THE NET | JUNE 2021 1

ISSUE 66. JUNE 2021 PRICE - £1.50 The NET /€2.00 Sharing fruits of faith in Derry Diocese

See inside... “Columba was called to be a saint, even though he did not know it at JPII Awards - St Eugene’s. the time. Dare to believe that you, too, are called to be a saint today” Bishop Donal

Little Flower Novena - St Eugene’s. McKeown

Mary’s Garden - St Mary’s Draperstown.

St Columb’s Well - Long Tower. Colmcille Sculptures - The Wells, Derry. Confirmation Preparation - St Joseph’s Drumquin. Honouring Our Lady - St Eithne’s Derry. in focus in People

Fr John Downey Fr Neal Carlin, Martin McLaughlin, St Columba. The late Fr Brian O’Donnell - St Eugene’s & Ballinascreen Columba Community. Creggan. - Waterside & Lavey. Also featuring: Youth Ministry update; Fan the Flame feature; St Columb’s College reflects on role in Derry life; Young writers share thoughts; New Diocesan Safeguarding Team; Newtownstewart Mystery Walk; Immaculate Conception Church 40 hours for 40 years; Pioneer feature; Martyrdom reflections; Irish Page, Children’s Catechism Club, Quiz...and much more... 2 THE NET | JUNE 2021 ACCORD Derry Marriage Preparation Facilitator, Geraldine McNamee reflects on the Contents Pope’s prayer intention for the month of June, in which he asks us to “pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian community: CopiesParish of ‘The Net’ will deliveries be available in parishes again after restrictions, as a result of Covid-19, are lifted. Marriage is a three-partner relationship may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience”… by Geraldine McNamee, ACCORD Derry...... p2 Bishop Donal introduces new Diocesan Safeguarding Team...... p2 Marriage is a three-partner relationship A garden for Our Lady by Corinne Coyle, principal St Mary’s PS, Draperstown...p3 AS a Marriage Preparation children. They then see from their no longer two, but one flesh” Stories & Legends associated Mary’s Garden plants...... p3 Facilitator with Accord in The couples really participate books that these same words (Matthew 19:6). God said to are mentioned as the qualities them in blessing “Be fruitful Disciples of Jesus – Filled with Joy...... p4-5 Derry, I wish to express the enthusiastically in the course Bishop Donal commends Confirmation Preparation enjoyment I, and my fellow by working independently of Christ, and they would then and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). What the children thought... facilitators, Eilish, Margaret through their workbooks, reflect on how they see these (cf. CCC 1601-1605, Comp and Veronica get from and then discussing privately qualities in themselves, and CCC337). Fan the Flame 2021 with their partner, the issues in their partner. This again The marital union of a by Therese Ferry...... p6 preparing young couples for St Eithne’s PS, Derry, honour Our Lady...... p6 the Sacrament of Marriage. therein. Regarding faith, I awakens their concept of the man and woman, which is It is so encouraging to see find that when we discuss significance of faith in creating founded and endowed with St Columb’s College to reflect on role in life of Derry.....p7 the high demand there is the seven sacraments of the and sustaining a successful its own proper laws by the Renewal – Parish leader mentoring...... p7 Church, reflecting on their marriage. This is evident from Creator, is by its very nature Derry Youth Ministry Scholarship...... p7 for Pre-Marriage courses in all our centres; something Baptism, Penance, First the feedback sheets, which ordered to the communion Young writers share their thoughts on... which the Church should Holy Communion, and the couples complete at the and good of the couple and to -Difficulties in praying take great encouragement Confirmation, they seem to end of the course. the generation and education -Little Way Novena from, as it indicates that young gain a greater understanding Every Church wedding of children. According to -Sacraments of Initiation of these. This would indicate automatically implies an the original divine plan, this -Martyrdom couples are prepared to make Geraldine McNamee, ACCORD -Education & Poverty a life-long commitment to that whilst they remember awareness of God and a conjugal union is indissoluble, Derry Marriage Preparation -Pope John Paul II Award...... p8-13 each other. It is a wonderful their First Confession, willingness to make God as Jesus Christ affirmed: “What Facilitator. testament of their faith, Holy Communion and part of the relationship. God has joined together, let have a successful marriage. Derry faithful delighted to attend St Columba Feast Day Mass...... p14-15 particularly in this secular Confirmation, it is only on This highlights one of the no man put asunder.” (Mark Marriage is a journey, not society. reflection, as adults, that they important elements of our 10:9). (cf. CCC 1659-1660, a destination, and like all Tribute to the late Fr Brian O’Donnell It is my belief that these really begin to comprehend faith as Catholics, namely that Comp CCC 338). journeys there will be twists Onwards and Upwards!...... p16 couples benefit greatlythe true meaning of their a marriage is a three-partner Marriage is triply and bends, and hills to Ardú Céime do Chnoc Mhuire from participating in our Catholic Faith. relationship that cannot indissoluble - first, because the climb along the way, but if Irish Page by Fr Oliver Crilly...... p17 Accord courses as they learn As a result, the couples then work fully with only two. The essence of love is mutual self- couples take their marriage about issues which they will realise the significance and presence of God in a couple’s giving without reservation, preparation seriously, they Colmcille wood sculptures have new home in The Wells encounter during marriage, importance of the Sacrament life together is vital, so that second, because it is an will succeed, and with their by Ivor Doherty...... p18 The Dove still wants to bring peace to the town that he which they would not be of Marriage, and how, as they remain turned towards image of God’s unconditional renewed understanding of loved aware of, or have any insight future parents, they will be one another in love, and so faithfulness to his creation, faith, they will have it as their by Bishop Donal...... p18 into, prior to marriage. able to support their children their commitment to each and third, because it represents foundation stone. Topics covered include in preparing them for the other will grow ever stronger. Christ’s devotion to his Sadly, there are many broken Columba Community reflect on yielding to the Spirit...p19 Underground river of faith in Ireland will lead to new life conflict management,Sacraments, together with When we reflect on the Church, even unto death on marriages in society, but I of the Holy Spirit parenting, commitment, their teachers. plan of God regarding man the Cross. (CCC 1605, 1612- would be in no doubt that by Fr Neal Carlin...... p19 communication skills, issues Finally, when couples and woman, we encounter 1617, 1661). couples who find themselves Columba by Ann McCay...... p19 from their family of origin (the are asked to indicate what God who is love and who, To conclude, I would like in that situation, would have Reflections on martyrdom blending of two traditions), they think is necessary for creating man and woman for to reiterate the importance of no hesitation in encouraging and journeying with Jesus...... p20-22 and the importance of the a successful marriage, they love, has called them to love. marriage preparation courses their children to ensure that sacrament of marriage, and usually mention the following: By creating man and woman, for all young couples, so that they complete a marriage Pioneers reflect on their pledge... how to live out their faith in trust, honesty, compromise, He called them to an intimate they can begin their married preparation course, and that “To abstain for life from all intoxicating drinks”...... p22-25 marriage, which includes the selflessness, respect, sacrifice, communion of life and love in life with a sound knowledge they would want them to have Getting the message out there passing on of faith to their forgiveness, and patience. marriage - “So that they are of what is entailed in order to happy, life-long marriages. by Fr John McLaughlin ssc...... p25

Pope Benedict XVI by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD...... p26 Bishop Donal introduces the new Diocesan Safeguarding Team THE Diocese of Derry, as Bishop Donal McKeown both Noel and Paula worked 40 years of Immaculate Conception Church part of the Catholic Church has appointed a Safeguarding tirelessly to create safe celebrated with 40 Hours’ Adoration...... p27 in Ireland, has the mission Committee to assist him environments for children Fr Michael Canny appointed as Vicar General...... p27 Our human desires in their depths are a desire for God of living and spreading in creating, maintaining and vulnerable adults. The by Bishop Alan McGuckian...... p27 the message of Christ. and monitoring a safe Diocese thanks both of them See all things new in Christ during Ignatian Year...... p27 Safeguarding practices, environment for children for the commendable work policy and procedures are of and vulnerable adults in all that they have achieved and Celebrating St Columba paramount importance in the aspects of Church life and for giving of their time and by Vera McFadden...... p28-29 Bishop Donal with the new Diocesan Safeguarding Team, from left, Marie Diocese, as is the case for all activity, and for advising on expertise so generously. Gormley, Designated Liaison Person, and Briege O’Neill, Safeguarding Mystery walk for Newtownstewart parishioners other dioceses across Ireland. the human resources required Marie Gormley has been Coordinator, both from the Banagher Parish. by Fr Roland Colhoun CC...... p29 The Diocese of Derry is for implementing best practice appointed to replace Noel Prayer for Priests...... p29 Briege O’Neill has been derrydiocese.org Pope’s Monthly Prayer Intention...... p29 committed to Safeguarding across services. O’Donnell as Designated appointed to replace Paula Briege brings to the position children through the The SafeguardingLiaison Person. Marie’s role is Cunningham as Safeguarding her wealth of safeguarding Lord, I am not worthy implementation of Committee comprises of to hear any queries regarding Co-ordinator. Briege experiences in the role as by Fr Johnny Doherty CSsR...... p30 ‘Safeguarding Children Policy 10 members drawn from safeguarding concerns or ‘Leave The Water Running’... will assist the Diocese principal of two Catholic ...Creggan man Martin McLaughlin publishes life story.p30 and Standards for the Catholic various groups including allegations, and to liaise with and support clergy and Maintained Primary Schools Thornhill Ministries Triduum...... p30 Church in Ireland 2016’, with lay, professional, clergy and all the relevant agencies and safeguarding representatives over the past 25 years. updates. religious groups, and reflects individuals in responding in implementing the policies Marie and Briege are both Children’s Catechism Club – C3 The diocese has aan awareness of the needs sensitively and appropriately by Veronica Harley...... p31 and procedures, to achieve parishioners in the Parish of Quiz Time with Lawrence...... p31 Safeguarding Statement along of children and vulnerable to that concern or disclosure. consistent and up-to-date best Banagher and are delighted to with practices supporting adults. Marie brings to this position practice. be appointed to the Diocesan keeping children safe from It is within this context her past experience working Vetting procedures across the Safeguarding Team. They harm in church and associated that recent appointments in various safeguarding roles, Diocese, along with providing look forward to building activities. were made to the Diocesan within both the statutory and parishes with safeguarding on the good work already On the Diocesan website, Safeguarding Team as both voluntary sectors, over the Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese training programmes and done in previous years, and there is a complete section on Noel O’Donnell, Designated past 26 years. She is based resources, is the responsibility meeting new challenges as Safeguarding, which includes Liaison Person, and Paula at the Bishop’s House, St of the Safeguarding Co- they arise in the years ahead, Contacting us: information on support Cunningham, Safeguarding Eugene’s Cathedral, and can If you have a story that you would like to share or an event you ordinator. General enquiries as they continue to create safe would like covered by The Net, just drop an email to services, complaints and Co-ordinator, have retired be contacted on 075 9650 0793 should be made directly to environments for children [email protected] reporting, with downloadable from their posts. or by email: marie.gormley@ Briege on 028 7136 2475 and vulnerable adults in our or ring/text 07809292852 resources. During their time in post, derrydiocese.org or by email: safeguarding@ Diocese and parishes. THE NET | JUNE 2021 3 A garden for Our Lady by Corinne Coyle, Principal St Mary’s PS Draperstown THE school community of flowers with Our Lady dates Lady moved to live just outside and plants which bore her name. St Mary’s PS Draperstown are back to the very beginning of Ephesus after Jesus died. She lived This idea quickly spread delighted with the completion Christianity. From this time there with the apostle, St John throughout Ireland, with many of a very special project. During comes the legend that after Mary’s until her own death. ‘Mary Gardens’ being created to the month of May, a number of Assumption into heaven, roses During this time, devotion to honour Our Lady. They were often P7 and P4 children have been and lilies were found blooming Mary, or Marian devotion, was enclosed gardens with a simple working hard with Nula, the in her tomb, where her body had particularly strong and many of statue of Our Lady surrounded by Stories and legends building supervisor, to create a lain. the native plants and flowers were the shrubs and flowers which had unique sacred space in honour Devotion to Our Lady grew named after her then. been named after her. associated with the plants of Our Lady - and what a fitting very quickly after the Council St Benedict was the first to create We now have a special place in tribute it has turned out to be! of Ephesus in 431, when she was a prayer garden at his monastery. our school to spend time with Basil Mint The pansy is an ancient symbol The children learned all about first proclaimed ‘Mother of God’. His was a rose garden or ‘rosary’. Mary Our Mother. We hope that Our Lady’s Mint or Holy of the Holy Trinity as its three the history of ‘Mary Gardens’ and The Council of Ephesus was an However, it was St Fiacre, an the seeds of our efforts inspire Communion Plant main petals form a single flower. the plants were carefully chosen important meeting of Bishops Irish monk, and Patron Saint of the creation of many new ‘Mary This plant is a herb. It is a hybrid They remind us of Our Lady’s because of the wonderful stories where they discussed church gardening, who became the first Gardens’ and a revival of this of two Marion plants – Mint and delight in the Holy Trinity, which and legends attached to them. matters and beliefs. to plant a garden in honour of Our ancient tradition in Our Lady’s Basil. Nowadays, we use Mint and she learned about from the Angel The association of plants and Ephesus is in Turkey and Our Lady in 670, using those flowers honour Basil in cooking and it was also Gabriel when he came to ask her used for cooking during the time to be the Mother of God. of Our Lady and Jesus. It was even mentioned by Jesus in the Bible. Tulips It’s in Luke 11:42 – if you’d like to Mary’s Prayers look it up. It was also a traditional Traditionally, tulips represent strewing herb during Jesus’ time. the prayers of Our Lady. The cup- It later became known as Holy shaped petals resemble her hands Communion Plant from an joined and raised in prayer. The ancient Mediterranean custom of open heart of the flower in full strewing basil leaves in front of the bloom reflects how she was open communion rails, which used to to follow God’s plan for her to be around the front of every altar. become the Mother of God.

Chives Marigold Our Lady’s Garlic Mary’s Gold or Mary’s Halo This mild member of the onion According to an ancient legend, family was widely used as a when Mary and Joseph were flavouring and garnish in cookery, taking the baby Jesus to Egypt as it still is today. to escape from Herod, a band of robbers threatened the Holy Golden Rose Family. They stole Mary’s purse Mary’s Glory but when they opened it, the Roses have long been a symbol coins had turned into marigolds. of Our Lady, the ‘Rose of Heaven’. Another belief was that the petals The golden rose reminds us of of the marigold symbolised the her glory in heaven. Our Lady of golden rays of Mary’s halo. Knock is known as the ‘Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland’. Lavender Our Lady’s Drying Bush Lily This legend tells us that Our Lady Mary’s Purity dried the Infant Jesus’ swaddling Lilies have always been clothes on a wild lavender bush. associated with Our Lady. They In ancient times and even today symbolise that she is pure and in poorer countries, linen is often has never committed any sins. hung over lavender bushes to dry Together with roses they sprang as the flowers and leaves give a up in her empty tomb where she beautiful scent and freshness to the had lain. Lilies and roses are also linen. Lavender is also an insect- said to have grown wherever she repellent. It is one of the manger stepped on her journey to visit her herbs said to have been used by St cousin Elizabeth. Joseph in the stable at Bethlehem. With its calming qualities it would Ox Eye Daisy have been perfect to help put the Mary’s Star new-born Baby Jesus to sleep. An ancient legend tells that the Wise Men lost sight of the star Fuchsia when they reached Bethlehem. Our Lady’s Earrings As they gazed around looking for It is easy for us to imagine the the place where Jesus had been Child Jesus sitting on his Mother’s born, they noticed white flowers lap and playfully hanging the blooming around an old stable. fuchsia flower ‘jewels’ on her ears, These flowers, which were daisies, like earrings! looked very similar to the star which had been leading them More Marion Flowers throughout their journey. As they went to investigate, the door of the Petunias – Our Lady’s Praises stable opened revealing the Holy Foxgloves – Our Lady’s Gloves Family. Daffodils – Our Lady’s Star Primrose – Our Lady’s Frills Pansy Honeysuckle – Our Lady’s Fingers Our Lady’s Delight or Trinity Veronica – Our Lady’s Faith Flower 4 THE NET | JUNE 2021 Diocesan Advisor for Primary Schools, Thérèse Ferry, and Diocesan Advisor for Post Primary Schools, Mary O’Boyle reflect on this year’s Confirmation preparation sessions... Disciples of Jesus – Filled with Joy! IN what was a very different and the Sacrament of Confirmation, at Moville Community College, understand the challenge of challenging year for Year 7 and 6th prayer, creative activities and and Karen Kiefer, author of the presenting live from a webcam Class children preparing to receive music. A support pack for the four children’s book, ‘Drawing God’. to an audience you can’t see and the Sacrament of Confirmation, sessions was emailed to schools Two videos by Elma Walsh, hoping you can keep them focused the Diocesan Catechetical and made available on our website, mother of the Kerry teenager, and engaged with the content. Centre decided to put together a as were a series of short video Donal Walsh, who inspired so In planning the sessions, it was programme to support parents, reflections by guest speakers for many with his faith and positive important for us that we were able schools and parishes, as they schools and parents to share with outlook on life as he battled a to combine sound catechetical journeyed with the children in this the pupils. terminal diagnosis, explored how content with an element of fun! very important stage of their lives. Each speaker reflected on their Donal used the gifts of the Holy We had to let go of the nerves, Linking with the Diocesan pupil memories of the sacrament of Spirit in his life and on how God imagine the children were in front St Joseph’s Primary workbook, ‘Filled With Joy’, and Confirmation and on the impact loves each person unconditionally. of us and trust in the Holy Spirit! ‘Disciples of Jesus’, the Diocesan of the gift of the Holy Spirit in All of the materials are available We really enjoyed the week and School, Drumquin parent booklet, a programme was their life. We had contributions at https://catecheticalcentre. were delighted with the extent of devised consisting of four sessions, from Bishop McKeown, Carmel org/category/sacramental- the engagement by schools across “We participated in the Derry performing the ‘Holy Spirit via the catecheticalcentre.org/ Dunn, retired principal of preparation/ the Diocese. But the best people to Diocesan Catechetical Centre’s stretch’ each day, as this helped us webcam/ from May 17-20. Hollybush Primary School, Fr Anyone who has had the tell you about the experience are online Confirmation preparation focus and concentrate to begin our Each day, the sessions included Kevin McElhennon, Parish Priest experience of moving ministry the children themselves! sessions from Monday, May 17 day ahead. catechesis on different aspects of of Cappagh, Peter Grant, a student online in this past year will to Thursday, May 20. We have The sessions were good fun and been preparing in school with our we laughed so much when Mary teachers, Mrs Eimear Donnelly was tempted to open the gifts of and Mrs Alison Mullan, and Fr the Holy Spirit! The booklet we St Brigid’s Primary and Mullan. Our ‘Filled with Joy’ used during the programme was booklets have really helped us in enjoyable to complete as it was Nursery School, Derry... developing our understanding of filled with plenty of fun activities The children of Mr Alan Ryan, Mrs Eileen the Sacrament of Confirmation. and we loved the art! When we heard that we were We wish to thank everyone Fisher and Mrs Mclaughlin’s classes really going to participate in the online involved in creating these sessions Confirmation sessions, we were as they have helped us a great deal enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on the a bit apprehensive as this wasn’t in preparing for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation... what we were expecting, but we Sacrament of Confirmation this were excited as this meant that we weekend. They have enhanced “We considered the crucial role and Dean “loved doing the Holy could prepare during our school what we are learning in class that the gifts and the fruits of the Spirit Stretch”. day with our friends in a relaxed and our understanding of the Holy Spirit will have as we move We would like to thank the Derry atmosphere. Sacrament has increased. We are forward in our lives as Disciples of Diocesan Catechetical Centre for There were four sessions in feeling confident to receive the Jesus. Bethany said her favourite the excellent preparation sessions total and we really enjoyed taking Sacrament of Confirmation this activity was “the Holy Spirit Kite,’ for Confirmation 2021.” part. There was always a thought- weekend with Fr Mullan, our provoking prayer to help us get families, friends, teachers and the started. We particularly enjoyed community. THE NET | JUNE 2021 5 St Patrick’s Primary School, Glen, Maghera “I really enjoyed the is going to happen on the day of Confirmation workshop because my Confirmation and I am really I was nervous about picking my looking forward to it”. Eoghan name. I enjoyed Mary and Thérese because they explained everything “I personally thought that the very well. I was surprised that Confirmation workshop was Bishop Donal came to say a few absolutely BRILLIANT! It helped words to us. He read the Gospel me understand the meaning and well and it was interesting”. Fionn specialness of Confirmation. It made me feel more ready for “I enjoyed the workshops Confirmation and for the Holy because I loved the way there was Spirit to come to me. Mary and fun elements in it but you were also Thérése were a great help during learning. The activities were fun the workshop. I’d definitely to do and enjoyable. The Bishop recommend it!” Nicole speaking to us was very cool as I did not think that would happen. “The Confirmation workshop The way they presented everything was great. Therese and Mary was my favourite part, they did it explained the gifts and fruits of in a fun way and I loved that. I feel the Holy Spirit while also making more prepared and ready for my me laugh. They had a great sense Confirmation now; it was a really of humour and I enjoyed seeing enjoyable experience”. Cara them joking about and teaching us at the same time. It was interesting “I liked the way Thérése and hearing from the Bishop and St Mary’s Primary School, Killyclogher... Mary presented the workshop. I people who had been sponsors know more about Confirmation for someone at Confirmation. Mr Seamus McGlinchey’s Year 7 Class sent some lovely thank you letters. Here are some and how important the sponsor is. Overall, I know a lot more about quotes from the children on their experience of the Confirmation Preparation Sessions... I learnt about God. I really liked the the Holy Spirit and I feel ready way Fr John and Bishop Donal told for Confirmation. They were very “I liked how you started off with I am really excited to make my “I really enjoyed following your that I needed the most”. Nico stories about Jesus. I know what good at explaining it”. Charlie the Holy Spirit stretches, it was fun. Confirmation and receive the Holy messages and your webinars to ProTsyuK My favourite activity was when we Spirt because during the last four lead me up to my Confirmation. had to decorate the tiny churches days I’ve learnt about the Holy My favourite part was expressing “I liked learning more about the and had to write in our gifts and Spirit”. Ella McCartan myself through the activity sheets Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. A message of what we are good at. I laughed you sent out, giving everyone a little I like the eight Beatitudes. I like when you brought out the cake “Your stories about your more self-confidence with writing Mary’s sense of humour. It was and a cupcake fell. It was just so Confirmation names were very out our qualities and our gifts on funny when Bishop McKeown let unexpected, but the cake looked interesting and you helped me the churches”. Katie McGinty the cake fall”. Oisin McGarvey appreciation from delicious!” Aine Sutton become less nervous about making my Confirmation. Thank you so “I enjoyed the activities and Holy “I liked ‘The Beatitudes’ because “The kite was a fun activity to do much for doing that and I hope Spirit stretch, it was so fun. I learnt when I got home I tried to practise Bishop Donal... as it was fun to draw and learn the you do it in the future”. Emma a lot about the questions and my some of them. I liked when Mary symbols of the Holy Spirit. I drew McGarvey Confirmation. I liked the gifts was trying to steal Therese’s “If there is one thing that we extensive material – and a spirit of the fire, wind, dove and the cross”. of the Holy Spirit and fruits, the presents. I am looking forward to learn from the history of the early celebration. Adults who had been Aliz Marko “We have been watching the webinars were very interesting”. my Confirmation because I want Church in the Acts of the Apostles, surprised by the inspiration of the webinars and I really liked the nine Keelan McKenna to receive the Holy Spirit, which it is that the Spirit blows where Holy Spirit just wanted to share “The stories were really enjoyable. questions that spelt Pentecost. I I can use throughout my life if I it will. The apostles were pushed their gratitude for the Spirit’s gifts! My favourite was closing our eyes didn’t know that St Paul was a tent “I really liked the kite because believe in God”. Ronan Barton out of the upper room, out of None of this does away with and imagining Jesus was washing maker and I find that very cool”. I got to learn about the symbols Jerusalem, out of Israel and into the invaluable work that schools your feet. The other activities were Eoghan McPhillips of the Holy Spirit. I loved at the “My favourite activity was the Turkey, Greece and Rome. Their do. But it suggests that a ‘mixed fun as well. Mary’s sense of humour start when we did the Holy Spirit colouring in prayer, as it shows feet hardly had time to touch the economy’ of centrally provided was funny, especially at the start “When Bishop McKeown was stretches and why Mary did acting we can pray in many different ground! resources and local teaching can be when she said she was ready for a speaking it really relaxed me. At through prayer. You both got on ways. I enjoyed Mary’s questions The pandemic took everybody by a blessing for those who work with c u p p a”. Ava Heaney the end, when we watched him so well. I really enjoyed the nine especially on Thursdays as I was surprise in 2020, but the Diocese our young people. cut the cake knowing the word questions. It was really funny when excited to see what the answer was”. of Derry, centrally and locally, I was able to participate on two “I liked learning more about was Pentecost, our class was so Mary and the Bishop tried to steal Ronan Broderick has discovered great reservoirs days. That was a real pleasure and the Gifts and Fruits, and doing jealous, until you mentioned about the gifts of the Holy Spirit!”Maiya of creativity and possibility. On- privilege. the activities and colouring in. I designing our own shirts and the Coyle “Our Confirmation is on June 5 at line ministry seemed neither I thank God for this initiative and enjoyed listening to Fr Paul Farren whole class was overjoyed”. Grace Christ the King Chapel, Strathroy. I possible nor even desirable. But the I trust that we will continue to be read verses from the Bible”. Ciaren Corrigan “I enjoyed listening to Mary can’t wait until my Confirmation. lockdowns have pushed us towards guided by the Holy Spirit to serve McPhillips when she was talking about when I liked the way you gave us a beaming Religious Education the wonderful young people and “I really enjoyed the activities, she went to Africa to be a teacher. viewpoint of your Confirmation resources straight into classrooms, schools in our diocese.” “We watched all four webinars especially the colouring. The Holy Mary’s sense of humour was and said the things you liked about on-line celebrations and the very and enjoyed them all. I really Spirit stretch was my favourite really funny. I liked when Bishop i t ”. Ronan O Neill welcome sight of smaller and enjoyed when you spoke about because it woke me up in the McKeown, Fr Paul Farren and much more intimate celebrations Pentecost and the Holy Spirit mornings. I also liked learning Emmet Thompson read verses out “My favourite part was both of of First Holy Communion entering the apostles because it about the fruits because I never from the Bible”. Megan Quinn you talking about the sacraments and Confirmation. What was made me feel less nervous about really knew what they were or what because I am receiving the Holy thought unthinkable has become making my Confirmation”.Conall they meant”. Hanna Kulikowska “My favourite part of the four Spirit and might be getting more indispensable. McKenna days was the nine questions. I sacraments in the future. It was The Confirmation preparation “My favourite activity was wrote all of them as soon as one of very funny when Bishop McKeown sessions were one specific initiative “My favourite parts of the streams praying in colour because we wrote you said it. Through the questions did the Holy Spirit stretch. Please that responded to a real need. were when we coloured or designed our gifts and talents on the lines, you learn facts from the bible, like do another webinar so everyone Schools had been closed for so something, and I also liked the way and coloured the semi-circles”. Paul’s other job, which is a tent won’t get bored of their teacher and long and Confirmation had to you asked us three questions a day Henry Miles maker”. Michael McGarvey school!” Shea McGinn be prepared for. The Catechetical and, at the end, used the first letter Centre put huge effort into of every answer to spell Pentecost”. “I really enjoyed it the past 4 days. “I’m excited for my Confirmation “I loved the webinar and learning developing four two-hour sessions Darragh Thomas It has really helped me because my so that I can receive the Gift of about the gifts and fruits of the that could be used in schools or confirmation is on Saturday 5th in the Holy Spirit and make the Holy Spirit. I am having my viewed by parents and children. “You told me about the gifts Christ the King, Strathroy and your good choices in life. I liked ‘The Confirmation on June 5 in Christ All of this work was done of the Holy Spirit, Fruits of the webcam has helped me so much, Beatitudes’ activity because I got the King, in Strathroy”. Sophia with an emphasis on prayer, Holy Spirit and the Beatitudes. thank you”. Junior Fullen to choose what Beatitude I thought McKenna quality content, activities and 6 THE NET | JUNE 2021 Fan the Flame 2021 by Therese Ferry people who were present in other and Sixth Class pupils from all years! over the Diocese came together in a youthful celebration of our “I have great memories of being common Confirmation promise involved in the Fan the Flame and commitment to God and His Mass. It usually starts with an Church. early morning arrival at Celtic Secondly, was the release of the Park to set up; a bonus if the sun big bunch of red, orange and yellow is shining. Therese and the team balloons into the sky - signifying have everything well organised, and the Holy Spirit and its gifts. everybody has a role to play and they Theologically, we understand the work well together. nature of the Holy Spirit to be like a Once the children start arriving, gust of wind, therefore, the balloons the atmosphere lifts; the excitement, in the sky signify the Holy Spirit’s the laughter, the fun and the colours large and close presence to us all. of the banners, t-shirts and balloons This also represents the fact that the IN a year when things are so this very important event. This take over the stadium. The Mass is Holy Spirit unites all our brothers very different, restrictions prevent will also be made available on our beautifully celebrated, as is the music and sisters, in Christ together, from us from hosting our annual Fan website - www.catecheticalcentre. and liturgy, and captures everyone in all over the world”. the Flame Mass for Year 7 and org attendance from start to finish. (Hollie Frystal, Student, Holy Sixth Class pupils in Celtic Park. Fan the Flame began back in I feel that it is something the Cross College, Strabane.) However, thankfully, like so many 2007 and has grown steadily, with children will remember for the rest other Church celebrations in the almost 3,000 pupils from across the of their lives and look back on it “I remember my first time at last year, we are still able to have Diocese in attendance in 2019. One fondly, and feel the Holy Spirit every Fan the Flame. I was invited by this celebration through the gift of of the lasting memories is of the time they do. I look forward to being Therese to help steward the stands. technology. sea of children, with their brightly able to help at Fan the Flame again, I arrived just before the Primary On Monday, June 21, at 11am, coloured t-shirts, specially designed hopefully in the near future”. 7 and 6th Class pupils, and all I Bishop McKeown, via the webcam in school, in preparation for the (Emmett Mullan, Faith can say is that the park was soon at St Eugene’s Cathedral, will give Mass. Development Coordinator, Saint awash with colourful t-shirts and Gloria Perry, Urney Creations. thanks to God for the gift these This year we are delighted to Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry) excited children, carrying water for children have been to the Diocese announce, again through the gift of sustenance. A few even brought park in high spirits. When I attended my first Fan the and ask God’s blessing on them as technology, that well known artist, “My name is Hollie and I was raincoats and umbrellas! I was not Since this first experience, I have Flame as a steward, I had no idea of they prepare to move to new schools Gloria Perry, ‘Urney Creations’, will confirmed in St Mary’s Church, so organised! been privileged to work alongside an the amount of preparation which in September. host a session via the Catechetical Melmount, Strabane, on Saturday, The excitement was at fever pitch amazing team and I have seen at first preceded it. Let’s hope that this event Many of the children will Centre webcam: catecheticalcentre. April 12, 2014 by Bishop Donal when the procession began, the hand the amount of preparation, will be back in place in June 2022. have received the sacrament of org/webcam/ to help the children McKeown. Then, about a month or choir sang and the young people, before, during and after, which goes (Mary O’Boyle - Post Primary Confirmation by this time and we with their designs. two later, I attended the Fan of the and the not so young, joined in. into this event. Advisor, Diocese of Derry) hope schools, families and parishes This will take place on Monday, Flame Mass with my class in Celtic Once the Eucharistic celebration Initial meetings with Celtic Park will join us for the celebration of June 14, at 10am, and will begin with Park, in Derry. began quietness reigned and peace staff regarding Health and Safety If you have attended any Fan Mass. a time of prayer and reflection led by Some of my memories of the Fan descended. There was no doubting and the organisation of the day the Flame Masses in the past In preparation for the Fan the the Catechetical Centre team. of the Flame Mass are quite vague the presence of the Holy Spirit. take place months in advance of the Flame Mass, schools will receive a Hopefully, we will be able to return as I was very young, although I Despite the large numbers – June date, and these meetings are why not share your memories Fan the Flame pack for pupils with a to Celtic Park for Fan the Flame in do remember two key things, one almost 3,000 – all went well. The swiftly followed with meetings with with us on social media using Reflective Journal, a hymn sheet for the near future. In the meantime, being that there were so many young people and their teachers had builders, youth and adult volunteers, #fantheflamememories. the Mass and ideas for celebrating here are a few memories from young people. Primary Seven a wonderful experience and left the safeguarding and many others! St Eithne’s PS, Derry, May procession THE NET | JUNE 2021 7

