THE NET | MAY 2021 1

ISSUE 65. MAY 2021 PRICE - £1.50 The NET /€2.00 Sharing fruits of faith in Derry Diocese

See inside... -...... “The Spirit is the source of all authentic renewal in the Church and the world, beginning in the heart of every man and woman”. (Fr Francesco Gavazzi CFR Honouring Our Lady - Castlefin – Synod Feature: p19-24)

Sr Clare Retreat - Long Tower

Columba Community 40th

First Saturday Devotions - Claudy Centenary Celebrations - Legion of Mary Divine Mercy Sunday - Creggan Keeping Connected - Culmore & Steelstown in focus in People

Fr Paddy McIntyre – St Eugene’s Ruairi McClafferty – Creggan Sr Clare – Servant Sister Anthony Hogan – Culmore Veronica & Danny Dolan – Aghyaran

Also featuring: Derry Youth Ministry update, Young Writers share thoughts on: Diocesan Environmental Strategy; Women in Church; Vocations; Christus Vivit; Our Lady; and Pope Francis’ youth message, Newtownstewart, Claudy & Creggan celebrate Divine Mercy, Children’s Catechism Club, Legion of Mary reflections, Quiz...and much more... 2 THE NET | MAY 2021 Bishop Donal reflects on Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of May - “Let us pray Contents that those in charge of finance will work with governments to regulate the financial sphere and protect citizens from its dangers”... CopiesParish of ‘The Net’ will deliveries be available in parishes again after restrictions, as a result of Covid-19, are lifted. Dedicated prayer is part of our contribution to creating a financial system that treats people with dignity Dedicated prayer is one part of our – A reflection by Bishop Donal...... p2 Laudato Si group launch Diocesan Environmental Strategy...... p2 contribution to creating a financial system St Benedict and Miraculous Medals & prayers leading to many conversions...... p3 What are sacramentals?...... p3 that treats people with dignity Culmore & Steelstown creating moments of connection...... p4-5 ONE thing is certain. The touch, all our structures are kind of politics. Such a political pandemic has shown yet again tainted by Original Sin. And leadership would “strive to Derry Youth Ministry Update by Lizzie Rea...... p5 that powerful people are best when vast sums of money and organize and structure society able to take advantage of any access to power are involved, so that one’s neighbour will not Young writers share thoughts on... crisis to increase their power. the temptations become very find themselves in poverty” - Diocesan Environmental Strategy We have seen how wealth and strong. (FT186). - St Teresa of Ávila & Women in the Church - Vocations opportunity have flowed in Relative poverty He insists that “Government - Christus Vivit for powerful individuals and Some will point out that, over leaders should be the first - Fatima & Queen of the May corporations. And the poorer the last few decades, wealth to make the sacrifices that - Pope Francis’ message for youth...... p6-8 parts of the populations have has increased and that many foster encounter.” (FT190) Sr Clare Retreat... suffered most. millions have been taken That is not the sort of political Holiness is real and can apply to real people During the financial crisis of out of absolute poverty. But leadership that we find in – Fr Stephen Quinn OCD 2008, we saw how amoral and ‘poverty’ cannot be measured many countries! Sr Clare still touching lives... Sr Clare’s story gives hope immoral much of the world merely in financial terms. Pray – Ruairi McClafferty of high finance was. Then, The experience ofPope Francis asks us to pray Reflecting on the Sacraments... the uncertainty surrounding powerlessness is a profound that politicians regulate the Family and friends reminisce... the pandemic has given rise poverty that damages human economy so that they serve Sr Clare shows joy comes from following Divine dream – Bishop Donal...... p9-12 to many theories and fears dignity and self-respect. human flourishing and not that powerful people were Relative poverty means that just individual or corporate Our faith serves us up a rich fare! conspiring to exercise more many people have all the basic egos. by Bishop Donal...... p12 control over the world’s necessities – but they feel left Those who benefit from Sr Clare’s Face population. out of the decision-making a system will often fight to by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD...... p13 That is the world into which processes. defend a society that suits them Pope Francis addressed his There is enough evidence – even if others are paying the Fr Paddy McIntyre reflects on six decades of priesthood...... p14-15 Encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti’ (FT) to show that societies thrive price. The assumption is that (October 2020). He wrote best where there is a relatively what suits me should really A Letter from Sebastiano...... p15 about instances in many places small gap between the haves suit everybody! Derry Diocesan Vocations Prayer...... p15 of “short-sighted, extremist, and the have-nots. Societies We are a people of faith and Prayer for Priests...... p15 Pope’s prayer intention for May...... p15 resentful and aggressive with larger gaps have higher we believe that prayer can nationalism”. (FT11) He refers levels of crime, physical and change hearts and resolve Aghyaran couple reflect on to a “kind of globalism (that) mental illness, social unrest distressing issues. Dedicated 40 rewarding years as sacristans...... p16 prayer is one part of our ‘Blessed is She’ lead introduction to Carmelite Spirituality strengthens the identity of and addictions. by Aoife O’Neill...... p16 the more powerful who can A better kind of politics contribution to creating a May brings joy of Little Way Novena...... p16 protect themselves”. (FT12) Pope Francis asks us to pray financial system that treats 48 Hours’ Adoration for end of Covid...... p16 Like everything that we that we can develop a better people with dignity. Bishop Donal An Biobla Naofa Irish Page by Fr Oliver Crilly...... p17 Environmental Strategy for the Diocese launched by Diocesan ‘Laudato Si’ group... Thoughts from across the Diocese on a Synodal Church...... p18-24 Caring for our Common Home - An invitation to respond Honouring Our Lady...... p24 First Saturday Devotions in Claudy...... p24 by Patricia McCormack Bishop Donal blesses Creggan Divine Mercy statues....p25 Beautiful Day of Grace in Claudy Parish waste, transport and buildings. warming, loss of biodiversity, Common Home’. had made, and behold, it was by Annie Mullan...... p25 It proposes actions that can be and mass extinction. Many of The Holy Father looksvery good”. Feast of Divine Mercy celebrated in Newtownstewart..p25 implemented at a parish and us have felt overwhelmed and at our present world and The Covid-19 pandemic has fears for it because multiple taken many things from us, Legion of Mary centenary reflections...... p26-27 individual level. It asks us to confused. look, to reflect and to make Pope Francis encourages us environmental and ecological but it has also revealed things Those Tunnels by Vera McFadden...... p28 changes where we can and to have hope, but he asks that disasters threaten to destroy to us. We see more clearly Some May Memories by Vera McFadden...... p28 where we should. we act now to bring about it. He urges us to hear ‘the our interconnectedness to Golden Rose – Our Lady of Knock It is an invitation to talk to change in our world...“Today, cry of the Earth and the cry one another and we recognise by Fr Joseph Varghese...... p29 others about the issue; about not tomorrow, we have to take of the poor.’ He tells us that it more clearly the worth of our Columba Community celebrates what is already being done care of Creation responsibly”. is our Christian duty to take natural world. 40 years of ministry...... p29 and what more could be done With this strategy, the care of God’s Creation for the As Pope Francis said: The Five Sundays of May by the Diocese, the parish and Diocese acknowledges its benefit of everyone and future “Human life is grounded in by Fr Johnny Doherty, CSsR...... p30 THE Derry Diocese has parishioners. responsibility to participate in generations... “Living our three fundamental and closely ACCORD recruiting for couples launched a consultative plan The entire parish may be the global challenge to mitigate vocation to be protectors of entwined relationships: with counselling training...... p30 about climate change and the involved at various levels, but environmental degradation God’s handiwork is essential God, with our neighbour and Children’s Catechism Club – C3 environment and is inviting it is likely that a co-ordinating and climate change. to a life of virtue; it is not an with the earth itself.” by Veronica Harley...... p31 everyone within the Diocese to committee or group would In 2015, Pope Francis wrote optional or secondary aspect of Quiz Time with Lawrence...... p31 read, engage and respond to it. need to be set up and each a papal letter, an encyclical, our Christian experience.” It is available at: https://www. parish would develop the plan which he addressed to the He reminds us, very The ministry of derrydiocese.org/diocese/ in its own particular way. The whole world. It was called powerfully, that God’s love is environmental-strategy Diocesan Laudato Si’ Group ‘Laudato Si’, which means the fundamental moving force The NET This is a draft plan and all can offer support, information, ‘Praise be to You’, with a not just in us but in all created was dedicated to Our Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese feedback and suggestions are facilitate workshops and secondary title of ‘Care of our things...“God saw all that he Lady, through the welcome. The plan provides provide training days. intercession of Contacting us: an outline strategy of how each We are becoming increasingly St Maximilian Kolbe, in a If you have a story that you would like to share or an event you Please submit your comments, questions and would like covered by The Net, just drop an email to parish in our Diocese could aware of terms such as climate ceremony celebrated by suggestions by May 31, 2021, to Patricia McCormack [email protected] begin to examine how we change, climate emergency, Bishop Donal McKeown via... Email: [email protected] or ring/text 07809292852 use land, food, energy, water, greenhouse gases, global on August 14, 2019. Tele/Text: 077 1190 0420 | Facebook: Laudatosiderry THE NET | MAY 2021 3 Brought powerfully back to his faith following an unsettling experience in his home, Derry resident, Anthony Hogan is beyond amazed since at how... St Benedict and Miraculous medals and prayers are leading to many conversions God’s mercy to others. After Anthony continued: “Our lives up a post on his page too, and of the saints associated with having such a positive experience have changed completely. I would it just went completely mad. I these medals are leading to through prayer and spending hardly have said a ‘Hail Mary’ couldn’t keep up with all the people having hope again and time in front of the Eucharist and before this, now I go to Eucharistic messages from people looking bringing them to faith. The receiving the sacraments, I could Adoration nearly every day during for the medals and prayers. I was whole experience has completely see that through the St Benedict my lunch, and I go to Mass and praying over the medals before I changed my life. and Miraculous medals I had read the Bible most days. I have distributed them, and then I was “So, the mission is to get them been renewed in my faith, which also found a new fondness to out delivering them, so I prayed out everywhere, to schools, I so desperately needed. I went help people because, after this, for help and people just came out universities, chapels, and any 34 years without my faith and I other men and women started of the woodwork to offer their public place where people will thank God every day that I have it coming looking for help too. The help. listen, throughout Ireland and back through the intercession of St scripture, ‘love thy neighbour” just “I also prayed and prayed beyond. At the minute, I am Benedict and Our Lady.” kept popping into my head, from that I would get funding to buy getting the medals from a supplier From that experience, Anthony reading the Bible. the medals, as I was financing in China but it takes three weeks started giving St Benedict and “These people were going them myself. I started asking for for them to get here, so it would Miraculous medals out to people through anxiety, depression, donations and we raised enough be good to be able to manufacture that he knew, after getting them addictions etc, and there was stuff money to buy over 2,200, and now them locally.” blessed by a priest, in the hope they happening in their lives like what there is a team of 10 people willing Anthony has started a Facebook too would be led back to the faith had been happening to us. After to help distribute them. These are group for the medals - Saint and a better life. One of those he receiving the blessed medals and men and women, aged between Benedict and Miraculous Medals gave the medal to was a gentleman prayers, people have said that 30-50, from different parts of - and the group is in the process of he had met through a friend, they have not relapsed, that any the City, who had some kind of trying to get registered as a charity. who was going through a similar depression and anxieties had positive experience after receiving “If you would like to help this experience with something going subsided or went away, and that one of the medals and prayers and mission, join, like and share the on in his house. Anthony had not they were also being drawn to now want to help get them out to Facebook page,” he said, “or leave a known the man before meeting faith and prayer. other people. message if you would like to make him to deliver the medal, but he “These are men and women “It is unbelievable what is a donation and receive your own noticed a vast change in him the who were not into praying and happening. The intercessionsblessed medals”. next time they met. now their faith is strong and they He recalled: “When we first are going to Adoration and Mass. meet, he came across as fearful Since last July, when I first received and guarded, a man who needed the St Benedict and Miraculous help but didn’t know who to ask. medals, I’d say a large number of Anthony Hogan He is a very different man now, men and women of all ages have WHEN 34-year-old Anthony me a few things and gave me a just like me. This man was a real been helped. I recently gave a Hogan was sitting having a St Benedict medal. He explained tough guy, but he was at his wits’ medal and prayers to a lady in her socially distanced chat and a beer about the medals and the power end being tortured in his own 70s, and have had teenagers and with a friend in the garage of his of protection banishing anything home. He told me that he thought young people in their 20s asking Derry home around this time last bad that may be around. He also there was something very bad in for them too. To date, we have year, he didn’t know how much his told me to get the house blessed his home and, though he came given out over a thousand medals life was about to change following by a priest, which I did, and since across as having a tough exterior, and prayers, resulting in helping a strange incident that unsettled then there has not been any more he looked like he had been others find their faith”. him greatly. strange occurrences in our home.” through a lot. Sharing that his mission is to Sharing his story with ‘The Net’, “It so happened that it was the “I gave him my own St Benedict distribute as many St Benedict he recalled: “As we were chatting, Feast of St Benedict, July 11,” medal as I felt that I didn’t need and Miraculous medals and stuff started happening, such as said Anthony, adding: “Just one it as much as he did at that associated prayers as possible, far books suddenly falling off a shelf week later after receiving the St particular time, and told him to and wide, Anthony, who works at the back of the garage. It was a Benedict medal, I found myself say the Rosary, along with prayers in the construction industry and frightening experience. I felt that at Mass in front of Eucharist and to St Benedict and St Michael the runs a consultancy along with What are sacramentals... there was something in my house, receiving Holy Communion. At Archangel, and to get a priest to his wife, said: “When people which my wife and I had bought that Mass, a great feeling of peace bless his house. The same process started telling me how their lives three-and-a-half years ago. and calm came over me, which I had went through for my own had been changed so quickly, THE Catholic Church has many sacramentals “When I was chatting to some was something I had not felt in home. especially people you wouldn’t - which are not sacraments. Sacramentals, like of my wife’s friends on a different years; the industry I work in is “He later told me that when expect to be converted like this, I occasion, I mentioned what had very fast paced and high pressure. he went home, he prayed the realised the power of these medals medals, scapulars, relics, point us to the grace happened and one of them told I found myself being drawn more Rosary and asked a priest to bless as sacramentals. of God. But they are not merely ‘holy magic’ me that she knew a holy man and more to St Benedict and the house. That man had a big “I was hearing about one person who might be able to help. While prayer, asking for his intercession experience that night that gave after another and felt that we independent of faith in Christ. It is essential that I had received the sacraments as a and guidance. him the belief that he hadn’t got needed to get these medals and they are used with faith - just as Jesus often told child, I hadn’t been practising my “As I prayed the Rosary and the before, that God exists. prayers out to more people. It people that their faith had healed them. faith for most of my life. I believed Divine Mercy Chaplet every day, is truly a miracle seeing Divine that there was a higher power and my faith became stronger and Peaceful power, through these medals, Thus, they are concrete, visible signs of God’s would have found myself praying stronger. I started to see massive “Within two weeks of receiving bringing people to prayer and grace and mercy. For many people they have when I needed help, but I certainly changes in my life for the better. the medal, and praying and back to receiving the sacraments. was not a practising Catholic and I felt different. I wasn’t as stressed, receiving the sacraments, he was a In these difficult times, this has opened the door to faith and healing. And when only went to Mass when I was but a lot happier, more calm, and completely different man from the given people hope, healing, they are blessed with prayer, they can bear God’s forced. kinder to my family and others. It one I had first met, and his home protection, life, happiness and power to banish evil and its effects. “However, what happened at was a happiness and calmness that has been very peaceful since the faith again. Every day we get lovely our home was something I sensed I didn’t know I needed. blessing by the priest. I had never messages from people, saying how Through the intercession of Mary and the I needed help with, so I took the “I started to try and spread seen a conversion like it. The grateful they are for getting their saints in the Mystical Body of Christ, God advice and later arranged for the kindness just by just saying look on his face was completely lives back”. man to come to my house. He ‘hello’ to everyone I passed in different. He is full of love and at He added: “I put up a post on continues to pour out His Divine Grace upon arrived with another gentleman the street. I wanted others to feel peace now, and has a very strong Facebook and asked a gentleman, those most in need of His mercy. and, during our conversation, told the way I was feeling, spreading faith.” who has a high following, to put 4 THE NET | MAY 2021

