heart was getting stirred scripture in the book of Jeremiah, with us, the people that the Lord up as Fr Columba spoke, which it was 3:15, “Then I will give you placed in front of him. It was drew me back week after week. Shepherds after my own heart, truly amazing to witness how he It reminds me of the Scripture who will lead you with knowledge could draw people of all ages. All of whom have the utmost respect for him. We would have all night worship vigils. The young worship bands around the city were invited along Rhonda McColgan with Fr Columba Jordan CFR at St Joseph’s, Galliagh and encouraged beyond belief. Us older ones were given roles too, A heart that is truly on fire for ‘weight watchers’ now, it’s for the a cement that transforms us into according to our gifts and talents. the Lord. He taught us how to soul. The soul will become what an even more beautiful mosaic Others came to just soak up the have a relationship with Jesus, a it is fed. If we live by the Lord’s vase. The cement is called ‘Love’, Lord’s presence. Something for relationship that is available to Word and follow His ways by a transforming love. “Behold I am everyone! us all. Jesus is knocking on our coming into communion with making all things new” (Rev 21:5) Then there were the First Friday hearts, we just need to understand Him, we can realise it is not about Fr Columba taught me all these healing nights. He taught us how this and know that we can open condemning and judging, but things and because of his ‘yes’ to to pray with our brothers and that door. This is life transforming. about Mercy and love. the Lord. I will forever be grateful sisters in Christ. He would say to I used to go to Weight Watchers We are all broken vessels. and transformed. London will be us, “Just pour love on them”. on a Tuesday night. At that time Beautiful vases made by the Lord, blessed to have him on his next Fr Columba is true to his there was a ‘buzz’ phrase going for the Lord. It is only God that mission. I wish him every blessing mission of catching souls in that around, ‘you are what you eat’. can fix us and when we allow Him in Christ. Photograph by [email protected] great big net called his heart! Well, I go to a different kind of to, He glues us back together with Fr Columba passionate about bringing love of Christ alive within our school by Shauna Fitzsimons FR Columba came to St Brigid’s Friars and Sisters of the Renewal, Each Tuesday, he could be the students. These pilgrimages Columba, growing in their faith. Staff have also benefited greatly College, in Derry, as our school has been a tremendous success found spending time with our are due to his relentless work Personally, witnessing Fr from his support and care over chaplain in 2014 and with him and impacted the lives of many students in the canteen, allowing and extensive contacts. The Columba and how he teaches in the years. Many staff members came the flame that would light in our community. For some, them the opportunity to chat, experience of Medjugorje and his being, has been an experience have reported a deepening of up the hearts of so many of this has been a first encounter, seek advice or receive prayer. On Fr Columba has also brought that enriches my own teaching. faith and a greater love for God as our students and staff. He was for others a strengthening, of a Wednesdays, after school, he met comfort to families of students He has given me the tools to be a result of his ministry. passionate from the outset about loving Father and this is what with our senior students, often who we have lost in tragic bolder and braver in teaching Although the St Brigid’s College bringing the love of Christ alive Fr Columba’s service has always giving advice on many of the circumstances. Religious Education. Not only community is saddened by within the school and this could championed. issues facing the youth of today. Fr Columba has shown pupils has he lit a fire within the his leaving, we will be forever be seen in the many ways he Throughout the past six years, A major impact Fr Columba has that faith and fun can go hand in students but also within me. Like grateful to God for the shepherd reached out in our community. Fr Columba has been a constant had is through the pilgrimages to hand. He is very young-at-heart, a pebble thrown into the water, Fr that was sent to us in Fr Columba. On January 26, 2015, St presence within our school. Medjugorje, which have brought which is what has made him so Columba will continue to reach He has been a blessing to us all Brigid’s College started its, now He has led all major liturgical many blessings to our pupils. I popular among the pupils. Each out through all those people who and we will pray for him in his annual, ‘Whole School Mission’. celebrations and celebrated Mass have watched him during these summer, many of the pupils have encountered him. new parish. St Brigid pray for Fr The school mission, which is every Wednesday morning in pilgrimages giving of himself spent a week at Camp Veritas, In many ways, he has been a Columba. facilitated by the Franciscan our school Prayer Room. tirelessly to support and love a sports and faith camp, with Fr father figure within the school. 16 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 Roisin Rice pays tribute to her grandfather, who taught her about the wonder of God’s Creation and the beauty of the Earth, as... Former owner of Carlisle Road’s ‘wee blue shop’ enjoys some sweet treats on 100th birthday grow at home. Granny made the most beautiful blackberry jam from one of these slips taken on a countryside excursion. When they moved to Castleview Park after they retired, their garden was their pride and joy. I often think that grandpa was born before his time. He has a flair for the technical and mechanics. He was, and still is, a person of drive and intelligence. He pushed himself and strove to overcome the limited educational opportunities that were available to a boy from a poor working- LIKE many people, my class background in early 20th maternal grandparents have had Century Derry. He was born in 31 a massive impact on my life and Eden Place, Derry, to Thomas and especially in the formation of my Isabella (Bella) McKeever. Later, faith. This is more poignant as the family moved to Hamilton both were blessed with longevity. Street in the Brandywell and, My beloved granny, Phyllis from there, Grandpa attended the McKeever, nee Houston passed Christian Brothers’ School, Brow away in February 2018, aged of Hill. 93, and my grandfather, Patrick When he left school, he was Terence McKeever celebrated extremely lucky to be taken on his 100th birthday on October 6. as an apprentice electrician at They were married for 72years. Shannon Electrics. He attended My brothers, sister and I were night classes in the local very close to my grandparents. technical college and qualified My mum, Doreen, was an only as an electrician. He could fix child, so they had the luxury of anything, and he opened a focussing all their attention on us. Radio and Television business When we were growing up, they in the premises next door to the owned a sweet shop in Carlisle sweet shop. He gave back to his Road, known locally as ‘the wee community of the Brandywell blue shop’. They lived above the by showing motion pictures as a shop, which sold fruit, vegetables, projectionist in the Lourdes Hall. sweets and ice cream. We went In the latter part of his working there every single day. of the Foyle’. Some of my happiest Both my grandparents taught experience, ever the teacher, Their care, dedication to their life, he became an Electronics It was my grandfather who memories are singing with my me resilience and to have faith instructor and tutor. family and their community has Instructor in Springtown Training taught me about the wonder of grandfather. In more recent years, and trust in God. When Grandpa I would describe both of my had a tremendous effect on me Centre, teaching a generation of God’s Creation and the beauty when I would take him out on a lost his eyesight to macular grandparents as hardworking; and on the rest of my family. young people his trade. He valued of the Earth. At the weekend, he Saturday, we would sing together degeneration, he never let it they made a life out of nothing Such as are the times, only my the opportunities that education would take us for a run in his all the old classics in my kitchen, become a barrier to the things and limited opportunities through mum could visit him on the day opened up, and encouraged all car to the River Faughan, Ness followed by attending 6.15 pm that he loved doing. Instead, he sheer hard work, determination of his 100th birthday. The rest of of us to strive for a third level Woods and to the various beaches Mass in St Eugene’s Cathedral. trained my sister, Grainnia, who and thriftiness. Grandpa regularly us got to stand in the porch to sing education. His patience and of Donegal, along with his little However, our favourites were the took care of both my grandparents told me that he gained this ethic him ‘Happy Birthday’. All credit to kind instruction inspired me to Jack Russell dog, called Timmy. old hymns, ‘Sweetheart of Jesus’, in their later years, how to be his from his mother, Bella. She the staff of Greenfield Nursing become a teacher. He taught us about the wildlife, ‘Hail Glorious St Patrick’ and the apprentice. He diligently taught worked in the shirt factory by day Home, in Strabane, who made Tenor the plants, trees and hedgerows. ‘Hymn to St Columba’. He still her to do the little jobs that his and then took in extra washing, his day so special and who look Grandpa has a beautiful singing Granny and Grandpa were exercises his slightly frailer but failing eyesight would no longer ironing and sewing at night, so after him so well for us. We will voice. He taught me to sing my first always taking slips of plants to beautiful tenor voice daily. let him, passing on his skills and that her children would be well be eternally grateful to them for song, ‘Lovely Derry on the Banks cared for. all they have done and continue to Prayer was central to both their do for him. lives. Grandpa loves the Rosary and when he was still living at home, even at the grand age of 99, he knelt each night at the side of his bed, below the picture of the Sacred Heart, to pray to this lovely prayer to Our Lady and give thanks for the day spent. Granny and Grandpa were parishioners of the Long Tower, and when they retired and moved to their new house, they joined the parish of St Brigid’s Carnhill; a very special place for both of them. Prayer and the living out of their faith were central to both their lives and I was blessed to have them as role models, as mentors, but most of all as grandparents. THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 17 Eangach Ár nDúchas Salm na Marbh Ceiliúradh na bhFíréan

Screadaim ort, a Thiarna. A Thiarna, go dtuga tú aire do mo ghuth. Nár bhreathnaí tú mo lochtanna, dá láine iad. Is gurb agat atá an tsacraimint dár bhféachaint le do dhlí.

Tá mo ghuth leat, a Thiarna. Is míle m’anam thú, a Thiarna, ó éirí mhaidin’ go dubh na hoíche.

