THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 1

ISSUE 67. JULY / AUGUST 2021 PRICE - £1.50 The NET /€2.00 Sharing fruits of faith in Diocese

See inside... “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Fr Clerkin’s Golden Jubilee – They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they will run and not grow weary, walk and

Fan the Flame – Buncrana not grow weak”. (Isaiah 40:31)

Youth Scholarship - Derry The late Fr Neal Carlin, founder of The Columba Community.

Remembering Fr Michael Collins Mass Rock celebration - Granaghan Derry Search pilgrimage – Knock Fr Stephen Kearney Award – Newtownstewart – Ballinascreen in focus in People

Emma Devine - Three Patrons Fr Kevin Mullan PP - Drumquin Fr Michael Canny - Waterside Fr Mike Spain ocd - Termonbacca Mgr Andy Dolan -

Also featuring: Termonbacca venue for Youth 2000 Summer Festival, Youth writers section; Celebrating grandparents & the elderly; Great vision for future ministry of Carmelites in Derry; Stations of the Cross find; Celebrating faith of ancestors at Mass Rocks; Preparing for the Season of Creation; Blessed Is She Retreat; Children’s Catechism Club; Quiz and much more. 2 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 Bishop Donal reflects on the prayer intentions of Pope Francis for July and August... Contents Be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship “We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and CopiesParish of ‘The Net’ will deliveries be available in parishes again after restrictions, as a result of Covid-19, are lifted. passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.” (July: Universal intention - Social friendship) Reflections on Pope’s prayer intentions for July & August by Bishop Donal...... p2 ONE of the great symbols as the one who, in his own wrong, someone has to be gracious ways of dealing with Celebrating St Maria Goretti and the power of forgiveness of Derry City is the Peace body, has broken down the condemned for it, and pay for divisions. He has asked us to by Mary McMenamin...... p2 Bridge, opened on June 25, walls that divided Jews and it. Public discourse and social be architects of dialogue and Search family bond still strong 2011. It has been described Gentiles (Cf Ephesians 2:14). media comments can be friendship. He knows that despite Covid enforced separation...... p3 as two arms reaching out In his body he bridged the gulf. brutal and vicious. Sometimes bridge-builders will often Newtownstewart P7 Award in memory of Fr Stephen Kearney...... p3 from the banks of the Foyle God in Christ was reconciling conversations in church can be laughed at as traitors. He and meeting in the middle. the world to Himself and be bitter and angry. is aware that the path to the First Diocesan Youth Ministry Scholarship These two straining arms have has entrusted to us the news It is remarkably easy to see other side will not be straight. ends with day of celebration...... p4-5 enabled people to cross over. that they are reconciled (2 ‘-isms’ rather than people. But But he asks us to be experts Fan the Flame celebration...... p6-7 It is not straight, for the path Cor 5:19). It is not surprising Jesus saw individuals before in building bridges, and thus to peace has never been easy. that Jesus would say that the him, not labels. Those who to bear witness to what Jesus Southern sacramental situation – Bishop Donal...... p7 But its construction is a thing peacemakers are blessed (Mt love to label rarely have Jesus- has done. That is how the face Young writers share thoughts on... of beauty and it has changed 5:9). eyes. of the earth will be renewed, the landscape of the city for Social, economic and Pontiff comes from the word and how the Kingdom of God *Benefits of prayer in facing life’s challenges the better. The city can now political situations around Pontifex; a builder of bridges. will spread. *Impact of social media Pope Francis has consistently *The faith of ‘Doubting’ Thomas breathe with both of its lungs. the world can be very angry Bishop Donal *Pope’s call to “be like Peter and Paul, free but humble” Jesus is described by St Paul and tense. Whatever goes asked that we model graceful, *Is Catholic Education worth keeping in ? *The gift of older people in our lives...... p8-11

Celebration of Grandparents & the Elderly...... p11-15 Only a church that lives repentance can preach repentance Termonbacca to host Youth 2000 summer festival...... p15 “Let us pray for the Church, that She may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace and strength Cast your burdens at ‘Blessed Is She’ retreat by Aoife O’Neill...... p15 Preparing for Season of Creation to reform herself in the light of the Gospel.” (August: Intention for evangelization - The Church) by Patricia McCormack...... p15 THE document of the We are seeking renewal, not that the message about Christ ‘Evangeli Gaudium’: “God’s Irish Church in 2021?” Mass rocks powerful reminder of ancestors’ sacrifices Second Vatican Council on for our glory but so that we can changes. But it does mean that word is unpredictable in its If we are to be effective in to preserve the faith – Glenshane, Leckpatrick & Granaghan...... p16 the Church (Lumen Gentium) better be used as instruments we have to be ready to adapt to power...The Church has to making Jesus known and Prayer for Priests...... p16 says that the Church is “at the to evangelise the world. Thus, make us fit for mission. Only accept this unruly freedom of loved, we have to examine Pope’s monthly prayer intention...... p16 same time both holy and in the prophet Jeremiah could a church that lives repentance the word...in ways that surpass how hard we have been trying. Réalt na Mara - Irish Section by Fr Oliver Crilly...... p17 need of purification”. (LG 8) It be content that God could can preach repentance. our calculations and ways of Sometimes we can end up would be heresy to think that remake his people as a potter And the standard against thinking”. (EG22) trying to make ourselves Bellaghy celebrates Mgr Andy Dolan’s the Church is perfect. We are remakes a vessel that has which we measure ourselves And the Mass points clearly known and loved, and then we Golden Jubilee...... p18 saved by the grace of God and turned out wrong (Jeremiah is to be found in the scriptures. to the fact that we are called to miss the whole point of being Ballinascreen mark 100th anniversary not by our own efforts. That 18:4). The Word of God can open discern God’s call to renewal, Christ’s Church. of late Fr Michael Collins’ ordination...... p19 is why St Paul could say that The Church is constantly in our hearts if we listen to it not merely individually, but Pope Francis asks us to pray Sacristan shares childhood memory of Fr Collins...... p19 we are earthenware vessels need of renewal because we carefully. That is why the together. in August that we will let the Thornhill celebrates Golden Jubilee of Fr Colum Clerkin.p19 bearing a great treasure (2 Cor are all tempted to sin, just as scriptures are proclaimed each The synodal path in the Holy Spirit blow through the Fr Neal Carlin, founder of Columba Community, 4:7). Jesus was at the beginning of day and each weekend at Mass. Irish Church is merely an Church so make us fit for laid to rest...... p20 Thus, constant prayer for his public ministry. And the We are invited to be disciples, opportunity for renewal. It purpose in our time. Our Tribute to Fr Neal...... p20 renewal lies at the heart of all world in which we preach is learning from the Master. simply asks the question, sanctity lies in recognising our Drumquin celebrates Fr Kevin Mullan’s Golden Jubilee.p21 of our prayer. changing. That does not mean As Pope Francis wrote in “What is God asking of the need of God’s purifying grace. Last 40 years have been a blessing - Fr Michael Canny.p21

We are born to live in The Divine Will – Emma Devine.p22 Life’s tapestry by Fr Malachy Gallagher...... p22 Celebrating St Maria Goretti...and the power of forgiveness Fr Mike Spain ocd reflects on 40-year ministry that led him back to Derry...... p23 by Mary McMenamin Fr Stephen Quinn shares vision for future ministry of Carmelites in Derry...... p24 where he tried to force himself Peter’s crowd, to celebrate her of Lords and conqueror of sin dedication and consecration upon her. She told him that canonisation. He later became and death. The Assumption to Our Lady. This can be done Bearing witness to Jesus – the Way, the Truth and the Life...... p25 she would rather die than a lay brother of the Order of of the Blessed Virgin is a by doing our own personal One of the reasons we still have our faith offend God and he proceeded Friars Minor Capuchin, where singular participation in her act of consecration, or it can - Story on Tulacorr Mass Rock by Michael Devlin...... p25 to stab her several times. he lived in a monastery and Son’s Resurrection and an be preceded by a nine-day When she was dying, worked there until he died. anticipation of the resurrection preparatory novena in honour Discarded Stations of the Cross restored and multiplied thanks to two faith friends...... p26 she held no bitterness in St Maria’s concern for of other Christians’. of Our Lady and then the her heart and forgave her her enemy extended even This Feast Day, in particular, consecration on the feast day. Pope Francis and his critics attacker completely, wishing beyond death and we can see is a great time to renew our by Fr Stephen Quinn ocd...... p27 that his soul would be saved. the miracle her forgiveness Where have the treasures gone? Alessandro was sent to prison produced in his life. Her Consecration to the Immaculate Heart by Vera McFadden...... p28 for 30 years for the crime he life and example is an Rejoice and be glad committed. He remained encouragement for us to of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Fr Johnny Doherty CSsR...... p29 unremorseful until one night forgive others and pray that he had a dream, where he was others may do the same for us. Fun and Games O purest heart of Mary, filled with overflowing kindness, by Fr John McLaughlin ssc...... p30 in a garden and Maria gave him The Assumption of The some lilies which immediately Blessed Virgin Mary is show us your love. Let the flame of your heart, O Mary, Children’s Catechism Club – C3 St Maria Goretti burned in his hands. When celebrated on August 15. Let’s by Veronica Harley...... p31 descend on all people. We love you so. Impress your love he woke the next morning, he look at what the Catechism Quiz Time with Lawrence...... p31 WE have many beautiful was a changed man and began of the Catholic Church tells in our hearts so that we may always long for you. O feast days in our Liturgical living a reformed life. us about this amazing Feast year, but one particular saint Mary, gentle and humble of heart, stand by us when we When Alessandro was Day: ‘The immaculate Virgin, that I feel drawn to mention released from prison, he preserved free from all stain sin. You know that we are sinners. Grant that, through for the month of July is St went to see Maria’s mother of original sin, when the your pure and maternal heart, we shall all be healed of Maria Goretti. Her feast day is Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese and begged her forgiveness. course of her earthly life was celebrated on July 6. everything that makes our souls sick. Grant that we may Her mother replied, “If my finished, was taken up body Maria’s short life is an daughter can forgive you, who and soul into heavenly glory, always see the goodness of your mother’s Heart and that Contacting us: example for all of us and If you have a story that you would like to share or an event you am I to withhold forgiveness?” and exalted by the Lord as we may be converted through the flame of your heart. would like covered by The Net, just drop an email to especially the youth. At 12 On June 24, 1950, Maria Queen over all things, so [email protected] years old, Maria was attacked Amen was declared a saint and that she might be more fully or ring/text 07809292852 by her neighbour, Alessandro, Alessandro was there, in the St conformed to her son, the Lord THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 3 Search family bond still strong despite Covid enforced separation THE strong family-like bond and attended Mass, and the young wants to come along. It is not just and Pray’ programme has been within the Search Youth Group ones also had some free time to for those connected with Search. organised for Friday nights, in Derry has remained intact explore the area. Then on the We just walk out the line and back. followed by a four-week Girls’ for the duration of the Covid-19 way back home, we stopped in “Some of our young people Group on Thursday nights. restrictions and lockdowns, and Bundoran for a while”. join us and enjoy having little Hoping to resume their Search with the easing of restrictions in Caoimhe shared a couple of competitions, such as who is weekends in November, Caoimhe the numbers who can meet in and comments made by the young fastest at completing the walk, so it said that a team training session outdoors, the leaders and young people about their experience in has been a way of enabling them to for over 18s has been organised people have been enjoying coming Knock: “Erin said that the best come together. to take place in Termonbacca on together again, though in smaller part of the day for her was being “Sometimes some of our leaders July 28. numbers to start with. able to touch the gable wall where will bring their babies in prams She added: “This will involve an And, a group of them enjoyed a the Knock Apparition had taken or their young children, and we overnight stay. We will be doing pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, in Co place. She added that it had it had have had people come along on some training in preparation for Mayo, on Sunday, July 4, as part been great to experience such their bikes. It’s a lovely occasion our Search weekend that we hope of a late celebration of the youth an amazing place with everyone, to meet and chat with others, and to have in November, if restrictions group’s 35th anniversary. including her mummy. anyone who would like to join us allow. Search youth worker, Caoimhe “Jennifer commented on the is welcome.” “Search means Search for Christ Mahony explained: “Last year was peacefulness and stillness she had Easing back into the Search and so we want to use this time the 35th anniversary and, as part of felt while there, and said that it was programmes, Caoimhe said: “We to journey with the young people the celebrations, we wanted to take great to be together with everyone are currently running limited with regards to their spiritual a group of young people to Knock a s w e l l .” programmes, involving 15 young development, and we will also to mark the first trip there, which Delighted to now be able to people on Thursday nights and the be covering such areas as Child had led to Martin McLaughlin meet up with the young people, same on Friday nights. These have Protection and the latest Covid getting involved in setting up Caomihe talked about how the been happening since guidelines guidelines.” Search in Derry, in 1985. leaders had kept in contact with permitted 15 to meet indoor, with “However, we couldn’t go them during the lockdowns, social distancing to keep people last year because of Covid-19 saying: “I went from door-to-door safe”. restrictions. So, on the 36th to keep engaged with them, and While the usual summer scheme anniversary this year, we took a we also had Zoom calls to keep the will not be running this year, a 50-seater bus to the Shrine. Those connection”. mini-programme is planned for who went included some of the She added: “Since the restrictions 14-18 year olds, with day trips youth leaders and young people, were eased about the numbers away to Enniskillen to climb the as well as some of the wider who could meet outdoors, we have ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and to the Search family who keep connected had a walking group that meets on beach. They will also be taking a through our community prayer Monday nights, at 7 pm, at the old group to visit the Tulacorr Mass meeting. railway station. Rock in the Leckpatrick Parish, in “It was the usual Knock “There is a core group of about Strabane. pilgrimage – we prayed the Rosary 10, but it is open to anyone who In addition, a four-week ‘Paint

Parish of Ardstraw East introduces the Fr Stephen Kearney Award... The late Fr Kearney lives on in Newtownstewart P7 Award the Award is to acknowledge the and chair of the governors, seeing There are four recipients of the children’s contribution to the almost three school generations first ever Fr Stephen Kearney liturgical life of the parish during through to completion. TheAward. They are Oscar Canning their primary school years. They parishioners say it is fitting to and Ciabhan Kilpatrick, of St serve the Mass, lead the readings honour this great priest with an Patrick’s PS, and Grace Quinn and sing in the choir. annual award for the P7 children. and Melissa Tait, of St Eugene’s PS, The parish presents the Award Catholic education is all- Tyrcur. with the great hope that the encompassing. It includes They received their awards children will continue to be active liturgical training, so that the from Fr Roland Colhoun in their in the parish for years to come. children flourish in body, mind schools on Monday, June 21 2021 The name the Pastoral Forum and soul. Children who cultivate and brought the plaques to Mass has chosen is ‘The Father Stephen these liturgical skills have a deeper in Glenock on the following Kearney Award’, in honour of the prayer life and this will serve Sunday. At the end of Mass, the The late Fr Stephen Kearney. late parish priest. them well in their new schools, four children led the procession Fr Kearney (1944-2020) had and in whatever role they assume to the main door, for photographs NEWTOWNSTEWART has served in Ardstraw East for 18 later in the workplace. Active in the grounds of the church. introduced a new liturgical award years, from 1995 to 2013, and did participation in the liturgy also In attendance was Fr Kearney’s to the parish. The recipients are Trojan work in every aspect of promotes vocations to priesthood brother, Paddy Joe and sister-in- the Primary Seven children; the parish life. Regarding the school, and religious life. And each parish law. school leavers. The purpose of he was chaplain to the classes needs vocations. 4 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 Full of praise for the Diocesan Youth Ministry Scholarship programme, Bishop Donal told first successful participants... This is merely the beginning...God has great things in mind for you

Shaciara and her family, from the Parish of Iskaheen & Upper Moville Sarah Jane and her family, from the Parish. Zara and family, from St Eugene’s Parish, Derry.

THE first Derry Diocesantested. of Eucharist and Confession. The Youth ScholarshipYoung people interested in to message @derryyouth or Youth Ministry Scholarship “Thus, the message of St Thomas “Thomas discovered that he was Programme was led by Diocesan taking part in the next Diocesan #derryyouthministry or email has been a great success despite is not that you have to believe in loved by Jesus despite his doubts. Youth Coordinator, Lizzie Rea, Youth Scholarship are asked [email protected] the restrictions of Covid-19, God, or you are in trouble. The The sacrament of reconciliation who was full of praise for the and those who took part in the Gospel message is a challenge for entails discovering that we are commitment of the young people online programme during the you to dare to believe – in love and loved as we are despite our failings who completed the programme past year were treated to a special mercy, in eternity and holiness, – and that is amazing”. despite the challenges of the celebration at St Eugene’s, where even when that is hard and you are He continued: “Secondly, faith Covid-19 pandemic. they met in person for the first asked to do difficult things”. needs a community, other people And, along with Diocesan Youth time on July 3, the Feast of St He added: “Doubting Thomas who will walk with you, sharing Pastoral Leader, Yvonne Rooney, Thomas, the Apostle. teaches us that faith is not merely the journey with others with she was delighted that restrictions Welcoming the young people believing that God exists. That is whom you can share your dreams had been eased enough to enable and their families for Mass in the an intellectual argument. Faith and doubts. We are all disciples, this limited celebration of their Cathedral, for the first part of the involves falling in love. learners. On Easter Sunday, the achievement to go ahead, and to celebrations, Bishop Donal said “Pope Benedict put it as follows: young John and the older Peter bring them together face-to-face that he was delighted about the ‘Being Christian is not the result ran to the tomb. John got there first for the first time, with eight out of occasion for three reasons: it was of an ethical choice or a lofty idea but did not go in. Peter arrived and the 10 participants attending the great to celebrate the energy and but the encounter with an event, went in. We need the passionate Mass and continued celebration initiative of the young church in a person, which gives life a new enthusiasm of the young – and in the Cathedral Hall afterwards, the diocese; it was the Feast of St horizon and a decisive direction’. the experience of the old, who can which included their families. Thomas, whose passionate doubts, (Deus Caritas East, 1) help the young to put words on “These young people worked he said, echo something in all of “St John writes elsewhere, “We what they experience”. really hard throughout the year us; and it was the anniversary of have come to know and to believe Pondering what St Thomas and we wanted to mark this in his ordination to the priesthood 44 in the love of God for us.” (1 Jn might say to young believers who some way. We presented them with years ago. 4:16) had encountered the Risen Jesus, gifts of a Derry Youth Scholarship In his homily, Bishop Donal “Thomas has to meet the real Bishop Donal told the young half-zip top, a Mary’s Meals t-shirt pointed out: “The story of Thomas Jesus with the marks of his real people: “Firstly, handing on faith and Mary’s Meals book, as well as is included in the Gospel, not wounds,” continued Bishop Donal, means making disciples for Jesus a certificate. And, Bishop Donal because St John wanted to mock “Faith involves daring to believe and not just offering gimmicks added Pope Francis Rosary beads Thomas, but because a real faith that we are of eternal beauty and to get people back to Mass. to each of the gift bags. journey always entails an element value in God’s eyes. That is not Secondly, it involves young people “We had invited a representative of doubt. That was the experience easy in a culture which tells us that ministering to other young people. from Mary’s Meals, the Youth of the early church. All the apostles nothing is important or true except The Church will be renewed by Scholarship’s chosen charity for the doubted the women’s message that feeling good now – no matter how you, not me. year, to come along, and she spoke Jesus had risen. And then they miserable and stupid you will feel “Thirdly, faith, like love, is always to the young people and thanked stayed locked away in an upper tomorrow”. growing through challenges. them for their great support for the room in fear”. He went on to tell the young Otherwise, it is dying. charity. “If faith or faithfulness were easy,” people that growing in faith Fourthly, faith is not just a private “We also enjoyed eating some he told the young people, “then needed two things if it was to hobby. It has to bear fruit. The Domino’s pizzas and chatting there would be no challenge in it. survive “the cold blasts of cynicism church has always been renewed to the young people about what It is like all significant emotions. and consumerism”. by the passion of young people university they hoped to attend to Love is not just a nice feeling. In who founded movements and further their studies. And we look marriage and family, it often has to Prayer started something. forward to meeting up with them be a decision, even when you don’t “Firstly, it needs prayer,” “Finally, as Pope Francis said, again in December.” feel very loving. A crying baby at he noted, adding: “A loving ‘youth is more than simply a Following the success of this first 3 am or a sick family member call relationship needs time, honesty period of time; it is a state of mind’.” Youth Scholarship programme, for dedication, even when you and commitment. Faith will (Christus Vivit 34) Lizzie said they hoped to run it want to look after yourself, or you shrivel unless it is watered and Encouraging the young people again in the new school year. are too tired to care. fed. It needs the warmth of God’s “to be open to God’s outrageous “All being well, we hope to “That is why the ‘obey your thirst’ smile. And prayer is not merely dream”, he added: “I thank God introduce a residential element to and ‘let’s feel good’ messages are saying prayers. It means revisiting for this programme and all who the programme and have more so damaging. Muscles grow only that encounter with the person have seen it through. But it merely input from ourselves when we when they have been stretched of Jesus through personal prayer, marks the beginning of the next can introduce a bit of face-to-face and strained. Faith, hope and love through the sacraments and stage. God has great things in ministry, as the first programme Fionnuala, Grace, Shaciara and Kayleigh, with Caoimhe from Mary’s Meals, are real only when they have been especially through the sacraments mind for you”. was all delivered online.” the chosen charity for the year.