Launching a Year of Commemoration in celebration of its Patron’s legacy... St Columb’s College to reflect on its role in life of Derry anniversary of their Patron’s birth. As well as giving thanks for all God’s help, we will continue to Welcoming Bishop Donal, Fr that the College has achieved form young men strong in faith, Micheal McGavigan, current and over the past 142 years under firm in hope and active in charity; former colleagues and alumni to the patronage of Columba, Mr young men whose ‘energy’ will the Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Madden said: “More importantly, undoubtedly shape tomorrow’s Pennyburn, the principal, Mr we commit ourselves afresh to world locally, nationally and Finbar Madden said that the day the vocation that we have. With internationally”. marked the beginning of a year of celebration, not just for the Diocese of Derry, but for the community that makes up St Columb’s College. “Between now and June 9, 2022,” Principal of St Columb’s College, Finbar he added, “we will be undertaking Madden. a Year of Commemoration, reflecting not only on the legacy of BISHOP Donal McKeown Columba but also on the part that celebrated a special Mass for St St Columb’s College has played, is Columb’s College on the Feast of St playing and will continue to play in Columba, as it embarks on a Year the life of this city, and far beyond”. of Commemoration as the 1500th

RENEWAL – Parish leader mentoring with Diocesan Youth Ministry with young people (13-18 year to Accompaniment means. Diocesan Youth Ministry olds), running this June and July. Different leadership andinitiatives and training for parish The online webinars willministry approaches will be based programmes, such as GIFT provide leaders with an considered, such as intentionally for Year 8’s-Year 10 and Youth opportunity to come together engaging young people from Alpha, will also be covered. in prayer and support, celebrate a range of backgrounds, and Parish representatives will be and share best practice, and also animating volunteer parish supported in planning the way strategically plan the next steps in teams, and looking at engaging forward as we move to a fuller their parish for Youth Ministry. young people online and reopening of churches and parish The mentoring programme safeguarding support. life post-Covid. will explore the ‘what and why’ Another areas looked at If you are interested in finding of Youth Ministry, and look at will be models for employing out more about Renewal or DERRY Diocesan Youth is ‘Exploring Christut Vivit, the a Parish Pastoral leader for developing Youth Ministry hosting RENEWAL, a six-week apostolic exhortation from Pope Youth Ministry, with first hand in your parish please contact mentoring programme for parish Francis to young people, and testimonies, and forming a yvonne.rooney@derrydiocese. and volunteer leaders working what the shift from Catechetical Parish Youth Council. org Derry Youth Ministry Scholarship by Yvonne Rooney CONGRATULATIONS to the and their families on July 3 in felt that the scholarship has really with Youth Link NI; young people who are coming St Eugene’s Cathedral and the helped her grow in confidence, 3. Experience and participation to the end of their Derry Youth young people will receive their particularly when doing ‘lives’ in service through community Ministry Scholarship. The young certificates and goodie bags. online. outreach projects; people have been exceptional As this year’s programme draws The programme will run again 4. A laugh and a fun time in their commitment and to a close, some of the young in the new academic year and getting to know yourself better dedication to the scholarship people have reflected on their senior students are invited to and those you journey with; programme over the last year. experiences… apply now for the Derry Youth 5. Continue or become an active They have completed a Level Grace, from Ballinascreen Scholarship. member of your parish and/or 1 Qualification in Youth Work Parish, “loved working with the The scholarship will include diocese; Practice, accredited by OCN, charity Mary’s Meal’s over the faith formation, community 6. Be well equipped and and they have shown effective year” and felt she fully connected involvement and opportunities to supported with your discernment leadership skills, particularly with their work. gain life and team building skills. and transition from school to online as part of the Derry Youth Zara, from St Eugene’s It offers: working life or university Online Programme and with Parish, said the highlight of the 1. A chance to learn about and Mary’s Meals, the chosen charity scholarship has been “meeting grow in faith with a community For more information for the year. other young people” and being of young people; Bishop Donal will celebrate able to put her faith into practice. 2. A qualification in youth contact lizzie.rea@ Mass with the young people Cate, from Greenlough Parish, ministry eg Level 1 OCN course derrydiocese.org 8 THE NET | JUNE 2021 THIS month, Hollie, Peter, Oisin, Gemma, Zara and Reflecting on the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion and John, ‘The Net’ youth contributors from the Co Tyrone, Inishowen, Co Derry and Derry City Deaneries, reflect on Confirmation, Hollie writes... a variety of subjects that have interested them, with Oisin and Peter commenting on catechesis by Pope Francis on The Sacraments of Initiation are incredibly important... prayer and sharing their own experience. At this time in our Church when our children are uniting us more deeply with Christ and His mission receiving the Sacraments of Holy Communion and DURING these days in our embark upon our Christian lives, Confirmation, Hollie writes about the importance of the Church calendar, following the mission and vocation through our Sacraments of Initiation, and Gemma shares a beautiful celebration of Pentecost Sunday baptism. We are cleansed by an image she painted of The Sacred Heart and The Child to on May 23, and the honourable “outward sign” (water) and given Feast of Corpus Christi on June an “inward grace” (Holy Spirit), honour the sanctity of life. 6, and looking forward to the which enables us by strengthening Moved by the large number of children unable to read, commemoration of the Nativity us throughout our lives to “deny Oisin shares his thoughts on the importance of enabling of John the Baptist, on June 23, we oneself, take up the cross and every child to get an education so that they can rise up are reminded and invited to reflect follow” Christ. on the Sacraments of Initiation: Obviously, I don’t remember out of the poverty cycle, and with martyrdom a recurring Baptism, Holy Communion and anything about my Christening theme for Feasts celebrated in the Church during June, Confirmation. day, however, I am extremely John reflects on whether he could follow Christ like the Especially at this time, it is grateful that I am baptised and, martyrs. important to keep all our primary like John, I believe that the seeds school children in our prayers, of my vocation had already been Zara and Hollie write about their experience of this year’s whilst they continue to prepare for planted before I was born, and Little Way Novena in St Eugene’s Cathedral, and having their First Holy Communion and that my baptism has marked the attended the Pope St John Paul II Awards in the Cathedral, Confirmation. beginning of that journey. On June 23, we celebrate the On Sunday, May 23, we Hollie reports on what was a rather different JPII Award Nativity of John the Baptist, celebrated the birth of our Ceremony from the norm for the Diocese. who appears in all four Gospels, Church, a missionary Church, and foretold by the prophet Isaiah the first Confirmation - known as confirmed by Bishop Donal, in my of bread and wine. The change as “a voice of one crying in the Pentecost. Pentecost falls exactly home parish of St Mary’s Church of bread and wine into the Body wilderness.” 50 days after the Resurrection Melmount, and I chose the name and Blood of Christ is known John was an exceptional prophet, of Jesus, when the Holy Spirit Bernadette. St. Bernadette served as transubstantiation, where who mirrored the old prophet descended upon the apostles, with as an early inspiration in my life, the Spirit descends down upon Elijah, by the way he behaved its many gifts, enabling them to go and from a young age I fell in love our offering, which we make and dressed. For example, John out and proclaim the Good News. with the story of Lourdes. I was present again at Mass at the act of ate wild honey and locusts, and They were “filled with the Holy able to relate to her in so many consecration. wore camel’s hair and a leather Spirit and began to speak in other ways. There is a mysterious presence belt around his waist. He was both tongues”. Rebekah, from Strabane, chose and appearance of the Sacred Hollie Frystal, Oisin Mulhern, Peter Grant, a strange and penitential figure, Committed the name Bridget. She explained: Host. Most of the Sacrament’s Co Tyrone Deanery. Co Derry Deanery. Inishowen Deanery. and his purpose or vocation was Similar to the sacrament of “I chose Bridget because Granda’s significance is beyond human to “prepare the way for the Lord, Baptism, we also receive the mummy was called Bridget, and understanding. Recently we have make straight paths for Him.” pouring out of the Holy Spirit mummy also chose the name learnt of how the Sacrament still John prepared the people for and its gifts, which unites us more Bridget at her Confirmation.” never fails to inspire, for example, the coming of Christ, and urged closely in communion with one Therefore, it was a popular Irish the story of Blessed Carlo Acutis. them to repent and to be baptised another as brothers and sisters of name that ran in the family. I also remember my First Holy in forgiveness of their sins. Christ. We become committed Erin, who is also from Strabane, Communion Day; wearing my Incredibly, John baptised Jesus, more deeply with His mission. chose the name Mary. She said: white Holy Communion dress which initiated the beginning of In making our Confirmation, we “I chose the name Mary because and white veil, which had a Christ’s public ministry. We learn renew our baptismal promises and Jesus’ mummy was called Mary small silver cross at the back of that at that very moment Jesus are, once again, anointed with the and nobody in the family had it. Although I don’t remember Gemma Gallagher, Derry John Agustine Joseph, Zara Schlindwein, City Deanery Derry City Deanery. Derry City Deanery. took the sins of the world upon oil of chrism. chosen that name before.” everything, I am reminded of my His shoulders, so that we could be The bishop or priest performs It’s clear to see that the First Holy Communion when I baptised with the Holy Spirit and an apostolic gesture of the laying meaning of Rebekah and Erin’s “recognise Him at the breaking of that we could share in the joy of of the hands on the person’s Confirmation still echoes through bread” in Mass. His Resurrection. forehead, accompanied with the inspiration of their chosen We are a sacramental Church, Overcoming The Catechism of the Catholic the words “be sealed with the saint. We are reminded of our and we grow more closely to Jesus Church states that “Baptism is Holy Spirit.” Interestingly, the Confirmation promises. every time we receive Him. His a sacrament that washes away candidate chooses a name of On June 6, we celebrated the Body and Blood nourish our souls. difficulties in prayer original sin. That makes us someone who has inspired them, feast of the Most Holy Body and The Sacraments of Initiation Christians, and members of and who will serve as a role model Blood of Christ, also known as are incredibly important in by Oisin Mulhern God’s family and members of the in their life, devotion and service ‘Corpus Christi’. On this day we our Church. We can see the Church.” to the Church. commemorate Jesus’ sacrificeimportance and significance of were: Distractions; Aridity; and In the same way, as Jesus Unlike my christening day, of His Body and Blood, which making these commitments that Acedia. Each of these has many embarked upon His public I remember much more of He gave to us on Holy Thursday unite us more deeply with Christ things to be considered when ministry through Baptism, we too my Confirmation day. I was under the physical appearance and His mission talking about and tackling them. The first one, distraction, is the most obvious and common me losing my train of thought than solely from within us, and long and hard, I was able, as the been times even where I have fallen difficulty that we will usually and restarting my prayers all the Pope even posits that God, Pope said, to rely on pure faith, to this deadly sin, which annoyed face during prayer. The Pope over again. To combat this, when Himself, allows us to have this believing that no matter what me greatly. When I realised I had tells us that these distractions we I say my prayers I go to areas dryness to make us rely on “pure happened God would help me given into laziness by not saying experience are not in themselves with little to no distractions so faith”. along, and He did. my prayers, I immediately took sinful, however, this does not that I can focus completely on This is a problem that many The final and most damaging steps to rectify this as I knew it mean that we should give into my prayers. I do still find myself people face during prayer and difficulty regarding prayer is that was very destructive behaviour. them either as God asks us to being distracted at points, but it I am no different, as there have of acedia, or more commonly In conclusion, I believe that be ever vigilant of His arrival. is certainly much less than I had been many times when I was known as ‘sloth’. Pope Francis these great difficulties can occur DURING a recent general Pope Francis suggests that we previously. having difficulties during my tells us that this is not only a to anyone and can lead us to even audience, Pope Francis brought should rely on the gospel virtue of The second of these difficulties school or home life and I tried to temptation against prayer but also complain or protest against God. attention to three of the major perseverance. is aridity, or ‘dryness’ in prayer. pray for help or comfort regarding Christian life. This is because of However, we can move past these difficulties that many feel when This resonates deeply with me, This refers to the thought process these issues, but my mood at its place as one of the seven deadly difficulties by remaining constant they are in prayer, and this would as there are many times when of when prayer does no good those times and worry led me to sins, and he even describes giving through our prayer and by include me as well, as I feel I have my mind wanders while praying and brings no enjoyment or experience this aridity. in to it as the death of the soul. knowing that no matter what we experienced these at some point. and I am not entirely focused on enthusiasm. This problem can However, when I further Many people may struggle with feel, or what difficulties we face, The difficulties he highlighted the task at hand, which leads to come from the outside rather discussed this and thought sloth and I believe that there has God is always with us. THE NET | JUNE 2021 9 Prayers are always heard by Peter Grant DURING Pope Francis’ General focus and concentrate on our daily Audience at the end of May, he prayers, we may get a response, said that while it may seem our but there are people who believe prayers are not being responded that God still doesn’t listen to our to, they are always heard from the prayers and pleas. Lord and He never forgets about The Pope said that in meditating them. on the Gospels, we will find that “If God is Father, why does he Jesus prayed a lot and also suffered. not listen to us?” he asked, going Jesus suffered in His life by on to say that the answer is the spreading the word of God. Catechism. We must walk in His shoes When we pray, he said, “We can to understand what He really give in to the risk of not being the sacrificed for us and this will course of our lives or they may be came the Resurrection, which ones to serve God, but of expecting give us a better understanding of solved instantly, but it is always gives hope that all human longings Him to serve us”. saying our prayers to God. important to have the loyalty to for salvation will be fulfilled on The Pope referred to St Paul, In many cases, problems aren’t God for what all that He has done the last day. saying that he “reminds us that just solved instantly but gradually for us. “Abba, Father, for you all things we do not even know what it is heal over time. I think that is Pope Francis pointed out that are possible; remove this cup from appropriate to ask for”. what Pope Francis is telling us, “the prayer that Jesus addresses me; yet, not what I want, but what Pope Francis and many other that God will never forget us. Our to the Father in Gethsemane also you want.” Gemma reflects on the sacredness followers of God believe that if we problems may be solved over the seems to go unheard”, but then of life in her painting... is something that should be Reflecting on the Little engrained within our souls and Sacred Heart and The Child practiced naturally. Within her short life, she was able to grasp the Way Novena in honour of true meaning of this and profess I felt drawn to paint this life...specifically the life of the her love for God. particular image, which I have unborn and for the children who She made it known that “A word called, ‘Sacred Heart and The have gone to Heaven. St Thérèseby Zara Schlindwein or a smile is often enough to put Child’, because, as I see it, Jesus While working on the painting, THE Little Way Novena in Upon reflection of St Thérèse’s fresh life in a despondent soul”. gave up His life and everything in I felt a great peace. For me, it has Honour of St Thérèse tookstory, I found great comfort in her So, in response to St Thérèse’s it so that we could have life. a very strong and meaningful place during May in St Eugene’s words, “Remember that nothing message, we should try to adapt I wanted this painting to honour message. Cathedral, Derry. I was lucky is small in the eyes of God. Do all our actions to live by ‘the little enough to attend the glorious that you do with love”. way’, and trust that our actions celebrations with my family and Thérèse was quite judicious are part of the holiness intended Children unable to read be able to share in the light of St when it came to her relationship for us. Thérèse’s burning love for Jesus with God. She knew that “without My favourite part of the novena by Oisin Mulhern Photograph by Stephen Latimer. Christ. love, deeds, even the most brilliant, was the blessing of the roses at the DESPITE some severe billion to the global partnership The theme for this year’s novena count as nothing”. Her insight Closing Ceremony. It allowed me everyone. That is why she should setbacks, many children are now for Education replenishment was the idea that ‘Holiness consists into God’s will is so inspirational. to reflect on the beauty of God’s be a true inspiration to us all. Her continuing with their journey conference. simply in doing God’s will and She taught that holiness can be creation and focus on Thérèse’s burning flame of love and hope through education. However, an I think that it is an absolute being just what God wants us to achieved through small diverse words, “When I die, I will send continues to burn, and the novena analysis tool recently launched by disgrace that governments are be’. That thought was reinforced actions rather that grand gestures. down a shower of roses from the is proof of that. the ONE Campaign, the Save the not focusing on education like by the words of the speakers. They Her teachings on fulfilling God’s heavens, I will spend my heaven by I aspire to be as compassionate Children charity and the GPE, they should and are, instead, all thoroughly conveyed the true intentions by carrying out modest doing good on earth”. and devotional as St Thérèse, and shows us that over 393 million focusing on other areas and meaning of holiness through their but meaningful works made her St Thérèse was thoroughly aware to strive for complete holiness in children have failed to get basic devoting large amounts of funds stories and showed great humility more relatable. of the beauty of God’s creation and all aspects of my life. literacy skills by age 10 and even to them. Without education, the and compassion. Thérèse knew that holiness the individual plan God has for further, it shows the stories that next generation of people living in lead to that point. any area cannot thrive and make The CEO of ‘Save The Children’, it out of the cycle of poverty they Can I follow Christ like the martyrs? Kevin Watkins brings up the are in. point that without access to Introducing this tracker is by John Augustine Joseph these skills, which most of us very worthwhile as it shows learn very early and then take for governments all over the world FROM Corpus Christi to the instruments for holiness. One path is wide, open and that surround us. The granted, a child’s chance to grow how damaging their ignorance feast of the First Martyrs of Rome, Peter, Paul, John the Baptist, and very accessible. The other path conveniences that we enjoy have and achieve higher in life gets regarding education truly is, and June is a month that is full of feasts every other saint were humans, is narrow and oftentimes quite become a way to remove ourselves completely stunted, depriving it not only affects the people that that are of great importance in like us, who lived for the Kingdom uncomfortable. That’s just to from our problems. It’s becoming them of the chance to break out they are depriving but also the the Church. Feasts such as the of God and spreading the Good paraphrase Jesus himself. easier to say ‘no’ to carrying the of the cycle of poverty in which countries themselves, as they Nativity of John the Baptist and News. Their lives were a sacrifice Even though the circumstances cross than to say ‘yes’ to taking it. many groups become trapped. miss out on people that could Sts Peter and Paul, remind us for a greater purpose – that all in which these martyrs died long If I was asked the question, The organisations behind this affect their countries in a wide of the great figures of the early humans would experience the love ago was quite hostile and violent “Would you be a martyr for the tracker have banded together variety of positive ways. church – normal, imperfect, sinful of their Creator and be liberated to our Christian faith, it seems that faith, like Sts Peter, Paul and the to warn and urge the world, In closing, I believe that the data human beings, who glorified God from the slavery of sin through the each day, trying to live the faith in First Martyrs of Rome?”...my and specific governments, that shown by this tracker is a wake- by submitting to His will. grace given by Jesus through the our modern world is becoming a honest answer would be, “I don’t if no steps are taken regarding up call to many governments and They were not by any human Church. difficult ordeal. Each day, different know”. All I know is that I will be this massive figure, then the should also allow us to see how standards the cream of the crop, They did not care if they had people are mocking you for praying this, “If such a day comes, world may risk losing the next lucky we all are to read and write, rather “God chose those who by to go long distances, or undergo professing beliefs and ideals which may God give me the strength to generation of many types of jobs, and to have the opportunity human standards are fools to torture, or even be executed. All are seen as far too strict. be with Him!” such as teachers, doctors, and to learn, especially when we shame the wise; he chose those they cared about was getting this Then there are the temptations even world leaders. can see that a high number of who by human standards are weak Good News out to everyone. Just Furthermore, they urged many young people in many countries, to shame the strong, those who by look at the 20th Century – the last specific governments to endorse unfortunately, don’t have the human standards are common century produced for the Church schemes and commit at least $5 same luxury. and contemptible - indeed those more martyrs than it ever had who count for nothing - to reduce before. to nothing all those that do count Whenever I think about these for something, so that no human martyrs, these people who gave being might feel boastful before their lives up to God, I often God”. (1 Cor 1:27-29) contemplate whether I would If anything, they, through their be able to the same. It is a very lives, showed how Jesus could difficult question: Would I follow transform us to become His the crowd or follow God, Himself? 10 THE NET | JUNE 2021 We learn from St Therese that we are not perfect but that God has a perfect plan for each one WHILE devotees of St Therese from across the City and beyond were not able to squeeze into every seat in St Eugene’s Cathedral, as is the norm, for the annual Little Way Novena this year, there was a great joy amongst the priests of the parish and the people that a socially distanced congregation was able to attend for the week of talks and prayers. Hollie Frystal reports on the series of powerful talks delivered by the guest speakers...