Active lay people in the parishes of Culmore and Steelstown, in the Derry City Deanery, share some of the wonderful faith related activities parishioners have appreciated during the past year... Creating moments of connection at a time when many were feeling isolated AS we dare to look forward and share information, as well as Online Lectio to a slow cautious return to create opportunities to share news Our Lectio group meets every worshipping in our chapels and connect, particularly during Monday from 11.30 am-12.30 together, we, in the parishes of Holy Week and other moments. pm. Before the pandemic, we met Steelstown and Culmore, are We’ve shared images of palms in person but since the pandemic looking back at some of the ways and sacred spaces set up in homes, began we have been challenged to we have tried to overcome the images of parishioners enjoying learn new technologies and now challenges of this past year; the the snow, doing pumpkin carvings use ZOOM. ways in which we have grown in on the theme of light of the All are welcome as we gather fellowship during this time and world, and a parish family bingo together to read and reflect on the what we have learnt as we move night. This has helped to keep us upcoming Sunday Gospel. forward. connected as a community. We read the Scripture passage With support from parishioners, very slowly, pause and spend our shared Faith Formation Rosary and Divine Mercy sacred time pondering its message Coordinator, Julz Fitzgerald, and Since the start of the first for us today. Some sharing may our clergy, Fr Colum Clerkin, PP pandemic, a group of lay follow, but no one is expected Culmore, and Fr John McDevitt, parishioners have faithfully to speak. It is ok to listen and let PP Steelstown, we had a clear gone LIVE on Facebook every God’s Word speak for itself in the sense that we wanted to create night to lead others in praying context of our lives, both personal moments of connection at a time the Rosary for the intentions of and communal. We learn to when many were feeling isolated the community. This practise contemplate and pray together in and, over the year, this has been continues each night on the a way that is gentle and supportive. developed through various groups Thornhill Chapel page at 8 What an excellent way to help one happening in person. After the Season of Creation, Currently our focus is around and initiatives. pm. It has created a moment of “put on the mind of Christ” in a Joining us is very simple just go we launched our joint parish eco Trocaire’s Lenten campaign Here are some of the ways we connection with people from world of so many differing voices! to 7milesaway.org/online-lectio group. With members from both and Fair Trade, and buying less created connection: within the parish and outside of For many of those who attend, it and follow the simple instructions. Catholic parishes and the Church but buying fairer. Last month it, and has encouraged others to has become an important part of All are welcome to join us...come of Ireland, in Culmore, we meet we focussed on birds, and our Parish Social media offer their gifts so that now we also their rhythm of prayer, and when as you are...no previous study is monthly to look at ways the parish children and parish responded Both chapels have very active have the Divine Mercy led LIVE we are allowed to meet in person, required. can engage with the Pope’s letter, by creating amazing bird feeders. and engaging social media by a parishioner each evening at once again, we will probably ‘Laudato Si’, which calls us all to It has been another great way platforms that, in the early days, 6.30 pm. move to a blended Lectio, with Parish Eco Group care for the earth. to create and have moments of allowed us to broadcast Masses some happening online and some THE NET | MAY 2021 5 continued from page 4 connectedness and we are hugely capital, Juba. Approximately 5,700 grateful for the part our schools, miles. On Saturday, March 13, parishioners and young people myself and a group of Pope John have played in its success. Paul II students embarked on a walk across the two bridges to Children’s Online Liturgy help us reach our goal. We met at Online Mass was a new Sainsburys and began our walk at experience for most of us, and 1 pm. The weather was lovely at for our families, in particular, we the start...but not for long! As we identified a need to support and approached the Craigavon Bridge, engage with our children. Our the heavens opened! We decided ZOOM liturgy is designed for the to take shelter under the bridge whole family and happens once a for 10 minutes. Luckily, the rain month, with over 90 families now calmed down and we began to registered. With help from our walk again. parents and the John Paul II Award The walk allowed us time to parishioners, we have a moment reflect on why we were walking. of faith, fun and friendship once a We thought of the bravery of month. We play and then we pray, Ajak and Awut, who are the focus taking time to listen to the Word of this year’s Lenten appeal. To of God and what the challenge flee conflict in South Sudan, the might be for us all. women gathered their families and ran for their lives. By the time John Paul II Award they reached safety, they had lost At the beginning of this year’s nearly everything. Together, the Award, we knew we needed to two mothers forged a friendship look at how we might create and continue to work tirelessly Derry Youth Ministry opportunities for our young to make sure their families aren’t people to not only gain hours for completely lost. their Award, but gain meaningful We were inspired by these update by Lizzie Rea experiences. We set about looking resilient women and continued at opportunities we could create in to walk until we had reached THE Derry Youth Ministry We will be having a virtual Pope case we were unable to be in our our goal! We are so grateful to online programme will continue John Paul II Award ceremony chapels. all those who have supported throughout May, with the addition on May 26, at 8.30 pm, for the As a joint parish initiative, we us so far with their donations. of a Youth Alpha programme participants who enrolled in created a three-part programme You can sponsor us and give to starting on May 3. 2019/2020. that included a physical liturgical Trocaire by using our link https:// Derry Youth has partnered up The award ceremony will aspect, an online prayer aspect www.justgiving.com/fundr.../ with Mary’s Meals Ireland and be streamed from St Eugene’s and then a parish service group jpiiculmoreandsteelstown. they will help deliver a seven-week Cathedral webcam. aspect. Remember, this year each pound, programme, starting on May 8. Since October 2020, many of up to two million, will be match our young people have been funded by the UK government.” unable to be in our chapels. This year has given us the However, they have been involved opportunity to walk with our JPII with the Diocesan online youth parishioners in a new way, and in a programme. They have joined way we will build on and grow. We and been a part of the online have had the opportunity to get to Youth Alpha and the Christus know them and walk with them in Vivit online book club. They have and outside the liturgical life of the joined the parish Eco Group and parish. supported the Children’s Liturgy. In all we that we have undertaken Some are involved in looking at in Culmore and Steelstown, we creating a Parish Youth Council have tried to make sure to be and a group has been responsible open to new ideas and to staying for this year’s Trocaire Lenten responsive as a community. Appeal. They have createdChurches have the stereotype of focal points in the chapel, led thinking: “We’ve never done it us in Stations of the Cross, and like that before”. This pandemic organised some fundraising has taught us the importance for the parishes; encouraging of thinking outside the box and parishioners and our local schools being open to new ways to engage to walk and pledge money for people. miles. As we all return to our buildings Georgia shares a little about in different ways, over the next few what they have been doing and the weeks and months, it’s going to be link for anyone who would like to exciting to see how we take the support their efforts: “During Lent, lessons we have learnt and move we aimed to walk the distance forward with them outside of the from Dublin to South Sudan’s restrictions. 6 THE NET | MAY 2021 THIS month, Hollie, Peter, Oisin, Gemma, Zara and John writes about the Environment and Catholicism... John, ‘The Net’ youth contributors from the Co Tyrone, Inishowen, Co Derry and Derry City Deaneries, reflect on a variety of subjects that have interested them, with John, Taking care of the Earth we are entrusted Zara and Peter welcoming the launch of the Diocesan Environmental Strategy. Zara and Oisin found reading the story of St Teresa of to, we can combat climate change Ávila inspiring, and welcomed Pope Francis writing that she highlighted the importance of women in the Church “THE earth is the LORD’s and is happening in our world – but all that is in it, the world, and to get straight to the point, we are and society, as he marked the 50th anniversary of the those who live in it”, begins David behind that change in the gases proclamation of her as a Doctor of the Church. in the 24th Psalm. present, and that change does not Hollie writes about vocations, referring to Pope Francis’ As Christians, through the hold anything good for us. annual World Day of Vocations message, which focused on liturgy and our devotions, we are Nevertheless, the reason constantly reminded of the reality why we should take care of the St Joseph: The Dream of Vocation, and this theme comes that we, and everything that environment and take steps to up too in Hollie’s report on the online ‘Christus Vivit’ Book surrounds us here, is by the grace preserve, and conserve, should Club she set up and led for her peers, as her Papal Award and will of God and that we are to not only be due to Climate be thankful to Him. Change. Our reason should be project. This gratitude is to be expressed ultimately to praise and glorify Gemma painted a beautiful image of Our Lady to through all our actions and deeds. God through the preservation of honour her in this month of May, and shared some of Even though we have received His creation. her thoughts on reading about Mary’s apparitions in this great and difficult calling, In ‘Rerum Novarum’ (1891), we have seen time and time again Leo XIII wrote that “God gave the Fatima, while Oisin shared his thoughts on Pope Francis’ how we humans have failed to live earth to ‘mankind in common’.” encouragement to young people to respond to the call of up to that task. It is in fulfilling (Catholic Answers). This does God and his own prayer experience this task that one thing comes to not negate the right to private mind, and that is to take care of property, but he asserts that “the the Earth that we are entrusted to. goods of nature and the gifts of From the 60s onwards, many divine grace belong in common in the modern world came to see and without distinction to all the consequence of the so-called humankind”. ‘industrial revolution’. This is In other words, we are not called Climate Change. What is to use the Earth for our selfish An Icon of St Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals and Ecology. (Source: Climate Change? For the sake needs but for the good of all. By https://christianity.redzambala.com/st-francis-of-assisi/life-of-st-francis-of-assi- of brevity, it is the result of an doing this we are serving God as si-st-bonaventure.html) increase in gases like Carbon was pointed out in the Gospels, droughts and countless other side complex as the pessimistic may say. Dioxide and Methane present in “When you cared for one of the Hollie Frystal, Oisin Mulhern, Peter Grant, effects. The solution is not just simply Co Tyrone Deanery. Co Derry Deanery. Inishowen Deanery. the atmosphere. least important of these my little This should come as no surprise more renewable energy or less Why is this change significant? ones, my true brothers and sisters, to many, but these things waste. The first action that should This change is significant as the you demonstrated love for me”. happened because we failed to be taken is to realise that this increase of the aforementioned (Matthew 25:40) acknowledge the purpose of why Earth is a gift to us from God. gases has led to an increase in the It is obvious that these words this earth was entrusted to us, The second is a realisation that average global temperature. That were not heeded when they were and that is why I believe that we the purpose of our lives is to be is, the world is getting warmer proclaimed all those years ago. are in this abominable situation. in union with Jesus. And the and this is causing polar ice caps Humans kept, and still keep, What solutions can be provided third should follow from that – to melt, which causes sea levels to on exploiting the environment to this crisis and what can we do changing our life to put God, not rise and coastlines to go back, etc. for short term gains. This short- to help, one may ask. The answer mammon, in the first place. This is a gross oversimplification, sightedness has led to many is not as simple as many politicians With this intent to serve God, Gemma Gallagher, Derry John Agustine Joseph, Zara Schlindwein, and it does not do justice to what things, such as an increase in may want to believe, nor is it as we can combat climate change. City Deanery Derry City Deanery. Derry City Deanery. Diocesan Environmental Strategy gives me hope Welcoming the work of the Diocesan ‘Laudato Si’ for the future by Zara group, Peter supports efforts to... THE Environmental Strategy even investigating the feasibility common home”. by our Diocesan ‘Laudato Si’ of fitting solar/photovoltaic However, the work by our Respect the great gift of our common home group is a wonderful plan. For panels and wind turbines. These Diocese combats this idea the first time, we can actually be proposals should change the and acts as a stepping stone to POPE Francis has always true discipleship is the key part in for young people to be involved hopeful. While reading the draft, face of the climate emergency complete devotion. How can we highlighted how important caring for our beloved Common in, in our parishes and diocese. I felt a sense of pride for what our and allow people to realise the ask God for intentions, when we it is for us Christians to look Home, and that we, as parishes So, like what our Diocesan Diocese is planning to achieve. urgency that comes along with it. abolish the most precious gift that after the Earth or, in his words, and as a diocese, must work ‘Laudato Si’ tells us, discipleship is If conquered accordingly, then I am overjoyed to see that the was given to us? So, as we enter “our common home,” that God together to achieve these goals a key trait that everyone has and our carbon emissions should hunger for change has been into this new environmental age, had created. He published his in protecting our home for the using it for the good can create drastically decrease, and honestly, recognised and addressed. let us follow Jesus’ example and Encyclical, ‘Laudato Si’: On Care future. a light at the end of the tunnel that gives me hope for the future. However, through climate adjust our outlook, because if we for Our Common Home’ in 2015 Groups like ‘Laudato Si’, and during the dark age of Global The strategy outlines its aims activism, I have grown slightly want to change our actions, then to tackle this issue and how the many others, encourage everyone Warming. across six major themes, with an sceptical of ‘plans’ and have we must first change our mindset. whole world must come together around the globe to look after Some good to come out of the additional three cross-cutting developed the belief that actions I encourage you all to read and to protect it. our planet. They mainly consist Covid-19 pandemic was the themes. These include: land; food; speak louder than words. Yet, share the draft for the Diocese of This letter sparked the idea of young people who stand up reduction in greenhouse gasses energy; design; construction and this strategy has the potential Derry Environmental Strategy, for people to come together and and make their voices heard in and helping us acknowledge how management of buildings; water for action, but only if we all which can be found on the respond to the affects of global protecting what God has created grateful we are to receive this and waste; transport; theology contribute to its message. I hope Derry Diocese website, and warming and care for our planet, for us for the future. The older wonderful gift from God; having and liturgy; communication that what has been promised can submit comments, questions and that God had created, and to generation has to listen and life on Earth along with many and education; and a measuring be delivered and that we can enter suggestions to Laudato Si Derry, restore it for the many generations take action too, in sustaining other creatures too progress initiative. into a new environmental age. who are doing an amazing job to come. God’s creation for the future ‘Laudato Si’ Derry then That being said, the church’s in leading our Diocese towards On such group, ‘Laudato Si’ and protecting the animals and expanded on their objectives by climate initiative aligns perfectly climate justice. has been set up here, in our creatures that God placed on our expressing the measures that with Jesus’ teaching on protecting own Diocese of Derry, and the planet as well. will be put in place to combat the world in which we live. In my members do marvellous work in World Earth Day was celebrated the effects of Climate Change. opinion, we have been doing the promoting the message of Pope in April, and this year’s theme They plan on conducting audits opposite lately. The whole world Francis, to hear “the cry of the was to “Restore our Earth.” In my on energy, heating and lighting has been focusing on materialistic Earth and the cry of the Poor.” opinion, that theme links in with within each parish, increasing and personal gain, rather than This group also teaches us that the Catholic Church and is a role the level of biodiversity and sustaining and caring for “our THE NET | MAY 2021 7 Reading the story of St Teresa of Ávila, Zara was inspired by her teaching that... Love should be at the core of prayer so to guide our actions and lead to wonderful work ST Teresa of Ávila was born in everyone liked her, and she liked 1515 and died in 1582. Marking to be liked. She found it too easy to the 50th anniversary of the slip into a worldly life and ignore proclamation of her as a Doctor God. She eventually became more of the Church, Pope Francis has interested in flattery, vanity and written about St Teresa, saying, gossip, as opposed to spiritual “the flame that Jesus lit in Teresa guidance. continues to shine in this world, Then she fell ill with malaria and, always in need of courageous after a seizure, was assumed dead. witnesses, capable of breaking Afterwards, she was paralyzed down any wall, whether physical, for three years and was never existential or cultural”. completely well. Yet, instead of He also cited her intelligence and bringing her closer to God, her tenacity, and said that she was an sickness became an excuse to example of the “extraordinary stop her prayer completely. Later role that women have played she would say, “Prayer is an act of St Teresa of Ávila – The throughout history in the Church love, words are not needed. Even if and in society”. sickness distracts from thoughts, importance of women I agree with Pope Francis’ all that is needed is the will to love”. words. St Teresa was an extremely When she was 41, she was by Oisin important person, who was convinced to go back to her prayer, eventually declared a Doctor of but she still found it difficult. JUST recently, Pope Francis vices, to unite with God. And, he the Church; a title given by the Teresa sympathises with those marked the 50th anniversary of remarked how having her as a Catholic Church to saints who have who have a difficult time in prayer: the proclamation of St Teresa of companion confers to us a sense made a significant contribution to “All the trials we endure cannot be Ávila as a Doctor of the Church. of security and tranquillity. theology or doctrine through their compared to these interior battles... The way in which he did this was Overall, after reading through research, study or writing. Her The important thing is not to think stressing her importance even in the Pope’s thoughts on St Teresa, work should be an inspiration to us much but to love much and so do the modern day, especially in the I cannot help but completely all. In addition to this, her life story that which best stirs you to love. case of highlighting the role of agree with him. There are many makes her so much more relatable. Love is not great delight but desire women in the church and society important women within the She grew up with strict parents to please God in everything”. as a whole. church and St Teresa is one that I and said that she was always afraid As she started to pray again, she He described how her being and my family have great devotion that, no matter what she did, she experienced strange occurrences. the first woman given this title to. Her teachings have helped me was going to do everything wrong. Sometimes her whole body was was recognition of the “precious and my family through many As a teenager, she cared only about raised from the ground. If she teaching that God has transmitted trials and tribulations, while also clothes, flirting, and rebelling. felt God was going to levitate her, to us through her writings and acting, as Pope Francis said, as a So, when she was 16, her father she stretched out on the floor and the testimony of her life”. companion, giving us security decided she was out of control and called the nuns to sit on her and He also wrote that even now, and a sense of tranquillity when sent her to a convent. At first, she hold her down. She begged God At 51, she felt it was time to revolution of equality, overall, not nearly a half a millennium after we pray to her. hated it but eventually she began to not to give her any more favours in spread her reform movement and just within the church. Her success her death, that her flame lit when Furthermore, on a personal accept it and like it. public, as she feared it would draw set out to found more convents. was rightly earned and deserved, she was alive still burned, always level, I believe she is a role model However, when the time came unwanted attention to her. However, she received no help whilst she paved the way for many in need of a courageous witness, for both men and women, and her for her to choose between marriage from her fellow brothers and women, wishing to follow in her capable of breaking down many teachings can show both genders and religious life, the decision Mystical sisters. She was called “a restless footsteps. In my opinion, she is types of walls. how to act properly and in line proved difficult for her. She had In her books, she analyses and disobedient gadabout who has such an important role model that Pope Francis further with God’s teachings. Expanding watched a difficult marriage ruin dissects mystical experiences the gone about teaching as though she we can all relate to and aspire to be mentioned her intelligence and upon this, the flame that the Pope her mother but, on the other hand, way a scientist would, trying to were a professor”. She was opposed like. tenacity, stating the she was mentioned has allowed her to be being a nun didn’t seem like much find meaning behind them. News wherever she went and often had to She understood prayer entirely an extraordinary example of a guiding factor for many, as they fun. When she eventually chose of these happenings eventually enter a town secretly in the middle and fought to ensure that it could woman’s role in the church. break down different barriers in religious life, she did so because spread and people were concerned of the night to avoid causing a riot. be accessible and meaningful to all. He mentioned, too, that through the world today. she thought that it was the only that her experiences were a result No one in religious orders or in the Granted, many people are fulfilled her writings she still speaks to St Teresa and her influence safe place for a ‘sinner’ like her. of the devil’s work. Everyone then world wanted Teresa reminding with the recitation of prayer, but people today, and that she can cannot be understated and we Once installed at the Carmelite began to make fun of her. In her them of the way God said they many are unable to always find that act as an example for those who should make an effort to use her convent, she started to learn and autobiography she would say, “I should live. connection with God, through feel the call of religious life, while teachings in order to improve practice mental prayer, about am more afraid of those who are Despite this, she looked on these this method. Teresa’s honesty also acting as an example for ourselves and start a spark of which she said, “I tried as hard as terrified of the devil than I am of difficulties as good publicity. Soon, about her own prayer life helped so those who wish to progress on the change in the world today. I could to keep Jesus Christ present the devil himself”. she had people begging to get into many people come to terms with purification from all their worldly within me....My imagination is At the age of 43, she became her new convents, as many people their own spiritual relationship so dull that I had no talent for determined to reform the thought about what she said and with God. Her teachings promoted Our Lady...Queen of the imagining or coming up with Carmelite order. She founded a wanted to learn from her. Soon the acceptance of natural and great theological thoughts”. She new convent that went back to the her ideas about prayer swept not instinctive prayer, rather than continued to pray like this for years basics of a contemplative order: only through Spain but all over external and structured prayer. May by Gemma and never changed, partly because simple life of poverty devoted to Europe. She spent the rest of her Her idea was that prayer should I always associate Our Lady the convent was not the place she prayer. However, when her plans life establishing new convents and always be an integral part of our with beauty and grace, so I chose thought it would be. were released, she was told by her devoting her time to her writings everyday life. a soft beautiful art to represent Many women would go to sisters she should raise money for and research. In 1970, she was Teresa was also an advocate for Mary in this art piece. the convent whether they had the convent she was already in and declared a Doctor of the Church simple and modest living, as she I wanted to do this painting vocations or not, and were the town started legal proceedings for her writing and teaching on truly grasped the concept of Jesus’ in honour of Our Lady in this encouraged to stay away from against her; all because she wanted prayer, one of two women to be humility. beautiful month of May, when we the convents for long periods of to try a simple life of prayer. honoured in this way. We can learn a lot from St Teresa, tend to show our love and praise time to cut down on expenses. Despite this, Teresa believed that After researching about St especially her idea that love that for the Queen of Heaven the most, Nuns would arrange their veils the most powerful and acceptable Teresa, I realised how strong her should be at the core of prayer. By Doing this art piece was a attractively and wear jewellery. prayer was the prayer that leads to influence was on the progression of doing this, our spiritual prayers wonderful experience, as I have a There were always visitors in the action. She eventually opened St the Catholic Church. She was said will guide our actions and we can great relationship with Mary, and parlour and extravagant parties. Joseph’s Convent. Here, she spent to have been against St Paul’s order complete wonderful work, just like pray to her every morning and Another problem was that Teresa most of her time documenting her that women should not teach, and St Teresa of Ávila. night, asking for her intercession. was said to be too charming, life. she was an important figure in the 8 THE NET | MAY 2021 Hollie writes about her Youth Ministry Lenten Book Club on the Apostolic Exhortation ‘Christus Vivit’... Young people are not only the future of the Church but also the present THE first time I read Pope where do young people fit in?” cannot go forward unless we heal Finally, in the sixth week, a few group came back with one thing document, which also highlights Francis’ post-synodal Apostolic I was interested in the response the wounds of the past. As St. Paul weeks prior to Vocations Week, we in common, and that was the the importance of youth ministry Exhortation, ‘Christus Vivit’, was one person gave me, which was says in his letter to the Corinthians, explored Chapter 8, on ‘Vocation’. feeling that vocation has been very in Chapter 7, which we explored on on Lough Derg, in June 2019. My that a common challenge young “If one part suffers, all parts suffer Vocation can be understood in male-dominated, although this is week five. first impression of the document people face is gaining the courage with it”, therefore, we cannot move three parts: First, our ‘shared’ changing. I could not have completed was that it was easy to read and to practice faith in front of their forward unless we acknowledge vocation through the Sacrament of Additionally, I asked “How can this project without the to understand, whilst I was peers. our past and wrongdoings. Baptism; second, our call to service we address or ‘promote’ vocations, encouragement, assistance, and impressed with the Holy Father’s Young people are expected to Throughout our six-week Lenten or occupation, and thirdly, our particularly to the priesthood and leadership of the Derry Youth grasp of understanding, from the peer-to-peer minister, although, book club, we reflected on the lives call to a state of life, eg marriage, the religious life?” The popular Ministry leaders. I appreciate the 2018 Synod, of Young people’s this isn’t necessarily easy or of outstanding young people of celibacy, etc. response to this question was that commitment and time given to the realities. exact. The concept of ‘synodality’ faith, like Blessed Carlo Acutis, When asking the young people school is the best environment programme from both the leaders Later, in October 2020, at requires the ‘walking together’ when exploring Chapter 3: ‘You are “What is Vocation?” they simply to address vocations alongside and the guest speakers. the book launch of ‘Exploring of the young and old. Our elders the Now of God’. Also, we reflected responded that “it is a calling careers. I thank all those who participated Christus Vivit’, I got the idea need to show a good example and on Jesus and Mary’s youth on week from God.” We also highlighted To conclude, the book club was and would like to remind everyone to host a book club on Pope to encourage young people, whilst one, with Chapter 2. that a vocation can be anything, very successful and we had such of the three great truths that Pope Francis’ youth document as my at the same time, young people My intention was to help my not just the priesthood or the rich and fruitful conversations Francis highlights in Chapter 4, Papal Cross Award project. My must listen to their elders who have peers realise that young people religious life, which many people based on the various chapters and ‘A Great Message for all Young primary intention was for the new experience. are recognised and heard in the can mistaken. Everyone has a themes of ‘Christus Vivit’. There People’ which we explored on programme to be a fruitful project, Pope Francis said: “If the young Church, and also to give them the vocation. When I asked my peers, has been great feedback and I hope week three: “God loves you, Christ which would consist of rich had the knowledge and the old chance to take something from “Why do you think vocations are that sometime this programme saves you and He is alive!” conversation around interesting strength, there would be nothing these outstanding youthful figures not as popular anymore? Or less will be hosted again. and sensitive topics - especially they could not accomplish.” of faith. talked about?” Interestingly, each ‘Christus Vivit’ is a fantastic tackling the awkward questions! In addition to this, on week four On February 18, the day after of the book club, we explored Reflecting on Pope Francis’ encouragement to young people to respond to Ash Wednesday, I hosted and led further the importance of the first ever Derry Youth Ministry intergenerational relationships, by the call of God, who never ceases to search for us, Oisin concluded... Book Club, with the assistance of focusing on Chapter Six: ‘Young the Derry Youth Ministry leaders. People with Roots’. The first We arranged a guest speaker each question I asked my peers was God is always waiting for us...we just need to call on Him week for six weeks, including “Why is it important for us to stay CARDINAL Raniero read and questioned Jesus’ words requesting Him to help me with a He never tires of meeting us as well. Bishop Donal McKeown, Gerard connected to our roots?” Cantalamessa, the Preacher of in the Gospel, and have questioned really important issue, my requests The Holy Father finally also notes Gallagher, Fr Paul Farren, Lizzie Again, with an excellent the Papal Household, recently whether they can be trusted or were always heeded and my prayers that if we remove other distractions Rea and Julia Fitzgerald, and Fr response, they showed their authored a new book called not. However, he posits that if we answered. and instead focus clearly on God, Chris Ferguson. understanding by recognising ‘Francesco il guillare di Dio’ (loosely listen to another part of the Gospel The Pope further elaborates this He will hear us loud and clear, and Each week, we focused on a that our elders have experience, translated as ‘Francis, God’s jester’) where Jesus tells us “You will seek very point by writing examples in he ends the address by detailing chapter from ‘Christus Vivit’, therefore, they can give advice and, in the introduction of this me and you will find me”, we can which promises were fulfilled by how God is always waiting and beginning with Chapter Two: and share their wisdom. Also, book, Pope Francis penned a few move past this issue and, as he put Jesus when He encountered certain that we need only go to Him ‘Jesus, ever Young’. When asking by looking back on history, it is words encouraging young people it, be shown God if we search for people, some examples of these courageously. the book club members, “What very important not to repeat the to respond to the call of God, who Him with our full heart. being the faith of the centurion at Personally, this resonates deeply is the Church’s mission and mistakes of the past, and that we never ceases to search for us. I personally relate to this the crucifixion, the many lepers with me as sometimes I find myself The book, itself, tells the story of statement as there have been some that wished to be healed and so lacking the courage to respond to Encouraged by Our Lady of Fatima Brother Pacificus, a follower of St times in my life where I have tried on. Pope Francis notes that these God’s calling, especially in times Francis of Assisi, but the Pope tells to not only request of God but also issues, for which people were of stress and anxiety. So, reading apparition story, Gemma writes... us, in his writing, that the book seek Him out, and have struggled finding an answer, had become these words from the Pope was is written for young, searching as I was not putting my entire essential to them so they were very relieving for me, as I then Keep believing obstacles can people as a gift filled with the being into looking for him. I was searching with their whole hearts understood that I must build up esteem and trust he places in all doing it half-heartedly rather than to get it, which is why they were that courage and when I do, God young people. with my full being. However, in answered. will be waiting for me to call to be overcome Furthermore, the Holy Father contrast, when I searched for Him In addition, the Pope details how Him and He will answer. THERE were lots of miracles in apparitions, she told Lucia: “In mentions that many people have with my full heart, after perhaps God never stops calling us and that Fatima when Our Lady appeared October...I will perform a miracle there to three little shepherd all shall see so that they may Hollie reflects on Pope Francis’ message God intervened and commanded St Joseph welcomed and loved children each month, from May believe”. a number of well-known, Jesus like his own son and protected 13 to October 13, 1917. And so it happened, and a crowd for World Day of Vocations 2021 - ‘St outstanding figures and examples Him and His Mother. His state of I love the image I get from the of believers came to witness what of faith. For example, St Joseph, life was marital, although virginal description of Our Lady given became known as ‘The Miracle of Joseph protector of Vocations’... and even more close to home, St with his wife Mary. by Lucia Santos and her cousins, the Sun”. The witnesses explained Patrick. Both of these saints have Lastly, we associate St Joseph as Jacinta and Francisco Marto; that they had seen the sun tremble “What is God’s dream for you?” encountered God in their dreams, the Patron Saint of Workers. He that she was “a lady all dressed in in the sky and spin for 10 minutes. ON April 25, Pope Francis As we know, God commanded and in St Joseph’s case, he was was a carpenter, and “From him, white, shining brighter than the This miracle stands out for me published his annual message for St Joseph through dreams, such called to serve the Son of God Jesus learned the value, the dignity sun, giving out rays of clear and as encouragement to always stay the 58th World Day of Vocations, as to protect the Holy Family from and His Blessed Mother, whilst and the joy of what it means to eat intense light”. close to Mary and to keep praying which focused on ‘St Joseph: The Herod’s decree by escaping from centuries later, St Patrick was called bread that is the fruit of one’s own Mary told the children three and trusting that no matter what Dream of Vocation.’ In particular, Bethlehem to Egypt. Then, in to serve the Irish people. labour” (Apostolic Letter Patris secrets, known as The Fatima obstacle I experience in my life, it as we celebrate the ‘Year of Saint another dream, after King Herod’s What I learn from this is that Corde). Work gives us a sense of Secrets, and because not many will be overcome. Joseph’, we learn of his significant death, God commanded Joseph to when we discern our own vocation, purpose, and provides a platform believed the children about the contribution to the life of the take his family to the land of Israel, we must listen in silence, like Sts for us to grow and develop our Church, of how he answered God’s although in fear of King Herod’s Joseph and Patrick, to the echo of skills, talents and abilities, which call and responded wholeheartedly successor, his son Archelaus, as God’s call from the very depths of we can put to the service of others. by taking his place in God’s plan the new ruler over Judea, Joseph our hearts. At the beginning of Matthew’s and mission. was warned in another dream and The word ‘vocation’ comes from Gospel, Matthew tells us that Pope Francis states in his withdrew to the region of Galilee, the Latin translation, ‘Vocare’, an angel appeared to Joseph in a message: “St Joseph suggests where the Holy family settled in a which simply means ‘to be called’. dream and said “don’t be afraid”. to us three key words for each place called Nazareth. Vocation can be understood in I love those words, and I believe individual’s vocation” - dream, St Joseph demonstrates fidelity in three different aspects: one being that God sends each and every one service and fidelity. putting his trust in God the Father, the ‘shared vocation’ that we of us that same message when He St Joseph is often forgotten about and by sacrificing his home and life inherit through the Sacrament calls us and invites us to take our and is referred to as the ‘quiet saint’. for the Son of God and His Mother. of Baptism; second is the ‘call’ to place in His plan. This encourages The Bible does not have a record He shows courage. service or occupation; and third is us to respond humbly without of any spoken words of St Joseph, In our Church, we have reflected the ‘call’ to a state of life’. St Joseph hesitation, and to ask for courage, although what he did for God on the meaning of dreams and demonstrated all three of these like Mary, Joseph and Patrick, to aspects in his life. say ‘yes’ to God’s mission and love. The children of Fatima - Jacinta, Lucia and Francisco speaks volumes. have identified in many cases how THE NET | MAY 2021 9 Reflecting on the great success of the first Sr Clare Retreat on the fifth anniversary of her death, Fr Stephen Quinn OCD hopes the message came across that... Holiness is real and can apply to real people VOCATIONS Week in the was a week-long retreat, with a own humanity. Diocese was a powerful time series of talks in St Columba’s “This girl did not come of a of prayer and talks, with the Church, Long Tower, reflecting picture-perfect Catholic setting. Diocesan vocations team, led on the amazing conversion and For many years, she was alienated by Fr Chris Ferguson, and the vocation story of Derry-born from the faith yet she was still Diocesan pastoral coordinator, Home of the Mother Servant able to make this extraordinary Tony Brennan, along with the Sister, Clare Crockett...a story that journey that brought the reality Youth Ministry team, putting has captured the attention of an of her life into context with the together an abundance of prayer ever-growing number of devotees reality of who Jesus is, and that is resources and an inspiring worldwide, who are praying for the most genuine path to holiness programme of conversations her cause for canonisation to be that I know of. through which people shared the considered by the Church. “It is a liberating thing when story of their vocation in life. Each day of the retreat, which you have any engagement with And, running alongside this attracted around 4,000 online the truth and, for me, you see the viewers daily, began with the truth with Sr Clare. You see the celebration of Mass, during which truth of what Christ can do with thought-provoking homilies were ordinary people. She had flesh delivered by Fr Stephen Quinn and blood like the rest of us and OCD, Fr Aidan Mullan, Adm that is what I was hoping would Long Tower, Fr Joe Gormley, PP come out during the retreat; that Creggan, Fr Patrick Lagan, St people would see holiness is real Eugene’s, Fr Michael McGoldrick and can apply to real people.” OCD, Fr Gerard Mongan, Three Commenting on the structure Patrons, Fr Colm Power, Home of the week of talks, Fr Stephen of the Mother, and Bishop noted: “The speakers earlier in the Donal McKeown, while talks by week brought home the reality Sr Clare’s sister, Shauna, friend, about who Sr Clare was, and then Sharon Doran, St Cecilia’s drama Fr Colm and Sr Kelai showed teacher, Greta McTague, and Sr the step beyond that, with the Kelai, Servant Sister, gave further transition that was going on. insight into her 33 years of life. “I think the depth of her story Speaking to ‘The Net’surprises people. I feel people afterwards, Fr Stephen said that don’t really appreciate how startled me too, as I had been prayer and devotion to Sr Clare to happen, which tells me that the the retreat had offered a great extraordinary this story is, or thinking it would be too much to and what God is making out of it Spirit of God is behind it.” opportunity to understand Sr have grasped the power that is expect a 1,000 of them to sell. is amazing, and surprising us all. It is hoped that the Sr Clare Clare’s story at a human level: in this; what God is doing in the “You just can’t help but recognise “When I started the monthly Sr Retreat will become an annual “It helped us to understand how midst of it. For example, the gasp when it is in front of you, the Clare Mass three years ago, I never week of prayer and reflection, every person can relate to God; from the congregation when I said depth of what is being brought dreamt we would be having a which more and more people can you can’t have that relationship that 26,000 of the Sr Clare candles up in Sr Clare’s story. And that is retreat in the Long Tower Church, benefit from. with God without knowing your had been sold...such demand even down to God alone. The depth of and no-one was planning for that Retreat photographs taken by Ivor Doherty, Gerry Temple and The Net’ Sr Clare still touching lives... “The first time I heard of Sr “I just feel that if Sr Clare was she gets canonized.” Clare was through social media able to change her life, so can Jennifer Kearney, Derry. and seeing the film on her life I. My life would reflect hers in on YouTube. I thought it was a many ways.” “Her story is amazing. We brilliant story and would now Katrina White, Derry. haven’t seen the film on Sr pray to her, for her intercession.” Clare’s life, but what we have Lisa Devine, Derry. “Sr Clare is our local hero. I heard during this retreat has worked in the Long Tower really made us want to see it “Clare was in my class at St Youth Club when Clare attended now”. Cecilia’s and I just think it’s with her sisters, and she was Eileen Breen & Martina unbelievable how her life turned a member of COR when my Hamilton, Derry. out, when I think of the madness boys were in it. It was my guitar and the craic we had. But, I see that was used in the procession that parts of personality still of gifts on the day of Sr Clare’s came out. The way she changed funeral.” Sr Kelai, Servant Sister of the Home of The Mother. her whole lifestyle has made me Anne Fisher, Derry. think.” Aine Fawcett, Strabane, Co “What I like so much about Sr Tyrone. Clare is her ordinariness, and how she knew that she was “It is such an inspirational nothing special but sinful. She is story. I loved her motto, ‘All definitely a saint for these times. or Nothing’. The Holy Spirit We tend to think of holy people must have been so powerfully being a way up there, but she working in her when she felt that has shown us that we are all the she had to give all up and do this same and that we are all called for God. She was such a normal by God.” teenager, with all the ideas of Rhonda McColgan, Iskaheen, fame that young people have. Co Donegal. The Holy Spirit took her over and that can happen all of us, if “I ran around with Clare at we are open to it”. school. She was so full of life and Majella McKinney, Derry. lived life to the full. I hope that Fr Colum Power, Servant Father of the Home of the Mother. Fr Patrick Lagan celebrating Mass during the Sr Clare retreat. 10 THE NET | MAY 2021 Sharing his faith story, Creggan youth and Sr Clare retreat steward, Ruairi McClafferty highlights his amazement at how mad the future nun was at school, remarking... Sr Clare’s story gives hope that you can rise above anything about anything. Fr Stephen plays a Clare went through, someone big part in my life. He has a good who has touched so many lives. vibe with him and is very good “I know from being up at about asking how you are”. Termonbacca, the many people Looking forward to the time who want her book, prayer cards, when COR can start back at candles and calendars. It is an Termonbacca, Ruairi said: “Before extraordinary response to her Covid, I had just been announced story. When the Sr Clare Masses as a young leader. I got to started up in Termonbacca, about coordinate a weekend and it was a 50 people came for the first one, brilliant experience. It was one of and the next week there was over those things that I would do again. 100 people and, as the months I really enjoyed it”. went on, the numbers of people Reflecting on the positiveattending the Mass kept on going impact COR has had on his life, up and up. I would say the whole the former Holy Child PS and St City of Derry knows about Sr Joseph’s Boys’ School pupil said: Clare now. “Before I joined COR, although He added: “The response to I went to Mass, I would have the retreat was great too. The Ruairi McClafferty. thought of myself as a bad egg. I number allowed into the chapel AMONGST the band of old enough at that stage to join used to steal and fight with anyone was restricted because of the volunteers stewarding at the Sr it. My 16th birthday was a week who gave me a bad look. I went Covid restrictions, but thousands Clare Retreat in St Columba’s after my COR weekend in 2016, around with the wrong crowd at watched it on the webcam. It is Church, Long Tower was 19-year- which has played a big part in the school. great to see the response and the old Creggan parishioner, Ruairi development of my faith since”. devotion that there is to Sr Clare. I McClafferty. Amazed at the “Even though I didn’t know COR ask her to help me. Last year, when thousands of people who joined anyone else on my Cor weekend,” “So COR was a whole new I was going through mental health in the Covid-restricted week of he added, “I really enjoyed it, experience. I liked the support problems, I asked her to intercede prayer and talks online, the young especially listening to other young network there, as I was going for me and I soon felt like a weight through some mental health had been lifted off my shoulders. COR leader shared his own faith people’s testimonies, spending Fr Gerard Mongan celebrating Mass. story with ‘The Net’, including his time in Eucharistic Adoration problems and one of the team So, I continue to ask her to pray reaction on discovering that the and the opportunity to go to leaders gave me a lot of good for me. now famous nun had once been a Confession. It is difficult for a advice. COR is more than a youth “With me helping out at Reflecting on the member of this same youth group. 16-year-old to stay silent during group – it is more of a second Termonbacca, I was asked to help The youngest of Gary and a period of Adoration, but for me family. I have never seen as many steward at the retreat, which was Debbie McClafferty’s family of it was so relaxing. It was a time young people embracing the a great privilege. It was amazing sacraments... four, being born two minutes during which I thought more faith. They go up for a laugh too, listening to the stories told by THE sacraments were central to stone of baptism. after his twin sister, Mia, recalled deeply about my faith and asked but when there are times of study people who had known her, the theme of the Sr Clare Retreat, He concluded: “Each of us having to toe the line with regards myself questions. I got a lot of about Gospel stories, like the especially her drama teacher. Sr with the celebrants of the week- has to reflect and discern what going to Mass with his parents and good answers and that is part of death and resurrection of Jesus, Clare was full of life. I would have day Masses inviting those listening God is calling us to through our siblings when he was younger, but the reason why I still practice my they listen and take it in. It is not been full of life too when I was to their homilies to reflect on Baptismal Promise”. then discovering as he got older faith. all about prayer but it is incredible at school, but not as mad as her, these gifts, through which God Fr Joe Gormley, PP Creggan, that he was actually happy to be “My father had been talking the number of young people who so it was extraordinary to hear communicates His grace. speaking about the Eucharist as present at the celebration of the to me about considering the connect with God again through how mad she was at school and Commenting on the love “the greatest gift that God gave Eucharist. priesthood and I was asking COR, and I have met some really where she ended up...as a nun. Jesus must have felt wash over us”, remarked: “Like Sr Clare, we “I don’t know what it was but myself if I really wanted to become good people who will be friends So, no matter if you are mad at him during his baptism by John discover in Christ someone who I found that I enjoyed going to a priest and if I had what it took. for life”. school, you are still going to get an the Baptist, when He heard can satisfy all our hungers and Mass, so I just kept going when I felt that I could be a priest Commenting on discovering education and get on in life. Her the words, ‘This is My beloved thirst...We see happiness in Sr I got older,” said Ruairi, who but in there was the sacrificing Sr Clare’s connection with COR, story gives you hope that you can Son, My favour rests on Him’, Fr Clare’s life because she became later found his interest in his everything to give to God. Giving Ruairi recalled his mum sending rise above anything.” Aidan Mullan, Adm Long Tower, a living Eucharist...Eventually, faith grow stronger during visits up the possibility of marriage and him a text to say that Sr Clare was During the retreat, Ruairi got highlighted the need to be alert to she was not Clare Crockett, but to the Carmelite Monastery at family life is a big sacrifice. dead: “I didn’t know who Sr Clare talking to a 23-year-old brother the effect of our own baptism. Christ in Clare Crockett. She was Termonbacca, where he enjoyed “It’s not passed me, from time to was! About a month after she died, of the Home of the Mother, from “Our baptism is a call to slowly transformed and became chats with Fr Jerry Fitzpatrick and time it comes up and I still think I started reading up on her. It was Tipperary, who is training to be a holiness,” he said, adding: “When that living Eucharist...the living Fr John McNamara. about the priesthood. But, at this tremendous to see what one Derry priest in the order. we talk about holiness we are presence of Christ in the world”. He explained: “My father works stage, I feel that I would rather be a girl could do. She could have been “We have exchanged email talking about the light of God. He added: “Clare had thought in Termonbacca as an assistant lay person helping out as much as an actress but she gave it all up for addresses and I’m looking forward Our homes have to be holy places that her hunger and thirst would caretaker, so from I was about 14 I can. When I was younger, I went God. to getting to know more about where the light of God is evident.” be satisfied in her desire to be years old I started spending a lot to Mass in St Mary’s Church in my “After I joined COR, there was a his life as a brother,” said Ruairi, Fr Aidan spoke about the need famous. Yet, when she tried to of time there, and the more often parish, but since Fr Stephen has lot of talk about Sr Clare and I was recalling that the first time he had for renewed commitment to satisfy that deep hunger, it literally I went the more comfortable I felt come to Termonbacca, I have been shocked when I heard that this nun heard of the Home of the Mother our baptismal call and reflection made her sick. In that moment, and my casual chats with Fr Jerry going to Mass and Confession that I had read about had been in was when he watched the film on on the state of life we have been when she was being sick, the Lord and Fr John gradually moved on more and more there. COR. I found it extraordinary that Sr Clare. called to, explaining that the four kissed her with His love and called to conversations about faith. “Fr Stephen gave a lot of time to someone had come up through “I thought it was interesting,” he specific vocations in the Catholic her to a greater dignity” “They told me about Cor, the COR before Covid and I just knew the ranks of Cor and gone on remarked, “to see that they were Church – Marriage, Priesthood, “The Lord wants us to have youth group that met there on I had a connection with him. I to become a nun. That alone is willing to take on young people Consecrated Life and Single Life – the same joy that Sr Clare had,” Sunday evenings, but I wasn’t could spend hours chatting to him amazing to me...that I have been and show them the way”. were all based on the foundation continued Fr Joe, “by listening to through a Cor weekend that Sr THE NET | MAY 2021 11 Highlighting at close of Sr Clare Retreat on Good Shepherd Sunday that “if generous young hearts do not hear the call or are discouraged from taking it seriously, we are not the Church of Christ”, Bishop Donal went on to remark... Sr Clare showed that joy comes from following the divine dream, wherever it may lead THE main celebrant for the God’s outrageous dreams for each life we give when we refuse to overwhelmed when she kissed Mass closing the week-long of us and for all of us together as pursue our ambitions or indulge the feet of Jesus on the Cross on retreat in St Columba’s Church, a Church. in our illusions, but instead care Good Friday 21 years ago. She put Long Tower, in memory of Sr “Sr Clare showed us that joy for what the Lord has entrusted to it simply – ‘I had to do something Clare was Bishop Donal, who comes, not from obeying our us through the Church! God then for Him who had given His life for remarked that it was “wonderful thirst or superficially feeling good pours out His Spirit and creativity me’. that people in the city and much but from following the divine upon us; He works wonders in us, “Vocations come from further afield” had been able to dream, wherever it may lead us”. as He did in Joseph”. encountering the suffering Jesus share in this “festival of faith”. Quoting what Pope Francis had “Sr Clare,” noted Bishop Donal, who loved the world to the end. “All of this celebration of God’s written about St Joseph, Patron of “gave her all in service. I can see The faithful loving generosity of grace in a local girl, concluding the Universal Church – “May he nodding and smiling again”. God in Jesus lies at the heart of on Vocations Sunday,” he added, help everyone, especially young Going on to comment on the every vocation. Sr Clare would “calls us to model the generosity people who are discerning, to third characteristic of every remind us that she tried to be of the Good Shepherd who says make God’s dreams for them Christian calling, suggested in the faithful to those in her charge that He is prepared to lay down come true. May he inspire in life of St Joseph - fidelity, Bishop right up till her last breath”. His life for His flock, each one of them the courage to say ‘yes’ to Donal said: “Don’t be afraid to “This springtime, we celebrate which He knows by name”. the Lord who always surprises trust the faithfulness of God to us. the fact that God is always life- Referring to Pope Francis’ and never disappoints”, Bishop Our stuttering fidelity to the call giving,” he continued: “We are message for the 58th World Day of Donal commented: “That is why of God means facing many fears a springtime people. Our job is Prayer for Vocations 2021, in this holy people know how to be at and doubts with trust that the to pull up the weeds, prepare the year of St Joseph, Bishop Donal peace, to smile and to share their Good Shepherd will not abandon ground, sow the seeds and put spoke on the three themes which joy with others. God is in charge. you. For so many saints – famous in the fertiliser. We do that in the Holy Father had suggested We give what we have, and he and unknown – that trust and trust. Many of us may not see the could apply to holiness in every does great things with us if we are fidelity has been nourished by the harvest. But if we are not a Spring- generation – dream, service and open to accept the divine dream sacramental gifts of Confessions time people now, the harvest will give all in service and staying God the dream of your lives, fidelity, saying that they could for each of us. With a smile and a and the Eucharist. be delayed. If generous young faithful to the God who is always serving him in your brothers been seen in the life of Sr Clare. twinkle in her eye, Sr Clare would “Jesus is faithful to us, even hearts do not hear the call or faithful to us.” and sisters through a fidelity He remarked: “We live in a remind us of that”. when we fall and feel far from are discouraged from taking it Bishop Donal concluded with that is a powerful testimony in one-dimensional world which With regards to ‘service’, and Him. Jesus gives us Himself in seriously, we are not the Church Pope Francis’ message for all an age of ephemeral choices and thinks it is self-contained and the presence of that in Joseph’s the Eucharist as we share in His of Christ. those discerning a vocation to the emotions that bring no lasting self-sufficient. We are encouraged acceptance of his vocation, Bishop sacrifice. After all, the Mass is the “We learn from St Joseph and priesthood or consecrated life: “I joy. May Saint Joseph, protector to think that my decisions should Donal again referred to Pope sacrament of Calvary, of His all- from Sr Clare that every vocation pray that you will experience... of vocations, accompany you with be all about me, my pain and my Francis’ message, quoting: “What giving death on the Cross.” means being open to God’s joy, dear brothers and sisters his fatherly heart!” plans. Faith calls us to believe in a beautiful example of Christian He added: “Sr Clare was quietly dream, having hearts ready to who have generously made