Hollie and family, from Melmount Parish, Strabane. Joshua and his family, from the Errigal Parish. Shaciara with Bishop Donal and Lizzie Rea. THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 5 Delighted to have been part of the first online Derry Youth Ministry Scholarship, Hollie Frystal writes... ‘Class of Covid’ meet in person to celebrate exciting and unforgettable experience LAST year, the Derry Youth my time as a scholarship student. Meals, the young people walked opportunity to ask the awkward Ministry team came up with a new One of which was our monthly 5 km each to raise money for questions at the webinars that were youth initiative. The scholarship meetings. their cause. Faith and prayer is hosted during Eastertide. was a programme that would As we all know, during Covid-19 a significant necessity in Mary’s Lastly, I highly encourage fellow consist of various commitments life was turned upside down and Meals’ mission, which is expressed young people to sign up for the and tasks, such as working we were living in a global crisis. so wonderfully through their 2021/2022 Derry Youth Ministry with a charity, gaining an OCN Most of the time, we were in hard work and determination. It Scholarship. It is a fantastic qualification in Leadership/Youth lockdowns, therefore, we could was a refreshing and eye opening opportunity to meet new people, Ministry Skills, faith, social media, not attend school, Mass or meet up experience, and I ask everyone to make new friends and, more and fun. with friends or family. The Derry keep them in their prayers and importantly, a chance to talk, This year, 10 young people from Youth Ministry scholarship helped support them in any way that they pray and laugh together as young across the Diocese completed the me to get through the coronavirus, can. people and as a friend of Christ. Scholarship and were awarded a while also supporting me in faith. Finally, in addition to having fun I feel privileged to have received certificate for their time, effort and I suppose it also cheered me up and growing in faith together, we one of the first Derry Diocesan dedication. Obviously, this year when times were challenging and also gained an OCN qualification Youth Ministry Scholarship half- was unique in many ways, and made my extra time worthwhile. in Youth Ministry/Leadership zip tops and am very proud to the Derry Youth Ministry team Secondly, I absolutely loved Skills. As Bishop Donal said in wear it. Wearing the crest brings thought outside the box on how working with Mary’s Meals. This his homily at our Mass, we have me a great sense of belonging and they could administer to young humble charity originated in the been assisted in our preparation it will always be something I’ll people from their homes amidst a highlands of , and was to become young and future have to look back on the time I had pandemic. founded by Magnus McFarland- leaders of our Church. Hence, the with the Scholarship. The result was the first ever Barrow in 1992, and dedicated to Church has always been renewed such scholarship...and completed Our Lady the Mother of Jesus. by communities, and I see the via Zoom. Thankfully, the ‘Class We chose to work with Mary’s scholarship as an opportunity for a of Covid’ has eventually met in Meals this year and, hands down, it group of people to ‘walk together’ person to celebrate and mark the is the most genuine and authentic in working collectively on a end of what was an exciting and charity I have ever got to know. common mission. unforgettable experience, in St It was an absolute privilege to I believe that the basis of the Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry. be working with Patricia and Derry Youth Ministry Scholarship On July 3, the Feast of St Thomas Caoimhe. I will forever support is faith and to enable young people the Apostle, we concluded Mary’s Meals and their excellent, to embark upon this concept of our scholarship with Mass, a clever and successful strategy of ‘Synodality’, making them present presentation, good craic and food. feeding and educating children in and included whilst the Church Reflecting on the past 12 months, I poor countries. moves forward. This was evident, have many favourite memories of To conclude our work for Mary’s when we received a very important Anyone remotely interested in Youth Ministry Scholarship should go for it by Zara Schlindwein AFTER a year of virtual found their work truly incredible, to when faced with worry or fundraisers, Zoom meetings and it was an honour to play a questions, but also a place full of and fun activities, I finally got to small part in their mission. laughter and craic. I believe that a meet up in person with the other We also adapted our skills set close community was built, and I members of the Derry Youth to face the challenges that the hope that it will last as time goes Ministry Scholarship when we pandemic brought. We provided on. gathered for a celebration at St Live Advent Reflections and We would not have been able Eugene’s on July 3. Pancake Tuesday Tutorials online to achieve this had it not been As the first class to undertake and enjoyed stepping outside of for the wonderful work of Lizzie the Scholarship, we wanted to do our comfort zones. Rea, the support of Bishop Donal something special to mark the end By taking part in these activities, McKeown and everyone who of a fantastic year. I thoroughly my confidence has hugelyhelped organise and make the enjoyed the experience. It provided increased when faced with public Derry Youth Ministry Scholarship me with many opportunities to speaking. We also worked closely so great. meet new people, explore my faith with Youth Link in preparation for So, I think it’s safe to say that and have fun too. the OCN course, which proved to I loved the Scholarship and I Looking back, we accomplished be immensely insightful. encourage anyone even remotely so many things, such as raising Besides that, the Derry Youth interested to go for it, because I money for Mary’s Meals, whom Ministry Scholarship gave believe that you will enjoy it just as we worked closely with all year. I everyone a place they could go much as I did. 6 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 Celebrating the annual Fan the Flame Mass, Bishop Donal told young Scoil Íosagáin, Buncrana people... You can set the world ablaze in your own beautiful way YOUNG people in Year 7 what life in the new school will be and Sixth Class, in primary l i k e”. Good Shepherd, Waterside and national schools around “It is a time,” he said, “when you the Diocese, tuned into Bishop can look back on lessons learned Donal’s celebration of the annual and friendships made, and look ‘Fan the Flame’ Mass in St Eugene’s forward to building on those Cathedral rather than the usual lessons”. colourful gathering in Celtic Park, Adding that it was also a time for with the continued Covid-19 them to start making big decisions restrictions. in their lives, Bishop Donal said: While the youngsters missed “I don’t just mean what subjects out on what is a highlight in you will study at school or who June each year for children in the you want to be friendly with. I Diocese who have just received mean that this is a time for you to the Sacrament of Confirmation, ask what ideals are going to guide “We have more modern figures not by being an idiot but by being the Diocesan Catechetical team your decisions in life. You will like Sr Clare Crockett from loving. Be outstanding for your managed to make it a special have many choices to make. How Derry, who dedicated her life to kindness and thoughtfulness. occasion, with many of the will you judge what is right and God at the age of 18 and died in Jesus does not want love of God children wearing the ‘Fan the valuable – and what is not good? an earthquake five years ago as to drag you away from the world. Flame’ t-shirts they had designed “Jesus in the Gospel puts it clearly she protected children, or Carlo He wants you to know that you are for the online Mass. - love God with your whole heart, Acutis, a young man who loved loved so that you can spread that A small representation of pupils soul, mind and strength, and love Jesus in the Eucharist and died at love where it is most needed. were present in the Cathedral for our neighbour as yourself. That the age of 15, just 15 years ago”. “There is spark of sainthood in the ceremony, which got underway may sound a tall order that is Highlighting the ‘Fan the Flame’ your heart. You can let it die – or with Bishop Donal carrying up asking too much of you. But Jesus title for the ceremony, Bishop you can fan it into a flame. That a book containing the names of tells people that human beings are Donal remarked: “The problem was what the Apostles let God do every P7 and Sixth Class pupil and capable of great things. is very often that we doubt there at Pentecost – the message about their teachers, written inside large “Some people will tell you that is a spark in each of us that can Jesus was brought to the boil and hand shapes. The young people life is just a bit of joke and that be fanned into a flame. Jesus it burst out. The Bible tells us that St Brigid’s Cranagh were also encouraged to write you shouldn’t grow up to quickly invites you to fan the flame by 3,000 people became believers that their reflections. or take too much responsibility in asking yourself the question, ‘How d a y ”. Acknowledging that some of the life. Jesus invites people to expect would I love to be a blessing on the Urging the young people to let children had yet to be Confirmed, great things from themselves and world?’ the love of God shape their hearts Bishop Donal assured them that from others”. “How do you want to leave to do beautiful things, Bishop they would get the opportunity to He added: “Some of your friends your mark so that you will leave Donal encouraged them to learn celebrate their Confirmation. will tell you that God is a bit of a the world a better place because to love, even when that is not easy. Encouraging them to look spoil sport and that faith in Jesus you have passed through? We are “Decide today to make decisions forward to an end “to the whole will limit you. But if you look back all tempted to pick famous role in life that help you blossom and Covid experience”, he also spoke in history, you will find that belief models. But young Carlo Acutis give life to others,” he said, “And to the young people about this in God has inspired great scientists, said that we are all meant to be without even knowing you are being a time “to look back on artists, writer and musicians. Great originals and too often people doing it, you can set the world the years spent in primary or figures like Saints Patrick, Brigid end up being little more than ablaze in your own beautiful, God- national school, to look forward or Columba were heroes in their photocopies of somebody else. given way” to a summer break and to imagine time and are still remembered. “Jesus asks you to be an original, St Columba’s, Ballinascreen THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 7 St Colmcille’s St Eithne’s Ballymagroarty

St Columba’s,

St Mary’s Bellaghy

St Mary’s PS Altinure

Bishop Donal comments on Sacramental situation south of the border... THE Fan the Flame ceremony the Sacrament of Baptism is other bishops. Having done all of was not quite the same for a number the door by which people enter this, I have decided that First Holy of reasons this year, with one being membership of the Body of Christ. Communion and the sacrament that Covid-19 restrictions in the “Secular governments everywhere of Confirmation can take place in South of Ireland meant that young need to engage with religious bodies parishes in this diocese, subject to people in Co Donegal parishes before making regulations that the maximums currently in place within the Diocese were still affect them. It is hard to understand for the celebration of Mass, from 15 waiting to receive the Sacrament of how that lesson has not been learnt August 2021. Confirmation. over the last 18 months.” “It would be important to Echoing the frustration felt In the latest development encourage people to have any amongst the Donegal faithful, regarding government guidance associated social events in Bishop Donal commented: on the celebration of some of accordance with government “Following the Government the sacraments in the context of guidance”. announcement of early June, the current pandemic, Bishop Baptisms are to be celebrated many parishes in Donegal were Donal has joined other Irish from August 5. looking forward to being able to bishops in giving the go ahead for Bishop Donal told ‘The Net’: “I celebrate First Holy Communions baptisms, Holy Communion and recognised that the problem was and Confirmations any time after Confirmation to take place. never the sacramental celebration July 5th. Then in an apparently Writing to his priests, he stated: but the parties afterwards. However, casual comment at the end of June, “I have considered this guidance, when the state allowed for 100 at Leo Varadkar announced that and considered the guidance being weddings and receptions, it became Baptisms, First Communions and given by the government in relation impossible to justify banning Confirmations should not take to other social settings, in particular, sacramental celebrations, whatever place. That came as a huge shock to the permission being granted by happened afterwards. families all over the Republic. the government for weddings and “Thus, I am delighted for children, “I know that our parishes all want associated receptions to have a families and parishes that these key to act very responsibly in these maximum of 100 from 5 August. sacraments can be celebrated as difficult circumstances. However, “In addition, I have consulted with times of grace and hope”. 8 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 THIS month, Hollie, Peter, Oisin, Zara, Gemma and Is Catholic Education worth keeping in Northern Ireland? John, ‘The Net’ youth contributors from the Co Tyrone, Inishowen, Co Derry and Derry City Deaneries, have been writing on a variety of topics, including sharing their Jesus must be at the centre of every Catholic school appreciation of the older people in their lives as we prepare by Hollie Frystal to celebrate the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. ON June 12, Iona Institute explore this interesting question. NI hosted a Zoom discussion Firstly, Prof Peter Finn reflected Oisin and Zara have been continuing to follow the Pope’s focusing on the question: ‘Is on a “political” perspective “or weekly teaching on prayer and they write about the benefits Catholic Education worth more specifically one concerned of prayer in helping young people face life’s challenges, while keeping in Northern Ireland?’ I with public policy”, on the “theme Peter writes about the impact of social media. was quite concerned when I first of justification”, in regards to read this question. I wondered discussions surrounding school A member of the Syro-Malabar community in the Diocese, why people doubted the influence expenditure on resources parallel John reflects on the faith of the ‘doubting’ St Thomas, and, and contribution that Catholic with its worth at a business level. struck by the Pope’s message on the Feast of Sts Peter and schools have to offer society. He quoted the British Schools’ Paul calling us to “be like Peter and Paul, free but humble”, One very interesting thing Minister, Nick Gibb on the I noticed was that there are definition of education in 2015: Hollie reflects on the lives of these great saints in our many people who possess the “Education is the engine of our Church. view that Catholic schools economy; it is also the foundation Hollie also shares her thoughts after listening to a Zoom promote religious sectarianism of our culture, and essential and division. However, our preparation for adult life.” event addressing the question, ‘Is Catholic Education worth Catholic schools are built on the Without listing every example keeping in Northern Ireland’, during which Bishop Donal foundation of Christ’s teachings, of how Catholic schools provide and former, St Mary’s College, Derry, principal, Marie which strive with the effort both valuable and necessary and aim to imitate His shining resources to the needs of wider Lindsey, were amongst the guest speakers. and also “focuses on the broader when people had faith. Such example. Jesus must be at the society, governmentally, Prof aspects to form good social ungrounded attitudes, languages, centre of every Catholic school, Finn examined and spoke of how beings”. beliefs and values will not last. as from Him we learn to love our “456 schools would not be funded Catholic schools do not only Therefore, as we learnt previously, neighbour and to welcome the by the department of education in educate via a textbook, but are Catholic schools promote the marginalised. We are taught to be Northern Ireland, if there was not morally obliged to assist and enriching and fruitful values of inclusive; to develop a community a robust business case to provide support young people on their Christ. Whilst acknowledging of respect and inclusion reflecting such a public service.” journey by preparing them for that secular society can also the example of Christ. Although I mildly understand real life. promote some of these values, Therefore, our schools cannot politics, I think the point that is Thirdly, Mrs Marie Lindsey we can be sure that a Catholic be deemed or accused of being made here is that schools such as acknowledged the positives and school will try and imitate the the source of division, but must Catholic schools provide such an successes of Catholic schools, perfect example of Jesus, as we are Hollie Frystal, Oisin Mulhern, Peter Grant, be acknowledged and appreciated excellent contribution to society Co Tyrone Deanery. Co Derry Deanery. Inishowen Deanery. despite the “fallen status of the obliged to focus, inspire, practice as being sources of unity, and and internationally, that it would Catholic Church” in previous and share such values. the foundation upon which love, be foolish to withdraw it. and recent years, and posed the Lastly, it has been repeatedly respect and understanding is Secondly, we listened to Prof question: “Why do so many acknowledged that “we have built. Francis Campbell who examined parents still place a high value on a long history of political and The Iona Institute NI welcomed 12 brief points in his answer to Catholic education?” As a result, communal division”. However, it four guest speakers to the online this question. He addressed the Catholic schools have proven can be confirmed that Catholic event: Professor Peter Finn, issue of ‘difference’ by assessing numerous times to produce high schools, like any other school, Professor Francis Campbell, Mrs points such as ‘pluralism’, and impressive examination have the full potential and Marie Lindsey and Bishop Donal ‘multicultural’, ‘social inclusion’ performances and also in various ability to promote integration, McKeown, all of whom have long and ‘broad over narrow’. He other fields. inclusiveness, unity and peace. experience in Catholic Education similarly argued that Catholic Gemma Gallagher, Derry John Agustine Joseph, Zara Schlindwein, Mrs Lindsey reflected and My answer to this question, City Deanery Derry City Deanery. Derry City Deanery. and have also taken the time to schools do promote inclusion asked, “Why Catholic schools ‘Is Catholic Education worth do so well, since all schools in keeping in Northern Ireland?’ Northern Ireland follow the same is “Yes!” Personally, I went to a On the Cross Jesus prayed for each of us by Oisin Mulhern curriculum, and they all do the Catholic nursery, primary school, AT one of his recent Wednesday to should be the model for our same exams?” In response, the secondary school and, hopefully, General audiences, Pope Francis prayer as well. former principal of St Mary’s this September I will attend a concluded a year-long series of The Pope’s last point was how we College in Derry said: “This Catholic university. Like the lessons regarding prayer with a should never forget this fact and, suggests that what Catholic guest speakers, I do accept and focus on the priestly prayer of instead, live our life with God at schools do is not just about great appreciate integrated schools in Jesus. This final lesson related the forefront and give Him glory. teaching, great discipline and Northern Ireland and across the to Jesus praying for us when He Personally, the message that the great structures. It is about their world; however, I am very grateful was nearing His crucifixion and Pope gives us here resonates with culture. It is about the values that that I attended Catholic schools death. me deeply. There are many times inform what they do and how that were specially equipped to The Pope described thisin our lives where we may struggle they do it, and, of course, these provide support, with the ability perfectly when he said, “We with a wide variety of different values are rooted in the Gospel.” and interest to assist me on my have already been received in issues, that can make us feel I believe that the Gospel shines faith journey as a young Catholic. Jesus’ dialogue with the Father, lonely and sad, however, we need a unique light on the mission of As well as practicing faith at in communion with the Holy to remember that Jesus and God Catholic schools, by focusing our home, by attending a Catholic Spirit.” offered everything for us through attention on the formation of the school I have been brought closer He further described how prayer and that, no matter what whole person. We see each and to Jesus and my Church, and I prayer was “one of the most we are going through, they are every young person as a child of sense that I am part of something evident features in Jesus’ life”, as always there with us. God, and that God has a plan for greater - that being, part of a faith “the dialogue with the Father was Furthermore, this point also each and every one of us. community. I have been taught the core of His whole existence”. shows how Jesus especially has Fourthly, our last guest speaker the core values of Christ and I am Pope Francis explained that such a deep care for us, as not was Bishop Donal McKeown, encouraged to implement them prayer is the Core of Christian only is He always with us through who reflected on three points. into my day to day life, to strive proclamation and gave specific our issues, but He is able to give First and foremost: “Christ with the effort to imitate His examples of when Jesus was Himself fully and pray for all of driven education is guaranteed shining example. fully immersed in prayer, such us, despite the sins we commit to be counter-cultural.” Secondly, There are so many reasons as when He was in the Garden of after He has prayed for us. the emphasis was on the word why Catholic education is worth Gethsemane and on the Cross. Overall, the message the Pope ‘ideology’ in relation to language keeping in Northern Ireland; Finally, he explained again brings is one that I feel we should and attitude used in our present which are highlighted on the Iona how Jesus prayed for each and all take and learn from, so that day. Institute NI YouTube channel, every one of us on the Cross and we can further improve our Nowadays, society relies a lot where you will find the recordings beforehand, and how this intense relationship with God through it. on materialistic pleasures and of the discussion. prayer that Jesus was committed safety nets, unlike years ago THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 9 John writes about lessons from St Thomas... What the ‘doubting’ Saint can teach us about faith central rural Kerala in India, cross for the sins of all mankind, the other apostles when Jesus Malabar Coast. and many others from their who rose from death on the first appeared to them after his They are Kodungalloor, background, would often call third day, to a people and culture resurrection, when he says that Palayoor, Kottakavu, themselves ‘Mar Thoma Nasrani’, that was foreign to him, with unless “I shall see in his hands Kokkamangalam, Nilakkal, that is, to give a simple translation, such conviction that they would the print of the nails and put my Niranam, Kollam and the half St Thomas Christians (Nasrani convert, was an astonishing feat finger into the place of the nails, church in Thiruvithamcode. doesn’t mean Christian but rather to my ears. and put my hand into his side, I In these places, he converted a follower of Jesus of Nazareth). Whether St Thomas came to will not believe” (John 20:25). locals as well as Jewish and Middle It is a very proud statement India is not certain, but it was This label doesn’t recognise the Eastern traders who lived in these to say that your Christian certainly plausible to travel to faith that St Thomas had in Jesus; trading towns. Afterwards, he community was one of apostolic India from Palestine in those that is the faith that made him went on to the east coast of India, origin, by referring to the saint days, as seen by excavations of say, “Let us also go, that we may where he was martyred in a place who evangelised my ancestors Roman coins in Kerala dating die with him” (John 11:16), and outside of the modern-day city of two millennia ago. Every July 3, back to the first century. the statement of faith, affirming Chennai. we would go to church to celebrate Without the faith, Thomas Jesus’ humanity and divinity, “My He was far away from home and Dukhrana, the feast day of St would not have made the journey Lord and My God”. And it is with his family. He had come this far to Thomas. In Kerala, this would and I would not be a Christian. this faith that he went out of the share the truth that he witnessed, be, without a doubt, a pompous His willingness to put his faith in Roman Empire into the East, to the God incarnate, Jesus Christ, affair, much like St Patrick’s day Christ and come this far is a true proclaim the Good News to the to a people and culture that was here. testament to his trust in Christ; a ends of the Earth. foreign to him. But for me, this was much more trust that we often fail to have. After being mentioned in the He had done exactly what he had than that. It was a symbol of my St Thomas is not mentioned Gospel of John, St Thomas is not said before as he marched towards Our Lord and St Thomas identity as a St Thomas Christian. many times in the Bible. When mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. his death: “Let us die with Him”. The idea that a Jewish man, from he is, he is mentioned in a list of It is believed that he went towards He may have doubted in Jesus GROWING up as a child in and St Bridget, etc. However, St Roman Palestine, would travel apostles or making a statement of the East and eventually came to once, but his life shows that he put ‘Catholic’ Ireland, the saints one Thomas the Apostle would not be thousands of miles across an belief or disbelief. We often hear India where he established seven his trust in Jesus and proclaimed would expect to hear about would one of them. ocean to a foreign land to speak St Thomas labelled as ‘doubting’ and a half churches, in eight what he knew to be the truth. usually be St Patrick, St Columba, My parents, immigrants from about the God who died on the Thomas for his lack of belief in different places throughout the Hollie writes about the great Sts Peter and Paul, highlighting the Pope’s message for us to... “Be like Peter and Paul, free but humble” to God’s call. They both received the Confessional, we confess the the crown of martyrdom and are darkness of our sins humbly in buried in Rome. hope for forgiveness. After the When I think of St Peter’s blessing and prayer of absolution, death, a very famous, interesting we exit the Confessional and pray and emotional painting springs the prescribed penance. We are to mind. That is Caravaggio’s set ‘free’ and life is a lot fresher Considering the challenges and depiction of St Peter crucified and brighter. upside down. It is a sad and Today, Pope Francis sits on pressures facing young people and traumatic image, as Peter humbly the chair of St Peter as the 266th watches the nail about to be Pope of the Catholic Church. how the Church can help, Zara hammered into his hand. At that Personally, I find it interesting very moment, he must have felt a that some people still oppose writes... wave of guilt and wonder, when the retirement of a pontiff, for thinking back to how Jesus felt, example, Pope Emeritus Benedict especially when He was on His XVI. However, if it weren’t First step to greatness own and lost support from His for Pope Emeritus Benedict apostles, especially Peter. XVI to step down we wouldn’t lies within our grasp... Although Peter felt unworthy have had Pope Francis. It was to be crucified the same way as a clear response to God’s will Christ, there must have been a that took courage and careful are we willing to change? sense of atonement. Peter was consideration. ‘free but humble.’ He humbly I find it even more interesting IT is evident that there are offered young people a platform died confessing to be a follower that God again uses ‘construction’ many challenges present in the in which they can discuss such of Christ, and whilst fulfilling allegorically, when He calls St world today, many of which issues and promote change. We, his life and vocation he was set Francis of Assisi to “Go, rebuild affect the lives of young people; as the youth, are eager to make THE Church celebrated the Saul set out for Damascus and was ‘free’ in reconciliation and was my Church.” It echoes with climate change, poverty, injustice, the world a better place by helping Feast of Sts Peter and Paul on baptised there by a man named eventually united with Christ. Pope Francis’ chosen name as discrimination and mental health each other along the way. June 29. As we know, St Peter was Ananias. Hence Saul’s sight was St Paul is a shining example of he administers with energy and problems, to name but a few. I think that the attitude towards called by Jesus along the shore of restored, and he obtained the one who displays repentance. determination to lead the Church Everyone is aware of these change is just as important as Galilee to be a “fisher of men”, and name ‘Paul’, and from then he Receiving the Sacrament of in ‘walking together’ to discern obstacles, so I am not going to change itself, they must work thus was given the Hebrew name worked tirelessly to spread the Baptism was essential in St Paul’s God’s will and to act ‘free but dwell on the devastating effects symbiotically. of ‘Cephas’, also known in the Gospel message. conversion, as it washed away humbly’. that arise from their existence. If we wish to deflect from the Latin translation ‘Petrus’ to both This year, Pope Francis tells us his sins and gave him the grace The Holy Father is aiming to However, I do believe that it pressures present today and mean ‘rock’. God chose St Peter to to “be like Peter and Paul, free but to see life in a new light, and knock down a ‘clerical Church’ is important to acknowledge choose the easier road, then how be the ‘rock’ upon which Christ humble”. he was blessed to receive true and to rebuild with a ‘Synodal our role in eradicating these can we hope for refinement? would build His Church. Sts Peter and Paul are both understanding of Christ’s mission Church’. Like St Paul who challenges. However, I believe that the Similarly, as Saul travelled excellent figures of great faith, and vision. preached to the Gentiles, we must In my opinion, that can only first step to greatness lies within to Damascus to persecute the who serve as authentic examples The story beginning with Saul go to the peripheries and to those be achieved if we decide upon a our grasp; all we need to do is Christian community, God of what it is to be human, and, and ending with Paul, prompts on the outside as well, and bring common goal and work towards ask ourselves, are we willing to appeared to him and a powerful despite their weaknesses and me to think about the Sacrament the Good News to them. reaching that. change? light from Heaven blinded him. challenges, had remained faithful of Confession. When we enter Thankfully, our Diocese has 10 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 Zara reflects on Pope’s message regarding having faith and trust in the Lord... “Ask for the grace of faith that never tires of seeking the Lord” AS Pope Francis reflected on the with optimistic expectations. Gospel passage about the storm However, these reasons do not calmed by Jesus, he likened the justify abandonment of aid from waves and wind to the trials of above. our daily lives and encouraged us Pope Francis tells us to “ask for to “ask for the grace of a faith that the grace of faith that never tires Hollie’s grandparents, Matt and Gwendoline Curran, Melmount Parish, Strabane. never tires of seeking the Lord”. of seeking the Lord”. And I believe He also assured us that the Lord that we should do so, if we have any Reflecting on the forthcoming First World Day for Grandparents and is always there by our side waiting hope of making it past the storm. for us. the Elderly, Hollie Frystal writes... I agree with the Pope’s words. There is a clear parallel between the suffering that comes our way and the trials that the disciples faced. There are so many ways people of In addition, the metaphorical connection between the two scenarios is matched by another all ages and interests can interact at constant: the help of the Lord. No matter how intense our worries and tribulations may be, we should always place some level parish level of trust in God. It can sometimes be difficult to THIS year, Pope Francis words, young people can benefit interview, I had the privilege to and interests can get involved, maintain hope in certain situations, has declared July 25 as the from the memories embedded ask Sr Nathalie Becquart, the therefore, I would like to see and we may feel a sense of guilt first official ‘World Day for within our elders’ experience, first woman Undersecretary of something like this introduced when brushing over our problems Grandparents and the Elderly’ which help to keep our young the Synod of Bishops in Rome, a at local parish level. Then, if in the Church. The chosen theme people firmly grounded and similar question. I asked: “How we can get enough parishes for this year’s celebration is: “I rooted, which further helps can we bring the young and involved, we can create a am with you always.” This theme us to ‘walk together’ into the old together to discern the way ‘Pilgrimage of History and Social media in the requires time for reflection on future and to build upon those forward? Is there anything we Heritage exhibitions’ that reflect our relationships with the elderly, memories. can introduce to our parishes the strong bond between the and to come to appreciate the By staying connected to our with the aim of encouraging young and old within the Derry Church by Peter Grant older people who have served as roots, we inherit the gems of intergenerational relationships?” Diocese. a positive influence and excellent our tradition, we ensure that In response Sr Nathalie We have so much history, and YOUNG people in this These programmes mainly include role models in our lives. the mistakes of the past are not acknowledged the difficulties in particular Celtic history. In generation are influenced by social young people completing tasks The words of Jesus, “I am repeated and that our elders’ nowadays of “intergenerational relation to our Columban year, media, mainly through the use of and having the opportunity to be with you always”, describe achievements are respected and dialogue”. There seems to be this could also open the door to their phones, and use them to catch creative and express their unique how we see and feel about the secure for future generations. a lack of education, confusion ecumenical work that will help to up on the latest news around the talents with others, like what Jesus older generation. The theme In addition to chapter six and friction between opposing support Christian unity. world, such as reality TV, sports, did with His followers, and help indicates closeness, assurance, of ‘Christus Vivit’, our first perspectives, therefore, we To conclude, I am blessed to fashion and other things that they them lead them into the light. peace, nurture and eternity. Derry Youth Ministry Book must make more of an effort have such amazing grandparents, are interested in. These online programmes are Pope Francis said, on the Feast Club members analysed and to understand each other from great aunts and uncles, and other Unfortunately, social media aimed at helping young people of Sts Joachim and Anne: “The reflected on this topic. We different eras. older people in my life. I have can also be a dark place for many find relief from pressure and the elderly are your grandparents”, acknowledged that our elders are In solution to this problem, Sr learnt so much from them and young people that can put pressure negative influence of social media therefore, all old men and often marginalized and that it is Nathalie shared her advice on I hope they may have learnt on them, and also make them too. women serve as our first“wrong to be dismissive” of such how to bridge the gap between something from me. vulnerable and alone at times Whenever the pandemic came teachers, who kindly share their an important group of privileged the young and old. She said Especially during this time when not getting the help they and these online programmes wisdom and experience out of people in our society. that we need “bridge builders of pandemic, in the context of really need, especially during the were set up in the Diocese, it love, concern and interest for Regarding a solution to this who know both generations.” technology and quarantining, period of the Covid-19 pandemic. helped me to look at the use of the younger generations. They problem, I asked my Book Club My hope is that, in the near the old and young had no choice The Church, however, shone a social media in a different way, like offer us a certain degree of members: “What way can our future, we will create space for but to work together, and have light in the darkness for many spreading the Word of God online influence and serve as a source parishes become more inclusive intergenerational dialogue, and proven to be an excellent team. young people, as many Church to others, and like being one of of formation that contributes to and collaborative in helping take on Sr Nathalie’s advice by Although sometimes we may services across the world were Jesus’ disciples and expressing my our embarkment upon our own different generations takeintroducing a project that both have differing views, Pope online and easy to access, and there thoughts and talents with others, life’s journey, to discern where responsibility for building up the young and old can work on Francis encourages young people were loads of online programmes and understanding others as well. God is calling us to be - both the local community of faith?” together. It’s definitely doable to not be afraid to have a “critical too. This would be the positives individually and collectively as a (‘Exploring Christus Vivit’) and is a great way to enable the spirit” whilst the Church moves Examples of these online that I, and many others like me, Church. In response, we came up with local parish to get involved and forward. It is a time of education. programmes in the Church are would take from these online In chapter six of ‘Christus practical ways to encourage to contribute to our first ever And lastly, Pope Francis the Alpha programme and the programmes set up by the Church Vivit’, entitled ‘Young People intergenerational relationships, Irish National Synod. emphasizes that in order for Pope John Paul II Award lives on during the pandemic, as well as with Roots’, Pope Francis focuses such as: hosting parties, charities, For example, I am presently the Church to move forward, Instagram in our very own diocese. spreading positivity to others too. on the relationship between activities and events. Basically, involved in Camus Parish’s the young and old must “walk the young and old. Within creating space to bring the old history and heritage project. The together” to listen, encounter, this chapter, there are striking and young together to dialogue. project involves young volunteers discern and, more importantly, quotes from the Holy Father that Another idea was that our elders led by older and experienced to act on where God is calling emphasize the importance of could assist sacramental talks leaders, and encompasses art and His Church to be today. intergenerational relationships. and help to prepare our young design, construction, research “If the young had the Proclaiming the words of the people for First Confession, Holy and technology, environment, knowledge and the old strength, prophet, Joel, His Holiness wrote: Communion and Confirmation. etc. there would be nothing they “The old dream dreams, and Furthermore, in ‘The Net’s’ There are so many sectors could not accomplish” (Pope the young see visions.” In other Young Writers exclusive in which people of all ages Francis). THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 11 “I am with you Pope Francis wants us to cherish experience always” by Peter Grant of those who have gone JULY 25 marks the first ‘World really that is the main role of all Day for Grandparents and the grandparents these days, to bring Elderly’ in the church established families and friends together to before us by Bishop Donal by Pope Francis, highlighting the help each other out and not to be bubble called ‘now’. They have importance of the closeness that worried about everything that life loved and suffered. They have generations of both young and old hits you with. seen much and overcome many share with one another. The elderly folk and young hurdles. Throughout your childhood, folk in my parish, of Iskaheen Thus, the younger generation not only do you look up to your and Upper Moville, have a great stands on the shoulders of those parents but you also look up to bondage with one another and who lived in different times and your grandparents very much, help each other out. Whenever whose insights have led to many and cherish how they comfort the elderly move on in life, they of the modern inventions. you in tough times and learn life pass their knowledge on to the So, Pope Francis is not merely lessons from them too. next generation. POPE Francis has instituted the first World Day for creating a ‘be nice to old people’ For me, growing up in my Pope Francis states that all Grandparents and the Elderly into the Church calendar, on day. He wants us to cherish the childhood and thankfully still elderly people have a huge role experience of those who have with us today, my is an in the church and society to July 25. The theme is ‘I am with you always’, highlighting gone before us. Many of them have inspirational person whom I look pass down the knowledge and the promise of closeness that generations share with each given much so that their children up to, as she always takes the teachings of Jesus, saying; “I am other. could benefit from education. positives from the negatives in with you always”, and forever OUR society tends to focus To celebrate this special occasion, a number of people from My own parents grew up in situations in her life. guiding us on life’s journey, as my heavily on young people, for they poor homes where there were After my granddad’s death, 10 grandad did and my granny still across the Diocese have shared reflections on the elderly are the new and emerging markets many mouths to feed, but where years ago this year, the whole of continues to do. people who have impacted in a positive way on their lives who must be won for the world there was also much music and my family was in great sadness, through their closeness, while some grandparents have of commerce. But if youth is to laughter. Thanks to their work, but my granny always said: “He be prized most of all, and if older expressed the joy that their grandchildren bring to them. my generation has had access to is now in the Lord’s care and we people are only one more age unimagined opportunities. will see him again in the Lord’s The Irish Bishops’ Council for Marriage & Family have group to be exploited for their The Holy Father asks us to Kingdom”. collated some resources for use in dioceses and parishes spending power, we lose a sense of cherish the generosity of earlier the unity of society. If things ever went wrong for planning to mark the day, which can be accessed on their generations who have made so me growing up and even today, The scriptures talked about much of today possible. she would always be patient and website - https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2021/07/06/ honouring those who are older. The celebration of older people have the time to talk to me and resources-for-the-world-day-for-grandparents-and-the- They have wisdom and experience. is a statement that we are one help with my problems, not just elderly/ And they still have dreams. human race across racial and age by lighting a holy candle for me The older generation have The Catholic Grandparents’ Association is also inviting differences. And that lies at the during my exams, but everything experienced much and know that heart of the scriptural message. else too, from school life to my families and parishes to mark the occasion and ‘Plant a life is not just trapped in a narrow personal life. Tree in their Memory’ on Sunday, July 25, to enable families My granny is like the cement to remember the grandparents and older people, including that keeps our family together, like Jesus did with His disciples priests and religious, who have passed away after a life-time whenever they were in need, and of dedication to and love for their families and parishes. Peter with his grandmother. I feel blessed to have my grandparents teach and lead me through the beginnings of adult life by Oisin Mulhern