THE popular annual ‘Little Way have in common is that they were Novena’ to St Therese of Lisieux both two young girls of strong involved the usual opening and faith, who continue to inspire closing ceremonies, the daily countless people from all over the celebration of Mass followed by globe. evening devotions, talks, as well The first reflection of the week as space and silence for rich prayer was given by Mrs Marie Lindsay, in the presence of the Blessed former principal of St Mary’s Sacrament, and concluded with College in Derry, and the theme the blessing of roses. of her talk was ‘thanksgiving’. She The guest speakers were Mrs quoted St Therese saying, “use the Maire Lindsay, Jim Deeds, Fr gifts you have received and pass Michael McGoldrick OCD, on the love that has been given Yvonne Rooney and Archdeacon y ou .” Robert Miller, Church of Ireland. As a young person, what I take Born on January 2, 1873 in from this reflection is that all the France, Therese was one of five obstacles and blessings we obtain children who survived out of nine in life will serve as a source of in the family of Louis and Zelie formation whilst we embark Martin. After her mother died of upon doing the will of God. breast cancer in 1877, the family Additionally, I am reminded that moved to Lisieux, where Therese God is with us in the good as entered the Carmelite Convent at well as the bad, and that it is His the age of 15. ‘footprints’ that are in the sand. Therese suffered from mental Similar in thinking to St Therese, health and died of tuberculosis young Blessed Carlo Acutis said: at the age of 24. She maintained “We are all born original, but selflessness and determination. many die as photocopies.” Again, Her burial site is a popular place of we are reminded that each and pilgrimage, and a basilica was built every one of us is unique and that bearing her name. Canonized by God has a plan for each one of us, Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925, St requiring us to use our abilities, Therese was declared the youngest skills and talents to the service of doctor of the Catholic Church by others. Pope John Paul II in 1997. The second reflection was In 2015, Pope Francis canonized given by Jim Deeds, Parish St Therese’s parents, making them Development Coordinator and the first spouses to be canonized Training and Facilitation Officer together as a married couple. with the Living Church Office, in Interestingly, St Therese and St the Diocese of Down and Connor. Bernadette’s conditions of life Jim Deed’s reflection was quite were, in some ways, similar. The allegorical-like in its structure. He most breath-taking thing that they spoke of artistry and carpentry THE NET | JUNE 2021 11 in the context and focus of the becomes.” For me, personally, the ‘path to holiness’. Interestingly, he absence of prayer brings a sense of put emphasis on ‘small things’ in loneliness and despair, therefore, everyday life that contribute to I pray because I want to be close the ‘path to holiness’. He quoted to God and to be at peace for St Therese, saying: “Miss no single whatever lies ahead in life. opportunity of making some Lastly, on the fifth evening of the small sacrifice. Here by a smile, novena reflections, we welcomed there by a kind word, always doing Archdeacon Robert Miller, the smallest right and doing it all Archdeacon of Derry and Rector for love.” of the grouped parishes of Christ We learn that ‘sacrifice’ is Church, Culmore, Muff and St expected on the ‘path to holiness’, Peters. however, it doesn’t have to be Archdeacon Miller said, in the huge. It can be simple, therefore, context of the pandemic, “This it can be a common practice novena has reminded us that embedded into our everyday lives, being together with one another performed through the act of love. and with God on that journey On the third evening of the together, is a journey which draws Novena, we listened to Fr Michael us forward.” McGoldrick, a Carmelite priest The sense of community in the in the Carmelite Priory and Church is vital in moving forward. Retreat Centre, at Termonbacca. As we all know by now, the Fr McGoldrick reflected on St concept of synodality requires the Therese’s life and her famous ‘walking together’ of a people who autobiography, ‘A Story of a Soul’. will listen, encounter and discern What stood out for me in St where God is calling His Church Therese’s life was her battle with to be today. Also, the physical mental health and anxiety. So sense of togetherness is now much many people, especially young more appreciated, as we have people, can relate to her with experienced the sore reality of similar mental health struggles. social distancing and staying away We can ask St Therese for her from one another in order to keep intercession for those suffering each other safe. from mental health, and we learn St Therese is an outstanding from her to place our hope and example of faith. She is a young trust in God’s hands. woman who wasn’t afraid to The fourth reflection was given admit her flaws and human by Yvonne Rooney, our Derry failings, whilst her holiness shined Diocesan Youth Director, who through her ‘little ways’ and spoke of how prayer enriched determination throughout her her “authentic relationship” with life. She is a genuine role model Christ. Yvonne quoted St Therese, for young people today. saying that “Prayer is a burst from We learn from St Therese that we the heart”. Prayer is both a great are not perfect but that God has a and unique expression of love and perfect plan for each and every dialogue with God, which unites one of us. We are measured by our us more closely to Him. efforts and are called to place our St Therese said: “The nearer one trust and confidence in Christ, gets to God, the simpler one’s life and to love Him and one another. 12 THE NET | JUNE 2021 Reporting on the 14th Annual Pope John Paul II Award Ceremony, Hollie Frystal highlights some inspirational advice from guest speaker, Baroness Nuala O’Loan... “Be yourself, but make that self all that God wants it to be” we welcomed guest speaker, will be able to do it, even when Baroness Nuala O’Loan, who you are afraid.” I found this very told us: “Since its earliest days, I inspirational. She also spoke of her have thought that this wonderful challenging public life and how scheme, with the opportunities her faith in God comforted her. it brings you to deepen your We simply take the message relationship with the Lord, to originally taught by Christ and re- understand your faith even more, emphasised by Baroness O’Loan: and to understand what live faith “Do not be afraid” in answering is about, is profoundly important.” God’s call and for whatever lies Baroness O’Loan also shared ahead in life. with us a message that she was Finally, I have absolutely loved given by the nuns in her youth: undertaking the Pope John “Be yourself, but make that self Paul II Award. It is an amazing all that God wants it to be.” I love programme that I highly that quote. It basically tells us that encourage every young person God is calling each and every one to undertake. I am very grateful of us to be original, and to use our that I got the chance to attend the whole being, abilities and skills to 14th annual Award ceremony, and serve Him and His Church. It is that the majority of my experience vocational. was out in the community and Guest speaker, Baroness Nuala O’Loan. Lastly, Baroness O’Loan ended parishes, as well as getting the with this message for us: “Know chance to go to Knock and the WE held our 14th annual Pope Indeed, our curate and priest that you will never be alone. God annual sleep out before Covid. John Paul II Award ceremony in of Melmount and Sion Mills, Fr has been with you on this journey I would like to extend a massive St Eugene’s Cathedral, celebrating Thomas Canning made a very Hollie receiving her Gold Award from Bishop Donal, Award Patron. to this happy night. You have done thank you to our Pope John Paul the achievement of 301 young interesting point in his homily well. Everyone is proud of you II Award team, and to Baroness people from across the Diocese on the Feast of Corpus Christi. and happy for you. Be happy, be at O’Loan and Derek Ryan, who was of Derry who received their He pointed out that because of peace and do whatever God asks a great surprise and had provided award, that being either the Papal Covid and the lockdowns we you with courage, because you fantastic music. Cross, Gold, Silver or Bronze, in had to more or less solely rely on recognition of their hard work, the “nourishment” of The Word dedication and commitment to in the absence of receiving the their parishes and community. Eucharist physically. Therefore, I was very fortunate to be present the importance and purpose at it, as only one representative of The Word has been further from each school was permitted emphasised and reinforced in our to attend in order to keep within lives. We have learnt that it is a Covid regulations. spiritual necessity. I achieved Gold and am The other half of the Gold Award currently undertaking the Papal consisted of obtaining 20 social Cross Award. I found that taking hours. For these, I volunteered for part in the Award has provided numerous charities, for example me with a platform, a springboard, the Koram Centre, the Three in a way which has enabled me Bridges Cross Community Group, to get more involved, on a wider St Vincent de Paul, Habitat for scale, in my parish and across the Humanity, EA Authority, PTFA, Diocese. It has provided various and so on. I also completed my other opportunities for me as well, last couple of hours via the Derry for example, the Derry Diocesan Youth Ministry online Instagram Youth Scholarship and the Book channel, which I continue to be Club, which I am very grateful for. greatly involved in. Our guest speaker was Baroness Community Nuala O’Loan, and the guest My three favourite community entertainer was Irish country volunteering experiences was, singer, Derek Ryan. firstly, the Melmount Parish I am a parishioner of St Mary’s fundraising coffee morning, for Church, in the Melmount Parish, the installation of a defibrillator Strabane, and every Sunday I for the Chapel, and secondly, I was am entrusted with the privilege involved with St Vincent de Paul, of reading the Word of the Lord which was particularly a great eye- at Mass. It was something that I opener to the injustices present had always wanted to do and, I within our communities today, suppose, the Pope John Paul II especially around Christmas time. Award enabled me and gave me Thirdly, I absolutely love the excuse to start. volunteering with the online Derry I will always remember the Youth Ministry programmes. It advice my great-uncle, Fr Peter is a fantastic way to bring young Madden gave me about reading people together in faith and at Mass. He told me to “read very communion to discuss Church clear, very loud and make sure and create friendships, whilst that the person at the very back working together on a common of the chapel can hear what you’re project. It has been a privilege and saying.” He reminded me that I wonderful experience watching am entrusted with a very special the Derry Youth’s online ministry role in delivering the Word of the blossom. For me, and I am sure Lord on the altar and, therefore, many others, it has blessed and it is very important that each and enriched this past year and half. every person is able to hear it. At this year’s Award Ceremony THE NET | JUNE 2021 13 JPII Awards Photography by Stephen Latimer 14 THE NET | JUNE 2021 After living through a 15-month mix of lockdowns and restrictions in the struggle with Covid-19... Derry faithful delighted to attend St Columba Feast Day Mass Donal McKeown had a very warm welcome for the return of the Long Tower Folk Group, which drew an appreciative applause from the congregation. Bishop Donal also thanked Mr McCrossan and his Nazareth House Primary School class for creating a beautiful wooden plaque, bearing the oak leaf and the words ‘St Columba Pray For Us’, to mark this special year for the parish, City, Diocese and country in celebrating the Saint’s birth 1,500 years ago in Gartan, Co Donegal. Reflecting on the relevance of St Columba today, in a world that has “changed radically over the centuries”, Bishop Donal noted that human nature changes very little: “We are capable of great things and tempted to do very stupid things. Everything changes in the world, and yet, generosity, love, greed and violence occur in every generation. Whether we write manuscripts with quills made from bird feathers or use 3D printers, we struggle with whether we are going to be our best selves, or give in to our dark side”. Adding that while rising wealth brought new possessions and opportunities, there was also more addiction and a growing prison population, he said: “Every generation has to struggle with THERE was a wonderful sense problems...St Columba had to of joy amongst the Long Tower struggle with a battle and the death parish community to be able to of people. He went to Scotland pin on their oak leaf and attend and had to face the problems of a the annual Mass to celebrate the small community on a windswept Feast Day of St Columba in their island. We all have to wrestle beloved St Columba’s Church. with ourselves, other people and While the continued Covid-19 circumstances. restrictions meant restricted “Columba would say that we seating to enable social distancing, should be courageous. Face a number of pupils representing problems rather than running Long Tower PS, Nazareth House away from them. Don’t let fear PS and Gaelscoil Eadain Mhoir, paralyse you. He found peace were able to attend for this despite the struggles of his own particularly special celebration of life, and he tried to bring peace Derry’s Patron Saint in the year to the places where he lived. Real marking the 1500th anniversary heroes don’t run away and just of his birth. look after themselves. Columba Welcoming everyone present in would tell us that we can all make the chapel and watching online a difference to the lives of others. via the Church webcam, Bishop He knew that Jesus had done that. THE NET | JUNE 2021 15

He did that in his time. He would tell us that the choice for you is not challenge us to do the same in between being holy and having our day, where there are many fun. The real choice is between problems to face”. being saint and being a wimp”. Reflecting on how “God Going on to comment on how provides great people, especially “modern society offers our young in difficult times,” Bishop Donal people many opportunities, but it remarked: “Societies have gone asks them to pay a price”, Bishop through crises, but saints have Donal quoted from Pope Francis’ appeared, especially at the worst talk to over three million young of times. The great saints appeared people at the 2016 World Youth when things looked at their worst. Day in Poland: “It is very sad to St Francis of Assisi wasn’t just a pass through life without leaving guy who liked animals. He went a mark. But when we opt for ease out to live in poverty in order to and convenience, for confusing challenge young people to do happiness with consumption, great things. And 800 years later, then we end up paying a high price we still remember him. indeed: we lose our freedom... There are so many people who Renew do not want the young to be free; “The history of the church is full there are so many people who do of people who believed that when not wish you well, who want you the going gets tough, the tough to be drowsy and dull, and never get going. Saints are people who free!” believe that we are all called to be Encouraging young people to outstanding. The culture tends to not “be swept along by cuckoo say that all you need is Deliveroo thoughts that somebody else and Netflix. On the other hand, wants to lay in your heart”, saints believe that you have access Bishop Donal urged them: “Do to tremendous reserves of courage something beautiful with your and generosity. Being a saint is not life. My mother told me that one a question of being so heavenly her great teachers left her one that you are no earthly good. God message, ‘Start something!’” keeps sending people who want to He added: “Columba was called renew the face of the earth. to be a saint, even though he did Photographs by Ivor Doherty and The Net “The Church has continued not know it at the time. Dare to because, precisely when there is believe that you, too, are called to most need of saints, when we are be a saint today”. living through crises, outrageous The ceremony ended with the saints have appeared who said, Novena Prayer to St Columba, ‘Things can be different’. In the which the community had been 20th century, Ireland sent out praying over the previous nine thousands of young men and days, followed by the singing women from every town and of the uplifting ‘Hymn to St village to bring faith, schools and Columba’. Afterwards, while hospitals to the poorest parts of the pupils returned to their the world”. schools, the adult members of the “St Columba,” he added, “would congregation were delighted to ask us to let God make heroes of once again walk down the hill for us, being generous with ourselves the annual blessing of the water in so that others can see Good News St Columb’s Well by Bishop Donal, in us. Live simply so that others as the sun shone down “from the may simply live. Columba would happy courts of heaven” 16 THE NET | JUNE 2021 Remembering their much loved former pastor, the people of Lavey bade a fond farewell to... Fr Brian O’Donnell – Onwards and Upwards! of the church was not the effective way, moving quietly, his ordination on June 22, While the last few weeks of building but the people, and so quietly moving”, Barry 1958, Fr Paddy remarked his life had been difficult for he did a great job in building continued: “A way buoyed that Fr Brian “could not have him, Fr Paddy spoke of how up the church in the people by wit and clarity, and yes, at known the many changes Fr Brian had “braved it” and here in Lavey.” times, a bit grumpy, not shy in church and culture, that, in the end, “there was And if confirmation of any of brusque, clear when saying beginning with the Second that sense of homecoming... of this was needed, then it ‘no’, for sure, wily. Humour Vatican Council in the He knew that the Lord was was delivered by Fr Brian’s always there, Fr Brian was a 1960s, until the present day,” with him and would bring nephew, Dr Barry O’Donnell priest of the people. and had “embraced all the him to a better place, where when he spoke at the end of changes willingly”. the struggles of life would be the ceremony to pay tribute Discrete Highlighting Fr Brian’s ov e r.” to “the good people of Lavey” “I can only imagine the awareness of how important Presiding at the Mass, and all who had loved and thousands of discrete wee it was to have all groups in the Bishop Donal McKeown The Lavey Erin’s Own team in 1991 with Fr Brian spoke at the end to The late Fr Brian O’Donnell, cared for his uncle in the words that have passed - parish working together for who was ordained on June 22, latter years of his life. silence was not a problem; growth in faith and church, acknowledge how Fr Brian 1958. “It has long been crystal more a mode of effective Fr Paddy spoke of how he had dedicated himself to clear,” he said, “the very punctuation - the thousands had become the Erin’s Own his priestly ministry, like THE love and appreciation high regard in which our of quiet words for occasions, Club’s president and number “so many others who have expressed by the community Uncle Brian was held by the as often joyful as painful in one supporter, and how his done their bit to build God’s of Lavey for their former good people of Lavey Parish. the lives of his parishioners interest in the club had left a Kingdom in local areas”. parish priest, Fr Brian Regard is too polite a word – his fans, as he would lasting impact on its history, “We live in an increasingly O’Donnell, in their rapturous for it: The good people of humourously put it”. with a tribute message from individualist culture,” he applause when he joined Lavey loved Fr Brian and he He went on to tell how the Club noting: “They were remarked, adding: “But them for the rededication loved them back”. his uncle had been the last magical times with a man building communities is of their beautiful Church in He continued: “While no surviving child born to John who was the epitome of what an invaluable contribution doubt Fr Brian did important and Margaret O’Donnell parish is about – the pastoral to human wellbeing. December 2019, was again Fr Brian concelebrating at the rededication of Lavey Parish Church of Desertegney Parish, in care of its people”. Communities of faith add very much apparent in the work in other parishes in the on Sunday, December 8, 2019. warm tributes paid to the diocese of Derry - Strabane, Inishowen, and latterly, The He went on to recall Fr an extra dimension to 87-year-old when news Rouskey, Coleraine, Ulster Bar, Clooney Terrace, Brian’s declaration of Lavey healing broken hearts and spread about his passing Leckpatrick, Clonmany, in the Waterside, Derry. as ‘Ireland’s Premier Parish’, relationships. And those away peacefully on May 25, at Pennyburn, Ballykelly, “The story goes,” hewith the motto, ‘Onwards parish communities have Milesian Manor, Magherafelt. Bellaghy and latterly recounted, “that the spark and Upwards’, and the found ways of speaking Fr Brian ministered to the Maghera, it was in Lavey, of love between these two famous ‘yellow and black’ idealism, mercy and hope in Lavey faithful for 21 years I think we can say, that he young folk, John O’Donnell parish bulletins, adding: “He Jesus’ name. Belief in Christ’s of his priesthood, and while found his true rhythm. The and Margaret Bradley from loved his people and parish, eternal life can help us all Fr Paddy Baker, Fr Eugene good people of Clonmany neighbouring farms, lit one and whatever failings he may process the pain of loss”. Some family members at the St Brigid’s PS ‘Fr O’Donnell Park’, in Hasson, and then Fr Eamon may still delight in recalling day on a journey on the have had, he lived his life at Bishop Donal concluded by Mayogall, Lavey, on the occasion of Fr Brian’s celebration for the Graham were both warmly the lift they experienced Derry-Buncrana train. They the service of others”. saying that Fr Brian “would 60th anniversary of his ordination. welcomed into the fold as when Fr Brian introduced would have five children; first Fr Paddy also spoke about want us to pray that there his successors, Fr Graham the Bingo but, with all due two infant daughters, both how the Eucharist was will be others to build on his acknowledged that they respects, the good people of lost in the whooping cough central to Fr Brian’s life, legacy. For, without hope, the each had known there was Clonmany have yet to lift the epidemic of the early 1930s, saying: “He set about creating people perish”. no replacing Fr Brian in the Andy Merrigan Cup”. then Seamus, Brian and Pat, a Eucharistic people, teaching Fr Brian is survived by hearts of the people. Recalling the 2018 three brothers who loved them the value of, and need his sister-in-law, Berna, Concelebrating the celebration in Erin’s Own and supported each other for, the Eucharist.” and nieces and nephews, Requiem Mass in the Church Clubhouse for his uncle’s through their lives. “These past months of Keve, Rhona, Barry, Brian, of Our Lady of Mercy, with 60th anniversary of his “Many years ago, when I restrictions,” he added, Margaret and John. As Fr Dermot Harkin, CC ordination, Barry said: “On was visiting him in Lavey, “hopefully help us to he was carried to his final Greenlough, and Fr Paddy that occasion, Joe McGurk Uncle Brian shared with me appreciate more our need for resting place in the adjoining Doherty, PP Maghera, spoke very precisely and a reverie precious to him: the Eucharist”. cemetery, representatives where Fr Brian had retired movingly about Lavey that, in the years before Fr Paddy also highlighted of Erin’s Own Lavey and to after leaving Lavey, Fr before Fr Brian’s arrival. In that fateful train journey, Fr Brian’s passion for St Brigid’s PS formed a Eamon shared this thought those troubled times, spirit his father on his cycle back technology, which led to him socially distanced guard of with those gathered socially was in short supply. Within to Magherbane from the introducing a webcam to the honour for their adopted distanced in the chapel, two years of Fr Brian’s grind of Belfast, where he Lavey Church 15 years ago, ‘Laveyite’, whom the local St and those joining in via appointment, not by chance, was learning his trade as a one of the first in the Diocese Brigid’s Primary School had the church webcam: “The Joe clearly established, Erin’s barman serving to the men and greatly appreciated honoured in naming its grass Christian message is very Own Gaelic Athletic Club who built the Titanic, would during the Covid-19 pitch – the Fr O’Donnell simple; love God and love Lavey were All-Ireland Club stop for a rest in the sunshine pandemic. Park. your neighbour. We are not Football champions. Fr just there where the road always very good at this but, Brian’s Catholic ministry was turns off for Knockloughrim at the end of our lives, I think catalyst indeed”. and Lavey. He pointed the we are going to be asked one He went on to mention spot out to me. His father question – did we love and “another very tangible legacy would rest, draw breath, take were we loved by others. of Fr Brian’s work in Lavey... stock, study, before taking When it comes to Fr Brian, the beautiful, exceptionally on Glenshane on his bicycle. we know the answer to that. fine renovation, re- This reverie represents a “On the day the chapel was invigoration, of St Mary’s message from his father to being rededicated, I went C h a p e l ”. Brian that, with Lavey, he had over to Milesian Manor and Describing it as “a work arrived where he should be”. asked him if he was coming of art”, he remarked: “Fr The funeral homily was over to the ceremony. He said Graham humbly defers to delivered by Fr Paddy that he didn’t know. I said to Fr Brian for this community Doherty, who described him, ‘There was only ever achievement, the work of the Fr Brian as “effortlessly one parish priest in Lavey people of Lavey together, but intelligent”, excelling and that’s you’, and then he it was initiated and realised academically as he progressed said, in that case, he would by these two exceptional through his education at come!” men. It is a joy to frequent”. Waterside Boys’ PS and St “Fr Brian did great work Going on to comment on Columb’s College, before here,” remarked Fr Eamon, the “quiet, effective way” Fr going on to Maynooth. Fr Brian in Croke Park the day Erin’s Own Lavey GAC team adding: “To him, the building Brian went about life, “a quiet Setting out as a priest, after became the 1991 All-Ireland Champions. THE NET | JUNE 2021 17 Eangach Ár nDúchas Liodán Naoimh Dhoire Ardú Céime do Chnoc Mhuire dtreo íomhá den Chéasadh a bhí ag teacht le soiscéal Mharcais—Íosa A Mhuire, tréigthe, agus siombail na péine— máthair na hÉaglaise ag an am ina raibh siad féin ag neamhaí agus talúnda, fulaingt de thairbhe an bhochtanais Guigh orainn. agus na géarleanúna. Agus tá sé suimiúil go raibh comharthaí A Mhuire, Naomh Eoin ar thaispeánadh tonn Chlíona na trócaire, Chnoc Mhuire (altóir agus Uan; Guigh orainn. Muire agus Iósaf agus Eoin, agus A Naomh Eoin Baiste, na haingil—an saol eile agus an saol abhus in araicis a chéile). Shílfeá Guigh orainn. go raibh Dia ag cur i gcuimhne A Naomh Iósaef, do mhuintir na hÉireann go raibh Guigh orainn. an ghlóir i bhfolach i gcroí-lár na A Naomh Peadar agus Pól, péine, díreach mar a léiríodh i scéal an Chéasta i soiscéal Eoin—Íosa ag Guigh orainn. nóiméad an bháis ina rí ar an chros: A Naomh Pádraig, Mac Dé bhí, Rí na Rún. Guigh orainn. Ar an 19ú Márta i mbliana, Féile A Naomh Bríd, Naoimh Iósaef, d’fhógair an Pápa Guigh orainn. Proinsias ardú céime do scrín A Naomh Colm Cille, Chnoc Mhuire. Roimhe seo, ar an Guigh orainn. leibhéal oifigiúil, scrín náisiúnta a bhí i scrín Chnoc Mhuire. Agus ar A Naomh Eoghan Ardsrátha, ndóigh, tá bród ar leith ag muintir Guigh orainn. na hÉireann as an scrín náisiúnta. A Naomh Cainneach, Cros pheannaideach Agus, ar leibhéal neamh-oifigiúil, thaispeáin na pápaí ómós do Guigh orainn. Is féidir comhthéacs stair na Chnoc Mhuire: thug an Pápa Eoin A Naomh Sáfan, hEaglaise in Éirinn a léamh ar na Pól II cuairt ar Chnoc Mhuire (sa saothair ealaíne a cruthaíodh in Guigh orainn. cheo!) in 1979, agus thug an Pápa amannaí éagsúla. Tá seo fíor go Proinsias cuairt ar Chnoc Mhuire A Naomh Maolíosa háirithe faoi íomhánna na gcros: le linn Chomhdháil Domhanda na Ó Brolcháin, Tháinig na crosa móra Scrioptúir dTeaghlach in 2018. Guigh orainn. as tréimhse ghlórmhar na luath- Eaglaise — an ré órga — agus tá A Naomh Breacán, Ach anois aithnítear Cnoc Mhuire na crosa sin bunaithe ar Pháis mar scrín idirnáisiúnta Mhuire agus Guigh orainn. Chríost i soiscéal Eoin: an ghlóir i na hEocairiste. D’fhógair an Pápa bhí ann: tharla taispeanadh Mhuire A Naomh Lurach, lár na péine. Nuair a bhí an Eaglais líne, in aimsir seo na Cóivide agus Proinsias an gradam úr ar Fhéile le linn aimsir an bhochtanais agus cráite ag na péindlithe agus ag an na teicneolaíochta: labhair sé le Guigh orainn. Naoimh Iósaef, agus d’fhógair sé na haicíde, agus tharla fógairt an Ghorta Mhór, tiontaíodh ar na muintir na hÉireann, agus le duine A Naomha uile Éireann, 2021 mar bhliain Naoimh Iósaef. Phápa le linn aimsir na Cóivide crosa peannaideacha agus íomhá ar bith eile a bhí ag éisteacht, le linn Rud neamh-choitianta eile — agus an éadóchais — ardú céime, Guígí orainn. na fulaingthe. Tá sé suimiúil gur Triduum (trí lá) speisialta Urnaí i d’fhógair an Pápa na rudaí seo ar agus ardú meanman. thiontaigh muintir na hÉireann i gCnoc Mhuire. Ócáid thráthúil a Bí ag Éisteacht Tá téamaí áirithe le tabhairt faoi Agus caithfidh tú éisteacht le Tá sé seo fíor fosta ó thaobh cainte Más é riachtanas an othair atá deara sa chúram spioradálta a níos mó ná na cluasa. Thig leat de. Thig leis a bheith úsáideach i gceist, glac d’am agus bí ag thugtar do dhaoine breoite agus éisteacht leis an tsúil, agus le do seans cainte a thabhairt don éisteacht. Ach más é do riachtanas a dhéantar soiléir i ngnéithe neach istigh. Mar an gcéanna othar. Ní bheadh a fhios agat cad féin atá i gceist, imigh agus bí de Shacraimint na nEaslán. thig leat labhairt le níos mó é ba mhaith leo a rá, nó a phlé. ag súgradh le duine éigin eile! Éisteacht an chéad cheann ná do chuid focal. Thig leo é a Uaireanta ba mhaith leo labhairt Caithfidh tú a bheith ag éisteacht acu. Is cuma más dochtúir nó aithint nuair atá tú mí-shocair ar an bhás, nó ar a saol féin. leis an othar le fáil amach cad é banaltra, duine clainne nó sagart, agus déanfaidh siad a gciall féin Is iontach an gléas leighis í an atá de dhíth air, agus cén uair is nó comharsa istigh ag cuidiú, a bhaint as sin. Thig leat éisteacht éisteacht, a fhad agus ba mhaith ceart Sacraimint na n-Easlán a níl rud ar bith is tábhachtaí ná le do lámh fosta, más féidir leat leis an othar a bheith ag caint. Is chur ar fáil dó. éisteacht leis an duine tinn, agus greim láimhe a bheith agat ar an cuimhin liom saineolaí amháin ligean dóibh a bheith ag caint. In duine tinn, nó lámh a chur ar an ag labhairt linn faoi chúram na (Buíochas le Foilseacháin Ábhair amanna ní mian linn a bheith ag éadán. Thig leis an teagmháil seo ndaoine tinne. Mhol sé dúinn Spioradálta.) éisteacht, ar eagla nach mbeimis muinín a chothú. Ar ndóigh, má ceist amháin a chur orainn féin ábalta na rudaí a deir siad a bhíonn sé ag cur isteach ar an agus muid ag dul isteach ar láimhseáil, ach tá sé tuillte acu go othar ná bain dó. cuairt chuig duine tinn: “cé leis n-éistimis leo. an riachtanas anseo?” 18 THE NET | JUNE 2021 Colmcille wood sculptures have new home in The Wells by Ivor Doherty