Reflecting on the sacraments... continued from page 10 temper, instead of lashing out, His Word and receiving His Body it was a sacrament Sr Clare had trying to stay in a state of grace and Family and friends reminisce to offer in the Eucharist”. availed of regularly. as close to God as we can.” Reflecting on the Sacrament of He said: “To appreciate the role Saying that saints are not sad, but Confirmation, Fr Patrick Lagan, St of Confession in her life, one has joyful and happy, Fr Gerard noted deeper insight into life of Sr Clare that Sr Clare’s joy in her vocation Eugene’s, said: “Each of us is sent to see it in the context of her love DEVOTEES of Sr Clare whose “going away to be a nun”, as the was summed up in her own words: out by God...each given a certain for Jesus. She fell madly in love for lives have been touched by the same as that when she announced “I was so, so happy and even days t a s k”. Him when she had her conversion. story of the fun-filled young nun she had a Saturday job washing when things are difficult it is worth “Sr Clare’s act of self-giving When she realised that she had from the Brandywell, as relayed dishes in a local restaurant...“It was giving my life to God”. to Christ is, without doubt, an offended Jesus in some way, she in the film, ‘All or Nothing’, and hard to believe”. inspiration,” he added, pointing wanted to be reconciled with Him. Celebrating Mass in memory book, ‘Alone, With Christ Alone’, Shauna added: “As a family we out that each person is made “She became aware of her of all those who had died in the welcomed the opportunity during are still learning about Clare’s life for greatness and that it is the sinfulness and that is characteristic earthquake in Ecuador, Fr Colm the week-long retreat to get a as a nun, about her great happiness Sacrament of Confirmation that of holy people; they become deeply Power, of the Home of the Mother, deeper insight into her life and in God and in doing God’s work. reminds us of that. aware of the distance between God shared some of his memories of Sr conversion from worldly desires And we have learned that even in “With Confirmation, weand themselves. Her failures never Clare’s faith life after joining the to desiring only to love and serve her darkest days she never gave up, celebrate the outpouring of the discouraged her. When she did fall, Servant Sisters: “She took off like a others through giving her life to she never despaired, but always got Holy Spirit on us for whatever role she turned immediately to Jesus.” rocket! I think it is funny how her God. on with devoting her life wholly to we have...Our old self has gone Speaking about Vocation, surname rhymes with rocket – The Finding it strange to be sharing God and to those in need of her and we now have a sacred task Fr Gerard Mongan, CC Three Crockett Rockett!” ‘Clare’ with the world, the love. and mission. When the Holy Spirit Patrons, recalled going into a chapel Highlighting the privilege for Servant Sister’s sibling, Shauna “It’s clear to us that God always descended on the Apostles, they during his time of discerning what the people of Derry and Ireland Gill reflected on an ordinary had bigger plans for our Clare and didn’t stay in the upper room, they to do after finishing his studies, and in having Sr Clare’s body in their childhood, with its fun and fights, has even bigger plans after her went out on mission”. asking God: “What do you want me midst, Fr Colm urged: “You must laughter and tears, and how, while death, she is still helping others. Fr Patrick went on to recall to do?” He added: “I just heard in listen to her and follow her...and in they had been “brought up in Her infectious smile is still lighting Sr Clare’s friend, Sharon Doran Pope Benedict saying that when my heart, ‘Your peace in life will be order to follow her you need four a faith filled family”, there had up rooms, shop windows, people’s Clare’s talent that she often had her the hands of the bishop are as a priest’.” non-negotiable foundations in been “certainly no evidence of a lives. Even though she has us, her peers transfixed by her impromptu outstretched during the ceremony “What unites us all,” continued your lives – Mass, Adoration, the religious life in the carry on that family, worked to the bone in her performances, whether it be in of Confirmation, the HolyFr Gerard, “is the vocation given to Rosary and Confession. we got up to as children, the carry cause, we are unbelievably proud character, singing, or reciting her Spirit comes upon us to protect us at our baptism, when we receive “The closer you get to God, the on that Clare often put in motion” of her beautiful life. We are in hilarious poetry. us, adding: “He calls us into a the call to be saints.” more He will perfect you and “It just goes to show how little we awe of her achievements, of the She recalled them joining the friendship with Him, and He will He went on to point out: “The capacitate you so that you, like really know about what goes on in boundless love and care she gave youth faith group, COR, together never leave us”. vast majority of us are not called Sr Clare, can be salt for the earth other people’s hearts and minds, to those in need. Our Clare taught and it was through this that Sharon Healing to a convent or monastery, but and light for the world. There is even those that are closest to us,” us, and the world, the wonder of had received the opportunity to Leading a Healing Service to witness where we are – in our rampant despair and suicide. It remarked Shauna, “We know little God’s ways”. go to Spain, but passed it on to during the retreat, Fr Michael homes, schools, workplaces – in is into that world that we are sent about the relationship others have Sr Clare’s friend, Sharon Doran Clare when she took ill with her McGoldrick OCD reflected on the daily dying to self, in putting forth and, in order to be what with God, and less about their spoke of her love to perform and appendix. Not the trip to the sun the Sacrament of Reconciliation, others first as an act of love. We we are meant to be, we need secret longings or spiritual needs.” the many opportunities she found that she had thought it would be, noting, from reading the book, can fill our day with holy moments the Eucharist, the Rosary and She recalled their reaction at her to do so in school and out of it, and Clare instead had the life-changing ‘Alone, With Christ Alone’, that such as trying to control our Confession”. sister’s announcement that she was not necessarily on a stage. Such was experience during that Holy Week 12 THE NET | MAY 2021

on to share her admiration of her authentic. Noting that her witness “What can you do when Love Kelai, adding: “We are all made of “effortless” talent. had attracted over four million comes and asks, Will you love me the same stuff. It is God who wants She added: “Her imagination YouTube views of the film on her back? Sr Clare said ‘yes’ and that to make us into something great. gave her a pass, to move beyond life, he remarked: “I think God is is why we see her smile so joyful Hopefully we can all respond with the borders that other people may only beginning with this”. and transmitting so much,” said Sr as much generosity as Sr Clare”. have built around themselves. It Having concelebrated at her was like breathing to Clare”. funeral in the Long Tower Church, Recalling how Clare “had people Fr Colm recalled Bishop McKeown in the palm of her hand but she telling those gathered: “Give treated them with love, respect thanks for Sr Clare but let’s not and compassion”, Mrs McTague lose sight of what she gave her life remarked: “Clare was the kind of for – the Defence of the Eucharist, rascal who sat beside the girl in the the Defence of the Honour of Our sixth form study, who appeared to Mother, especially in the privilege be alone, just to see how she was, to of her Virginity, and the Conquest casually ask how she was getting on of the Youth for Jesus Christ”. and stay for a while...long enough Fr Colm added: “She is still pilgrimage that led to her spending that she was happy and that she to leave the other girl happier in conquering youth for Christ. God the rest of her life under the would always be with me. And, she her skin, feeling acknowledged and knows what He is doing. Sr Clare warmth of the gaze of God’s Son. remains with me to this day”. restored by Clare’s act of reaching gave Him her ‘yes’ and I think she While initially worried about her out to her. Clare made me smile is encouraging us to do the same”. friend’s happiness, Sharon said that Rascal every day that I taught her. And I The final talk was given by Sr when they met again a few years Greta McTague, Sr Clare’s drama think we could all do with more Kelai, of the Home of the Mother, later, after Clare had taken her teacher at St Cecilia’s College, in rascals like that”. who spoke about the love of Jesus vows, “she looked radiant”. Derry, declared: “Clare Crockett Fr Colm Power, of the Home that Sr Clare experienced in her “Sadly, that was the last time was a rascal and don’t let anyone of the Mother, spoke of Sr Clare’s life, and how it changed her, I saw her, but she reassured me tell you otherwise”, before going generosity of spirit and incredible pointing out that He is looking to courage, and her sense for the do the same for each of us. Our faith serves us up rich fare! We are a blessed people! – Bishop Donal testimonies and catechesis. And challenging. The culture emphasis Assembly. world damages the future for all. That will involve consideration of the grace which inspired the week is on ‘me’ and ‘now’. The idea Before embarking on the I hope that our parishes and whether the children have had a of prayer was reflected in both the of being called by God to a life- Synodal Pathway consultation, schools can engage with the chance to be prepared, and what local enthusiasm and the wide on- long commitment seems strange bishops are inviting submissions to strategy, so that we can play our number of ceremonies would be line participation. to many. However, especially reflect on what methods/models to part in maintaining a beautiful needed to ensure that numbers in This young woman’s life story is in difficult times, God still calls adopt in these coming two years of world where praise can be given to Church are not dangerously large. so close to the experience of the individuals to dedicate their lives conversations. our Father in Heaven. Some parents will be disappointed local community. She gave her to His service. Individual and groups are invited for all sorts of reasons. But our life to the service of Christ and The call to heroism rather than to to submit ideas as to... Welcoming the People of God emphasis has always to be on the of others, and her self-giving has hedonism will still touch a chord in • how the national conversation back into Church for Mass. integrity of Christ’s sacraments and been life-giving for many. some hearts – as long as they can might best be conducted, I am delighted that our parishes the safety of God’s people. I am delighted that there are hear the voice of Jesus in prayer • what hard-to-reach groups need in Donegal will be able to welcome plans to make this an annual event. and in their community. to be involved. the People of God back into Great emphasis in May on the There is a hunger for authentic For further information on Church for Mass. It has been a very Holy Family. young witnesses to faith. I pray Symposium on Theology of making a submission go to www. long and exhausting time for many Our Liturgical Year is rich with REFLECTING on the great that this festival of faith will inspire Priesthood. catholicbishops.ie/synod. people since the beginning of the great Feasts that celebrate how week of prayer and talks that a new wave of prayerful young One of the great emphases of the Please note that submissions are year. God’s grace has been at work in so took place in April to celebrate evangelisers. Second Vatican Council was St sought by May 23, 2021, and can Church is not Church without many people. The emphasis is never Vocations Week in the Diocese, Peter’s teaching about us all being “a be made directly online through public worship of the Lord and on what we do for God. It is always Bishop Donal comments on the God calls each person to be part chosen people, a royal priesthood, a that website. without the community gathered on what the psalmist says – “what wonderful example of the life of Sr of the Church’s mission. holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). This is the beginning of a journey together. Clergy and laity need wonders the Lord worked for us, Clare Crockett and the impressive Good Shepherd Sunday is always Ordained ministry is then as we discern what God is calling each other! indeed we were glad”. (Ps 126:3) interest in the week-long retreat to a divine opportunity to reflect on situated within the People of God. us to become in the 21st century However, experience in the There is a great emphasis in May mark the fifth anniversary of her who we are as Church in the image St Augustine taught this clearly. under the guidance of the Holy North has been very encouraging, on the Holy Family. We begin with death, aged 33. of Christ, and what ministries are “Where I’m terrified by what I am Spirit. with very positive numbers of the Feast of St Joseph. In Mary’s He also highlights the beginning needed if we are to be a Christ- for you, I am given comfort by We do not need to know where people wanting to be back at Mass. month of May, Pope Francis has of the Irish Church’s journey of centred Church. Thus, Vocations what I am with you. With you I am God is leading us. God knows. I hope and pray that this can be the asked us to pray the Rosary for an discernment as it prepares for a Sunday is both a chance to reflect a Christian, for you I am a bishop.” Prayerful hearts will be open to case in the Republic as well. end to the pandemic. And during National Synod within the next on who we are as Church, and (Sermon 340) deciding the way forward. the month of May, we celebrate five years, and expresses his hopes on the belief that God calls each I hope that the Vatican Celebrating Sacraments of Our Lady of Fatima, May 13, Mary for the Vatican Symposium on the person to be part of the Church’s symposium on the theology Diocesan Environmental Initiation. Mother of the Church, May 24, Theology of Priesthood early next mission. of priesthood, exploring the Strategy welcomed. The Sacraments of Initiation – and the Visitation of the Blessed year. Our materials for the days relationship between the ordained I am very grateful to the Baptism, Confirmation and First Virgin, May 31. Paying tribute to the Diocesan leading up to Vocations Sunday priesthood and the priesthood of Diocesan ‘Laudato Si’ group for Holy Communion - are important This year, on the eve of Our Lady’s ‘Laudato Si’ group, Bishop Donal wanted to encourage parishes to all the baptised, from February putting a huge amount of work events in the life of any parish. And Birthday, September 7, the Legion encourages parishes and schools be aware of the need for ministries, 17-19, 2022, will enable us to into developing a Diocesan they can also be significant social of Mary celebrates 100 years since to engage with its Environmental and of the need to be a community understand more clearly everyone’s Environmental Strategy. events. Families and children love its foundation in Dublin. This year Strategy, which can be accessed on that helps individuals discern the call to holiness – and everyone’s The diocese has a large number the opportunity to celebrate a is a great opportunity to rediscover the Diocesan website. divine call to holiness. role in making the Church vibrant of buildings – churches, houses special event. the missionary zeal of Frank Duff. Delighted that parishes in the Fr Chris Ferguson and his with the holy priesthood of Jesus, and community facilities. We use The pandemic has challenged us He and his colleagues went out Donegal section of the Diocese colleagues put a lot of work into the eternal High Priest. a vast amount of fuel to heat these to see how we can best celebrate onto the streets and sought to will now be able to welcome preparing reflections and prayers. buildings. The focus is on how these key sacraments, not just now reach those who were far from the people in for public worship, The Catechetical Centre sent out Irish Church beginning journey we can best be environmentally but into the future. faith, beginning with women who he also addresses the situation reflections for school use. Youth of discernment. conscious as to how we control our How do we ensure that First had been forced into prostitution. for northern parishes regarding Ministry took Vocation as its At their March 2021 meeting, the fuel emissions. Holy Communion is not also the This centenary is also an the celebration of First Holy theme for the week. And, the Irish Bishops decided to initiate Our young people have a strong Last Holy Communion - at least invitation to rediscover the Lay Communion and Confirmation. Vocations Team organised five a process in the Irish Church, sense of justice when it comes to until Confirmation? How do we Apostolate, where lay organisations And, looking at the many Feasts Vocations Conversations from the leading to a Synodal Assembly in the environment. A polluted world try to make Confirmation a deeper in the Church take on a key role in to be celebrated during the month Cathedral Hall. perhaps five years. is most damaging for the weak and initiation into a community of bringing the Gospel to those on of May, Bishop Donal gives thanks These conversations focussed on The Bishops’ Conference plans the sick. faith rather than a rite of passage the margins. that we are such a blessed people. how people discerned their call the next two years as a period of Pope Francis is clear that an away from any real connection Of course, this time of the year is to holiness – as a married couple, prayer, listening and discernment, emphasis on the environment is with parish? also endowed with the celebration Impressive Sr Clare Retreat. as a priest, to 40 years of working involving a nationwide not some sort of worship of an This year, I have asked our of the Ascension, May 16, The retreat to celebrate the fifth with young people and to studying consultative conversation on this Earth Goddess! He calls for a world parishes in Northern Ireland to Pentecost, May 23, and the Feast of anniversary of Sr Clare Crockett’s theology. theme. Following this, there will where the power of the strong does consider when the appropriate the Holy Trinity, May 30. death was impressive. The specific call to ordained be a three-year preparation leading not abuse the fragility of the weak time is to celebrate Confirmation Our faith serves us up rich fare! The organisers had put together a ministry and religious life remains towards a National Synodal and underprivileged. A greedy and First Holy Communion. We are a blessed people. programme that combined prayer, THE NET | MAY 2021 13

Sr Clare’s Face by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD HEN you see a footballer like Diego a happiness that does not come from outside of ourselves but Maradonna running with the football that bubbles up from within, at his feet and English defenders from that deepest place within helplessW to do anything about him, all those deft a person, where the Almighty touches, agile nimble feet, and the strength to run fastened it from the beginning. It is a happiness that can never be through men, you just have to sit and wonder, is accessed by jealously guarding that ball magnetised to his boots, or is it just that he what is our own or by striving to can make that ball do just about anything, even that fill ourselves to the brim with all kinds of ‘stuff’. great goal of Mexico 1986? Happiness It was the same with other supernatural reality of Christ and The joy that we are talking great sportsmen and women. the mixture of the two was and about comes to us in precisely the Just have a look at Tiger Woods, remains a potent concoction. opposite direction. The spreading at one stage in his career you smile of Sr Clare informs us that would have thought that he Devotions she has come to this wisdom, could make those golf clubs sing! Let me share with you one of my her happiness is that of a young Tiger Woods could get himself many hobby horses; the damage woman who is not seeking her stuck directly behind a tree, in an that is being done by our popular own glory but the glory of Him apparently insurmountable trap, devotions to our encounter with who had ‘kissed’ her so profoundly and somehow, he was able to bend and understanding of the saints. on Good Friday. It is a happiness that ball around that obstacle like Those very devotions run the not based on the philosophies a banana and still manage to get risk of reducing the saints to little of the world of saving away for a it to land on the green! All of us more than pious irrelevance. rainy day, but is spendthrift with ordinary mortals can just utter the Our statues and devotions boil itself. A happiness that begins each unsatisfactory response, “Wow!” our saints down to their lowest day with a commitment to how There is a similarity when you common denominators. Just look much she is prepared to give. A open some literature. Take any at many of the statues that modern happiness not of percentages, but classic novel written by Charles church iconography dishes up and that has only one measurement, Dickens, on first perusal it just you will see nothing but repetition that being one hundred percent, seems like a book, but as soon as and uniformity; you will find their further that it knew that the next a person starts to read it a whole hands neatly folded, they have day would call out a little more, world seems to come off the pages, big baby eyes, those eyes remain and the day after that still a little the reader is thrust into a series of fixed permanently turned upward more. terrific adventures, encounters imploring heavenly favours, each Clare could not have been with strangely named characters, has a bright innocent face and clearer. Her happiness is the and yet all the time you remain their mouths seemed to be locked happiness of one who had written stuck to your chair at home. You in permanent prayer. It is the to Christ a blank cheque, so that cannot help yourself but be awed same hackneyed design no matter His happiness would become by the fact that all this came out of which saint you care to mention. hers; “the happiness of one who an imagination of one man! They almost seem to be little had come not to be served but Then there are artists like better than pious dolls for children to serve and to give his life as a Caravaggio and Rembrandt who to play with, and what earthly or ransom for many.” begin with a blank canvas and even heavenly use is a doll to any Her greatest happiness came then with a few strokes of a brush, real person? Catholic faith is not from giving her all to the duties a daub there, a dot there, a shape, interested in spiritual escapism and responsibilities that her a dash of colour, and slowly, from the real consequences of vocation placed upon her, in Sr Clare as a novice. painstakingly, a masterpiece starts living, it is fascinated and always teaching the children to revere to fall for the temptation that the Heavenly Father, who wanted to far away from the reality of the to reveal itself. As you watch these on the lookout for real people, the Blessed Sacrament for their Lord never really meant for them give it to them. Paul knew that offer God makes to them. people at their arts, without so living real lives, in the reality of First Communion in Jacksonville. to be there, or that he had called there was only one necessary We, in the Church, speak about much as a word being uttered in Jesus. It came in searching out the lost their name every bit as much ingredient that any new saint the evangelisation of the laity, explanation, you instantaneously Look at the photograph soul who had not frequented the as Clare Crockett, Paul, Peter, needed to add to the mix. the formation of the laity, the recognise what you are seeing; published with this article, and I Church for decades in Valencia, Andrew, James and John. They, like the Blessed Mother of empowerment of the laity, but talent, someone special, a genius! ask you is that the face of a doll? and in volunteering for the class God, had to give their assent; they this seems like mere jargon when I cannot speak for anyone We have used the same image that struggled the most with their Saints had to will it, they had to want people do not know something else but the first time I watched for Sr Clare’s prayer cards, her academics in Playa Prieta. From her place in Heaven, Sr it and they had to want it more so central to the faith and have Sr Clare Crockett’s movie I calendars, and the mural in the The photograph is so beautiful Clare addresses herself to them. than anything else in this world. not moved into some kind of recognised immediately what I Brandywell. because it is not just her own From the back pews, the wisdom Paul comprehended that with comfortableness with the offer. was seeing in front of me on a To first appearances it is just the beauty that appears, Christ’s joy of the Early Church seems like this type of wanting, all things It is maybe only when they see screen. It was so manifest that it same old Clare, the pretty face of a and beauty fills in her own, as the foolishness. St Paul, when he wrote become possible for the one it for themselves in the real life just did not need words; you could budding actress and presenter, the Word becomes flesh and lives in to those earliest communities, who has received such a gift. The of a flesh and blood mortal, will see a talent, someone special, a bright intelligent eyes of a girl who Sr Clare. had his own particular manner greatest sinner could become one they come to know its beauty and genius in her own right. A genius thought the rules did not apply to Just as the earthquake five years of addressing them, “saints of of God’s holy ones. He knew this truth, and realise that they must not in terms of such prosaic things her, that cheeky grin and sparkle ago did not wipe the smile from Sr the church of Rome”, “saints of better than we know it, for where do something themselves about as footballs, golf clubs, books, and that drew the attention of others, Clare nor dull the power of her life the church of Corinth”, “saints had he come from and what had the offer. paints but in the business of living and that seemed to draw every and witness, even if the Church of the Church in Ephesus”. Paul he become? To the people in the The face on the blue and green a human life. Those ancient words camera in the room to her with acknowledges her as sharing in was never one for engaging in fits back pews, in the front pews, in image smiles out at everyone who of St Irenaeus of Lyons come magnetic effect. Yet, do you notice the life of heaven, that will not of sentimentality or massaging fact in all pews, this same title is will look at her. Here is one who firmly to mind, “the glory of God in equal measure that the face is exhaust the significance of her life. the egos of his audience, he was addressed to each. grew up amongst ordinary people is a man or a woman fully alive.” also streaked with new substance? As so many saints have said they always a straight shooter and, Sr Clare, from her smiling of Derry city, who knew from the How many books are there to It is no longer the happy go lucky will still have a mission to carry obviously, when he addressed photograph, addresses it to each, insides all the temptations of the be read about Christ, about prayer, girl who spent so much of her life out in Heaven, Sr Clare’s mission, those Christians in this manner, just as Paul does. Imagine her world as we know it now, who had and about Christian discipleship? flying by the seat of her pants; a I think, will be to go on speaking he meant what he said. saying to you, “saint of the church to make a choice and made it with They seem to grow on trees, they new, more enduring happiness to a youth that has forgotten its Paul was profoundly keyed in of Derry!” I well imagine your all her heart. are so commonplace, and their is spreading across her face. We own dignity and integrity and to on what a saint genuinely was. A first reaction being to turn around She challenges us from that message is so facile that they could cannot chalk this change down the people of Derry. saint was a real person who, not to see who was behind you and stationary position on the be two to a penny. In this young to simply putting on the habit There is a real tendency in Irish for any merit of their own, nor that a “Who me?” would slip from photo...“If I can do it, then anyone woman you could see something and veil of a Servant Sister. Real Catholics to remain aloof and to because of any fault that they had your lips. That reaction speaks so can do it.” Just choose it for so much more than empty joy can never be arrived at simply always go for the back pews of the demonstrated, had been gifted the deeply of the sense of alienation yourself and go after it with all sentiments. You can identify that a because a person has changed Church, to believe that they are life of God as a sheer generous and disenfranchisement that your heart. flesh and blood mortal came into their outward vesture! there only under sufferance, and gift from the open hands of the people have become trapped into, contact with the mysterious and Rather, it is the discovery of 14 THE NET | MAY 2021 Fr Paddy McIntyre reflects on six decades of priesthood NOW in his 85th year, Derry- were chosen for the Diocese. If very important part of my life and there was no heat, no water, no born Fr Paddy McIntyre still you were not going to Maynooth I had a great relationship with the sewerage, no church, no house for enjoys helping out with the for the Derry Diocese, then you teachers and pupils, and some of me to live in, and the roads were celebration of Mass and hearing went looking for a seminary them, both teachers and pupils, desperate. That didn’t matter Confessions in St Eugene’s where you would be accepted and are my friends still to this day. I so much to me as my mother’s Cathedral, in the parish where he I was accepted in the Kilkenny had very happy years there. people had come from a rural grew up and then returned to live seminary. “The classroom is always a area where there were no toilets. following his retirement seven “So, after finishing at Stchallenge when dealing with It wasn’t the poverty, it was the years ago, after giving 30 years of Columb’s, I went to St Kieran’s a mixed school, but it turned culture and the language that was his priesthood to the Missions. College, the diocesan seminary out to be a very fulfilling role. tough. Our Society’s motto was to Sharing his story with ‘The Net’ in Kilkenny. A lot of priests from It opened up opportunities for seek out the poorest of the poor. during the nine-days of Vocations the Derry Diocese went there in sport, such as table tennis, tennis “I rented a couple of rooms prayer in the Diocese, Fr Paddy following years. Priests normally and badminton. I was never much when I first arrived, which didn’t recalled a journey spanning over didn’t come into a diocese unless of a soccer player but I took part have a bed or a lock on the door. six decades that his working class they had attended the seminary in in their games. I was involved at I later discovered that it was a childhood in 1930s’ Derry and Maynooth or Rome, but later they all levels of the school and got on dangerous place to be staying in. Donegal heritage had prepared were allowed to go to Kilkenny”. very well with the young people”. I had an old jeep that I could use, him well for. Describing his six years in the Fr Paddy’s priestly journey took so I had wheels to go into the big One of nine children born to seminary as being very formative, a different path in 1984, when the city, which was less than an hour’s Anne (nee Doherty) and Charlie he continued: “It was strict and new bishop of Salford, Bishop drive from where I lived, but the McIntyre, he spoke of having challenging. I was never allowed Patrick Kelly, who was from roads were very dangerous to four sisters and one brother, with into Kilkenny City unless when I Southport but whose family came drive on. I remember one priest his mother losing three children was going home on holidays. We from Donegal, sent out a letter who came to visit me being “because of the poverty of the had our values at home too, we asking if anyone wanted to go to terrified after the drive”. Fr Paddy McIntyre, St Eugene’s Parish, reflects on 61 years of priesthood during people” at the time. were brought up to be honest and the Missions. He continued: “Initially, I was the Week of Prayer for Vocations. While he was born and bred truthful and respectful”. “I volunteered to go to South sent to work with another priest, in Derry, where his father was Amongst the 35 others who America,” he said, adding: “I was who was from Scotland and his reared, Fr Paddy’s roots are were ordained at the same time as about 47 years old at the time. My first language was Gallic. After firmly planted in Inishowen, with Fr Paddy were Tom Burke, Danny mother had died that year, and three years, I moved across to the his mother having come from Canning, Malachy McKinney, my father had died previously, other side of the mountain to La Buncrana and his father’s parents and Jim McAleney, who all went and when a priest’s parents die Santa Cruz...another Holy Cross both born on Inch Island. through St Columb’s together. he is like an orphan. I also felt Parish. You could say that all my “I was baptised the day I was Ordained in St Mary’s that it was time to move on from priestly life I sheltered under the born,” he noted, remarking: “The Cathedral, Kilkenny, on June 5, the parish I was in. I had done Holy Cross”. maximum you would have waited 1960, by Bishop Patrick Dunne, what I had to do, and when I “I had a CB radio to back then was three days, and you who was the Auxiliary Bishop responded to the Bishop’s letter, communicate with,” said Fr could get baptised any day of the of Dublin and Titular Bishop of I got permission to go to South Paddy, “and had arranged to Bishop Donal with Frs Paddy McIntyre, Tom Burke and Frank McLaughlin, week”. Nara, Fr Paddy explained: “The America. contact my Scottish priest friend following the celebration of Mass in St Eugene’s Cathedral last year to mark Crediting his parents with Bishop of Salford had adopted “It was meant to be for five at 8 am every morning and again their Diamond Ordination Jubilees. being the most influential in the me during my training in the years and then you went back to at 8 pm in the evening, but he nurturing of his faith, Fr Paddy seminary, as was the practice, your Diocese, but I was there for was never there when I called, also spoke of the impact of the so after I was ordained I went to 30 years through the St James morning or night! administrator of St Eugene’s minister in the Salford Diocese, Society, which was founded over “I was the only priest in La in his youth, Fr Hugh Browne, in Greater Manchester, in July 60 years ago by the Cardinal Santa Cruz, which served around saying: “He was tall and a very 1960. Archbishop of Boston, Richard 30,000 people, and I had to begin fine bearing man, who was very “Salford took in all the mill Cushing. I had friends who had the whole build up of a parish. much in charge of the Women’s factory areas – Bolton, Blackburn, gone there, so I decided to go”. Before I arrived, a priest would Confraternity for years. There Rochdale, Oldham and many Founded in 1958, Thehave come every few months to was something special about him. others besides. I was appointed to Missionary Society of St James visit or say a Mass there. There There would have been an aura St Mary’s Heaton Norris Parish the Apostle is an international were Catholics and the nucleus of of awe about him, but that really in Stockport, which was small organisation of diocesan a parish was there, but there was would have been the case for all compared to St Eugene’s. The missionary priests who volunteer no ecclesiastical parish set-up. I the priests at that time”. parish priest was Fr Jim Murphy, for a minimum of five years to would have been the first parish Describing himself as growing from Redcastle, Co Donegal. minister in Peru, and previously priest. up in “a very ordinary Derry The people were very kind and in Ecuador and Bolivia. family”, he recalled: “My parents welcoming and I was there for Fr Paddy recalled: “I went to Poverty would have gone to Mass every eight quite happy years. I was sad Bolivia for a six-month language “There were well established Sunday without fail and we had when I left it. course to learn Spanish, and at parishes side-by-side to the the practice of saying the Rosary the end of that the director asked poverty where I lived, which were every night in the family home”. Welcoming me where I would like to go – run by the Salesians, Dominicans The first religious vocation in “Stockport was a satellite city Ecuador, Bolivia or Peru. I said and Franciscans, etc. I started his family, Fr Paddy was about 16 of Manchester. The streets were Bolivia, because I knew Fr Phil a building plan from the day I years old when he felt an early call pebbled and at that time many McKenna and Sr Maureen Coyle, arrived there and, within the to the priesthood, and he recalled homes had no electricity. We who were both from St Eugene’s first two years, I had a house and hearing priests speak about had the lamplight. It was a very Parish like me, were already a church, and eventually built vocations during his final years working class area and there was working in Bolivia and I had about six other smaller chapels in at St Columb’s College, where he quite a lot of poverty there.” met them during my time there. other parts of the mountain”. was struck by the example of Fr He added: “I moved from there However, he then told me that Learning very quickly that Kelly, whom he described as “a to Patricroft, to the Holy Cross I was going to Ecuador, which there were groups that would good, gentle, holy man”. Parish, which was very much is the one I didn’t want to go to help Missionaries to do the things He added: “We also read the working class as well. I was because of the heat. they needed to do, he said: “The weekly Catholic paper, ‘Thethere 16 years, from September “So, I was sent from language money came in different ways. I Universe’, which included 14, 1968, until September 1984, school to Ecuador. It was very hot applied to two German Catholic information about the different during which time I became the on the coast, where I stayed for a organisations and they would religious orders, and reading parish priest. Again, the people couple of weeks before I was sent have been the mainstay of the the Far East and the Africa were very warm and welcoming. to the Andes, to a height of 10,000 financial aspect. Funds also magazines as well gave me the “I remember receiving a letter feet, where it was cool and spring- came from people in my former idea of priesthood and mission”. out of the blue to say that I was like all year round and the area parishes in the Salford Diocese, “At that time, when you decided to be chaplain to St Patrick’s was surrounded by snow-clad and from my home parish of you wanted to be a priest, the Secondary School, which I wasn’t mountains.” St Eugene’s, here in Derry. The practice was that you did a too happy about as I didn’t think He went on to speak of the Germans really did give the bulk Bishop’s Exam. There were about I was the right person for it. But, I struggle of that first year: “It of the financial help, but I also got 18 of us and eight, including grew into the role during the first was very difficult, but I had a assistance from organisations like John Hume and Joe Coulter, year and got to love it. It became a very good Bishop. At that time, The Little Way Society, CAFOD THE NET | MAY 2021 15