POPE Francis has instituted the whatever goes on in my life, she first ‘World Day for Grandparents is always there for me and offers and the Elderly’ into the Church me a way to shoulder any and all Bishop Donal’s mother with her children and grandchildren. calendar on July 25. The theme of my negative emotions. For me, of this day is “I am with you this is the greatest way that she always” and is meant to highlight shows the closeness between us. the promise of closeness between Similarly, I share a great My Granda shows me different generations. closeness with my grandfather, In regards to my grandparents and he has also helped shape who and my closeness with them, I I am as a person. He does this in how to live in the present have benefitted greatly in many similar ways to my grandmother, by Gemma Gallagher different ways. This is true for such as helping me with my both my grandparents as they worries and having an overall granda and I often visit him. He Granda really enjoys viewing my have contributed so much to my loving nature towards me. has always been a big part of my art, and when I was Irish dancing, life as a whole. However, he also shows his life since I was born, and now that he always would sit waiting for In the case of my grandmother, closeness with me in other ways, he is sick with cancer it makes me me to come and visit him after she has provided me with not only such as sharing many jokes. The only allows them to keep up with appreciate every memory that we competitions to show him my many great life lessons regarding humour between him and myself current events that are happening have made, and all the support medals and trophies. generosity and kindness, but she never fails to make me laugh, and through me, but also to add some that he has given me right up to He always makes me laugh, and has also made many efforts to this has also helped my own sense level of excitement and discussion this day. every time I visit he sneaks me a ease my worries regarding many of humour develop, making sure that may not have occurred Granda has helped me with couple of pound. different problems I have had, that I am not overly serious about otherwise. problems many times and so our Every time I see Granda, I can ranging from worries about my certain things that may end up Overall, I am constantly bond is really strong. He was there see how proud he is of me and how school life and different tests, but dragging me down. thankful for the relationship I for me and now I am going to be much he loves me, which means also for my worries regarding the After reflecting on how I have have with my grandparents, and there for him. more than anything to me. wider world, like the COVID-19 benefitted from their presence, every day I feel blessed to have Another part of our relationship When I mentioned to Granda that I cherish was how he loved about this article, he told me that I pandemic. I asked my grandparents how them there to teach me and lead MY Granda Reggie has a massive to build things and so was always give him “a reason to live” and that This is not the only way our they have benefitted from mine. me through the beginnings of my impact on my life. He shows me making me doll houses when I was to see me coming and to enjoy my closeness shows itself however, Some of the different things that adult life. how to live in the present and to be younger, and how he has a great company is “a good reason to wake it also shows through her loving they brought up included my thankful for everything I have. interest in everything I do. up in the morning.” nature which makes sure that, presence in general, which not I share a great closeness with my 12???? THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 How my grandparents Tribute to an elder by Noel Bradley THE first time I met Fr Donal but for a good while I found it hard Dorr was in my first year studying to get free of the teacher/student have had a positive philosophy in Cork University, relationship, and he graciously in 1963. He was small and pointed that out to me. impact on me enthusiastic about his part of the I was sent to Rome to study subject. What was different about for a doctorate and Donal was by Niall McColgan him was that he tried to get us to there for a while and I remember think about experience/life and sharing some of my personal life MY grandparents have had a do my homework and he would not just bombard us with notes. story with him and asking him positive impact on me. I have try to help, if I needed it. After I Philosophy was relevant to questions. His support meant a always respected them and tried finished my homework, he would our lives. He introduced me lot to me at the time. to learn from them. Sadly, both bring out his game of Connect to a Canadian philosopher Donal had gone to Kenya and my grandmothers died when I was Four and a deck of cards, and we and theologian called Bernard South Africa for a stint and, while younger, but I’m thankful to still would play game after game until Lonergan, whom I continued to there, had found a new way of have my grandfathers. my parents got home from work. study in the years afterwards, and working with people and doing My Granda Brian is living in Co When I was younger, I looked it has left a lasting influence. theology at the same time. It Meath and I have always looked forward to just popping in to see In philosophy, Lonergan offers included: personal development, Noel Bradley with Donal Dorr forward to going down to see him my granny and granda, as they a theory of knowledge, the leadership training, community he wrote: “To Noel and Rosanna, approach, through group work to find out what he has been up to would always have a packet of conditions for truth, objectivity building, scripture and faith with gratitude for your friendship facilitation for justice, is what and what new story about his life crisps or something nice waiting and authenticity. In theology, sharing, working for justice (later and support, with admiration for Pope Francis is quietly working I will hear. The stories I hear from for us. Donal has always helped he offers an empirical approach to include care of the planet). It your inspiration and commitment for in encouraging the approach him always make me laugh. I look my parents if they went out and to religion that can stand was a workshop method rather - and with prayer and hope for of synodality at all levels in the forward to him coming up to visit needed someone to look after us; shoulder to shoulder with the than direct teaching. He said it your welfare and family”. Church. “What affects all needs us too. he never hesitated. We had great empirical approach of modern was a conversion experience for He was a theologian but, more to be discussed by all”, he says. When we were younger, my fun when he came up to look after science. His ‘theology mediates him and he tried to introduce importantly, he was very loving The Church “needs nearness, granny and granda would have us. between a cultural matrix and the approach to his missionary and committed as a Christian. proximity...and we have to start some sort of present for us, I look up to my Granda Donal the significance of a religion in friends. Rosanna had gone to Kenya from the ground up”. I am so whether it e a toy or a jigsaw or as he is always doing something, that matrix’, as he says in the I had gone back to Nigeria and and Tanzania with him to grateful to Donal and to God for something to make us smile. Brian whether looking after his sheep, opening sentence of his ‘Method joined in the workshops that he facilitate two groups of MMM this breakthrough in my life. lives in an estate and I enjoyed going to the hill or going out for in theology’. tried to set up. Over a series of sisters in a process called ‘The Around 1981, Donal getting to know the other people walks. I admire how he keeps Donal also went on to write these I, too, had a transformative Transformation Game’. Donal, recommended that I try a 30- my age living there, which added himself going and doesn’t waste a articles and books himself and experience and a group of us set Rosanna and I all trained in this day directed retreat when I came to my visits to him. single day. I have read these because I up our own leadership training process and have worked together home from Nigeria on leave. I Brian is always giving me life I look forward to family holidays, have always found his writing team (DELES programme) and on it at various times before had experienced a few six-day advice and little tips here and such as Christmas, when we get enriching. They have left a lasting started doing similar work with Covid-19. directed retreats and found them there. He has had an eventful life the whole family together. My influence! His latest book was groups. I worked with Donal A similar group as DELES was helpful, and I felt ‘yes’, this is just and has certainly got around and grandparents never fail to make us ‘A Creed for today-faith and on these in Nigeria, Ghana, and started in Ireland, called ‘Partners what I need at this time in my life. heard plenty of stories to tell me. laugh and have a good time. After commitment for our New Earth Ireland. By this stage we were in Mission’ (later called ‘Training Like my decision to move into He has been great to have in my Christmas dinner, we set up games Awareness’ (Veritas). If you working more as equals, but I for Transformation’) and I group work, it was one the most life. Whenever I ask him to take like darts or the Wii and that are interested in theology and was always learning from him worked with them. It changed my important decisions of my life. me somewhere or help me out always creates a laugh. Watching spirituality, it is excellent. and enjoying and grateful for our whole approach to being part of Ignatian spirituality has also been with something, he never hesitates my grandparents trying to get a The next time I met him was friendship. the mission of the Church. I still a formative influence ever since. and always helps, and I am very grasp on how to play the Wii is in Nigeria, and he was giving a If he wrote a book, he often sent work out of it today, 43 years later, Just recalling these memories grateful for that. always a sight to see. lecture on Morality and Religion, me a transcript for comments especially with a group called and influences in my life evokes My Granda Donal lives right All in all, I look forward and the very important and and then a copy of the published SHEP (Social, Health, Education my gratitude to Donal and to God. below me, and has always been to spending time with my helpful distinction between the edition, with a comment of Programme) in Cork for the last “My soul gives thanks to the Lord there for me too. When I was in grandparents and learning from two. Then we began to relate more gratitude. I just checked one, 25 years. and forgets not His blessings”. It is primary school, both my parents them. I always have and always will as fellow missionaries and friends, ‘The Pope Francis Agenda’, and It seems now that this kind of a very helpful exercise to do. were working during the day so look up to them, respect them, be I would go into his house after grateful for them, and aspire to put Elderly people like my friend, My school. I would sit at his table and all their life advice into practise. grandchildren Mary, are a precious gift to our keep me going...I’m Church and world by Patricia Casey Dear Grandfathers and when I was only 14 years of age on the works of mercy truly look like. very grateful Grandmothers, Dear Elderly a Marian pilgrimage, and from Elderly people, like Mary, are a Friends, “I am with you always” that we shared a journey of being precious gift to our Church and for them by (Mt 28:20) Pope Francis. prayer partners for many years in world. They pray and offer many Donal McColgan The Holy Father addressed the pro-life movement. sacrifices; they are kind, loving the theme from the Gospel of I was so amazed at her and caring. I am very blessed to have a Matthew to all grandparents commitment and strength, for Mary makes this world and our grandson like Niall living very Niall with his grandfathers, Donal and Brian. and the elderly, reminding them example, on a very cold wet church a better place. close by. I look forward to him that this is the promise the Lord miserable day, Mary was always calling in, as he’s always full of made to His disciples before He there to stand outside humbly fun and stories. I treasure all my grandchildren ascended into Heaven. and discreetly praying many Himself and my other two Elderly people are a treasure. rosaries for the end of abortion grandchildren are a gift to me. and am so thankful for them They have life experience and and protection of life. They used to call in for a couple bucket loads of great wisdom. One day, after many years of hours after school when they by Brian Hand I love to listen to wise elderly of knowing each other, Mary were younger, as their parents MY grandson Niall was a delight what I missed the most during the people, and feel guided and shared with me how she saw me were working. as a young child. You always knew lockdown. helped by their life experiences. as another daughter. This was I have very fond memories of he was glad to see you coming as Niall is not only my grandson I’ve been very blessed in life by special but also big, as Mary playing cards and games like you’d be met at the door with a but he’s my buddy. several elderly people, one who had lost her precious daughter Connect Four. This was more great big hug and a smile from ear I consider myself to be very particularly stands out for me is a to an awful tragedy - I now held fun compared to doing the to ear. What a welcome! blessed to have him and, of course, wee woman called Mary. a special part of her heart in my homework! Now that he has grown into my other two grandchildren, Sean Mary is a devout Catholic who hands. They keep me going, and I’m a fine young man, that hasn’t and Clodagh. I treasure all three truly loves Our Blessed Lord and She has taught me the very grateful for them. changed a bit. He still meets me and am so thankful for them. Our Blessed Mother. I met Mary importance of prayer and what Patricia Casey, Kilrea. with that big hug at the door. That’s THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 13 My best friend was 60 years older than me! by Orlaigh Deighan I am forever grateful to have would have taken many, all the had! We have had many laughs stories I had listened to from her together, cried together... over the years began to feel ever although, to be fair, it was me more important. I suddenly had doing that mostly...and we the realisation that these stories planned many an adventure. would soon be all I would have Eileen loved to hear all the left! modern gossip, trends and about Having a best friend at the age life in general. She especially of 99 years young, I was not ready loved hearing about my three to be alone, yet I knew someday boys and their daily mischievous that was the inevitable. We often My life is so blessed by adventures, but mostly we spent talked about when she would be a good few hours looking at gone and she always said that she pictures of animals, as she had felt ready, and had done for a very the presence of Uncle a love for animals that was plain long time. She was tired waiting, to be seen through her devotion she often joked! by Myra McLaughlin to Penny, her dog. Avoiding the Eileen was a positive influence Andy wrath of Penny’s devilish ways in my life as she was always MY thoughts on a real past 16 years, Andy jokes that was a talent I mastered over the quick to remind me of my inner inspirational person in my life he is leaving his body to medical years. heart feelings for my family immediately turn to a multitude science. He has never looked for Eileen often talked straight unit. Through the bad times, she of family members, such as my late sympathy; only every saying “I’m Orlaigh and her best friend, the late Eileen Deeny, Claudy. to the point, especially on the quickly made things seem a lot grandparents and my own parents, grand. Thank God, they can treat SOME might think it strange around respect and we both importance of family. Her love brighter. but one who truly stands out is my m e”. how a 30-year-old and a 90-year- depended greatly on each other for her family I often heard in The day Eileen passed away, dear uncle, Andy Kearney, He never fails to impress me. old could connect in much of a to understand the society we now her voice and saw in her eyes, as I I not only lost my best friend Andy is 75 and never got He just accepts all with and way, having an age difference of live in. Just simply knowing we listened to her talk and reminisce! but my anchor. She kept me married, and my life is so much unconditional trust in Our Blessed 60 years. I was often asked what were there for each other when we As the years drifted past and grounded in modern society by the richer and blessed for having Mother’s care for him. His faith is we had to talk about and how our were struggling, helped us both. my friend’s health declined, her all her guidance, stories, and such a wonderful person in it. inspirational. relationship was so special. Meeting Eileen, and having sharp, witty personality never simply being there as my friend. From my childhood, and being I always come away from Andy Well Eileen Deeny and I had had her sort of fill the roll of a left. As Eileen turned 99, knowing We were not bonded by blood, the first niece, I was more than feeling so much better for having a bond and a relationship built grandmother, is an experience she had fought illness on so many but by love! spoilt – as we say in Derry, I was been in his presence. There is occasions over the years that ‘ruined’ or ‘spoilt rotten’. always a laugh or a joke. Nothing is too big ask of Uncle I cannot put into words how Andy, if you need anything sorted, much my Uncle Andy means to he’s on board, with his warm, my husband, children and I. And Tribute to our Granny Mary Stewart infectious smile. His laugh and I hope and pray he stays in good by Maria, Paul, Grace, Mark and Sarah Kennedy huge heart blesses many, as he is health and with us for long, long kind to all. time her grandchildren. She had an just like when we visited her in Having been diagnosed more Thank you Andy. You are my interest in each one of our lives Sligo. She would insist that we than once with cancer over the Hero and knew what each of us was took something nice from it doing. She was always able to each time we visited. Her health relate to each of us in a special and was poor during that time in the My children are blessed unique way. nursing home. Sometimes people She prayed the Rosary every would look sympathetically at my day and every time she passed mum and say that granny hadn’t by their grandparents’ Our Lady’s statue she touched her much quality of life, as though the head, and said a silent prayer to life she had wasn’t worth living. presence in their lives her. St Martin was her favourite Physically, it was very difficult saint and she prayed his Novena for her and she bore her suffering by Andrea McGowan often. very bravely. But she was very MY name is Andrea McGowan. of grandparents that have gone Mass was so important to her happy and the time we spent with I’m married to Brian for 19 years. before us. and, in her later years, when she her, and the memories we have We met as teenagers. We have four My children love their was unable to attend she missed during those months before she children; one boy, called Lee, and grandfather. They love to talk and Kennedy children with their Granny this so much. However, she died, are so precious. God blessed three girls, named Hannah, Grace sit by his side, all surrounding looked forward to the monthly us and blessed her during that and Ellen. him and giggling with him. He OUR granny in Sligo, Mary we all liked different things, she visit of the local priest, who special time. I have grown up praying the has a great love for prayer, but in Stewart, lived in a small house knew what each of us liked and brought her Holy Communion Faith was so important to Rosary at night and going to Mass a private way, and the peace he in Sligo town with our granda, made sure that she had something and gave her the sacraments. That granny during her life. She passed on a Sunday with my family. It is emanates is so lovely. Charlie Stewart, and our mum special for each of us. gave her great solace. her faith on to mum who, in turn, very important for me to bring My mother uses every was their only child. For as long The most special thing about Granny spent the last eight has passed it on to all of us. We up our children knowing God opportunity to teach the children as we can remember, we went to Granny Stewart was that she months of her life in a nursing used to pray together for a few and praying, going to Mass as I about their faith. Just the other visit her and granda in Sligo. We always put others before herself. home because of her failing minutes each time we visited her had done; to give them a solid day, my youngest daughter said had the best time there. She was a gentle and selfless lady, health. She moved to a nursing in Sligo and in the nursing home, foundation in the faith so that they to me, “Mammy, when I was a Everything was different to with the kindest heart. She had home near to us, so we were just before we left to go home. No know God is with them at all times baby, Jesus jumped into my heart”. what we were used to, living in a great sense of humour and she able to visit her very often. Even matter what her concerns were, throughout their lives. When I asked her how she knew, the country, and it was so much had time. She gave us so much of though she was a very private she left them God’s hands. My parents are very good role she told me that it was Granny fun. The shops were right beside her time, listening and talking to person and was happy in her own We benefitted so much from her models for me and also for their who told her. us and we spent a lot of time at the us. company in Sligo, in the years closeness to us in our lives and grandchildren. My father asked My mother looks after our beach and the play parks. Granny She was very loving and kind after granda died, she grew to love have so many beautiful memories us to do a month of prayer for children when we are both always spoiled us. We have so to everyone she met. Although the people she lived with in the of the time we spent with her. the Holy Souls in purgatory for a working, so it is a blessing to know many happy memories of our granny lived the latter part of nursing home, especially the staff. They have a very special place in special intention, which we did a they spend time those days with time in Sligo. her life with a serious illness, She knew all of them by name and our hearts, which we will treasure number of months back. For me, it the most precious gifts in my life, When we went to visit granny, which hindered her ability to they would often sit with her and forever. was a great way for us, as a family, my mother and father. she always went out of her way breathe, we never once heard her tell her their worries, which she Granny taught us what it is to my children and I, to learn about I am so blessed that God chose to have all the little things that complain. Even in times of severe remembered in her prayers. be a good and selfless person, to the Holy Souls and how important my mum and dad to be my each of us loved, our favourite pain and discomfort, she was When we went to see her in the value the gift of faith and to thank it is for us to pray and get Masses parents, but most of all to be the breakfast cereal, chocolate and always concerned about others, nursing home, she had a cupboard God for all His blessings. said for them, especially when grandparents of my children. sweets, she had it all. Even though especially mum and dad, and filled with all our favourite treats, I think about the generations 14 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 My elderly father died leaving me an I love spending time with my Granny Sarah example of faith, integrity and love by Lucy O’Hagan MY name is Lucy O’Hagan go to visit her most days. We play by Roseanne O’Donnell and I am seven years old. I live in Draughts, do Word Searches, and LIKE most people, I could name held across the counter, which beside my Granny she gives me sweets and makes me Roseanne’s father many older people who have had went beyond the weather and the Sarah and she is 86 years old. tea. a positive influence on my life. I news of the day. I love my granny so much and I love spending time with her. can’t write about them all, but My father had great reverence there is one whom I would like to for Our Blessed Mother, and he remember here. loved the Miraculous Medal. He My late father passed away a kept a Medal in our car and was number of years ago, at the age unswerving in his belief that its of 86, leaving me an example of presence saved his life on one faith, integrity and love, which I occasion. sometimes struggle to emulate. One morning in winter or My father’s faith was simple early spring, my father drove and unfussy, yet strong and deep, me to school. On the way home, and it carried him through many the car skidded on ice and hit trials. While I was growing up, a pole. Thankfully, my father and in my early adulthood, my was unharmed, but the car was father answered my faith-related badly damaged as the middle of questions patiently and clearly. the bonnet had collided with the I know more about faith, than I pole. My father attributed his would have done, had it not been escape to the intercession of Mary for my father’s guidance. and to the fact that he carried a Besides his faith, which Miraculous Medal in the car. He permeated everything he did, told the story often. my dad had a sense of humour My father’s greatest suffering that was almost childlike and came with the death of my late sometimes mischievous, but mother, at the age of just 56. My never hurtful. He was also very mum was a few years younger trusting and tended to see the than my father and I am sure they good in others. never imagined that she would be He was a shopkeeper, with a the first to depart. something of the life of St Joseph, workshop, he chatted with typical country shop that formed Despite his own grief, my who was a working husband and customers and neighbours, Best friends, Lucy O’Hagan and her Granny Sarah, Desertmartin. part of our house. It was not father tried to hide, from me, father. I can believe that he knelt sometimes listening with quiet unusual to find three or four the seriousness of my mother’s down to pray each morning, and respect to their difficulties, people chatting away to him or condition, as he wanted to spare that, in the course of any given providing a kind response and the I love my grand-daughter’s each other, as he weighed carrots me pain. On the day of the day, he answered Jesus’ questions, assurance of confidentiality, even or counted out a customer’s funeral, he went to the church taught him to pray and instructed when he could not provide the full visits as I live on my own change. with the same dignity that he had him in the basics of his trade, solution to their difficulties. However, he also provided a shown throughout my mother’s speaking kindly and patiently My earthly father loved God by Sarah O’Hagan listening ear, when the shop was illness. even when he was busy or tired. and neighbour, and the love of quiet and the chance arose for He lived just a few more years I can easily imagine Joseph One was reflected in his attitude MY name is Sarah O’Hagan. coming to visit as I live on my a private chat. I never heard the after my mother and, in all that eagerly helping Mary in their towards the other. I am grateful I am 86 years old and from own, and she is such a pleasure. details, as the confidentiality of time, he never uttered a word of home, maybe bringing in wood for his good example and I pray Desertmartin. I live beside my Lucy is such a good girl. She those exchanges was treated with complaint about his loss. for the fire, or helping to clear the that, by grace, I may learn to grand-daughter, Lucy, who is brushes the floor and helps me the highest respect, but I knew Because of my father’s example, table after a meal. follow it more faithfully. seven years old. clean up. that many conversations were I have no trouble in imagining I can believe that, in his I honestly love to see Lucy I love her dearly. My parents spent their lives living out God’s Will...and passed that precious gift onto me by Michelle Burns THERE are two people in gentle soft smile, and a nod. That with so much strength and power important to her as the air she this world that I hold in such nod would make me feel safe and behind it. My daddy, Hugh D’Arcy, breathes. high regard, with a heart full of secure, but most importantly truly will always be my shining light of Her kindness to those less abundant love and a life full of loved. Imagine knowing that your love. fortunate knows no bounds, fond childhood memories. Those daddy loved you no matter what. Now mammy, Etta D’Arcy is and she showed this by bringing two people are my parents, Hugh Now that daddy has passed, it has the complete opposite. She is such children from Romania and and Etta D’Arcy. Both of them made me realise that he loved me a strong and fiery woman, with Russia to our home, every year, to have guided me through my life so unconditionally because he opinions equal in measure. My give them a good summer holiday. instilling values, teaching me life knew that’s how our God felt about mammy never ever ever stops Her empathy towards anyone lessons and showing unconditional him. praying. My childhood memories and everyone is limitless. When love but both in very different ways. He would never walk past anyone are of her kneeling at the side of life became a struggle for her, she Daddy was a quiet unassuming homeless in the street without her bed with a Pieta book and surrendered all to Our Lord, not man who went about his life buying them a cup of tea or giving Rosary beads, staring up at the once doubting. without any fuss, and that is them the last couple of pound in holy pictures in her bedroom, and My parents’ marriage was also exactly how he reared me also. He his pocket, always walking away till this day things haven’t changed. an important example of love and always taught me that it was wise saying a gentle prayer to himself. She is the holiest and most trust. They valued the beautiful and the right thing to do to never His life brought many struggles genuine person that I know. Her promise that they made to each speak wrongly of anyone, even but he never once gave up on God; love and absolute trust in God other and to God; it really was a if sometimes their actions didn’t going to Mass every night, trusting astounds me. Her desire to get wonderful love story. warrant it. He always said: “Let it in Him so much, knowing and to know the Lord more and her I thank God every day that go love, just let it go. Put them in believing that God would sort thirst to love him more has made He blessed me with such special God’s hands.” He believed that if everything out. His gentle and me very privileged to have her parents. They spent their lives we let go then God would take care kind nature often reminds me of as my mammy. Her daily Mass, living out God’s Will full of love of things, even if we didn’t like it. the Holy Spirit, quietly drifting Holy Communion and visits and trust, which has been passed He always gave us a look, with a around in the background but to the Blessed Sacrament are as onto me now...such a precious gift. Michelle with her parents THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 15 Preparing for the Season of Creation by Patricia McCormack THE liturgical Season of (Laudato Si’ 217) robust commitments and bold Creation is celebrated by We can mark the Season of effective action by world leaders Christians throughout world from Creation individually, as a family, at the UN Biodiversity Conference September 1 until October 4, the in a school and especially as a (COP 15), scheduled for October Feast of St Francis of Assisi. parish community. “Indeed there in China, and at the 26th UN It is a special time to celebrate, is much to be done”. (Pope Francis) Climate Change Conference in in praise and thanksgiving, the Excellent resources for use in November, in Glasgow. beauty and joy of parishes, schools and in the home We are challenged to hear the Creation. We are invited to pray are available at:- concerns of young people for their with, and for, Creation and to see www.catholicbishops. futures, to listen to the voices of everything around us as a loving ie/2021/07/21/season-of- people on the front line of climate caress of God. creation-2021/ crisis and to heed the advice of It is also a time to examine how These include Sunday Liturgy scientists, who have given us 12 ‘Climate Sunday’ during the the way we live today is changing notes – homily notes for each years to limit global warming to Season of Creation and in the run the climate, Sunday, Prayers of the Faithful, the critical level of 1.5 degrees up to COP26. Resources are also polluting the seas, disordering music suggestions and reflections. centigrade. available for a COP Prayer Vigil. the balance of life and There are also guidelines for Prayer We are asked to join millions https://www.climatesunday.org/ dispossessing the poor and future Services, Practical Actions for of Catholics in raising our https:// prayandfastfortheclimate.org. Bronagh, left, with her mum and sister. generations. It is a time to commit parishes, and positive suggestions voices by signing the Healthy to living more sustainably. for each day. In addition, there Planet Healthy People petition uk/2021/07/31/prayer-vigil-for- Pope Francis reminds us that are images, videos, podcasts and at this critical moment...www. cop26/ My mum’s faith has been caring for our common home “is power point presentations which thecatholicpetition.org For further information please essential to a life of virtue; it is not can be used in a variety of ways. Hundreds of parishes throughout contact: laudatosiderry@gmail. an optional or a secondary aspect This 2021 Season of Creation, Ireland and the UK are committed com a precious gift in my life of our Christian experience”. we are also urged to advocate for to holding a journey by Bronagh Currie I daren’t call my mum elderly, The holidays have been known ‘Blessed Is She’ retreat offering opportunity so let’s say she is a ‘more mature to include a day trip to Lourdes, person’ whom I have benefited Lisieux and Knock. from closeness with. She has given me great advice to cast your burdens by Aoife O’Neill All my memories of my mum and encouragement all my life, as are filled with acts of kindness to well as tips and sayings that I am LADIES, let’s think about me; an ever-present love. She has now recycling and using with my burdens. Those awful heavy loads always put my brothers, sister and own family. that no-one likes and no-one I first, before her own needs. I have benefited from her faith wants. However, at some time or We have shared so many and the gift that that can be on another we can all find ourselves happy times like shopping trips, life’s journey, with its twists and carrying them. In today’s world we holidays and endless cups of tea. turns. can often find ourselves crushed beneath the weight of the things we are trying to carry. The Bible tells us how we can cast all our cares on God, which is great news! How amazing it is to know that God doesn’t leave us to bear our burdens alone? God is so good and He hears our prayers, but what do you do when you find yourself crushed by the weight of your burden? How do you manage Termonbacca one of this summer’s when things get too much and you Youth 2000 festival venues feel trapped in anxiety and worry? How do you truly let go and let YOUTH 2000 has announced The festival schedule gets God? that its Summer Festival for 16- underway on Friday, August 13 If you are a woman, 18+ and you: 35 year olds will take place this at 6 pm and closes as 10 pm, and would like to find the answer to year both online and in person, starts at 9 am on the Saturday, the questions above; are looking from August 13-15, at a number finishing again at 10 pm, then to grow in relationship with the of satellite locations in each of starting at 10 am on the Sunday Lord; are in need of some peaceful the Provinces, one of which is and closing at 3.30 pm. prayer time; long for community the Carmelite Retreat Centre, This year’s theme is: “I keep the with other Catholic women...the, Termonbacca, in Derry City. Lord ever in my sight, since He you need a retreat! The festival will mainly take is at my right hand, I shall stand ‘Blessed Is She’ Derry invites place online, with all talks, firm” (Psalm 16:8), and the main you to join us on our ‘Cast Your testimonies, Liturgies, prayer and speaker will be Fr Aelred Magee, Burdens’ Retreat in Termonbacca worship taking place online for a Cistercian monk at Bethlehem Carmelite Retreat Centre, Derry, the course of the weekend. Abbey, Portglenone, who from Friday, August 20–Sunday, With regards to the in person previously taught in St Malachy’s August 22. locations, due to ongoing Church College, Belfast, and later served The ‘Blessed Is She’ Retreat offers and Government regulations as chaplain to Queen’s University, you a chance to come away and regarding Covid-19, each venue in Belfast. spend some quality time with the will be capped at a maximum, so Those attending the Festival Lord. Let the Lord help you carry spaces at the liturgies are available locations are asked to follow your burdens. on a first come, first served basis guidelines as decreed by the This retreat will be led by Sisters on the day. Government and the Church from The Apostles of the Sacred Termonbacca is one of two at the time of the event around Heart of Jesus and will include locations for the day programme masks, sanitising, social distancing some talks, prayer, Adoration, of the festival, which is non- and all Covid related regulations. Mass and space to commune residential, the other location Further information can be with God and with other Catholic being the Catholic Chaplaincy at obtained by emailing Emma at women. Queen’s University, Belfast. [email protected]. If you would like to join us or would like any further information please contact [email protected] 16 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 Mass rocks powerful reminder of ancestors’ sacrifices to preserve the faith THE annual celebration of the mountainous areas where they Eucharist at the Mass Rock in could watch for any incursion by Glenshane Forest was celebrated the military. this year by curate, Fr “It was in such places that they Joseph Varghese, and was attended would have found large rocks, by around 50 men, women and which they used as altars to children. celebrate Mass. These Mass rocks In his homily, Fr Joseph noted serve as powerful reminders for all that there were thousands of Mass of us today of the sacrifices made Rocks “dotted all over Ireland, by our ancestors and priests to helping the Christian faith survive preserve the faith that we profess under persecution in an age of to belong to today. We should many priest-martyrs.” remember how indebted we are to “We constantly associate Mass them. They displayed such courage Rocks with the period of Irish and bravery in our account. They history known as the Penal weren’t worried about how long Fr Joseph Gormley (2nd) Times,” he remarked, adding: Mass would last, or about lack of Fr Eamon Graham (3rd) “During those difficult times material comforts. They went to Fr Dermott Harkin (4th) many Catholic Churches were Glenshane and similar locations Fr Karl Haan (5th) closed down and many bishops in all types of weather so that they Fr Eugene Hasson (6th) and clergy were forced to flee the might receive the sacraments. country. Laws banned the saying “Today, we thank these noble All Priests (7th) of Mass. That is when many people for the sacrifices they made Fr John Irwin (8th) committed and faithful priests, on our behalf. Surely then, we are Fr Charles Keaney (9th) usually under disguise, risked under an obligation to preserve the All Priests (10th) their lives to minister to their Mass for our descendants in turn, Fr Gerald Hasson (11th) flocks, often in isolated, remote, today” Fr Michael Keaveny (12th) rural areas and very often in Fr Seamus Kelly (13th) Fr Edward Kilpatrick (14th) In every generation All Priests (15th) Fr Charles Logue (16th) Pope’s monthly Fr Paul McCafferty (17th) people have had to walk Msgr Bryan McCanny (18th) intention Fr Michael McCaughey (19th) forward in trust Fr Andrew McCloskey (20th) The Holy Father has asked for Fr Patrick Lagan (21st) – Bishop Donal prayer during July & August for: Fr Francis Lynch (22nd) Fr Noel McDermott (23rd) WITH the annual ‘Walk to Donal. Social Friendship (July) Fr Eamon McDevitt (24th) Knock’ by the Derry-based Saying that it was “wonderful to We pray that in social, Fr John McDevitt (25th) Cursillo and COR faith groups not be with people of faith in a simple economic and political Fr Christopher McDermott (26th) taking place this summer, due to site, made holy by centuries of situations of conflict, we may Fr Kevin McElhennon (27th) the continued risk of Covid-19, a prayer”, Bishop Donal remarked: be courageous and passionate Fr Declan McGeehan (28th) small number walked from Derry “In every generation, people have architects of dialogue and to Strabane to pray for an end to had to walk forward in trust, even friendship. Fr Dermot McGirr (29th) the pandemic. when they faced huge odds. All priests (30th) On reaching the outskirts of “Today, we continue to look The Church (August) Fr Brian McGoldrick (31st) the Co Tyrone town, the walkers forward and not merely hanker Let us pray for the Church that joined in a Mass celebrated at after the past. Without walking in She may receive from the Holy Fr Neil McGoldrick (Aug 1st) the Tulacorr Mass Rock, in the trust, there is no real missionary Spirit the grace and strength All Priests (2nd) Leckpatrick Parish, by Bishop church”. to reform herself in the light of Fr James McGonagle (3rd) the Gospel. Dr James McGrory (4th) Fr Daniel McFaul (5th) Gathered on holy Prayer for Priests Fr Edward McGuinness (6th) Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless Fr Micheal McGavigan (7th) ground for Irish Mass our bishops and priests and to Bishop Donal McKeown (8th) confirm them in their vocation of Fr Con McLaughlin (9th) THE annual Mass in Irish at Charles said: “What a privilege for service. Fr George McLaughlin (10th) the Mass Rock above the old us to have celebrated the Eucharist As they stand before us as All priests (11th) Granaghan Chapel, in , at the Mass Rock”. ministers of Your Sacraments, Fr Peter McLaughlin (12th) was celebrated by Fr Charles Over 100 people attended the may they be channels of the love All priests (13th) Keaney PP, on July 13. ceremony, and Fr Charles thanked and compassion of the Good Msgr Ignatius McQuillan (14th) Shepherd, who came not be served Commenting afterwards, Frall who organised and took part. Fr Peter Madden (15th) but to serve. Fr Anthony Mailey (16th) Give them the grace they need to respond generously to you, and Archbishop Eamon Martin (17th) the courage to proclaim your Fr Gerard Mongan (18th) Word of justice, love and truth. All Priests (19th) Bless, in a special way, Fr Sean O’Donnell (20th) Your servant Fr Aidan Mullan (21st) Fr Kevin Mullan (22nd) Father.... All Priests (23rd) Send your Spirit upon him Fr Patrick Mullan (24th) So that he may always walk All Priests (25th) in the path of faith, hope and love, Fr Seamus O’Connell (26th) in the footsteps of Christ, Fr Joseph O’Conor (27th) the eternal priest, who offered Himself on the cross for the life of Fr Colm O’Doherty (28th) the world. Amen. Fr Kieran O’Doherty (29th) All Priests (30th) Remember in prayer: Fr Francis P O’Hagan (31st) FrJohn Gilmore (July 1st) THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 17 Eangach Ár nDúchas Liodán Cholm Cille Réalt na Mara