‘The Dove’ still wants to bring

peace to the town that he loved

1. Birth of Colmcille 2. Childhood Education 3. Ordination of Colmcille – Bishop Donal BISHOP Donal expressed his achievement in itself. “when it can celebrate its shared delight at the relocation of the “But some local people did not part and artistic talents. When wooden Colmcille sculptures to a want the work to lie unseen. The we can see the wood of local trees more visible location in this special sculptures will now be visible in a turned into works of art, we are year of remembering the 1500th part of the city which has known all blessed by the fruit of the earth anniversary of St Colmcille’s birth. much conflict. Columba, The and the work of human hands. “This is a wonderful project Dove, still wants to bring peace to That helps us to be people of hope where devotion to the Patron Saint the town that he loved”. who can face the future together”. of the city and the artistic creativity “It was great that Bishop Forster “St Columba,” concluded Bishop of local people have borne fruit,” could be there, with representatives Donal, “challenges us to be bearers he commented to ‘The Net’. of the local community, the of Good News in our day, just He noted: “The carvings were statutory and civic authorities and as he was in his time. A Naomh 4. Foundation of Derry Monastery 5. Copying the Cathach 6. Battle of Cul Dreimhne completed during the Year myself,” added Bishop Donal. Cholmcille, guí orainn”. THE Colmcille Wood Sculpture The carvers involved were at The Wells each year and so it of Culture - and that was an “The city is at its best,” he said, Project was the inspiration of Liam Jimmy Smith, Aileen Mac Manus, seemed an ideal location for the Kennedy, woodcarving tutor, and Connell McGinley, Helen Shiels, carvings. Julie Logue, Arts co-ordinator, at Masoud Baghi, Johanna Kelly, A committee was formed Eden Place Arts Centre, Derry. John Stevenson, Desi McKinney, comprised of Colm Barton (BBI), The intention was to depict the and tutor, Liam Kennedy. Judy Logue, Liam Kennedy and life of St Colmcille, Patron Saint The completed project was Aileen McManus, all of Eden Place of Derry, in a series of wooden installed on the outside wall of Arts Centre, and Ivor Doherty, plaques, carved in relief. Pilots Row Community Centre local historian and manager of The project was originally and was unveiled by then Aras Colmchille. Local residents created in 2013 during Derry’s Mayor of Derry, Martin Riley, were approached for consent and a City of Culture Year, with funding on Friday, June 7, 2013, as the formal application for funding was provided by the City of Culture inaugural project of the Colmcille made to the Housing Executive Committee. Using extensive weekend. The project was greatly through Eddie Breslin, and was research into Colmcille’s life appreciated and admired by the duly approved. by Rosaleen O’Callaghan, nine local community and the many The project was for the carvings significant events in the saint’s life visitors who came to explore the to be refurbished and varnished, were identified and were depicted history of the local area. then erected with accompanying in drawings by local artist, Maire By 2017, the carvings were storyboards and signage on three Mullan. showing signs of wear and tear gable walls of houses in Saint The Irish word for Derry is due to exposure to the elements, Columb’s Wells, in time for the Doire - meaning Oak Grove, so were relocated to the interior of 1500th year Jubilee celebrations so oak would have been the the Pilot’s Row Centre. There they of Colmcille in June 2021, and to ideal wood to use. Oak of the remained until they were noticed become a welcome addition to required size was unavailable, but by Colm Barton, of the Bogside Derry’s local history trail. a suitable substitute was sweet & Brandywell Initiative, in early The sculptures have now been chestnut cut from trees grown 2021. Colm saw potential for the launched for public display, in the locally at St Columb’s Park. An sculptures to be relocated to the presence of The Mayor of Derry, enthusiastic group of carvers from St Columb’s Wells area and he Brian Tierney, Bishop Donal Liam’s woodcarving classes set approached Judy Logue with his McKeown, and Bishop Andrew to, spending many hours, both ideas, which were enthusiastically Forster, Church of Ireland Bishop in their homes and in the Art received. Since June 9, 1897, 1300 of Derry and Raphoe. Centre, carving their individual years after the death of Colmcille, sculptures. his memory has been celebrated