and Trocaire. while celebrating Mass, a family and still are. Every Saturday and the English experience and the “You just began your begging arrived out of nowhere with a Sunday, we had hundreds and experience of South America was to get money for the building of cardboard box and inside was a hundreds of children coming for more like a rebirth in every way. I the house, chapel, school, college, new-born baby that had died. I the catechism programme, and couldn’t even speak the language nursery etc. The people in the was burying a lot of children that then for First Holy Communion at the start. parish could see what I was doing did not survive, but that would and Confirmation preparation. “There was a lot of humour and and were open to helping, but have been the case for many “We were really building fun along the way and I was sad they had no money. They were families in Ireland at that time practically from nothing. There to leave, but I realised that I was living in very difficult situations. as well; that was a reality of life was a skeleton presence of a old, living in a young continent I got in contact with engineers then”. religion. The people had been and was not one of their own. We in the capital city, Quito, to help With Religious Education not baptised and knew that they were needed someone to come in who with the development, and there allowed to be taught in schools, Catholics, but that was about it. was one of their own and that has was a Jesuit priest from Spain Fr Paddy went about getting a Their children went to school, happened”. who was a wonderful help to me”. programme of catechesis set but extremely few were going Keeping in contact with the “For the first two years,” he up, with the help of the Sisters to university. However, it was a friends he made in Ecuador, Fr continued, “we said Mass outside, of Divine Providence and growing experience. Everything Paddy has been back there to with the mid-day sun beaming Immaculate Conception, who was changing from day-to- visit twice since his retirement, down on us. It was a very had arrived in the parish about a day; the water came, then the and during one of those visits the colourful existence. We lived at couple of weeks before him. electricity, and then the roads earthquake occurred that killed 10,000 feet and rising, higher He remarked: “We had another began to improve”. Sr Clare Crockett. and higher into the Andes, and very important group of sisters Aged 77, Fr Paddy retired in “I was in Quito at the time”, he two or three times a year I went too, the Franciscan Missionaries October 2013 and returned to recalled, “and we were frightened up the mountain; it was quite a of St Joseph. This Order was live in his childhood home in out of our lives, although the climb! Thousands of people came founded in the Diocese of Derry. During his 30 years in earthquake was on the West in from everywhere and were Salford, in Manchester, where it his parish up in the Andes, he Coast, where Sr Clare was, and squatting on the land of the rich. still has a very strong presence. came home every two years for I was up in the mountains. In “When I built a parish church, They are known locally as the a couple of months. And, as part the course of the following days, it became the centre and so the Patricroft Sisters as that is where of the mission with the Society, to we learnt what had happened. people came there. There were they had their home for poor help raise funds, he had to go to I hadn’t known that there was a weddings every week and I had children. Some of them ended up Boston and give talks in parishes young Derry nun living down on baptisms every Saturday of the coming to Ecuador, like me, and about the Society of St James and the coast”. year. On Holy Saturday, there I got them set up working in the the mission work he was doing. Highly recommending the could have been 40-50 baptisms, parish that I was in. They are still Commenting on his experience, missionary life, Fr Paddy had this but on average there were about in Ecuador working with priest Fr Paddy said: “All my priesthood to say to anyone considering it: “If six baptisms every week. friends of mine, though no longer was complemented. I gave the you feel that God is calling you to “The mortality rate was very in La Santa Cruz. Salford Diocese 24 years and be a missionary, answer the call”. high. I will never forget one “We were very blessed with South America 30 years, and it particular occasion. I wasn’t the Sisters. They were such an was a very joyful and challenging there too long when one night, important part of the whole set up time. I am delighted that I had Bless, in a special way, Your servant

Father.... A letter from Sebastiano.... Send your Spirit upon him A letter from former Derry Youth Community member, Sebastiano Pellizzari, as So that he may always walk in the path of faith, hope and love, he celebrates his conferment to the Ministry of the Lectorate in his home Diocese in the footsteps of Christ, the eternal priest, who offered of Vicenza, in Italy... Himself on the cross for the life of the world. Amen. Dear friends, but significant step towards the not starting from our capacities that I cannot forget this amazing priesthood. but which springs from Baptism experience. Remember in prayer: It has already been almost two This ministry is given to me in and, therefore, from the Grace of This step towards the Ministry years since I left the Derry Youth order to proclaim the Readings God. It is a gift which is the fruit of of Lectorate is also thanks to All Priests (1st May) Community (DYC) and the to the liturgical assembly, to take God’s love for us. the DYC experience, because it All Priests (2nd) City of Derry, and returned to care of and educate the faithful in I have lived, and am living this helped me to mature as a man and my seminary in the Diocese of the understanding of the Word gift, with joy and thanksgiving a Christian, and it gave me more Fr Michael Porter (3rd) Vicenza, in Italy. I join with you of God. However, before all this, to God, but I cannot hide a little strength and consciousness to All Priests (4th) through this letter to tell you how we have to commit ourselves to fear because this is a gift that I walk towards the priesthood. Fr Ignacy Saniuta (5th) my vocation and life journey is welcome, meditate, know and have received not only for myself, I ask you to pray for my vocation Pope’s monthly Fr John Ryder (6th) progressing. proclaim with one’s life the Word because I am only an instrument journey and for the many young intention Fr Gerard Sweeney (7th) On Sunday, April 11, I was of God, because if one is not able of God where, like a channel of people who are searching for God, Fr Joseph Varghese (8th) conferred to the Ministry of the to dialogue with God one will water, I allow God to reach the and also for those who think they The Holy Father has asked for Fr John Walsh (9th) Lectorate, along with five other never be able to speak of God with parishes and the people I meet on have lost God. May they be able prayer during May for: Fr Alex Anderson (10th) companions, by my Bishop, the people. my way. to see in the people who are at Fr Patrick Arkinson (11th) Monsignor Beniamino Pizziol. The ministry of Lectorate, in I wanted to write these few words their side a motherly and fatherly Fr Patrick Baker (12th) The Lectorate, which occurs in the words of the Rector of my to share with you my vocation presence of God. The world of finance: Fr Declan Boland (13th) Italy at the end of the third year Seminary, Don Aldo Martin, “is journey because I feel very close Remembering you in prayer, I Let us pray that those in charge of Theology, is a lay ministry an exuberant gift, exceeding the to all of you. The two years I spent greet you. of finance will work with Fr Eugene Boland (14th) and in the path of the seminary capacity that each one has” and it’s in Derry, specifically in the DYC, governments to regulate the Fr Francis Bradley (15th) has an educational value for life given to me and to us freely. It is were so intense and beautiful, CIAO...God bless all of you, financial sphere and protect Fr Manus Bradley (16th) and faith, and represents a little a gift a gift that the Lord gives us, especially the many people I met, Sebastiano citizens from its dangers. All Priests (17th) Fr Brian Brady (18th) Prayer for Priests All Priests (19th) Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless Fr Thomas Canning (20th) our bishops and priests and to Fr Michael Canny (21st) confirm them in their vocation of Fr John Cargan (22nd) service. Fr Neal Carlin (23rd) As they stand before us as All Priests (24th) ministers of Your Sacraments, Fr Colum Clerkin (25th) may they be channels of the love Fr Roland Colhoun (26th) and compassion of the Good Fr Michael Collins (27th) Shepherd, who came not be served Fr Oliver Crilly (28th) but to serve. Fr Patrick Crilly (29th) Give them the grace they need to Fr Brendan Crowley (30th) respond generously to you, and the courage to proclaim your All Priests (31st) Sebastiano with his parish priest. Sebastiano with his parents and Bishop. Word of justice, love and truth. 16 THE NET | MAY 2021 After 40 years as sacristans, Aghyaran couple happy to continue in this rewarding ministry AGHYARAN couple, Veronica 30 years. Recently celebrating his Parochial House and return in the “I wouldn’t give it up for the and Danny Dolan are set to 67th birthday, Danny recalled evening to lock the chapel for the world! I love it!” remarked Danny, break their parish’s record for being only 27 years of age when he night. After a while, I was told to adding: “I think more about the the longest-serving sacristans at first took on the role. keep the key. chapel than I do about home and the end of this year, after one of He said: “Veronica and I got “I was driving a lorry at that stage I do things at the chapel that I the strangest periods they have married in 1979 and the year for parishioner, Michael Dolan, as wouldn’t do at home. The chapel is experienced in over 40 years in after we were approached by well, but if there was a wedding, priority in our house and looking this ministry. parishioner, Johnny Owens about funeral, First Holy Communion, after it is no bother to us. Having such close contact with the sacristan job, which came with Confirmation, or a Mission, etc, I “I feel happy when I am in the their priest and fellow parishioners a house. The sacristan at the time, had to be there, and I would have chapel, where I was baptised and in their role as sacristans in St Paddy McGlinchey, was retiring ‘hoovered’ and cleaned the chapel received all my sacraments, and Patrick’s Church, the couple and Fr McKeague, the parish beforehand. I like to tend to the graves for found the whole experience of priest here then, was looking for “I was run off my feet, so I people. I haven’t been able to do no congregation being present a young husband and wife to decided to start up locally as an as much in the last seven years during the celebration of Mass, take over the sacristan duties. He undertaker, which I did for five because of my health, but I try to when public worship was not wanted someone who was going years but had to stop following help Veronica out”. permitted due to Covid-19 to stay in the post a while, so an accident which left me in Looking back over the years, restrictions, a very surreal and Johnny told me to go and see him.” bad health and unable to do the Veronica said: “There were lots more active role in liturgies, and Francis Lagan, Bishop Seamus sad one, particularly for the Easter “I had thought it wasn’t the right embalming”. of sorrowful and joyful occasions, getting an electric bell donated, Hegarty and now, Bishop Donal ceremonies. job for me when Johnny asked “I was doing most of the work as and it was very busy, especially which made life easier as I had to McKeown, during Confirmation “Everyone I talk to just wants me,” added Danny, “but I went sacristan at that time,” he recalled, when we were bringing up a pull a rope for the funeral bell toll ceremonies in the parish. things to get back to normal so up to talk to Fr McKeague and he “although if I was late back, young family as well. up to that. It was also a wonderful While the couple’s four children that we can all come out to Mass just told me to start on Monday Veronica would have locked the “In 1986, we had a mission and at change to have an Altar Society are now grown up and living together again, because at the morning, and so, on January chapel, and she also washed and that time I gave birth to twin boys, and chapel cleaners, which has nearby, they are still kept busy minute, attendance at Mass is by 1, 1981, I started work as the ironed the linens during all those so that was a very busy time. Then, been a great help as we had been with their eight grandchildren... townlands. It is so strange to be sacristan.” years. we had the 150th anniversary of doing that ourselves”. and another due to arrive in June. watching Mass being celebrated At first, the young couple lived in the Church in 1990, which was As well as having enjoyed However, despite over 40 years on a webcam,” remarked Veronica, a mobile home on the site of the Shared a big occasion, as was getting the serving as sacristans over the of washing and ironing countless adding that every effort is made sacristan’s house, until it was fixed “Then, about 15 years ago, I Church restored and rededicated years to six Diocesan priests, linens, Veronica agrees with to ensure the safety of those who up, and then nine years later they had to go away to work as a long in 2013. Fr McKeague, Fr O’Connor, Fr Danny that it is both a blessing and come into the chapel, with daily built a new home for their family distance lorry driver, so Veronica “It has also been wonderful McGarrigle, Fr Logue, Fr Gilmore a privilege to be able to continue fogging carried out, as well as a a short distance from the chapel. took on most of the sacristan to be involved with teachers and now, Fr Frazer, and Aghyaran to serve their parish community more intense monthly clean, hand Recalling those early days as duties. It’s a job for a young family, and children from the local native priest, Fr Willie Sproule, as sacristans. sanitisers provided and masks sacristan, when there were two so that the work can be shared, primary school during First Holy who returned home after retiring “I thank God that I have been worn. priests in the parish and daily because it takes the two of us to Communion and Confirmation from his ministry in Scotland granted the health to do it,” said While Veronica, who is originally Mass, Danny said: “I had to get do it.” ceremonies”. and would have helped out with Veronica, adding: “Every day from Fermanagh, does the bulk of the key from the Parochial House While it is a seven-day week She added: “There have been ceremonies, Veronica and Danny is a good day when you can get the work as sacristan now, it was every morning to open the chapel job, which makes it hard to get some big changes over the years also feel privileged to have met up, and we find being sacristans her husband who carried out the and leave it ready for Mass, and away on holidays, for Danny and too, like the introduction of altar and attended to four bishops very rewarding, mentally and majority of the duties for the first then leave the key back in the Veronica it is a labour of love. girls in 2002, women taking a – Bishop Edward Daly, Bishop spiritually”.