A Naomh Colm Cille, Tagtar ar shiombail an réalta i guigh ar ár son. dtraidisiún an Mheisias (Uimhr A Naomh Colm Cille, 24:17 — ‘réalt ó Iacób’). De ghnáth a Aspal na nÉireannach .. cuireann an focal ‘réalt’ maorgacht A Naomh Colm Cille, nó mórgacht in iúl, ag tagairt do a Aspal na nAlbanach .. ní atá dosháraithe nó doshroiste, nó ní a bhaineann leis na flaithis A Naomh Colm Cille, agus a lonraíonn , agus atá ina a Cholm an Tiarna .. chomhartha leighis, dóchais, nó A Naomh Colm Cille, treorach. Ba réalt a threoraigh na a Cholm na hEaglaise .. Trí Ríthe go Beithil Iúdáia mar a A Naomh Colm Cille, bhfaca siad ‘an leanbh le Muire a a Cholm Ríoga .. mháthair’ (Matha 2:11). A Naomh Colm Cille, I dtraidisiún na Críostaíochta, a Cholm Oileán Í .. agus go háirithe i dtraidisiún na A Naomh Colm Cille, Muire Máthair Dé gCairmilíteach, luaitear Muire i a Cholm na Síochána .. Sliabh Liag siombail mara eile: feiceann Eilias A Naomh Colm Cille, Cumadh an t-iomann ‘Ave Maris comhartha dóchais agus slánaithe a Cholm Suáilceach .. Stella’ san naoú haois. Céad bliain sa scamall beag a d’éirigh as an A Naomh Colm Cille, ina dhiaidh sin tagaimid air i fharraige chun beatha a thabhairt a Cholm Dílis .. liotúirge Eaglais an Iarthair. Tá diagacht iomlán Mhuire ann: is ise do thalamh a bhí neamhthorthúil (1 Ríthe 18:41–45). A Naomh Colm Cille, Máthair Dé, gan teimheal, Máthair a Cholm Carthannach .. uile-thrócaireach, ár nAbhcóide. Is é an t-ainm a thugtar ar Mhuire A Naomh Colm Cille, san sáriomann ‘Akathistos’, seoid a Cholm Geanmnaí .. An t-ainm sin a thugtar ar Mhuire, Eaglaisí an Oirthir, ná ‘Máthair an A Naomh Colm Cille, ‘Réalt na Mara’, tá sé fíor-ársa. Fiú in réalta nach dtéann faoi riamh’ agus a Cholm Séimh .. aimsir Naomh Iaróim (+420), níor ‘an réalt a chuireann an ghrian ag A Naomh Colm Cille, tuigeadh a bhrí go hiomlán. Is cosúil taitneamh’, siombail dhiamhrach a Cholm Modhúil .. go raibh Iaróm féin den tuairim gur a thagraíonn do Ionchollú ár A Naomh Colm Cille, tháinig an t-ainm Muire ón fhocal dTiarna! a Cholm Uiríseal .. Síreach ‘mar’ — duine uasal — ag A Naomh Colm Cille, tagairt don seasamh ard a bhí aici Ós siombail é ‘Réalt na Mara’, is a Cholm Eagnaí .. i bplean Dé. féidir bríonna éagsúla a bhaint A Naomh Colm Cille, San iomann seo tugtar Réalt na aisti. Cuardófar a brí ar bhealaí a Cholm Lúcháireach .. Mara uirthi (i Liodán Loreto, agus ar leibhéil éagsúla. Is trí A Naomh Colm Cille, ‘Réalt na Maidine’). Is mionsholas dhianmhachnamh, áfach, seachas a Cholm Naofa, é an réalt; is é Críost an ghrian! trí réasúnú a éireoidh linn brí guigh ar ár son. Fógraíonn réalt na maidine iomlán na siombaile seo a thuiscint. breacadh an lae, agus fógraíonn (Buíochas le breacadh an lae ar a seal éirí na (Muire, Máthair Dé, Ó Domhnaill; Comhlacht na Fírinne gréine. Bhíodh na mairnéalaigh ag Ó Dúshláine. Caitlicí, Londain.) brath go hiomlán ar na réaltaí len Buíochas le Foilseacháin Ábhair Spioradálta.) iad a threorú trasna na farraige. Muire, le Andrei Rubliev Go Leigheasa agus Go Slánaí Sé Thú Tá míniú iontach soiléir ar bhrí Slánóidh paidir an chreidimh an den sacraimintiúil daoine a na sacraiminte sa chéad phaidir t-othar agus tógfaidh an Tiarna ghairm agus a chruinniú le chéile, Tríd an ungadh naofa seo i ngnás na n-easlán. Labhraíonn é arís agus, má tá peacaí déanta agus go bhfuil leas na clainne agus trína chaointrócaire féin an sagart lena bhfuil i láthair sna aige, maithfear dó iad.” le glacadh san áireamh fosta. Is go gcuidí an Tiarna leat focail seo leanas: deas an rud é an chlann agus na le grásta an Spioraid Naoimh. Cuirimis ár mbráthair faoi cairde a bheith cruinnithe thart Amen. A chlann ionúin, choimirce ghrásta agus chumhacht ar an leaba, agus páirt á ghlacadh An Tiarna a shaor ó do pheacaí táimid tagtha le chéile in ainm Chríost chun go bhfaighidh sé acu sa tsearmanas, mar shampla thú, ár dTiarna Íosa Críost a leigheas faoiseamh agus slánú. a lámha a chur ar chloigeann an go leigheasa agus go slánaí sé thú. na heasláin agus a d’fhulaing a othair in éineacht leis an sagart, Amen. oiread sin ar ár son. Tá sé anseo Bíonn cathú ar dhaoine a nuair a thig an t-am cuí. Sin é inár measc agus deir sé linn cheapadh gur chóir don othar a an t-am a nguímid ar an Spiorad trí Shéamas aspal: “Má tá duine bheith ina aonar sula dtosaíonn Naomh a theacht anuas ar an agaibh tinn, cuireadh sé fios ar an sagart ar Shacraimint na othar lena neartú. Ansin cuirtear sheanóirí na hEaglaise agus is n-Easlán. In amanna thig leis an ola ar chlár an éadain, agus ar leosan an ola a chur air in ainm sin a bheith cruinn ceart, ach bhosa na lámh leis na focail seo an Tiarna agus guí os a chionn. cuimhnigh go bhfuil sé mar chuid leanas: 18 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 Mgr Andy Dolan celebrates Golden Jubilee marking 100 years of priesthood in family tree would be nice to go to Strabane to two years’ time. meet the Forbes’. He made me feel “Now we are celebrating 50 very much at ease with him and years of priesthood of this faithful the whole Kilkenny experience. A servant of God. I hope he has lot has happened in my life and his many happy years ahead of him”. since”. Speaking at the end of the Adding that having an ceremony, Mgr Andy said that older brother a priest, the late whatever had been achieved in his Canon Eugene Dolan, who had priesthood had been with God’s ministered in England, had been a help and the support of other great great gift to Mgr Andy, Fr Forbes people. remarked: “Every priest has his Paying particular tribute to the own model of priesthood, and Fr people of Bellaghy, where he has Andy’s is simple but effective; after ministered for 26 years, he added: God, people first. “I am very fortunate here in this “People are always important parish to be surrounded by great in his life. If there was a wake in people. We are friends and have THE Golden Jubilee of Mgr and yours as well.” Cork, Andy would be at it. He has done things together. I thank Andy Dolan’s ordination to Sharing how special it had been a unique mind that doesn’t forget people in parishes I was in prior to the priesthood turned out to to be ordained on his uncle, Fr people. He visits the sick, and has here, as well”. be a double celebration for the Michael Collins’ Golden Jubilee, been attending to them, night and Noting that his uncle, Fr Collins Aghyaran native and his family, Mgr Andy recalled: “When I day, for the last 50 years. had ministered in the Parish of with the Feast of The Body and came home as a deacon, he told “Reliable, loyal, sincere, helpful, Ballinascreen from 1939 to 1979, Blood of Christ also marking me that he would be 50 years generous with time, energy and Mgr Andy remarked: “I don’t the 100th anniversary of the ordained the next year and asked money, he would tackle anything think I will make 40 years here”. ordination of his uncle, the late Fr if my ordination and his Golden at any cost and would see it Delighted to be able to celebrate Michael Collins. Jubilee could coincide. I told him through. That is very evident when 100 years of priesthood in his Celebrating his 50 years of that he was in a better position standing in this beautiful chapel”. family, he finished up by saying: priesthood at the Corpus Christi than me to see about that. So, this Fr Forbes went on to share a “The only disappointment to me vigil Mass in St Mary’s Church, weekend, we are also celebrating special memory of serving Mass is the lack of vocations. We are Bellaghy, where he has ministered 100 years since his ordination in for his friend in the College in very difficult times that will be since 1995, Mgr Andy was joined the Nazareth House, Derry.” Oratory, after he has just been talked about when we are all gone. on the altar by Fr John Forbes and During the ceremony, Fr Forbes ordained: “I was kneeling behind It’s great to have our chapels open Fr Paddy McErlean. spoke a few words in tribute to his him, and when he held up the again. All I would ask now is that Referring to the special Feast Day long-time friend, whom he first Body of Christ, held up God in you pray for vocations”. also being celebrated, he remarked: met in August 1968, when Mgr his hands, it came to me as a The parish made a presentation “What better day to be celebrating Andy was starting his fourth year shock that my friend was now a to Mgr Andy, including a painting priesthood,” adding, “Celebrating in the seminary and he was about priest. Something had changed in of Church Island and Slieve this Mass in thanksgiving, I am to begin his first year. him. Something wonderful had Gallion by local artist, Liam sorry for the times I didn’t live up He recalled: “Andy heard that I happened to him. I was thinking Horner. to the priesthood the way that I was going to be sent to Kilkenny, that maybe I might be the same in should have, and ask God’s pardon where he was, so he thought it THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 19 Ballinascreen mark 100th anniversary of late parish priest, Fr Michael Collins’ ordination THE parishioners of heard much about him over the liturgical retrospective. to be convinced ourselves. To get covered half gold sovereigns, Fr He has gone to his reward and Ballinascreen fondly remembered past 25 years, remarking: “While “But the Feast of Corpus Christi to know the Lord by visiting Him Peter concluded: “Fr Collins put the best way for us to remember their former beloved parish priest, he would certainly have been a today shouldn’t be an opportunity often. To be so familiar with the ashes on the heads of parishioners his contribution to life here in Fr Michael Collins when they priest of his time and not giving to to be nostalgic for the past; it is church in the personal visits we here for over 40 years and Ballinascreen is to let the dust gathered in Holy Rosary Church, having his word contradicted too about Jesus present to us today, as make that, if there were couches said those memorable words, gather on whatever is the gold in , to celebrate not only often, he is remembered as having we are, and as the world and the everywhere, we couldn’t be more remember man, as I said he was our lives and genuflect before the the Feast of Corpus Christi but been an exceptional pastor. I was church is, not as we would like it to comfortable”. of his time, that thou art dust Lord present in the tabernacle also the 100th anniversary of the curate under his curate, Fr Leo be. The more Pope Francis speaks Returning to the two dust and unto dust thou shall return. instead...where true wealth lies”. late Fr Collins’ ordination to the Deery, and Fr Deery idolised his of the church being a field hospital, priesthood. memory. There was hardly a week the more at home we should feel in Current parish priest, Fr Peter when he didn’t mention his name it”. Madden was joined on the altar and many others in the parish did He added: “There was a time by Fr Collins’ nephews, Fr Michael likewise...and still do. when you were told never to Collins and Mgr Andy Dolan, “But I believe Fr Collins would pass the church without blessing who was celebrating 50 years of not be interested one bit in yourself and going in to say a priesthood on the same date, and being remembered today if, in prayer before the Lord. People still Fr Colum Clerkin, PP Culmore, remembering him, we forgot or bless themselves passing a church, who also once served as parish lessened the importance of the I notice, but personal visits to Jesus priest in Ballinascreen and now a Feast we celebrate, that of Corpus in the Blessed Sacrament are not Golden Jubilarian too. Christi. When you think that here so common. Yet, we are no less in In his homily, Fr Peter recalled was a man who left two gold-half need of Jesus now than those who a special find when clearing out sovereigns lying in the bottom of went before us. the old safe during the move of a safe where he forgot about them “We have, I believe, a greater the parish office from the old and the others, he gave away, need. For unlike in the past, our parochial house in the centre of it seems to me that Fr Michael faith in Jesus risen from the dead the town, where Fr Collins had Collins knew where true riches and present in the Eucharist has resided as curate, administrator lay, and that was in a relationship to be personal in a way that didn’t and then as parish priest of with Jesus and, in particular, in really need to be back then. When Ballinascreen. the tabernacle of every church, the the Guards and the Police stopped Considered empty and ready Blessed Eucharist. the traffic to let Jesus in the for removal, Fr Peter recalled how “It is more than appropriate that Monstrance through it was easy they then discovered two small, today, the centenary of his First to follow behind. But what of now? steel drawers at the bottom: “We Mass, is the Feast of the Body and “Indeed, faith in Christ is no took them out just to check that Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi. longer the culture of the times there was nothing there. They No dust ever settled on Fr Collins’ that we can swim along in, but a were empty too but underneath, commitment to Jesus’ presence response you and I personally have covered in dust and obviously in the Holy Eucharist in the to make, and no one can make it there a very long time, were two tabernacles of Ballinascreen”. for us, even if o ur parents chose to small coins, the size of pound He went on to note that the have us baptised. Just as we grow coins, and we took them out and Feast of Corpus Christi was first up in all other areas of our lives, cleaned them off. celebrated almost 800 years ago, our faith in Christ must become “To our surprise, we discovered when St Thomas Aquinas, Doctor our own grown-up faith too”. they weren’t pound coins at all, of the Church, proposed to Pope Referring to the mention of but two half gold sovereigns. They Urban IV, a feast focused solely on ‘couches’ in the Gospel reading must have been there a very long the Holy Eucharist, emphasizing that describes Jesus sending the time. The following week, I took the joy of the Eucharist being disciples to see that all was ready them to an antique shop. The the Body and Blood, Soul and for the Passover, he remarked dealer took out his small scales Divinity of Jesus Christ. how this suggested comfort and weighed them and the parish Processions and ease, adding: “Maybe it is got £450 for them”. Referring to the processions not unreasonable to think that “A few months later,” he added: that would have taken place to the Lord is saying to us that in “I mentioned this to Mgr Andy celebrate this special feast day, the Blessed Eucharist, whether Dolan, who took the story Fr Peter said: “Many of you will received at Mass as the bread of Thornhill celebrates Golden even further. On the day of his remember those processions life to eat or in adoration quietly ordination, 50 years ago yesterday, taking place here in this parish, before the tabernacle, we will he told me, his uncle, Fr Michael with Fr Collins at the head of it. know an ease and a peace that no Jubilee of beloved chaplain Collins gave him a set of half gold And maybe I can hear some of amount of half sovereigns can buy. JUST before the summer break, sovereigns that had been given to you think to yourselves, ‘Ah those “And that we have to find out the staff of Thornhill College him on the day he was ordained 50 were the days’. It’s always tempting for ourselves. Whether it be celebrated the Golden Jubilee years before, and Mgr Dolan told to think that if we recreate what for our children’s sake or our of the ordination of its beloved me he still has them”. was, it will be so again, as if the parishioners, the only way we can chaplain, Fr Colum Clerkin. While Fr Peter hadn’t known certainties of faith we seem to convince others of the presence of Thornhill is located within Fr Collins, he said that he had remember can be replicated by a Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the parish of Culmore, where Fr Colum ministers as parish priest. Sacristan shares childhood memory of Fr Collins SACRISTAN of the Holy Rosary see him. All the children would a little Oratory, where we used to Church in Draperstown, Marie surround him when he walked up go down to for Confession, but he O’Kane, shared her memories of the street and came in. was there to oversee the start of its Ballinascreen’s much-loved parish “He was part of the community. development”. priest, Fr Michael Collins. You always saw him about and One of her clearest memories is everybody was very fond of him. of him visiting St Mary’s Primary He was just a lovely person”. School in Draperstown, where she Marie went on to recall some was a pupil in the mid 70s. of the great work Fr Collins’ “I remember him coming into accomplished during his time in the school and us all mobbing the parish: “He was a quiet man him. There were always children but he was the driving force in around him,” recalled Marie, with the parish, getting the schools and a smile. new chapel built. She added: “He had a great “He was here 40 years and always interest in the schools and the wanted a chapel built in the town, local people. He visited the school but he didn’t live to see it finished often and we were always glad to on the site where there had been 20 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 Fr Neal Carlin, founder of Columba Community, laid to rest part of his story; the shelter of the in his own life, he withdrew for the first thing to be opened in it Church he knew he needed, the a time to the Cistercian Abbey was the Oratory. Despite Fr Neal’s shelter of Care needed by others, at Nunraw in Scotland, inspired boundless energy and frenetic and the shelter of a Compassionate by the text of the Prophet Isaiah, work rate, he yearned to be a Community which inspired him ‘They that wait on the Lord renew contemplative. So, as the Columba to lay foundations and forge new their strength’ (Is 40.31). And so, Community built up Columba pathways to bring people together. with the blessing of his Bishop in House, which quickly became His journey of discernment would Motherwell, Bishop Thompson, Fr teeming with people looking for take him to St Eunan’s College in Neal went to the United States for help and where no one was turned , then on to St Peter’s a sabbatical period, visiting houses away, a sanctuary of peace and Seminary in Wexford, and to the of prayer there. quiet was needed. Diocese of Motherwell in Scotland, “Despite his own struggles, the “After an all-night Vigil with for which he was ordained in 1964. spiritual attacks he experienced readings about land and places of “In the 11 years he spent there and the difficulties which beset peace, as Fr Neal called with people and frustration in the Troubles to At the end of the ceremony, after ordination, he ministered in him by times, his love for the to thank them for their support hurt people were now being built Bishop Donal, on behalf of Hamilton, New Stevenston, Plains, Church was deepening. On one and generosity, a man said to him into facilities which would gently the priests of the Diocese, THE Columba Community Bell’s Hill and Airdrie. His great occasion Fr Michael Collins spoke that he had a farm at Dundrean, bring healing to people. It was his acknowledged “the witness and joined with their founder’s family mentor there was Father Tom of how Fr Neal was out on the sea, on the border in Donegal and if vision though which, guided by ministry of Fr Neal over so many in helping to celebrate a beautiful Winning, later the Cardinal and battling the waves, but feeling the he wanted it, it was his. And so St God himself, was allowing all this years”, remarking: “Like many Requiem Mass for Fr Neal Carlin Archbishop of Glasgow...His years need of the overcoat which is the Anthony’s came to be. to happen”. other men and women in the in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, in Scotland were happy and care- support and encouragement of the “St Anthony’s was perfectly Fr Bradley went on to say that Fr church, he had a dream for how on Monday, August 9, which was free; he worked a lot with youth C h u r c h”. located. The border ran along Neal “was always confident in the people of faith could inspire and concelebrated by Bishop Donal where he used his love of sport to “In his writings and preaching, the bottom of the garden; it was belief that God never withdraws h e a l ”. McKeown, Fr Francis Bradley, PP evangelise”. Fr Neal always emphasised the basic and rural. Many benefitted his gifts – that the blessings given “Church has been at its best,” Buncrana, Fahan, Inch & Burt, Fr Fr Bradley added that, feeling central importance of building from its quiet solitude; none to the Celtic saints of old were still he said, “when it is creative and Michael Sweeney and Fr Seamus called back to Ireland at the height community as the heart of the more than Fr Neal himself. At present and available to us as their takes risks to reach out to people. O’Connell. of ‘The Troubles’, Fr Neal came Church’s mission,” noted Fr last, he could come closer to the followers in the here and now”. Church has been at its weakest Delivering the homily, Fr Bradley to the Cathedral Parish in 1975, Bradley, adding: “In 1981, in depth of contemplation for which He added: “He had a great grá when it merely supported the relayed how the life story of Fr Neal, where he loved visiting homes and the year of the Hunger Strikes, he yearned. But in time, further for justice; the social Gospel had strong and lost its prophetic voice”. the third eldest of nine children hearing confessions. he founded the Columba diversification was needed, when to be preached and lived. He Bishop Donal added: “On behalf born to May and Neal Carlin, at He went on to note that Fr Community. numbers seeking help with was forever conscious of his of many, I thank God for the Enagh Lough, , Derry, Neal used to say how he would “After praying with a Protestant substance addiction grew and limitations, especially his temper courageous witness of Fr Neal. began on May 1, 1940, the Feast of “stand looking down over the city, minister in Wexford, he heard the so, over the road and around the and sharp tongue – so he relied The church will be renewed by St Joseph the Worker. conscious of the disintegration clear voice of God saying, ‘In a few hill, White Oaks was developed. more than most on the mercy of courageous, creative voices and He noted that the family later of society around him, all the days, a stranger will point out to And as the land for this was being God and others; he was usually the not just by chats over a cup of moved to Newtowncunningham, more convinced that the healing, you a house.’ And sure enough...a secured, a little gift was in the first to be heard saying sorry. coffee. where, in the old chapel, the young comfort and challenge of the Holy few days later, a man who was offing, for it was discovered that, in “Whilst he made great strides “As we lay him to rest, Neal Neal “first promised God that, if he Spirit was needed to confront prominent in the SVdP, pointed addition to what was needed, there across the years, it was in 1995 would want us to pray for new got through his exams, he would the darkness and injustice of the out a house in Queen Street which was a patch of boggy land across when Bishop Séamus Hegarty, who outpouring of the Holy Spirit so offer himself to him as a priest”. Troubles”. he thought would be good for Fr the road which was also included. had been the year ahead of him in that the hope and healing of Jesus When he was 14, the family Mentioning Fr Neal’s founding Neal. It was owned by the RUC Fr Neal had always had the vision St Eunan’s College, granted the can be made visible in our hurting moved to live in Fahan, where, Fr of St Joseph’s Prayer Group and had been bombed by the IRA of having a prayer garden – and Columba Community canonical w o r l d ”. Bradley said: “He became aware of and how Charismatic Renewal – so it had the perfect pedigree to so the IOSAS Centre and Celtic status as a private association of Buried in Ardmore Cemetery, Fr the Celtic Saints and his devotion was becoming a strong thread become a place of reconciliation. Prayer Garden became a reality. the faithful, that Fr Neal could put Neal was predeceased by his sister, to them and his sheltering under in his priestly ministry at this Contemplative “But it was never ever about on the overcoat mentioned by Fr Una, and survived by the rest of his their protection and guidance has stage, Fr Bradley went on to “With his love of the Blessed places; it was always about people Michael Collins, and enjoy to the siblings, Joe, James, Angela, Dessie, been life-long. say: “Experiencing conflict and Sacrament and his unshakeable and bringing them to God. Stones full the shelter of the Church”. Aidan, Brendan and Christine. “That idea of shelter is a powerful challenge, hurt and bewilderment belief in God speaking in silence, which he saw hurled in violence