7. Exile to Iona 8. Legend of the Crane 9. Death of Colmcille THE NET | JUNE 2021 19 After 57 years of priesthood and 40 years of the Columba Community, Fr Neal Carlin believes and prays that… The underground river of faith still in Ireland will bring a new experience of God leading us into the new life of the Holy Spirit I was ordained on May 31, charismatic meeting with I witnessed such suffering there would be in working in Columba House and St things.” (Psalm 34) 1964, which means that it only three other people and deep faith that could full time in a parish and also Anthony’s, in the prison These days of illness allow is my 57th anniversary this present and I received such only have come as a great leading a community. ministry, in White Oaks me to reflect and go back to year. Where did the time go? peace and healing that I grace of God. The Holy Spirit has blessed and in the Celtic Garden, what has been a word of life I remember promising Our knew it was a blessing from While I enjoyed the us with gifts of hearing His has been the great joy of my for me and my community: Lady in the old chapel in the Holy Spirit. challenge of working in a word in scripture, prophecy, ministry. “They that wait on the Lord Newtown that if I passed my As a qualified teacher in large parish and leading a words of knowledge, and, The other centres weshall renew their strength, exams I would offer myself RE in a secondary school, I charismatic prayer group, I discernment, and I have seen have opened - St Anthony’s they shall mount up with as a priest. That’s the way we was given a book to look at felt a call from God to start miraculous healings and Retreat Centre, White Oaks wings as eagles. They shall prayed in those days. Well by a Presbyterian friend. It a lay community and we happenings as we prayed and Rehabilitation Centre, run and not grow weary. Our Lady did her part and was called “Nine O Clock opened Columba House depended on God. perhaps the work for which They shall walk and not I went off to the seminary in the Morning” by Dennis in 1981. The concept was Whenever there is nowhere we are best known, and faint…” (Isaiah 40:31). Praise in Wexford. They wereBennett, from the US. He often misunderstood, but else to go, the real power, that the Celtic Prayer Garden, God. challenging years, but I met describes his own awakening I thank God that He gave of the Holy Spirit, comes into were all prompted by the We pray, in union with some good men who wanted and how he saw the gifts of me a listening heart, what sharper focus as He moulds Spirit and, while we prayed Pope Francis, for authentic I believe and I pray that the to serve God and people, as I the Holy Spirit come alive Richard Rohr calls “the us, refines the vision, and and worked hard, the Lord participation and lay underground river of faith did myself. in some of his parishioners; deeper level of listening”, calls us always to go deeper. has never been outdone in leadership in the Church. that is still in Ireland will I ministered in Scotland that inspired me in my time and He surrounded me with Charismatic renewal and generosity. We pray for all who read this bring our people to a new and had 11 very fulfilling of need. prayerful, supportive people, seeing the gifts of the Holy The Psalm Columba was article that they may know experience of the God who years there but I always felt I felt a prompting to who both challenged and Spirit used to build up reputed to have been writing the power of God at work in has lavished His love upon that there was something come back to Derry and I affirmed me in my leadership His people, witnessing the sums this up: “Those who their lives and that they may us, and who desires to lead us more to happen. An old ministered in the Cathedral of the Community. I have healing and peace people trust in the Lord shall want respond to the call to serve into the new life of the Holy priest friend took me to a in the height of the Troubles. come to realise the difficulty have received as we prayed for no manner of good the poor and marginalized. Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen Celebrating 40 years of ministry on the Feast of St Columba... Columba Your grace filled presence lingers still Columba Community reflect on their outreaches and In this great walled city ongoing mission of yielding to the Spirit Dove of the church, Reconciler fasting, participation in substance misuse on many A voice for peace in turbulent times all night prayer vigils and victims and survivors of the discussion. conflict. Symbol of all that is good With a small army of It was clear from the dedicated volunteers and the ever increasing number of Child of Royal Blood financial help of generous individuals and families Noble boy benefactors, renovations coming to Columba House Like your Saviour began and Columba House in search of advice and You learned the psalms in childhood of Prayer and Reconciliation help for addiction, that Musician was opened. a residential facility with The ministry of Fr Neal and trained professionals was Poet Fr Neal Carlin with some members of the Columba Community at St Anthony’s Retreat Centre on the the Columba Community needed. The Columba Derry-Donegal border. You carried God’s word in your heart at that time concentrated on Community responded by WHEN the Lord speaks of prayer in the United God speaking to him by prisoners, their needs and establishing the White Oaks throughout your life to hearts many strange and States and was profoundly confirming the following the many issues that arose in Rehabilitation Centre. This beautiful things happen. The influenced to establish a word from the Spirit: “In a that area. Supported by lay purpose built facility opened At home with silence Columba Community is no community of prayer and few days a stranger will point members of the Columba in 2001, providing residential exception. Celebrating 40 reconciliation in the heart of out to you a house.” Community, this apostolate treatment for individuals Finding space withing your heart years of ministry this June, Derry City. He cites a stay On returning to Derry the also provided pastoral seeking help from addiction. To let God’s spirit dwell on the feast of their patron, with the Pecos Community expectations were realised, as and practical support for Over 2,000 people have now Listening to what the spirit taught St Columba, they reflect on in New Mexico as a major within days a large property prisoners’ families and ex- been treated for addiction at the history of each of their spiritual experience, with its in the city centre was indeed A man of wisdom and good counsel prisoners. Many needs were White Oaks. outreaches and their ongoing emphasis on inner healing pointed out to Fr Neal. Before met and dealt with through In addition to rehabilitation mission of yielding to the and forgiveness. the ‘Troubles’, the property by Ann McCay, Columba Community prayer, mutual support and for those experiencing Spirit, building Christian On his return to Ireland in was used by the police for by making use of the Gifts of addiction, the Columba IOSAS Centre with The and trusting in His goodness communities as a network of late 1979, small steps were lodging and recreation but the Holy Spirit. Community also offersSanctuary accommodation. and mercy. “For they that interpersonal relationships taken to form a praying was burnt out in 1970 and This, in turn, led to the counselling and support The garden and centre serve wait upon the Lord shall based on their common community in Derry. Fr Neal by 1979 was derelict and a opening of St Anthony’s from a specialised addiction as a place of quiet escape renew their strength. They relationship with Jesus Christ travelled to Wexford for a mere shell. Undeterred by Retreat Centre, Dundrean, counsellor to family from the hustle of modern shall mount up with wings as Rock and Cornerstone. retreat in the winter of 1979, the enormity of the task on the Derry/Donegal members affected bylife, a centre for education as eagles. They shall run and In 1978 – 1979, during to pray for direction as to ahead and with the princely border; a haven of tranquillity another’s addiction. on Celtic Spirituality, and is not grow weary - walk and a sabbatical year, Fr Neal how they might best provide sum of just £200, Fr Neal offering exceptionallyFrom the 5th to the 12th also a leading local producer not grow faint.” For we know Carlin travelled to visit the an outreach to the troubled and a group of committed attractive retreatant packages century, Irish saints and of organic vegetables through one thing for certain - the major emerging Christian city. It was on returning individuals decided to buy for those wishing to take scholars brought a new the Acorn Project based on Lord will never be outdone in Communities and houses home that he sensed clearly the house after much prayer, time apart with God, with renaissance and civilisation site. generosity. an emphasis on Ignatian to Europe after the fall The Columba Community May Fr Neal’s prophecy and contemplative prayer, of the Roman Empire. pray that, as they continue and vision of the Holy and offering weekly healing Through their monastic lives, their ministry, they will see Spirit flowing underground Masses on a Monday evening Columba and Columbanus the fruits of their vision through the land of Ireland, over many years. and many others spread the statement, “that all people welling up within each of The advent of the peace Christian faith throughout find freedom and dignity us, come to fruition through process in the 1990s brought Ireland and into Europe. through Jesus Christ, for the the living water of Christ an end to the daily death and In honour and recognition greater glory of God. ‘For I pouring forth upon us all destruction visited on the of these great men and women have come that you may have in missioning together to streets of Northern Ireland, of Ireland, the Columba life and have it to the full’.” build small basic Christian but the violence had left Community developed the Fr Neal’s prophetic vision communities - His kingdom a legacy of addiction and Celtic Prayer Garden and is a testament to waiting on come here on earth. St Canice’s Oratory, in the Celtic Garden. the Lord with expectant faith 20 THE NET | JUNE 2021 Hardest martyrdom may be allowing my strongly felt ideas to be killed off...so that God’s will be done by Bishop Donal DURING the month of June, we celebrate the Feast of death each day. solution to that uncertainty – as That was his martyrdom. the Body & Blood of Christ (June 6), Sacred Heart of Jesus John the Baptist and the early soon as possible. For many of us today, our form Christians knew what ‘red But the Old Testament contains of martyrdom may well be having (June 11), and the Immaculate Heart of Mary (June 12), as martyrdom’ meant. But, as many many stories about how the to be patient with the Lord who well as the Feast of the Irish Martyrs (June 20), Nativity of saints discovered, living for Christ Chosen People felt lost and is trying to remake His people in John the Baptist (June 23), Feast of Sts Peter & Paul (June was often as tough as dying for abandoned, living with trust in our day. Two thousand years ago, 29), and the First Martyrs of Rome (June 30) - flesh and Christ. Death was martyrdom God and not in their own plans. St Paul wrote that he hoped and only if it was the price of living for That was especially true in the trusted that he would have “the blood people like ourselves, who walked this earth and, Christ. St Paul knew that when he 40-year journey from Egypt to courage for Christ to be glorified open to the Holy Spirit, gave their ‘yes’ to God...to the point wrote “if I let them take my body the Promised Land. For many, a in my body, whether by my life or of giving their lives. to burn it but am without love, it return to slavery in Egypt seemed by my death”. (Philippians 1:20) will do me no good whatever.” (1 a much better idea than moving In my role as Bishop of this Reflecting on your relationship with God and whether Cor 13:3) Death is no guarantee forward to the Holy Land. diocese in our time and place, you would be prepared to die for your faith, share your of grace, unless it is in conformity But when they looked back on I have to be ready to serve the thoughts on this and what you would say to/ask Jesus, with God’s will. those years of wandering and not Lord’s designs, whatever the cost. I imagining Him walking alongside you, like the experience The challenge for most of us in arriving, they came to believe that have my ideas – and many others the 21st century is to bear living it was not a waste of time. God was will share their ideas with me. of two on the road to Emmaus... THE word ‘martyrdom’ is interesting. In the early Christian witness to Jesus in an alien culture, working at forming them from Discernment means trusting that, centuries, it came to mean whatever the cost. The price of slaves into becoming a people. if we listen together to the Lord and someone who died for their faith such ‘white martyrdom’ can be The witness/martyrdom ofto God’s grace in others, we can To risk the road in Jesus. But its Greek root means rejection or a sense that God has Moses consisted in his being discern the Lord’s ideas and plans by Edel O’Connor ‘bearing witness’. abandoned His people, or that we faithful to God’s promise, even the next stage on our Exodus. My are wasting our time. Shedding when it seemed that most of the prayer is only that I can be used AT this time of year, we Suffering and death might be the result of bearing witness to our sweat for God can be tougher Israelites were against him. At for God’s glory, whatever cost that celebrate the feast days of many than shedding our blood. times he felt that the burden of may entail. great disciples and pioneers of Jesus. And we know from history that death for Christ has been part Today, we have a lot of books leading a hard-necked, headstrong Maybe the hardest form of Christianity. Those who had the and arguments that the Church is people was too much for him. But martyrdom is allowing my own courage to risk the road of faith, of the Church in every century. After all, Jesus had given His life in crisis. The certainty of the past he was prepared to pay the price strongly felt ideas to be killed off, to accompany Jesus, and those is lost and should be restored. The so that God could help the people so that God’s will might be done ultimately who were prepared to in the sacrifice of the Cross – and we celebrate the sacrament of that implication and answer seem to be grow together in knowledge of the on earth as it is in heaven. die for their faith. that there must be a simple, clear God who was faithful to them. In the words of Joyce Rupp, “Risk the road, risk the work. Go, I will be with you, what else do you need?” My imaginary walk in 2021 on my Road People like St Paul, St Peter, Mary and John the Baptist walked that Edel O’Connor, Coleraine. faith journey, opened their hearts by Brenda Deery to the Holy Spirit and gave their words of calling from Jesus, to Emmaus “Yes” to God. “Come Follow Me”. In my role follow the road of love, peace, joy He loved standing by, said to His is beaten - two or three olives are Fr Michael Paul Gallagher as RE teacher in Scoil Mhuire and true fulfilment. mother: Woman, behold thy left on the topmost bough, four reminds us that “faith is a yes to Buncrana, it is a gift to enable the I enjoy my daily walks and find son; Then, He said to the disciple or five on the fruitful branches a yes”. We are all asked to respond students to respond to that calling nature a great blessing in helping to ‘Behold thy mother’ and from that says Yahweh the God of Israel… to that calling from Jesus and from Jesus. understand the stages of my own hour the disciple took her to his For you have forgotten the God trust our lives with Him who has I accompany those participating life. At present, I see the vibrancy own (home)”. (Jn 19:25-27) of your salvation, you have failed entrusted His life with us. in the Pope John Paul II Awards of nature, the different shades of To walk with Our Lord and to remember the Rock of your Reflecting on my ownto draw out their giftedness and greenery, the awakening blossoms know that He had a perfectly salvation”. (Isaiah Ch17 v 6 & 10) relationship with God; how encourage them to integrate and the nesting birds, and all this attuned mind and will to God and I feel Jesus is walking this trail am I saying yes and how am I their faith into their daily lives. ‘aliveness’ is a great resource for nature, compared to my mostly (trial) with me. He is challenging surrendering myself to the call St Irenaeus stated that the glory contemplating life’s meaning. ‘out of tune’ mind and will, means me to ‘trust in Him’. He is asking to be a disciple of Jesus? Rather of God is people fully alive and Springtime immediately awakens I need to continually pray and me to study and know His ways, than answer the question...am I through these awards the students’ me to reflect on the beauty of every reflect on His life to seek guidance. stop being blinded by the ‘world- prepared to die for my faith, for faith comes alive. individual life from the womb to I pray on this journey, “Am I on the view’ and look through the lens of me, the question is...what am I We hear much these days about the tomb. I watch the birds busy right road or have I gone adrift?” His Word. willing to let go of and let die to our carbon footprints, but what building their nest, protecting I thank Jesus that He is so patient I believe Jesus is with me enable my faith to grow? about our spiritual footprints? We their nests, hatching their eggs, with me and always trust that, with throughout every incident on my Fear, pride and control are just follow in the footsteps of the great Brenda Deery, Faughanvale. and feeding their offspring. His grace, I will get back on the journey. He has been signposting some of many challenges that I can disciples of our faith. We are all I often think of Our Lord as He correct road whenever required. me via scripture and giving me surrender. Pioneers need to travel on a faith journey but we are not CONVERSING with God is an spent His first nine months on “Enter through the narrow gate. the remedies for my life’s woes in light and all the great disciples left on this journey alone. I witness ongoing preoccupation of mine as earth in the womb of Our Lady, For wide is the gate and broad is the form of sacraments, if only their comfort zones. However, I young people every day letting go I try to plot my way through life, and the physical and spiritual bond the road that leads to destruction, my “ears would hear and my eyes can only let go if I have the belief of embarrassment and fear, and work, family and, of course, our that was formed. May, the month and many enter through it”. would see” (1 Cor 2). He wants me that I want something greater. St allowing themselves to grow in pandemic, to name but a few. My of Our Lady, together with spring, (Matthew 7:13) to know that everyone’s journey is Augustine reminds us that our their faith. journey ‘on the road to Emmaus’ is and all its beauty, does speak to I think of Our Lord along today’s important to Him and we should hearts are restless until they rest In the words of the French Poet, a continual daily event, as I believe my senses, my heart and spirit. I ‘road to Emmaus’ and wonder walk with each other and help in Thee. Guillaume Apollinaire, “Come to that in beginning my day with the ponder the reality that Our Lord what He would think of us ‘passer each other. We all have a place in On the road to Emmaus, the the edge, he said. They said: We Morning Offering and prayers that completely surrendered Himself byes’ shrouded in blue masks? His Plan and nature is gifted to two disciples realised their hearts are afraid. Come to the edge, he I am inviting Our Lord to walk to Mary to protect, nourish and Does scripture offer us any advice us, together with His Word, the were burning as Jesus travelled said, they came. He pushed them with me. participate in the distribution on this? Is a virus greater than Sacraments and the Catechism of the road with them, revealing the and they flew”. Throughout my day, I have of graces as she became the first ‘His Body and Blood’? What is He the Catholic Church, to enlighten scriptures. There is a great parable My prayer is that we will all ongoing ‘natters’ with Our Lord living tabernacle. I feel Our Lord is saying to me in these times? us on our way and provide in the children’s party game, ‘Pass listen and respond to that burning about this world we are living asking me to make a special place Vine the beacon to draw us to our the Parcel’, we journey together, call from Jesus within our hearts. in; the purpose of my life and in my life for His Mother; to allow Then I hear the wind blowing the destination. “Send forth your light unravelling and letting go of the May we be proud of our spiritual am I doing His will? I ask Him her to carry me, guide me and trees and see the leaves falling…is and your truth, let them guide layers to reveal the gift. footprints and have the courage to how best to navigate myself in protect me. He showing me He is shaking the me, let them bring me to our holy The great and wonderful gift risk the road safe in the knowledge this ever-encroaching secular, “Jesus, therefore, seeing His branches on the vine…“yet some mountain, to the place where you of faith is waiting for us in those that God is accompanying us. anti-Christian culture in order to mother and the disciple whom gleaming remains as an olive tree dwell”. (Psalm 43:3) THE NET | JUNE 2021 21 I am drawn more to St Though I suffered much without Therese’s Little Way than prospect of violent death in Mass, would I be willing to die for the martyrdom Eucharist? by Martin Callaghan by Fr Michael McGoldrick OCD battle...“A woman clothed with have free time to relax away from story of “without Sunday we I find the saints we celebrate the sun”, who gives birth to a all the pressures of the modern cannot live” from the year 304, in June daunting. We celebrate saviour and battles with the devil. world. when 49 Christians attended Mass the exuberant abundance of (Revelations 12) This is one question I would in fear of death from the Emperor God’s generosity in the gift of his To take up this battle, I do not ask Jesus if we were out walking Diocletian. One of the condemned Body and Blood. The Feast of the expect to give up my physical - “Did I give more of my time to said, “Without the Sunday Sacred Heart speaks of His endless body in death like the martyrs, technology and personal items Eucharist we can’t live”. mercy and is also an invitation to since I live in a free society. I do rather than to you?” I hope to get How much I suffer without confidence in the good Jesus. The expect a spiritual death, however, an average answer but it would the Mass due to the Covid 19 Immaculate Heart of Mary speaks it is not that I lose something but probably be something like my restrictions, but would I be willing to us of her virginal purity, of a rather I gain something, freedom. school report - could try harder. to die for the Eucharist like the heart that is totally focused on and How is this you may ask? Easy...if I was inspired reading a true people of Abilene, Tunisia? dedicated to Jesus. you follow Our Lady, who is the The great martyrs, Sts John defender of the Church. According to Christian author, the Baptist, Peter, Paul, and the Fr Michael McGoldrick OCD, CS Lewis, Christianity is a ‘fighting First Martyrs of Rome hold up Termonbacca. Martin Callaghan, Burt, Co Donegal. an example of martyrdom that I religion’ - a spiritual struggle do not believe I would emulate. I know Him better, to be a better I emerge from the Eastertide against the evil in and around us, am not convinced that I have the friend to Him and to give my life celebrations reflecting on my using the weapons of love, justice courage to say ‘yes’ to God to the if that is what He wants. I would relationship with Jesus and and courage. point of giving my life. Of course, ask him to help me to see more connecting with the gifts and To help with my spiritual it might be asked of me in the clearly the beauty of the world fruits of the Holy Spirit. I can look struggle, I try and get Holy Mass, form of illness, but I will cross that and its people that He has gifted to Our Lady for guidance as she is 15 decades of the Rosary and bridge if it comes! us with, and how to respect our the epitome of the human race in Liturgy of the Hours completed In the presence of these great world better. I would ask Him to virtues. before bedtime. saints, I find myself drawn towards show me how He wants me to I purchased a pillow cover with During the day, I try and catch up the ‘smaller’ saints like St Therese reach out to those on the margins an image of Our Lady punching with the latest gadgets on the web of Lisieux, with whom I identify of our church and society. the devil, taken from the 13th and discuss them with my friends, more easily. While her little way is I would tell Him that I do not century breviary by William who can use their wrist watches very demanding, it is not quite as always understand His decisions de Brailes, a non-monastic as ‘phones and to order online. intimidating as the prospect of a when it comes to answering illuminator, because this image These gadgets appear harmless violent death in martyrdom. prayers. I hope I would be honest captures the essence of ‘sometimes but they can speed up time and When I look at our Carmelite enough to say that sometimes I get being silent you are stronger.’ This this ‘Now not Later’ attitude could be dangerous, because we do not saints, they were all utterly angry with Him when the outcome strength is seen again in the final 13th Century manuscript image of Our Lady punching the devil on the nose. committed to God. Several speak seems unjust, for example, a young of the martyrdom of feelings – mother dying from cancer. At the their desire to love God with more end of the day, I do try to trust that fidelity that they feel capable of. He knows what is best, but I do not Corpus Christi and the Martyrs They speak of the darkness of faith always succeed! as being like martyrdom. They I would also ask Him to inspire by Noel Bradley remind us that there is no easy a sense of vocation among the The question could, nonetheless, being brought into the Church. committed themselves to ‘The path to God. Jesus did not have an young people of our world, so that be asked of a Christian: Would After this, there was the murder Service of Faith and Promotion easy path and He tells us that if we whether they be single people, they find enough evidence to of Jean Donovan, who studied in of Justice’. Its key insight was that want to follow Him, we must take married, priests or religious, they convict you for being a Christian? Cork University the year before there can be no preaching of the up the cross. That often comes in will keep His message alive and Or would you be willing to lay (1979) and her three missionary Gospel without work for justice. simple but particularly challenging inspire others to be good friends down your life for Christ or for companions (1980), and, later, This new emphasis on justice ways; someone whose ways of for Jesus. your faith? Ignatio Ellacuria and his five Jesuit for the poor was bound to lead behaving we find difficult...can we Finally, I would ask Him for the Of course, it is all very theoretical companions from the University to tensions and conflicts and, for try to love them sincerely? Can we physical and mental energy to do sitting here in the safety and of Central America (1989), and many, inevitably to martyrdom. forgive hurt? whatever mission He has for me comfort of the Derry diocese in Elba Julia and her daughter, It is no small matter that some If I had the privilege of walking and to give me the graces I will 2021. But, in many parts of the Celina, who had taken refuge with 90 Jesuits from 20 countries have with Jesus on the road to Emmaus, need to do it. While I am willing to world, Christians are in danger them. died violently on mission since I hope that I would first listen to stay on earth as long as He wants, if they practice their faith in any In Brazil, there was Bro Vicente the Jesuit society committed itself him. I would thank him for Pope I would ask that it not be for too public or radical way. In Nigeria, Canas (1987), who lived with a explicitly to promote faith and Francis, for his wonderful example long! there have been a number of remote Indian tribe in the Amazon justice as the twin dimensions and for the way he makes Jesus And what a joy it would be to kidnappings of priests, sisters and forests. There were others like Fr of the Gospel. This has been present in our world. share a meal with Jesus at the end Noel Bradley, Buncrana. lay people recently and many have John Bosco Burnier SJ, who was due to a great extent to the I would ask Jesus to help me to of the journey! THE sixth of June is the Feast been killed. shot by Brazilian police in 1977, leadership of Fr Pedro Arrupe, of Corpus Christi and during I remember the murder of and American, Sr Dorothy Stang, who himself suffered, perhaps continued from page 18 this month of June we will also Archbishop Romero (now St who was murdered in 2005. a slow martyrdom, for trying Then Our Lord asks me, would (Rev 24:4) remember the early Christian Romero) of El Salvador. He was They were all working for justice to implement this vision with I be willing to die for Him? The With God’s reassurance and Martyrs of the Roman Church and a conservative priest and bishop among the poor and they were a opposition from many, including question I ponder is…am I willing the reality of the resurrection I the Uganda Martyrs. Last month, until he went to the scene of the threat to those with most of the in the Vatican. to live for Jesus? Do I want to live know ‘the road to Emmaus’ will we had the Algerian Martyrs, the murder of one of his priests, wealth and power. These are only eternally with Jesus and the saints? lead me to my eternal destiny. English Martyrs, the Mexican Fr Rutilio Grande and his two a few. They make us aware that it A Multitude of Minor Martyrs I know that nature always As the Catechism of the Catholic martyrs and St John 1, Pope and companions, by the military. is dangerous to be an authentic It seems to me that the Church in presents yearly cycles to alert Church teaches, “This perfect life Martyr. Is there any relationship He cancelled all the Masses in Christian in this world. Ireland, in general, has missed out us of our passing nature and with the Most Holy Trinity, this between the feast of Corpus the diocese so that all the priests It is remarkable that all these on almost all of this development this together with God’s Word communion of life and love with Christi and martyrdom? would be able to attend his funeral martyrdoms took place since over 50 years. So, we don’t have signposts me to the ultimate death the Trinity, with the Virgin Mary, in the cathedral. From then on, he Vatican II, which opened the any martyrs. But then again there of my body – “He will wipe away the angels and all the blessed ‘They have washed their robes in spoke out continuously against the Church out to its mission of are many who, in many hidden every tear from their eyes, and is called ‘heaven’. Heaven is the the blood of the Lamb’ military and the government until transforming this world into a and quiet ways, have worked for death shall be no more, neither ultimate end and fulfilment of the It is not a question that occurred he, himself, was assassinated while more just and equitable one. There a more just and equitable world. shall there be mourning, nor deepest human longings, the state to me before, probably because saying Mass. At his funeral in the was also the Synod of Bishops in So maybe we have a multitude of crying, nor pain anymore, for the of supreme, definitive happiness”. martyrdom is not something that cathedral, there were shots fired 1971 and the theme was ‘Justice former things have passed away”. (n.1024) we ever hear about in the media. into the crowd as his body was in the World’. In 1975, the Jesuits continued overleaf 22 THE NET | JUNE 2021 THE Feast of the Finding more time for prayer while shielding due to Covid concerns.... Sacred Heart, June 11, is a special day in the lives of members of the Fr John Downey hails power of prayer Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, who are devoted to the Sacred for vocations and witness of Pioneers Heart, as is reflected DERRY-born Fr John Downey in their daily ‘Heroic has been a pioneer for 65 years and, for 12 of these, he served as Offering for Life to the spiritual director to the Pioneer Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Association emblem, with its Total Abstinence Association image of the heart and the cross. at Diocesan and County level. Founded over 120 years ago by Fr James Cullen SJ, Speaking to ‘The Net’ from his adopted home of Moneyneena, in Dublin, on December 28, 1898, the main aim of the in the parish of Ballinascreen, he Association is the promotion of sobriety and temperance. shares his experience as a priest Fr Cullen had seen the terrible damage caused by excess and Pioneer. alcohol, especially to families. A son of the late Maud and Paddy Downey, Fr John was He stated: “Women...are the greatest sufferers from the born in Windsor Terrace, within wreckage caused by drink; they are the silent, hidden, the Cathedral Parish. He recalls uncomplaining victims of its cruelty and savagery...in appreciatively how the strong faith of his parents was passed onto fighting for temperance they would be fighting, as no other their family and how this helped could fight, for themselves and for their children, for earth him, and his brother and two and for Heaven.” sisters, as an 11-year-old when his Fr John Downey receiving a gift of appreciation in 2019 from the Derry Pioneer Association committee members, for Some influential members of the Association down mother died. his years of ministry as their spiritual director. A late vocation to the priesthood, the years have included Venerable Matt Talbot, Dublin there he arrived in the Parish of drink affecting someone in their which he shielded completely. Fr John said that he had first Ballinascreen. That was 16 years families. I was about 16 when I “I had a lot of time for prayer (1856-1925), who struggled with alcoholism and became thought about a priestly vocation ago, and he grew to love the got my full pledge. I joined with Fr while I was shielding,” he added, a pioneer at the age of 28. He lived the last 41 years of his after an aunt mentioned it to him community so much that he was Mulvey at the Cathedral.” “and I found that very comforting, when he was about 10 years old, life sober and his life story of sacrifice and prayer has been happy to remain there in their Saying that his parents had not especially when people were not but it wasn’t until he was in his late midst when he retired year-and-a- been Pioneers, Fr John recalled his allowed to come to your door an inspiration for alcoholics and addicts throughout the 30s that he felt the calling strong half ago. encouragement to take the pledge and so I had very little contact world. enough to seriously consider Saying that he never had any coming both from his association with people. I am diabetic so was Venerable Edel Quinn, Cork (1907-1943), who played a responding to. regrets about responding to the call with athletics in his youth and the susceptible. “I went on to St Columb’s College key role in the spreading of the Legion of Mary in Africa, to priesthood, the now 81-year- support of a group of friends who “It has been a terrible time with after primary school, but I didn’t old felt that entering at the more didn’t drink alcohol. Covid. Thank God, while we had became a pioneer as a young woman and remained true to stay too long,” he recalled, adding: mature age of 38 had benefitted his “I was a cross country and road some cases here in the parish, we her pledge for life. “My father took me out and put ministry: “When you have been runner,” he said, “so I didn’t drink didn’t experience an epidemic. But Servants of God, Fr John Sullivan SJ (1861-1933) and me into an apprenticeship as an out working amongst people for because I was associated with we did have some people who died. electrician. I got my qualifications Frank Duff (1889-1980), who founded the Legion of Mary a while you know what problems athletics and I was always in the It was very sad particularly for at Derry Tech and worked as an they have, so then you know better team. I was never tempted because funerals, weddings, and baptisms, in Dublin in 1921, were also Pioneers. Indeed, many electrician until I was 38, and what to expect when ministering the crowd of boys I hung around with so few people allowed into the Pioneers went on to become members of the Legion as well. then I went off to the seminary. as a priest”. with didn’t drink either, and I chapel. The numbers are up now I had been thinking about the Celebrating the work of the PTAA, a number of Pioneers He added: “Some of the saddest seldom went near pubs.” to whatever the chapel can safely priesthood for about two years cases I have had have been the When Fr John retired from accommodate, but that is still in the Diocese have reflected here on why they pledged to before this and finally decided to break-up of families because of ministry a year-and-a-half ago, about half the number that could “abstain for life from all intoxicating drinks” and why they give it a go. alcohol. The women are as bad though he still helps out with the be accommodated if there were no see a need for this “heroic offering” as much today as Fr “I went to St Kieran’s College, in as the men. We Irish have got the celebration of Mass, he also retired social distancing requirements”. Kilkenny and, after working for Cullen did 122 years ago. name of drinkers. Once, when I as the PTAA spiritual director Happy in his retirement, Fr John so long as electrician, it took me was visiting friends in England, for the Diocese, with Fr Thomas remarked: “I am beginning to slow about two years to get back into I went on a social occasion with Canning now appointed to the down a lot and just praying for a the way of studying, but I was other priests and they couldn’t role. happy death at this stage in my life. continued from page 19 alright after that. I was ordained believe that I don’ drink, and me As well as athletics, Fr John also I’m happy here with the people in St Eugene’s Cathedral by Bishop ‘minor-martyrs’ among all those “It all seems so sad that there is so from Ireland. They said that I was has an interest in drama, which he of Moneyneena and the chapel is Edward Daly in 1984, but I don’t who, in one way or another spoke much suffering inflicted on these the first Irish person they had met shares with his half-sister, Roma right beside the Parochial House, remember too much about it as the truth and stood on the side of Martyrs and on the masses of poor that didn’t take a drink. Downey, well known for her so that is very handy.” my father had died suddenly and the poor in many different guises suffering people all over the world. portrayal of Jackie Onassis in the As restrictions ease, Fr John is was buried the day before, and it is and when it was difficult and I don’t let much of it into my Drugs American television mini-series, looking forward to getting out that day that I remember. painful for them, and suffered consciousness most of the time. It ‘A Woman Named Jackie’, and her more again and helping wherever “He had a heart complaint but we some form of rejection in doing so. is all too much. “Over the last 10 years, I have angelic role in the long-running he can, most especially through weren’t expecting him to die, so it “I do try to keep my heart a little seen the situation getting worse, television series, ‘Touched by an his prayers for more vocations to was a shock. I was a deacon on the Corpus Christi, Body given and open to it all but I know it is only a with drugs becoming as much of a Angel’. the priesthood and more Pioneers day he was buried, a Saturday, and Blood shed little bit. I know it is only you who problem as drink. And the age is While Roma, who is one of two to pray for the conversion of on the Sunday I was an ordained ‘Corpus Christi’ that we can stretch my heart and make it getting younger. The problem with children born into the family excessive drinkers. priest”. remember and celebrate at Mass more open and that that will be my the drink in Ireland goes back to when Fr John’s father married Fr John wasn’t the first within is always the Body of Christ ‘given salvation. Yet, I am afraid to ask for the famine. The people didn’t have again, followed up acting after his family to be called to the for you’ and the ‘blood of Christ that from you because of what it enough to eat, so the parents gave initially going to study Fine Art priesthood. An uncle had entered shed for you’ out of love. His love might mean in practice in my life. their food to the children and they in Coleraine, Fr John’s talent was the seminary but died as a student, was a friendship love. “I have “I thank you for all the Martyrs. drank to kill their own hunger. behind the scenes working on the and he has a cousin ministering as called you friends” but, at the end In a real way they are your Body “The Pioneer Association was stage lighting. a priest in Dublin. of the day it was a sacrificial love. given again for me and for all of started in Dublin by Fr James He recalled: “When Bishop Daly As a newly ordained priest, “There is no greater love than that us. I am inspired and moved when Cullen, a Jesuit, in the aftermath of did the pantomimes and talent his first appointment was to a man should lay down his life for I read about St Romero, Pedro that, in 1898. The Famine did a lot competitions in St Columb’s Hall, the Pennyburn Parish, where his friends”. Arrupe and others. Keep inspiring of damage to the people of Ireland. I did the electrical work for them, Fr George McLaughlin was the As members of the Body of and touching my heart and A lot of prayer is needed. It is the such as the stage lighting. That was parish priest. He spent six years Christ, we, too, share in that love help me in following you more power of the prayer of the Pioneers before I was ordained, when I was there before moving to minister and the Martyrs have ‘given’ their faithfully, and not to be afraid of a that helps and it is good for people working as an electrician”. for another six or seven years in bodies and ‘shed’ their blood to the greater love that you want to give to continue to support that. Saying that stardom hasn’t the Parish of Faughanvale. He point of death. me. We will talk about this again “Pioneers are all sincere people, changed Roma, Fr John remarked then moved further down the road If I were to speak to Jesus, now later. Amen. many of whom took the pledge that he misses her visits home to serve as curate in Ballykelly, in Fr James Cullen, founder of the Pio- risen, about all this I would say: ([email protected]) when they were youngsters, and from Malibu, in California, since the Limavady Parish, and from most have had experience of the arrival of Covid-19, during neer Total Abstinence Association. THE NET | JUNE 2021 23