THE first Sunday in May Spirituality, Fr Stephen Quinn ‘Blessed Is She’ lead saw the return of the ladies OCD, May 2; St Teresa of Avila, May brings joy of ministry group, ‘Blessed Is She’ Amanda Young, May 9; St to Termonbacca Retreat Centre Therese of Lisieux, Michelle introduction to Carmelite in Derry. McDaid, May 16; St Elizabeth of The group began a new seven- the Trinity, Sinead Doyle, May Little Way Novena by Aoife O’Neill week programme exploring the 23; St Teresa Benedicta of the spirituality theme of Carmelite Spirituality Cross, Aoife O’Neill, May 30; THE annual Little Way Novena tickets are required for entry to the and how it can be applied to our Saints Louis and Zelie Martin, Fr in honour of St Thérèse of Lisieux Novena, which can also be viewed lives today. Michael McGoldrick OCD, June is currently on in St Eugene’s online via the Cathedral webcam. Fr Stephen Quinn gave the first 6; and St Teresa of the Andes, Fr Cathedral, May 9-16) and, much to Officially opened by Bishop talk, which was an overview of Stephen Quinn OCD, June 13. the delight of devotees of the saint, Donal, the week of prayer includes Carmelite Spirituality. The next Each talk will begin at 8 pm, additional times have been offered morning Mass at 6.30 am, 7.15 am six weeks will continue with a with the exception of weeks two for this year’s programme of ticket- and 10 am, and evening services focus on a particular Carmelite and seven, which will begin at only services to try and safely at 6 pm and 7.30 pm, Monday female saint and how she can 8:15 pm due to the Sr Clare Mass accommodate as many as possible to Friday, with talks by Marie relate to us as women today. on those evenings, and can be hoping to attend in person. Lindsay, Jim Deeds, Fr Michael The talks will be delivered viewed online at https://youtube. The Novena offers an opportunity McGoldrick, OCD, Yvonne by the ladies involved in the com/c/TermonbaccaDerry to pray for a special intention Rooney and Rev Robert Millar. running of the group, along The talks can be watched live or through the powerful intercession Mass for those who have died with the Carmelite Fathers after the event they will remain of St Thérèse, and is a time when will be celebrated at 8.30 am and 10 at Termonbacca, Fr Michael on the YouTube channel for many people experience great joy am on Saturday, May 15, and the McGoldrick and Fr Stephen viewing. and healing. Novena closing ceremonies will be Quinn. If anyone wishes to find out This year’s theme is - ‘Holiness celebrated at 3 pm and 4.30 pm on The programme includes:more please feel free to contact consists simply in doing God’s will, Sunday, May 16. Introduction to Carmelite [email protected] and being just what God wants us St Thérèse candles will be on sale. t o b e’. “I know of no other means to Termonbacca 48 hours’ Adoration for end of Covid reach perfection than by love. To THE Carmelite Fathers in The devotions will get love: how perfectly our hearts are Termonbacca are hosting 48 underway at 7 pm on Monday, made for this! Sometimes I look hours of Eucharistic Adoration May 24 and end at 12 noon on for another word to use, but, in in the Iona Retreat Centre from Wednesday, May 26. this land of exile, no other word so May 24-26. The prior, Fr Stephen Quinn well expresses the vibrations of our Beginning on the Feast of Our is hoping to have two people soul. Hence we must keep to that Lady, Mother of the Church, present for each of the 48 hours, one word: love”. (St Thérèse, extract the period of devotion has been including throughout the night. from ‘Story of a Soul’) organised in response to Pope Anyone who would like to do an Due to current restrictions Francis’ call for prayer during hour, or more, is asked to contact May for the end of Covid. Termonbacca on 028 71 262512. THE NET | MAY 2021 17 Eangach Ár nDúchas Féile Chorp Chríost An Bíobla Naofa Is in aeráid éigin eile tionscnámh oscailte d’Eaglais ar Doibhlin, Colmán Ó hUallacháin a ceapadh an pharáid seo bith eile atá sásta páirt a ghlacadh agus Tomás Ó Fiaich. Chorp Chríost a thabhairt ar mhórshiúl; ann. Tá bunús na hoibre pleanáilte d’fhómhair agus do gheimhreadh Dara Comhairle na Vatacáine a samhlaím é ag baile 2021. chuir práinn le haistriúchán an ag siúl anuas sráid chúng mheánmharach Bhíobla. Roimhe sin bhí léachtaí teas na gréine á mhuirniú nóiméad Bíobla Mhá Nuad an Aifrinn i Laidin. Ach socraíodh ag cúinní cearnóg. go mbeadh na léachtaí i dteanga an Is i gColáiste Phádraig, Maigh phobail feasta. Agus méadaíodh Nó Críost an turasóir anaithnid Nuad, a rinneadh mór-chuid den go mór ar scóp na léachtaí: as seo ach a phas stampáilte go fuarchúiseach aistriúchán agus den riarachán a amach bheadh Leicseanáir toirtiúil ag fir chustaim gléasta mar ba chóir. bhí taobh thiar de An Bíobla Naofa. ag teastáil, ina mbeadh mór-chuid Bhí foireann scoláirí Gaeilge sa den Bhíobla, roinnte de réir bliana Ach an pharáid stracaithe seo Choláiste ag an am, agus fuinneamh agus séasúir. Bhí aistriúchán iomlán coiscéimeanna as tiúin, stadach, iontu ó thaobh na Gaeilge agus den Bhíobla uilig de dhíth, agus de báisteach ag bagairt, an Scrioptúir de. Chomh maith dhíth láithreach. Is iontach go raibh deineann sé de gach teach leis sin, bhí comhoibrí ag gach foireann éifeachtach ar láimh leis ag gabháil thairis altóir. aistritheoir a raibh eolas acadúil ar an obair a chur igcrích. an Scrioptúr acu, agus eolas cruinn Is na tráthnóintí brúite óige ar theangacha na Gréigise agus na B’é An tAthair Donnchadh Ó lag le teas, greamaithe de shuíochán i gcúl hEabhraise acu, le cruinneas an Floinn a chuir tús leis an obair. cairr aistriúcháin a dhearbhú. Thosaigh sé leis na Soiscéil. is guth as láthair sagairt i mbeola tannoy, Foilsíodh Lúcás in 1964, agus Tharla, de dheonú Dé, go raibh ar Matha in 1966. D’fhoilsigh M.H. an rabhadar ar fad in aisce an aon láthair san aon am le chéile Gill iad i leabhráin ar leith, agus nó an leor gur mhair i dtaisce baicle scoláirí Gaeilge den scoth, a siombail an tSoiscéalaí as Leabhar mothúcháin measctha le creideamh chuir borradh faoi Chumann na Cheanannais ar an chlúdach. Tá is cuimhne míchompoird? Sagart, faoi scoláireacht na Gaeilge, obair mhór ar siúl faoi láthair ar Soiscéal 1964 agus faoi aistriú an Bhíobla. Ina dhearadh an eagráin nua, agus Thugamar droim láimhe fadó riamh Tá sé daichead bliain ó foilsíodh An as lámh a chéile, le cabhair ó Bible measc bhí Donnchadh Ó Floinn, ar rogha an chló do dhearadh an nuair a dhúisigh an corp Bíobla Naofa in 1981. Tá eagrán nua Society of Ireland, agus beidh an Pádraig Ó Fiannachta, Breandán Ó chlúdaigh. dá spioradáltacht stálaithe díphutógach, idir lámha i mbliana — ceiliúradh cuí ar shaothar suntasach Bhíobla Ach féach anois gur dhúisigh Mhá Nuad. Ach is eagrán stairiúil Corp Chríost nocht á iompar é seo. Ritheann scéal aistriúchán go tuathalach an Bhíobla ina dhá shruth ó míshuaimhneas arís ionat. thaobh na Gaeilge de: aistriúcháin Phrotastúnacha agus aistriúcháin (Liam Ó Muirthile. Chaitliceacha. Ach anois don Buíochas le Cois Life.) chéad uair beidh comheagrán ann — comheagrán idir-eaglasta. Beidh Eaglais na hÉireann agus an Eaglais Chaitliceach ag obair Tuam uncial/Jarlath Cló Giotto Cló Irish Penny An Lón Síoraí Más glaoch práinne (glaoch ola) nEaslán na peacaí chomh maith, fhíona. Cuimhnigh gurb í an ar chlár éadáin an duine tinn atá faighte ag an sagart, ní bheidh fiú gan iad a insint. Eocairist an tsacraimint dóibh agus d’oscail sé a shúile ag mórán ama aige ullmhúchán sin atá i mbéal báis. Tugaimid an amharc thart agus a rá: “cad ar bith a dhéanamh roimh-ré Más féidir é, tabharfaidh an Lón Síoraí, nó Viaticum, uirthi sa é tharla dom?” Is iontach an do shacraimint na n-easlán. sagart an Eocairist don othar ag chás sin. spreagadh creidimh é nuair a Más féidir é tabhair fógra don an am chéanna, ach tarlaíonn sé tharlaíonn sé seo, do na daoine teaghlach, á rá leo go dtiocfaidh go minic nach mbeidh an t-othar Más fíor go bhfuil an laige sin atá i láthair chomh maith leis an an sagart ar ais lá éigin nuair a ábalta abhlann a ghlacadh. Thig le Sacraimint na nEaslán, gur othar féin. I gceantar amháin ar bheas na holaí faoi láimh aige, leis i gcónaí triail a bhaint as píosa beag an t-ullmhúchán is féidir a laghad i dTír Chonaill tugadh agus go gcuideoidh Sacraimint beag den abhlann ar spúnóg a dhéanamh, is fíor fosta go Ola an Bhisigh ar Shacraimint na nEaslán leo. Ach ní i gcónaí uisce. I mo tháithí féin, murar bhfuil buntáiste iontach leis an na nEaslán. Léiríonn sé sin go a tharlaíonn sé go mbíonn an féidir leis an duine tinn píosa tsacraimint seo, go bhfeictear an raibh an tuiscint sin i dtraidisiún t-am agat chuige sin. Uaireanta den abhlann a ghlacadh is beag toradh go soiléir agus uaireanta s’againn féin i bhfad siar agus bheadh fonn ar an othar dul an seans go mbeidh siad in ann go tobann. Inseoidh sagart ar go maith roimh aimsir Dara chun faoistine, agus is maith sin deoch ón chailís a ghlacadh ach a bith duit, go háirithe iad siúd Comhairle na Vatacáine. más mian leo é, ach cuimhnigh oiread, de bhrí go dtig leis a bheith a d’oibrigh in otharlanna, faoi (Buíochas le Foilseacháin Ábhair go maitheann Sacraimint na trom ar an scornach le neart an amanna nuair a chuir siad ola Spioradálta.) 18 THE NET | MAY 2021 The Synodal Way by Fr John McLaughlin SSC BACK in the days when I played and St Patrick and Francis. There golf with some seriousness in were photo copies of texts from the Arklow Club, we had a kind the Pastoral Letters of Pope of a fraternity for the weekend Francis, ‘Laudato Si’, and also a competitions. In the winter user-friendly copy of ‘Evangelii conditions, it was permitted to Gaudium’, which some have since Thoughts from across the remove and replace a plugged golf opened and meditated upon. ball within six inches of the drop. There were also occasional Diocese on a synodal Church... So, there were interpretations as to pieces from the Fathers that were how and where the ball should be easily available from the Office of POPE Francis has called for a ‘synodal’ Church, that is, placed as to improve the lie. Maybe the Church, like ‘The Letter from one that has laity, bishops, priests and religious praying, we tried to sit it up on a little weed Diognetus’, even the ‘Te Deum’ or sod of grass rather that drop it and a copy for each. I would listening and discerning together to discover the way the into another hole. The Man of the surely be handing them, if it were Holy Spirit is leading the Church in mission today. Here, Moment, the player’s Man, would not for the Lockdown, a copy of a number of people from across the Diocese, including be consulted if he were around the ‘Testimony of Justin Martyr’ or thought to be observing the from the Office of Readings. ‘On some members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, have process. Paddy Lippset had the one the First Day of the Week’ as a shared their thoughts and hopes regarding this, as the Irish eternal pronouncement, which wonderful and simple testimony Bishops announce plans for a National Synod within the became a byword for all initiatives of The Eucharist at the very Fr John McLaughlin SSC next five years and encourage people to have their say. and decision in the Club…“Make beginnings and the life of the we learned to appreciate over the little too complementary! your own arrangements”. young Christian Communities. It years. There were and are many In all our pastoral activities there In the years that have passed, I is, for me, a challenge to our own models of parish, of course, and was tremendous help available have applied the phrase to many often stale appreciation of such those of us in pastoral leadership and resources offered: from the What does God want circumstances. And today, I would moments! all play a part in that, priests and Pastoral Initiative Orientations whisper it to express how I see In the Latin American Church lay members. My own model, no that were renewed every three people living out their Baptism, I came to know in the early 80s, doubt a little outdated, but handy years at national level and then from the Church in or their version of the life of a we treated as a sort of a bible in Parish Councils and Basic analyses, and adopted at Zonal Catholic Christian. It is very much ‘The Documents of Puebla’, from Christian Communities, has five and Deanery and Parish and on the level of the Latin American CELAM (the Latin American feet: community levels. There were phrase - being a Catholic - a mi Bishops’ Conference) and A. Communion of all the different Summer Schools with a two- Ireland at this time? manera …or whatever you are later others, though with less elements and age groups, and week opportunity for catechists, having yourself, maybe ‘Where is enthusiasm, Santo Domingo promotion of that communion in animators, youth leaders and the challenge in that ? ‘Aparecida’, in which the Cardinals councils and pastoral decisions. senior citizens - all offered a huge The late Fr Noel Connolly, Bergoglio of Buenos Aires and B. Celebration and all the variety of courses and workshop Columban and member of the Errazuriz of Santiago were the instances, the Liturgy and experiences. Australian Pastoral Program leading lights in many ways. This Sacramental, retreats, and healing So, at my level, the challenge preparation, remarked early into one was different because of the instances for all the age groups. was to promote participation to the Zoom Masses, etc, in which way the Assembly of the South C. Formation and renewal for all renewal and prevent staleness in he had participated, that there American Churches had drawn the community, being courses and the lives of the communities and is a much wider base needed up the texts and the material for workshops, whether at parish, or the parish. Never a dull moment! to grow faithfully as a Catholic discussion. It was held on Latin deanery or zonal levels. I recall, after an early baptism AS the Catholic Church in communion, participation and in this modern world. And, I American soil and not in Rome, D. Solidarity, in all its forms, food in that, coming home to Dublin Ireland prepares to set out on mission’, it is hoped that individuals felt I knew what he meant. The and the process was from ‘The kitchens or helps, AA programs, and working in the Bray Deanery a journey of discovery led by and parishes, religious orders and modern Chilean Jesuit Saint, Bottom Up’, and not ‘The Top campaigns and outreach where one priest retorted, almost the Holy Spirit, in an effort to associations, as well as groups, Albert Hortado, once wrote an Down’, as it were. programs, free legal aid. “John, if the people are going to discern the pathway God desires movements and organisations, article ‘Chile, a Catholic country?’ The ‘See – Judge – Act’E. The Missionary dimensions, be doing all that, what is left for us it to take at this time, its bishops both within the Church and He died in the 1950s and a later process was the firm project of whether at local or national or to be doing?” It was from a much are encouraging widespread throughout society, will embrace Jesuit wrote, “Chile, an equitative the Cardinals and others with international levels. Whether local wider pastoral stage that I was participation in the conversations this opportunity to walk together Society?’ What would we be saying influence in Rome. And it is in house-to-house visitations, or the emerging, even then! to be had over the next two during this period of prayer, here in Ireland, today? the mould of this latest buzzword, Children’s Missionary grouping in Among my list of life quotations years, in the lead up to a National listening and discernment. Shortly after returning in‘The Synodal Way’. The Santo Valparaiso for example, and from is one from Woody Allen. It was in Synodal Assembly within the next There will also be discussion retirement to my native Moville, I Domingo conference, by the way, a Columban promotion on the Ad a film called, I think, ‘Lord Love a five years. and debate via related information felt what Patrick O’Donovan had was held in Rome, and was from Gentes vision. Duck’, which the first take is – ‘A In order to determine the sessions and educational written in the ‘Sunday Observer’ ‘The Top Down’; a document With Seven Chapels, each little knowledge is a dangerous consultation methods preferred programmes on the meaning and many years ago about his native handed down for discussion and with their local pastoral council, thing!’ Then the second take is – by people to enable these processes of synodality, and best Skibbereen, “I’m a stranger there amendments, to put it broadly. there was always a full program ‘Get a little knowledge!’ And the conversations during the first practice in listening and synodal myself”! Few people of my generation will at the monthly Parish Council third is – ‘Live dangerously’! two years of the journey, such as processes and assemblies at home I had been invited to accompany carry even a phrase from this meeting, whether on Evaluations, In my very early years in the parish hall meetings, focus groups, and around the world will also be a local praesidium of the Legion Document in their memory! We for example, on the Holy Week Dublin Diocese, some of us were questionnaires, deep-listening researched. of Mary. For the available all - parishes and pastoral councils, Celebrations, or proposing further into reading things like, The sessions, written submissions, This initial phase of the Irish opportunity given under the deaneries, zones and dioceses - initiatives. Dutch Catechism and Herder family-focused gatherings, synodal pathway coincides term ‘The Alocutio’, I found had an input into the Document Occasionally, there could be Correspondence, and the Furrow, summary of diocesan assemblies, with preparation for the 2022 myself driven to just broaden a of ‘Aparecida’. There are echoes explosions of energy and even of course! One of my classmates, and/or conferences, the bishops Ordinary General Assembly of little what it might mean to be of it in many of the addresses anger in a muted form. Presiding not at all into this, said, “John, are hoping that many will take Bishops in Rome entitled, ‘For a Catholic in this Ireland and with and pastoral letters of Pope over such a monthly meeting was do you not think that maybe the opportunity to submit their synodal Church: communion, my Chilean pastoral background. Francis. It has in its structured for me a great privilege and, often you could lose your faith reading suggestions on the Bishops’ participation and mission’. So I introduced a few exercises and unstructured content, three enough, not an easy run. One things like that?” He is still alive, Conference website by Pentecost At their Summer General in Lectio Divina over a couple of different Lists of the Poor, from of my pastoral leaders, who is thank God, and he has his faith, as Sunday, May 23. Meeting next June, the Irish months. One member said, “Fr which we could all learn. Surely happily still very active even after I have mine! The Irish Bishops decided to Bishops plan to set up a task group John, it changes the way now that there must be an English version being recently being robbed of her Recently, after listening to The set out on this synodal pathway to plan and oversee the first steps I listen to the Sunday Gospel”, and available on the Vatican website! teacher’s salary after withdrawing Dubliners version, I have been in response to the outcome of along the synodal pathway, and that was more than reassuring. The subtitle of that Document, by it from the local bank, Gladys Vera, intoning, “Don’t give up till it’s the 2018 Ordinary General this will consist of lay women and There was also the opportunity the way, is ‘Christians, Disciples remarked on the Columban way of over, Don’t quit if you can…the Assembly of Bishops of Rome, men, including young people, to have a look over some key and Missionaries’, and that is what leadership, as being ‘propositivo’, of weight upon your shoulder will hosted by Pope Francis, which religious, priests and bishops. texts of saints like Augustine, in our Baptisms should really mean proposing actions and projects, as make you a better man”. focused on the theme of ‘Young To make submissions regarding the Confessions and ‘Late have I for today! against another congregation who I would like to think and, indeed, People, the Faith and Vocational preferred options for engagement loved thee…’, and St Theresa of Model had the parish for some years, and hope that the emerging new and Discernment’. in a conversation process about Avila, ‘Let nothing disturb you… Back to the reality that we all more in the ‘programativo’ style, active Catholics would have some Over the next two years of the Synod, visit the new Synodal only God suffices’ and some of her know, in some way, The Parish. being a program handed down to of this vision, thrust, indignation consultative conversation on the Pathway webpage before May 23 - poems, St Ignatius, Contemplating It is a lot more than a ‘Service the leaders and catechists. It was and passion as they walk on ‘The theme, ‘For a synodal Church: www.catholicbishops.ie/synod. in Time and Place, and the Magis, Station for the Sacraments’, as a boost to hear that and maybe a Synodal Way’. THE NET | MAY 2021 19 Synodal Church should The Spirit is the source of all authentic renewal in produce new sense of mission the Church and the world, beginning in the heart and purpose by Fr Francis Bradley of every man and woman by Fr Francesco Gavazzi, CFR POPE Francis has decided that the next world Synod of HAVE we considered the It is to desire the “more excellent Bishops at the Vatican in October consequences of the coming of the way” (1 Cor 12:31). It is to love 2022 will have the theme: ‘For a Spirit? We say ‘Come’, but do we in truth and proclaim the truth synodal church: Communion, consider what His coming means in love. It means death and participation and mission’. for our lives? resurrection - not only His, but Even a casual look at the readings The manifestation of the Spirit ours too. from the Acts of the Apostles these in the life of Christ in His public St Francis of Assisi tells us that days will help us understand what mission led ultimately to His “the Spirit of God and His holy Pope Francis means when he talks passion, crucifixion and death. operation” is to be desired above about a synodal Church. The coming of the Spirit at all else. Why? The Spirit is the It is about all the baptised, men Pentecost in power upon the source of all authentic renewal and women, laity and clergy, disciples gathered in the Upper in the Church and the world, discerning God’s will and listening Room led to imprisonment, beginning in the heart of every to the Holy Spirit in the same way beatings, stonings, hardships and man and woman. as the disciples did in the early even death. But acquiring more of this most Church. The angel would not even let desirable Gift means making room This will be demanding,Fr Francis Bradley, PP Buncrana & them stay sitting in the prison cell: and letting Him in the room. especially in Ireland where we Fahan, Inch & Burt. “Go and stand in the temple and How? By renouncing everything have all become too passive in our speak to the people all the words that hurts us and offends God – participation in faith matters. checking if it is working will be of this Life.” (Acts 5:20) Satan and sin - and everything that It is a change of culture. It must whether it produces a new sense We say ‘Come’, but do we is too small for us - the world. not mean each of us going into of mission and purpose, driving us understand what we are asking Yet that loss is really gain as, little ourselves – the litmus test for outwards again, to the peripheries. for? by little, we become everything we To say ‘Come’ truly is to have been created for both now, anticipate the shaking of the tree to be Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus of all that cannot last and bears Christ, and forever, eternal life Towards a Synod no fruit - of its dried and withered together in the Kingdom of God branches. our Father. Fr Francesco Gavazzi, Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Galliagh. To say ‘Come’ truly is to expect Bishops, priests and lay faithful, a manifestation of the power and what do we really want this man, to gain the whole world and God’s plans, whatever they are and for Ireland forfeit his life?” (Mar 8:36) wherever they may lead us. love of God that will make us alive Pentecost? by Fr Pat O’Hagan in the Spirit but may cost us the If it truly is the Spirit of God and The apostles and disciples “…‘And now, Lord, look upon death of our flesh. Only to have it His holy operation, then I - ‘I’ first gathered together with Our Lady their threats, grant to thy servants in the days that preceded the first to speak thy word with all boldness, the future of humanity, the Pope rise again. and only then ‘we’ - must respond Pentecost. “With one accord they while thou stretchest out thy hand asks, ‘and now what must I do?” To say ‘Come’ truly is to be to St Francis’ exhortation at the devoted themselves to prayer.” to heal, and signs and wonders He tells us that a crisis forces us willing to have our pride broken end of his life: “Begin again”. (Acts 1:14) are performed through the name to move, but reminds us that it is and humbled, no longer seeking “What should I do?” comes Could it not be so in the days of thy holy servant, Jesus’. And possible to move without really our own glory but the glorification before “What should we do?” that precede a new Pentecost? when they had prayed, the place in going anywhere at all – like taking of Christ Jesus, no matter the cost. But both questions are vital and Bishops, disciples – clerical and which they were gathered together a short walk just to get out of the It is to seek not our own will the answer to both is essentially lay – with Our Lady, devoted to was shaken; and they were all filled house, or going to the shops, or but the will of the Father and the the same: Repent, believe, and be prayer for a new coming of the with the Holy Spirit and spoke the visiting a scenic spot, but then destiny of our neighbour – their filled. Holy Spirit - not to bless our plans word of God with boldness.” (Acts returning home totally unmoved eternal salvation - even at the cost The stakes are as high as they but to be empowered to fulfill 4:29-31) or unchanged by the outing. of our earthly lives. come: “For what does it profit a The Pope wants us to be pilgrims who open ourselves to new in these pre-synod preparation be the Church of the people, horizons and who return home no times also. we absolutely have to engage Foundations laid for a longer the same person we were If this Synod is to have any with those people in this time of when we set out. relevance to Ireland and the preparation, hear their voices and We are told repeatedly that Church in Ireland today, and over their opinions, and assure them more synodal Church Fr Pat O’Hagan PP, Moville. synodality is about walking the next 25 years or so, we have that they will be heard. by Rory McGilligan together. Pilgrims don’t walk ahead to try to engage with everybody. Is it too much to hope that, when I have just finished reading Lots of our parishes pre-Covid of each other, but side by side. There are people who will, of our great National Synod takes ‘Let Us Dream: The Path to a have had groups of vibrant lay They talk with one another. They course, want to take part in the place, it won’t be a case of the Better Future’ by Pope Francis. people who were and are members share their thoughts and ideas, preparations and in the Synod Bishops ‘up there’ speaking to the While there is much in it about of Baptism teams, HOPE youth their hopes and dreams. They go itself, but there are many others, rest of us ‘down here’? I would very environmental issues and care for groups and Bethany Groups; a home renewed and revitalised, re- too many others, who have already much love to see someone like our poorest and most vulnerable mixture of meeting people where energised for whatever lies ahead. decided that our Church is not for Clare Byrne, or someone of her brothers and sisters, there is also they are at and helping people I believe that two of the most them, that it is not a place where standing, someone neutral, with much there that we could use as draw closer to God. important and necessary qualities they feel welcome, or a place where no axe to grind, taking on the role inspirational as we prepare for Over the coming years, I envisage in preparing for a synod are their voice can be heard. of facilitator or mediator in our a Synod of the Church here in more outreach teams developing, honesty and openness/listening. I refer in particular to women, Synod, and who would allow us all Ireland. probably helped by more training We need to say whatever is in who are the backbone of every to have our say and play our part. As preparations begin, it could be and faith development. our hearts without fear of what parish in the country, and to our The Jesuit Pope Francis, rather good to follow the structure of this I also believe that more support anyone else might say, or how many LGBTQ+ brothers and than using ‘see, choose and act’ little book. It is divided into three in administering the sacraments they might react, and we need sisters, as well as those who find would prefer to say, ‘contemplate – sections: A time to see...to choose... and supporting the clergy will be to know that whoever hears us is themselves, often through no fault discern - propose’. Whatever terms to act. It is a book for the right here, important, as clerical numbers are open to hearing whatever we say, of their own, in what we refer to we use, let’s take this precious time right now, as the Pope refers often reducing. and is able to listen to us without as ‘irregular unions’. There are now to take a good look at the to the current pandemic, which is How this support is carried out feeling the need to respond or many others who have just drifted world around us, at the place of the still a huge problem in many parts much depends on diocese and react immediately. Whoever hears away from the Church and from Church in our world today, to ask of our world, and to a host of other parishes working closely together us should go away and think about the regular practice of the faith, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit global issues, particularly poverty for the needs of each parish. what has been said, and pray for and for whom the Church and to make the right choices, and do Rory McGilligan, Dungiven. and the distribution of wealth; The foundations have been laid the guidance of the Holy Spirit in everything to do with it is simply whatever is necessary to save our issues which the Irish Church has I believe the church in Ireland for a Synodal Church; however, their own process of discernment. an irrelevance in their own busy planet, save souls and save our to address, as well as other issues and Derry has been evolving in the we must be Christ-led to develop Listening to the Holy Spirit – lives. Church. closer to home. past number of years to become a further. really listening – is a vital element If the Church in Ireland is to Having laid out his ‘path’ for more Synodal Church. 20 THE NET | MAY 2021

even understanding why, they can opportunities for us to both see that specialness in our lives. deepen our own understanding Walking together as foreigners by Martin Harran Achieving that will require a of our faith and also open it up to also require new thinking and of spreading the Good News in a who observed that... far more active and committed people who are curious about our approaches from us laity. society where people are exposed Catholic life than many of us have special lives. Here, in Ireland, we have been to a wide range of influences, far “…the Christians are led in the past. A first step is a One positive aspect of the Covid used to a church where the clergy more pervasive than at any time in distinguished from other men deeper personal understanding of pandemic has been the widespread have essentially been service the history of mankind, and where neither by country, nor language, our faith and how we can live it out adoption of applications like providers and we, the laity, have people are no longer prepared to nor the customs which they observe. on a daily basis. We have a wealth Zoom and WhatsApp by people generally been mainly passive accept things as being right simply For they neither inhabit cities of of talent to help us achieve that. who little more than a year ago consumers. Mgr George Talbot, because they have been laid down their own, nor employ a peculiar We have many dedicated people could never have imagined 160 years ago, expressed the view by a higher authority. form of speech, nor lead a life which working very hard within parishes themselves using those. Alongside that the role of the laity is to “pray In particular, we have to is marked out by any singularity... in all sorts of areas. At diocesan that, our educational institutions up, pay up and shut up!” That view deal with modern methods of As citizens, they share in all things level, we have various dedicated have developed very effective may, in some ways, have reflected communication. In an era where with others, and yet endure all groups doing tremendous work methods of delivering material clericalism at its worst but, if we are communication is dominated things as if foreigners...They obey in various catechetical areas, like to students in their own homes. to be honest, I think it is a concept by online interaction, especially the prescribed laws, and at the same working in schools, working with Using similar methods to deliver that suited most of us sitting in the social media, relying almost time surpass the laws by their lives... young people and developing religious development materials Martin Harran, Urney & Castlefin. pews, it meant that our Catholic exclusively on the priest’s Sunday those who hate them are unable to baptismal teams within parishes. is likely to be a lot more attractive I think one thing we need to to individuals and groups than, THERE is a temptation to see lives required very little intellectual homily, occasionally backed up by assign any reason for their hatred.” do is look at how the abundance perhaps, travelling up to an hour the need for change in our church challenge and we could leave the complex documents issued from of excellent materials they have, on a cold winter’s night to a as primarily the elimination of difficult stuff to the priests. the Vatican, is a sure-fire route to Special ranging from printed booklets workshop or seminar at a central clericalism by the transfer power Things are clearly differentfailure. I think that what we need to to PowerPoint presentations location. from clergy to laity but, as Bishop nowadays. One of the challenges We have just come through achieve is a modern-day version to videos, can be made more I think that an important part McKeown reminded us last identified by the Irish bishops for the season of Easter and our of the distinctiveness identified available within parishes, both to of the preparation for the synodal month, Pope Francis does not the launch of the synodal pathway daily Gospel and other readings by that writer. We must move on individuals and to groups such as pathway is that we examine how we want synodality to be perceived is the secularisation of society. have reminded us of the far from bemoaning the changes in pastoral councils. Again, existing can use these modern techniques just as power blocs squaring up to There is a temptation, perhaps, to greater opposition and outright life around us and the constant groups like Thornhill Ministries to, once again, demonstrate that win votes or force through changes think of that secularisation purely persecution that our forefathers attacks on our faith and on our have skills and experience that difference identified in the Epistle that particular groups have on in terms of the radical change in faced in the very earliest days of church. We have a very special could play a significant role in to Diognetus; that we, once again, their agenda; it means clergy and attitudes towards our church that the church. They overcame that gift - the Good News - and the achieving this. become people who are seen to laity genuinely walking together has pervaded society in recent and became the dominant social best way we can counteract the The big challenge will bebe living in the real world but, in in unison to discern the church times, ranging from ambivalence force in Western Europe. They negative influences, which seem to motivating our laity to avail of some ways, seem like foreigners to that Christ wants us to have here to outright determination to drive achieved that not by directly dominate society nowadays, is to these opportunities but there are it. We need to find ways of showing in Ireland and what we can do to religion completely out of the fighting back against theirshow people how that special gift ways we can tackle that. Whilst that we truly are part of something bring it about. public arena. opponents but by demonstrating really does make our lives special. modern technology and its very special, something that is This will, indeed, require new The challenge, however, is much the value of the lives that they led. We must do that in ways that are impact on communication has more than the best that secularism thinking in the traditional concept greater than that. Somehow, in the We get a hint of this approach not perceived as simply preaching many negative aspects, it also has has to offer. of the role of the clergy, but it will midst of the opposition to religious from the second century Christian to other people, yet somehow has belief, we have to find the best way writer of the Epistle to Diognetus, the effect that, perhaps without many positive ones and creates It was and is always the Lord’s desire to not only walk with us... but to lead us as well by Rhonda McColgan “And suddenly, out of the sky, that has laity, bishops and priests mention how Our Lady, of all us too, to place God in the centre method expressed by Pope Francis came a sound like a strong rushing praying, listening and discerning people, knew how to discern the of our being, at the very heart of of praying and discerning together wind; and it filled the whole house together to discover the way that voice of the Holy Spirit. I recall ourselves. as a group. We may be in the midst where they were sitting. There the Holy Spirit wants to guide the a talk I heard by an American We, too, can ask the Lord to help of a pandemic, but the Holy Spirit appeared tongues as if of fire, church in mission. Catholic evangelist regarding us discern the will of the Holy always makes a way and Zoom which parted and came to rest This form of praying isthe Magnificat. She mentioned Spirit in our own parishes. Perhaps works! upon each one of them. All were something that I have experienced how Blessed Anne Catherine this can be done by using the same filled with the Holy Spirit and many times within my Bible study Emmerich, a Catholic mystic had began to speak other languages, as group run by the Franciscan Friars an interesting revelation on this. the Spirit enabled them to speak”. of the Renewal. Once a month, Blessed Anne Catherine stated (Acts 2:2-4) the Friars organise a healing night that Mary was in her chambers As I pondered upon this passage, in Derry. A few days before the praying for the Messiah when God I recalled how God made man, as healing night, a group of us would answered her prayer, with her! told in the Book of Genesis... get together, along with a Friar, Moreover, Mary knew the “Then Yahweh God formed to ask the Holy Spirit what He scriptures very well and we know man, dust drawn from the clay, wanted for the evening. that she pondered all things and all and breathed into his nostrils a The priest would usually begin events in her life. This enabled her Rhonda McColgan, Iskaheen & breath of life and man became with a prayer. We would then to recognise the will of the Holy Upper Moville alive with breath”. (Gen 2:7) spend time in praise and worship Spirit. This last line here, “Man became followed by a period of silence. As Pope Francis’ message, I believe, THE gift of the new Pentecost alive with breath” really does sum people began to receive a word, is one of encouragement and light was an outpouring of the Holy up this day of Pentecost for me. they would share it. Some received to our feet as we move forward Spirit that Jesus promised to the The Apostles became alive with a picture in their imaginations and in this ever changing wilderness. Apostles and, therefore, the new this outpouring of the Holy Spirit others were drawn to a particular After all, it was and is always the church was born. and began to boldly claim the passage in the bible. One person Lord’s desire to not only walk with “Believe me, it is better for you truth about the Messiah and bear would take notes and, at the end us, but to lead us as well. This was that I go away, because as long as witness to Jesus. of the evening, we usually noticed evident, too, in the Old Testament, I do not go away the Helper will All fear had left them and I get a theme emerging. The next thing when we are told in the Book of not come to you. But if I go away a great sense of courage as I read was to keep it all in prayer and Numbers that the setting up of the Prayer to obtain the I will send Him to you and when on in Acts chapter 2. It is also told trust in the Lord. camp was so that the tabernacle He comes He will vindicate the how they would speak in other Our minds were then open to was at the centre of everything. Grace of The Holy Spirit truth before a sinful world; and languages, so as all could hear the recognising the signs that the Lord “Yaweh spoke to Moses and He will vindicate the paths of message of Christ. They were filled was leading in a certain way and, Aaron. He said, ‘The Israelites are O God, before Whom every heart lies open, to Whom righteousness and justice.” (John with a new joy, so much so that therefore, being careful not to to camp, every man by his own every will speaks, and from Whom no secret is hidden, 16:7) the people even thought that they block His plans. banner, under the flag of his tribe. My goodness, I always try to were drunk! “For my thoughts are not your They are to camp all around the purify, we beseech You, our hearts by the inpouring of picture the scene at Pentecost. I Well it comes, therefore, as no thoughts, my ways are not your Holy Tent of the Testimony, but at the Holy Spirit, that we may come to love You perfectly imagine how the Apostles were surprise that Pope Francis has ways, says Yahweh”. (Isaiah 55: 8-9) some distance from it”. (Numbers and praise You worthily. Through Christ Our Lord. gathered together in the upper expressed a desire to create a Being the month of Mary, it 2: 1-2) Amen. room... more synodal church. This is one would be remiss of me not to So, like this camp, it is true for THE NET | MAY 2021 21