“Listening prayer is central to a new, revived concept for the Church of the future” – Fr Neal Carlin IT was with great sadness that cells were to be built. I got a deep local publication. So, I put the and then to Fr Neal asking me to their strength. They shall mount IOSAS Visitors’ Centre and Celtic I received the news that Fr Neal sense that this place would be a note back on the seat and offered help him write his autobiography; up with wings as eagles; they will Peace Garden. Carlin had passed away, having very peaceful refuge for anyone a prayer for the intention. As it an experience for which I will be run and not grow weary, walk and Founded in 1981, on the four spent much time with him during wanting some quiet time to pray happened, I was also praying at forever grateful. not grow weak.” pillars of normal Christian the writing of his autobiography, and reflect. this stage in my life about how best Working so closely with Fr Neal Fr Neal’s openness to the Holy life – prayer, community, ‘They that wait on the Lord – An As I left, I had a feeling that I I could use my time and talents to on something so personal to him, Spirit and awareness that there was evangelisation and repentance – Uncharted Journey’. would return, and I did...about serve God. I got a great insight into his life a message for him in this Scripture the Columba Community of Peace I learnt so much from him about 20 years later. In between times, I A few weeks later, I was made and personality, and into the faith quote, having received it so many & Reconciliation was officially being open to the guidance of the read with interest any news I came redundant because of the growing journey that had led to his deep times from different sources,recognised and declared a lay Holy Spirit and trusting in God... upon regarding the Columba economic recession and during awareness of God and the Holy encouraged me to pray more for institute canonically by Bishop in Divine Providence, which has Community, for it had found its prayer about the situation I Spirit working in his life. I learnt so the guidance of the Holy Spirit Seamus Hegarty in 1995. stood me in good stead in the years way into my heart. While I had found myself in, I remembered much that was to later help me in and to become more aware of its In the chapter about ‘Formation of since. intended returning to more prayer about the prayer intention I had my own life – including trusting in promptings. Community’ in his autobiography, My first encounter with Fr gatherings at St Anthony’s, work, read in the St Columba Oratory. Divine Providence. From his ministry with prisoners Fr Neal wrote: “The Columba Neal was in my early 20s...some marriage and motherhood kept Wondering about the timing of When I undertook the publication and their families during ‘The Community, its employees and 30 years ago now. I had read me busy, though I did manage to all this, I decided to write to Fr of ‘The Net’ to promote the fruits Troubles’, to his ministry of healing, beneficiaries, testify to one thing, a newspaper article about the spend some time every now and Neal to find out if the Community of the faith in parishes across the particularly for those suffering which is the prayer of listening Columba Community and St then in the Community’s Blessed was still looking for someone to Derry Diocese, after a long period from addiction, Fr Neal touched and waiting on God’s Word before Anthony’s, where hermitage cells Sacrament Chapel in Columba help promote its activities. He of praying and discerning about many lives; his great faith bringing we move with any apostolate. For were being built. Noting from House, at Queen Street, in Derry responded with a ‘phone call and how God desired me to use my people into a deeper, more living ‘unless the Lord builds the house, the article that there was a weekly City. And it was here, one day in asked me to come along to St time and talents, many, many relationship with God. they labour in vain who build it’.” prayer gathering at St Anthony’s, I 2012, that I came upon a prayer Anthony’s to discuss the possibility times the faith experience and He had a great energy, vision, (Psalm 127) felt drawn to go along and find out intention that had been left on the of a story to promote the hermitage wisdom that Fr Neal had shared determination and faith, that will “Listening prayer,” he added, “is more. seat beside the one I happened cells for retreats. with me came to mind and gave surely now merit him a “well done central to a new, revived concept I don’t remember much about to sit on, which led to my second Grateful me the courage to keep going good and faithful servant” and see for the Church of the future. We the prayer gathering, other than encounter with Fr Neal. I still remember the feeling I when the going got tough. him intercede for our Church, as cannot rely on man’s good ideas a memory of people seated along The little note asked for prayer got when I stepped out of the car In particular, the words of Isaiah it follows the path of prayer and for renewal of the Church. We the walls around the room, in an that the community would find and looked around me...it was 40:31 that Fr Neal had repeatedly discernment that he faithfully must believe God wants to guide old white-washed cottage-type someone to help promote their this sense of having ‘returned received during a crossroads tread and led to him founding us with His ideas for rebuilding the building, and Fr Neal sitting in our various centres. It struck me home’. The visit led to mein his life, and which he often the Columba Community and to Church and the Kingdom.” midst. What I recall more vividly immediately as something I would writing promotional pieces on St quoted, were a great source of the development of St Anthony’s May Fr Neal rest in peace. is, afterwards, walking around love to do, but at that time I was Anthony’s and the other centres, encouragement to me: “They that Retreat Centre, White Oaks the grounds where the hermitage already very busy writing for a wait upon the Lord shall renew Rehabilitation Centre, and the Mary O’Donnell THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 21 Reflecting on 50 years of priesthood, Fr Kevin Mullan appreciates still having... Photographs by Jason McCartan Deep friendships from all the parishes I have been TWO months after ordination, Two companions on the journey though richly rewarding, had its one of the top scholars in our class who still journey with me and costs. One minister was driven to died on a mountain in Germany. pull me their way. That journey seek sanctuary in England. I was He was an all-round person, a of service began in the Cathedral temporarily exiled to the Republic. magnificent friend to all and a city, the training ground for those There, as in all the parishes born leader. Dominic was filled just out of seminary. My mentors where I have been, I still have with the Spirit. With strength of were two brave and clear-sighted deep friendships. I renewed older mind and heart he would bring clerics. Pennyburn had its faith ones when I returned home to my good news to the poor. We sang and loyalty, its warmth, talent and native Omagh, and carried them a hymn with those words as we generosity. In common with the all with me to Drumquin, possibly joined in laying him to rest near whole city, it had its traditions. the end of the road. the banks of the Shannon. We But on its fringes, a new Woven bitterly through these could not now leave his work conurbation was being born to fifty years has been the northern undone. deal with the housing situation. conflict. We probably all ache for Eleven years later, we lost Tom, It was my privilege to eventually someone special we have lost. here in our diocese. People who work with an older, kind-hearted Without the kindness of people, didn’t fit into the tidiness of church companion in that virgin territory the partnership of colleagues life found that they fitted into his. whose name suggested a religious and religious women, the Listening and talking, he found settlement in days long past. understanding of bishops, the them a place of relief and hope It was an exciting time of patience of dear housekeepers, and questioned the priorities of great innovation, as priests and the closeness of family and a few those who didn’t question with people co-operated to create new prayers, I might not have survived. Fr Kevin Mullan outside St Patrick’s Church, Langfield, Drumquin, following his memorable 50 Year Jubilee Mass. his intensity. The comfortable models of parish, community and There are other matters I cannot made him uncomfortable. He was business life. write about here, known to a few pushed to the margins. Forty years I ministered then in Limavady, and to God. In their mercy I leave later, Pope Francis is telling us that where identity was often protected them, as I wait for Jesus to fulfil all “The past 40 years have been a is where we all should have been. by separateness, and inclusion, he has promised blessing” – Fr Michael Canny NEWLY appointed Vicar “Hopefully there was enthusiasm. received and what I will receive”. General for the Diocese, Fr I look on life as a marathon not a Remarking that 40 years ago Michael Canny has celebrated the sprint – to be run at a steady pace”. the Church was the same but in 40th anniversary of his ordination He added: “This is an occasion a very different time, Fr Michael to the priesthood with a Mass in to rejoice. The past 40 years have referred to the mention in the St Columb’s Church, Waterside, been a blessing. I have been with First Reading that the time we find where he is parish priest. very many people at special times ourselves living in is the favourable The Clonmany native wasin their lives. Hopefully, it was a time, saying: “God is in this place joined on the altar by his three spiritual occasion for them.” and in this time. God has made us curates, Fr Sean O’Donnell, Fr Recalling that he had lived and His witnesses”. Malachy Gallagher and Fr Roni worked with as many as 50 priests Going on to say that he is never Zacharias, and there was a good in the Diocese, Fr Michael said: happier than when he is in the turnout of parishioners for the “Unfortunately, many of them Waterside Parish or back home in St Joseph’s PS Drumquin had a special outdoor celebration of their beloved pastor’s 50 years of priesthood, to show their socially-distanced celebration, are no longer with us. They have Clonmany, he added: “Hopefully great love and appreciation for his dedicated ministry. who presented him with gifts embellished my life and, I hope, I can come back in 10 years’ time afterwards. made me a better person. I give and celebrate again”. Thankful for all those who had thanks and praise for what I have helped him along the way, Fr Michael recalled: “This day 40 years ago I was ordained by Bishop Daly. Two weeks later, I was asked to take up residency in St Eugene’s and also to help in Strathfoyle. “As I remember, Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister, and we had the hunger strikes. I was living in one of the corner rooms at the very top of St Eugene’s, and when a hunger striker died there was a tremendous racket with bin lids. I thought there must be a better way of making a living!” Loyal friend and helper, Deidre Thompson with Fr Mullan. Maeve Corry and her aunt, Geraldine McNabb present Fr Saying that his 40th anniversary Mullan with a Papal Blessing to mark his 50 year Jubilee. was an occasion to return to the enthusiasm he had set out with on his journey, he remarked:

Siblings Joan and Fr Kevin celebrate a memorable occasion Fr Kevin Mullan celebrated Mass with Drumragh PP, Eugene for the Mullan family. Hasson and Drumquin’s Sister Geraldine McAleer. 22 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 Entrusting herself more and more to God’s Will, Galliagh sacristan, Emma Devine says she has never felt peace and happiness like she does now, adding... We are born to live in The Divine Will Aileen and Greg Devine, of which “I didn’t understand the on and off, but eventually that all dream! revelations when she was 12 years she is third eldest. importance of living the Gospel. ended”. “I have met so many wonderful old, and being called by God to “We were reared in the Catholic I still wasn’t aware. I was still As she grew in her faith life, people, and get to interact with the “become a victim soul”, which is faith,” said Emma, “I was an altar drinking and all the rest,” added Emma became more and more Franciscan Friars of the Renewal referred to as Living in the Divine server and, later, a member of Emma, “I met another fella who aware of other areas that she four days a week when they Will. While the Vatican is holding the choir. Then the usual story I was mad about. We were living needed to change. celebrate Mass here, and then Fr a neutral position regarding Luisa evolved; when I was about 16 years together and, when I was 33, we “I had been working for a Chris, Fr Michael and Fr Gerard and her writings, it continues to old I went absolutely off the rails. had a baby girl. young parents’ project, which on one of the other three days. allow the cause of her beatification “For years I lived in sin, with a “I was still going to Mass but I provided accommodation for “And, on top of all that, when to proceed. partying lifestyle. I didn’t think didn’t think I was doing anything homeless young people,” she said, I started as sacristan, I asked Fr Feeling drawn to help spread about God, but that changed very sinful. I thought I was leading adding: “When I was working Michael if I could hold a Holy the good news about Living in when I fell pregnant when I was an ok life. Then, one morning we there, I realised I was promoting Hour for the Unborn, as I was able the Divine Will, Emma gave a talk 21. I started going to Mass when woke up and found our little girl contraception and helping people to expose the Blessed Sacrament, on it at various established prayer I was pregnant with my son and had died in her sleep. She was living together. I just felt that I and he said ‘yes’. So, that has been groups and invited people to an eventually broke up with his daddy, three months old. This was an couldn’t do this anymore. happening on a Thursday night at information night, from which a as it wasn’t a good relationship. I awakening for me. 7 pm, during which we have silent small Divine Will Prayer Group had also suffered from a bad eating “Just at that moment, when I Sacristan Eucharistic Adoration and offer up was set up last September. disorder for years and had become discovered our daughter was dead, “I was praying about a new job the Rosary for the Unborn. There “We had been meeting via Zoom Emma Devine, sacristan at St very thin and depressed”. my soul woke up. I felt that I had and then the role of sacristan in St are about 10 regulars who come and then in person, but now Joseph’s, Galliagh. Recalling how she was healed to get to Heaven, as my baby was Joseph’s came up. It was a massive each week, and during lockdown, we’re back on Zoom again,” she three years after the birth of her in Heaven. My main focus was cut in pay, but I thought if I got the we prayed at the Grotto outside the explained, “We have about 30-35 WHEN a Derry mother gave son, Emma said that it came about how to get there. I wanted to do job then it was for me. And I got chapel, socially distanced.” people joining this, some from up her well-paid job for a part- during her Cursillo weekend in everything I needed to do to get it! The Lord is so good the way He Cherishing her role as sacristan France, Poland, England, and time, lesser paid one that didn’t Termonbacca, which had been to Heaven. I knew in that instant provides. I was now getting paid to and all the time she feels blessed Galway, as well as Derry. compromise her growing faith recommended to her by colleagues that how I was living wasn’t right. go to Mass and be in the chapel. with to spend in prayer, Emma “I also started another couple of values, she soon came to realise she had worked with as a volunteer. I just understood that every action “The Lord is always pouring out has found herself entrusting groups that are smaller than this, that it was the best decision she “I had a great experience,” she of ours on earth impacts on our His goodness in so many little ways her life more and more to God, and the hope is to have a day of had ever made. continued, “I encountered Jesus on eternal life”. as well as big. After my daughter to the point that, on meeting a retreat in St Pio House, here in Three years later, Emma Devine, that weekend and the depression Still off on maternity leave, died, my son and I were homeless parishioner who introduced her to Galliagh, when it opens. I feel that of Hazelbank, in Derry, feels she lifted. It just left me. I believe that Emma said that, when her son was for nine months. I was staying on Living in the Divine Will, she feels this is my mission in life at this is living the dream in her role as God healed me. He showed me my in school, she went to Mass and my sister’s sofa...and I was praying that her mission now is to promote time; to promote the Divine Will. sacristan in St Joseph’s, Galliagh, soul and its woundedness. I could spent many hours during the day for a car! Then I said to the Lord, if this way of life. “I have never felt peace and through which she has been see these deep wounds and by the in front of the Blessed Sacrament. I get a car, I’ll need insurance but Wanting to find out more about happiness like I do now. We are drawn to spend more and more end of the weekend I saw my soul An experience in the I can’t afford it. The day I got the the gift of Living in the Divine born to live in the Divine Will. You time in prayer and has had further again, and this time it was healed Confessional proved to be another car, I got a pay rise which was the Will, Emma has been reading the really know how to love God with life-changing experiences in her but with scars. eye-opener, she recalled: “About exact amount that I needed for the writings of Luisa Piccarreta, who His own love. You actually feel encounters with many wonderful “I came to know Christ and love three weeks after my daughter car insurance!” is known as the Little Daughter of that you are doing something for people of faith amongst the him on my Cursillo weekend, and died, I went to Confession and I Reflecting on her work as a The Divine Will, and listening to Him. What you do in the Divine parishioners. really trusted Him, but while my couldn’t get absolution as I was sacristan, Emma said: “It doesn’t talks given by Frances Hogan, a lay Will touches the past, present and Amazed and more at peace than heart was transformed my lifestyle still living with my partner. This feel like a job to me. I get to set missionary and educator working future. It does so much good work she has ever felt, the 37-year-old hadn’t caught up with it. I had shocked me, but I knew what I had up the altar and meet the priest in the Catholic Church since the not just in our own life but for the has shared her faith story with encountered Jesus but, afterwards, to do. and parishioners, and it never gets late sixties. w o r l d ”. ‘The Net’; a story that began in the I was still living a life that was not “For the next year and a half or boring, even though I am doing Born in Italy in 1865, Luisa’s Carnhill family home of 15 born to o f G o d ”. so, I kept falling. My efforts were the same thing every day. It’s a story tells of her receiving With the Diocese holding its Vocation’s Day this month, Fr Malachy Gallagher shares how the late Fr Brian O’Donnell helped nurture his vocation as a child... Life’s tapestry I was an altar server for Fr Brian that being a priest entailed. My Mass, that he believed that Jesus we can only see it, as it were, O’Donnell when I was a student only real experience of priesthood was truly and really present and from behind – all the threads at St Bridid’s PS, Mayogall. His at that time was the celebration this, in turn, reinforced my own are exposed and appear pretty recent passing has me reminiscing of the Mass, but that for me was belief in the real presence of Jesus random, and we can’t really see about those days. I was always enough. in the Holy Eucharist. the pattern. In this life we don’t see eager to serve Mass because it The Mass was an experience of I think the way we celebrate Mass how, what appears at least to be, was an opportunity to spend time Heaven breaking through to earth. as priests should, in a sense, be the small threads all add up. But when with Jesus and receive Him in When I was at Mass, I felt at peace; blueprint for our lives, because we leave this earth, the tapestry Holy Communion, but there was I felt that God was near and that the Mass is filled with seemingly will be turned around and we will also the added bonus that I hated He loved me. small gestures, but which all mean see the design in all its richness. Maths and I had a valid excuse to Fr Brian’s simple but solemn a great deal. We will see how God made use of be out of class. celebration of the Holy Sacrifice St Therese of Lisieux said: all the little yeses; all those times Fr Brian was always most patient of the Mass helped me, as a boy, “Nothing is small in the eyes of we cooperated with His Holy will. with me, who was far from an to recognise how sacred and God. Do all that you do with love”. I hope that when the tapestry exemplary altar server; I could be extraordinary the Mass truly is. I try to infuse love into of my life is revealed to me that very absent-minded and would He didn’t have to say anything, everything I do, even things it is woven with the love of God. often forget to ring the bells at I remember the great care with that seem on the face of it to be It is God’s love that motivates the appropriate times. He never which he held the sacred vessels relatively unimportant. I don’t everything I do as a priest. uttered a cross word or even gave and how he diligently made sure always succeed in this mission, of If anyone is discerning a call to the faintest look of disapproval. to purify any remaining particles course. God is love, and if God is the priesthood, my advice is to Fr Malachy Gallagher, CC Waterside, as a young altar boy with the late Fr of the Blessed Sacrament. to be all in all, then our lives have start trying to manifest the love Even if I have not overcome my Brian O’Donnell. absent-mindedness, I nonetheless From his actions, I could tell to be lives of real charity – there is of God in everything you do. It have grown more patient as I try to that every tiny particle of the host really no room for pretence. may sound like a tall order, and it saying ‘yes’ to God every day, that Now that the tapestry of Fr follow his example. and every drop of what appeared St Therese is right, there really definitely is, but God’s love is so love will most certainly grow. In Brian’s life is revealed to him, may I felt called to the priesthood to be wine was actually Jesus and are no small things – it all matters. wondrous that although it may fact, it will grow exponentially; He rest from his labours and enjoy around nine years of age, even was infinitely precious. It was clear, I have heard it said that life is like start out like a small mustard seed transforming us, making us into a eternal peace. though I wasn’t fully aware of all in the manner he celebrated the a tapestry and while on this earth in our hearts, if we nurture it by new creation in Christ. THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 23 Settling in well since his arrival as the latest member to join the Termonbacca Carmelite community... Fr Mike Spain reflects on almost 40 years of ministry in Ireland, England and Nigeria, and his return to Derry

THE latest member of the “I was praying in the oratory recreation, and some would have Jean Pied de Port, France and Carmelite community to join during our mid-morning break,” been long walks, like 20 miles. I going through Spain to reach the Fr Stephen Quinn, prior, and Fr he recalled, “and as I got up off was a bit of a phenomenon”. final destination of the Cathedral Michael McGoldrick at the Iona my knees after genuflecting, I had He added: “I was in a big of Santiago de Compostela, in Retreat Centre, Termonbacca, is complete certainty that I wanted university town called Ekpoma, Galicia, having walked about 25 Tipperary-born, Fr Mike Spain. to join the Carmelites. I came out in Edo State. There was so much km every day. Like Fr McGoldrick, Fr Mike’s feeling like I was walking on air. more need there. Most people “I set out with my brother, who first posting as a Carmelite was to “I also remember, in our fifth needed a shoulder to cry on. was an army man and who loved Termonbacca and he is delighted year, kneeling to say my prayers Many needed material help. The walking”, he recalled, “but he had to be back amongst the people in front of the others in the open international organisations, like St to give up after the second day of Derry, where the Carmelite dormitory and I never felt any Vincent de Paul and the Legion of with an old injury, so I continued Fathers are preparing to welcome embarrassment, even though I was Mary, were all very active there and on my own. But you are never on more and more of the faithful as the only one doing it. if you could spare a few minutes your own on the Camino. Covid-19 restrictions ease. “When I went home and my for any of them they would be very “I got some great insights during Reflecting on his own faith parents asked what I was thinking pleased. that walk. I had tendonitis and on journey, which was first nurtured of doing, I said it straight out. “There was a lot of poverty. one particular occasion, as I was in the family home in Neenagh, The day I entered the novitiate, Sometimes, if you had the making my way to O Cebreiro, where he grew up as the eldest in my dad said, ‘Mike, the door is equivalent of a tenner, it could it was very painful. I could see a family of six, the 64-year-old’s always open’. I wasn’t my parents’ make the difference betweenthe lights of the village about six main memory is of them praying vocation; it was my decision and I someone living and dying. The or seven miles away, so I started the Rosary together every evening, have never regretted it”. SVP became my best friends as saying the Sorrowful Mysteries been a revenge attack. Igbo traders I heard some confessions en route around supper time. After spending a year in The they knew who was genuine, so of the Rosary and I had this had been attacked and murdered a s w e l l ”. Attending Catholic schools, with Abbey, the Novitiate House for I would always go out of my way extraordinary experience of ‘The in a place called Maiduguri. Two Undertaking the Camino in the one being run by the Christian the Carmelites in Loughrea, Co to get money for the SVP if they Agony in the Garden’ and all the lorry loads were filled with the latter part of his sabbatical year, Brothers, and having the influence Galway, he spent six years in made a request of me”. agonies in Africa, and not being bodies and they made the long Fr Mike spent some time at home of vocations in the family tree, Donnybrook, Dublin, studying During his time there, Fr Mike, able to help people. Then I could journey to the City of Onitsha with his family afterwards before including a grand-uncle who Philosophy for two years and who was prior for the last six see all the people who had been a and dumped them in the Muslim returning to his community in was parish priest in the City of Theology for four years at ‘Gayfield years, oversaw the building of 12 scourge to me over the years when market, where animals were sold, Clarendon Street, Dublin. Pascagoula, Mississippi, and who House’, which was later called churches, the creation of three I was praying ‘The Scourging at and then turned on the Muslims “Confession was the main stayed with Mike’s family when ‘Avila’ after the Order’s founder, St new parishes and the building of the Pillar’ Mystery. Memories of and killed any they could find”. ministry there, and a very home on holiday, and two great- Teresa. a school. different people came crowding Commenting on the affect this rewarding one,” he remarked. aunts as Mercy Sisters who wrote Ordained in 1982 by Bishop Commenting on a challenging into my mind”. had had on him, Fr Mike said: “I After spending two years in to him and his brother, he grew up Michael Harty, Killaloe, at the age start for the school build project, Fr He added: “During ‘Theslept that night, but a few years Dublin, Fr Mike was asked to go familiar with religious life. of 26, Fr Mike’s first posting was Mike said: “The site was associated Crowning of Thorns’ Mystery, I later when I was in Dublin, I came to Preston, Lancashire, in 2012, So, when a Carmelite priest came to Termonbacca, where he spent locally with superstition as babies recalled a massacre of about 200 upon a young black man in our where he spent the next couple into the Christian Brothers School about eight weeks helping with had been buried there, but people Muslims that I had come upon refectory. I shook his hand and he of years with their community one day looking for boys to go to some refurbishment work. Fr were happy when the Church was while in Nigeria. I had been stayed for a meal. One of the priests in Tabor Retreat House, before the Carmelite College in Cork, it Gerry Fitzpatrick was the prior at taking it over and that something driving in my car when I saw afterwards asked me who he was taking up the role of parish priest didn’t unsettle 12-year-old Mike that time, and the other members good was happening, so the old hundreds of people crossing over and I said that I didn’t know...and at St Joseph’s, Gerrards Cross. Spain one bit to find his teacher, of the community there included superstition was put to bed. the main bridge trying to get he had stayed for a meal! Nobody “Gerrards Cross is such a lovely Bro Walsh’s hand on his shoulder Fr Michael McGoldrick, Fr Joseph “The teenage altar servershome. It was groups of Muslims knew who he was...he had just place,” he commented, “and suited as he indicated him to join the McElhinney and Bro Christy helped to clear the ground and we who were flanked by soldiers walked into the place. During the me, as I am a people’s man. I was six others he had already sent out Gannon. moulded the bricks on site. The trying to protect them from being night, I woke up screaming a silent just finished my time there when from the class of 50, as potentially From there, he went to the St sun baked the moulds and the fully wiped out. Each side of the scream as I had been dreaming Fr John Grennan, who is now having a religious vocation. Patrick’s Liturgical Centre in bricks were ready within a week, bridge was flanked by vehicles. someone was coming to get me. I our Provincial, ‘phoned me about His mother was a bit surprised Carlow, where he spent eight and this is how we proceeded, with “Burnt bodies lay everywhere. think that was a flashback to that coming to Termonbacca. though and when she asked the months before being sent to a the bricks made as the building There was a minibus in front of massacre”. “I felt that I would be a proper teacher the following week why parish in Somerset, Wincanton, took shape”. me packed with people, and I let He recalled contracting malaria fool to be anything but ebullient he had sent him out, Bro Walsh in England, where the Carmelites Recalling his sadness on leaving six women into my car. We had after this experience in Nigeria, about the change. I said that replied: “For the craic, Mrs Spain”. have had a parish since the late in 2009, Fr Mike said: “The to drive over corpses to get out of which resulted in him having to go maybe the best friends I will ever And young Mike was hopeful of 1800s. Living with the community morning I was leaving, the Sisters there. home for five months to recover, make will be in Derry, and the having a great time there when he in St Luke’s Priory, Fr Mike was of Mary, who were running the and then return for three more signs are promising. I am now saw the hurling goalposts on the assigned to the areas of Castle school, brought out the children Hatchets years as parish priest. a member of the Cursillo men’s prospectus. Cary and Bruton. in rows. There must have been a “We were stopped at one point Returning to his Camino walking group and the Foyle Golf “I was smitten immediately,” he Amongst those he visited dozen rows of kids standing there and these fellas, who were carrying experience, Fr Mike said: “It was Club, and I have managed a few recalled, “because I loved hurling and celebrated Mass with was a and, at the same moment, they all large bamboo sticks and butchers’ extraordinary how memories spins on the bicycle, which gets me and football”. community of sisters in a convent waved and said, ‘Bye-bye Father’. hatchets for chopping tendons, rushed into my consciousness of out and about”. The College was 100 miles away in Castle Cary, who were from “I had to turn away as it was a came over to see who was in my people who had bullied me, who Having settled in well with on the other side of Cork and different countries and hadvery emotional moment. It was so car. Obviously, it was women from had leached on my time and made the rest of the Termonbacca he excelled on and off the pitch. disabilities. They were called the different to here. Children would their own tribe because they let me me do things I hadn’t wanted to community and staff, and feeling With his love of sport growing, he Sisters of Jesus Crucified. have been coming to hug your legs drive on. do, and had given abuse to some of blessed to have already met some applied to train as an accountant A decade later, Fr Mike was and nearly knock you down”. “The market was on fire and my friends”. very pleasant people, Fr Mike’s life at the National College of Physical moved to a big parish in Gerrards Having left with predominantly there were sandals all over the road He added: “For me, the Camino would be almost bliss but for some Education (NCPE) in Limerick. Cross, in Buckinghamshire, where good memories of his time in from people who were murdered. was primarily a spiritual journey, greedy little garden thieves. “My selling point in my he spent two years before being Nigeria, he remarked: “There were There was a little motorcycle though there were physical sores, “My biggest enemy since I application to them was that I sent to Nigeria for what turned out times when we had armed robbers which looked like a little black toy like my tendonitis and blisters. I have come here,” he announced, hoped to be on the Tipperary to be the best years of his ministry. come to our house, but it is the that was burnt out where it had had my little Mass kit in the bag narrowing his eyes, “are the rabbits Minor Hurling team, but it didn’t appreciation of the people that stood”. and never let a day go by without that have taken every single thing happen,” said Fr Mike, adding: “I Phenomenon stands out for me; how welcome “It was one of the very few times celebrating the Eucharist. I had the I have sown – carrots, onions, was a big, strong fella but I wore “I spent 14 years in Nigeria they made us feel”. I had seen a massacre,” continued most extraordinary company for cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage, glasses, which probably would and they were great years,” he On his return to Ireland, Fr Mike Fr Mike, “and the next day, when Mass, including a Buddhist and beetroot and leeks!” have gone against me rising to the recalled, “The people were so took part in a renewal course I went past, it was shocking to her Catholic friend one day. The And, it doesn’t look hopeful that very top in hurling”. friendly and so strong. You were with the Columbans, in Dalgan see that the bodies had just been Buddhist wanted to be a Catholic the resident canine will help with However, during his Leaving very much occupied, with no Park, Navan, and afterwards set pulled aside to let traffic flow. A lot but her parents wouldn’t let her. It that particular problem, with his Cert year, he had an experience time for pastimes such as golfing off to walk the full 500 miles of of them were women. was a very simple celebration of easy going nature endearing him that enlightened him with regards or hurling, so I went to bed tired the Way of St James – the Camino “It didn’t occupy much space in the Eucharist on a stone that was to everyone who visits. to his path in life. every night. I used to walk for de Santiago, beginning at Saint the local or national papers. It had just on a path, on the side of a hill. 24 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021

and a deeper appreciation of who engagement with Jesus in the faith. He is. “We are hoping to form a Fr Stephen Quinn shares great vision for “In many ways, from Pope Paul male group on similar lines, VI’s call for the evangelisation of and are looking around to see the modern world and Pope John what else people would be open future ministry of Carmelites in Derry Paul II’s new evangelisation, we to and interested in. There has take that as merely preaching the been a growing movement, in Lord’s name, but I think it is far Portugal, Spain, France and Italy, people. more than that. The heart of any of Carmelite Fathers teaching a “It is encouraging a devotional evangelisation is the formation in specific Carmelite Way of praying life and a prayer life that is capable knowing the identity of the Lord, to lay people, in trying to make the of deepening, and goes beyond and that identity has implications Carmelite Saints and their method the superficial, that invites people for who I am and how I live my life. of prayer more approachable. to put out a little deeper than “Evangelisation is deeply “We hope at some stage, when what they are comfortable with, connected to prayer and to such lockdown ends, to go to those or what they have been taught up things as Confession and spiritual countries and see what works until now about praying, which direction, for the growth of a for them and if it will work here often can be just a matter of words, human person in relationship with in Derry, in helping people’s beads, pamphlets, and all kinds of t h e L o r d ”. experience of prayer”. pieces of information. Eager to get going, Fr Stephen is With this great vision forming looking forward to being involved for the future ministry of the Prayer with the Youth 2000 retreat in Carmelites in Derry, Fr Stephen “As St Teresa of Ávila said, prayer August, for its members from all is keen to ensure that the environs is a simple conversation with over Ireland: “They are having of the monastery will add to the someone whom you know loves it by web-link in various places experience of those who come you. We will try to get people to across the country, and we are to Termonbacca for help in their pray with something more than hoping that will be the beginning spiritual life. what is in a book, with what is of new connections and a new “We have started a little bit of in their heart and their will, and relationship with young people”. renovation involving the chapel,” when praying, to ensure they are He also highlighted the great he said, “and refurbishment will not praying for something but work of the local ‘Blessed is She’ be ongoing to make the running that they are praying to someone, group that meets in Termonbacca: of the building more economic, and that they are loving God and “This is a group of women who in terms of heating etc, and also to taking God on His own terms”. have come to develop a deeper make it a more inviting and warm Looking ahead to when Covid relationship with the Lord through h o u s e”. restrictions are lifted, Fr Stephen various aspects of the faith. We are The Termonbacca Carmelite spoke about their hope to help the very positive about the influence of Community can be contacted by Cursillo committee and chaplain, that group on women who come telephone – 028 71 262512, email Fr Joe Gormley, rebuild “what has along to interact and learn. They – [email protected], or via Fr Michael McGoldrick, Fr Stephen Quinn, prior, and Fr Mike Spain of the Carmelite Community at the Iona Retreat been left fallow for the last year pray and try to develop their own Facebook. Centre, Termonbacca, Derry. and a half”. THE winds of change have been 44-year-old the youngest Irish see where it is that the Lord is at “Cursillo is a very important blowing through the Carmelite prior amongst the Carmelites, work in their life and where it is evangelisation tool in the City of monastery at Termonbacca these but he is more than up for the that they have put up barriers and Derry and surrounding environs,” last few years, especially since the challenge with the help of his boundaries where He can’t go, and he said, adding: “and we are open arrival of Fr Stephen Quinn, whose greatly experienced fellow friars, that usually has to do with fears to helping them deepen their eagerness to engage with all age- Fr Michael McGoldrick, former from their past”. calling to evangelise and to share groups, particularly the young, has Provincial, and Fr Mike Spain. Highlighting Matthew 14:22, the wealth of knowing the Lord. led to an increase in the number of With the Order coming out with and following, as a very important “The Diocese also has needs, people seeking spiritual direction a Charismatic Declaration on the Gospel for spiritual direction, Fr pastoral and spiritual, and we are to help them grow in their faith. meaning of its vocation in the Stephen continued: “It is about willing to assist in whatever way The Carmelites have won the Church in the 21st Century, which Jesus walking on the water and that we can. It is preparing for this hearts and deepened the faith of focuses on the life of St Teresa of then inviting Peter to come Synod that is coming and people many since arriving in Derry 40 Ávila as the inspiration that gave out. That Gospel catches so need to be ready by having the years ago, and the sudden deaths life to the Order, Fr Stephen has much of Christian life and our necessary formation. of Fr Jerry Fitzpatrick on May been reading her works again commitment to that, because there “In response to the problem 19, 2019, who had been the prior, to try and get behind what she are so many things in life that that it is facing, the Church and Fr John McNamee, last year, wanted for her community. make us frightened; they are the wants to enable lay people to take on April 23, was a great shock Noting that prayer is central to waves and the wind. They assist us responsibility, but lay people can for both the Carmelite and local St Teresa’s message, he remarked: in believing that what Christ asks never take that responsibility communities, and left a deep void. “Whatever communities of us is unreal, impossible to us; until they have made their own But God can turn all to the she founded were praying that holiness is impossible. personal commitment to Christ, good and under the guidance of communities rather than “It is through focusing on who until they have their own healthy Fr John Grennan, who took over communities that evangelised Christ is and what life offers us spiritual life, and until they realise as prior, Covid lockdown time or got involved in social work. that we are able to overcome the that Christ has called them not to became a gifted time of even Her communities were mainly fear that steals the heart out of us, some job or task but to always be deeper prayer and discernment about praying and deepening the that makes Christ’s commitment converted. Conversion has to be for the community of two, the personal relationship with the to us unreal, and that is the great first, not just for one day but for fruits of which were to be seen Lord, Himself. tragedy for most Catholics today. life”. when the Anglo-Irish Province “So for me, as prior, a priority will They do not get to see that Christ Explaining that the tradition of the Discalced Carmelites be to retain our monastic schedule. is calling them as radically and of the Carmelite saints gives held its 2020 Chapter. During The praying of the Divine Office dynamically as St Teresa or St John an insight into how conversion this Chapter, Fr Grennan was and our personal meditation will of the Cross”. works, Fr Stephen highlighted the appointed Provincial, leaving the be the fuel for whatever else we do”. He added: “I think a big part importance of prayer formation Termonbacca community without He added: “In many ways, the of our work here, going forward, and the ability to read the a prior...but God had a plan, last year for me has seen a growth is going to be around Confession Scriptures in a prayerful way, and involving Fr Stephen Quinn being in the amount of people who are and spiritual direction, and to have access to the witness of the asked to take on the role. interested in spiritual direction deepening people’s awareness Saints. Surprised at the request as he and who want a regular confessor, within themselves about their own “All is necessary food for any was only newly professed, Fr especially amongst younger call to holiness within the Church. person before they take on a role in Stephen told ‘The Net’: “You have Catholics. “Beyond that, we will try to bring the Church,” he said, adding: “Too to be solemnly professed for at “This is not an easy thing for new ideas and new forms of retreat often, we put people in roles that least three years to become prior, anyone to take on, as the spiritual to the community here in Derry. they are not ready for and they do so I had to get special dispensation director comes to know them I don’t think that trying to teach not see the deeper consequences from our Superior General in in a personal way, their reality, about St John of the Cross and and the deeper issues that arise. It Rome, Fr Cannistra.” and challenges that reality with St Teresa of Ávila in a technical is through these tasks that they are The appointment makes the the truth of Christ to help people sense will have much attraction for being called to a deeper way of life THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 25 Bearing witness to Jesus – the Way, the Truth and the Life The homily of Pope Paul VI at Mass in the Philippines, Manila, in the Quezon Circle, on Sunday, November 29, 1970, during his Apostolic Pilgrimage to West Asia, Oceania and Australia… who one day will be our judge and proclaim to the ends of the earth happy development of your social the supreme goods of the spirit? not end. Let your aspirations be - we hope - the everlasting fullness (Cfr. Rom. 10: 18) and throughout conditions is concerned, we can Who but Christ has planted in inspired by the vigour and wisdom of our existence, our happiness. all ages (Rom. 9: 5). Remember give a positive answer: Christianity the hearts of his followers the that only the Gospel of the divine I could never finish speaking this and ponder on it: the Pope can be salvation also on the earthly talent for love and service on Worker can give you. about him: he is the light and the has come here among you and has and human level. behalf of all man’s sufferings and To you, the poor, I have this truth; indeed, he is «the way, the proclaimed Jesus Christ! Dynamic needs? Who has proclaimed the to say: remember that you have truth and the life» (Io. 14: 6). He is In doing this I express also the Christ multiplied the loaves also law of work as a right, a duty and a supreme friend - Christ who the bread and the spring of living second dynamic idea that brings to satisfy the physical hunger of a means of providence? Who has called you blessed, the privileged water to satisfy our hunger and me to you: that Jesus Christ is to the crowds following him. And proclaimed the dignity that raises inheritors of his kingdom. He our thirst. He is our shepherd, our be praised not only for what he is Christ continues to work this it to the level of cooperation with personified himself in you, so as guide, our model, our comfort, in himself; he is to be exalted and miracle for those who truly believe and fulfillment of the divine plan? to turn to you every good person, our brother. Like us, and more loved for what he is for us, for each in him, and who take from him Who has freed it from every form every generous heart, every man than us, he has been little, poor, one of us, for every people and for the principles of a dynamic social of inhuman slavery, and given it its who wishes to save himself by humiliated; he has been a worker; every culture. Christ is our Saviour. order, that is, of an order that is reward of justice and merit? seeking in you Christ the Saviour. “I Paul, the successor of Saint he has known misfortune and been Christ is our greatest benefactor. continually progressing and being To you who are students and Yes, strive to raise yourselves: you Peter, charged with the pastoral patient. For our sake he spoke, Christ is our liberator. We need renewed. can well grasp these fundamental have a right and duty to do so. mission for the whole Church, worked miracles and founded a Christ, in order to be genuine and For example, Christ, as you ideas and these higher values, I Demand the help of a society that would never have come from new kingdom where the poor are worthy men in the temporal order, know, constantly proclaims his would say this: Today while you wishes to be called civilized but do Rome to this far-distant land, happy, where peace is the principle and men saved and raised to the great and supreme commandment are challenging the structures not curse either your lot or those unless I had been most firmly for living together, where the pure supernatural order. of love. There exists no social of affluent society, the society who lack sensitivity, for you know convinced of two fundamental of heart and those who mourn are At this point several questions ferment stronger and better that is dominated by technology that you are rich in the values of things: first, of Christ; and second, raised up and comforted, where present themselves. They arethan this. In its positive aspect and by the anxious pursuit of Christian patience and redemptive of your salvation. those who hunger and thirst questions that torment our times, it unleashes incomparable and productivity and consumption, suffering. Convinced of Christ: yes, I feel after justice have their fill, where and I am sure that they are in unquenchable moral forces; in its you are aware of the insufficiency A final word, to you who are the need to proclaim him, I cannot sinners can be forgiven, where all your minds too. These questions negative aspect it denounces all and the deceptiveness of the rich: remember how severe Christ keep silent. «Woe to me if I do not are brothers. are: Can Christ really be of any forms of selfishness, inertia and economic and social materialism was in your regard, when he saw preach the gospel!» (1 Cor. 9: 16). I Alpha and Omega use to us for solving the practical forgetfulness which do harm to the that marks our present progress. you self-satisfied, inactive and am sent by him, by Christ himself, Jesus Christ: you have heard and concrete problems of the needs of others. You are truly able to reaffirm the selfish. And on the other hand to do this. I am an apostle, I am a him spoken of; indeed the greater present life? Did he not say that Christ proclaims the equality superiority, richness and relevance remember how responsive and witness. The more distant the goal, part of you are already his: you are his kingdom is not of this world? and brotherhood of all men: who of authentic Christian sociology, grateful he was when he found the more difficult my mission the Christians. So, to you Christians What can he do for us? In other but he has taught and can still based on true knowledge of man you thoughtful and generous; he more pressing is the love that urges I repeat his name, to everyone I words, can Christianity give rise effectively teach such principles and of his destiny. said that not even a cup of cold me to it (Cfr. 2 Cor. 5: 13). proclaim him: Jesus Christ is the to a true humanism? Can the which revolution, while benefitting Workers water given in a Christian spirit I must bear witness to his name: beginning and the end, the Alpha Christian view of life inspire a real from them, rejects? Who but he, Workers, my message to you is would go unrewarded. Perhaps Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the and the Omega; he is the king of renewal of society? Can that view we say, has revealed the fatherhood this: While today you have become it is your hour: the time for you living God (Matth.16: 16). He the new world; he is the secret of harmonize with the demands of of God, the true and unassailable aware of your strength, take care to open your eyes and hearts to reveals the invisible God, he is history; he is the key to our destiny. modern life, and favour progress reason for the brotherhood of that in the pursuit of your total a great new vision not dedicated the firstborn of all creation, the He is the mediator, the bridge, and well-being of all? Can men? And whence comes the rehabilitation you do not adopt to the struggles of self-interest, foundation of everything created. between heaven and earth. He is Christianity interpret peoples’ genuine and sacred freedom of formulas that are incomplete hatred and violence, but dedicated He is the Teacher of mankind, more perfectly than anyone else yearnings and identify with the man if not from human dignity, and inaccurate. These, whileto solicitous and generous love and and its Redeemer. He was born, he the Son of Man, because he is the tendencies special to your culture? of which Christ made himself offering you partial victories of an to true progress. died and he rose again for us. He Son of God, eternal and infinite. These questions are many, and the teacher and champion? And economic and hedonistic nature, All this, dear sons and daughters, is the centre of history and of the He is the son of Mary, blessed we cannot answer them with one who, if not he, has made available under the banner of a selfish and dear brothers and sisters, is part of world; he is the one who knows among all women, his mother single formula which would take temporal goods, when he took bitter struggle, may later increase the message of the Catholic faith. I us and who loves us; he is the according to the flesh, and our account of the complexity of the from them the nature of ends in the disappointment of having been have the happy duty to proclaim it companion and the friend of our mother through the sharing in the problems and the different needs themselves and declared that they deprived of the higher values of here, in the name of Jesus Christ, life. He is the man of sorrows and Spirit of his Mystical Body. of man, spiritual, moral, economic, are means, means which must the spirit, of having been deprived our Lord and Saviour”. of hope. It is he who will come and Jesus Christ is our constant political, ethnic, historical and to some extent suffice for all, and of your religious personality and preaching; it is his name that we social. Yet, as far as the positive and means which are of less value than of your hope in the life that will