The Grace of being a Pioneerby Fr Patrick Lagan he received a visit from an atheist when we consider the wonderful In May 2009, after simply who had one particular task; example afforded by many in this chatting and discussing the Pioneer he wanted to expose the pious Diocese and beyond who belong Devotion with many good friends, shepherd as a fraud. After a few to the Pioneer movement, of I decided to make my own offering hours, the atheist returned to his which I am a very proud member. to the Lord. As someone who friend somewhat more confused It was the witness of fellow deeply cherishes this devotion, I and perplexed. Asked how the seminarians during my time cannot encourage it enough. It is visit went, he explained that he studying at the Irish College in rich source of grace and through had come to reject his atheism Rome that illustrated the power of the inspirational witness of so not because of anything St John this devotion; a pledge, a promise many, many lay faithful exemplify Vianney said, but quite simply that was not only rooted in the joy and steadfast love of being what he witnessed. The character sacrifice for a greater good but also committed as a Pioneer. of the parish priest left such a deep an act of reparation and example. It is precisely the tonic we need in impression on him that he was They, in turn, were teaching our society and our time, to point transformed forever. me that the power of making a to a greater hope that the Christ There is a power in witnessing! promise, making a commitment, we love and serve is a God who There is a grace in encountering shapes the will to serve the Lord desires love, perfect love! Fr Patrick Lagan, St Eugene’s. the heroic and the virtuous not in we love all the more. I thank God for the grace and what someone says, but in what Through the sacrifices that we witness of those who led me to THE story is told about the they do. I think of the well known make, the promises that we keep, become a Pioneer and, through humble parish priest of Ars, verse of St Francis of Assisi: “Preach we are allowing ourselves to be continued witness, will inspire more commonly known as St the Gospel at times using words if formed ever more perfectly in our many more. Sacred Heart of Jesus John Vianney. One afternoon, necessary”. This is particularly true discipleship. Pioneers and The Sacred Heart I Trust in You by Fr Noel McDermott by Mary McMenamin Being a Pioneer is not a addiction to alcohol simply and sense, becoming a Pioneer is a THIS year, we celebrate the devotion shall have their names condemnation of alcohol. It is a solely through prayer and self- positive first step on the road to Solemnity of the Most Sacred written in my Heart. recognition that alcohol is one of denial. He became a Pioneer when seeking first the kingdom of God. Heart of Jesus on June 11. In many 12. I promise you in the God’s many gifts to us, a gift that he was 28 and spent the remainder It is primarily a daily walk with Irish Catholic homes in times excessive mercy of My Heart that needs to be treated with care and of his life in prayer and making Christ. gone by, the Sacred Heart picture My all-powerful love will grant respect and moderation. amends for the harm that he had It is a source of great good for the could be seen proudly displayed to all those who receive Holy Being a Pioneer is not a done during his years of alcohol individual Pioneer, for his or her on the wall. In more recent Communion on the First Friday judgement on those who suffer abuse. Such was the strength of his family, for his or her community times, however, the devotion to of 9 consecutive months, the grace from an addiction to alcohol. craving for alcohol that he once and for the good of the wider the Sacred Heart has somewhat of final perseverance; they shall Indeed, one part of the Pioneer’s stole a blind man’s violin and sold society as well. dwindled to the point where we not die in mortal sin nor without daily offering is to pray for “the it to get money for drink! I thank God each day for my could ask the question - Does receiving the sacraments, for my conversion of excessive drinkers.” If the Pioneer Association was own membership of the Pioneer modern Ireland know what the Divine Heart will become their There is an acknowledgement important when it was established Association. My decision to Sacred Heart picture represents? secure refuge at that last moment. Fr Noel McDermott, PP Faughanvale. in the Pioneer’s ‘Daily Offering’ in Dublin in 1898, it is even more become a Pioneer in 1975 has The Pioneer Association, Jesus appeared to St Margaret A Pioneer is a person who that it is only by God’s grace that important in our own time, when been one of the great blessings in fully titled, The Pioneer Total Mary, a nun of The Visitation promises not to take alcohol. The a Pioneer can be faithful to a life of the abuse of alcohol and addictions my life. I live in the hope that many Abstinence of the Sacred Heart Convent in France, where He symbol of this promise is a small temperance, and that it is only by of all kind have reached almost more will become Pioneers and of Jesus, was founded by Fr James revealed His Most Sacred Heart to heart-shaped badge, showing a God’s grace that those who suffer epidemic proportions. that the message of temperance Cullen in 1898 and dedicated to her and His deep love for mankind. flaming heart surmounted by from an addiction to alcohol can The Pioneer symbol of the Sacred and sobriety will, once again, take the Sacred Heart. In the messages she received, Our a cross on a white background. come to live a life of temperance. Heart of Jesus makes it clear that hold at a time when the danger of The Heart of Jesus symbolises the Lord made a promise that all those Most Pioneers wear this badge on Venerable Matt Talbot (1856- this discipline is rooted in Jesus alcohol abuse and the plague of total unconditional love of God for who receive the sacraments of their lapel, not to boast that they 1925), whose memory is venerated Christ and its primary purpose is addictions of many kinds is not humanity and Fr Cullen believed Holy Communion and Confession are teetotal but as a symbol of the in the Church on June 19, once to give glory to Jesus Christ. unlike an epidemic in our own that the Pioneer Association on the nine first Fridays of the promise that they have made and a said that “the spiritual life consists The Lord Jesus once said, “seek country. would succeed in its mission to month consecutively, will have the reminder to others that it is entirely in two things: mortification and ye first the kingdom of God and It is precisely at a time such as reduce problems in society with grace of final repentance. possible to live a full (maybe fuller) the love of God”. His righteousness and all these this that the Pioneer Association the loving Heart of Jesus as their Jesus gave 12 promises to and happy (maybe happier) life In his own life, Matt Talbot things shall be added unto you” is even more important. Will you strength. those who would respond to the without alcohol. had overcome his own serious (Matthew 6:33). In a very real take up the Pioneer challenge? pleading of His heart. They are as I have always had great follows: admiration for people who were 1. I will give them all the graces lifelong pioneers. When I decided necessary in their state of live. to become a pioneer in 2004, I was Nine people have taken short-term pledge 2. I will establish peace in their hesitant at first, as I had enjoyed an homes. occasional glass of wine from time 3. I will comfort them in all their to time and I knew this would this year – we can help them with our afflictions. require commitment. 4. I will be their secure refuge On the other hand, I knew it during life, and above all, in death. would be a good way to make prayer by Mickey Livingstone 5. I will bestow abundant reparation for the abuse of alcohol blessings upon all their both in my own family and in undertakings. society. Once I had made up my I joined the Pioneer Association I love bringing back news from short term pledge. We can help 6. Sinners will find in my Heart mind to become a pioneer, I knew in 1976, before leaving school. I these meetings to my fellow them with our prayer. the source and infinite ocean of it was the right decision. always wore my pin and said the Pioneers, though we have not been mercy. Jesus wants us to come to Him, Heroic Offering prayer to The able to meet over the past year, and 7. Lukewarm souls shall become into His Sacred Heart, so He can Sacred Heart of Jesus, but didn’t I love helping people with alcohol fervent. feed our souls, which have been do much for the Association until problems. 8. Fervent souls shall quickly left dry and barren without Him. I was asked to a Pioneer meeting My priest is very good at giving mount to high perfection. The Heart of Jesus is present in in 1986 by my boss, Patrick Tracey. my contact number to anyone 9. I will bless every place in all the tabernacles of the world, I loved it and then started going looking for help with their which an image of my Heart is waiting and longing for us to come to the Regional meetings. I became drinking and, every week, I receive exposed and honoured. to Him. Regional chairman and attended ‘phone calls from people asking for 10 I will give to priests the gift In Matthew 11, Jesus says, Diocesan Pioneer meetings, and the short-term Pioneer pledge. of touching the most hardened “Come to me, all you who labour now I go to the Dublin meetings The last year has been very hard Hearts. and are overburdened, and I will as the representative for the Derry for everyone and, so far, this year 11. Those who shall promote this give you rest”. Mickey Livingstone, Omagh. Diocese. I have had nine people take the 24 THE NET | JUNE 2021 Being a Pioneer is making a sacrifice of I pray every day for a gift God has given to be used wisely anyone needing help by Mgr Andy Dolan with alcohol someone in the football team took never regretted my decision, even be less pressure on her if she said by Robert Glackin a drink, and even then it would at such a young age. she was a pioneer rather than have been in moderation. I would like to state that I am not saying she simply didn’t drink, this Mass. Other circumstances prevailed anti-drink. I enjoy the company of hence she has taken the pledge An annual Diocesan Mass is that supported the keeping of the people who can take their drink in initially for six months and then celebrated by the Bishop, hosted pledge: alcohol was not readily moderation. None of my friends, hopefully for good. by a different parish each year, available; no off-licences; and priests or lay, have ever forced I am grateful for the good and this is usually in October. money was not too plentiful either. me to take a drink, in fact, I still example which I got in my younger There is also an annual collection Going into a pub was just not on sense respect for the fact that I days from family and friends. organised in each parish, which unless accompanied by an adult. don’t drink and an acceptance of Saying the Heroic Offering goes to Dublin to help promote My experience of a pub would my being a pioneer. Very often, prayer to the Sacred Heart has Temperance. have been with my father when I fulfill a very important role of been an important source of Regional and Diocesan Pioneer he would be meeting up with being round as a driver. I am glad strength for me and a help towards meetings are held every three somebody on Fair Day to finish off to see that there is a greater sense a proper motivation. Being a months, though not during Covid. a deal. If things went right a bottle of responsibility regarding driving Pioneer is not a case of avoiding I am the Regional President for the of lemonade might materialise. under the influence. something dangerous but making Derry City parishes, and was the Mentioning of football, our post I have a great sympathy a sacrifice of a gift which God has Diocesan President for four or five match treat would have been a for younger people today in given us to be used wisely. Robert Glackin, Waterside, Derry. years. I also would like to think that Our new Diocesan President Mgr Andy Dolan, PP Bellaghy. stop off at the chippy, and maybe comparison to my youth. Alcohol I joined the Pioneer Total is Eugene McLaughlin, of Malin, a few records on the jukebox, only is readily available, there’s more that little sacrifice, along with the Abstinence Association as a junior, IT was easy to be a Pioneer when in Inishowen, and Michael seen today in the movies. money around, and beer is prayer, might be the source of when I was 14 years old, and I joined in 1963. For all intents and Livingstone, from Tyrone, is a I can honestly say that during cheaper than a bottle of water in grace for someone struggling with enrolled as a life member when purposes, it was the done thing for delegate to the Central Council in my student days I was never really most outlets. I would love to see alcohol or the affects of someone I was 16 years old, in 1962, and I young people to join the Pioneer Dublin. tempted to take drink, even though young people holding off the drink else’s drinking. have been a Pioneer ever since. Total Abstinence Association; The situation with drink and some of my contemporaries did for a while rather than starting so “For Thy greater glory and I have never taken a drink of just like it is the norm today to drugs is much worse now. We do partake. By then, I was more young. consolation, O Sacred Heart of alcohol. When I was younger that consume alcohol from a young get people joining on a temporary conscious of how the abuse of There is a trap into which people Jesus, for Thy sake to give good was the done thing. There may age. basis and we try to encourage alcohol was a source of difficulty sometimes fall and it needs to example, to practise self-denial, have been a couple amongst our When I look back now, I realise them to keep it up. Taking the for individuals and families. be guarded against. Sometimes to make reparation to Thee for the peer group who did drink, but that it was a very young age to short-term pledge for the six I often wondered if I did ever we can hear parents say, “he/she sins of intemperance, and for the most did not. be making any kind of a lifetime weeks of Lent is something some start to take a drink how I would might have wee drink, but sure as conversion of excessive drinkers, When I moved to live in commitment. The Confirmation people do. Some come back and handle it, and would I become long as they are not on the drugs it I will abstain from all intoxicating the Waterside in 1978, I was Pledge was already there until one take the Probation Pin for a year, dependent on it if things weren’t is not so bad.” Both are addictive. drinks. Amen”. asked to join the Glendermott was 21 years old. That pledge was and others come back to take the going well. There were very few Drink to be used cautiously and Wearing the Pioneer Pin, with Parish Pioneer Council by sacrosanct and any breaking was pledge for life. family circles who didn’t have drugs are a No No!! the Sacred Heart as its emblem, Paddy Hampsey, who was the severely frowned upon. We have quite a few Pioneers someone who couldn’t handle the It is always a source of joy when helps to remind us of Jesus’ love president. We attended a meeting As I say, it was easy to keep the in the Glendermott Parish, with demon drink. All these things did young people, or indeed older for us and that we can unite our every month and, at that time, Pioneer pledge when friends and 12 taking the Pioneer Magazine help to motivate me to remain people, want to take the pledge. humble efforts with all that He has somebody was always there at the older family members had joined. and helping out with fundraising. faithful to my pledge. As the years One young person said to me suffered for us. last Mass celebrated on a Sunday Again, it was an exception if We would have some young have gone by, I can say that I have recently that she felt there would to take enrolments for anyone who people who want to continue on wanted to join the Pioneers. after their Confirmation pledge There is supposed to be a and become a life member of the Pioneer Council in every parish, Pioneer pledge is a life-giving challenge... Pioneers when they turn 18. which meets every month, and I am sure that the majority each parish PTAA committee of families know of someone organise a Mass at a certain time by Fr Francis Bradley addicted to alcohol. I say the why not check it out! of the year, usually on or near the Pioneer Prayer every day, and the Feast of the Sacred Heart in June, VI instituted a special Mass in Pioneers might be less today, the abuse. Matt Talbot Prayer, for anyone I at which Pioneer pins are given to honour of the Sacred Heart. But value of the witness and sacrifice Most of our parishes have a local know who needs help with regards new members. Life pins, as well as popular devotion to the Sacred of members of the Association is Pioneer Centre associated with to alcohol, and I wear my Pioneer Gold for those 50 years a Pioneer, Heart of Jesus largely springs more important now than ever. them. These centres are the life- Pin when I am out to help promote and Silver for those with 25 years from the revelations received by St In normal circumstances, June spring of the Association for they the cause. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647- might usually be the month are where local people can join membership, are also presented at 1690). A 19th century painting when recently-confirmed young it, become more involved if they of the image of the Sacred Heart, people would be invited to take wish, and receive and offer support apostolate of the Irish Bishops. Pioneer Association is one way of which was revealed to her, is the their post-confirmation pledge, and encouragement to others. While the role of Central Spiritual developing great self-discipline image which we find to this day in where they promise to refrain People can join the Association Director has now been taken up and self-control in our lives – many Catholic homes. A prayer from taking alcohol until they are also through the Central Office in by Fr Robert McCabe, from the always helped by God. of consecration of homes to the at least 18 years old. Like the life- Dublin. Check out the Association Diocese of Meath, I remain in So, while June might be a special Sacred Heart stems from this long Pioneer Pledge, this promise on www.pioneerassociation.ie. close contact with the Association month of devotion to the Sacred image too. makes good sense from a physical A monthly Pioneer Magazine to advise it in relation to Canon Heart of Jesus, why not consider Devotion to the Sacred Heart or physiological point of view as also keeps members and others Law. enrolling as a Pioneer because it is of Jesus is central to the Pioneer their bodies and minds grow and aware of the great things that are As many as there are members a great way to offer on-going and Total Abstinence Association. develop. happening. of the Association, there are even life-long devotion to the Sacred Fr Francis Bradley, PP Buncrana, Together with four ladies who In the world of today, many Thankfully, I have been a member more people who have benefitted Heart of Jesus and supporting Burt Inch & Fahan. had become concerned about people make a lifestyle choice of the Pioneer Association since from the good example, the other people through prayer the abuse of alcohol and the not to drink alcohol because of my teens. I chose this because of encouragement and the quiet and good example. If you have BY tradition, the month of June consequent difficulties in many the harm it can do to them. The the example of my parents and sacrifices and prayers offered by the opportunity to take a post- is dedicated to the Most Sacred families at the time, a Jesuit priest, Pioneer Pledge simply takes this others around me and because its members. Today, more than confirmation pledge, or to join Heart of Jesus. This is largely Fr James Cullen, founded the lifestyle choice a step further it was, and is, a sensible thing to ever before, we have so many good the Pioneers as an adult, why not because the Feast of the Sacred Pioneer Association in Dublin on in asking God’s help with it, in do. I was very privileged to serve things immediately available to us. take it up! We all rise to challenges Heart falls on the third Friday after December 28, 1898. From very offering it to him as an act of as Central Spiritual Director of This is a blessing but it demands – this is a life-giving challenge. Pentecost. Although it could be as small and humble beginnings, devotion to the Sacred Heart of the Association for the last few great self-discipline and self- You never know how you and early as 29 May (in 2285) and as it has grown to become an Jesus, and in making its sacrifice years as it transitions now from control on our part if we are not others will benefit from the good late as 2 July (in 2038), ordinarily International Association peeking not only for one’s own good but for having been led by the Society of to over-indulge by abusing our decisions you make. it falls in June. at membership of about 350,000 the good of others, especially those Jesus (Jesuits) to being a Private use of the gifts we are given. The As early as 1353, Pope Innocent around 1950. While numbers of who struggle because of alcohol Association of the Faithful, an THE NET | JUNE 2021 25 It hasn’t always been easy to be a Pioneer...but I’ve learned to face my problems head on by Susan Coleman

Susan Coleman, I decided to become a Young always been easy. Alcohol person – it can be far from easy! situations where others will grab a Urney & Castlefin. Pioneer after my Confirmation, so was never something I saw or No wonder we associate drink to steady the nerves. Not to I was about 13 years old. When I encountered growing up, so being university years with high levels mention, the financial benefits... turned 16 or 17, I decided to take a Pioneer when at home was of drinking, and we’re not wrong! alcohol is an expense I don’t have the lifetime pledge – quite a big relatively easy. When I moved to Alcohol is a huge aspect of to budget for. And I can always decision to make at that age! Limerick for university at age 18, university life. However, through drive home whenever I choose to I was lucky in that my family that’s when I began to fully realise being a Pioneer, I have learned to leave an event. I also have never were extremely supportive of my the impact of my decision. face my problems head-on, and had to deal with a hangover – they decision to become a Lifelong I believe that university years not run to alcohol as a means of sound horrific! Pioneer. Both my parents are can be the best years of your life, escapism like so many people do. I really think the biggest Lifelong Pioneers themselves and, undoubtedly. But that doesn’t I really enjoy socialising myself, advantage in being a Pioneer is not too long ago, celebrated their mean that it’s not sometimes tough but I don’t use alcohol as my crutch that you are less susceptible to Silver Jubilees. Both my granddads and isolating. You’re trying to meet when in awkward, unfamiliar peer-pressure, in general. It takes celebrated their Golden Jubilees assignment deadlines, keep your situations, which sums up much of courage to be different and to also. They are all proud wearers of grades up, but at the same time the socialising university culture. make your own decisions. their Pioneer pins! meet new people, and form new I have been forced to develop my For me, being a Pioneer hasn’t friendships, become your own social skills, and be confident in

Getting the Message out there… by Fr John McLaughlin ssc THERE is a story of Anthony de nun, Dolores Aleixandre. They are Mello, where a certain preacher modern parables and stories for ventures into the common all ages, some of which must be in highway and his message seemed English as Sr Dolores would have to be gaining an audience. For a a high profile amongst European while. But then the hearers started religious men and women. At one to drift off ‘til, after a while, there European conference in Rome, were no listeners at all. So, one she shared the platform with Fr day somebody came along and Timothy Radcliffe OP - another approached the preacher, “Why do person whose stories could enliven you still carry on preaching? Surely any gathering. you must see that your mission The present generationFr Mike Bassano. Bishop Robert Barron. Pope Saint Paul VI. Anthony de Mello. is impossible!” The preacherof ‘Baptised Disciples and fashion. It seems to fit the climate priest in the Diocese, was a Then there was a house-to-house the message out there. In each of responded: “At the start I had the Missionaries’, as Pope Francis here when the world outside, and model of visitation in those blessing accompanied by a little our parishes, the street markets hope of changing them. But now, stresses, must look around for their that of Mission, is presented… years in Marino. He renewed his team, Holy Water, a prayer -card occurred on different days of the main reason that I continue to own resources. It struck me, as I ‘Hay que sacar la cara…poner la mission every year, just two days left there and a slow wandering the week and spread around the preach is to ensure that they don’t watched the Zoom video where camiseta’, the Chilean catechist after Christmas, and knew his up and down the stairs, leading to area. Some of us would make a change me!” ‘The Net’ young writers entered would say (“You have to show your district inside outside. As a golfer, a final outdoor liturgy and some point of being seen there, maybe I liked the stories of de Mello into dialogue with the French face…put on the jersey!”) though, he was implacable in not hymns. It was a moment of growth distributing Mass times or other (The Song of the Bird) and used nun, Nathalie Becquart, now For many years of pastoral conceding three or four feet putts! for all, the new tenants and the religious materials, and answering them on the occasion of sermons, Under-Secretary for the General activity in my earlier years in Many years later, on a hill in Christian Community…and the questions about how to get their seminars, days of reflection, etc, Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops Dublin as a priest, the challenge Valparaiso in Chile, I had a similar pastor! children baptised, and requisites and found a way of challenging for the Church, that maybe some that I took up was pastoral house- challenge to get out there and meet In all of the Columban parishes for marriage and Confirmation people in a gentle fashion. Some of those would be now gathering to-house visitation. In such varied the people on their own ground. at that time, there were initiatives preparation or, indeed, a house years back, I attended a weekend in their own stock. Maybe some places in Dublin as Rialto, Arklow, Following a simple scheme drawn to develop the sense of solidarity blessing. One group of Presentation seminar on de Mello in Milltown have the ‘Pray –as-you-go’ app on Marino, Glasnevin, a part of every up by fellow Columban, Mike and mission. Sometimes the Sisters set up their own stall in Park, in Dublin. There was a their daily diet. For many years, weekday was given over to visiting Hoban, in our parish in Santiago, Holy Week ceremonies would the ‘feria’ and sold small religious different kind of an audience there, I have used the Spanish version my own district. There was always I organized a communal blessing be adjusted to have a common pictures, as well as responding to not at all your average Sunday ‘Rezando Voy’ and find it a real the push against going out, the for the departamentos of these procession and Blessing of the the queries. Columban, Fr Mike Mass-goer. And, I believe, I was stimulus on a morning where need of the ‘agere contra’ to get new arrivals. So that, rather than Palms, or there would be outdoor Hoban, and Fr Pat Egan, adept at the only priest present apart from News and more News begins to going. “come around and bless our house, Stations of the Cross, either at all this, despite his major task as an the presenter, an American-based leave me overpowered. Two small examples come to padre” on a single basis, we invited chapel level or parish level and Episcopal vicar, always spent his Jesuit, Fr Dolan, who explored the In a society where many allow memory out of many encounters. the residents in each block of three involving around two hours on the Saturday mornings on that round, depth of the great man. the ME to dominate thinking On a Rialto round, in Dolphin stories, to a couple of meetings. streets. and made contacts with very many He even caught me by surprise and choices, and no politician House flats, on a third floor, I There, on a first occasion, it was Recalling some of those of the vendors. On queries about when he burst into song with one will quote Bible or Papal Pastoral became aware of raised voices a getting-to-know one another moments brings back to me the how to get to the Mass on the visit of my own favorites, ‘Come by Letters, people like Bishop Robert inside but decided to knock and what their new area and new witness of a Maryknoll priest, Fr of the Pope, he undertook to get the Hills to the land where fancy Barron, and his ministry of the anyway. John (and I do remember first-time Departamento meant Mike Bassano. He was more or some tickets, on the one condition is free…’, which brought me back Gospel, invite us not to leave the the surname!) and his wife were to them. Topics like the bins and less of our time and he started that they attend the great Mass in to my Abbey Tavern tape, where arena through fear or laziness, having a ‘discussion’. My arrival hygiene, the water supply, police attending the school of acting in the Parque O Higgins. Anne Byrne and Jesse Owens, but to be prepared to argue in came to them as almost a divine protection from a nearby precinct the university, as well as brushing So that is the challenge evoked I think, sang that same tune in a healthy sense. (‘Word on Fire’ intervention, as they told me. John and final ownership came up. And up his Chilean Spanish. The by the de Mello parable; being a fabulous tone. In one of those – ‘Overcoming Disagreement later increased his involvement in their own Tenants Associations finished article was when Fr Mike ‘Disciples and Missionary’, years, in a stage-by-bus stage Fatigue’ and ‘Natasha Crane the local Ferrini Boys’ Club run were more than involved. On a came on the streets armed only otherwise, as the very widely-read journey across the north of Spain, I reflection’). So, in one of his by the Vincent de Paul Society. second meeting, the subject was with a portable Cross and a Bible Spanish Jesuit priest, Jose Antonio spent the nights in Spanish retreat recent talks on this, he addresses And quite near that, on another their expectation in regard to and gave some street witness Pagola maintains, there will be no houses along the route to Santiago a booklet from another Christian day, I came across a very simple the Chapel and the Community, hitherto only shown by some of discipleship and the future of the de Compostela. I recall very clearly source on just this apathy, or and generous woman. Her catechetics for Baptisms and First the evangelicals and the Jehovahs. Catholic religion will be dim. having a long chat on de Mello withdrawal from the market place. recent mission, at the request of a Communion, and celebrations of When Fr Mike took up position St Paul has a strong passion in his with Padre Mario in the house in Being a regular on Facebook for congregation of nuns, was to take the Eucharist. Some had previous in the central Plaza de Armas, text “Woe to me if I do not preach Bilbao. He used to share some of some years now, I have noticed, in young women with pregnancies experiences with their parents in opposite the Cathedral in the city the Gospel” (I Cor 9:16), and this those stories with his penitents perhaps more from the Irish public whose parents had disowned other parishes and there was plenty centre, and spoke by memory was repeated by his namesake, as a form of spiritual growth. So than my Latin American one, that them. She had, by that stage, run of discussion. The third meeting large tracts of the New Testament, Pope Paul VI in a famous address we shared the stories, our own the number of likes or hits on up quite a list. That was around the centered on the preparation of he caused a sensation amongst the in Manila on a visit to the favourites for a long while after any Mission topics or interview middle sixties. It was a moment of the ceremony of the communal other denominational preachers. Philippines (Nov 29, 1970). Where supper. have been just NIL! There is a enlightenment for me, even then! blessing. This later was to be held, I believe he continues with I worked on Mission in Chile, this From that same Spain there Spanish word that springs to mind, for their convenience, on a Sunday Maryknoll nowadays somewhere was a seminal text and explored in were other pastoral resources ‘replegar’¸ which means folding- Visitation afternoon, with a gatheringin Asia. many types of celebrations. from people like the Sacred Heart in on oneself almost in cocoon Fr Pat Crowley, then a senior outside and a communal prayer. Finally, on this challenge to get 26 THE NET | JUNE 2021 Listen to the truth of Christ wherever you may find it and make it the measure of the living of your life...