De bhrí go bhfuil inár dTiarna Dathanna an Fhómhair, le Mary Dunnion an trócaire a fhuasclaíos Baineann mothú ar leith féile na Samhna a cheiliúradh mar ar talamh, cóirítear áit chónaithe agus a fhuasclós a chlann i dtráill leis an am seo den bhliain, le aithris ar an sean-fhéile Ceilteach Ceiliúradh Críostaí bhuan dóibh ar neamh”. as an iomad locht haimsir na Samhna. Tá solas a bhí in Éirinn roimh theacht na Tá dhá fhéile speisialta i dtús (Preafáid na Marbh, 1.) a thráill sinn faoin uile olc. geal an tsamhraidh ar shiúl agus Críostaíochta. Rinne an tAthair Mhí na Samhna i bhFéilire na tá dorchadas an gheimhridh Seán Ó Duinn, go ndéana Dia hEaglaise Caitlicí: Féile na Naomh Tá brí ar leith le ceiliúradh na Creidim go bhfeicfead do mhaitheas (dúluachair na bliana) ag druidim grásta air, cuid mhór taighde ar Uile agus Féile na bhFíréan Uile bhFíréan i mbliana — tugann i dtalamh na mbeo. linn. Fiú sa ré réamh-chríostaí na sean-fhéilte Ceilteacha agus (Cuimhneachán na Marbh). I sé faill dúinn comóradh breise a mhothaigh daoine go raibh gá le ar an tionchar a bhí acu ar fhéilte Leabhar Aifrinn na hÉireann tá dhéanamh ar ár muintir a fuair (Ár bPaidreacha Dúchais 347. ceiliúradh — le cúl a chur ar theacht na Críostaíochta agus an dóigh ar féile ar leith ann do naoimh na bás i mbliana, nuair nach raibh Buíochas le Foilseacháin Ábhair an dorchadais. Bhí ceiliúradh na ceiliúradh iad. hÉireann: Féile Naomh Uile na muid ábalta slán a fhágáil acu le Spioradálta.) Samhna ar ócáidí móra na bliana. hÉireann. faire agus le sochraid den chineál a chleachtaíonn muintir na hÉireann Bás Sona Siamsaíocht Shílfeá, b’fhéidir, gur féile áthasach de ghnáth. Sa lá atá inniu ann bíonn agus féile bhrónach a bheadh i Teachtaire ó Dhia romham, cineálacha éagsúla ceiliúrtha ann: gceist — áthas do ghlóir na naomh aingil Dé os mo chionn, sa chéad áit bíonn ceiliúradh ann agus brón do chuimhneachán na ola Chríost ar mo chorp, nach bhfuil ann ach siamsaíocht marbh — ach, ar ndóigh, ní mar Dia romham agus Dia liom. nó caitheamh aimsire. Bíonn ócáid sin atá: i dtuiscint na Críostaíochta mhór den chineál seo ann gach tá dóchas an aiséirí taobh thiar de (Ár bPaidreacha Dúchais 315.) bliain i gcathair Dhoire Oíche chuimhneachán na marbh: Shamhna. Bíonn cuid mhór daoine Uair na ngrást agus culaith bhréige orthu; bíonn “Óir is trí Chríost ár dTiarna ar uair ár mbáis, soilse agus taispeántas tinte ealaíne, a ghealaigh dóchas aiséirí an uair is fearr agus gach cineál scléipe. Ach sin bheannaithe dúinn, i dtreo, iad seo ar leonú Dé ’s na Maighdine. a bhfuil ann — níl brí ar bith a gcuireann cinnteacht an bháis níos doimhne ná sin ag baint leis. brón orthu, gur ábhar lúcháire (Ár bPaidreacha Dúchais 320.) Siamsaíocht atá ann, ar mhaithe le acu gealltanas na beatha síoraí atá siamsaíocht. romhainn. Níl sa bhás, a Dhia, do d’fhíréin ach malairt bheatha, agus Samhain Leac cuimhneacháin na bpáistí, le David nuair a leagtar ar lár an t-áras seo Tá daoine ann go fóill a dhéanann Coyle ina gcaitheann siad tamall abhus Bláthanna cuimhneacháin Comhartha Síochána I mblianta tosaigh na hEaglaise Críost. Duine anaithnid a bhí sa pobal ag tabhairt aitheantais do na mé ag ullmhú don Chóineartú. tharla an tsacraimint seo ag an pháiste ag an am sin, gan fhios cén buanna, agus do na tabhartais agus Sin an míniú a tugadh ar an am chéanna leis an Bhaisteadh, dóigh a dtiontódh sé amach. don fhéith atá ann, agus go bhfuil chuid sin den tsearmanas nuair a mar is iomlánú ar an Bhaisteadh buannaíocht agus glaoch acu mar tugadh buille beag don phaiste ar é. Tarlaíonn sé mar sin go fóill Ach anois, in aois a dhá bhliain Eaglais ar na tabhartais sin. Tá a leiceann, go mbeadh air cur suas má tá duine fásta le Baisteadh déag nó mar sin, tá a fhios againn an duine óg ag rá mar an gcéanna le híde agus go mbeadh air troid ar agus le fáiltiú isteach san Eaglais. cé hé agus cén sórt é. Tá a fhios go bhfuil sé sásta úsáid a bhaint son a chreidimh. Nuair a rinneadh Déantar é a Chóineartú agus a againn cad iad na buanna agus astu ar mhaithe leis an Eaglais taighde ar scéal an Chóineartaithe, Bhaisteadh ag an am amháin. Ach na deacrachtaí atá aige, agus an agus ar mhaithe leis an phobal. fuair na scoláirí amach nach é nuair is páiste atá le Baisteadh, phearsantacht atá aige. Tá saorthoil Caithfimid a chéile a neartú, agus sin an rud a bhí taobh thiar den déantar é a iompar isteach san aige fán am seo, agus is féidir leis a bheith sásta neart Dé a ghlacadh ghníomh sin ar chor ar bith, Eaglais, ag stopadh cúpla uair seasamh suas i láthair a phobail chugainn sa Spiorad Naomh. ach gurb é a raibh fágtha den ar an bhealach le fáilte a chur agus a rá gur mhaith leis a bheith chomhartha síochána a tugadh roimhe ag an doras, le héisteacht i bpáirt le Críost san Eaglais, agus Sa seanam bhíodh daoine ag caint i ndiaidh an Chóineartaithe. leis an Bhíobla, agus suas go dtí go bhfuil sé sásta gur Baisteadh ar shaighdiúirí Chríost, amhail is Sin an rud a tharlaíonn anois – umar an Bhaiste. Labhraíonn na é. Ach tá rud le déanamh ag a dá mbeadh orthu a bheith reidh comhartha síochána agus na focail tuismitheoirí ar a shon, agus is de thuismitheoirí agus ag an phobal le troid a dhéanamh ar son a síocháin leat, agus iad á misiúnú. thoil na dtuismitheoirí a Bhaistear chomh maith. Tá sé le tuigbheáil, gcreideamh. Baineadh úsáid as na an leanbh, le tacaíocht na gcarasa ag an cheiliúradh seo, go bhfuil an focail sin nuair a bhí mise óg agus 18 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 Lockdown led to amazing cemetery and chapel works in Magilligan was for the materials,” he noted, adding: “They turned a very negative situation because of Covid-19 into a very positive one for the parish. “I’m sure that has happened new outdoor altar that will be a carried out as well, with a number amazing job and done so quickly, given towards the project, since in other parishes too, where permanent feature. of boulders having to be removed without any disagreements, which the start of the renovations to the parishioners very kindly offered “Quite a bit of landscaping was and land to be smoothed out. It is an wouldn’t be easy when you have end. their help and talents. I must 30-40 people working together. say, these parishioners were very They were all very positive and generous with their time.” contented throughout. “I suppose Fr Frank explained that the the social aspect was appreciated, original plan for the graveyard had although they were very good A little Fr Frank O’Hagan, PP Magilligan. been to begin work on developing about social distancing, wearing a new one in the springtime of masks and sanitising their hands bit of MAGILLIGAN parish priest, Fr this year: “The men were going whenever they stopped for lunch.” Frank O’Hagan has paid tribute to to gather on Saturdays to do the As well as the work on the the many people who volunteered work, but that would have taken new graveyard, the railings were history... their time and skills during a long time for it to be completed. repainted, as were the doors and lockdown for an extensive upgrade But then lockdown came and they bottom of the exterior pebble- The quaint little Church project on the graveyard, as well as ended up with lots of free time to dashed walls, and new steps were of St Aidan’s is located on redecorating St Aidan’s Church. do it. installed leading up to the chapel, an elevated site of historical Delighted with the result, Fr “I am very pleased with how it and that whole area is covered with interest, next to the ruins of a Frank pointed out that all the all looks now. They pulled together new concrete slabs. 13th century church. work had been done voluntarily by the sides of both hills beyond “They repainted all the walls It takes its name from people who had been furloughed where the current graveyard is, to inside the chapel, too,” said Fr St Cadan, a follower of St during the spring-time Covid-19 make a nice flat area as a site for Frank, “and took out all the Patrick who is buried in a lockdown. the new one, which should see us seats and put down new carpet. grave that lies underneath “There were about 40well into the middle of the century, When the old carpet was lifted, the gable of the ruins. There parishioners involved in the three if not beyond”. uncovering the tiled aisle, it was is also an ancient holy well or four months of work on the “During the digging,” he added, agreed to clean those tiles up and which many visit for its graveyard and then the inside “they came upon a large rock and not carpet over them again. The curative water. works on the chapel, as well as it was thought that it would make sanctuary has been re-carpeted The current church building some from outside the parish too. a great outdoor altar. Up to this, too in my favourite colour...red! was erected in 1826, after With the grounds and outside of we had a large wooden altar that They have done an absolutely the Catholic Emancipation the chapel building looking so we had to transport out every beautiful job.” Act was passed, relaxing good, they wanted to redecorate year for Cemetery Sunday, so this He also highlighted that the Penal laws against the the inside also. The only expense unexpected find has given us a numerous anonymous and practice of the Catholic faith. generous donations had been Newtownstewart pilgrims conquer majestic Binevenagh for Church spire fund by Fr Roland Colhoun

but the Sunday was calm and mild. The steep cliffs of Binevenagh extend over six miles and afford panoramic views of Bellarena, Downhill, Castlerock and Benone beach. Casting the eye west to Inishowen and east to Scotland, the pilgrim realises that the breath-taking scenery alone makes the hour and forty minutes on foot worthwhile. Descending is 20 minutes speedier! Eight kilometres in total was the guide’s estimate and the pedometer registered just under 20,000 steps. Of course, the purpose of the hike was social and financial. Each NEWTOWNSTEWART lies Eugene’s Church, Glenock. The a socially distanced walk rather pilgrim was asked to contribute a between some picturesque hills fourth oldest church in Derry than a climb. A climb would have registration fee of £15, but many but none of the local heights were Diocese has undergone many entailed passing through a field of them gave extra and some are selected for the recent ascent to the restorations since it opened in of cattle with an inhospitable collecting sponsorship to increase two summits. The chosen location 1785. Historic buildings need bull! Accordingly, our wise and the figure. The total income will be was Binevenagh, in Co Derry, on continuous maintenance and this experienced guide, Brendan known in a few weeks’ time. the first Sunday of October. was the third sponsored climb in McGonagle, led us upwards Despite the weary limbs, our A group of 18 energetic pilgrims 13 months. through the delightful forest paths. pilgrims returned home with set off from Newtownstewart to The parishioners are drawn by Decked out in waterproof joyful hearts, delighted to have ascend the majestic mountain the slogan, ‘Climb the Mountain clothing, even the constant rain reached the famous elongated above Magilligan peninsula. The to fix the Spire!’ And climb we did, didn’t dampen our spirits. Storm summit. outing was a sponsored climb to the summit, 385 metres above Alex had flexed his muscles to fundraise for the repair of St sea-level. To be truthful, it was throughout the Saturday night, THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 19 THE series of reflections from people in parishes around the Diocese, on their experience of life in lockdown due to Covid-19, concludes this month. The feature began as we emerged from four months of not being able to gather as parish communities, and ends with the faithful in our Donegal parishes once again unable to be present in their churches for the celebration of Mass. Magilligan... Much more time and peace for prayer

Fr Charlie Logue, CC Malin. Malin (Clonca)... It was good to have daily Mass to tune into newsletter was printed and left in the shops and churches each week, and he included in this comment on the Sunday readings. We are blessed to have in my life! I felt that I just wanted There is an annual Rosary walk Eucharistic Adoration in our to pray and people that I spoke to Malin Well on May Day every parish, in our newly named ‘Our to said that they didn’t know year in our parish and, while Lady’s Oratory’, at the side of the how they would have managed we couldn’t do it as a parish chapel, on Wednesdays, which without their prayers. community this year, we did the is a great source of comfort and Before lockdown, I would have walk as a family and prayed the strength during this time of been praying but I was also racing Rosary, so that was special. Covid-19. from one thing to another, so this Our priests have been very good Our parish priest, Fr Frank was a much more calm time for keeping in touch with the sick O’Hagan has also been wonderful. prayer. For me and many others, and are available if anyone needs He left prayer booklets and this has been one of the good Fr Peter Devlin, PP Malin. to contact them. Miraculous Medals in the chapel things to come out of this whole We prayed more during When our churches opened for people, and he celebrated experience. lockdown, saying extra prayers again, Fr Devlin and our curate, Fr Mass on Sunday mornings, During lockdown, extension for anyone suffering from the Charlie Logue, celebrated a Mass and Wednesday and Friday and improvement works were virus, frontline staff and those at each end of the parish every nights, with a half-hour of Silent carried out in our graveyard and bereaved. It has been very difficult day, along with five weekend Adoration on Wednesday nights it is like a work of art now, with at times of wakes and funerals not Masses, so that everyone could as well, and these were streamed landscaping, new paths put in and to be able to attend. have an opportunity to attend live on the Parish Facebook page. a big rock placed that can be used It was good to have daily Mass Mass. Fr O’Hagan has given very as an outside altar. The church was to tune into, thanks to technology, There was a very good uptake comforting sermons during Mass, also redecorated, and it was the and I liked the variety of being as people had missed not being reassuring us and encouraging us virus and lockdown that helped able to listen to Mass from able to go to Mass and receive to keep positive about things, and to bring this all about, as the men other parishes, like Iskaheen, St Holy Communion, but now we he was also available if you wanted who carried out the work were Eugene’s, Letterkenny and Knock. are back in a situation where we to talk to him on the ‘phone. free to do it. We don’t have webcams in our can’t attend public Mass. I hope I have prayed a lot more during churches, but our parish priest, that doesn’t last long. this time of the virus; indeed, I (Maureen) Fr Peter Devlin kept us informed (Marie) don’t think I have prayed as much by making sure that the parish 20 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 Moville Moville parishioners found prayer lives changing no internet access. However, despite the online abundance, the parish community was delighted to learn that we would soon be able to join in the Eucharistic celebration from our own church. None of our chapels had a webcam before lockdown, but one was installed in St Pius X Church, Moville in early May. In addition to the daily Mass, Fr Pat, our Melmount... parish priest, quickly introduced several periods of daily prayer via webcam, including short periods of Eucharistic Adoration, the People are now more tolerant and more Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and a weekly Taize hour, all of which have been warmly tuned in to the beauty of this world Fr Pat O’Hagan, PP Moville. welcomed and much appreciated by the Parish community. LIKE every other parish in the Meantime, the prayer lives of ASKED to write about my faith This is not what I expected, it has perceived with an almost 80’s, is healthy, still smiling and Diocese, Moville did its best to parishioners were changing. One journey through Lockdown, I is populated by the writings and childlike faith the profound truth contributing immensely to life keep the faith alive and active daily Mass-goer told me that she am sitting here in a state of calm, thinking of a myriad of people, that...the Will of God is revealed here in our Parish. during lockdown. Our priests had been praying the Chaplet content with myself, at peace with male and female, from all religions in every situation of every day...the Between them Mass continued celebrated the Mass privately, of Divine Mercy several times a all the world. And I wonder am and none, from this century and challenge lies in learning to accept to be celebrated even when our while the people prayed at home. day during lockdown, as well as I mad, or deluded. But no, I am from way back, even devoting this truth..it seems too simple...it Church was empty, broadcast From the middle of March until praying the Rosary more than really, really at peace with all the a whole week to the ‘Radically is there before our noses all the by webcam; a source of strength early May, many parishioners once a day. Another lady attended world. Optimistic Theology’ of Julian of time, while we look elsewhere... and comfort to so many, reaching ‘attended’ Mass online. The Mass, prayed the Chaplet of It did not start like this. At the Norwich. Look her up. Yes, her. the fullest freedom I had ever not only into the homes here media of choice included a Divine Mercy at 3 pm and joined beginning, in March, way back Julian stopped me in my tracks. known, the greatest sense of in Melmount but into places daily livestream via Facebook in praying the Rosary at 9 pm - all in another place altogether, the In her mystical masterwork, ‘The security, came from abandoning far and wide across the world, from Bocan (Culdaff); webcam through her TV and in addition world was turbulent. I was easily Showings’, she says: “If he (God) my will to do only the will of and achieving who knows what streaming from Iskaheen, St to her private prayers. upset, cranky, ready for a fight; had left sin out of creation, it God...For what can ultimately miracles of grace, and healing that Eugene’s, the Long Tower and Daniel, a member of Youth fight or flight syndrome I don’t seemed to me, all would be well.” trouble the soul that accepts every we will never hear about. further afield (including the 2000, said that he had begun to know, but certainly I was a very But what God-the-Mother (here moment of every day as a gift Our schools were closed for a Vatican). Others found RTE 921 really depend upon prayer to get different and difficult person Julian is referring to the maternal from the hands of God and strives long period, and so the Apostolate to be invaluable, and Radio Maria him through. He added that he then. What has happened? Well, side of God’s care) showed Julian, to do God’s will?...Nothing, not of the Children of the Eucharist, was accessible even to those with a lot. in a near death vision was that all even death can separate us from only recently so successfully “really misses confession” and First off, I was introduced to an shall be well anyway. Not in spite God...Is this too simple, or are we introduced into St Mary’s Primary American Franciscan, Richard of our transgressions, but because just afraid really to believe it, to School, had to be suspended. Rohr, by participating now and of them. accept it fully and in every detail However, Fr Michael got the again in Fr Declan Boland’s And then, we were introduced of our lives, to yield ourselves up Monday Adoration of the Blessed course on Centring Prayer; a to Walter Ciszek (1904-1984), a to it in total commitment? This Sacrament going again from July. journey to rediscover one of the Jesuit priest, accused of being a is the ultimate question of faith, It is for a shorter time and strict lost treasures of the Church, ‘Vatican spy’, for which he spent and each one of us must answer social distancing protocols are in Contemplative Prayer. Richard five years in a Moscow jail, and it for ourselves in the quiet of our place, but Adoration, which has Rohr founded, way back in 1987, then 15 years in Siberian prison heart and the depth of our soul. been another source of comfort in Albuquerque, New Mexico, camps. But to answer it in the affirmative and strength to so many, is again a group now called Centre for He wrote: “The simple soul is to know a peace, to discover a now taking place. Action and Contemplation. And who each day makes a morning meaning to life, that surpasses all Although we have all suffered he produces a daily meditation offering of ‘all the prayers, works, understanding.” in some way during lockdown, it which is emailed to subscribers. joys, and sufferings of this day,’.... Anyone in Fr Walter’s situation seems to this parishioner anyway St Pius X Church, Moville. could not fake such radical faith that there has been at least one and trust. I hope one day to get benefit from it. People are now closer to where he was. more tolerant of each other and Life continued in Melmount more tuned in to the beauty of during lockdown. We are lucky this world we inhabit; better able here in having a wonderful, hard now to see His Blood upon the working parish priest, Fr Michael Rose, and His Cross in every tree, Doherty, to take care of this huge as Joseph Mary Plunkett wrote in parish of more than 12,000, ably one of his poems. assisted by Fr John Doherty, who, now retired and well into his (Peter)