Synodality – A problem and a challenge by Noel Bradley THE problem with the word We live far from His heart...We a coaching process called ‘The the important elements that stand most important step. A spiritual synodality is that people, in general, already have our schedule…Every Transformation Game’. All of these out are the feelings, emotions director or soul friend can be a do not know what it is about. It problem is a bother”. gave me an experience in one way or movements within us as we great help in deciphering how we literally means walking together When he was told afterwards or another of all the elements in experience life. Although they are are being directed by the Holy (syn = together) on a journey. that some of the Cardinals were synodality and discernment. often confusing, they are the key to Spirit. So, we have to reflect on our But that does not get you very far. afraid to speak up and express their Let me try to describe some of finding our way. But they have to feelings, pray and decide on which Pope Francis has called a Synod honest views, he was disappointed. these elements. In group work, be ‘sifted out’ and discerned. When way is God attracting us. Then for 2022, ‘For a Synodal Church: Part of the difficulty is that before facilitation is very important. It is am I feeling enthused (literally, act on the decision. We should Communion, Participation and Pope Francis, all the synods not lectures or sermons, but trying ‘en theos’ in Greek), lifted up in be responding from a place of Mission’. Sr Nathalie Becquart, have been advisory, debate was to facilitate listening, openness, courage or with a lighter heart, or affective love rather than duty. This Under-Secretary to the General limited and the final documents dialogue, trust, honesty and experience an increase in love, or comes from contemplating the life Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, were written by successive Popes. courage, sharing in small groups desire to be with God? When am of Christ in the Gospels, from “a has said that bishops need to have Pope Francis’ style is different, and large group, working for I feeling discouraged, feeling life a felt experience of God’s love”, as an experience of synodality before radically different. He wantsconsensus, sitting in a circle. All this drag, no joy in my heart? Which one Ignatian authority puts it. they come to a synod, and that is the key dynamic of ‘communal fosters participation, communion, way is God attracting me? Ignatius says: “We should desire a problem not only for the Synod discernment’/synodality to be the and encounter. All are elements Spiritual Consolation is the key. and choose only what helps us but for the local church as well. way forward for all levels of the of synodality and necessary for I say spiritual because you might more towards the end for which we feel very consoled by eating a are created” The end is to ‘praise, We have little or no experience of Church. Synodality is a way of discernment. People enjoy when Noel Bradley, Buncrana synodality. proceeding. they are engaged instead of just whole packet of chocolate biscuits reverence and serve God’. We Pope Francis, as a Jesuit, comes In the ‘Joy of the Gospel’, he says: sitting there passively. The energy or drinking a few glasses of wine need ‘indifference’, freedom from from a tradition of ‘communal “Discernment will entail allowing is coming from the bottom up or beer, but that probably won’t do ‘inordinate attachment’ in order to seem to be saying to me? “Don’t discernment’ (the way the Jesuits ourselves to be guided by the Holy rather than from the top down and it for you. So, feelings matter and choose and to act. This is why our tell us what you were thinking were founded) which is the key Spirit, renouncing the attempt to is circulating around the group. being attentive to them in oneself disposition is so important and is about, but what God seemed to element in synodality, but that has plan and control everything to Those who never have a voice have and others is very important. I am often missing. be whispering to you about the not been the background of many the last detail, and, instead, letting a better chance of being heard and attracted or repelled by what I see In summary, we can say that it issue?” as Brian Grogan SJ said of the bishops. He has mentioned the Spirit enlighten, guide and finding their voice. and hear. Do I follow everything is demanding to learn to discover one time. God is explicitly brought ‘communal discernment’ 20 times direct us” (228). Lovely words! In a ‘psycho-social’ approach, by which I am attracted? Do I flee God’s action in our lives, but into the choosing. It is not just in his ‘Joy of the Gospel’, insisting The problem is that the required the psyche is important. This everything I dislike? If we do so, God gives us some clear signs a democratic vote after talking that it is the way forward for the dispositions are often lacking in is the area of our feelings and we are no longer free, and thus we of it to each of us, when we feel among ourselves. Pope Francis is pilgrim People of God if they are the participants. The new wine emotions. “People will act on the are losing the most precious gift joy or, more precisely, when we very strong on this. to respond well to the challenges of needs fresh skins (Mark 2:22). So issues they have strong feelings of God: God’s grace, our liberty. experience any ‘increase of hope, I have touched on many key our world. there is a problem: bishops, priests about”, according to Paulo Freire. Ignatius’ experience is helpful here. faith and charity’. We can help concepts in a very short and over- He encouraged the Cardinals and and laity have little experience It is only when our feelings are When he was injured and in people to discover how their lives simplified way. Ideally, the group bishops at the Synod on the Family of synodality or the dynamic of touched and moved that we get bed reading books, he noticed a are orientated by consolation. should be able to say in the end: “It to be honest and courageous in communal discernment. Themoving. The ‘social’ bit is to do difference in his thoughts. Some I have been writing about has seemed good to the Holy Spirit their discussion. But he also has challenge is to give them and all of with our relationships with each left him delighted and happy, individual discernment, but the and to us” (Acts 15:28), as they did expressed frustration in his closing us that experience. other (‘Fratelli Tutti’) and the others dry and discontented, and same principles apply to group at the first Council of Jerusalem. address on the Synod, referring My limited experience of any wider world and now, of course, then he says “his eyes were opened or communal discernment. The There is more to learn. I will to “closed hearts” which hide of this would be from facilitating the environment. If we don’t have a little”. He began to marvel at this only difference is that after people end with St Paul’s prayer to God behind the Church’s teachings, sit workshops (Training for a real experience of communion difference in kind and to reflect on pray over the pros and cons of a for the gift of discernment for the on the chair of Moses and pass Transformation) over many years with each other and with the earth, it…little by little coming to know proposed choice that needs to be Philippians: “And this is my prayer, judgement on others. The next in Nigeria and Ireland, using a where is the Church? Or what is the difference in the kind of spirits made by the group, for example, that your love may overflow more day, in his homily, he criticised ‘psycho-social-method’ (Paulo the Church? that were stirring: one from the building a new Church, they share and more with knowledge and full the attitude which does not want Freire), from accompanying devil, and the other from God’ their feelings after praying for a insight to help you to determine to be bothered by the problem of people on a ‘directed retreat’ Ignatian (Autobiography, n 8). solid time with the Lord about what is best, so that in the day others. “We do not think like Him and spiritual accompaniment When it comes to my experience To be able to notice the difference the issue. What went on in that of Christ you may be pure and (Jesus)...Our hearts are not open... (Ignatian style), and facilitating of Ignatian discernment some of in our feelings and reflect on it is a prayer? What does the Holy Spirit blameless”. (Phil 1:9-10)

What the Catechism teaches about the Holy Spirit... Iskaheen Parish youth aspire to meet the challenge “No one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” Now God’s Spirit, who reveals God, makes known to us Christ, his of Pope Francis’ synodal church by Helen Grant Word, his living Utterance, but the Spirit does not speak of himself. The Spirit who “has spoken through the prophets” makes us hear in the parish must be included, many more out there that we can organising online activities for not the Father’s Word, but we do not hear the Spirit himself. We know young, old and middle aged, those reach out to with so many skills, only for our parish community, him only in the movement by which he reveals the Word to us and who practise their faith regularly talents and ideas. Many find it but the many people worldwide disposes us to welcome him in faith. The Spirit of truth who “unveils” and those who don’t – everyone difficult to volunteer or maybe feel who interact with our parish Christ to us “will not speak on his own.” Such properly divine self- must feel included and welcome, they are intruding, or it is ‘someone Facebook and Instagram Pages. effacement explains why “the world cannot receive [him], because it and no one feel excluded in any else’s job’...there should be no I have had the great honour neither sees him nor knows him,” while those who believe in Christ way for whatever reason. names on jobs in our Church. We and privilege to work with young know the Spirit because he dwells with them. (CCC 687) The doctrines and laws of the need to be a welcoming Church people in the parish over the Church cannot be changed, and and parish, where we openly past number of years. They have The Church, a communion living in the faith of the apostles which she this must be plainly explained, welcome new people with new deepened and strengthened my transmits, is the place where we know the Holy Spirit: and questions arising about these ideas and they are easily integrated faith, and given me great hope, - in the Scriptures he inspired; doctrines and laws listened to and into the parish. inspiring me to do all that I can for - in the Tradition, to which the Church Fathers are always timely answered. Transparency is vital We are very blessed in our parish the church now and in the future. witnesses; Helen Grant, Iskaheen & Upper going forward in this process, of Iskaheen & Upper Moville to We might not have huge numbers, - in the Church’s Magisterium, which he assists; Moville. where everyone’s voice is heard have wonderful priests – Fr John but those we have are dedicated, - in the sacramental liturgy, through its words and symbols, in which and everyone feels a respected part Farren and Fr Anthony Mailey. Fr charismatic, forward seeing, A Synodal Church must begin the Holy Spirit puts us into communion with Christ; of the parish family, where they Farren is a very parishioner and inclusive and aspire to meet the within our parish family, by - in prayer, wherein he intercedes for us; can freely express their ideas and people orientated parish priest, challenge of Pope Francis’ synodal inviting our parishioners to express - in the charisms and ministries by which the Church is built up; play a part in achieving them. This with an open mind to new ideas church. how they see the Church moving - in the signs of apostolic and missionary life; process has to be two-way, where and ways to nurture and build the The youth, through their own forward in the 21st Century, and - in the witness of saints through whom he manifests his holiness and everyone is listened to but also faith in the parish. Covid isolation, have had a great all done in a spirit of prayer to be continues the work of salvation. (CCC 688) guided by the Holy Spirit. everyone must use their talents to This past year, the pandemic has understanding and connection In this process, people’s questions achieve what has been discussed in forced us to progress our faith and with those having to isolate and about the past have to be answered an active way. church is a very different way, in not being able to interact with as honestly as possible and their We have so many people who trying to reach out to everyone family, friends and neighbours, desires for the future listened to, work so hard in our parishes in through online technology. The and decided to organise and understood and realised and acted different organisations, groupsyouth in our parish have been deliver the Christmas, Lenten upon if possible. All areas, parts and as individuals, all helping each leading lights in online technology, and May prayers and reflections, and people from every walk of life other as the need arises. There are giving many hours of their time in and the St Joseph Novena. They 22 THE NET | MAY 2021 Journey towards a Synod in the Irish Catholic Church by Gráinne Doherty

AS Lockdown restrictions is being given a whole new lease of what the Church is being called clergy, rather than believing that begin to be eased on both sides of life and understanding under to become. such a responsibility comes from of the border, many are justifiably Pope Francis. Since becoming In their statement announcing the sacrament of baptism more so wondering when they will be able Pope in 2013, Francis has called the synod, the bishops encourage than the sacrament of ordination. to attend church again. While four synods. These are large us that the Church and its future While announcing that we and the media focus on this gatherings – not only of bishops are always open to the work of the synod will take place in question, another item that has as has often been the case – but of the Holy Spirit. They quote Pope approximately five years’ time, the happened in the Irish Church in increasing numbers of laity as well. Francis’ words when he was in Irish bishops stated that the first the past few weeks has passed All work together to look at what Dublin in 2018, reminding us stage of the journey towards it will most of us by – the announcement is happening in the Church at the that the Holy Spirit “constantly be one of information and of being by the Irish Bishops that a National moment and discern ways to move breathes new life into our world, widely consultative: “We envisage Synodal Assembly will be held forward. into our hearts, into our families, the next two years as a period of within the next five years. ‘Synod’ comes from a Greek into our homes and parishes.” prayer, listening, and discernment, This is exciting news. But what word and means ‘along the path’, After centuries, when the role involving a nationwide consultative exactly does it mean? and has grown to mean the path of the laity was often to “pray, pay, conversation...This will allow The word ‘synod’ has been part of along which the whole Church – and obey”, Pope Francis calls on individuals and parishes...and the Church’s history almost since lay and ordained – walks together, the whole Church to remember organizations both within the its beginning, 2,000 years ago, but sharing their concerns and hopes that as the Holy Spirit works in Church and in Irish society at each person equally, then each large, to share their insights into person should be invited to join the Church in Ireland.” continued from page 21 this synodal process. This is such a vital time for the Francis, himself, has worked Church that one can only hope that also opened these reflections out what their faith really meant to hard to put this into practice people respond to this invitation to to other parish organisations them. throughout his papacy, and his take ownership and responsibility and parishioners to participate Our youth are a perfect example, doing so has shown us how slow for the future of the Irish Church. in. They discussed their ideas to me, of what Pope Francis is we can be to accept change. Before The bishops have already opened with their peers and brought it to asking us to do - to listen and hear the last couple of synods, part up the very first stage of this Gráinne Doherty, Moville. Diocesan level at virtual meetings what others are saying in an open of the planning process was to consultation by asking people and articles in ‘The Net’. and transparent way, do what consult via questionnaire as many to let them know what type of everyone must listen with The Easter Story encourages The Lenten interviews carried we can to implement it at parish people as possible about today’s consultation process people would humility – open to newness, and us to roll away the stones of out by the youth let us see how level in a prayerful and inclusive Church - its limitations as well as prefer – for example, through the possibility of changing their whatever keeps us as a Church in people in our parish, politicians, way, reaching out to everyone, its strengths. While many parishes questionnaires, deep-listening opinions. darkness: Fear of change? Apathy? priests, bishops and archbishops answering the questions that are around the world endeavoured to sessions, small-group gatherings The whole process demands Disillusionment? Clericalism? have all had to adapt their lives asked if we can, and if we can’t, make the questionnaire available etc. (You can read further and being fully open to the work of the etc, and allow the light of the during the pandemic, and, very signposting them to someone and facilitated a lot of discussion at respond on the website of the Irish Holy Spirit which, as the Scriptures incarnational, resurrected Christ importantly, the youth asked who can, then taking what we parish level, for the most part, the bishops - www.catholicbishops.ie) remind us, cannot be controlled: to break through and create everyone how their faith has have learned, both successful and response was still relatively small, Pope Francis has already “The wind blows where it chooses, something new. helped them through this difficult unsuccessful, to Diocesan level. with very many not even being demonstrated the nature of how and you hear the sound of it, but And so, as we begin our very first time. All this work in our parish would aware that such a process was the consultation and the rest of the you do not know where it comes steps on to the Synodal path that To all those who were not be possible without Fr John taking place, and demonstrated process is to take place, by calling from or where it goes.” (Jn 3:8) will hopefully lead us to becoming interviewed, we owe gratitude for Farren, who inspires us all by his that neither clergy nor laity were for two key things to happen: first As we head towards Pentecost more deeply the Church God their inspiration to keep going faith, prayerful example, openness really ready for an invitation of all, everyone should speak with and celebrate the birth of the wants us to be, we hear God’s through Covid. One person who to ideas and inclusiveness. He for such lay participation and what he calls ‘parrhesia’, and says Church, we are conscious of the words to us: “For I know the plans was interviewed said that, in all is the heart that pumps the life- involvement. that this means speaking with wonderful possibilities that can lie I have for you, plans to prosper their years, no one had ever asked giving, oxygenated blood into our honesty and courage – and not ahead for the Church if we let go of you...and not to harm you, plans them about their faith and that it parish arteries that refreshes and Responsibility saying something just because our own, often unconscious, need to give you hope and a future”. (Jer challenged them to think deeper renews the blood in our parish Everyone was used to leaving the that’s what is expected/wanted to control and give the Holy Spirit 29:11) than they had ever done about veins. responsibility of the Church to the by those in power; and secondly, space to “blow where it chooses.” May the Holy Spirit breathe new life into our hearts... Prayer to The Holy Spirit O Holy Spirit, Divine Spirit of light and love, I families...and communities as we journey in faith together consecrate to You my understanding, my heart and my by Geraldine Conwell will, my whole being, for time and for eternity. May my Church’s role in contemporary way of faith, guided by the Holy used to engage with everyone. understanding be always submissive to Your heavenly society. It will, undoubtedly, chart Spirit in renewing the Church’s The voice of the young will be inspirations and to the teaching of the Catholic Church, a particular path into the future mission. Open dialogue and very important in this journey. of which You are the Infallible Guide; may my heart for the Church in this country. communication will be central to Their enthusiasm for life, their be ever inflamed with love of God and my neighbour; It is an exciting time, inviting us the consultation process, which energy and gifts will assist in may my will be ever conformed to the Divine Will, and to journey together in discernment will enable the laity to participate the renewal of the faith in our of what the Holy Spirit is saying to and actively debate the issues communities. may my whole life be a faithful imitation of the life and the Church in Ireland at this time. facing the Church. Consultation must be followed virtues of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom, The Synod will be a suitable Listening intently to all members by discernment, reflection and with the Father and You, be honour and glory forever. instrument which will give a of the Church will be extremely prayer to try and discover what Amen. voice to the entire people of important. We need to hear the God wants of the Church in God, bringing people, priests voices of those who have left Ireland at this time. and bishops together to make the Church or feel excluded or I hope that this synodal journey decisions about the future of the forgotten. The Church of the will be a prayerful, spiritual Geraldine Conwell, Dunamanagh. Church. The involvement of lay future must be a welcoming experience, a time of renewal and THERE are many challenges people is central in the life of the Church, a place where everyone new hope for the people in Ireland, facing the Church today but also Church and, as baptised ‘children feels they belong and can make a and a great gift for the Church. many possibilities to devise new of God’, we are called to be active valuable contribution. Pope Francis affirms “this path models of co-responsibility and participants in fulfilling Christ’s During the consultation process, of synodality”, where ongoing leadership involving lay people. mission of proclaiming to the it is important to use all resources dialogue and critical engagement The National Synod andworld God’s love. More lay people and structures within the Church will be the way forward for the Assembly in Ireland will mark a will be called to participate in the and society to give everyone the Church. pivotal moment in the life of the governance of the Church, using opportunity to share thoughts and May the Holy Spirit breathe Church. It is one answer to the their gifts and talents to help ideas for the way ahead. Public new life into our hearts, our challenges facing the Church and renew and build it up. meetings, questionnaires and homes, our families, parishes and invites all of us to re-think the This process will invite us all opportunities to participate online communities as we journey in to walk together on our pilgrim are some methods which could be faith together. THE NET | MAY 2021 23

Now is the time! The Synodal Pathwayby Sr Margaret McConalogue

that would cost some of them their evolution in every age! He is with Shepherd, has expressed a desire listening, praying, reflecting on becoming a curious talking shop lives too, as we know. us now, yes, ‘til the end of time. to create a more synodal church; current practice in church and on that is going nowhere”, said Bishop “Do not be afraid” was His Can we personally and one with laity, bishops, priests and recent church documents, eg The Donal. repeated message, and His final collectively trust His Spirit and religious all praying, listening and Joy of the Gospel, The Joy of Love The initial stage has begun! At assurance is “I am with you always, His Word, as the Apostles did discerning together to discover the (on the family), Laudati Si (on a practical level, the Irish Bishops yes to the end of time”. on that first Pentecost Day? We way the Holy Spirit is leading our care of the earth), Fratelli tutti (on have announced the initial As He walked with the disciples do this with the help of Jesus’ church in mission today. fraternity and social friendship) etc, submission phase of the upcoming on the road to Emmaus, He Holy Spirit and His gifts of Called as well as on the social and political synod, which was announced explained the Scriptures and wisdom, understanding, counsel, Each one of us is called to be part circumstances of our times. March 10, 2021. Commenting on showed them how His death knowledge, holiness and awe in of this discernment. Each one has We might pray and reflect on this development, Bishop Brendan was the fulfilment of God’s plan. the face of God! We just need to her/his gift and is invited to offer such questions as: What is God Leahy of Limerick said the bishops We are His Easter people today, activate these gifts in our lives and it. If you are part of on already- saying in all of this? What is the were inviting submissions “to Sr Margaret McConalogue. and He speaks the same words believe in them! formed group such as Cursillio, Holy Spirit asking of us in this reflect on what methods/models to of encouragement to us – in our We, in our time, have more than a prayer group such as Lectio time? How can we manifest adopt” in the coming two years of THE vaccination roll-out for frailty, fear, weakness, hopes and 2,000 years of lived experience Divina, a study group, a liturgy God’s action in our community? conversations. Covid-19 has lifted many hearts disappointments...whatever our as disciples, and of belonging to group or a parish council member, How can we best live out the He gives as examples, “parish and we feel a lot safer, even if we need! Christian community, to learn or any other parish group that is mission given to us by Jesus at our hall meetings, focus groups, still need to observe the usual Just think of Thomas and his from; centuries of great saints involved with the community of Baptism? What helps can we offer questionnaires, deep listening precautions! What has been need for confirmation that Jesus and sinners, outstanding faith as believers, you have some special our youth to explore and express sessions, written submissions, your experience of Covid-19 in had really risen, after all that well as turbulence, scandals and insights to contribute. their faith and mission? What are family-focused gatherings, relation to your faith? Did you had happened. Far from judging Councils...the most recent Council Pope Francis also wants to hear the big issues of our time? How do summary of findings of assemblies miss going to Mass and receiving him, Jesus understands Thomas’ of our time being Vatican II, over from those who have fallen away we include all sections of society that have already taken place across the Sacraments, and if so, what questioning and doubts, and 60 years ago. from Church practice, as well as in the mission of the church? dioceses, and/or conferences”. was that like for you? What effect graciously gives Thomas that extra In addition, there have been those who are searching for faith. How can lay people be helped to Feedback, which should be did the relaxing of the obligation help he needed to believe in the synods and many teaching Obviously, and most importantly, feel more involved? How can we no more than 300 words and to physically attend Church have miracle of the Resurrection, so that documents issued as well. What participants need to understand promote more lay leadership in submitted by Pentecost Sunday, on your relationship with God, Thomas was able to proclaim, “My can we learn from our lived that the Synod is a gathering of our church? How can we promote May 23, ought to focus on the and with the other members of Lord and My God”! history? Two things: (1) We God’s people who have prayed the unity for which Jesus yearned? nature of the process for the your parish community? These are And so it is for each one of us! are a community of saints and and reflected on the meaning and What is my (our) response to our consultation, that is, how we can questions worth thinking about God gives us the particular grace sinners; (2) The risen Jesus is purpose of God’s church in the own Diocesan plan? best go about this initial phase of as we cautiously emerge from our we need to know Him more deeply Lord of all history, of creation world today, that is, its mission, These kinds of questions can establishing the conversation. long retreat! and to trust in His ways. His Spirit and of the universe. His Lordship and are open to communal help us get started and orientate Bishop Leahy stressed that this is For myself, in this Resurrection is with us as we discern how to be encompasses all of our weaknesses discernment, under the guidance our minds. At all times, our focus not about the prospective themes time between Easter and Pentecost, church in our times! and failures. He is with us always of God’s Holy Spirit, as was the needs to be on the mission of the or topics as these will be addressed I am very conscious that the “They were all filled with the as we struggle to evolve from age case in the early Church (eg Acts church, otherwise the synod risks in the next phase. The responses Risen Lord is Lord of all creation Holy Spirit, the Spirit gave them to age, despite our failures. He 6:2). becoming a “talking shop”, as will be considered by a task group and for all time. The Readings at power to express themselves”. sees our goodness and our good Now is the time to prepare Bishop Donal recently pointed out. put in place by the bishops this Mass these days remind me of the (Acts 2:4) intentions. All He wants is our personally and communally for “We need to remember summer, 2021, to plan and oversee encouragement and the power Many people would say that hearts and our willingness to make such an important event. Both that a synod does not mean a the first steps along the synodal Jesus bestowed on his down- our church today has changed His kingdom come on earth. Vatican II documents, ‘The‘parliamentary approach’ where pathway. hearted apostles in the upper as a result of Covid-19, and I’m “Simon Peter, do you love me? Constitution on the Church’ power- blocks square up to each The journey is already under room, and elsewhere during his inclined to agree. But we are an Do you love me more than these ( Lumen Gentium) and ‘The other, to win votes and promote way! If you have ideas or post-Resurrection appearances. Easter people and, while we might others? Then feed my sheep”! Love Church in the Modern World’, their human agendas or the suggestions regarding the process This encouragement helped to struggle, like Thomas, to come to is the essential qualification for highlight the important role of the popular ideas in secular society. of consultation that might be strengthen the apostles in the terms with our new reality, Jesus’ any of us to be His disciple and to laity in giving shape to the church. “Unless synodality is focussed on followed, now is the time to send challenges of faith and mission assurance is always there for us. He belong to His community. How do we prepare? Personal re-energising the mercy mission of them in. that would come their way…and understands our questioning and In our time, Pope Francis, our reading, conversation with others, Jesus through the church, it risks Vision for a Synodal Church by Fr Oliver Crilly A church resembling more leadership - facilitative leadership, Carl Rogers spoke of the quality It reflects very naturally the where each facilitates the others. of Unconditional Positive Regard Church we read about in the Acts closely that in Acts of “Facilitation is the unleashing for successful counselling (and of the Apostles, read continuously of the energy of the Holy Spirit leadership). The person you’re during the Easter Season: the Apostles to be welcomed within me and within us”. working with doesn’t have to disciples gathered in prayer and In ‘Novo Millennio Ineunte’, in earn your trust, and you cannot led by the Spirit, and the facilitative by Brian McKee 2001, Pope John Paul II quoted St withdraw it as a punishment. leadership of Barnabas, the Son Paulinus of Nola: “Let us listen to Genuine collaboration cannot be of Encouragement, who sees the the Apostles, is revolutionary in what all the faithful say, because switched on and off at will. potential in people, including Paul, capital letters. in every one of them the Spirit of Brother Loughlan Sofield points and involves them in the life and And if the Pope’s suggestion God breathes”. out that: “Collaboration only mission of the Church. gains traction, and is seen to be We have a lot to unlearn. comes about when there are places The pastoral council is not a taken up and put into practice, We associate leadership with where people can talk to and listen threat to the role of the parish then it can only result in a church power, with being in charge. We to one another”. Structures again! priest. The role of president of the where the Kingdom of God grows, need models of listening and The Code of Canon Law uses parish pastoral council is an active where divisions begin to dissolve, collaboration. We need humility: the term ‘pastoral council’ for role: it structures the ultimate and we all begin to discover how Fr Oliver Crilly, Castlefinn. “If serving is below you, leadership the kind of pastoral structure responsibility of the parish priest. amazing and lovable everyone is. is beyond you”. Pope Benedict referred to in 2009 One of his roles in the parish Whilst it will not solve the WE could assume that the vision We have to learn the process (diocesan pastoral councils and pastoral council is in fact to be problems of poverty, prejudice, is already in place and do nothing. of discernment: to listen, not to parish pastoral councils). We guardian of the whole process. and all the things that are But if we recognise that it has to confront and argue our case, as should go with that terminology. None of this is easy. Blessed damaging our earth, it might be transformative, that things we see in the adversarial model By now, we should have given up Charles de Foucauld loved to begin to create a world in which have to change, we need to change we are used to in the law courts, on approximations. We should quote St John of the Cross: “We weapons and arms are no longer structures, as Pope Benedict said at in business and in politics: “When have outgrown the ‘pastoral should not match the work we do needed, in which care for one the Pastoral Convention in Rome you cease discerning and start council or its equivalent’ kind of to our weakness, but match our another becomes the norm, and in 2009: “It is necessary to improve advocating, you have lost your language. We need an integrated efforts to the work that must be bring us to a place where we pastoral structures in such a way way”. structure across the diocese, fully d o n e”. actually realise that Our God is a Brian McKee, Melmount. that the co-responsibility of all Management theory and the supported with training and The Irish cyclist, Sam Bennett God of Love, that we are precious, the members of the people of human sciences support the resources. Please God, the Covid said the same thing in an interview and that this life is a journey to God in their entirety is gradually value of a collaborative approach: restrictions will not last forever. he gave after winning the Green THIS suggestion that we develop that place where we will be able promoted”. “Enduring enthusiasm can be The parish pastoral councilJersey in the Tour de France. He a more synodal Church, a church to spend eternity in a state of total It’s not just about ‘helping gained only by participation” (Ivor doesn’t feel like something said: “Everything you want is that would resemble more closely peace, in one of the mansions in the priest’. It’s about sharing in Kenny, IMI, ‘Can you Manage?’) superimposed on the local Church. outside your comfort zone”. the one described in the Acts of The Father’s House. 24 THE NET | MAY 2021 We need to understand importance of God in our own lives and relevance of parish life to each of us by Anne Friel CREATING and living as a more to think about walking together discernment is and how we truly where people are at and listen. synodal church is the right thing in a parish, as well as going out use this process. Early on, there Part of this will be having to do. It may be many things - to others – ‘that is not my job’. may be benefit in learning about conversations with the people we enriching, life-giving, exhausting Most people try to live good lives, Ignatian Spirituality and how to know, whether they go to church, and possibly frightening. We can helping each other, so why do they discern together. Parish Pastoral are Catholic or not, and grow from be afraid of losing what we already need God or parish? Councils/Leadership Teams need there. We will learn from this and have. We are all called to mission to grow in working in this way, grow in confidence. We will need The disciples were afraid when through baptism. Our priests trusting each other and being to go out to where people meet Jesus appeared to them after the are ordained and called in a very able to have adult conversations. and work – to our hospitals, to Resurrection saying, “Peace be special way. We need to respect This way of working does not just Councils, to schools, to running with you. As the Father sent me, the position and responsibilities happen – it needs to be named, groups, to social groups. We need so am I sending you”. (John 20:21). of our priests but this does not spoken about and worked on, as to go to people who have been hurt, ‘Peace be with you’ may be a form mean that we should sit back and we would do in any relationship. who do not feel welcome, who of general greeting, but points let them do all the work and all the Strengthening how we work have been disenfranchised and towards the need to start from thinking. We should not live as together, support and challenge we should learn how to be present being grounded in peace and in recipients of but in the knowledge each other should be as important and to listen. It is important also prayer. of being actively involved in the as the work of any group and this that we let people know that they Prayer is key. It is important that Mass, in sacraments, in prayer, in can be uncomfortable. We will are welcome in our churches. we continue to work on how we the liturgy of the Word and also in need help. We are not used to If we are doing this at parish pray individually and together. mission. working in this way in any walk- level, we will need support and We need to help each other to What does that mean in a of-life. Can you imagine having focus. My experience is that we travel along this path. At every parish? We have examples right meetings at work where we move can have initial interesting and stage of this process, we need to across the Diocese of priests and forward through discernment and exciting conversations but we need ensure that there is support for people walking together. The ways active listening? to discuss and pray about what the each of us, priest and lay person we interact may differ. We need to There are leadership tools to look next steps will be. Sustaining this – support in prayer, spiritual start a conversation about what we at how effective teams work and process is important and we must direction, developing differentwould want our parish to be like listen, but what Pope Francis is talk through how to do this. ways of praying and small prayer with a small (or larger) group of asking us to do is so much more. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit groups in our parishes across the people who can listen, respect each We must learn and practice how appeared as a strong wind and Diocese. other’s contribution, who pray. To to live in this way so that these tongues of fire. However, Elijah We can be quite an introverted do that, we need to understand conversations become part of encountered God in the gentle Church. Although we may see the importance of God in our own everyday life and can be sustained. breeze, not in the wind or the dwindling numbers attending lives and the relevance of parish We will tell people about what Pope earthquake (1 Kings: 19). He was Mass, we draw comfort from the life to each of us. Francis and the Irish Bishops are afraid and was fed by God on his universality of the Church and Praying, listening, discerning asking us all to do. We can start to journey into the wilderness. He having these conversations, but conversations, being present, believe that all will be well. It can involves taking time and space. have conversations in our parishes then called Elisha. we should not discount the power listening and then walking be uncomfortable and challenging It involves understanding what but we need to go out as well, to There are different ways of of continuing one-to-one gentle forward together. Myra McLaughlin I remember vividly May devotions to Our Lady by Marian Murphy, Dungiven THE month of May is devoted to Simeon prophesied that a sword Our Lady. It brings many thoughts would pierce her heart, and she to mind, including birthdays prayed during the passion of and anniversaries, but the most Jesus. Mary’s example of prayer is Fr David O’Kane, PP Claudy, and the team of parishioners who helped to meaningful is from my younger a reminder to us to pray when we lead the First Saturday prayers in St Patrick’s Church. days where the emphasis was on have struggles and hardships, and Our Lady, both at home and in we are comforted in the knowledge school. Our May altars in school that she is interceding for us. were adorned with jam jars of Mary has many titles, as we First Saturday bluebells and pictures of Our Lady. learn from Our Lady’s Litany... Like many families of my Our Lady of Lourdes, Queen of generation, the Rosary was prayed Peace, Immaculate Heart of Mary, devotions in daily at home, but during May etc, and these short prayers can be everyone seemed to descend on repeated often throughout the day by Annie Mullan the church to honour Mary. I and especially in circumstances Claudy remember these Rosaries vividly; where we find saying regular the public praying made it more prayers difficult. THE Parish of Claudy and Mary, Our Mother, in Her The May altar...a special ‘alive’, the altar decorated with I have been fortunate to Craigbane was privileged to apparitions to the children of candles and flowers, the choir and have travelled to Lourdes and take part, with the blessing of Fr Fatima pleaded with them not to family tradition by Myra McLaughlin the congregation singing some of to Medjugorje, and I would David O’Kane, in the five First offend Our Lord no more, for He the most beautiful lyrics to address encourage anyone thinking of Saturday devotions requested by is already much offended. THE month of May, when we too big to resolve. Our daily Rosary Our Lady. visiting either Apparition site, not Archbishop Eamon Martin. Jesus gifted us, in his Mercy, honoured Our Blessed Lady, is like Our Lady taking our hands. These were the occasions where to hesitate. I hope you will get as This included three hourswith our spiritual Mother. She bring so many special memories I can visualise our Blessed I learnt the words of the hymns much from the experience as I got! of Eucharistic Adoration in St encourages her children to listen to mind. My parents and granny’s Mother asking her son, Jesus, who and to this day remember them Patrick’s Church, Claudy, and to Jesus. She is a good Mother who homes always had a May altar and never refuses His Mother, to do a perfectly, even though I couldn’t the recitation of three Rosaries for wants to see us safely home. She I have carried on this tradition in favour for her. sing them perfectly! the intentions of the protection of wants us to be serious about our my own home. Usually granny put Our children have now grown Mary has appeared across the Family and Youth, Vocations to spiritual life, to imitate Her Son, in flowers she had grown in the up and flown the nest to different world to many people, to the the Priesthood and Religious Life, and live a life of faith, hope and garden. Bluebells lit up the room parts of the world. I ask Our Lady children of Fatima and here in and the Conversion of Sinners. charity, and turn away from sin. and there was a beautiful smell. each morning to place their hearts Ireland, at Knock, as well as many The feast of Our Lady of Fatima Mary reflects God’s Mercy. She is Traditionally, we prayed the into hers and to intercede that no other countries, and her petition is celebrated on May 13. We are looking out for us always, Rosary as a family, and I remember harm or danger will befall them. is always the same, prayer and encouraged to establish devotion Mary, turn your eyes of Mercy prayers and devotions for the full May Mary shower you and your penance. to Her Immaculate Heart on first towards us, prepare us for Heaven, month of May. Like our earthly families with much joy, peace and She prayed for her son, Jesus, and Saturdays and to pray the Rosary where we will give glory to God mother, our Mother in Heaven happiness today and each day encourages us to pray, especially in every day in honour of our Lady of with you, St Joseph and all the helps us with all our worries and along life’s journey. challenging times. Mary suffered the Rosary, to obtain peace for the Angels and Saints for all eternity. fears. No problem is too little or when her son was missing, when Marian Murphy, Dungiven. World. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us. THE NET | MAY 2021 25 Recalling Pope John Paul II’s call for the church “to put out into the deep”, Bishop Donal’s Divine Mercy Sunday message highlighted that this remains the call to parishes... A call to let Jesus in to reshape our ministry – and a call to let His mercy flow out over our hurting society A beautiful celebration of modern need for the message of of past sins, can we help hurting with Jesus on Easter night and the Feast of Divine Mercy took divine mercy”, he added: “Like people to know mercy? If not, we eight days later”. place in St Mary’s Church, in the the rest of the world, Ireland is full are failing Jesus in His first words Noting that the Scripture Creggan, Derry, when Bishop of hurting people. We have come after Resurrection”. readings in the weeks ahead Donal blessed statues of two through centuries of poverty and Bishop Donal went on to would follow the history of the saints closely associated with the oppression, abuse of power and state that the Sacrament of early Church as it “sought to promotion of the Mercy message, abuse of people on the margins of Reconciliation is a key part of let the Holy Spirit guide it in all St Faustina and Pope St John Paul power. Understandably, there are that mission of forgiveness, its uncertainty”, Bishop Donal II. so many calls for inquiries and saying: “For recovering addicts, remarked: “As we come out of Unlike last year, when Bishop compensation in order to deal one of the elements of healing is lockdowns, much of society is Donal, Fr Joe Gormley, Creggan with the pain of loss. Truth and hearing about the hurt that they waiting to come back to life. The PP, and curate, Fr Daniel McFaul cash may help many people to have caused to those closest to challenge for Church is never to were lone figures viewed over the feel vindicated. But Jesus is clear them. That is terribly difficult but be frightened and locked in our church webcam celebrating this that healing ultimately comes ultimately liberating. The truth upper room. special Feast in the little Divine from finding peace with the full alone sets you free (Jn 8:32). “At his first homily as Pope in Mercy side chapel, a socially- truth of our story, no matter how “Our society is torn between 1978, St John Paul II cried our distanced congregation was painful that past may have been”. the dogma that nobody can tell “Do not be afraid. Open wide thankful to be present for this Noting that Jesus’ focus is ever me what to do, and the deep the doors for Christ”. In 2001, he year’s celebration. on “the world’s need to be healed”, suppressed awareness that I have called the church “to put out into As well as blessing the new Bishop Donal continued: “Just done wrong. That culture ends up the deep”. That remains the call to statues, Bishop Donal blessed the as the spirit of God is described seeing evil in others but unable to all our parishes. It is a call to both Divine Mercy image and spoke as hovering over the waters at accept responsibility for my own let Jesus in, so that he can reshape about the Divine Mercy message, Creation, so now the world can sins. The reality of others’ sins our ministry – and a call to let as Jesus had asked through Sr be recreated by the forgiving is not an excuse for self-serving Jesus and his mercy flow out over Faustina, on the Sunday following power of the Spirit. Just as Jesus blindness to one’s own sin”. our hurting society. Easter Sunday. still bears the wounds of His “Any rediscovery of the “A church dominated by fear of Highlighting that sin and mercy crucifixion and death, we are all Sacrament of Reconciliation,” society and fear of the future is not are “at the heart of Jesus’ ministry”, scarred by the hurts that we have he pointed out, “entails not just anointed with the Holy Spirit. A and so it was not surprising that suffered. a childish repetition of life-long navel-gazing church preoccupied “the first mission of Jesus to His “But, through the power of the faults but a profound engagement with itself is not the Church of apostles on Easter evening was to Resurrection, those wounds are with the roots and effects of my Jesus. A church dreaming of forgive sins”, Bishop Donal said: no longer raw, bleeding sores that sin. divine retribution rather than “Divine Mercy is not a new idea. will not go away. The scars of the “Forgiveness and divine mercy of divine mercy is on the road to Sr Faustina simply pointed to the past are part of Jesus’ story – but are an invitation to be adults nowhere. fact that mercy is at the heart of they do not define who He is and rather than playing childish “Divine Mercy Sunday stands the Gospel mission. Pope Francis who we can become in Him. games with ourselves and others. at the start of our mission and simply re-echoed a core truth “In a world marked by so much Unless divine mercy leads to a identity as Church. Are we brave when he described Jesus as the merciless conflict and bittergrowth in missionary faith, it enough to start out again on that face of the Father’s mercy”. words, there is a need for divine is not the liberating Spirit-filled mission of mercy?” Acknowledging “a desperate mercy. Despite the nightmares encounter that the apostles had Beautiful day of grace in Claudy Parish on Feast of “Gazing on Divine Mercy image brings about repentance” – Fr Colhoun Divine Mercy by Annie Mullan THE quaint St Eugene’s Church Commenting on the Divine JESUS, through St Faustina get to beg our Eternal Father’s in Glenock, Co Tyrone, was the Mercy image, he explained that the whom He called His secretary, forgiveness for us and the whole setting for the celebration of two rays (the blood and water that has asked that the first Sunday world. Divine Mercy Sunday in the parish flowed from the side of Jesus on after Easter be the Feast of Mercy. By acknowledging what Jesus of Newtownstewart. the Cross on Calvary) emanating On this day we are reminded went through, God will, for Following the celebration of from Jesus’ heart represented two that our destiny is in the hands the sake of His Son’s sorrowful Mass, Fr Roland Colhoun, CC, of the sacraments – Baptism and of a Merciful God. Jesus said “by passion, have Mercy on His heard Confessions during a the Eucharist. means of my image I will grant children. period of Adoration of the Blessed “By gazing on the Divine Mercy many graces to souls”. The fact that the Chaplet asks Sacrament, and finished by leading image we are overwhelmed by In St Patrick’s Church, Claudy, us to pray for the forgiveness of a Holy Hour with Divine Mercy His Mercy and that brings about on Divine Mercy Sunday, our the sins of the whole world, tells Devotions. repentance in us”, said Fr Roland, parish priest, Fr David O’Kane us that being human is to be in Speaking about Divine Mercy, Fr adding: “We need God’s Mercy, blessed the Divine Mercy image communion with one another, Roland said: “When we repent, we open so we need to surrender, to open and gave a Eucharistic blessing; each of us make up the mystical a channel for God’s Grace to enter”. ourselves to His Mercy”. the Lord was with us, Body, Body of Christ. Blood, Soul and Divinity. We pray through the Regardless of our many sins, intercession of Mary, our Mother God wants us to come back to of Mercy, of Saint Faustina and Him. Our Merciful Saviour all the Saints that God’s Divine desires that we trust Him more Mercy will continue to transform deeply. us, and so help us to enter into the Jesus has forgiven us and joy of Christ’s Resurrection. demonstrated His unconditional Our ceremony came to a close love for us by dying on the Cross. with the praying of the Act of In the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Consecration of The Family to we pray directly to God; we The Divine Mercy. 26 THE NET | MAY 2021 Legion of Mary Masses to celebrate significant dates in lead up to Centenary