(This article first appeared in the One of the reasons we have our faith by Michael Devlin ) IT takes a certain amount of a stone would be taken from the a grotto including statues, as a I would have got a wee bit done been said there for over 100 years. ancestors sacrificed a lot to make effort to see any project through, ruins of a church and relocated to backdrop to the rock itself. every year and it worked out that Mass then moved from the work sure the holy sacrifice of the Mass from inception to completion. a rural area so that people could All of that work was done in every step you made, every bit of house to the Sacred Heart in 1939. could be offered up for the people.” But for one Strabane man, two celebrate Mass covertly. conjunction with maintaining the progress you made, you would “Most of the Mass Rocks that decades of work – work which “There just happened to be area each year, as the plant-life and look the next year to see what people used to visit were lost remains ongoing – is indicative of one on ground I bought,” Patsy trees around the glade grow and improvements could be made. It’s because there were dotted around his perfect devotion to a mission remarked. shed their leaves. more to make it for the people the countryside. dedicated to the people. “I acquired the ground in ‘82, I However Patsy is in no doubt rather than myself. “I personally think they should When Patsy Barrett (73) bought think, and I discovered from local that all of the work is worthwhile, “And people are visiting all the never be forgotten about because a patch of ground on the Derry folk and the parish that there was as the importance of the Mass time. I’ve met people at it from they are one of the reasons – and I Road in the town circa 1982, little a Mass Rock on it. It was all over Rock cannot be under-estimated Germany, South America, Derry.” am emphasising one of the reasons did he know that it already had a grown back then. I suppose, before in terms of our religious traditions. Originally from the Dromore – why we have our faith. Our resident, a longstanding resident I did anything with it I had to tame According to website, area, Patsy says The People’s Mass in the form of an ancient Mass the ground. findamassrock.com, so pervasive Rock would have been used in the rock. “It was a right wee bit of work. I was the Mass Rock in the image middle of the 18th Century. A huge, dark stone with a flat suppose it really started about 20 of past persecution of Catholics “Very little was written about surface to be used as an altar, Patsy years ago. Then, when the houses that Pope John Paul II spoke of it Mass Rocks because they were believes this particular example were built I was able to make a during his 1979 visit to Ireland. secretive. of our shared heritage would proper access to it, to suit the less Mass continues to be said at a “But from local knowledge, there have been in use in the 1700s, able bodied and push chairs and number of Mass Rock sites today. might have been one paragraph as a location for the then illegal that. “It’s ongoing work, keeping it written about it. Catholic Mass. This illegality “I’ve started to call it, this last 20 tidy, because of the growth and the “This Mass Rock would have was a result of Oliver Cromwell’s years, The People’s Mass Rock.” fall of the leaf. been there in existence from the campaign against the Irish and These days though, The People’s “And I’m trying to improve it by 1760s and then when things were also the Penal Law of 1695. Mass Rock isn’t merely a Mass putting seating at it,” the former relaxed, Mass was moved to the Although little is known about Rock but rather, more like a local fruit and vegetable wholesaler workhouse in Strabane, which the provenance of this Mass rock at facility. Patsy has installed seating continued. is now the council offices on the Tulacorr, in many other instances in the leafy glade and there’s also “When I was working full time, Derry Road. Mass would have 26 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 Prayer experience at Carmelite garden and Strabane Mass Rock deepens as... Discarded Stations of the Cross restored and multiplied thanks to prayer of two faith friends had been dumped during a house Derry’s own St Columba’s Well, at the Tullacorr Mass Rock, on clearance, he was dismayed that which is blessed by the Bishop the outskirts of Strabane, and it they had been discarded in such every year on the Saint’s Feast is hoped to have them blessed a way but delighted to take them Day, June 9, are sprinkled into the during a ceremony there on July into his care and clean them up. mixture from which the moulds 20, when a small number of people “When I was shown the first are made and in the cement are planning to walk the 14 miles one, I thought it was beautiful,” mixing for the foundations, along from Derry to the Strabane Mass said the Steelstown parishioner, with pebbles from Holy Shrines Rock, in place of the traditional “and I couldn’t believe it when I and pieces of old slate that came Derry-to-Knock walk this year. was told that there were 13 more from the roof of the Immaculate This date is significant in that a lying dumped at the bottom of the Conception Church in Strabane, Derry family, who want to mark garden. I fell in love with them and during the renovation work on the the traditional Walk to Knock by took them home, where I steeped building. undertaking it as a small group them in Coca Cola before cleaning A devoted Cursillista and rather than the usual larger group each one with wire wool.” champion of the youth faith group, of walkers, in keeping with Covid Of the mind that there is a COR, which regularly met in the restrictions, will be setting out that reason for everything, Patsy began Iona Retreat Centre pre-Covid, same day. walked to his Crucifixion. to pray and think about what to do Patsy has a special place in his The future hope is to have a set One set has already been about this find, which he felt was heart for the Carmelite Fathers of of the Stations planted along all installed in a private prayer garden so special that he had to discover a Termonbacca and is always trying the Walk to Knock routes – from in the City, and others are to be way of sharing the beauty of these to find ways of helping them. Derry, Belfast, Dublin and Cork given to the Columba Community Stations of the Cross. So, it was no surprise when he – to create, on each of them, a to mark its 40th anniversary and to “I have a great friend called announced that the first set of Via Dolorosa...Latin for ‘Way the Waterside Parish, to form part Paul Madden who does amazing Stations made from the moulds of Suffering’, which is a route of a special creation to mark the work making moulds, and one of were bound for the Carmelite through the Old City of Jerusalem 40th anniversary of The Church his favourites is the face of Jesus, Retreat Centre, as a gift for the that is thought to be the path Jesus of the Immaculate Conception, so I took the Stations to him to 40th anniversary of the Fathers Trench Road. see what he thought,” said Patsy, arriving in Derry. adding: “His eyes lit up when he With the help of other saw them and we both prayed Cursillistas and Termonbacca staff hard about what we could do with members, Patsy set the stations them. around the edge of the monastery “Thanks to Paul’s great work, we garden. They were then blessed WITH his heart as big as his faith the Catholic faith that is so dear to now have moulds to make copies in a special little ceremony which is deep, well known Derry painter him. of these 14 Stations of the Cross to happened to coincide with a visit and decorator, Patsy McCallion is So when a work colleague go wherever requested.” by the former prior and now always willing to offer a helping showed him the charred remains He went on to explain that Holy Provincial of the Order, Fr John hand, especially when it comes to of what turned out to be a complete Water from Knock, Lourdes and Grennan. the celebration and promotion of set of the Stations of the Cross, that the Holy Land, as well as from Another set is to be installed

Patsy McCallion at work erecting the outdoor Stations of the Cross in the Patsy getting Holy Water from St Columba’s Well on the Feast of St Patsy sharing the story with Bishop Donal. garden of the Iona Retreat Centre, Termonbacca. Columba, for mixing into the cement for the base of the Stations.j The beautiful Stations are being greatly admired. THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 27

Pope Francis and his critics by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD N the Gospel of Matthew, the Lord asks the these peripheral situations. Pope if the hierarchical Church thus Francis was accused of creating determines it. For we believe that question, “Who do people say that I am?” The “chronic confusion”, “demeaning between Christ our Lord, the whole group of disciples is literally flummoxed doctrine” and of “scandalising the Bridegroom, and the Church, intoI silence by the far-reaching implications of such faithful.” His spouse, there is one same a question and its answer. Where Andrew, James, spirit who governs and guides Vocations us for salvation for our souls. John, and Bartholomew refuse to answer, one voice The Pope did not seem to be For it is by the same Spirit and pipes up loudly, speaking from the inspiration that perturbed at all; he ploughed on Lord of ours, who gave the Ten the Holy Spirit has given to him and the faith that into another thorny issue. He Commandments, that our holy proposed to seriously examine the Mother Church is guided and he has come to, since he left his nets months, weeks, issues churned up by the ongoing governed.” Ignatius is emphatic and days before. “You are the Son of God,” Simon the reality of a vocations’ crisis... that the measure of all things is fisherman assuredly and infallibly proposes in front how does the Church evangelise obedience. without priests and how can the The critics of Pope Francis of all the onlookers. Church that is formed by the emphasise that they only Eucharist endure without the confront him out of deference that can heal the gangrenous and For his courage, his generosity, institution, even in the midst of celebration of that Eucharist in to the teaching authority of the Spirit sickened souls of each individual, and his faith, the Lord renames the deliberate sin of its leadership priest-less communities? An acute Church and the Tradition. If that Another indicator that a bad no matter the sin. In this context this disciple as the Rock. Peter is and membership, making good problem that the whole Church is true, then they will, of course, spirit moves such reflections then, we can understand Francis’ to be the rock on which the whole on the mess that these far too must face at this time. have been consistent in their comes from no less a personality memorable image for the Church Church will rest, even when all human members had made of This issue was due to be application of obedience? When than Benedict XVI himself. The as a “field hospital” on the others are being drawn into error Christ’s Body. This is the faith that raised at the Amazonian synod John Paul II prayed with all the critics of the present Holy Father battlefield, the field hospital of and are abandoning truth, the has sustained the Church through but was completely side- faith communities at Assisi in have this predilection to assert the Good Physician, there to heal rock will remain what it is, solidly the ages and that has remained tracked into contrived games 1986, were there threats of schism that Francis has brought about the gaping wounds of suffering fixed on the truth of Jesus Christ. unquestioned maybe until now? about ‘Pachamama’. Spurious and accusations of idolatry? When some rupture between himself humanity. If this is these three The Lord’s promise does not fail Given that history and that accusations were levelled by Pope Benedict XVI did it again in and his two predecessors. On one popes’ joint notion of the Church, with the establishment of solid faith, it has been startling and theologians that the Pope had 2011, where were these people’s side of the rupture, two moral then we discover the impulse that rock in his Church; he goes on disturbing in equal measures committed the sin of idolatry and shrill voices? When Cardinal and doctrinal rigorists and on the drives Francis to grasp for some to guarantee that with this rock the response of some sons and it was demanded of him that he Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict, other this liberal flirting with all the thorniest issues, that is why anchoring her, the Church will daughters of the Church to the repent of his grievous sin. All that gave Eucharist to Brother Roger kinds of dangerous reforms. The he goes to the very peripheries stand, even when the gates of hell Peter who came from almost the pales into insignificance compared of Taize, a Swiss Reformed only problem for them is that their and to the places where the most have opened up against her. very ends of the Earth. A pope to the events that occurred on the Protestant, did they raise their favoured Pope does not agree with wounded hang out. No wonder he To be Peter was not going to had not willingly resigned his last day of the World Meeting voice in protest at his orthodoxy? their estimation of affairs and has goes where angels (the pious and be something static and locked office since Celestine V in 1294; of Families, when the former When Oscar Romero, a martyr said so on several occasions. the conventionally religious) fear into one particular historical given that unusual beginning, it Nuncio to America accused the for the faith, was being defamed Benedict XVI, in a letter dated to tread. personage. Rather it was going is no wonder that a number of Pope of a “conspiracy of silence” as a Marxist and not worthy to June 2018, “applauded initiatives This emphasis on the Son of to be something dynamic. In things have been different since about the abusive actions of the be considered for canonisation, that wanted to oppose and react God as Mercy itself finds clear every generation, another man then. Even though he was legally former Cardinal Archbishop where were they on the matter? to the foolish prejudice” against expression in the pastoral activity would step into the shoes of the elected pope, chosen by the Lord of Washington, Theodore One of the most devastating his successor. He dismissed out of of the Holy Father. Look at him in fisherman, he would take on the to be Peter, from the moment McCarrick, and demanded that stories in the long litany of clerical hand all those who attempted to action, look at his body language, task of leadership of the Church, Francis stepped out on to the the Pope take responsibility for it abuse; the infamous history of hold up John Paul II and himself and you will see a man engrossed he would bind the Church to all Loggia on March 13 2013, he has and resign. Marcial Maciel, founder of the as intellectual heavyweights, in the moment, completely the implications of that original been the open object of hostility They could not have picked Legionaries of Christ, hailed by comparing and contrasting that focussed on the person in front of faith of the Apostle, and endeavour veering towards hate from certain their moment better! A major that order as a living saint yet against Francis as just a practical him, connecting with them, being to loose from the Church the dead parties. Catholic event was under way, guilty all the time of the most man with nothing intellectual tactile, and speaking in a simple wood of corruption and decay. It began innocently enough there was pressure from there fundamental betrayal of his to offer. Benedict noted that the way. He steps into their space, into There have been two hundred and with picking holes with his not being a particularly warm priesthood and the most grievous books that Francis had produced their situation, and wants to be an sixty-six Peters in the history of choice, or rather non-choice, of welcome in Dublin, the World’s crimes, when complaints about demonstrated “a profound instrument of his Master’s healing the Church. regalia; that he did not wear the media was focused on the whole his abuse were finally aired these philosophical and theological touch. It is without doubt that the traditional red shoes, and that he pilgrimage, and the whole sad were met with only profound formation” and, most importantly One of the main drawbacks of history of the successors of carried a different Ferula (pastoral history of clerical abuse hung like a silence by those in the highest of all, that they contained “an this selective obedience and the the Rock is a chequered one. staff) from Pope Benedict XVI. pall over the whole event. It could positions of authority in the inner continuity” with the two political antics of these critics is Alexander VI, the Borja Pope, was Those parties did not leave off not have been a more perfectly Church. Where were the petitions previous pontificates. Benedict that, at a time when the Church a libertine of epic proportions, there. It only seemed to gather scripted moment to create a crisis. of concern then? Maybe, truth, sees this continuity precisely has serious problems to face Julius II was more interested momentum; his preferential The various forces all started to goodness, and justice are not in that area that Francis’ critics and has found a serious person in War than in being a good option for the poor, when it move at once. They came out of included in the Deposit of the deride him for: Mercy. to suggest serious answers, the shepherd to the flock, and Leo X disturbed the assumptions and the shadows that they had carped Faith for these people? Benedict argues that the agenda for dealing with these was so consumed with his own comfort of the rich and powerful, behind, carrying a devastating I have no interest in opening continuity between these three problems gets lost, as we are too comfort and pleasure that he was labelled liberal, leftist, even accusation but no evidence. It old wounds and in pointing has its source, very appropriately busy fighting amongst ourselves “fiddled while Rome burned” with Marxist. When asked directly may as well have been a knife that fingers, there being enough blame for three Peters, in common in decadent ideological games. the Reformation. But for every what he thought of homosexual they were carrying! Who could to go around, but we must see confession of Christ not just as The sheep of the Lord’s Alexander there was a St Clement, priests who carried out their doubt that it was an avowed effort the truth that the obedience of Son of God but as the expression pasture, the children of God, are St Leo the Great, St Gregory the missions in chastity and fidelity, to assassinate a papacy, played out so many children of the Church of God’s Mercy. These men, who abandoned to fend for themselves Great, St Pius V, Benedict XV, Pius the Pope had had the temerity on our television screens, to rid is flawed. It seems to depend have each stood in the shoes of the while the Church goes through a XI, St John XXIII, and St John to answer, “Who am I to judge.” themselves of this “troublesome on which ideological compass fisherman, have all interpreted the thinly veiled civil war. As a solution Paul II. Men in whom even their When he correctly and directly priest”? Cassius, Casca, and Brutus point the wind is blowing. When Resurrected Christ as the face of to such a civil war, how about we enemies had to admit that “Peter applied the Church’s own teaching could not have manipulated the it is coming from the perceived the Divine Mercy turned towards all firmly shut our own mouths, had spoken through them.” to such situations, people started situation better! ‘our party’s’ line then there is every individual human being. put down our waving hands, and What made the incredible immediately to overreact that the There has been a criterion obedience, but when it comes They assert with Peter that Jesus, listen as a whole Church to what history possible was that in its new Pope was sympathetic to for the discernment of spirits in from the perceived ‘their party’s’ the Divine Mercy, is stronger than the Good God is saying. It was greatest weakness and when homosexual causes. the Church of long duration. A line then obedience becomes humanity’s and each individual’s the Good God who chose Francis, the Church was but a heartbeat The heat of opposition grew movement or inspiration in the conditional. It seems clear, from most grievous weakness and sin. it was the Good God who called away from the precipice of defeat even more intense when the Pope life of the Church could discern its the above examples, that Francis Because Divine Mercy has this him, and it was the Good God there was always Christ’s Word; chose to raise the issue of divorced origins by its complete submission is not measured in the same potency then Mercy puts a limit who appointed him as the fisher that remained valid, nothing, and remarried Catholics. Surely, it to the authority of the successor of manner as previous papacies and on the depravity and violence of of men and women. If that is the not even hell would prevail should be of pastoral concern to Peter and the bishops. that all smacks very much of some the World. case, then it follows that God is against the Church. The power the Church that members of the St Ignatius Loyola classically political party or an ideology In this notion, the three popes speaking a whole language in the of the Paraclete, in fulfilment of Body are locked into a lifelong voiced that discernment pattern, rather than the Church. So recapture an image of Christ that papacy of Francis. Francis’ word Christ’s spoken promise, would interdict that can only be remedied “To keep ourselves right in all then, based on an old pattern of had been side-lined for too long: and example calls to each member be constantly at work. The Spirit by death. Two synods were held things, we ought to hold fast discernment, we can simply judge Christ as the Good Physician. The of the Church, are we not then would draw out truth, goodness, to examine the question of how to this principle: What I see as what spirit prompts this reaction Mercy generated by the Cross and bound to listen and to act? and the beauty of this human to share Christ with people in white, will believe to be black to Francis. It is not a good one. Resurrection creates a medicine 28 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021