St Mary’s Church. THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 21 continued from p12 Steelstown... expressed the hope that there was enjoying the quietness and would be a “re-ignition of the privacy of praying at home, faith” after restrictions had been although he missed confession lifted. and the Eucharist very much. It was so surreal watching Holy Week Mary said that it’s not the same Fr Pat also left prayers for attending Mass online because people to bring home from visits the opportunity to receive the to the chapel, including a ‘Prayer and Easter ceremonies on Facebook Eucharist is missing. She looks in time of Pandemic’, ‘Prayers for Parish Mission when we got the The parish Facebook page was forward, eagerly, to receiving Protection and Blessing’ (which news that we were not allowed to updated throughout the day, so Holy Communion again. included Psalm 91), the prayers of have special devotions only Mass. you knew what was happening However, another parishioner the Rosary and ‘Order of Prayer We all started social distancing and could join in. said that, during Mass online, she for the Sick and Housebound’. All then as lockdown happened. On a personal note, my mum could listen to the readings more were protected by plastic pockets. At the beginning, our webcam is housebound and Fr McDevitt intently. She feels that she is not In addition to the above, we had was a mobile phone mounted visits her on the last Wednesday of praying more than previously, the blessing of several thoughtful on a paper cup, but it did the job the month. But not being able to but that maybe her prayer is more and encouraging videos posted on until we got sorted with a proper visit her due to the Covid-19 risk, meaningful now. She misses her Facebook by Fr John McLaughlin, webcam. Our parish priest, Fr he has telephoned her to pray and weekly prayer and activities with a retired Columban and a native John McDevitt is very resourceful have his usual wee chat with her. the Legion of Mary. of the Parish. At Easter, Fr John and he did his best to make sure I mean it when I say that it is Another parishioner said that streamed a live blessing of palms that we could have daily Mass on the most humbling feeling having he and his wife had “enjoyed the and, on Easter Sunday, a blessing Facebook. your priest pray every prayer Mass on the internet” moving to for Easter Water. It was so surreal during Holy and blessing, and offer spiritual RTE 921 only when their internet Week and Easter watching all the communion, as if he were there in signal is not good. Overall, he (Nonnie) ceremonies on Facebook. Both the room with you, and to watch Fr John McDevitt, PP Steelstown Fr McDevitt and Mgr Joseph my mum bless herself, and pray Mgr Joseph Donnelly. Donnelly were amazing, carrying and answer him. I’m so blessed to We have been parishioners in McDevitt and Mgr Donnelly, and on as if we were all present...well, have experienced this sacred time Our Lady of Lourdes, Steelstown our amazing sacristan, Noreen for we were...spiritually! with her. since the chapel opened in 1975, everything she does and did for us As well as daily Mass, we had Thanks and praise to God that and, like everyone else, we were in during this strange time. the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, our church has opened for Holy shock to find that our church had To all volunteers who helped and Eucharistic Adoration. There Mass again, with restrictions to follow Government guidelines to get our church ready and the was nothing left out. With just a of social distancing and hand and close, as Covid-19 hit our stewards who are there on a daily click, you were virtually there in sanitising, etc. town. basis, I say heartfelt thanks. the chapel. We owe everything to Fr We were in the middle of our (Veronica)

Sion Mills... Fr Thomas is so positive and gives us hope During lockdown I missed the chapel. I have to take care as I being able to go to Mass, but I have underlying health problems, thought it was great that we were so it is good to have the Mass and able to get it on the webcam. other prayer on the webcam. I found what our priest, Fr I also join in Mass on the Thomas Canning, said in his webcam in Melmount chapel and homilies to be very comforting find Fr Doherty very reassuring and we could talk to him at any too. He says the Rosary in the time. Since he has come to the evening as well. parish, Fr Thomas has been trying We always say the Rosary in the his utmost to get the Pioneers and house every day anyway, but I Legion of Mary set up. He really also join in with Fr Doherty and is so positive and gives us hope, sometimes with the priests in St which is something we really need Eugene’s Cathedral. now. I am 80 years old and just retired (Sally) this year after 40 years of cleaning 22 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 Three Patrons (Pennyburn, Carnhill & Galliagh)... Working together…we have continued to try to make Jesus known and loved longer accessible. children were involved in on-line Mass via the webcam helped get art activities for Lent, and, in May, people through this difficult time over 100 homes responded to the and we soon had not only locals, invitation to submit images of but former parishioners now their May altars to our Facebook living in England, America and page. About 25-30 young people Australia, following our webcam. continue to attend an on-line Our seminarian, Stephen Youth Alpha course in the area, Baxter, stepped up to the plate and Parish Pastoral council when our sacristans had to be meetings are zoomed live, as are furloughed and, as well as doing the weekly John Paul II Award the Readings for the Masses, prayer meetings. he led the Morning Prayer on The partial easing of restrictions webcam. He was invaluable to the on public worship was marked by Parish in many ways. a Mass celebrated, at 7.30 am on It would have been of little June 29, by Bishop McKeown. It Fr Michael McCaughey, PP Three Patrons. Fr Chris Ferguson, Priest-in- Fr Gerard Mongan, CC Three use having a webcam if no one had been a long 104 days since he Residence Three Patrons. Patrons. knew of its existence, so this was had been last with us. ‘Stewards’, posted on the parish website and ‘sanitizers’ and ‘social distancing’ THE Coronavirus lockdown So, how was this sprawling parish on our parish Facebook page. have all entered our vocabulary began for the Parish of the with its burgeoning population, And we also had banners (‘The in that time and become part of a Three Patrons, Derry, after 12 and the multiple demands placed Lord is my Shepherd’) produced new normal . o’clock Mass on St Patrick’s Day on its priests, going to respond to and displayed on major roads in We have all been through a hard celebrated by Bishop Donal an unprecedented lock-down? the parish. We are grateful to St time, but working together, priests McKeown. The first thing that was done Brigid’s College Carnhill and to and people, we have continued Ours is the largest parish in was to install a webcam, so that St Paul’s Primary School for their to try to make Jesus known and the diocese of Derry with a parishioners self-isolating at immediate and wholehearted loved. We have learned a lot, population of more than 30,000. home could access Mass. This support in this. deepened our commitment to the This figure is set to increase was done just in the nick of In addition, because people Faith, and now we look forward dramatically within a short time, literally days before the felt keenly the shutting of to the challenges that lie ahead. period of time, as new housing restrictions on public worship their churches, which even developments along the Skeoge were implemented. psychologically was a depressing (Eamon) Road are constructed. Over 1,400 With our churches shut, and sight, the priests of the parish new homes have already been deprived of the sacraments, organized for the ‘Stations of built, are being completed or are the lockdown has been rightly the Cross’ to be erected in the about to be started in the area. described as a Eucharistic famine grounds outside each of the three We have three churches in the for the Faithful. In the early weeks churches, so that people could parish - St Patrick’s in Pennyburn, of the pandemic, there was a come and pray individually and St Joseph’s in Galliagh, and St widespread sense of anxiety and safely. Brigid’s in Carnhill, served by two fear among people of what was The parish Facebook page, co- priests of the parish, Fr Michael coming down the road towards ordinated by Aoife Whoriskey, McCaughey, PP, and Fr Gerard us. our Youth Worker, was used Mongan CC, and a priest-in- For many, even those who may effectively to reach out to people. residence, the Diocesan Vocations have become disconnected from During Holy Week, parishioners Director, Fr Chris Ferguson. In the practice of the Faith, that fear were invited to create a sacred addition, the parish is home to the and anxiety was all the harder to space in their homes and send Franciscan Friars of the Renewal bear because the churches were in photographs, and over 100 community in Galliagh. shut and the sacraments were no families did so. Primary school Urney & Castlefin (Doneyloop)... Coping with death and grief has been most difficult for families in this pandemic