Pope Benedict XVI by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD N a John Ford western movie from 1962, ‘The manifesto for government and a novelist and philosopher, grab for power, but their analysis Alexander Solzhenitsyn warned of Man who shot Liberty Valance,’ Ford has a said more about them than him. the first shoots of this dictatorship, reporter in the film utter a memorable line. In an understated tone that and he noticed it in the particular InI the movie a politician makes a clean breast of sometimes grew hoarse and manner that Americans and things revealing that the story that had thrust him coughed, the prophet weaved Western Europeans use words. his message. The then Cardinal The Russian observed that we use to public attention and fuelled a stellar career was, in proceeded to paint a picture of words like curtains or veils, we fact, not the truth. After regaling the journalist with the Church as a small boat being throw out a word like ‘compassion’ the whole story and leaving him to print the truth, thrown around in the swells and and it acts like a magic trick, you gales of the dangers of the World. toss it out over a practice like the journalist very dramatically rips up his notes of These swells and gales were to him abortion and the murder of the the conversation and utters the famous line, “This is the substitution of lies for truth. most vulnerable is, hey presto, the West, Sir, when the legend becomes fact, print He identified a singular human gone from public sight. Something talent at manipulating reality to similar occurs with the modern the legend”, and he walks away. In so many ways, suit ourselves and for the sake of take on marriage, you throw out a Pope Benedict XVI. this movie dialogue expresses some real truth that short term gain. Joseph Ratzinger word like ‘equality’ and suddenly break-down, and suicide. How of the dictatorship of relativism at some deep level we are not really interested in the went through a long list of the gender means nothing, the fact profoundly deep runs the sad it was interpreted as a negative various ideologies and ‘isms’ that that all the evidence points to male effects of the dictatorship. message, but that interpretation truth, but rather ever possessed by creating our own he had known in his life, there and female being hands down Pope Benedict XVI has is not half the story. In raising his fictions, our own legends. had been Marxism and liberalism, the most effective and stable unit identified something that is so voice, Benedict was speaking an for a family counts for nothing, significant that it reaches all the utterly positive message, the same There were many legends an Arch-Conservative do not there had been atheism and and that even the human body is way from the world of the rich and message that the Lord spoke so created in order for people to amount to much. It is a careless, agnosticism, which ran alongside ignored. Again, it happens in the powerful down into the heart of many centuries before him; the understand the identity of Pope poverty-stricken, simplistic with all sorts of vague religious end-of-life care debate, a word each and every individual; almost “truth will set you free!” A counter Benedict XVI. From the moment epithet that is convenient to throw mysticism, and then there had like ‘dignity’ gets thrown around an allergy to the truth that plays cultural message and a half truth Pope Benedict XVI stepped around on headlines. It permits been everything from collectivism and suddenly we are freed up to to our own detriment. Benedict leads to more humanity, truth out onto that central Loggia the media to never enter into the to radical individualism. terminate the old and the sick as would have us know that this is leads to human flourishing. For of St Peter’s, the media busied reality of who the person truly These ‘isms’ were nothing less if their life did not matter. If this is not something novel, in fact, quite Benedict, the truth is something themselves in creating a legend. A is. I have been reading Benedict’s than trickery and a complex tissue the amount of respect that we are the opposite, it is the new coming synonymous with God. Benedict legend of how he was in the ‘Hitler books and sermons for decades of lies; fallible and limited human showing towards the truth on the of an age-old phenomenon; age reinterprets the Gospel of John in Youth’, that he had been called a now and, while no expert, I believe beings putting forward equally ‘big’ matters of life, imagine what old because it goes all the way terms of truth, in the beginning ‘Rottweiler’ at the Congregation that I have discovered a little way fallible theories that masqueraded is going on in the ‘smaller’ ones. back to the beginning, to Eden. was the truth, and the truth was for the Doctrine of the Faith, to the heart of the man. When I for the truth. In reality, they turned In Eden, the Old Serpent in his with God and the truth was and how a once famous ‘Panzer- consider this significant Pope, in out to be an effort to control life Dictatorship temptation of the man and woman God. All things came into being Cardinal’ had been thrust into the my imagination I place him in the and other people, an attempt to As we have seen, the had managed to place in their through the truth and apart from role of a ‘Panzer-Pope’. The media category of one of the prophets of shaping that life and other people “dictatorship of relativism” is not heart, seemingly permanently, truth, nothing came into being. were playing on the perceived the Old Testament; almost like an to a personal purpose, a slanted something alien to the real lives a shadow of a suspicion. The God spoke truth to the universe, difference between a liberal and a Isaiah, a Jeremiah or a Micah. reading of everything from one of ordinary people. Its insidious suspicion was that God’s Majesty and it burst into life. conservative, a traditionalist and There was no artifice,particular lens, and that sought to influence reaches down to touch and Truth poses a threat to us. In The whole sense of this text is a progressive, between positive flamboyance, or drama in him. explain away everything that did our daily choices and our day-to- our littleness, God’s glory seems that creation, itself, is caught up in and negative, and between light He would not go out of his way not fit. Human beings had created day living. There are symptoms just too much for us to handle. It the creative hands of the truth and and shade. For these media types, in order to fascinate and tantalise a network of self-serving tricks of it everywhere. It appears when threatens to overflow and crush if any single part of that creation Benedict XVI was very much a and draw us in, as the cult of and fabrications to serve nothing integrity and dignity are held as us beneath its weight and, if we does not participate intimately man of the shade; a lurking threat celebrity does. All there was, was more than ‘ego and desire’. Then of lesser value than lifestyle and would ever surrender to it, we in truth, then somehow it is cut to all they held dear in their liberal the quiet way that he learnt as Joseph Ratzinger, like a prophet of the accumulation of material would risk becoming less human. adrift and futile. The planets spin agenda. university professor; the quiet way old, called out the truth with the goods. There seems to be a The Old Serpent has placed around the Sun on an axis of Even in the highly acclaimed of a true teacher who wants to give memorable line “we are building growing consensus that lying is in each heart, the belief that we truth. The truth that was spoken film ‘The Two Popes’, this his students what is truly good. a dictatorship of relativism” that just another sad fact of life and can only be ourselves in an overt at the beginning can be seen in manipulated interaction of light But for all the lack of histrionics, recognises nothing as authentic that we just have to put up with it. rejection of God and the truth the vastness of that universe that and shade continues; you have you got the impression that there or definite other than our own It would be an interesting activity that follows in his wake. The manages to work better than a this effervescent character of the burnt the fire of conviction in his lies. Joseph Ratzinger had called to go through the court records subsequent actions of Adam and new Swiss watch. ‘liberal’ Francis and the dark and heart. He stood his ground on the out the chief ailment of this 21st to discover when it was that Eve are evocative of what has God did not reserve His truth brooding ‘conservative’ Benedict. belief that the truth had changed Century, the chief enemy of God’s someone was last prosecuted for been happening ever since. The to mathematical equations and The game of throwing shade on him; not he changed the truth. Word spoken to the World, and perjury. reaching out and taking of the physics formulas. The truth that Benedict continues throughout Such a message is not going to the poison that was ailing the soul There seems to be a virtual apple of knowledge stands for a He spoke to the universe, He the movie; an ambitious and be received with open arms by of humanity. epidemic of thinking that truth is power grab in which we reach spoke in another way to every proud man who reached for the those who are in the business of Benedict’s far-reaching merely something subjective and out and grasp the truth that God single human being, with infinite highest position, a fundamentalist creating legends. He was going prophecy has been dramatically only valid to the individual. How has written into His Creation, and tenderness and generosity. He right down to the letter of the law, to be reviled and hated for it, just authenticated in recent years. Stop many times do we hear the phrase pervert it to our own convenience spoke the truth of their name, He a person who was aloof and cut off as the prophets of old were hated for a moment and look, and you ‘your truth’ bandied around and purpose. Our lies are a spoke about who they were, He from the realities that others live for sharing with the people God’s will see signs of the “dictatorship in common parlance but that perverse effort to raise ourselves spoke the truth of their dignity through, and who stuck his head word. of relativism” being alive and well. amounts to little more than whim to God’s level, to become master and integrity. The truth was to be in the sand while real evil was Nowhere does it breathe more and passion? Another interesting in our own domain, no matter a powerful force within individual incubating in the Church. Prophet life than in the whole sphere of phenomenon that seems to how small and mean that might lives, and truth was the impetus The movie’s game only throws Nowhere did you see Joseph politics, which now really seems particularly influence younger be. to living life for all eternity. In light on Benedict when he decides Ratzinger step onto the World to have degenerated into a dirty generations is the belief that they other words, truth is everything to that the best thing that he can do stage as a prophet more than game, a bear-pit of a profession. can go through an infinite series Warning humanity. is resign and vacate his role so that morning of the conclave that Politicians come out of our of metamorphoses, that they can Surely, there is a warning in When our first parents started that the ‘liberal’ Francis can get on gathered after the death of Pope communities, they know our create and then, at a drop of a hat, what immediately follows Adam rummaging around in the truth with the job of putting all matter St John Paul II. The cardinals communities intimately, they are recreate themselves. There seems and Eve’s power play! As soon as that was within them and through of things to rights. The movie is gathered to pray the Mass for the elected by those communities to be no regard paid to who they they reach out to take the apple for short-sightedness perverted and so carefully woven together and election of a new Roman Pontiff. and are returned to power by really are and what lies inside of themselves, Eden turns to dust. usurped it, untold damage was so popular that you have got to With the whole Church gathered those communities. When a them. All these changes seem to So, it has ever been with human done, not just Eden but they wonder how much of it is going to and the World looking on, the person goes in and puts a mark stretch identity very thin to the efforts at control; once we think themselves turned to dust. God stick in the popular imagination. prophet who was within 24 hours at a politician’s name, it is not an point of nothingness. No wonder that we can dispose of the truth, was not satisfied to leave matters Will this be the lasting legend of of being elected Pope issued his act of indifference; the politician then that this generation seems immediately everything good in the dire straits that humanity Benedict XVI? prophetic message. His detractors is an expression of their opinion so extremely afflicted by mental within us turns to dust. created. He prepared for an even I am sure that you must be did not hear his message for and even of themselves. Isn’t that health problems, alcohol and When the prophetic Cardinal greater truth to be spoken to each aware that these caricatures of what it was, but heard instead a an uncomfortable thought? The outstanding Russian drug addiction, identity crisis, came on the World stage and spoke human being. This truth would THE NET | JUNE 2021 27 Waterside Church anniversary celebrated with 40 Hours of Adoration THE 40th anniversary of The Watched by many online, from Prayer for the closing of the 40 Hours in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Trench Road, Waterside. Immaculate Conception Church, within the parish and further in the Glendermott Parish, afield, the 40 hours of Adoration Waterside, Derry, was celebrated was punctuated with periods of with 40 hours of prayer led by Fr prayer led by either Fr Sean or Sean O’Donnell CC. parishioners, including the Mass, The Solemn 40 hours ofAngelus, Chaplet for Priests, Adoration of the Blessed Morning Prayer, Divine Mercy Sacrament began with Dawn Chaplet, Rosary, Holy Hours, Mass, at 4.30 am, on Sunday, May Night Prayer, and Benediction. 30, and finished with Benediction Noting that the Trench Road at 8.30 pm on Monday, May 31. Church was dedicated by Bishop Fr Sean explained that there Edward Daly on May 31, 1981, Fr was a threefold intention for the Sean said: “It is 40 years since the 40 hours: Thanksgiving; making dedication of this Church of the Fr Sean O’Donnell, CC, with the Mass reparation for sins; and asking for Immaculate Conception and we booklet for the opening of Immaculate an outpouring of God’s Grace to entrust the next 40 years to Our Conception Church, Trench Road, renew the practice of the faith. F a t h e r ”. Waterside, 40 years ago Fr Michael Canny As the Ignatian Year gets underway to mark the 500th anniversary of St Ignatius’ conversion, Bishop Alan McGuckian, Raphoe, Ireland’s first Jesuit appointed Vicar bishop, reflects on the conviction of the founder of the Jesuits, that... General Our human desires in their depths are THE Waterside Parish, in Derry, has a double reason to celebrate, with their parish priest, Fr Michael Canny reaching a milestone in his a desire for God priesthood. As well as celebrating the 40th IT all began with a broken leg! As he read them, he was of our human nature’. He realised, anniversary of his ordination, Ignatius Loyola was felled by a surprised at how moved he with startling clarity, that the having been ordained on June 14, cannonball defending the town became. Christ emerged as a new human heart - every human heart 1981, the Donegal-born pastor has of Pamplona against a French King of his heart whom he was - is in fact the scene of a battle also just recently been appointed invasion on May 20, 1521, and all drawn to follow. The old desires to between God, who seeks to draw as Vicar General of the Diocese by his dreams were shattered. He was do great things came back, but in His children towards the light of Bishop Donal. a man of deep desires; he wanted a new way. He saw that his former holiness, and the evil one who Fr Michael will step into the to achieve great things in the ideals of self-aggrandizement is always seeking to undermine, role vacated by Mgr Andy Dolan, world, to be heroic in the service could be transformed into heroic discourage and disillusion them. PP Bellaghy, who celebrates 50 of the King of Spain, to win the self-denial in the service of loving Central to the spirituality that years in the priesthood, and joins heart of a princess on account of and following Christ. Loyola came to expound is the the other Vicar General for the his exploits, to be a great man. In the weeks and months after conviction that our human desires Fr Michael Canny, PP Glendermott & Diocese, Fr Paul McCafferty. Lying on his sick bed, he feared his disaster with the cannonball, in their depths are a desire for Strathfoyle, who has been appointed Commenting on the new that he would always walk with he paid attention to what was God. They are easily twisted out of to serve as Vicar General to Bishop appointment, Bishop Donal a limp and his vision of himself happening in his soul. He was shape and subverted by the ‘bad Donal. said: “The Vicar Generals have as a Knight in shining armour shocked to realise that God’s Spirit spirit’. the task of both advising the lost all of its sheen. What was he was present and active behind all The work of discernment, of Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ Bishop in decision making and in “Fr Michael Canny is prepared to do? He couldn’t move out of of the movements of his inner which Loyola became the great representing the Bishop. to be a critical friend to me his bed for months and he grew world; he could recognise God’s champion, is to listen carefully to Another thing: God is always a “Mons Andy Dolan was a wise at this important time for the bored. Asking for some of the promptings in the ebb and flow of the desires of everyday in our own God of surprises. A ‘broken leg’ and passionate parish-based voice development of the Church in courtly love novels of that era, his own emotions. hearts, to sift out and set aside can seem like the end of the world who gave me great support and Derry. I thank Fr Michael for his he was disappointed to find that Active also, however, behind the trickeries of the ‘bad spirit’ and turn out to be beginning of an counsel. readiness to take on this role”. they had nothing to read in the those self-same personal and find delight in following the extraordinary adventure. house except lives of Christ and experiences was the ‘bad spirit’ promptings of God, which are for continued from page 26 the Saints. whom he referred to as the ‘enemy our flourishing and our salvation. +Alan McGuckian SJ be spoken in a most singular time that God’s Truth does not fashion. To a humanity deformed leave us less human or diminished out of all shape by our own lies, but rather like Christ Himself, at ‘See all things new in Christ’ during Ignatian Year truth itself took a human nature, peace with ourselves, capable of THE Society of Jesus has moment experienced by their Ignatius, July 31, 2022, the Jesuits a human soul, a human body and, extraordinary goodness, marked launched a year-long celebration founder, and the theme, ‘To see all will also celebrate the 400th in fact, everything that a human out as beautiful in God’s image of the 500th anniversary of St things new in Christ’. anniversary of the canonization of being is. Because truth came that and, at last, able to love in a real Ignatius of Loyola’s conversion, In an online prayer initiative to St Ignatius and St Francis Xavier close to us and invested itself in and generous manner. after being struck by a cannonball mark the beginning of the Ignatian on March 12, 2022. the human, humanity became Benedict XVI asks us two as a soldier. Year, Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Resources will be made available capable of living again and not things to combat the dictatorship During the Ignatian Year, which Pope, expressed his hope that all across the world to enable being a beggarly futile thing. of relativism: listen to the truth runs until July 2022, the Jesuits inspired by Ignatian spirituality participants in the Ignatian Year Truth’s very existence as a of Christ wherever you may find hope that those who take part will may “truly live this year as an of prayer to become more familiar human being showed us who we it and make it the measure of the grow in their relationship with experience of conversion”. with St Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises truly are and what is possible for living of your life. God and their love for others by During the year, which will and spiritual discernment. a human being. Showing for all St Ignatius of Loyola. meditating on this life-changing conclude on the Feast of St 28 THE NET | JUNE 2021

Celebrating St Columba by Vera McFadden SOMETIMES there are great Nine Hostages. The couple lived that, I drove on, turning left near centre opened. The museum coincidences in life. A parish at Kilmacrenan. One day, Ethna Termon and stopping for a while was very interesting with all priest once called them ‘God was sitting on the bank of the at Doon Well, which is near the sorts of displays - archaeological incidences’ and, of course, that is river Swilly, when she suddenly inauguration shrine. finds, illustrations, models, right for God sees the full picture saw a beautiful veil coming down When we arrived near Gartan, photographs, and other data as it is His Creation. from heaven. It had flowers of we asked for directions. There was relating to St Columba and his When Niall of the Nine many heavenly colours over it. an upper road, which overlooked period. After they got a good look Hostages went to Wales on It came near her and she knew the lake, and a lower road, which at a display, I asked the children one of his raids and captured that it was hers, so she reached after a while skirted the lake. We some questions about it. some people, he would never up to touch it but she could not chose the second route. When we Before we left, the children have imagined that the captive grasp it. She watched as it was came to the short link road, it led sang ‘Hark! Angelic songs boy, Patrick, would one day taken up higher, drawn by an us to the end of the upper road resounding’ and ‘On the island of convert members of his family angel, and then it spread far and and to a gate lodge that was near Doire Calgach’ for Margaret, the to Christianity. That happened wide over land and sea. She knew our destination. We went into lady in charge, explaining to her Easter Sunday when Patrick was it belonged to her, and still she the estate and before long came that the first was Derry’s hymn brought to Tara after lighting the could not understand. Now filled to another house, at which we to St Columba and the origin of fire at Slane. with sorrow and frustration at the had been told to ask for further the second. It was one of several While Laoghaire did not complexity of it all, she began to directions. St Columba had been developed from little sequences convert to Christianity that day, cry. Then the angel told her not born only a short distance away! of chords I was trying out when his brother, Conall, who was to be sad and explained that the We parked the car and walked practising the guitar. I had added visiting at the time, did. Conall veil was symbolic of her future along the little lane until we saw simple lyrics about events in the owned land in Meath and he gave son, who would work for God a narrow opening into a small, life St Columba. I was surprised some to Patrick, on which the in many places and the flowers enclosed area. when she asked me if I would saint built Domhnach Padraig. were symbolic of the graces he There it was - the flagstone prepare workbooks for younger He also invited Patrick to his would receive, and those that that had been either the floor of visitors to the centre. I agreed. main territory at Donegal. others would receive through his Ethna’s tent or just outside the I had another surprise a long I do not know if Patrick was ministry. entrance. This was a very personal time later when she contacted me aware that the brothers were Of course, Ethna would have moment, and it was with great to ask for copies of the little songs. relations of the man who had shared the story of this symbolic reverence that we recalled the Margaret and I had become captured and sold him. He vision with her husband. They vast importance of this twice friends and she had given me appreciated and remembered both knew about the prophecy prophesied event. This was a place some of the famous Gartan clay, Conall’s kindness to him and a that St Patrick had made because that reached across the centuries the traditional format of the turas, few years later he began a journey that was important and would and people of many periods have and she had introduced me to the to Donegal, founding Domhnach have been passed on through the come and prayed and wondered. Columbine which was growing Mor. En route, Conall and his two generations. Some who were about to emigrate in her garden and showed me sons were coming to meet him. When St Columba was born, lay on the flagstone and it was the way that its petals were in the As they approached each other Ethna was not at home in given the name ‘Leac na Cumha’ shape of a dove. at Ballintra, the Holy Spirit gave Kilmacrenan. She was at Gartan, (the flagstone of loneliness). She told me that there were Patrick a sudden insight, and not far from one of the lakes on A photograph in ‘Derry preparations for an important God. appearance. he greeted Fergus, the younger December 7, 521. This year, on Columbkille’ shows a pilgrimage centenary - the 1400th The Feast of St Columba, June 9, son first. Then he blessed the that date, it will be the 1500th group that went from Derry anniversary of St Columba’s You will have a baby; he will be celebrates the day on which he died shield of Conall, the older son, anniversary of the birth of Derry’s to Gartan. I wondered if my death and rebirth into Heaven. very blest, and was reborn in Heaven. My and explained that it had been patron saint. We are told that that grandfather or any of his family The teachers had said that there He will journey for God and will favourite song for schoolchildren revealed to him that a great saint the spot where he was born is still were in it. In those days, people were no children’s songs about the leave the rest. was about that day. I did not would come from the line of remembered. would have walked the journey. saint and she had told them about Graces like flowers will come in compose the melody. One day, Fergus. One of the stained-glass After reading about Gartan The local people must have mine. When I sent them to her, their showers, when I was driving from the West windows in St Columba’s Church, I wanted to see it. My children come occasionally. Some of these she pointed out that there was no Through your Columba, who’ll to Maynooth, a lovely familiar Long Tower, shows St. Patrick and I went via Kilmacrennan and were once evicted from their little mention of Gartan in any of them. help so many strain came into my head, but I blessing the shield of Conall. stopped there to enquire if anyone homesteads because the landlord So, I set out to compose another To the true God, the Trinity. could not remember where I had There was another prophecy knew where Columba’s parents’ wanted to create a deer park. His couple of songs, but this time heard it. I was passing a signpost about St Columba. This was home had been. We were directed wife later had a monument erected the melodies were already there. And now here in Gartan is my to Durrow at the time. Durrow is a symbolic vision. Ethna, was to a little street that ran parallel to to their nobility of character. It One had come to me when I was baby son. also associated with St Columba. the daughter of a Leinster the main street, and there we saw was near the site where Columba working in the kitchen, and I was Patrick ‘told his coming - he’s a When I sang the melody to my chieftain and the wife of Fergal, some remains of an Abbey which had been born. preparing lyrics about the sorrows special one, daughter, she told me that it was a descendant of the Niall of the had been built on that site. After And surely Ethna, herself, of Our Lady, and the other was A saint from our race, a chief who ‘Buachaill Ón Éirne’. Many lyrics may have returned here from a melody which had come to me will love grace, have been set to this air, one of time to time - when her son was when I was climbing the smaller Columba from Gartan, my little them being “Come to the hills”. fostered, away at a distant school mountain at Medjugorje. Of son, I read Adamnan’s ‘Life of or journeying from place to place, course, I had worked out lyrics for Columba from Gartan - the special Columba’ to find out about his fulfilling his vocation to spread that before I continued my climb. one. last day on earth. This song is the Good News of our salvation, as The first was the melody which about that... Jesus had told His disciples to do. I chose for ‘Ethna’s Dream’... I had noticed that the two Ethna would always remember songs about Gartan had been Columba’s last day the first time she had held her son Ethna’s Dream given melodies from songs about One sunny morning Columba and in her arms at this place. Once I had a strange dream of a Our Lady and I wondered if this Dermot went round Gartan is a place that calls you silken veil, had any significance. When I the Farm on Iona to pray and to back. We returned frequently, Coming down from heaven decked realised that the Feast of the bless all they found. enjoying the exploration and with flowers pale. Immaculate Conception was the The fields and the paths, the cattle, peace of the area. We visited the It was for me - I wanted to see but day after Columba’s birthday, the barn, and the grain. ancient church, the old graveyard, to my sorrow, I wanted to write a song about Then Columba told Dermot he the Holywell every time and we It drifted away, drawn by an angel that. I could get no inspiration, never would do this again. walked on the peaceful path by - away from me. but one first Saturday morning, the shore of the lake. the words and melody just came And on the way home they sat One year, I heard that a new Now I could not reach it, though I together all at once. When I asked down by the roadside to rest. heritage centre was to be opened knew ’twas mine, my art teacher, the late Brother A white horse came up and it at Gartan and bookings for visits It floated high above me but it was Joseph Connolly about ideas for nestled its head on his breast, could be made. My pupils had a sign. illustrating ‘Ethna’s Dream’, he and then with great grief like already visited St Columba’s The angel then said, “No need to painted his interpretation in a human it starts to cry. Church and I decided that going dread - very skilful and apparently rapid for God let it know that Columba to Gartan would be ideal for This veil’s like your son, lively and manner. This reminded me of St was going to die. their summer excursion. We free, Columba’s handwriting, which were there the first day that the A fine missionary, working for was also skilful but had a rapid He blessed the island and then he THE NET | JUNE 2021 29