took place in St Theresa’s Church, Sion Mills, on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation of The Lord, which is the traditional date of The Acies; the ceremony during which legionaries renew their promises. The second was celebrated on April 28, the Feast of St Louis Mary de Montfort, who had a major influence on the life of Frank Duff, and the next Mass will be celebrated on May 12, the anniversary of the death of the Ven Edel Quinn, the first Legion Worldwide Rosary prayer of Mary Envoy. THE Legion of Mary celebrates The birthday of Frank Duff will the 100th anniversary this year be marked with the celebration marathon coincides with of its founding in Ireland by of Mass on June 7, and a Mass Servant of God, Frank Duff, on June 23 will mark the birth of Legion of Mary Centenary and legionaries throughout the Servant of God, Alfie Lambe, the Derry Diocese are marking the second Legion of Mary Envoy, May altar display for Legion of Mary Mass in St Teresa’s Church, Sion Mills. occasion with a series of Masses who was born on the Feast of St IN response to the wish of Pope Francis, people all over John the Baptist, June 24, 1932. the world are united in praying the Rosary during this on significant dates celebrated by their spiritual director, Fr Thomas Another Mass to mark the month of May, for the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and Canning. founding of the Legion is being resumption of social and work activities. A lay apostolic association planned for September, by which time the hope is that more The Holy Father has invited Marian Shrines around the founded on September 7, 1921, in Dublin, the Legion sees the legionaries will be able to gather world, including the International Sanctuary of Special spiritual and social welfare of each together to mark the Centenary. Eucharistic and Marian Devotion at Knock, in Co Mayo, person as its priority, and is now At this stage, the Masses will be to guide the faithful in this time of prayer, and parishes a worldwide organisation with streamed via the church webcam, as continued Covid restrictions in the Diocese are encouraging parishioners to add their millions of members. The first Mass celebrated by Fr limit the numbers able to gather Some of the Legionaries who attended Mass on the Feast of St Louis Mary de Montfort in St Teresa’s Church, Sion Mills, celebrated by Fr Thomas voices to the world wide call, in prayer, for Our Lady’s Canning to mark the Centenary for the public celebration of Mass. intercession. The daily Rosary is accompanied by a prayer intention for those most affected, such as the deceased, those who The Legion has drawn me closer to Jesus, have not been able to say goodbye to their loved ones, health care workers, the poor, those homeless, and those - Joan Harte, Eskra, Omagh experiencing economic hardship. Mary and Joseph Opening the prayer marathon, Pope Francis blessed 30 GROWING up in a Rosary After school, she left for England had also joined the Legion and we Praesidia in Omagh, with Brendan special Rosaries which were then sent to the 30 Shrines family and becoming a Child to train as a teacher and found had two children by that stage. I a member of Mary, Mother of The of Mary in her final years at the herself living in an area in which found that I was going out at night Church Praesidium. taking part around the world. Loreto Convent School in Omagh, the Legion of Mary was active, and for meetings during the week for She went on to explain: “Looking The promotion of the Rosary as a powerful prayer is back in the 60s, the president got to see the work done by some work and the Legion, and so was to the future, Mgr Rooney, who one of the main practices of The Legion of Mary, which of Our Lady of Mount Carmel of its legionaries. When she later Brendan, and we just thought has long since died, envisaged a was founded 100 years ago in Dublin by Servant of God, Praesidium in Omagh town, returned home, started teaching this wasn’t fair to our young chil- second Praesidium, with a view to Joan Harte, feels blessed to have and got married, an opportunity dren. So, we sat down and chatted encouraging young people to join. Frank Duff, and some members of the Legion have shared journeyed through life under the arose to join a new Legion of Mary about it and I decided to stay at His thinking was to let the first here their experience as legionaries in the Diocese to mark protection of Our Lady’s mantle branch in Omagh, where she lived home, while Brendan was to con- one come to a natural end through this Centenary year. Other devotees of Our Lady and the and to have been able to show with her husband, Brendan. tinue. It turned out to be the best old age, and by then the new one Rosary have also taken up the opportunity to share their her appreciation through her She recalled: “It was during a decision as Brendan has been a would be strong and the transition involvement with the Legion of Mission that the parish priest at solid Legionary right up until the seamless, and so it was. Now, we love of Mary and this special prayer. Mary. the time, Mgr Rooney called for a present day. are the oldies! Thankful for her Catholic faith, new Praesidium to be set up in the “I had always hoped and said “There is quite a lot of interaction she recalled: “I was raised in a parish. He had a great devotion that if I was well enough when I between the two praesidia; we plan family of 12 children and the Ro- to Our Lady and was dedicated retired from school that I would all the annual events together and sary was very much at the centre to the Legion of Mary. It was a re-join and that is what I did. I go as a mix of men and women on of our family, which was such particularly busy time in my life rejoined in 2012 and really enjoy certain projects”. a privilege. I went to the Loreto as I had taken secondment from being back in the Legion. I can Commenting on their ministry Convent School in Omagh and, my teaching post to work with the devote more time to it now as I and the effects of lockdown, Joan being a Catholic school, Religion Education Board. So, I didn’t think am retired and our children, two said: “For some parts of the past and Faith permeated every aspect I could fit in involvement with the girls and a boy are, of recent, all year we haven’t been able to meet of the curriculum. Legion of Mary, but the seed was married. or do our work, which includes “In sixth year, we were asked if planted and I couldn’t ignore it Blessed with four grandchildren visitations with the Rosary stat- we would like to become a Child and went down to St Vin-cent’s and, please God, a new addition ue, visiting nursing homes and the of Mary. I just thought it was such Hall, in Omagh, to a meeting with in July, Joan said: “It is a privi- hospital, and school visits during a natural thing to do, so I joined others. That was in 1984. lege and a pleasure to have the the months of May and Octo-ber, a group of girls in doing that “I remember two Legionaries time now to help out with our to promote the Rosary and the and we wore a blue ribbon over from Castlederg travelling to grandchildren; being busy parents Legion. our uniform, with a Miraculous Omagh every week to initiate us you don’t have the same time “However, the men’s praesidium Medal attached to it”. in the works of the Legion and for your own children as your came up with the great idea “So, I suppose that set me very help set up the new Praesidium. grandchildren”. of meeting socially distanced much on the path to the Legion of Three months later we took our to pray the Rosary in housing Mary,” said Joan, “though I didn’t promise and I stayed for eight or Blessed developments around Omagh. know at the time that becoming nine years.” Joan also feels blessed that both We named it ‘Rosary in the park’. a Child of Mary was a prelude to “In the meantime,” she she and Brendan are Legionaries, We go to a different park every becoming a Legionary”. explained, “my husband, Brendan, though members of different Thursday night, set up a little altar THE NET | MAY 2021 27 continued from page 26 and pray the Rosary. We offer the Having great faith in the power We are hoping for new blood after reflection Rosary for the intentions of the of prayer, Joan said: “We really residents and consecrate the area believe that everything good to the Immaculate Heart of Mary comes from being close to God time during lockdown - Marie McColgan, Creggan and the Sacred Heart of Jesus”. and His Mother Mary. We have CREGGAN legionary, Marie that my religion and prayer life is Mary Elizabeth. “As well, in our praesidium, we been so blessed in life and it is McColgan, has been the president important to me. “I knew Teresa Browne and that promote the message of Fatima, no doubt because we depend on of the Derry Legion of Mary “It is not something that people she was in the Legion. I got talking which includes daily Rosary Jesus and Mary for everything. Comitium for almost three years, promote these days, but my faith is to her on the bus one day, and said and First Friday/First Saturday We give them all the praise and though there has not been much not hidden. I think that is a grace I that I was thinking of joining, so devotion. To bring this message acknowledgement that we can to do in the past year because of get from Our Lady and Christ. The she invited me to go to a meeting to others, we meet with our male in life. We share with people that the Covid-19 restrictions and Rosary would be one my favourite and I did...and the rest is history”. Legionaries to recite a public when you have a strong faith you lockdowns. prayers. As you get older you are She added: “I enjoyed the Rosary in Omagh’s Market Street. can cope with anything. We have Marie took over the presidency more aware of your own mortality, meetings and liked the work This is done on the 13th of each had our crosses but we have been from Teresa Browne, with whom so I say like to say the 15 prayers involved, but I did question month between May and October, given the strength to keep going she shares the work of the Creggan given to St Brigid of Sweden, for a what the point is to this, as most at midday”. and keep positive. Praesidium, and in this role liaises happy death”. people do. Legionaries don’t get With regards to dwindling “As a member of the Legion of with the Curia officers in County Diagnosed six years ago any recognition for what they do, the Sacraments and not living with membership, Joan remarked: “The Mary, you keep developing your Derry, representing praesidia in with aplastic anemia, a serious which is why many leave to join a partner outside of marriage, a lot Legion of Mary does not have knowledge of the Catholic faith the city, as well as in Limavady, condition affecting the blood, St Vincent de Paul, as they see the of them find that hard. great numbers, but I am reminded and strengthening your personal Dungiven, Tamnaherin, Bellaghy where the bone marrow and fruits of what they do through “The Legion was founded by of what Mgr Rooney said to us, faith. You just keep getting drawn and Maghera, and Inishowen. stem cells do not produce enough them. They collect money and Frank Duff a long time ago and back in the 80s and 90s, when he closer to Jesus, Mary and St Joseph. Enjoying her involvement with blood cells, Marie explained: “It help people that need it, financially I don’t think anybody has the would praise our efforts and good Thank God for the recognition the Legion, Marie expressed compromises my immunity and and materially. authority to change what was set- work and we would say if only we St Joseph is getting this year some concern at the lack of new I have to get my blood checked “The Legion is not like that. You up by him then, and for many it could get more members. He told particularly, as he is so important members and at how the Covid regularly. I have prayed a lot about are giving your time to people appears to be so outdated. But us not to worry about the quantity, to the life of the Church. situation has not helped that, as this, that I may not be a burden who are maybe a bit lonely or we can’t change the rules. A lot that it’s the quality that counts. “When preparing for meetings, well as hindering the work of and that I will have time to put disconnected from society, maybe of young people have come to “There are a lot of different I look up various aspects of our legionaries, but her faith gives her everything in place before I die. doing a hospital or residential our meetings but left after a few organisations that appeal to Faith to share with the others, such hope for the future. “The ideal treatment is stem cell home visit. Before Covid, Teresa months, asking why we can’t different people, and the times we as information on Saints, and so “I always had a love for Our donation if all else fails, but over and I went around houses in embrace people who are living meet might not suit some people, you learn more and more. I find Lady and the Sacred Heart,” the age of 50 this doesn’t really Creggan, our parish, and gave with partners outside marriage. so for lots of reasons we do not this very enjoyable and relaxing. she remarked, adding: “When I work and I was 56 when I was people a Rosary leaflet on how to That is a rule we have to adhere to”. have many members but those we Prayer alone gives great comfort was younger I thought I wanted diagnosed, so it’s not an option for pray the Rosary and a Miraculous Pointing out that the Legion have are strong in quality”. and strength but, for me, it is a to be a nun. I did consider the me. Blood transfusions would be Medal, trying to promote prayer. House is at 5 Clarendon Street, With Brendan coming from a great privilege to be part of a Faith Medical Missionaries of Mary in the only treatment available to me We also went to our local primary in Derry, and that Fr Thomas strong Rosary family as well, the organisation like the Legion of Drogheda, who were doctors and if my blood platelets get too low.” schools to say a decade of the Canning is their spiritual director, couple remained devoted to the M a r y ”. nurses working on the foreign She added: “There are a lot of Rosary with the children and talk Marie expressed her appreciation tradition within their own family. missions. The Mother House things in my life that I can’t explain to them, explaining the Mysteries of his support: “During lockdown, was in Drogheda and I used to except that it is down to the power of the Rosary. Fr Canning has been very good at Our Lady Queen of the May correspond with them, but then of prayer and God’s Grace. That is “You don’t know what that keeping us all connected. There you meet people and things the test of the strength of your faith prayer leaflet or medal is going to are a few Praesidiums a bit savvier change. - when your back is against the wall do for somebody. You are handing with technology than others and and Queen of our Hearts “I grew up in a family where and there is nowhere else to turn, it over and letting Our Lady do the they do Zoom meetings, but a lot – Mary McMenamin, Castlefin the faith was strong. My father you turn to God and you get a work. That is the way the Legion of our members are elderly, so it went to Mass and received Holy peace from that. I am at peace with works. You don’t look to find out has been lovely to be able to join Fr Communion every day. My the thought of dying, but maybe the outcome of your action. Our Canning, via the Sion Mills chapel mother was too busy looking not so at peace with any pain that Lady is the worker; we just set webcam, on Monday nights at 7.30 after nine of us so she couldn’t go might go with it, however, praying the ball in motion. Sometimes pm, when he prays the Rosary and to Mass every day, but she had a the Rosary and asking Our Lady to you feel you want to do more but the Legion prayers”. strong faith. They made sure that intercede for my family or myself, that is the way it is. Young people Explaining that the Legion is we went to Mass every week and helps me a lot”. especially like to see the results of self-funded, Marie said: “We have regularly to Confession, and we their efforts, or get some personal a secret bag and everybody puts in were in every night for the Rosary Enrich satisfaction from what they have what they can. This is how we keep at 6 pm. Recalling how her faith had done, and it is not like that in the our Legion House running, with “So prayer and the sacraments led to her joining the Legion, the Legion”. regards to heating and lighting, were a big part of life for most mother of six said: “As I got older “We also find it very hard to etc. We rely on the generosity of families at that time. People seem and my family left home, I had a recruit because the Legion has members to keep things going, to have lost that. My own family bit more time on my hands and very strict rules and regulations, so it is a bit concerning that there don’t go to Mass now and that felt that I wanted to do some which have not changed over the are so few new members. We are really vexes me. All I can do is be voluntary work. Although I was last 100 years,” continued Marie: hoping for new blood with all the DURING the month of May we Rosary everyday”. an example for them; I just hope going to Mass at the weekend and “The lifestyle of young people reflection time we have had during honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Ven Fr Patrick Peyton, also that that will be enough to draw sometimes during the week when these days does not always meet lockdown.” We pray especially to her during known as ‘The Rosary Priest’, them back some day. If they need not working, I wanted to make these requirements. We have had Anyone interested in joining the this month and it is a time for a encouraged the family Rosary and prayers they always ask me to pray more of an effort to enrich my young people approach us but Legion can find out through their moving tribute of faith and love to travelled all over the world telling and light a candle for them, as do prayer life. I always had an affinity when they hear that they have to parish office or the Diocesan office the Queen of Heaven. families how Mary desired to people I work with, who know with Our Lady as I was christened be practicing Catholics, receiving where their nearest praesidium is Through the prayers of the help them. He became one of the Rosary and the veneration of Our greatest promoters of the Rosary I remember listening to him speak Mary meeting, which was held on Throughout this past year, we “is the glory of God through the Lady’s statue in our home, we have in the history of the Church. He with great love and conviction. September 7,1921. have held our weekly meetings holiness of its members developed a wonderful opportunity to draw had a famous slogan which has ‘The True Devotion to Mary’, I was first invited to join online. At the moment, we have by prayer and active co-operation, closer to our Heavenly Mother. always stuck in my mind, “The in short, is a total consecration of the Legion by a member of four members in our Praesidium under ecclesiastical guidance, in The Rosary is a powerful way to family that prays together stays ourselves to Jesus through Mary. It ‘The Queen of the Universe’ and are always open to welcoming Mary’s and the Church’s work of honour Our Lady and this is what together”. consists in giving oneself entirely Praesidium in Doneyloop in new members. You can also crushing the head of the serpent she asked of us in Fatima, in the When my husband and I got to Mary, and to Jesus through the early 90s, when Fr Rafferty become an auxiliary member and advancing the reign of Christ”. year 1917. The messages Our Lady married and came to live in the Mary, “and to do all our actions by was the spiritual director. I really of the Legion, which consists of (Mary is the president of the gave at Fatima are as important parish of Urney & Castlefin, Fr Mary, with Mary, in Mary, and for loved the weekly meetings, which praying the Rosary and reciting all Mater Dei Curia) and relevant today as they were William Rafferty was the parish Mary; so that we may do them all consist of the Rosary, reading the prayers on the Legion Tessera Our Lady is our Mother, she over 100 years ago. priest here. He had a tender the more perfectly by Jesus, with from the handbook, a talk and every day. is close to us and she will never The prayer specified by Our Lady devotion to Our Lady and talked Jesus, in Jesus, and for Jesus”. assigned work reports and work I have always loved the thought abandon her children. She wants as especially dear to her was ‘The about her with such great love. The Servant of God, Frank assignment. I was with that of being part of Our Lady’s army. us to ask her for all the graces we Rosary’. Each time she appeared, He had a branch of the Legion Duff read the ‘True Devotion to Praesidium for a few years, then The Legion of Mary has been and need. Let us turn to Our Lady in from May until October 1917, she of Mary in the parish and was Mary’ and it changed his life. He a branch was set up in Castlefin, continues to be a great benefit prayer. appealed for the Rosary and, in the first person I had ever heard became the founder of the Legion in 2006, called ‘Our Lady of to me on my journey of faith. In ‘O Mary conceived without sin, October, she said, “I am the Lady talking about ‘The True Devotion of Mary and this year marks the Guadalupe’, and I have been a the handbook, ‘Legio Mariae’, pray for us who have recourse to of the Rosary; continue to say the to Mary’, by St Louis de Montfort. centenary of the first Legion of member of this Praesidium since. the object of the Legion of Mary thee’. 28 THE NET | MAY 2021

Those Tunnels by Vera McFadden WHEN I heard Mark Patterson beehive-shaped – the first one is many more. It certainly seems historian suggested that Cahir mention a tunnel in Bishop Street, several yards from the entrance, that there are at least several in could easily have used this way, in Derry City, I recalled that my the second is at the other end of Derry. When I asked my friends for one of its branches leads to brother, Seamus had told me the passage, and it leads into the if they had ever heard of any, I Coshquin and then he would be about one that was there years third smaller similarly shaped found that between folk memory near his home at Burt. Perhaps… ago. Later I saw an illustration in space. It is possible to stand and discovery through the years When archaeologist, Professor ‘Derry Columbkille’ (1898). The upright at the end of the passage some sites could be pinpointed. Cormac McSparron examined picture showed the martyrdom This underground passage is the best-preserved part of Priest’s of the Dominican Friars in the ancient. It may have been used Derry Walls Lane, he told us that it was ancient, basement of the town hall, at the for storage or for hiding during a One friend had heard of a perhaps even 1,500 years old. Was Diamond, and I wondered if the raid. Its proximity to the church tunnel which started inside the the tunnel as old as that? tunnel had been near that. at Greenhill may suggest a Derry Walls and led to the “big One of my friends told me that I began to think of some connection but, indeed, it could house at the park”. Was this the when an old Georgian house other tunnels. According to be more ancient. It could also be former Gwynn’s Institute? Or was collapsed, a tunnel was found but tradition, an underground connected in some way to the it the former Rosemount Cottage investigation was not permitted. passage connects Castleross and long tunnel between Castleross beside Warke’s Lane? This was near the traditional Greenhill, both of which are in and Greenhill. It is interesting that Rosemount ‘Franciscan Gort’ and Francis the parish of Desertegney. The A tunnel was discovered during cottage was on a site which was Street. former Castle was the home of work near Dunree but, because much higher than the streets Historian, Father Pat Quinlan, Eamon ODoherty, a grandson of of respect for ancient structures, around it and it is the highest OFM, found no evidence of a Conor an Einach. I had read that it was closed up again without point in the Rosemount area. Franciscan Monastery in the only the foundations remained. investigation. Years ago, Seamus pointed this city, but said that there had been It was easy to get permission to We are told that there is a tunnel out to me as he thought that it a Franciscan house in it. The investigate, as the site was on my connecting Northburg Castle, on could have been an important site Georgian house may have been brother’s farm, and my son and I the bank of Lough Foyle, with the in ancient times. built on that site. found part of them under some remains of the little church in a Most of the Derry tunnel sites Local tradition holds that St whin bushes. roadside field around the corner. that I have heard about are near St Eugene’s Cathedral is built on Nearby, I discovered tiny Northburg was built by Richard Columb’s Cathedral, which is on part of the Franciscan gort. The stalagmites coming up through De Burgh in 1305. I do not know an ancient site at the highest point Georgian house was almost the grass. This is limestone when the church was built, but in Derry City. This site has been facing the Model School, the country, and the architect who if there is a tunnel it must begin used since ancient times. back of which is at the park so the designed the nearby Star of on ground near the Castle as From the Celtic period on, there tunnel may have branched from the Sea Church decided that St that is built on rock. There is a have been churches in Derry, and the longer one. Egney’s Hermitage could have considerable distance between during the Plantation era there I would like to discover more been a limestone cave and so he the two places, so it would be were some monasteries which about the tunnels, but I would planned the interior to look like necessary for the tunnel to be had been in place for centuries. not like to go into them. I have a big one. high enough and safe enough, as Then came the Reformation, only been in two underground On the shore, near the castle it would not be possible to walk when monks and religious passages in my life. One was the site, there is a little beach and in a crouched position for such a who remained faithful to their souterrain at Greenhill and the nearby a cave with a square distance. The air quality would beliefs were persecuted and other was one of the catacombs in entrance. It is said that a man need to be good. martyred. Some of the tunnels Rome. The entrance was low and who was playing a fiddle went in Once on a Donegal Historical may have been used as escape the first part of the passage was there and never came out again. Society outing, we were told the routes from their monasteries steep, then the gradient decreased The story is also told about a following story at or abbeys. Unfortunately many and at the last part of the catacomb cave in Fanad, across the lough, Cloncha...long ago, monks were captured. Their buildings we were on level ground. We felt and other places. Is the tunnel a used a tunnel to journey from were destroyed and many of the a great sense of awe as we passed limestone cave? They can extend the monastic site at Carrowmore fine cut stones were used in the along; the memory of these early a long way. More likely it was to the other at Cloncha. If a building of Derry Walls. Christian Martyrs, who had constructed, but exactly where it monk had forgotten his book, Of course, escape was one of given their lives because of their is and its period are unknown. It he was able to send a message the uses for tunnels. Years ago, I true belief in Jesus and living as leads to Greenhill (Cre an Chill – by telling the monk behind him read a book by Brian Bonnar, in He had taught. Some of them one at Arigna...I recall visiting underground spaces where the the soil of the church). The church and it was passed on down the which he pointed out a way that were buried in little coffins in the the Arigna Museum on my way chiefs and their warriors were here was built after the attacks on line. Our guide thought this was Cahair O’ Doherty could have walls of the Catacombs. After we home from Drumshambo one sleeping until the time came the one at Dunree. After the Celtic only a made up story to indicate escaped from the city. Not very far turned a corner in the level part, time...and the Silver mines, like for them to awake and protect period, the Augustinians were in that there were many monks in from where he lived there was a we saw the tombs of others behind the one near Gortahork - there their territory once more. These charge, and then the established the two monasteries. However cellar door, which opened into an wire mesh. Of course, the whole had been exploratory shafts near legends may suggest that in church used it. After that, it was last year, bog oak artist, Mary underground passage and this, in corridor had lighting. my brother-in-law’s home at their actual lifetime, they did returned to the Catholics and its Doherty who had grown up in turn, emerged near a pilgrimage At different periods throughout Keeldrum, and his sister fell into have underground shelters into walls were rebuilt. the area told me that her father route which had several branches. the centuries, Christians have one, but was rescued unharmed. which they could hide from their Not far from the Greenhill site had always told them that story. When I heard about the tunnel been tortured and martyred for There were also the gold mines, enemies when there was too much there is a souterrain. A flagstone When the Bernician Studies to the house at Brooke Park, I their faith. The hidden Christians like the one at Glentogher that we danger. I wonder if geophysics will covers its entrance and inside it Group investigated the area, they thought surely this is it. in Japan were hunted and executed passed on the way from Quigley’s ever detect one of these places. is necessary to move in a stooped found that tunnel. When I was a child, Warke’s for the same few hundred years as Point to Carndonagh. We will never know the manner. It has a flagged roof and I was told that there is a tunnel Lane, which was short, led to Park the Irish and British were during There were tunnels as well by complete stories of mankind’s floor and stone- built corbelled connecting an early monastic site Avenue and Rosemount factory. the Reformation. which prisoners escaped or tried activity in the tunnels and walls. There are three rooms and a fort site in Co Derry. And, There was a route near the factory There were other kinds of to escape from custody. And then underground spaces, but we do which are also corbelled and are of course, there are probably that led to Priest’s Lane. The tunnels – the coal mines, like the there are the little stories about know that they are many.