LOCKDOWN began for Byrne, a parishioner. He provided Easter ceremonies a bit of an anti- dependent on the Sunday services me on Wednesday, March 11, an excellent service with his daily climax. We usually have so many on the local radio station, Finn the day my Mum was released Mass, Divine Mercy Chaplet and parishioners involved with the FM, being broadcast from St from hospital where she spent 54-day Rosary. various processions, washing of Patrick’s Murlog, or Highland 10 weeks. On March 12, it was In the meantime, we tuned into feet, distribution of the Eucharist Radio or RTE. announced that public Masses the daily 7.30 pm Mass and 8 pm under both species etc. I actually Concerns were expressed at had been suspended immediately, Rosary from St Eugene’s Cathedral found this time very lonely and our first ever Zoom meeting so our dilemma was how we were with Bishop McKeown. We both missed the vibe of our busy of our Parish Pastoral Council. going to access our daily Mass. found this very comforting and church at this time. As a result of that, and with the There were no webcams in we felt really connected with There was a terrible void in our expertise of Matt McGranaghan, St Mary’s, Castlefinn, or in St our Diocesan Community. We Parish. We missed seeing our Martin Harran and John Byrne, Columba’s, Doneyloop. Our own also tuned into the daily Mass own priests and the social aspect who sprang into action, Fr Crilly priest-in-residence, Fr Oliver on the RTE ‘News Now’ Station, of meeting everyone at Mass. broadcast his first ever Mass on Crilly was cocooning, so he was from the various Churches We seemed to be just drifting YouTube on Tuesday, May 11, at completely isolated from his nationwide. At weekends, we along with no clear direction. At 11am, from his Parochial House parishioners. tuned into Clonleigh, Strabane or least I was able to access Mass and has continued saying daily Fr Ciaran Hegarty eventually set Melmount, depending on what online, but I know of several of Mass ever since. up a parish radio on our parish time suited us best. our parishioners who do not have Fr Oliver Crilly, Priest-in-Residence Fr Ciaran Hegarty, Adm website, with the help of John I found the celebration of our the internet and were completely see over Urney & Castlefinn THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 23 continued from p15 funeral services in a dignified Masses. 2020 began for me with 10 and spiritual manner, and was I love being involved in my weeks of hospital visits, followed Fr Colm O’Doherty, then our a wonderful support to each Parish but lockdown came and by 15 weeks of lockdown. I Administrator, was instrumental family. These services could not all parish activities stopped with never would have dreamed that in getting Mass celebrated in St be broadcast online due to lack immediate effect, which was very I wouldn’t be at a public Mass Mary’s and celebrated the first of proper internet service, which strange for me who was always for such a long time and really Mass on Sunday, May 17, at 9.30 was a difficulty for these families. running around doing things, or appreciated joining with our am on Facebook live in St Mary’s Guards of honour on my computer doing minutes of community again in St Mary’s. Church. He continued the Sunday For me, coping with death and meetings, rotas etc. Our celebrations are now online Service on Facebook until the grief has been the most difficult Lockdown brought its own on YouTube and can be accessed internet was finally sorted in the situation for all families in this blessings in that I had time at all over the world, and we are very Church. Our parishioners were pandemic. The fact that the usual home with my mum. We joined grateful to our volunteers who are St Mary’s Castlefinn. delighted and very thankful to see community support at this critical together in the online services responsible for this development. Fr Colm celebrating Mass in our time in a family’s despair could in various churches. We said our Our clergy, Fr Hegarty, and Fr beautiful Church. not happen the way it usually does own daily Rosary together. Fr Crilly, along with Fr O’Doherty, Matt, Martin and John worked was very sad, but our community Crilly contacted us both on the have provided spiritual support tirelessly to get a proper internet did rally round and had socially First Fridays and did the Prayers to us in remarkable times. It service in each of our churches, distanced guards of honour to for the Sick by ‘phone, which was hasn’t been easy for them either, with the result that Masses were show their respect to the families. a lovely experience. as they also missed meeting their finally broadcast from both our Our First Communion and We also visited our local Church parishioners and the support that churches on YouTube on the Confirmation ceremonies were which, thankfully, remained open is given to them. weekend of June 28, beginning all postponed and as the churches for private prayer, and we lit Unfortunately, we are currently with the vigil on Saturday began to open on June 29 for candles and visited the graveyard back in a situation where we evening. public worship, enquiries began on a regular basis. cannot publicly attend the It has been a long journey for to come from anxious parents Our Parish Pastoral Council, celebration of Mass. I grew up in our parishioners. In particular, a wondering when the celebrations ably led by Leona Lafferty, a house with a very strong faith number of families amongst our were to take place. chairperson, and Mary Louise Mc and, thank God, that faith has parishioners had a bereavement, I am involved with the ‘Do Croary, secretary, was kept busy sustained me really well in the last with only 10 members of the This in Memory’ programme with arrangements to prepare our months and I pray it will continue immediate family able to attend and greatly missed the monthly churches for public Masses again, to do so. the funeral in the church. meetings with the great team who with volunteers to be organised to Fr Ciaran ministered to the organise these lovely monthly act as cleaners, stewards etc. (Collette) bereaved and celebrated the Waterside (Glendermott & Strathfoyle)... Our parish created over 1,200 prayer packs for Derry, Omagh and Fermanagh hospital patients Getting St Columb’s, Waterside, ready for the resumption of services.

“Do not abandon yourself to into action a series of initiatives Columb’s and The Immaculate noon Masses were broadcast despair. We are the Easter people that would ensure continued Conception had web cameras through YouTube. Live Adoration and hallelujah is our song” (Pope pastoral support and spiritual installed so that parishioners is available Monday to Saturday John Paul II) comfort to its parishioners and could continue to be involved, from 1-6 pm, with a Holy Hour others further afield, during as much as possible, with the starting at 7.30 pm with Rosary WITH thoughts of Pope John lockdown. Eucharistic celebration. and Benediction, also through Paul II’s words, the parish of Within weeks of the crisis Daily Mass at 10 am, Saturday YouTub e. Glendermott and Strathfoyle put starting, the churches of St vigil and Sunday, 10 am and 12 Adoration attracted not only local people but also people from other countries were signing up, to ensure that someone was always online for Adoration. The Parish Catechism course continued its weekly meeting online and in conjunction with the parish of Ardstraw East, The priests of the parish, Fr Time was also used for essential using WhatsApp with recorded Michael Canny, Fr Sean O’Donnell repairs to the parish churches, commentary for each week’s and Fr Malachy Gallagher, with with the Immaculate Conception readings. the aid of parishioners, were Church especially undergoing A unique effort was made by the able to put together over 1,200 repair to its roof, while keeping priests of the parish to support of these packs. Apart from internal scaffolds out of view of hospital patients with the aid of hospitals in Derry, these packs the webcam. the Western Board. Bearing in reached hospitals in Omagh and For the priests, it was a mind the fact that priests could Fermanagh. challenging time in unchartered not visit patients or the dying at All the priests of the parish were waters, but they made tremendous the start of the crisis, isolation on call so that hospital patients efforts to ensure that the people packs containing Rosary beads, could contact them for prayers of the parish were supported Rosary prayer card, Divine Mercy over the ‘phone, and the Health as best they could under the prayer and essential ‘phone Trust provided mobile phones to circumstances. numbers, were issued to every each priest to enable video prayer Fr Sean O’Donnell, Fr Michael Canny, PP Waterside Fr Malachy Gallagher, ward for Catholic nursing staff to and blessings. (John) CC Waterside. (Glendermott & Strathfoyle). CC Waterside. give to patients. 24 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 Templemore - St Eugene’s... Our Bishop and priests served with humility and leadership in darkest moments of Covid storm “Do not fear for I am with you; and leadership in the darkest of the Holy Spirit. their worries or anxieties via a do not be afraid for I am your moments of the Covid storm. Bishop Donal led the people of telephone call. They have been God. I will strengthen you; I will They have remained beacons God through virtual pilgrimages instruments of Christ helping help you. I will uphold you with of light guiding us to Jesus and of Lough Derg, He was our good to gather and nurture people my victorious right hand” (Isaiah encouraging us to always keep the shepherd walking in front of the spiritually through times which 41:10) faith. flock, our paradigm, a light along were prevalent with fear and I would like to take this Even though the doors of our the path. confusion. opportunity to thank whole beautiful Cathedral, the Mother The strong beating heart of St The Covid 19 lockdown was heartedly our Bishop and priests Church of the Diocese, were Eugene’s Parish transmitted a certainly extraordinary times of St Eugene’s Parish for all that closed, the work of the Holy Spirit message of hope via its webcam, to live through but God always they have done throughout was vibrant in the ministry of our reassuring all that Jesus was with provides and gives us the grace to the lockdown and this time of pastors. Daily Mass, Morning and us and always would be. weather any storm. Covid-19. Evening Prayer of the Church, Our priests have shown such Thank you to all the volunteers Bishop Donal, Fr Paul and Fr the recitation of the daily Rosary, care and attention in assisting in St Eugene’s Parish who assisted Patrick have provided the parish Divine Mercy Chaplet, praying people to engage in their faith. in so many ways, their dedication of St Eugene’s with outstanding the Angelus and providing They have been rocks to lean and generosity of spirit is laudable. ministry. They have served their constant spirituality through upon and listening ears whenever congregation with humility novenas were tremendous fruits someone needed to convey (Veronica) Templemore...Long Tower All the online prayer and Masses were very comforting to many All our priests have been Other parishioners were always celebrated. It is greatly appreciated fantastic in doing what they can faithfully on hand to answer the by many as there is an opportunity in these difficult times. I found all prayers too. to be blessed with one of his mitts. the prayer and Mass online very I would like to pay tribute to However, with the virus, Fr Aidan comforting. them and to our priest, Fr Aidan holds up the mitt to give the Our priest, Fr Aidan Mullan Mullan, because all the prayer was blessing, instead of individual celebrated all the Masses, one appreciated by many, and also to blessings. in the morning and the other at all those who have been helping Fr Aidan has been wonderful, night. Seminarian, Noel Doherty with the cleaning of the chapel, keeping in touch with people on was there as altar server when he so that we feel safe since we have the phone, and if anyone wanted was back from Maynooth because been able to return for Mass. him he made himself available. of lockdown and he did great Thankfully, the praying of the He really was very attentive and work too, as did our sacristans. Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary encouraging in his homilies, One of our parishioners in continues every day, though at reassuring us that God is with us the Long Tower led the Divine a later time. The Legion of Mary and will protect us. Mercy Chaplet at 3 pm every lead the Rosary now. day and I never missed joining We are also very blessed to (Kathleen) in for this, and for the Rosary. have a weekly Padre Pio Mass Fr Aidan Mullan, Adm Long Tower.