returned to his cell, until 2097. 1897 was the 1300th and flowers from faith’s and from and worked at the writing of anniversary and, in that year and affection’s bowers. Scripture, a work he loved well. part of the following, some people With flowers of virtue, fruits or “Those seeking the Lord will lack were gathering information, brace, fill up each shining golden nothing that is for their good.” photographs, etc, compiling vase that angel hands may bear But `Baithin must finish -‘Derry Columbcille’. away gifts worthy St Columba’s Columba had done all he could. My grandfather was one of the day. (A.J.) contributors and his poem was After praying the Vespers Columba about Columba in the oak grove... The editor of the anniversary lay down for a while. book, Fr William Doherty, was “My words I command to you, St Columba’s Day the priest who officiated at my Dermot”, he said with a smile. The eyes of faith behold once more parent’s wedding. My brother “Have true love, among you, and if white winged spirits who of yore, Anthony and my sister Bridie were you will act in this way, Beneath the sheltering oaken tree teachers in the Long Tower parish. God provides all Heaven, and I kept Colum Cille sweet company, Several people in each generation living with Him will pray. And they once more to earth have inherited my grandfather’s love of come from out their far off happy writing and there were creative And now it was midnight. home writers, poets and songwriters. Our Lady saw the angel Gabriel saw angels outside the spaceship, God intends us to follow, we have Columba hurried to pray to mingle with his sons today to Three of them wrote songs about and agreed to God’s request. St going along beside it and smiling. great inner contentment when we again, the church at the start of cheer them up the narrow way, Columba and the angels. I think Patrick saw his guardian angel, Columba was born into a do His will for us. No matter what that Pentecost day. to stretch to them a helping hand, that my grandfather would have Victorious, and he was told that family of chiefs and could have age we are, we can serve God in A light came to meet him - the to carry to the blessed land, been particularly proud of his a ship was available to bring him had a position of power, but he the manner which He wishes for monks saw great joy on his face, the gifts of virtue - offerings sweet granddaughter, Teresa because from Ireland. Ethna saw an angel rejected it to serve God in the us, and we know that we are doing as he blessed them and left them to - to lay down at the master’s feet. her hymns about Columba and which foretold her son’s vocation. priesthood. Sr Clare Crockett, so when we experience the inner go to his God of all grace. the angels were used on a special And Columba himself saw angels who grew up so near the Oak peace and joy. Let not the messengers of light leave occasion. When Fr Roland in the oak Grove, around the Grove, had wanted a life of fame, At the Marriage Feast of Cana, (Repeat) My last words I commend earth without a burden bright, Colhoun was having the statues of tabernacle, on the hill on Iona.. but rejected it to serve God in the Our Lady told the servants, “Do to you. Have true love among you not empty-handed on high send the angels placed at certain points He sent them to help friends in religious life. When Our Lady met whatever He tells you.” Let us - and peace. the soul’s angelic guide and friend. of the church roof, a children’s need and sometimes saw them Elizabeth she told her, “God fills take her advice and then “in Nay, send not empty hands to Him choir from the Nazareth House carrying the soul of a friend to me with joy, and my spirit rejoices spite of our emptiness, He fills us It will not be the 1500th but fill each vessel to the brim School sang her compositions as heaven. I remember hearing that, in God my saviour.” and renews - if we listen in His anniversary of Columba’s death Ay, fill them with choice fruits part of the ceremony. in our own time, some astronauts No matter which way of life Presence and obey”. Mystery walk for Newtownstewart parishioners - by Fr Roland Colhoun CC times was equivalent to a highway today, providing transport by boat or by foot along its banks. Word of justice, love and truth. The late Fr Philip Donnelly, in Bless, in a special way, writing his ‘History of the Parish Your servant of Ardstraw West and Castlederg’, researched this congregation at Father.... some length. He discerned that the Send your Spirit upon him dimensions of the ruined chapel, So that he may always walk 81 feet by 22, indicated a sizeable in the path of faith, hope and love, community. Fr Ciarán Devlin, the in the footsteps of Christ, noted historian of our diocese, the eternal priest, who offered THE parishioners of Ardstraw walk was also a history walk. The 1982 church is significant said that these mendicant Friars Himself on the cross for the life of East embarked on a socially The ancient parish of Ardstraw because it gained its name from devoted much time to pastoral the world. Amen. distanced mystery walk on has a remarkable religious story the abandoned Franciscan Friary work in the community and Sunday, May 2. The outing was to tell. Part of its history is the of Scarvagherin. Beginning at the education in schools attached to Remember in prayer: a fund-raiser for manufacturing monastic houses that thrived for statue of St Francis himself, I gave their friaries. But out of necessity, and installing new windows in St centuries but could not survive an outline history of the Third the friars would also have worked Fr James Devine (June 1st) Eugene’s Church, Glenock. penal law. One of the suppressed Order lay Franciscans who had their own orchard, vegetable All priests The fourth oldest church in the foundations lies at Scarvagherin, settled there in the mid-fifteenth garden and herbal garden. Msgr Brendan Devlin (3rd) Derry Diocese has undergone a townland in Ardstraw West, century. The Franciscans also offered All priests (4th) many restorations since it opened near modern-day Drumnabey/ St Francis of Assisi (1182-1224) hospitality and because of its Pope’s monthly Fr Peter Devlin (5th) in 1785. Historic buildings need Spamount. instituted the Third Order for lay strategic location on the River Fr Fintan Diggin (6th) continuous maintenance, and this This was the mystery destination people living in the world. In the Derg, many pilgrims would intention Fr Brendan Doherty (7th) was the fourth sponsored walk in for the pilgrims of Ardstraw East have lodged for the night in beginning, members of the Third All priests (8th) 20 months. It was a ‘mystery’ walk on the first Sunday of May. Situated Order wore long grey habits, in Scarvagherin on their way to St The Holy Father has asked for All priests (9th) insofar as the people did not know nine miles from Newtownstewart, imitation of the First Order (the Patrick’s Purgatory, Lough Derg. prayer during June for: Fr John Doherty (10th) their destination in advance. The the outing required an initial drive Friars Minor), but without cowls. Sadly, the friary at Scarvagherin All priests (11th) idea arose at a planning meeting to Spamount, two miles short of In time, these Tertiaries formed was suppressed by English military The beauty of marriage... Fr Michael Doherty (12th) of the Pastoral Forum, as a means Castlederg. The convoy of 15 cars small communities, calling might in 1603. Tradition says it was Let us pray for young people of gaining participants through turned a few heads as it crossed the themselves Third Order Regulars. fired upon from Fern Hill, slightly who are preparing for marriage Fr Patrick Doherty (13th) curiosity. The word ‘mystery’ narrow 16th century stone bridge The Friars Minor arrived in to the north and the terrified friars with the support of a Christian Mgr Andrew Dolan (14th) draws attention because everyone in Ardstraw Village. Ireland in 1231 and founded many were forced to leave. community: May they grow Fr Brian Donnelly (15th) is attracted by the unknown. This Fr Paul Fraser kindly gave houses but seem not to have come Over the subsequent centuries, in love, with generosity, Msgr Joseph Donnelly (16th) walk revealed some things about permission for use of the car park to the Diocese of Derry. However, the local people used the holy faithfulness and patience. Fr Liam Donnelly (17th) the past. In that sense, the mystery at St Francis’ Church, Drumnabey. their lay brothers, the Third Order ground as a graveyard. It now looks All priests (18th) to be at capacity, and there have Regulars, established no less than Fr John Downey (19th) four foundations in west Tyrone in been no burials for many years. At Prayer for Priests All priests (20th) the mid-fifteenth century. Reliable some point, the graveyard came Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless All priests (21st) and detailed information about under the care of Strabane District our bishops and priests and to these houses is hard to come by. Council, now amalgamated with confirm them in their vocation of Fr Jack Farrell (22nd) But one was at Scarvagherin in the Derry City Council. service. All priests (23rd) parish of Ardstraw, which lasted For the group of enthusiastic As they stand before us as Fr John Farren (24th) almost 150 years. parishioners from ministers of Your Sacraments, Fr Neil Farren (25th) The Scarvagherin site is elevated Newtownstewart, it proved a may they be channels of the love Fr Paul Farren (26th) and dry and it was attractive to splendid location for a history and compassion of the Good Fr Christopher Ferguson (27th) the Friars because of its proximity walk on a sunny day. Furthermore, Shepherd, who came not be served Fr John Forbes (28th) but to serve. to a ford in the river Derg. Of the sponsorship of the walk yielded Fr Eddie Gallagher (29th) almost £4,000; valuable income Give them the grace they need to course, the river met many of Fr Paul Fraser (30th) the community’s needs, namely for our windows at St Eugene’s respond generously to you, and fishing, drinking and washing. In Church, Glenock. the courage to proclaim your addition, a river in late medieval 30 THE NET | JUNE 2021 Lord, I am not worthy by Fr Johnny Doherty, CSsR MANY parents dread the ourselves a real hunger for the Lift up you hearts only one who knows. He tells us that will bring us forward into day when their teenage son or Eucharist. As we listen to God’s That is one of the important today that first of all it is God’s Week 4: June 27–July 3 being an alive and vibrant daughter rebels and asks: “Why Word during this time, we can invitations in every Mass just kingdom. God is at work in us and The Lord we serve community of faith. should I go to Mass?” This is one catch some of the intimacy of His before the Eucharistic Prayer. It is all around us all the time, even Jesus said: “Once the hand is By making this commitment, of the best questions that could love. an invitation that we should listen when we are not attentive to Him. laid on the plough, no one who we are setting out to make a be asked, one that all of us should Christ recognises the loneliness for each week of the month of He also tells us that the small looks back is fit for the Kingdom fresh start to our married life look at constantly. We can be so and isolation of human life. He June, particularly so that we can things are the key to the growth of of God”. and or/family life week-by-week; conditioned by our attitudes that tenderly cares for each of us as be more receptive of the Body and God’s kingdom. God is present in We live in a world in which make a new beginning each we can fail to ever touch into the if we were the only person who Blood of Christ.Week 1: June 6–12 the love relationships of marriage people are finding it increasingly week in our life of being a faith extraordinary gift that we have. exists. He knows that our human Corpus Christi and family life, and also of our difficult to commit themselves community gathered around the For some people, Mass is just an hearts can only be satisfied by Jesus said: “Take this and eat, faith community. to anyone or anything. This is Eucharist; and a way of making obligation on a Sunday. They will being touched deeply by the quiet this is My Body. This is My Blood Our contribution is to be probably one of the single most a new beginning in our own go faithfully but without any great passion of God’s love for us. He of the covenant which is to be found in the small things of love important reasons for many of the commitment to Christ as we let enthusiasm. It is an imposition. proclaims Himself as the bread poured out for all.” – giving time to one another; social ills of our society. Jesus tells ourselves be fed with the bread of They want it over as quickly as of life. And He goes further by What an extraordinary love showing affection to one another; us that commitment is essential to life. possible. Other people see Mass telling us that “the bread that I Christ has for us that led Him to affirming one another; forgiving human fulfilment. I urge you to make that as a penance. They will go to Mass shall give is my flesh for the life of give us this wonderful sacrament. one another. We are always When a couple get married, commitment today and see how it during the week in Lent in order the world”. And yet we grow so used to it standing on holy ground. they are looking ahead, but will bring you into a much greater to do something difficult or go Week after week, Christ stands that we can even see it at times tend quickly to look back to joy in your life and faith. to an early Mass as a penance for among us with that wonderful as a burden. But we do the same Week 3: June 20-26 what each had and so set limits some particular intention. invitation that has the name of with our love for one another. In Jesus the Lord of the storm to their relationship. When a One of the most frequent each one of us engraved on it: marriage and family life many Jesus said to His disciples: “Why couple conceive a child, they look statements that is heard about “Take and eat, this is My Body people feel burdened by the is it that you are so frightened? forward to the birth. Then they the Mass is that it is boring. How which will be given up for you.” demands of love. How is it that you have no faith?” often look back to the freedom insulting this is to Jesus who has In that moment, everything we This week is a time to renew the Over the past number of years they had and try to reclaim as given Himself completely to us could want in our wildest dreams sense of awe that should be ours the Church has been going much of that as possible. and whose heart longs only to give is offered to us. when we think of the extent of through a fierce storm. It has been And in parish life, many people Himself to us day after day, week God’s love for us and the privilege a time of anxiety and worry for want a full part in determining after week. Familiarity certainly Our hearts of our love for one another. It is many. It has been a time of deep the future of the Church but breeds contempt! The only problem that isa week to cry out “My Lord and hurt and anger for others. There are often unwilling to commit The single greatest treasure of presented to us at this time is that my God” and to say again to each seems to be no end to it. themselves to the work involved our Catholic faith is the Eucharist, of our hearts. Our hearts can be other “I love you”. Even though the storm is real, in ensuring its success. in which we are constantly invited so filled with our own selfishness and we have to face the reality to be completely one with Christ. that there is no space for God’s Week 2: June 13-19 of it with all its implications, A vitally important He gives Himself totally to us as love. Our hearts can be so broken The Kingdom of God we also have to remember that commitment we eat His Body and drink His with life that we think there is no Jesus said: “What can we say the Christ is with us and He will In our Catholic practice, there Blood. hope. Our hearts can be so empty Kingdom of God is like?” bring calm again. But we also has always been an emphasis on because of self-doubt that we We all have our own ideas of have a responsibility to work for the importance of Sunday Mass, Our opportunity cannot hear the intense love that what the Kingdom of God is like. that calm by the ways we love one so much so that it is an obligation These few weeks of June are a God has for us. But we need to listen to what another in our homes and in our for us. Now is the time for us to great opportunity to renew for Jesus says it is because He is the communities. make it a personal commitment Fr Johnny Doherty ‘Leave The Water Running’ – a story about the Thornhill unconditional love of Christ Ministries faith journey and miraculous him because of two particular were more important to me than for another 10-12 years after that, happenings, as well as personal experiences involving a couple of anything else in my life,” he said, though not at senior level. Triduum poems relating to people in his life elderly ladies amongst the card adding, “I was a decent footballer “The real vocation started then. and was playing for Derry City The real message of the life story who have passed on. players. AS we emerge from Covid, when I got a cracked knee that was of Don Bosco kicked in and what Summing it up further in “Lizzie Long asked me for a Thornhill Ministries have put unrepairable. I’m not saying that I should be doing in my life, talking to ‘The Net’ about the drink of water, and asked if I together an online reflective God had a hand in that, but He and that is where Search began. book, Martin said, “It is really could leave the water running. So, triduum, entitled ‘Belonging in had a plan in a sense to redirect Search simply means Search for a story about the unconditional I let it run for a while,” he recalled, Changing Times’, to run from my priorities. Christ. All of that came from my love of God”. adding: “It was running for two- August 23-25. “My Trinity before that was encounter with the loving God on He has dedicated it to his wife, and-a-half hours before someone Fr Paschal McDonnell, OFM, Matt Busby, George Best and a Cursillo weekend”. family, parents, Derry Search realised that it was still running! will lead a three-day personal Denis Law. However, when I was The story continues from this Youth Group, Don Bosco Football It became the water of baptism as reflection time for those aware of injured and came out of football, up to these current days of Covid, Club, and “to all who search, my life matured”. change, those seeking a faith-path I was invited to help take over 30 and it was during the second through the lay person vessels of “On the same night”, he of belonging. young people on a trip to Knock lockdown that Martin finally sat Cursillo, Search, Cor and other continued, “another old lady, The Zoom programme will Shrine. Most wouldn’t have had down to record it...typing 10,000 Martin McLaughlin with his book organisations who, as one Body of Beezy Donaghy, handed me a include Communal Lectio “Leave the Water Running” a clue what it was all about but words at a time into a Samsung Christ, seek to find the Way, and to four-inch thick book, saying...‘You Morning Prayer, 8.30-9 am, were just glad to get out of the city phone. WHEN Martin McLaughlin show the way to The Waymaker”. need to read this book. It is meant followed by Communal and away from the Troubles for a “I prayed to the Holy Spirit to celebrated his 70th birthday last The cover design includesfor you’. It was the life-story of St Engagement, including input, while”. guide what I should write every year, Fr Joe Gormley, who has images central to his life story: a Don Bosco. I read the book but, reflection and journaling, from 11 “That was the beginning,” said time I sat down,” said Martin, journeyed with the Creggan man water tap, with droplets of water at 10 years of age, it didn’t mean am until 12 noon. Martin, “Before that, in 1980, I “and it took me 14 weeks to write and the youth of Search as their designed using the ichtus (fish) anything to me then. However, Participants are invited to create had done a Cursillo weekend in spiritual director, told him to be symbol, tying in with Search; because the water of baptism was it, from start to finish, have it their own dedicated timeline for Benburb Priory which had given sure and note down the many St Mary’s Church, Creggan; running, the content of it came bound and ready to go”. the three days and will receive me a different perception of who stories accrued over his lifetime, Don Bosco’s image; a football; more into my lifestyle from that Costing £8.99, the book is sold support prompts for reflection as and what God is. I was 30 years and so, with all the reflection time Our Lady of Knock Shrine and night”. at the IOSAS Centre, the Search the process unfolds. old at that stage. during the Covid-19 lockdowns, children representing Our Lady The book also tells the story of Centre, in Iona Business Park, A suggested donation of £30 “A miracle happened that day in he let it all flow and the fruits of of Knock Youth Group. the founding of the Don Bosco VG Stores in Creggan, Spar towards Thornhill Ministries Knock. With my knee wrecked, his efforts are now raising funds The title of the book is taken Football Club for teenagers by Store, Ballymagroarty, and the would be welcome. for the Search youth project close from the first chapter, which Martin and a group of others, I couldn’t walk without a stick. Clifford Store in Shantallow, to his heart. begins with Martin sharing a which he felt was his response to One of the young people broke and the proceeds are for Derry ‘Leave The Water Running’ is memory of watching the card the St Don Bosco book he had my stick and said that if I wanted Search Youth Group, which has To register and receive a 400-page book of recollections game, Whist in his childhood read years earlier. them to believe in all of this ‘crap’, had around 10,000 young people Zoom details send an from Martin’s life growing up home when he was about 10 “Football and winning became then I had better start believing it complete its programme over the email to secretary@ in Creggan, his football days, years old, which has stayed with my God rather than prayer and myself. I was able to play football years. thornhillministries.co.uk. THE NET | JUNE 2021 31 Children’s Catechism Club - C3 by Veronica Harley Hello children. Welcome to the month of June and the lovely a liturgical vestment normally made continued his education as a monk upon his native land. summer days. June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. of silk or gold cloth and is used by in Glasnevin (modern day Dublin) In 563 AD, Columba and 12 We celebrate the beautiful Feast of the Sacred Heart this year on priests during Benediction of the and at Clonard Abbey, near the companions left Derry by boat and Blessed Sacrament. River Boyne in County Meath. travelled up Lough Foyle. There is June 11, and on the following day we rejoice with the Feast of the We are invited to come and spend When he was ordained a priest, a marker at Portkill, near Shrove Immaculate Heart of Mary. God is Love and the Sacred Heart of time with Jesus in the Blessed Columba founded monasteries in Inishowen, where Columba is the Son of God is the human sign of God’s love for us. The Sacred Sacrament. When we spend time at Derry (Long Tower), Durrow said to have briefly disembarked Heart is overflowing with love for all humanity. with Jesus in the Host, we praise and (Co. Offaly), Kells (Co. Meath) and his curragh for a final farewell to adore Him. We thank Him for all the his homeland. He and his monks of the Last Supper. But because of wonderful things in our lives and the landed at Dunaverty near Southend, the sad events which are recalled in many gifts He has given us. When Argyll, in Kintyre before settling on Holy Week, the Eucharist is given the mysterious angel appeared to the the island of Iona, off the west coast its own special day to celebrate – children at Fatima in 1916, he showed of Scotland. The island was granted Corpus Christi. One practice of them how they should worship Jesus to Columba for the establishment of devotion which allows us to show in the Eucharist. He bent low in a monastery. great homage to Christ is Eucharistic worship until his forehead touched In the years ahead, he and his Adoration. the ground. He taught the children monks spent a lot of time in a beautiful prayer to say to Jesus. solitude, study and prayer. They Eucharistic Adoration Please try to visit Jesus in the Blessed also worked as scribes, copying Sacred Heart of Jesus The Church has developed the Sacrament and spend some precious religious manuscripts. Columba and Sacred Heart of Jesus, beautiful practice of Eucharistic time with him. his community began the religious I trust in You. Adoration. This practice is centuries conversion of Scotland, which at Sacred Heart of Jesus, old, dating back to the Apostles, Saints of the month that time was pagan territory. Their I believe in Your love for me. when the Eucharist was carried St Justin Martyr – June 1 fame and influence spread to most of Sacred Heart of Jesus, to the homes of those people who St Kevin of Glendalough – June 3 Europe. In time, Iona became a place Your Kingdom come. could not attend Mass. Eucharistic St Columba of Derry – June 9 of pilgrimage. It also became known Adoration is a sign of devotion and St Irenaeus of Lyon – June 28 as a holy island where 48 kings of The Immaculate Heart of Mary worship of Jesus, who is truly present Swords (Co. Dublin). He is also Scotland, four kings of Ireland and leads us closer to God and shows us – Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity Saint Columba, the Dove associated with many places such eight kings of Norway are buried. how we should love Him. To say that – in the Eucharist. as Glencolumbkille (Co. Donegal), On June 9, 597AD, Columba died in Mary’s heart is Immaculate means The Holy Eucharist is placed of the Church Drumceat (Co. Derry) and the monastery he had built on Iona. that it is pure and without sin (CCC in a very special vessel called a Columba was born on December 7, Drumcliff (Co. Sligo). With Saint Patrick and Saint 411) and that She is the only fully monstrance. This is made of a 521AD in Gartan, County Donegal. In 560AD, a dispute arose over a Brigid, Columba is one of Ireland’s human person who can love God precious metal and is shaped like the His father was Fedhlimidh, a great- copy of a book of Psalms (a Psalter) patron saints. This year we celebrate in the way that He should be loved. sun to symbolise the resurrection of grandson of Niall of the Nine which Columba had quietly made the 1500th anniversary of his birth, Devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Jesus. The centre of the monstrance Hostages, the fourth century High of St Finnian’s book. This dispute 521-2021. The celebrations of his Heart allows us to honour Her has a round glass window through King of Ireland. His mother was led to a rebellion by the Clan Neill life and legacy commenced on holiness (CCC 971) and brings us which the sacred Host can be seen. Eithne of the Uí Néill clan. She was against King Diarmait of Ireland. December 7, 2020 and will continue closer to God (CCC 969). Behind the glass is a round container a member of the royal family of It culminated in the Battle of for 12 months. called a lunette. The lunette holds Leinster. Cooldrevny (modern day County St Columba – the Dove of the the Host securely in place. When While Columba was still very Sligo) in 561AD, at which 3,000 men Church – was a significant figure in Immaculate Heart of Mary young, he decided to become a O Virgin Mary, my Mother. the Host is not in the monstrance were killed. the early Irish Church and is credited monk. He was educated at the I give to your Immaculate Heart my for adoration, it is kept safely in its Following this battle, Columba’s with the spread of Christianity monastic school under St Finnian body and my soul, my thoughts and lunette within a strong container confessor, St Molaise, set him the in Scotland and beyond. Most in Moville. This is not Moville in my actions. known as a pyx and placed in the penance of leaving Ireland and importantly for our Diocese, he Inishowen, rather, St Finnian’s I want to be what you want me to be, Tabernacle. preaching the Gospel abroad, established a famous monastery at famous monastery was at Moville, and do just what you want me to do. When the monstrance contains in order to convert as many to Long Tower, the site of the present- County Down, near modern day I am not afraid because you are the sacred Host, the priest will not Christianity as had been killed at day St Columba’s Church. Newtownards. The young Columba always with me. Help me to love touch the vessel with his bare hands. Cooldrevny: and never again to look your Son Jesus with all my heart Out of respect for the Eucharist, the 13. How many counties does Derry share a border with? and above all things. priest holds the monstrance with a with Lawrence Take my hand in yours humeral veil, a wide band of cloth Quiz Time 14. What are the only two ‘10 point letters’ in a game of Scrabble? so I can always be with you. that covers his shoulders (humera) 1. In which Irish county would you find Lugnaquilla 15. How many grandchildren does the Queen have? and has pleats on the inside, in which mountain range? 16. What was the Disney Corporation’s first feature film? he places his hands. A humeral veil is 2. Who reached Number 1 in the UK charts in 1991 with a song called ‘The one and only’? 17. In which ocean would you find the Bermuda Triangle? 3. With what sport is Bryony Frost associated? 18. Which three teams were relegated from this season’s English Premier League? 4. For which US state is Hartford the capital city? 19. In which English city is Crufts dog show held? 5. In which 2006 movie did Will Smith and his son, 20. Who played the title role in the 2012 movie, Anna Jaden star together? Karenina? 6. Who is the current Prime Minister of Australia? 21. For which US President was Walter Mondale Vice- 7. Which soap opera ended in 2003 after 21 years on UK President? television? 22. Despite his death in 1977, Elvis Presley topped the UK 8. What nationality is golfer Louis Oousthuizen? singles charts in 2002 with what song? Corpus Christi The glorious feast of Corpus Christi 9. Martha J Cannary was better known by what name? 23. What is the capital city of Uruguay? is celebrated after Trinity Sunday. It 10. Who was the original lead singer of The Undertones? 24. In what song would you find the lyrics ‘...just ring usually falls in late May or June. The the bell on the big Bagatelle and you’ll make all the 11. According to the children’s nursery rhyme, which coloured lights cascade...’? name ‘Corpus Christi’ is the Latin fictional character lived down Drury Lane? for ‘Body of Christ’, meaning that 25. Which country is the world’s largest producer of this is the Feast Day of the Holy 12. Who wrote the 2015 novel ‘The Girl on the Train’? bananas? Quiz Answers: 1, Wicklow. 2, Chesney Hawkes. 3, Horse Racing (jockey). 4, Connecticut. 5, The Pursuit of Happyness. 6, Scott Morrison. 7, Brookside. 8, South African. Eucharist. The greatest Feast of the 9, Calamity Jane. 10, Feargal Sharkey. 11, The Muffin Man. 12, Paula Hawkins. 13, Three- Antrim, Tyrone, Donegal. 14, Q and Z. 15, Eight. 16, Snow White. 17, North Eucharist is Holy Thursday, the day Atlantic. 18, Sheffield Utd, West Brom and Fulham. 19, Birmingham. 20, Keira Knightly. 21, Jimmy Carter. 22, A Little Less Conversation. 23, Montevideo. 24, Penny Arcade. 25, India. 32 THE NET | JUNE 2021

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

Photography by Stephen Latimer

“More than ever I realise that the smallest happenings of our lives are guided by God”

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, St. Thérèse

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