Some May memories... by Vera McFadden THE month of May holds many ...My daughter’s birth in the ...The May altar in my daughter’s through the wood in Fatima. beautiful memories for me... Mater Hospital, Belfast. bedroom every year. ...Visiting the tombs of Jacinta ...My children’s First ...My five-year-old son singing a and Francesco. ...The bunch of flowers tied to the Communions. hasty “The young May moon is ...The increased awe at the beauty top of a post in the garden fence ...The church in the Cova at beaming, love” at St Paul’s feis of nature – the skies, the wood - a remnant from an ancient Fatima. in Belfast; he was far too young the trees, the shrubs and hedges, festival? ...The Rosary decade and hymns but so badly wanted to perform. the flowers, the birdsong and ...My First Communion. in the school hall during the ...Rosary Processions. flights and the rest in May ...Picking beautifully scented May month of May. ...The Statue of Our Lady of the during lock down. flowers before the lawnmower ...The candlelight procession at Rosary at the Cova in Fatima. destroyed them. Fatima. ...The Stations of the Cross THE NET | MAY 2021 29

Golden Rose - Our Lady of Knock by Fr Joseph Varghese

“Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland, ranging in age from five to 74, saw Lamb of God, who sacrificed his the Word” passage, the great all my cares and troubles cease, as the event, while 15 gave testimony own life so we might be saved. theological prologue to the Good we kneel with love before you, Lady to what they had witnessed. These It may be that the apparition News of the Gospels. Others of Knock, my Queen of Peace…” included Mary O’Connell and was a reward for how steadfast think it is the Book of Revelation Patrick Byrne, who again gave the people had been in prayer, and that John is reminding people I have been greatly impressed by evidence to a further enquiry despite the heartache they had of the end times. the beautiful reverential hymn, in 1936. One of the visionaries, suffered. Ireland is renowned for However we interpret the ‘Lady of Knock’, or ‘Golden Bridget Trench, told those its devotion to the Blessed Virgin, apparition, it was a unique Rose’. It is often sung on special enquiring that she was so taken and St Joseph and John the manifestation of the Holy Family, occasions such as weddings, with the Blessed Virgin that she Evangelist found great favour too, the original family of Mary, funerals or as the final hymn paid little attention to the others so it could be that they appeared Joseph and Jesus, and later with after the liturgical celebrations, in the apparition. in a supportive role. the protection of St John. It is especially in Ireland. It was At the centre of the gable of Irish people are most grateful also a powerful depiction of the written and recorded by a famous the church, the witnesses saw that both Pope John Paul II and Eucharist through the presence of Derry singer called Dana, who is an altar and on it a Lamb, sized Pope Francis visited Knock in the Lamb of God. So, while Mary Rosemary Scallon (nee Brown). as it was about months old. The 1979 and 2018 respectively. Just did not speak, the apparition itself We are all aware of the great Lamb was facing in the direction last month, on March 19, Pope spoke volumes about the faith – Marian Shrines throughout the of Our Lady, John the Evangelist Francis formally elevated Knock the centrality of the Eucharist, the world, including Lourdes, Fatima and St Joseph. Behind the Lamb Shrine from a national to an queenship of the Blessed Mother, and Medjugorje, but Ireland has was a large Cross on the altar. International sanctuary in what the patronage of St Joseph, and the her own Marian Shrine in the There was universal agreement he referred to as “an important preaching of the Good News. The small village of Knock, in Co that Blessed Mother didn’t speak moment in its history.” From hymn, ‘Our Lady of Knock’, tries Mayo, in the West of Ireland. during the time but stood about now on the shrine will be titled to reflect some of these meanings. Of course, I knew little about two feet above the ground with ‘The International Sanctuary of There are many reasons why Fr Joseph with his friend, Mary Dolan, at Knock Knock when I was training for her head turned towards heaven Special Eucharistic and Marian the month of May is set aside to ‘Mediator Dei’, highlighting it as a the Holy Spirit to us at Pentecost the priesthood in my native in prayer. She wore a beautiful Devotion’. honour Mary, Mother of God. practice of particular importance to be our guide, our comforter Kerala, in India. However, since golden crown, and her dress Like many traditions from pre- and dignity. The fact that Mary is and advocate, following His coming to Ireland to minister was sparkling white. A bearded Unique Christian times, there was almost the Mother of the Church makes return to the Father. to the Syro-Malabar faithful in Joseph was standing to Mary’s The apparition at Knock was a seamless transition to a current her the perfect guide, inspiration The May Altar is especially Ireland and to work in St Eugene’s left and raised about a foot above unique in many ways. The Blessed Christian practice. May had been and example to all who wish to popular in Ireland, where many Cathedral, St Columba’s Long ground, while John the Evangelist Virgin did not speak. She was a month dedicated to an Ancient serve God and man while tuning homes and schools create a small Tower, Waterside parishes and St stood to her right, holding a book accompanied by St Joseph, John Greek goddess, Artemis, while in to the power of the Holy Spirit. space to display a statue of our Patrick’s Dungiven, in the Derry as if teaching and about the same the Evangelist and, of course, the the Romans later chose to honour Pope Leo XIII referred to the Holy Blessed Mother Mary, surrounded Diocese, I have found out a lot height above ground level as St Lamb. Surrounding the altar, Flora, the goddess of flowers and Spirit as the soul of the Church by pretty flowers, with primroses about ‘Knock’ and its importance Joseph. there were moving angels. It has blossoms in the same month. It and believed that all of the work of featuring prominently along with in the minds of the faithful here. At the time, the people of Knock been pointed out that the lamb would appear that May would be the Church and the involvement local wildflowers, lovingly picked It is a fascinating story of a had suffered greatly from political was on the altar at the place on a really appropriate month to be of the Blessed Mother are brought by excited children. In that way, Marian apparition almost 142 and religious oppression, and had the wall that was directly opposite dedicated to Mary as, for us, it is to life by the Holy Spirit. children are actively involved in years ago, on August 21, 1879, in endured the devastating famine the tabernacle in the old church. the month when the earth springs This year, to mark the World creating their own little shrine to a village in Co Mayo. It was a wet which had claimed many lives, Mary wore a crown indicating her into bloom and we see the beauty Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope venerate our Blessed Mother. and dismal evening, about seven so times were pretty difficult. In queenship, a title that is honoured of nature emerging from the Francis has given us a message Let ‘Golden Rose - Queen of o’clock, when some inhabitants some ways, it could be compared in the fifth Joyful Mystery of the bleakness of winter. New growth, to reflect on where he links the Ireland’ inspire us, and “the saw a light shining on the gable to the present time and the Rosary. longer days and the heat of the vocation of every Christian to Lamb will conquer, and the wall of the local chapel and when problems caused by the global St John, who was wearing the sun bring a positive attitude to the unique vocation of St Joseph, woman clothed in the sun will they endeavoured to find out what Covid-19 pandemic. There is a mitre of a bishop, was holding our way of thinking. patron of the Church. In his shine Her light on everyone.” was happening, they discovered fear and uncertainty in the air and what looked like the book of the This wonderful practice ofapostolic letter, ‘Patris Corde’ These are sentiments that should three adults, reputed to be Blessed many people have turned back to Gospels. Some think that this honouring Mary during May has (‘With a Father’s Heart’), the strengthen us in faith, hope and Mary, St Joseph, her husband, and prayer in the belief that the Holy indicates that he was reading from for many decades been openly Holy Father encourages us to be love at a time when we need such John, the Evangelist, and there Family will help us through. and preaching about the opening encouraged and recommended by inspired by the example of St affirmation, just like our forebears was a lamb standing on an altar. It is thought that the Lamb seen of his own gospel account, the successive Popes. Pope Pius XII Joseph in this year dedicated to his in Knock in 1879. Several people, male and female, on the table represents Jesus, the famous “In the beginning was referred to it often in his encyclical honour. As promised, Jesus sent Columba Community celebrates 40 years of ministry by Jacklyn Roberts ANNIVERSARIES are times of the original vision and call to build and darkness of addiction, we have that would try to shape our lives looking back and looking forward. Basic Christian Community and been accompanied by generous and He will never be outdone in What hope and excitement to be people committed to prayer, people who have given their generosity when, in sincerity, we there was when Columba House reconciliation and evangelisation. time, talents, finance and, most seek to do His will. was opened and blessed at an Over the years, these pillars have importantly, prayer. He has taught us that when we ecumenical gathering on June 9, been the banner statements we In our ministry, the people we fail, His mercy is always available 1981. have lived by and developed in all have been privileged to support, and that the “deep interior joy” It is important to record that the our centres – St Anthony’s Retreat have challenged and encouraged and trust in Him, as the Rule of Community was blessed by a word Centre, White Oaks Rehabilitation us to return to prayer, the source Columba states, will lead us into of life shared from the Spirit... Centre and the Iosas Centre and from which anything good comes. the freedom of the children of God “Listen to the prayer and entreaty Celtic Prayer Garden. The Lord has taught us about as promised in scripture. of your servant, Yahweh my God; God has lavishly provided for us depending on Him, listening We have always been a listen to the cry and to the prayer in the people He has sent to us, in in prayer for the prompting of Community of about 20 people, your servant makes to you. Day the places He has given to us and, the Holy Spirit, being fed by the with an Auxiliary Community of and night watch over this house, most importantly, in how He has Eucharist, breaking the Word and about 100, and a larger, friends of over this place in which you have revealed the depth of His love and reading the signs of the times. We the Community group. We take promised to make a home for graciousness to us. have been blessed by the Baptism our prayer of commitment on Columba Community founder, Fr Neal Carlin, in the Community’s Celtic Prayer Garden. your name…May your eyes be How privileged we are to have in the Spirit experience and have Holy Thursday, promising to pray open and your ears attentive to been invited to serve and to be grown in the use of the gifts, freely daily with the scriptures, offer Columba, as we celebrate the seek the Lord, He will open up new the prayer offered in this place.” (2 part of His great plan for building given by the Spirit, to build up the our time in service of others and 1500th anniversary of his birth. pathways that will allow us to serve Chronicles 6) the Kingdom of love, peace and Body of Christ. we tithe to support the works of The last words he was reputed in His name. We pray that He will We can testify that God has justice where the poor and those We have learned that the the Community. Over the years, to have written were from Psalm use us to assist new and emerging honoured this word, listened to on the margins are welcomed prophetic road is often lonely, people have come and gone as 34: “Those who seek the Lord communities, fired by the Spirit, our prayers and we have been and experience the warmth of His misunderstood and sometimes their circumstances have changed. shall want for no manner of good bringing renewal and healing in privileged to see His hand at work embrace through their brothers harshly judged by others. In our We have been enriched and thing.” What confidence this gives our land. in the ordinary and extraordinary and sisters. life as Community, these were the learned from every person the us for the future! Father we believe, Jesus we events of our Community life. In serving the prisoners, living times when we experienced the Lord has sent to us. We pray with expectant faith believe, Spirit we believe in you. As founder of the Community, Fr reconciliation at the height of the Lord’s hand powerfully upon us. As a Community of 40 years, that in the next stage of our Amen. Neal Carlin has kept us faithful to Troubles, serving those in the grip His hand is above all the hands we look to our patron Saint, development, as we continue to 30 THE NET | MAY 2021 I am with you always, yes to the end of time by Fr Johnny Doherty, CSsR ON May 30, the last Sunday of Jesus said to His disciples: “It is His team of disciples because the life with joy and hope and love. and strength this promise of Jesus God’s love for them this month, we celebrate the Feast to the glory of My Father that you task of transforming the world This sense of joy extends out from is for us as His followers. He is • Baptise them in the name of of the Most Holy Trinity. We have should bear much fruit.” is so vast, and because each of the Church of the home to the with us in so many ways – in the the Father and of the Son and of been preparing ourselves for this When we think of faith, we us has our own unique gifts and community of the parish, so that Sacraments, in the Eucharist, in the Holy Spirit - flood the world great feast for over six months generally think of our faith in opportunities for the task. the world may believe that Jesus is our prayers. But Jesus is with us with the presence and the love of – ever since the First Sunday in God. Jesus reveals God’s faith Our responsibility is to say yes to the Son of God. especially in our love relationships God Advent, on November 29, 2020. in us, and the trust He puts in His call and take our part in His of marriage and family life. • Teach them to observe all As followers of Christ, we do not us to show His love to the world mission. As always, this begins Week 4 (May 23–29) - Come, He is also with us in our faith the commands I gave you – it just believe that there is a God. We in which we live. We “bear in our homes with the most Holy Spirit community of the parish. In fact, is so important to remember believe that the true God is Father, much fruit” for God by the way intimate relationships of human Jesus said to His disciples: that is the meaning of being a that Jesus summarised all the Son, and Holy Spirit. And we we love one another, first of all life, to make those the best they “Peace be with you. As the Father parish – a people among whom commandments into: love of God believe that on the word of Jesus in our homes and then in our can possibly be. This week we can sent me, so am I sending you.” Jesus lives. with our whole hearts and love as Christ. This is a total act of faith community. refresh our enthusiasm and joy in Then He breathed on them and And the wonderful thing is one another because our reason cannot reach Each of us has the responsibility to being chosen for our families, our said: “Receive the Holy Spirit.” that Jesus is always present to • Know that I am with you anywhere near this truth. All we constantly practice all the qualities community and for the world we As we celebrate Pentecost in our our world through us. We have always, yes to the end of time – it can do is submit ourselves in awe of love – kindness, gentleness, live in. homes and faith communities, a serious responsibility to build is from this promise that we gain to this God who, though totally compassion, understanding, there are two qualities we need to our homes and our parishes into our hope and confidence and the complete, is weak with love for us. forgiveness, encouragement, Week 3 (May 16–22) - The develop – peace and energy. real living communities of faith, strength to love all of humanity. We have simply to let this praise, thanksgiving, and so Ascension of Christ into Heaven Peace is Christ’s desire for us hope and love, so that Jesus can knowledge take us over and on. Our homes and our faith Jesus said to His disciples: as we journey with Him and bring salvation to our world and let ourselves be pursued by communities should be places “Go out into the whole world; with one another. But peace is so that our God, Father, Son, and this wonderful lover and find where everyone can be glad to proclaim the Good News to all not a passive thing. Rather it is a Holy Spirit, may be praised and ourselves taken out of our tiny be and can know God’s love and creation.” dynamic way of life. We are to be glorified. little worlds into the vast world of praise God’s name. Because of all that has been His witnesses in the world, and God’s love. happening in the Church in recent so He gives us His Holy Spirit, so Conclusion: Jesus’ five Week 2 (May 9-15) - The Spirit years, we can feel despondent that we can have the energy we commands Five Sundays of May – Four of God’s love about the future. Today’s feast need in order to witness through In the Gospel passage for the Stepping Stones Jesus said to his disciples: “You of joy and gladness is a call to us love. Our love is developed and Feast of The Most Holy Trinity, The first four Sundays of May did not choose me; no, I chose to look up with confidence and practiced in marriage and family Jesus gives His disciples His are like the final stepping stones you.” know the power of Christ for the life and extended to the life of the five Commandments for their for us to take as we embrace the Anybody who is involved in a world in which we live. In spite faith community. journey of faith: God of Jesus Christ as our God team sport will know the tension of the sinfulness of His people, • Go – go forward even though and let our God embrace us as there is in wondering if they will Christ is at work and can – and Week 5 (May 30–June 5) - Most we might want to remain as we God’s holy people, living in faith, be picked for the team, and then will – overcome. Holy Trinity are, or we might want to go back hope and love. the delight when they are picked Our task is to let the world know Jesus said to His disciples: to certain securities or the utter disappointment when His love and salvation, not just by “Know that I am with you always; • Make disciples of all nations - Week 1 (May 2–8) - Christ, the they are not. word, but especially by the way yes to the end of time.” be attractive to everyone so that true vine Jesus has picked each of us for we live in marriage and family What a wonderful consolation they will want to come to know Fr Johnny Doherty Act of Consecration of The Family to The Divine Mercy

O Jesus, you showed us Your infinite compassionate love by exhausting the very last drop of blood and water from Your body. From this day forward, with full confidence, we entrust our families to Your Divine Mercy. We abandon our past, our present and our future. We place into your wounds all of our wounds which are caused by lack of love, understanding and trust. Jesus, expel Satan and all evil from our families, free us from the consequence of sin and protect us from further harm. Heal our wounds. May our families learn to venerate Your Divine Image that they will never perish but experience Your loving mercy. Amen.

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Successful applicants will have • Minimum 100 counselling Providing marriage and an opportunity to follow a 16 hours post-graduation? relationship counselling to day Level 6 / Level 8 Certificate • A current supervised caseload? couples or individuals in a couple programme in Couples If you can answer yes to all relationship, ACCORD NI Counselling (in-person/blended four questions above, please Counsellors are professionally learning), and a further 105 hours contact ACCORD for further trained in Couples Counselling, training in online and telephone information about this unique and the organisation is now counselling with individuals and Couples Counselling training offering a unique opportunity couples, with an external provider package – www.accord.ie. to train to Level 6 (UK)/Level commissioned by Accord. The final date for receipt of 8 (RoI) as a specialist Couples Do you have: applications is June 7. THE NET | MAY 2021 31 Children’s Catechism Club - C3 by Veronica Harley Hello children. Welcome to the month of May. This month is save us from the fires of hell, fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:42; CCC dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We offer up special prayers lead all souls to heaven, 2676). While Elizabeth and Mary and devotion to Mary who always leads us to Jesus especially those in most need of Thy greeted each other, the baby boy mercy. in Elizabeth’s womb leapt for joy. them that soon they would receive (Our Lady at Fatima, 13th July 1917) He would later be called John the the power of the Holy Spirit and to Baptist. go to preach the Good News of His Saints of the month Elizabeth asked Mary, “Why Resurrection to the whole world. St James & St Philip, Apostles – May 3 should I be honoured with a visit After Jesus ascended, an angel St Matthias – May 14 from the Mother of my Lord?” Mary appeared and promised that one day St Philip Neri – May 26 responded in humility and spoke of Jesus would return. St Augustine of Canterbury – May 27 how God had blessed Her so richly. “Holy is His name”, Mary exclaimed. During Her visit, the Blessed Virgin Mary brought many graces to Her cousin Elizabeth’s house. St John the Baptist, while still hidden in his mother’s womb was cleansed of original sin. His father, Zechariah, who had lost his voice, got his speech There are traditional customs back after John was born. Saint which show our love for Mary. was witnessed by 70,000 people. Elizabeth was filled with the gifts of One is the making of a May Altar. It is called The Miracle of the Sun. the Holy Spirit. A statue of Our Lady is placed on Everyone could stare perfectly at Mary remained at Elizabeth’s a table and surrounded by fresh the sun without blinking or hurting house for three months before flowers. Another custom is the their eyes. The sun rotated in the sky, returning to Nazareth. Crowning of Mary as the Queen became large and small, drew close of Heaven, by placing flowers on a to the people and then far away from statue of Our Lady. The Visitation of the Pentecost them. Everyone who saw this said Pentecost is celebrated 50 days, We also honour Mary on two Blessed Virgin Mary that the sun was dancing. It was an or the seventh Sunday after the beautiful feast days during May. The Ascension “My soul proclaims the greatest of extraordinary event that even made Resurrection of Jesus on Easter, and On May 13, we celebrate the Feast How well do you know the story of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God unbelievers fall to their knees and concludes the Easter season. The of Our Lady of Fatima. It is the the Ascension? my Saviour, because he has looked beg God for forgiveness. word ‘Pentecost’ means fifty and anniversary of the Blessed Virgin’s See if you know which are true and upon the lowliness of his servant, yes The message Our Lady brought marks the descent of the Holy Spirit appearances to three little shepherds which are false. from now onwards all generations to Fatima still applies today. She on the apostles. For this reason it in Fatima. During six apparitions in will call me blessed”. (Luke 1:46-48). asked that everyone should pray the is often called ‘the birthday of the 1917, Our Lady asked the children 1. Jesus appeared to His disciples The Feast of the Visitation of the Rosary every day to overcome evil Church’ (CCC 1076). for prayer and penance to bring for forty days after He rose from the Blessed Virgin Mary is May 31. in the world. Centuries earlier, Our At Pentecost, Mary, accompanied about conversion in the world. The dead. Visitation means ‘to visit’. The Angel Blessed Mother Mary had given us by a couple of other women, and the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed 2. When Jesus was with His Gabriel told Mary that Her cousin, the Rosary, a very powerful weapon, disciples were in an upper room in Virgin Mary is on May 31. On this disciples after He rose from the dead, Elizabeth was going to have a baby to keep us safe from harm in this a house in Jerusalem. While they day, we remember how Mary, while they could only see Him but they boy, so Mary set off at once to visit world. The Rosary is like the sling- prayed together, a strong wind came carrying her Son Jesus within Her, could not touch Him. Elizabeth. shot of King David that killed the up with a loud noise and flames of went to visit Her cousin, Elizabeth, 3. Jesus did not tell His friends that Mary, too, was expecting a baby, mighty enemy, because the power fire came to rest above the heads of to offer charitable assistance and to He was going to leave them. Baby Jesus. When She arrived at of God was behind it. When we pray the apostles. Immediately, they were tell of God’s great mercy. 4. Jesus promised that He would Elizabeth’s house, the Holy Spirit the Rosary, we have the power of inspired and filled with courage We continue to celebrate the Easter send the Holy Spirit. revealed to Elizabeth that Mary God in our hands, which protects and strength to go and spread the season and, with Spring upon us 5. No one saw Jesus rise into the sky was going to become the Mother and guards us and leads us to God. Word of God. On that first Pentecost blossoming forth new life, we wait and disappear into a cloud. of God. Elizabeth greeted Mary O my Jesus, Sunday, over 3,000 people were eagerly for the marvellous feast of 6. Two men appeared to the with the words “Blessed art thou forgive us our sins, converted and baptised. Pentecost; the descent of the Holy disciples and said, “Men of Galilee amongst women and blessed is the Spirit and the beginning of the why are you looking at the sky?” 13. Which singer recorded the 2016 album, ‘Stranger to Church. During this month, we will Answers: with Lawrence also celebrate the Ascension of Jesus 1. True, 2. False, 3. False, 4. True, 5. False, 6. True Quiz Time Stranger’ at the age of 75? 14. What is the largest city in the English county of into Heaven and Trinity Sunday. 1. Which country is the world’s largest producer of Somerset? The month of May is bursting with Olive Oil? Our Lady of Fatima 15. Which author’s real name was Samuel Langhorne 2. By what name is the fictional character, Patrick Christian joy. The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Clemens? Clifton better known? 16. Name the 2015 winner of Great British Bake Off, who Mother of God, appeared six times 3. What colour are the seats in the House of Commons? has gone on to become a published author and have The Ascension of Jesus to three shepherd children, Lucia, 4. Which actress plays the lead role in the new comedy her own national TV cookery show? Francisco and Jacinta. Between thriller series ‘Flight Attendant’? (CCC 659) 17. The ferry from Rosslare docks in which French port May 13 and October 13, 1917, She 5. In what year were Leeds United last English football “Then He took them out as far as city? came to the little village of Fatima, champions? the outskirts of Bethany and, raising 18. According to legend, how many warriors hid inside 6. The national flag of Belgium features three colours - His hands He blessed them. Now as in Portugal. Our Lady brought the Wooden Horse of Troy. red, yellow and which other? He blessed them, He withdrew from a special message from God for 19. How many time zones are there in India? 7. Which band had two UK Number 1 singles in 2005 everyone to hear. She promised that 20. 2021 is the Chinese year of what animal? them and was carried up to heaven” with ‘All about you’ and ‘I’ll be ok’? the world would be at peace and 21. Which Charles Dickens book begins with the line, ‘It (Lk 29:50). The Ascension of Jesus is 8. Which TV presenter recently released the debut was the best of times, it was the worst of times...’? a mystery of faith. It always falls 40 many souls would go to heaven if novel, ‘The Thursday Murder Club’? 22. Which snooker player was the subject of the TV show days after Easter, which is a Thursday, people listened to Her requests and 9. In which country was Derry nun, Sister Clare Crockett ‘This is Your Life’, despite being just 21 years of age? but most parishes now celebrate this obeyed them. Her three requests killed in a 2016 earthquake? 23. Approximately, how many metres are there in a were penance, prayer and devotion 10. Who played Hyacinth Bucket in the TV series ‘Keeping important feast on the following mile? to Her Immaculate heart. Up Appearances’? Sunday. The word ‘Ascension’ 24. What is the highest value hand in a game of 3-card 11. What is the highest individual mountain in Ireland? means to go up, and on this day we Our Lady told the three children Brag? 12. Based at the famous ‘Lord’s’ ground in London, what remember how the earthly body that a great sign from heaven would 25. Molasses are derived from the refinement process does MCC stand for? of Jesus went up into Heaven. Jesus happen so that everyone would of which root plant? was with his disciples on the Mount believe. This miracle took place in Quiz Answers: 1, Spain. 2, Postman Pat. 3, Green. 4, Kaley Cuoco. 5, 1992. 6, Black. 7, McFly. 8, Richard Osman. 9, Ecuador. 10, Patricia Routledge. 11, Carrauntoohil. 12, Marylebone Cricket Club. 13, Paul Simon. 14, Bath. 15, Mark Twain. 16, Nadia Hussain. 17, Cherbourg. 18, Forty. 19, Just one (IST). 20, The Ox. 21, A Tale of Two of Olives outside Jerusalem. He told Fatima on October 13, 1917, and Cities. 22, Stephen Hendry. 23, 1600 (1609 exact). 24, Three 3’s. 25, Sugar cane. 32 THE NET | MAY 2021

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