St Columba’s Church, Long Tower THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 25 Bishop Donal sees youth as shining light of hope during dark days of Covid-19 AS life continues with the ongoing risk and so that they can come to the we can and cannot do. Sr Clare problems with the eye of faith. and Carlo Acutis are examples of restrictions of Covid-19, Bishop Donal reflects Praying together is an important people who believed in the call to on immediate, and future, challenges facing way to hand on the experience sanctity, which lies at the heart of of God to young people, helping being a disciple of Jesus. parishes in this month of November, when we them to believe that God is in The interest in Carlo Acutis the middle of the confusion and has been amazing in St Eugene’s remember and pray for our deceased loved always working for our good. Cathedral. In the first two weeks ones, and as we then prepare to celebrate That ethos is an invaluable asset after his beatification, 5,000 little to school communities at such a prayer cards about him have been Christmas, and comments on the support to difficult time”. distributed. Saints are not just good be offered by the Diocesan leadership. news about the afterlife. They are Signs of hope... signs of God’s grace working here Acknowledging the stressful situations and now, with a passion to bring facing families, young people and schools, What I have found most love and mercy into the world. the former teacher and principal highlights encouraging over these months Young people want to do has been the quality of some of our something beautiful with their the important role being carried out by the young people. It is they who give lives. They can respond to Jesus’ Diocesan Catechectical team in helping to keep me great hope. They do not ask us call to be great and holy. I hope to do things for them so much as that these young saintly figures a focus on God and the importance of prayer, to enable them to do great things will inspire other young hearts to believe that they are called to be particularly in difficult situations. for and with their peers. I am very grateful that ‘The saints. He also speaks of the hope the youth give Net’ has been able to develop a Bishop Donal him and the moves to strengthen the domestic network of young people who Diocesan Youth have talents and ideas that they Scholarship preparing church, and of the boost that the life stories of want to share with all of us. This gives us a chance to move away young leaders... The story of the Liturgical in his name. In other words, when the city’s Sr Clare Crockett and the recently from a model of faith that thought Year goes from the advent a bishop retires or dies they are not beatified Carlo Acutis gives to the message that everything had to be done in the If we want young people to be expectation of the Saviour in the VGs, because there is no bishop in Church or in school. prepared for leadership roles in Old Testament, right through to whose name they can act. everyone is called to be a saint. Maybe one of the great graces the Church, we have to train them. the reconciliation of all things in When I came to the Derry of this pandemic will be the The Diocesan Youth Scholarship Christ, the King (November 22 Diocese in 2014, I asked Fr Andy Living with the continued our parishes. rediscovery of the family as the scheme sought young people who Feast of Christ the King). And, Dolan and Fr Paul McCafferty Areas that were often mentioned first teachers of the ways of faith. would be prepared to undergo a at different stages of the year, we to take on that role. They both risk and restrictions of included: Preparation for training scheme which leads to celebrate the great events of our brought great wisdom to the advice an OCN Level 1 qualification in story. they gave to me. Priests knew that Covid-19... First Holy Communion and Stories of the late Sr Confirmation in 2021; Long-term youth leadership. The Presentation of the Blessed they were both very approachable “The first lockdown in the spring effects of on-line Masses on church Clare, of Derry, and I have been very impressed by the Virgin Mary (November 21) is and generous. and summer was a shock to the attendance; Great levels of support Italian teenager, Blessed quality of the 11 teenagers from all based on an early, but not biblical, I am very grateful that Mgr Andy over the diocese who have begun Christian tradition that Mary was has been such a support. In the system, but I think there was a from parishioners; Parish finances Carlo Acutis, shine a feeling that we could put up with it into the future; and Pressures on the scheme on-line. Ideally, they dedicated as a child to God in the meantime, Fr McCafferty will be in order to beat the virus. However, priests in this new world. light on young people would be able to meet. However, Temple, in preparation for her alone in the role. I get the impression that the At a diocesan leadership level, living their faith and in the present circumstances they later role as Mother of Jesus. second lockdown is more stressful we are seeking to provide the helping make life better are actively engaging via an on- The Kingdom of God will come for people. This time, there is not following: An emphasis on line platform. Most of them have about when we all discover that we the confidence that a short, sharp developing ‘domestic liturgies’, for others...and on the already taken part in the on-line are called to dedicate our lives to shock will solve the problem. And prayer for families to rebuild the Eucharist... Alpha programme, which had 32 the Lord. Only then, will God’s will that is a very unsettling experience role of families in handing on the participants. be done on earth as it is in Heaven. for parishes, North and South. faith; A prayer programme for I sometimes think that believing So, I see this experiment as the So many parishes did wonderful November, prepared by all the in God is not the most difficult bit Diocese trying to engage with Vicar General, Mgr Andy young people wherever they are. work early in the year. They Northern Ireland dioceses; Youth of faith. I believe that it is much Dolan steps down... coped with open churches and outreach through the nightly harder for many to believe in good Please God, this will bear great closed churches. They tried to and to have that sense that we are fruit. Derry Youth Instagram platform; The Bishop has a leadership be ‘visible’ to their parishioners; all called to be saints. Resources for schools and families; role in the Diocese. A bishop can doing everything that was possible Too often, Catholicism is and Access, at a subsidised fee, for Celebrating great events appoint one or more priests who within government regulations. presented as a list of things that Mgr Andy Dolan, PP Bellaghy. all parishes to the FORMED set of of our faith story... will be a Vicar General, able to act The delayed celebrations ofprogrammes from the Augustine First Holy Communion and Institute in Denver, Colorado”. Confirmation had to be carried out in new ways, and funerals Return to school a presented extra challenges. November extension for Plenary They now face new questions, stressful time... especially how they celebrate November, Advent and Christmas. “This has been a very difficult time for families and for schools. Indulgence for Deceased They do not want to be standing at THE Vatican has announced who prays for the faithful uniting themselves spiritually to prayers for the deceased, Morning It has placed huge stress on the door of churches on Christmas that the Plenary Indulgence for departed. other members of the faithful. or Evening Prayer from the Office leadership as schools try to adapt Eve, turning parents and children the deceased, by those who visit The Plenary IndulgenceFor this, the condition of being of the Dead, the Rosary, Divine to constantly changing situations. away from Christmas Masses. And a cemetery, has been extended attached to All Souls’ Day can be completely detached from sin and Mercy Chaplet, meditation on a Boards of Governors have been 2021 looks very uncertain. beyond the normal dates of obtained on any day of the month the intention of completing the Gospel passage proposed for the asked to make decisions in an During September, I invited November 1-8 to avoid large by devoutly visiting a church or other requirements for obtaining liturgy of the Dead, or completing uncertain vacuum. And, it has priests to reflect on a few questions groups from forming where an oratory, and praying the Our a Plenary Indulgence remain. a work of mercy by offering to taken its toll on the mental health about both their own ministry and prohibited due to Covid-19 Father and the Creed, and the The conditions are Confession, God suffering and discomforts. of many young people. how their Parish Pastoral Councils restrictions. other requirements associated Holy Communion and a prayer Priests are asked to make In a time of stress, the saw the challenges. I am now in the The indulgence can be obtained with a Plenary Indulgence. for the Pope’s intentions, before the Sacrament of Confession hardest thing is feeling alone process of feeding back to them this year by anyone visiting the Those unable to leave their home an image of Jesus or the Blessed available and that they make Holy or unsupported. The Diocesan what we might offer in support of cemetery, mentally or physically, for whatever reason can also obtain Virgin Mary, if possible. Communion available to the sick. Catechetical Centre has been the church as it is being lived in on any date during November, the Plenary Indulgence through Recommended prayers include supplying schools with materials 26 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 What is the reason for the hope that you have? (1 Peter 3:15) My faith journey by Fr Neil Farren completely restored in 1993. Community N November 1978, just 42 years ago, Fr of that generation, I do believe, It was a great time of gelling the are still visible in parish life parish community together. The John Farren, from Malin, and myself today. Priesthood, too, had its restoration committee organised were notified by Bishop Edward Daly own spiritual help, with priests many fundraising events that, meeting monthly to pray together in the main, were community thatI we were to be called out of our Maynooth and have a sense of fraternity, bonding projects, with Parish Seminary training early because of the as with the Charles de Foucauld Outings, Picnic Days, Barn movement. Dances, Gymkhana Events, shortage of priests in the Derry Diocese. Our As a young priest, from Donegal, Treasure Hunts, Rickety Wheel I soon began to experience at first Events, etc. We had also good ordination dates were set for the weekend of hand the tensions of the Northern outreach with the ministers of the March 31/April 1, 1979. I think, the bishop Troubles. The Waterside Parish other religious denominations, did not escape the tensions, the especially through the Ulster had in mind a good date for my ordination. riots, raids, funerals of that era. Delaware Project, that brought The annual visiting of the H-Block Since, I was all of 22 years of Duffy. My first days there were the youth of both denominations and the Maze prisoners was age when ordained early, the beginning of the then great May from the parish to USA host appreciated by their Waterside president of St Patrick’s College, fortnight retreats in each parish families in Delaware, helping families. Parish life was certainly Maynooth, Mgr Olden, whilst in Derry. Those two-week retreat towards respect. different from today’s parish in Rome that spring of ’79, was periods were so memorable, when It was whilst in Coleraine Parish scene. A more challenging time tasked to seek the necessary the city parishes and Waterside that the paedophile scandals came it was, but also there was a great dispensation from Pope John Paul were in a spiritual high with to light. It was a difficult time spirit amongst the people, as Phil II for me to get ordained, due to overflowing congregations, three hearing of abuse of young people, Coulter’s song has it: “Their spirit’s my being underage. A year later, times a day. especially by priests. This, indeed, been bruised, never broken”. the necessary age for ordination The retreats were directed by was the low point of my time as Bishop Daly made a vast became 25 years. I heard from various religious orders. The priest. But the victims were the contribution in his leadership some of our Diocesan clergy, in Waterside parish normally had real story of pain. role in that era. At a time of their more humorous moments, three retreat priests arrive each Omagh Parish was my third great conflict and pain, he, along that “the new ruling came into year. One was usually elderly, the appointment, where I was for the with other notable people, was effect due to the Pope’s shock at other middle age, and the other next eight years. On my arrival instrumental in bringing about hearing of my application for middle age but looked young, to in the last Saturday of August justice and reconciliation, as is 1999, the townsfolk had just underage ordination”. keep everyone happy. In my nine Fr Neil Farren, PP Ardmore. enjoyed today. I was ordained in my home years in the Waterside, those two marked two weeks earlier the first The 1980s in the Waterside community. This good practice many ‘turas’ to various Patrician parish of Buncrana. Bishop Daly retreat weeks at the beginning of anniversary of the Omagh Bomb. Parish saw also much in the should be carried out in every foundations along the Faughan had asked that the maximum May each year were the highlight The Saturday evening I arrived way of Church building and parish where possible. were well journeyed but great number to attend be 100 guests... of the Parish Year. They had the saw a large, candle-lit procession improvements, with the opening Also what gave me great joy in memories. The Pastoral Council that at a time of no pandemic. powerful effect, I remember, of pass solemnly through the of the Church of The Immaculate Omagh was seeing the number of was active, hosting many events Amongst those attending was bringing back many lapsed to the darkened Omagh streets in Conception in 1981, as well as parishioners taking an active part and speakers throughout. my mother and father, Brian Catholic faith, once again. memory of the dead and injured. the complete restoration of St in the life of the parish community. We are fortunate in Ardmore and Breid Farren, my sisters and It was great to be ordained a I knew I was coming to a town Columb’s Church in 1985 and It was always wonderful to see Parish to have a Pastoral Centre brothers, Mary, John, Patrick, priest in that era, when there full of painful grief. I got to know the Newbuildings new Church in people offering their services for that, up to the pandemic, was Brian and Margaret. seemed to be a great spiritual many of those lovely people 1988. the good of the parish, such as well used. Still, it is available if Bishop Daly had asked Bishop energy in the Church, derived tragically maimed or bereaved The Good Shepherd Sisters were the powerful witness of the Prayer there is an overflow of people Farren, my grand-uncle, if from Vatican II and Pope John by that awful Omagh bomb. I also active, performing invaluable Guides, Charasmatic Renewal, attending Mass that needs to be he would like to perform the Paul II’s visit to Ireland in ‘79. was also with those same family work for the people in the Top and the leadership teams that accommodated. ceremony, but he felt in his Many parishioners, especially members in their other days, of the Hill area, with the Family assisted with their para liturgies The Ardmore Parish is in debt retirement years that he would the youth, wanted to take an such as weddings or other family Centre operating there. and bringing various speakers to to some very fine lay people that not be as able as in his earlier days, active role in the life of the parish events. These people were, and After nine years in the share their faith witness. assist at various levels, from the so left the ordination to Bishop community. still are, an inspiration. Waterside, I was Coleraine bound Bishop Hegarty appointed me, Pastoral Council to the Finance Daly. My First Mass on April 2, There were many very active One of the highlights in the life for the following 11 years, from in 2007, to be Parish Priest of Committee. In this time of 1979, was Bishop Farren’s last lay movements on the go: Parish of the Omagh parish community 1988-99. The main thrust there Ardmore. I was greeted on my pandemic, the Pastoral Council public Mass to attend. He got a Renewal, Parish Councils, was at the Christmas Liturgy, was building up the sense of arrival by Mgr McQuillan and assisted in bringing more people stroke two weeks later. For that Charismatic Renewal, Marriage when ministers of the other Parish Community. I have often Sr Teresa. Both were very valued to be involved, be it in the liturgy reason it was good to have been Encounter, Youth Encounter, Religious denominations in the heard it said that a parish in debt members of the Parish team in or assisting in the church at ordained early. Parish Youth Groups, St Vincent vicinity of Omagh came along, is a parish that pulls together. That Ardmore for many years. Sr Teresa other areas during the time of I still remember arriving at my de Paul, Legion of Mary, the at the end of the Mass, and gave was true for the Waterside Parish I retired in the weeks I arrived and lockdown, and especially since first appointment in the Waterside Church Choirs and Folk Groups our congregation a Christmas had just left and also for the parish Fr McQuillan was soon to retire the re-opening of the Church at Parochial House, in Derry, with were bursting at the seams with greeting. This was a scene that I was bound for, Coleraine. Their also, but never did. He is still the end of June; keeping it a safe my father and being welcomed by membership. gave hope for the harmony of Parish Church was then to be its people as a true Christian keeping well in the retirement place. the then parish priest, Fr Austin The positive spiritual effects home and often talks about his The finance committee has love for the Ardmore people and also been invaluable, assisting in his desire to say one more Mass in various projects such as upgrading Ardmore Chapel. the church and the church car We have been, and hopefully park, as well as other areas of are, fortunate to have a vibrant parish maintenance. My thanks Folk Group and Choir in to the parishioners for the support Ardmore, but they have been one given to the parish religious faith of the casualties of the pandemic, over the years. They are, indeed, and how the liturgy and the an inspiration and shining light congregation, as well as I, miss of faith witness to many of our their input big time. younger generation families in There have been many highlights the parish. Let’s hope and pray in Ardmore, especially the Year of that the younger generation will Faith that brought parishioners appreciate the religious faith to many a ‘Turas’ Pilgrimage, handed down to them from journeying from Slemish to previous generations, often at a Parishioners, and others from neighbouring parishes, with Fr Neil on one of the many ‘Turas’ pilgrimages to sites connected to St Patrick. Croagh Patrick and from the Hill price, which the Ardmore Mass of the Slane to Lough Derg. The Rock testifies to and the faith THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 27

community gathering, meeting in the years to come, there will be place, even sick visitation, and more high points than low points. every visitation has been halted But then again, ‘tis the low points due to people shielding and to that bring us to our knees. prevent the spread of Covid-19. Catholic Schools, over the 41 Zoom meetings are more the years of my priesthood, have order of the day in these times. excelled themselves in fostering Bishop Donal McKeown still a high level of learning for our keeps the priests occupied with youth and have been a great Deanery Zoom meetings that assistance in imparting religious have priests in different deaneries, faith to the children in their care. be it Derry City, Inishowen, Co These schools are invaluable in Derry, or Co Tyrone deaneries, imparting a religious faith to the meeting together via Zoom to children of the parish community assist, through listening and and beyond. Without them, the responding, with various means religious faith of our youth would and resources. be in a much poorer state. St Mary’s Church, Ardmore. This year, 2020, was to be a high I would like also to thank those witness of generations gone gone to their rest. point in the Derry Diocese with parents who assist in handing on before them. Pandemic the Diocesan/Parish Renewal the faith to our youth through In my years at Ardmore Parish, I Keeping healthy is hard today, planned for this year and their faith practice in this era, have also been Hospital Chaplain especially when Covid-19 can be next, leading up to the 1500th when religious faith development in Altnagelvin Area Hospitals, so easily got, not always the fault anniversary of the death of St is not always appreciated nor working alongside, in the of those getting it. This pandemic Columba, in 2021. The pandemic culturally encouraged. earlier years, Fr Chris Ferguson, time, of course, is a much more has put paid to that high point. If I was to live life over again, with Sr Carmel and Sr Breda difficult time for all the front Bishop McKeown came to I would still opt to be a priest. assisting. In more recent years, line staff in our hospitals, as well Ardmore to celebrate Mass on Indeed, it is a better time to be I have been working alongside as for the patients and family Monday, November 2, for the priest today, than it was 40 years Fr Sean O’Donnell, Sr Jo and Sr members who are unable to visit 90th anniversary of the opening ago, even though the same vitality Myriam. Also, in the past number or be visited. By acting together to of the Church of St Mary. is not there as used to be, but of months, Fr Canny and Fr prevent the spread of Covid-19, Priesthood has its varied still it is a better time to be priest Gallagher have been involved. we, by our actions, can increase demands, be it as Celebrant, today. Christ continues to invite The hospital ministry involved our care for the safety, well-being Confessor, Counsellor, Liturgist, us to be builders in His kingdom much support from many and health of all NHS/HSE and Homilist, Consoler, Chaplain, and inspires us to bring His love Eucharistic Ministers from Care Workers, as well as the Visitor, Chairperson, committee and His message, the Good News, different nearby parishes,patients in hospitals and nursing Member, Healer, Listener, etc, etc. to all we meet. invaluably assisting with bringing homes. It is not easy being all to all people We need more youths to the Eucharist to patients in In this time of pandemic, we are all the time. It is good to be a consider this call to ordination. hospital wards. This ministry fortunate, in the North, to have priest. The daily high point for me This call must be spiritually also involved collaborating with our churches open. The reason is the celebration of the weekday/ nurtured by youth themselves, ministers of other religious they have been kept open, I Sunday Mass. It is this spiritual as well as faith supported by denominations and hosting believe, is that they are safe places and communal experience others around them if it is to be various annual religious services. to be. Much effort has been put in that gives the day purpose and responded to. It is also important At this November time, I think by parish volunteers, as well as a meaning. that we should all pray that the and pray for all those I have great financial cost of re-sanitizing The priest’s life needs to be Lord of the harvest will send attended over the 12 years of to keep the Church a safe place to nourished as well by time spent in labourers to His harvest, for the service there, as well as in the enter and pray in. the presence of the Divine Master harvest is rich but the labourers Ardmore Parish community. The pastoral aspect of priestly in those other moments, so that are few. Some in the hospital setting have ministry has dramatically changed the priest, himself, is alive to the To conclude, I have ministered Himself on the cross for the life of made good recoveries; others have regarding parishioner contact. Spirit’s promptings in the course for over 41 years in four parishes, Pope’s monthly the world. Amen. still to live with the side effects of With the exception of the Mass/ of his priestly ministry. alongside seven parish priests, 13 their ill health, whilst others have evening Rosary, there is no other Through the 40+ years of curates and four bishops, in that intention Remember in prayer: ministry there have been high space of time. points and low points. Hopefully, The Holy Father has asked for Fr Neil Farren (Nov 1st) prayer during November for: Fr Paul Farren (2nd) Fr Christopher Ferguson (3rd) Artificial Intelligence... Fr John Forbes (4th) We pray that the progress Fr Edward Gallagher (5th) of robotics and artificial Fr Paul Fraser (6th) intelligence may always serve Fr John Gilmore (7th) humankind. Fr Joseph Gormley (8th) Fr Eamon Graham (9th) Prayer for Priests Fr Dermott Harkin (10th) Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless Fr Karl Haan (11th) our bishops and priests and to Fr Eugene Hasson (12th) confirm them in their vocation of Fr Malachy Gallagher (13th) service. Fr John Irwin (14th) As they stand before us as Fr Charles Keaney (15th) ministers of Your Sacraments, Fr Stephen Kearney (16th) may they be channels of the love and compassion of the Good Fr Gerald Hasson (17th) Shepherd, who came not be served Fr Michael Keaveny (18th) but to serve. Fr Seamus Kelly (19th) Give them the grace they need to Fr Edward Kilpatrick (20th) respond generously to you, and All priests (21st) the courage to proclaim your Fr Charles Logue (22nd) Word of justice, love and truth. Fr Paul McCafferty (23rd) Bless, in a special way, Msgr Bryan McCanny (24th) Your servant Fr Michael McCaughey (25th) Fr Andrew McCloskey (26th) Father.... Fr Patrick Lagan (27th) Send your Spirit upon him All Priests (28th) Fr Neil Farren as his ordination ceremony got underway. From left, Fr Neil’s So that he may always walk uncle, the late Fr John Farren, his granduncle, the late Bishop Neil Farren, and in the path of faith, hope and love, Fr Noel McDermott (29th) the late Dr Hugh McGurk, PP Buncrana. His granny, the late Jane Dorrian, had in the footsteps of Christ, Fr Eamon McDevitt (30th) arrived late to the ceremony, causing him to look her way as she entered her Fr Neil in his soutane on his ordination day. seat close to where he stood. the eternal priest, who offered 28 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 St Teresa of the Andes – Part III Life behind the cloister door by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD HEN Juanita Fernandez Solar stepped to be found in something that Like us, she knew the temptation comes from outside of us. Rather it to flight but, instead of taking to through the cloister door as Sr Teresa of has been inside of us all the time! her heels, she fixed her eyes on the Jesus in the Los Andes Carmel on May Teresa of the Andes gathers person who dwelt in the silence 7,W 1919, one of the first places that she was taken by up the information that she has and existed on the other side of the Mother Prioress was to her new room, called in gleaned from her own time spent the mystery. She set her will on in the cell - “I am happy dear little wanting only Him, and she gave religion: the cell. The community took the new Sister sister. I am the happiest creature in her heart to one expression only: Teresa of Jesus to the cell first, precisely because the the world. I am beginning my life love of Him. This love became like cell holds such a place of precedence in Discalced in heaven, of adoration, praise, and a fiery dart that flies through the unending love. It seems to me as dark cloud and strikes the Sacred Carmelite life. if I am already in eternity because Heart. He who is an abyss of mercy you do not feel time in Carmel. We and love could not help himself One of the outstanding features in a wholesome manner. are immersed in the bosom of the but be moved. In that interaction of the ancient rule of St Albert, the To a modern eye, such a room unchanging God.” Teresa found “a peace and such a rule of life of all Carmelites, is the strikes as being vaguely dangerous. From our vantage point of great tranquillity that she could not emphasis that it places on living in In a contradictory way, the room rooms that are choc-a-block with describe it”; a peace, not that the solitude in an individual cell. The seems full to the brim with absence, gadgets, gizmos and fashion, you world knows, but that comes from rule exhorts Discalced Carmelites and the very nothingness of it leaves would definitely consider that in knowing God Himself. “to stay in their own cell pondering the modern person cold and saying a room such as Teresa inhabited, A problem for so many is the Lord’s law, day and night”. The to themselves, “how could anyone time would definitely lag, you that so often we have such an rule sees this time spent in solitude do it?” In one place in the letters could well imagine a person sitting impoverished notion of what it is as the real currency of conversion of Teresa of Jesus’ favourite saint, strumming their fingers begging to pray. Teresa of the Andes will and engagement with the Lord Elizabeth of the Trinity admits a for something to happen, but have no truck with our simplistic Jesus. similar trepidation but encourages Teresa begs to differ, her time only notions of mouthing words and Teresa of Jesus was immediately everyone to discover a deeper seems to fly when she is occupied fingering beads, she wants to share delighted with the room that the wisdom that underpins that stark with adoration, love and the life with us something more than a Mother Prioress opened to her. She little room, “the life of a Carmelite of heaven. I want us to go into the caricature of the real thing. was struck by its poor simplicity is a communion with God from detail of this a little further. She wants anyone who comes compared to the grandeur that she morning until evening, and from Prayer to her to hear the wisdom that she was used to at home in Santiago. evening until morning. If He did For Teresa, the room left so herself learnt in Discalced Carmel. The cell contained a bed of wooden not fill our cells and our cloisters, starkly empty is a symbol of a St Teresa of Avila in her book, ‘The slats with a straw mattress and a oh how empty they would be! But further secret room. The empty Interior Castle’, openly criticises a hard pillow. Teresa’s mother had through everything, we see Him room opens to another, a room great deal of the commonly held sent ahead of her a mattress and for we have Him within us and our that is altogether more profound. views and the advice that is shared pillow more in keeping with the life is an anticipated heaven. I ask It is an interior room in the soul with novices to prayer. There are life she had known outside Los God to teach you all these secrets.” of each person and, in that room, literally reams of material out there Andes; a mattress and pillow full In these sentiments, St Elizabeth a constant interaction can occur about what a person is to do when of goose feathers and comfortable prays not only for Teresa, but for between the soul and the Son of they go to pray. There are a great materials, but the novice mistress all who ponder the meaning of God. Prayer, therefore, is a key to deal of guidelines and rules to be “at last all-powerful master you If He was there, what else would immediately vetoed the use of Teresa’s little empty room. unlocking the love, the joy, and followed, and all kinds of things give leave to your servant to go in Teresa need? such luxuries for any prospective As a modern eye casts around the life of heaven that Teresa talks to be avoided. The Great Teresa peace according to your promise, What went on between Teresa candidate to the order. Teresa’s cell, it attempts to spy about going on in her cell. Teresa teaches both Teresa of the Andes for my eyes have seen the salvation and the Blessed Trinity in that There was no resentment in out the usual accoutrements that wrote to her former spiritual and us, in our turn, that all those which you have prepared for all room is a secret hidden in the Teresa’s heart in response, she had we place around our own room, director a few months after she things centre on paying attention nations.” heart of Teresa herself. In some come to live the life authentically those things that give us so much had entered the Carmel of Los to what we as human beings are And St Paul, in his epistles, again of her letters, she gives her family and was relieved. All that furnished satisfaction and which we imagine Andes. She speaks of her “prayer doing, but little or no attention is and again urges the Christian and friends a privileged place to her new little room was a jug with a that without those things we could as growing more and more simple,” being payed to who is there with Church to rejoice. No matter the witness some of it. Teresa wrote basin for washing, a low bench for never be happy. We, somehow, meaning that being in her simple us and what this God does for suffering that was being inflicted to her little brother, Ignaticio: “My sitting, a small work basket, and a give these objects a value out of all room has inspired her to jettison us in prayer. She asks, how can upon them, the power of the Cross soul is always united to yours; the low table for reading and writing. proportion, but this Carmelite cell everything that is superfluousthat be at all right? From her own and Resurrection was overcoming two form one. Now I am already All that she would ever be able to raises the question of us: “Are they and unnecessary, all her devices, experience, the Saint from Avila the World. They can afford to immersed in God. His love is the bring into that room was sewing really your happiness?” distractions, preoccupations, teaches that God wants to give all laugh, for Christ is their true joy. life of my soul. I want to raise you equipment and cloth for work, one The room of Teresa of the Andes even prayer books and beautifully of Himself to us in prayer. All these Scriptural references up to Him. I want to share with book loaned from the library to poses more questions - what type framed sets of words that she had Teresa of Avila advises that her are not mere coincidence, for what you, my brother, a little of the fire read and some paper in order to be of happiness can you hold in your clung to in order to give herself own prayer only progressed when is God after all but eternal joy? that burns in me. I want to warm able to write letters home. hand, what happiness can rust, some method to address God. she gave all her attention, intention God is three eternal persons ever you in His infinite fire, so that you On the wall was one of the few crumble, or break, and, most of Letting go of all this stuff had and energy over to Him. This was turned toward each other, rejoicing may have life. I feel wrapped in decorations; a stark black wooden all, is there any kind of happiness forced her to centre herself firmly an invitation to the Almighty to fill in the company of the other two, a divine atmosphere of peace, of cross and around the pinnacle of outside of ourselves? As Teresa and squarely in something and her with His presence. Wherever and saying to each “my beloved love, of light, and of infinite joy.” the cross was wrapped a crown of of the Andes enters her room for someone altogether simple; the God is present, then present with one.” The God, who is a trinity of In another outstanding letter, thorns. The cross was remarkable the first time, she is effectively presence of God. Teresa said that Him is all the goodness, beauty, felicitation, created us in His own she writes to her mother of what in only one way; there was no saying to us that there is more when she gave herself to God, she truth, love and, last of all, the joy image and likeness. We were made is going on behind the cloister of Christ upon the black wood. It to happiness than what we have became wholly intent on love and that He Himself is. in joy and made to know the joy of Los Andes and within the sacred was a statement and a reminder to settled for in modernity. What we did not want anything but God The New Testament abounds the divine life. precincts of her interior: “I assure Teresa, as she inhabited that room, have settled for is not happiness at Himself. In this prayer she “feels with references to the God who Restless you, Madrecita, that I feel an that by the life that she led there, by all, but rather our greatest grief. We her entire soul immersed in God.” brings with Him the fullness of joy. St Augustine once famously insatiable hunger and thirst that the love with which she loved, by have made maybe the profoundest When Teresa closed the door of In the life of the Blessed Virgin, wrote, “You have made us for souls may seek God, but that they the surrender of herself to the vows error possible; we have mistaken her little room and began to pray, when the angel announced that she yourself, O Lord, and our hearts seek Him not out of fear but out of a nun’s life, she herself could pleasure for happiness, sensation she encountered a God who is so would be the mother of The Most are restless until they rest in you.” of limitless confidence in Divine climb onto that cross with her for real joy. utterly different, she could not use High, Gabriel told her to rejoice We could rework that line for this Love.” And thus Teresa invited her eternally lovable Master. On the So, the near empty room of the normal methods that people because of the favour. God in His present article, and it could be mother to take a good look into her cross was written the words of the Teresa in Los Andes starts to speak deploy in meeting another person. condescension had bent down something like, “You have made soul: “Madrecita, I would like to be Mother Foundress of the Discalced to us of its own logic. If you have to As she sought Him, there was no to her and had placed Himself us for your own joy and our hearts able to let you read my soul so that Carmelites, St Teresa of Avila, use something to elicit sensation, need for a multitude of words but within her. The experience of the are restless until they rest in your you might see all that the Lord has “God alone suffices.” These were then what you are talking about rather the opposite, a profound intimacy of God that close must joy.” The little room that Teresa written there these days. He makes words of encouragement from the is not happiness. Happiness is stillness and an atmosphere of have been overwhelming. In the occupied and used for prayer in me understand, He makes me see first Teresa of Jesus to her daughter not the same thing as the thrill silence. God had wrapped himself Presentation, you can almost hear Los Andes was so empty precisely things unknown and wonders now living in the Carmel of Los of excitement that comes with in a dark cloud of mystery, and that the exhilaration in the heart of so that it could be filled to the very never seen before. You cannot Andes, as to how to live in this cell something new. Happiness is not place was, indeed, intimidating. Simeon as he speaks those words, brim with the joy of God Himself. imagine, Madrecita, the love which THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 29

religion are not the drag, the party pooper, that the World would have us believe. The caricature is that Litany of Irish Saints Catholicism is something that takes away all those things that Lord, have mercy on us. St. Flannan, Intercede for us. excite and interest people. Catholic Christ, have mercy on us. St. Munchin, faith does not subtract things from Lord, hav e mercy on us. St. Fachtna, Lamb of God, Who takest away human beings and it does not Christ, hear us. St. Otteran, the sins of the world, Spare us, O seek to leave us diminished by Christ, graciously hear us. St. Carthage, Lord. our encounter with its doctrines, St. Jarlath, Lamb of God, Who takest away rather it seeks to give us Christ God the Father of Heaven, have St. Nathy, the sins of the world, Graciously and everything that comes with mercy on us. St. Asicus, hear us, O Lord. Him; His beauty, His love, and His God the Son, Redeemer of the St. Nicholas, Lamb of God, Who takest away joy. Prayer and contemplation are world, have mercy on us. St. Colman, the sins of the world, Have mercy not rigid practices, they are not God the Holy Spirit, have mercy St. Muredach, on us. some straight-jacket of words and on us. St. Declan, V. Pray for us, all you Saints of methods, but they challenge us to Holy Trinity one God, have mercy St. Virgilius, Ireland. simplify ourselves and our lives on us. St. Senan, R. That we may be made worthy of in order to enjoy God as He truly St. Frigidian, the promises of Christ. is, enjoying Him for his own sake, Holy Mary, pray for us St. Cuthbert, and enjoying the inner life of one Holy Mother of God, St. Rupert, Let us pray who is complete joy. Holy Virgin of virgins, St. Celsus, Grant, O Lord, an increase of Thy Teresa, in her cloistered life, St. Joseph, pray for us. St. Cataldus, Grace to us who celebrate the would emphasise that happiness St. Killian, pray for us St. Donatus, memory of all the Saints of our is not some fix of pleasure that St. Rumold, Blessed Thaddaeus, Island; that as, on earth, we rejoice you give to yourself in order St. Livinus, All ye Holy Pontiffs andto be one with them in race, so, in to get through the trials of life. St. Oliver, Confessors, pray for us. Heaven, we may deserve to share Happiness is not the subjective All ye Holy Martyrs, pray for us. with them an inheritance of bliss. electricity of pleasure that you get St. Columba, pray for us. Through Christ Our Lord. from objects and experiences from St. Celestine, pray for us. St. Kevin, Amen. time to time. Teresa wants people St. Patrick, St. Brendan, to know that happiness is a state of St. Malachy, St. Canice, (Irish Ecclesiastical Record Vol 18 St. Macnise, St. Kieran, (1921), 433-435; 532-536.) I already feel in myself. He has of a lifetime. She set course straight being, a state of well-being, a state St. Finnian, St. Columbanus, transformed me. He is opening the to that destination where God of wholeness that comes about by St. Mel St. Gall, veils that have hidden Him. Each dwells in beautiful light. Teresa a dynamic connectedness between St. Macartan, St. Fursey, time He seems more beautiful to is not some kind of alien species. the soul and God. Not everyone St. Eugene, St. Fintan, me, more tender, more intense...I The same heart, the same soul, the has the luxury of a cell and a St. Colman, St. Comgall, do not want to continue writing same power is in her as in you. Carmelite monastery, but they St. Felim, St. Fiacre, because when I begin to speak The only difference is her desire can, nonetheless, all pray with the St. Eunan, All ye Holy Monks and Hermits, of the Lord, I cannot restrain my to do something with it. By giving room of the heart. Prayer is always St. Laurence, pray for us. pen.” herself totally to this adventure, about God and once God is truly St. Conleth, Anyone can see that for an whole new vistas and experiences engaged then that God brings all St. Laserian, St. Brigid, pray for us. empty room there is a whole lot open up to her. The vistas and the capacities and potential of each St. Aidan, St. Ita, going on within! Alone and bored experiences are of God Himself. human life to its zenith. St. Kieran, St. Attracta, was the very last things that Teresa Teresa, from her little cell in Happiness is the blessedness St. Albert, St. Dympna, was. When Teresa went into that Los Andes, every moment she of being with God; that was the St. Ailbe, St. Lelia, cell, the one that we thought that spent there, typed out a prophetic whole purpose of the cell that she St. Colman, All ye Holy Virgins, pray for us. we would be frightened of, she message for people of this entered on May 7, 1919 St. Finnbarr, All ye Holy Saints of God, became embroiled in an adventure generation. Faith and Catholic

A Word of God for your Family Life Resurrection by Fr Johnny Doherty, CSsR life as a priest, I thought of myself friend to celebrate her funeral could do was be with them in the have not disappeared. graves of their loved ones and as someone who understood Mass. days ahead and pray with them 2. Death does not mean the end in how we dedicate this month death very well. I was so often in Friends tried to comfort and and cry with them. of the relationship. It is different each year to their memory. Their the position of accompanying console me by saying things November now from what it was when they names are engraved on stone people in the time of death and like “she had a long life”, “a good Each one of us has our own were here. But, in many ways, it for the world to see just as they being supportive of people in the innings”, “you were very lucky to experience of the death of a is stronger and more intimate. In are engraved on our hearts for death of their loved ones. I often have her for so long and in such loved one. And our experience is letting them go we also enter into us to never forget. These are the cried with people at that last good health”, and so on. I knew unique. Even within a family, each something greater with them. shoulders we stand on today. They moment, when death is such a that all of these things were true member of the family has her or I often pray for them, I pray to call on us to proclaim our faith so final experience. but, at that time, they made no his own way of responding to the them, I pray about them, I pray that the world may believe in Jesus In 1981, my father died. We had difference to me. The grief I felt same death. That can make it a with them. Christ. been expecting his death and were was so deep that nothing could difficult time for a family. 3. My own death is certain. That A suggestion waiting with him in Letterkenny reach it just then. During this month of November, can be a scary thought! But it can • Create a sacred space Hospital, where he had been for Over the years, there have been we intentionally remember our also become a real impetus for somewhere in your home, with a a couple of weeks. I thought I was a number of deaths of very close loved ones who have died and get living my life as fully as possible crucifix, a picture of Our Lady and I have always felt very privileged well prepared. But I discovered friends that have affected me in touch again with ourselves in now so that death becomes a a candle as a Catholic priest. In the course that you are never really prepared deeply. Probably the one that relation to them. We do this not real part of my life. That is what • Place all the Memoriam Cards of my ministry, many people for the death of someone you affected me most was the death in some morbid way, but with preparing for death should mean that you have in that sacred space. brought me close to the joys deeply love. There was such of a young baby called Sarah. I gratitude and searching for peace for us. • Dedicate a few minutes each and sorrows of their lives. I have finality about that moment, as we had a strong friendship with her for them and for ourselves. 4. Christian faith is a great gift. day of November to taking one or officiated at countless weddings, all began to talk about him in the parents before they got married. I Things to remember In the Creed we say: “I believe two of these cards, talk about the not just as an observer but as a past tense. Part of me died on that accompanied them through their 1. Death does not mean the in the Communion of Saints, person(s) and your memories of friend and confidant. I have had day in May. pregnancy, which had a lot of end of the person. In our society the forgiveness of sins, the them, and pray the prayer that is the joy of baptising many babies In 2005, my mother died in the difficulties. And when Sarah was today, many people regard death resurrection of the body, and life on the card. of family and friends, as well as in hospital in Carndonagh. She was born, I celebrated with them the as the end of the person and we everlasting”. That is the faith of the • Visit the graves together as a parishes. I have had the privilege ninety-eight years of age. She had wonder of this new life. can easily get caught into that Church. It is a faith that we have family and share your memories of working closely with a large good health until a week before Then Sarah got meningitis and mentality. Remembering our but also that we need to constantly with each other. number of married couples. I her death, when she got a massive was struggling for life for several beloved dead can help us to realise grow into. November is a month • Let the Mass of each Sunday have been made part of so many stroke from which she could not days. She lost the struggle and the truth as we reflect on our for this growth in faith about of November lead you into a families at times of celebration and recover. Even though we were all died in their arms. For them, it experiences of love. I certainly am ourselves and our loved ones who deeper faith in the resurrection of suffering, and became a friend with her each day through that was shattering. I could only guess convinced of this as I think of my have died. of Christ and the promise of our to them and they to me. week, her death was devastating how heart-broken they were. I father and mother, and so many 5. Catholic practice is very resurrection. The mystery of death for me to such an extent that I lost felt totally helpless. I could do others whom I have loved and healthy. This is seen in the way For the first fifteen years of my my voice and had to get a priest nothing, could say nothing. All I continue to love. They certainly that so many people care for the 30 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 Stations, Turas and Crosses... Prayers and Reflectionby Vera McFadden from Carndonagh, tells that he looking towards the rock. A well he told me that the Saint’s Church was a man of miracles, of virtue, near the town is named after him had been nearby and if I went a and of holiness of life. as well. little way up the other road, the On the other side of the stream, There is another saint connected people there might show me. there is an altar or Mass rock. with Cloncha; Adamnan (Eunan). They did and I was impressed by During the Penal Days, the Holy He was a relation of St Columba, its peace, antiquity and proximity Mass was often celebrated near who had lived several generations to the present-day dwelling. It was the ancient ecclesiastical sites, so before him. He was born about a small grassy area with stones that may have happened here. 624 and grew up in Co Donegal. lying about, and there was a raised When I visited an exhibition He first studied at a monastery circular area with a small stone of Willie Doran’s paintings in in Drumholm and then he went cross. The back window of the the Church Hall in Culdaff, I to one in Co Meath. For several house looked out on it. The area is mentioned a portrait of Maol Iosa, years, he was spiritual adviser called Templemoyle. and bog oak artist, Mary Doherty to the High King at Tar. He Now, I wonder about it all. If said to me that the picture was also studied and prayed here at Adamnan was in the monastery probably one of several that the Cloncha. Later, he was to become at Cloncha and constructed the artist had painted for her uncle, the Abbott at Iona for many years, Church and blessed the well here, historian Brian Bonnar. She told and he left us the gift of his ‘Life of was he in the area at two different me about a legend that she had C o l u m b a’. periods? heard as a local child. It was about Before I ever knew that he was Many years after I visited this a tunnel that connected Both in this part of Inishowen, I was led little spot, I got a great surprise. Chonais with Cloncha and how to two other Stations which relate I had read the following in one the monks had walked through it. to him. I was near Malin Town and of the ancient annals, “There She must have been amazed when I asked a passer-by which was the was a shower of honey at Fahan one of the Bernician Studies’ best road to Culdaff. I explained Mor andn a drop of honey at archaeologists told her that part that I hoped to discover places Fahan Beag”. I asked about it at about the tunnel was true, for they connected with St Buadan and a Bernician Studies meeting and had found it. that I was interested in the early a man from Culdaff told me that Cloncha is the site of two Christian period. The lady told it was the place at Templemoyle, other Stations that I read about. me to take the nearby road and and that it is called ‘Othan Beag’ Here, there are the remains of St that there would be a crossroads (little sheltered place) on the map. Mary’s Church, which has not further along, where I could join So many scholarly and holy been used since the 19th Century. the main road to Culdaff. She said people have prayed and worked in Churches were often built on the that if I asked someone near that this little corner of Inishowen, and site of an ancient early Christian crossroads, there was something there are still several dedicated foundation and, indeed, there is a about the Early Christian period historians and writers in the area, THE stops along a Turas are Nearby, on the other side of a written the ‘Deus Meus’, which we lot of evidence of this here. that I could perhaps discover. whose constant research often called Stations. Recently, I read stream, there is an enclosure, a sang quite often in the St Patrick’s Historical I stopped a safe distance away reveals yet more. When the old about two of these. They were West cross and an East cross, and Church Choir. Our choir leader The first time I visited here from the crossroads. There was stories and traditional lore are quite near each other but I don’t some parts of broken crosses and was very fond of it and so was I. was on a Donegal Historical no one about, so I asked the owner cherished by people like Mary know if they are part of a former some other stones. The crosses are I had not known that the author Society outing too. I found the of a nearby house. He showed me Doherty, even more emerges. pilgrimage walk. I have never of the early type, with short arms. was a local man. So I decided to place fascinating with its pieces of a well at the back of his lawn and There is a great sense of wonder heard of any special prayers The first time that I came here learn more about him. crosses and informative sculpted told me that it had been blessed by in studying the past around us that were said at them, or if the was on a Donegal Historical He was born at the beginning stones. I remember a man bending St Adamnan and that people had and the beauty of nature as we go pilgrims walked in their bare feet. Society outing. I was impressed by of the 11th century. As he was to examine broken engraved parts come here to pray. It was dried up along. Both gifts from God are We prayed five Our Fathers, the natural setting and the ancient very capable and diligent, he went and wondering if they could now. “Was that Adamnan who now threatened by irresponsible five Hail Marys and five Glorias, crosses. We listened attentively to some other places to learn ever be put together again. They wrote ‘The Life of Columba’?” I land-use and pollution. We must as well as walked unshod around to what our guide was telling us. more. He wrote songs, poetry and seemed to be of a later date than asked. “Yes,” he replied, and then protect them. each Station at the Gap of I have been back several times, prayers. Armagh and Lismore the crosses of Carrowmore. Mamore; a pilgrimage that I have sometimes alone, sometimes with are two of the places which he When I occasionally revisited, done since childhood. others, and prayed at this holy visited or where he stayed. He I always stood in admiration About St Francis… Some local people in the place. died at Lismore in 1086. People beside a well preserved slab on Carrowmore and Cloncha areas It is believed to be the site of who knew him remembered that which a sword, caman and ball by Vera McFadden may remember these details. The the ancient monastery of Both he was diligent and had a great are sculpted, as well as the name A short time after Francis Once some people who lived Station at Carrowmore was by a Chonais. There was a monastic sense of humour, and that he was of the maker and the person received the stigma, Brother Leo near the monastery told Francis big well known as the Monastery school at this place, and it was very chaste and constantly prayed who was buried under it. This was very depressed. Francis wrote that they would like to live holy Well. The wall of the Well was here that Maol Iosa O’Brolchain for the protection of the angels, information is in Scottish Gaelic. out a blessing from the Bible for lives like the friars, whilst still made with rounded stones. It began his studies at the age of six. especially his guardian angel. In Another stone also gives, in old him: living in their own homes and was at the top of a field behind When I heard that my attention ‘Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae’, John Gaelic, the name of the sculptor ‘The Lord bless thee, doing their own work. Francis Carrowmore School. deepened, for Maol Iosa had Colgan, the Franciscan historian and of the person for whom it was And keep thee, wrote the guidelines for them made. The Lord make His face to shine and they were known as Lay Two Stations were at a narrow, upon thee, Franciscans. well decorated shaft of a cross and And be gracious onto thee. Of course, these guidelines at a broken top of a cross and a The Lord lift up His countenance were like the guidelines of any socket, both of which are lying on upon thee, other lay order which are based on the ground. The shaft was called And give thee peace.’ the teachings of Christ. They are ‘St Buadan’s Cross’. The broken still followed today by Franciscan top and shaft have now been This piece of writing is still Tertiaries. connected together again. preserved today. Over the centuries, many An early Christian bronze Of course, Francis also wrote people from different areas of clapperless bell, which is in the the hymn, ‘Make Me a Channel Ireland were members of the Parochial House at nearby Bocan, of your Peace’, which expresses a Franciscan Third Order, and there is called ‘St Buadan’s Bell’. He was wish to bring strength and healing is a group canonically established our missioner to Scotland and to others in difficult situations. in Derry. he is the Patron Saint of Culdaff, That is how St Francis himself For a copy of Saint Frances’ where a rock in the river is known lived. Office or, anyone wanting to as ‘Buadan’s Boat’. This rock is Another hymn that he wrote gradually study the guidelines, connected with him and a legend. was ‘All Creatures of Our Lord write to Lay Franciscans, Assisi, 65 A lady in Culdaff brought me to a and King’. This short hymn is Whitehouse Park, Ballymagrorty, bridge where prayer is said while included in the St Francis Office. Derry BT48 0QA. THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020 31 17:28 which states, “For in God, we Children’s Catechism Club - C3 live and move and have our being.” To spend our lives in this deep place by Veronica Harley of trust in God has the capacity to Hello children. C3 welcomes you to the month of November. hands. God came to dwell in her in truly transform us, our circumstances Winter has arrived, so the days are shorter and the nights are a glorious manner and sanctified her and even our world. for the unique role she would have in Martin’s love was all-embracing, longer. Traditionally, this month is dedicated to the Holy Souls God’s saving work. shown equally to humans and in Purgatory. Although November can be dark and cold, we still On this Feast day, we turn to Mary animals. Martin helped to establish have many special days to celebrate. We begin November with a and ask her to assist us in our own a hospital and an orphanage. He also splendid feast – All Saints Day! task of sanctification, as the Holy welcomed African slaves, who were Spirit did with her in the Temple in comforted on their arrival in Lima. By making small sacrifices, we can Jerusalem. This helps us to remember Martin’s life reflected his great love Animals loved Martin, so tradition give an offering to God to ease the that we, too, are temples of God who for God and all of God’s gifts. He holds that he was able to feed a dog, a suffering of the Holy Souls (CCC are sanctified so we might share in had many extraordinary abilities, cat and a mouse from the same bowl. 1032). This hastens their arrival in God’s saving work. including aerial flights, bilocation, One of his many duties in the convent heaven. ‘We celebrate that dedication of instant cures, spiritual knowledge was to manage the alms for the poor, Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, herself which Mary made to God and miraculous knowledge. Martin and his careful budgeting allowed and let perpetual light shine upon from her very childhood under the consistently gave all credit to God him to feed and clothe hundreds of them. May their souls and the souls inspiration of the Holy Spirit who for any healing or good that came needy people in the city. of all the faithful departed, through filled her with grace’. (Liturgy of the through his efforts. In one of the few The life of Martin de Porres was one the mercy of God, rest in peace. Hours) quotes we have from St Martin, he of humble devotion. He is venerated Amen. said to a sick person after praying for for his constant unassuming service St Martin de Porres healing: “I only cure you. It is God to the poor and his miraculous cures All Saints’ Day Feast of Christ the King St Martin de Porres was born at who heals you.” His life revealed a of the sick. We celebrate his feast day The Feast of All Saints is celebrated Every year on the last Sunday Lima, Peru, in 1579. He was the deep trust and reliance on God. St on November 3. on the 1st of November. On this day, before Advent, we celebrate the Feast illegitimate son of a Spanish knight Martin embodied the words of Acts St Martin, pray for us we go to Mass to honour all the saints of Christ the King (CCC 559). This and a freed black woman. His and martyrs, known and unknown, feast was instituted by Pope Pius XI mother apprenticed the 12- year-old who have died and are now with God in 1925. At that time the world was Martin to a barber-surgeon, from in Heaven. Saints are people who increasingly telling Christians to be whom he learned to care for the sick. have loved God very much and who completely loyal to the government Three years later, he was admitted to have dedicated their lives to living in power and to forget about God the Dominican Convent of the Holy God’s Will. The Lord calls us all to be and his existence. Consequently, Rosary, first as a lay brother and later saints; to be holy people (CCC 2013). Pope Pius XI established this Feast to as a coadjutor brother. We give thanks to God for the saints remind Catholics and the world that and all their good deeds. These are Jesus Christ is Lord of the Universe. an example for us to live by each day. This wonderful feast day not only We, too, can live like the saints and marks the end of the Liturgical Year one day join God in Heaven, for we for our Church (CCC 1168), but it shall be saints. is also a day on which we celebrate Christ’s royalty and His reign over all Saints of the Month of creation. Jesus you are my King and my God 3rd Nov.: St Martin de Porres and I love you. Help me to be your 11th Nov.: St Martin of Tours good servant. 17th Nov.: St Elizabeth of Hungary 30th Nov.: St Andrew the Apostle Presentation of Mary in All Souls’ Day the Temple (CCC 721) The Feast of the Holy Souls is the The Feast of the Presentation of 2nd of November. On this day, Mary in the Temple is celebrated we especially remember all those on the 21st of November. On this people who have passed from this day, we celebrate the tradition that life to the next. The Holy Souls are Our Lady’s parents brought her to the people who have died in the the Temple when she was just three 13. Augusta is the capital of which US state? state of God’s grace and friendship. years old. It was here that she came Quiz Time with Lawrence 14. The television advertisement for which food product to live for a long period of time and was accompanied by the challenge ‘bet you can’t eat These souls are assured of reaching 1. 1. The original route of the Orient Express saw the where she unknowingly began to more than two’? Heaven and eternal salvation. The train run from Paris to which other city, up until 1977? 15. What is the chemical symbol for silver? Holy Souls remain in Purgatory prepare herself to be the Mother of 2. According to the Old Testament, Enoch was the 16. The original London Bridge was dismantled in 1968 because after their death they still God. In the Temple, because she was father of which Biblical figure? and rebuilt over the next three years in which US need to be purified of their sins. exceptionally holy, little Mary entered 3. In what field is Nadiya Hussain a renowned TV state? the service of God. This beautiful presenter and author? With this purification, they achieve 17. Which country is the world’s largest producer of Feast stresses an important truth 4. Manama is the capital city of which Middle Eastern the holiness needed before entering bananas? Kingdom? Heaven (CCC 1030). The word about Mary; from the beginning 18. What song provided 80s English singer, Billy Idol with 5. What is the actual first name of former England ‘purgatory’ was originally a Latin of her life, she was dedicated to his biggest UK chart hit? cricketer and occasional TV presenter ‘Freddie’ Flintoff? God. She herself became a greater 19. Who is the only person to have won an Oscar for adjective meaning ‘clean’. This gives 6. How many Irish counties begin with the letter C? temple than any made by human ‘Best -Actor/Actress’ on four occasions? us the English word “purge” with the 7. John Irving’s 1978 novel about the son of a feminist 20. Who wrote the poem ‘O captain, my captain’? same meaning. leader is the ‘World According to...’ whom? 21. What do Vanessa Redgrave, Stephen Hawking and Purgatory is more than a place. It is 8. On which racecourse is the Irish Grand National David Bowie all have in common? a process in which we are made holy traditionally run? 22. What is the American term used to collectively 9. In mathematics, what does 5 cubed minus 4 cubed equal? and pure so we can live with God describe the USA’s eight elite colleges? 10. What colour are fire hydrant signs in the UK and forever in Heaven (CCC 1054). The 23. What is the highest possible break in snooker Ireland? Holy Souls are not separated from without ever potting the black ball? 11. Which two actors have played the role of Charlie God while in Purgatory but instead 24. What happened Solomon Grundy on Friday? Harper in the US sitcom, ‘Two and A Half Men’? 25. The Assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand, said to are surrounded by God’s love and 12. In which Irish Church is the head of Oliver Plunkett have sparked the 1st World War, happened in which mercy. We can help to purify the on display?

European city?

Holy Souls by praying for them. We Sarajevo. 25, worse. got He 24, 125. 23, League. Ivy 22, Knighthoods. accept to refused They 21, Whitman. Walt 20, Hepburn.

pray at their graves but the Mass Katharine 19, Yell. Rebel 18, India. 17, Arizona. 16, Ag. 15, Wheat. Shredded 14, Maine. 13, Drogheda. Peter’s, St 12, Kutcher. Ashton and Sheen Charlie 11, Yellow. 10, 61.

Quiz Answers: Quiz is the greatest prayer for the dead. 9, Fairyhouse. 8, Garp. 7, Cork). and Clare Cavan, (Carlow, Four 6, Andrew. 5, Bahrain. 4, Cooking/baking. 3, Methuselah. 2, (Istanbul). Constantinople 1, 32 THE NET | NOVEMBER 2020

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,

Cait Ni Cheallaigh - Thornhill Mercy Award.

Ainara Hutcheon & Orlaith Cooper Abbie-Rose McGeady - Holy Family PS - St Cecilia’s - Football. - Ulster Showjumping.

Tei Chen - St Anne’s PS - Donegal Athletics Awards. “Fan into a flame the gift of God”. (2 Timothy 1:6)

Gemma Gallagher, St Brigid’s College Rosie O’Donnell Mia McDaid & Rachel Donaghy Jeannie McLaughlin - St Cecilia’s Patrick Terence McKeever, Carnhill - Budding Artist. - Thornhill Mercy Award. - St Cecilia’s - Kindness. - Leadership. - Centenarian.

Conan - St Mary’s, Drapers- Hollie Frystal, Strabane Fionnuala de Brun, Moville - Lauren Sweeney Ruby Sturgeon, Claudy town - Cycling Jersey Design - JPII Papal Award. JPII Award. - Thornhill Mercy Award. - JPII Award. 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,

Rebecca O’Doherty, Maeve Coyle - St Cecilia’s Roisin Rice, St Mary’s College Kate McGorry, Strabane Serena Doherty, Carndonagh Com- St Eugene’s - Codetta Choir. - Music. - IT Expert. - JPII Award. munity School - Caring Chaplain. Greenlough, Iskaheen, Killyclogher, Killygordon, Kilrea, Lavey, Leckpatrick, Lifford, Limavady, Maghera, Magilligan, Malin, Melmount,