Where have the treasures gone? by Vera McFadden MANY precious objects from back to Ireland, where one and made items for use in church containing his incorrupt body Ireland’s ancient churches member of the O’Donnell family celebrations. This bell is the finest for miles, and eventually left have been lost forever, as they gave it to the Royal Irish Academy in Ireland and was mentioned it at Chester on Sea, and then were taken by the Vikings and in 1824. when Pope John Paul II he met at Durham, where it remained other raiders. An Aon Druim, When I read this, I wanted to see the young people at Galway. for centuries. Then came the now known as Nendrum, it. Twice when I visited Dublin, The copy of the Gospels, which Reformation and the saint’s was subjected to Viking raids. the Academy was closed. One St Patrick had treasured and shrine was violated. Valuables Originally a holy place founded day I went to the art gallery and Columba took to Derry, had which had been left as gestures by St Mochai, it later became a discovered that the Cathach was once belonged to St Martin of of thanksgiving were stolen, and monastic settlement. there, on loan from the Academy. Tours. Columba had a shrine then the thieves broke into the Though it had been quite I could have looked at it for built near to the present-day St coffin and were quite shocked to famous, its whereabouts has hours, for this was the script of Columba’s Well, and the bottom discover the incorrupt body. been forgotten and it was only St Columba. I have seen it twice of Fahan Street. It was revered King Henry VIII instructed rediscovered when a small, round since then, but for several years here for centuries, but taken away that the coffin was to be reinterred ruin was discovered under some now, for preservation reasons, it is in a battle at the end of the 13th in a stone box beside the original bushes. This was identified as only on view for a couple of days century and never found again. shrine. When this was examined the stump of a round tower, and each year. 300 years later, a skeleton was an archaeological investigation The silver casket, in which the Bells found and the same vestments in began. Many interesting articles Herenagh family protected the Some of the ancient bells which the saint’s body had been were found, such as evidence psaltery, is now in the National are still in their own locality. clad. There was evidence that the of colours being prepared for Museum. Another relic of St St Buadan’s was found in the burial place had been disturbed, the work of the scribes, of metal Columba, part of his crozier, is neighbourhood where he had and most people believe that the working etc. now in the Royal Irish Academy. worked and is in the parochial incorrupt body had been moved Perhaps the most treasured item The remains of Ireland’shouse at Bocan, in Inishowen. St to a safer place, somewhere else found was an early Christian three Patron Saints, Patrick, Machee’s was found at Nendrum in the church. I believe that is the bell, believed to have belonged Bridget, and Columba, were at and is in the little museum there. case, for if all those centuries ago, to St Mochai. We saw these at Downpatrick. After the Norman St Bronagh’s is in the Catholic it was carried across the country the museum, in the excellent invasion, they could not be found. church at Rostrevor (once called because of the Viking raids, surely visitor centre at Nendrum. And St Malachy was praying in church Cill Bronaigh – Bronagh’s it would not be left for further nearby there was that wonder of that they might be rediscovered. Church). People who had heard desecration by the pillagers of the technology, the tidal mill which Suddenly the sun shone brightly the ringing of her bell regarded it Henry VIII era. had been constructed by the through the window and lit up a as a mystical experience, until a Once, my daughter, Mary and monks. On the way home, we part of the floor. When that area great tree fell in a storm and the I visited Clonmacnoise. The guide visited a war and peace exhibition was investigated, the remains ancient relic of the abbess was was a fellow student of hers at at the Ulster Museum and we of the three Saints were found found in a hollow in it. Galway and, as we were in the discovered a sad memory of the in a little room. The relics were We saw this bell when the final group, he offered to show us Viking raids at Nendrum – a brought to the altar section Northern Region Lay Franciscans something very interesting, not human skull that had been struck of the church and revered for had a day’s outing in Rostrevor. far away. He led us to the shrine by an axe. Sometimes there were generations. We began that day with Mass in of St Manchin in the little church lives lost in these raids. Of course, during the the new Holy Cross Abbey, on at Boher. It was an inspiring The oldest manuscript inReformation, there was a lot of the hill near St Bronagh’s ancient experience – still in its own area, pieces of timber, which had been the relic of St Anthony’s jawbone Ireland, and perhaps even in wrecking and despoiling, and site. I bought a tape of the monks the remains of the saint in a large formerly excavated at the place, which had been stolen from Europe, is a sixth century copy of most of these were lost. Years chanting and the sound of her bell reliquary inside a burglar proof were carbon dated and shown to the Basilica, and how they were the Psalms which was transcribed later, the relic of St Patrick’s hand after the Mass. On the way down glass case. belong to his period. praying for it to be found again. by St Columba. It shows that he was found in a small cabin. It to Rostrevor, we stopped at the My class at St Patrick’s Girls There are accounts in As St Anthony’s help is usually had a very neat but hurried style was in the safe keeping of several Saint’s well, where we needed my Primary School did a project Adamnan’s ‘Life of Columba’, invoked when something is of handwriting. It is written in families until it was given into the walking stick to reach the water. about former crafts, old cures, about the miraculous preservation missing, I wondered if they were Latin and the script is of the early custody of the Bishop of Down In Inishowen, the shrine of and sayings. It had been organised of books transcribed by the saint. asking for his intercession. Two Irish method. The capital letters and Connor. The most important St Mura’s bell was kept safe by the folklore commission and They tell of some which had weeks later, my son-in-law gave are decorated. This psaltery is item, the hand of Patrick, had by the Herenagh family, the there were three prizes; three accidentally fallen into rivers, me a newspaper report about known as the ‘Cathach’ (Battler). been lost, and only the silver O’Morrisons, until during the copies of the Book of Kells. A remained there for some time and the relic of St Anthony’s jawbone As it had been transcribed by St reliquary remains. It is in the famine. Then a poor fisherman limited number of these had been then removed. It was found that having been found on its way out Columba, it was considered to be shape of a forearm and a hand sold it for six pounds, and shortly printed at the time. The girls in the vellum leaves were still dry. of the airport at Rome. The thief holy and the O’Donnell warriors raised in blessing. There is also afterwards it was sold in an my class had really enjoyed doing Another story tells that St Kevin had been clever, but no match for were blessed with it before riding an extant reliquary of St Patrick’s auction for almost 30 times that the local research and they won a was standing in the lake and he the saint’s well-known gift for into battle. Holding the precious tooth. and was then in the custody of the copy of the beautiful book. dropped his book. An otter dived finding lost objects. psaltery on high, the leader rode St Columba officiated at the Wallace collection. The original book had been down and got it and brought it to The next time we were in Padua, around them three times. enshrinement of St Patrick’s Some pectoral crosses still brought to the Monastery at Kevin. It was completely dry. we again queued to revere the At one period, the precious relic relics in 556 and, after angelic remain. Among these are the Kells from some other Columban Other books have been found relics in the basilica. When most was in a Belgian library, and the prompting, he took a copy of the Cross of Cong and one which foundation in the year 800 in marshy places and have needed of the pilgrims went to Venice, my librarian in charge was told who Gospels, a chalice, and a bell. He had belonged to St Cuthbert. The AD. While the Cathach of a lot of restoration work but, friend and I stayed and walked its owners were. In the meantime, gave the chalice to Down, the bell body of this Anglo-Saxon Abbott Columba has only the capital unfortunately, not all of them through some long streets to the librarian was to keep it for to Armagh and brought the book of Lindisfarne was incorrupt for letters decorated and only a could be saved. the little Capuchin Monastery. safety, but if an O’Donnell could to Derry. The bell and chalice were 850 years, and probably remains few colours used, the Book of While there are many ancient We prayed in the church and prove his identity, it should be probably made by St Assicus, who so. When the Vikings were Kells has a lot of very colourful, relics in Ireland, many more are then at the tomb of St Leopold. returned to the clan’s custody. as well as being one of St Patrick’s raiding North-eastern England, interwoven designs, pictures, and unfortunately missing, perhaps Then we went into a room where This happened and it was brought bishops, was a gifted metalworker the monks carried the coffin illuminations. These were worked forever. items that had belonged to him by monks who were gifted scribes were on display. This little saint and probably myopic. Relics had worked and prayed for At Nendrum, and some other Relics of saints continue to be ecumenism, peace, and mutual places, archaeologists were able to revered. I remember when the understanding. He had spent long locate the site of the scriptorium relics of St Therese of Lisieux hours in the confessional. by the position of tools and raw came to the Carmelite Monastery On our way out of the materials – the little hollowed and when the relics of St Anthony Monastery, we saw a little stones in which the Lichen and came to St Eugene’s Cathedral. adoration chapel. We went to pray other sources for colour were One time in Padua we queued to there and, as we left the seat, we ground, the wax impressions for revere the relics of St Anthony. discovered that there was a relic stamping patterns, etc. There was Once in San Giovanni Rotundo, of St Leopold on the wall beside a traditional site for Columba’s we met several ladies who it. His incorrupt hand, raised in scriptorium in folk memory conversed in Italian with our blessing, was in a glass shrine. The in Iona. Several years ago, it spiritual director. Later, he told us hand of the saint was in the same was proved to be correct when that they had been talking about position as the relic of St Patrick’s THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 29 hand had been. St Columba also relics. When Cabrini was working had blessed the other monks just in an Italian hospital, surgeons before he died. told a family from Naples that I was introduced to the they could not save their mother story of Fr Solanus Casey, an who was bleeding to death. She Irish American who was also a told the distressed relations about Capuchin, by Brother Edward Oliver and prayed with them for at Ards. He gave me a relic and a his intercession. The bleeding video about the holy friar’s life. stopped, and the woman lived. Many relics of another Millions of miracles have been Capuchin friar of the same worked through the centuries by period, Padre Pio, have been the intercession of these saints sent all around the world and and the use of their relics. hundreds of miracles have been St Therese of Lisieux said: “I granted through their use and/ will spend my Heaven doing good or the saint’s intercession. One on earth”. Padre Pio said that he first-class miracle that led to his would be able to do more for us beatification was the healing of from Heaven. St Columba told Ann Mulrine, a lady from Derry. Dermot: “Have true love among A medical missionary sister, you and if you shall act in this way, Cabrini Quigley from Buncrana, God provides all from Heaven had been among Fr Joseph’s other, there was a message in small To protect these two relics, I was instrumental in the miracle and I, living with Him, will pray keepsakes. As he had been a very copperplate writing in a language put them in plastic CD covers. that led to the canonisation for you”. Jesus said: “You shall do holy little priest, I treasured them which no one could identify, not Unfortunately, I lost the St of St Oliver Plunkett. Cabrini even greater things because I go to and I fo und a relic of St Columba even language teachers. There was Francis relic after I was praying had grown up with the habit of the Father”. Marmion and one of St Francis of also a relic with a bishop’s seal. It at St Columba’s Church. I had put praying daily for the canonisation Many people have little relics Assisi among them. The latter was seemed to be a tiny strand from it inside my Bible but it must have big or small, third class or first of Oliver Plunkett, as their parish of saints. When I worked in quite unusual. It had a picture of St the weave in the saint’s garment. fallen out. If you have found it, or class, are precious because of their priest had urged them to. They the Carmelite monastery, I was Francis’ vision at the Portiuncula Because I am a lay Franciscan, know someone who did, I would association with the saint and all had prayer cards with third class given a collection of cards which on one side of the card and, on the this relic was very precious to me. appreciate its return. All relics, of them have a story of their own.

Rejoice and be glad by Fr Johnny Doherty, CSsR NORMALLY the months of among his own relations and in his “Christ took pity on them because community to have someone to This week is a time to reflect on Church today, many people are July and August are experienced own house.” they were like sheep without a look out for them. That is a must if our appreciation of this wonderful finding it difficult to stay with the as a time of holiday. It is not that One of the mistakes we often shepherd.” we are to be a true community of gift and renew our enthusiasm for Church. And many are leaving. we are all on holidays for the make is to think that what we We are all aware of a lot faith in the parish. it. Because it is so accessible, we Today’s Gospel is a strong plea to two months. But there is a sense see is all there is to see; what we of turmoil in the world in can get used to it and take it for think again. that this is a different time for know is all there is to know. There general and often in our own August granted and we can lose the joy of This does not mean turning everyone. However, the past year is always so much more to know communities, and even our own our celebration. In the Eucharist, a blind eye to all that has and a half has not been a normal about ourselves and certainly families. The temptation is either Week 1: August 1–7 God speaks most clearly of the happened. That would be totally time. about those close to us. to despair or to ignore. For us as Our bread from heaven extent of His love and how special irresponsible. It does mean We are now on our way out In marriage and family life we followers of Christ, the only way is each one of us is to Him. To live as though getting back to the basics of lockdown. It has been a very need to constantly look for and to see the opportunity rather than Jesus said to the crowd: “Do not a people of the Eucharist we need of what the Church is about, Jesus strange time. It has been a most acknowledge the goodness that the problem, and to work together work for food that cannot last but to speak clearly of our love for one Christ, and committing ourselves difficult time for many. It has is there and set it free. Our homes to bring Christ ever more fully for food that endures to eternal another in our homes and in our to Him again. been a good time for some. As should be places of praise instead into our world. life.” parish community. We do this by committing we gradually emerge from it, we of criticism, as is so often the case. We do this firstly in our homes Every one of us has a variety ourselves to one another in need to do so with caution but There is so much richness also through love and prayer. Our of people and things that are Week 3: August 15–21 marriage; by making our homes also with a real sense of purpose. in every parish that never gets a homes should be places where important to us. We don’t want Assumption of the Blessed true Domestic Churches through A good part of this is to make sure chance to come to the surface. each one is glad to be. This can to neglect any of them. However, Virgin Mary the quality of our love and prayer; to take a good break in whatever This is a week for letting this only happen when we make it we all have a responsibility to and by making a commitment way is possible for each of us and happen. happen for each other. We make set priorities and to get those Mary said: “My soul proclaims to develop our faith community our families. Christ present in our community priorities right. That is what Jesus the greatness of the Lord and my as a place where everyone is Week 2: July 11–17 when we work together to make is calling us to this week. spirit exults in the Lord God my reverenced and loved, and where A source of strength The Missionary Church the parish a community of faith The most important things saviour; because he has looked we worship our God in spirit and All through the past time of and hope. And we do it for our are those that last forever like, upon his lowly handmaid.” in truth. crisis, Christ has been journeying “So they set off to preach world by becoming an ever- love, faith, hope. And the most Mary is given to us as a model with us as our source of strength. repentance”. greater sign of hope because we important people are those of of what a follower of Christ Conclusion Even though the Churches have There are many strangeare a people among whom Christ our families and communities. should be. Today, as we celebrate Christ opened the path to us. been closed to congregations contradictions in our world today. lives. Married couples need to make her Assumption into heaven, she He is like a roped guide climbing for much of the time, very many One of them is that so many of their marriage their priority. models especially the importance a mountain who, on reaching the people have found the online us have lost a sense of sin. And Week 4: July 25–31 Parents need to make their family of a spirit of thanksgiving and summit, pulls us up to Him and Masses a real lifeline. Through yet the power of evil has never Christ who feeds us their priority. And as people praise. Each of us has so much leads us to God. If we entrust our these, we have been able to been so obvious. Maybe this is of faith we need to make our to be thankful for to God and to life to Him, if we let ourselves be follow the various seasons of a reaction to the past, when sin Jesus said to Philip: “Where can parish our priority. This means one another, and yet we spend so guided by Him, we are certain the Church’s Year. And we have seemed to be in everything! we buy some food for these people that other things and people much of our time complaining. to be in safe hands; in the hands been part of the Eucharist week One of the major sins for most to eat?” become less important, while not This week, we are invited to turn of our saviour, of our advocate. by week and, for many, day by of us is in settling for so little In spite of all the riches of neglecting them. this around and practice praise (Pope Francis) day. Thank God for the gift of the when so much is on offer. This our world, countless people die and thanksgiving. We start with Internet! happens when a couple settles for each year of starvation. We can Week 2: August 8–14 those who are closest to us – for I offer you the following as a mediocrity rather than a sense of feel totally helpless in the face I am the bread of life example as husband and wife, help to letting Christ walk with adventure in their marriage; when of this and as a result ignore it. parents and children, friends. you through these next two a family settles for coexistence Generosity is one of the great Jesus said to the crowd: “I am the And, of course, take time this months. Each week I have a short rather than love; when a parish virtues of our people over the bread of life. And the bread that I week to thank God for all the gifts reflection on a thought from settles for duty rather than generations and is one that we shall give is my flesh for the life of we have in our lives. the Gospel of the Sunday and its building a real community of need to practice in a special way the world.” implications for married couples, faith. We may not be able to do a today. By far the most extraordinary Week 4: August 22–28 for families and for parishes. lot about the general evil that is in But there are other hungers gift that God has given to His It is the spirit that gives life the world. We can do a lot about that we can do more about and people is the Eucharist. In it, we July our own setting limits. This, in Jesus is calling on us to attend are constantly invited to receive Jesus said to the Twelve: “Do you turn, will affect the world we live to these also. One of the greatest the Body and Blood of Christ as want to go away too?” Simon Peter Week 1: July 4-10 in. human hungers is for love and our nourishment for the journey answered: “Lord, to whom shall Jesus despised by his own affection. This may be in our of life. In it, we celebrate the we go? You have the message of Week 3: July 18–24 close relationships of marriage salvation of the world and renew eternal life.” Jesus said to them: “A prophet is Christ the Good Shepherd and family life. There is also a that salvation every time we With all the scandals and only despised in his own country hunger in so many people in our celebrate it. consequent upheaval in the Fr Johnny Doherty 30 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 “Lo comido y lo bailado”...What we have eaten and celebrated, no one can take away from us… Fun and Games by Fr John McLaughlin ssc “I had a great deal of fun out group would lead the special must be a sin involved, it must be Mass devotion. Columban Lay there today,” A US golfer remarked Children’s Mass. Ben Wade and bad. I wonder has that changed Missionary, John Hayes joined up to his interviewer. “Doing that teacher, Eilish Fletcher, were completely in these intervening and loved it, and the Bailes San research was demanding…but amongst the leaders. Somewhere years! Andres group loved him! I got a lot of fun out of it all the before the start, as I mingled with I lived for a couple of years in non- One of many memories I have same,” an American writer told the young people on the floor of the parochial settings, with a family in those early years in Santiago interviewing book club enthusiasts church, getting them ‘warmed up’, or with a lay Secular Institute was the celebration of the Feast of over the radio. Surely, I could say there was an approach from one of (Hermanos Oblatos) and got to the Virgin of Mount Carmel, July that about many, many moments the girls. “Father,” she timidly told know the folklore music quite 16, in La Tirana, in the north of Shed music session. of a long life in the ministry! me, “there is a girl down there who well. As I had attended recitals Chile. Over those days and nights, Away in one of the early wants to get married.” “Is there in Ireland of The Chieftains, I can recall the number of assisting parishes in Wicklow, I yielded now?” I responded to the topic, Clannad, The Fureys, and Altan…. (Religious Dance) groups as over to the repeated offers of Eddie “Where is she?” So there were so also, I began to get to recitals in 160. They all made their solemn McElheron of the local Columbia hand signals and, from a bench, Chile, often having invited along musical and dance entry to the Showband. With Fr John Jones, a hand went up on the girls’ side. a well-initiated aficionada. Names church and made their promises and in the convenient absence of “And where is the man?” I asked, that I had on tape came alive in and homage to the Virgin, and the parish priest, we put them on and an attentive young hand shot these outings: Inti-Ilimani on then withdrawing with their the final years’ Mass in Sts Mary up from the boys’ side. “Well, you three occasions, Illapo, the Cuban banner, in the same devotion. That and Peters, with the total support of know there is a problem. This is Silvio Rodriguez, Congresso, Sol y was a long and cold vigil, as the the nuns, who had a prize-winning Holy Week and there can be no Lluvia, and also the great Spanish visiting priests made themselves choir, and teachers in the Christian weddings on Good Friday, or trovador, Juan Manuel Serrat, available for Confession to the Brothers and Community Schools. on Holy Saturday, or on Easter when he returned to visit Chile members and supporters of the It was a success! The music was Sunday.” So, off she went with this after the Pinochet era ended. ‘cofradia’, to use a Spanish word. well chosen and the interest was report, only to appear back fairly Similarly, the wonderful On the same Feast in July – intense. It was fun. quickly, to tell me: “Father, she said Argentinian, Mercedes Sosa, with a of Carmen - many of the local Years later, in St Mark’s in to tell you…that they can’t wait!” voice to override anyone and where Chilean Folklore groups wished to Tallaght, around Italia 90 when I was in that same parish at the audience was on their feet right parade and have their celebration Fr John with Moville NS friends, fourth from left, back row...na milte blian o all the young and not so young the formation of a Men’s Choir, through the performances. That in the local chapels. These groups, shoin! used to remind some of us, ‘Treat had once again appropriated the to be directed by Sean Hayes took only a little adjustment on with the Chilean and Latin for solidarity food campaigns, the it like a Game…It’s a game!” You national flag and its colors, we had and animated by local man, Pat our parts! Serrat had a song taken American dance, ‘the cueca’, best song to or about St Columban, could win and lose in all these a church full of the end-of-the year Keegan, with others like Nicky from poet, Antonio Machada, were often at the centre of many and a special sketch. There were no undertakings and pastoral plans. primary schools. The temptation Murphy, Bob Morrison and Denis which everyone knew in those cultural and National festivals, dull moments that month! On the You could get lost for an hour was too much for parish priest, Fr O’Sullivan whose names have households that I frequented: eg September 18, moments in first Sunday night, the Columban trying to find a parish or a chapel, Paddy Battelle, as he whispered to stayed with me. On one occasion, ‘caminante se hace camino’…‘you the chapels. And those of us may missionary group there presented driving around on a winter’s me after the Communion in the as the choir and congregation were make your own way by getting be a little ‘buttoned-up’, had to a tableau of the life and mission of night. Something might turn out a Mass. So the rafters were nearly being pre-animated by Pat Keegan, under way’. In both the Irish and ‘be sprung’ on the floor with our the great Saint, and it was a great ‘Fracaso’ in the attendance, or the lifted as the concourse sang the Bob Morrison met the visiting Fr the Chilean scene, I always felt that handkerchief in hand, as we made success. On other nights there had public might not show up at all. anthem of Jack’s Army…away Brendan Cooney on his way in. I was once more being led into the what we could of the movements. to be eliminatories run off, as some The games mentality was familiar ahead of all the songs that had “We’re doing ‘the bodily’ today, Soul of the Nation in those recitals. On the visit of a Dublin classmate, chapels had to decide between two to most of us Columbans, from gone before…and entertaining Fr,” he announced, in his broad And it really was FUN! Fr Dermot Clarke, I was left in or three songs and sketches. our own sporting lives! Being too. Dublin accent. Fr Brendan began There was a nice moment at the wings at a meal in Chiloe as On the night of the Gran described as a ‘scrubber’ in my Pope Benedict, in his Pastoral to fear the worst as to what this the start of a Mass in the chapel Dermot was ‘sprung’ to the floor Finale…there were problems! early years in Arklow at playing Letter on the Eucharist, has a might mean for his celebration, where I lived with the lay brothers. after an early couple of ‘pie de The outside jury did not turn up. golf, I knew the challenge. The nice convenient division which I as he questioned me. So, I put his Having vested just inside the door cueca’. He was chuffed at how he So there were hasty moves to get Communities could accept the ups have used on the occasion of First mind at ease by telling him that the of the chapel, I was involved in had made out! an acceptable and representative and the downs and move on to the Communion Masses. He says that choir was very enthusiastic over greeting the people entering. So, group to step in there. Fortunately, next project. the Eucharist is: A Mystery to be the ‘Seoirse Bodley’ score that they on this occasion, I was humorously Dance one young, talented singer- If you have got this far in reading Believed, to be Celebrated and to had been practising, Unforgettable showing off my new woolen stole, During the Faith and Mission member was having serious this, well maybe I could say, using be Lived - each at the head of a well moments…and a lot of fun! of which I had bought a set in Course in Dalgan, in the early musical training and the nerves the same metaphor, “Perhaps the explained couple of paragraphs. Bolivia. “How do you like my new noughties, some of us got held up, under her guidance. ball is in your court now!” Obviously they are interconnected. Animators stole, Señora?” I rattled off to one interested in the Celtic Circle There were tensions also about the The spirit of the whole thing And, of course, there is a challenge In my Chilean days, the custom woman whom I knew. “Very nice, Dances. So much so, that we were sketches, with some being rather is well summed up in this little in all three of these at a personal was that there were animators padre,” she responded, and then, as permitted to have it included too ‘earthy’, and others a little too piece from Dickens’s ‘Little Dorrit’: level too. at all the Sunday Masses. They she moved away, said rather loudly during the retreat days that were profound or allegoric for people “Mr Plomish amiably growled, Involved around the years ’74 welcomed the people, and often to her companion: “Seems like the part of that course. Back in Chile, I to grasp what was being hinted in his philosophical but not lucid seq, in St Vincent de Paul in specifically asked if there were priests also have their vanities!” If got a great kick out of introducing at. But, it was the culmination of a manner, that there was ups you see Marino, Dublin, I fell on my feet. any people present for the first she only knew, and I laughed to one or two of those Circle Dances whole Month of Fun for the seven and there was downs. It was in vain To be there for the initiation of time. This, on occasion, led to myself the whole way through the on the occasion of a couple of chapels and their communities! a Folk Group on the altar for a interesting opportunities to celebration! seminars in Santiago, and later in Agus rud eigin eile…go meadh to ask why ups, why downs; there Mass was indeed…“a lot of fun”. welcome, console or congratulate Another series of memories Valparaiso, having kept the tapes leithsceal - in my own language, they was, you know: He had heerd Groups were emerging all over the visitors. People like Gilda along those lines of animating and, more or less, remembered the what a lot of ‘scleip’/’craic’ there it given for a truth that accordin’ the Diocese, and music, courses, Franco, Guillermo Pizarro and, the liturgy, I associate with dance steps. It was a lovely way to end a was, in those Masses in Irish, in as the world went round, which retreats were being offered. of course, our own Columban, Fr at Mass. I remember that one community outing and a one-day Glasnevin, and as chaplain to round it did revolwe undoubted, The Carmelites in Gort Muire, Mike Hoban, were amongst those of the many great gifts that the seminar from the Las Palmas area Dominican Gaelscoil Colmcille, even the best of gentlemen must with Fr Eltin Griffin at the head, whose gifts helped to encourage a Lay Missionaries from Fiji, like in Valparaiso. Arklow and Marino, where the take his turn of standing with his were offering wonderful weekends regular congregation…with a little Tila Tanumi, my own partner in On one of those years, in the congregations were smaller but ed upside down and all his air a for interested folk groups. The bit of wit or warmth. It often lifted Valparaiso, brought us were the month of November and on appreciative and affirming, and flying the wrong way into what resultant materials were offered the actual celebrant of the day just Liturgical dance processions at the Feast of St Columban, 23rd, the music and the ‘spriod’ was you might call Space. Wery well with great enthusiasm in the to have a congregation already the entrance, the Offertory and the Parish whose name we bore often great. So, also, after spending then. What Mr Plomish said was, parish churches for their Folk ‘warmed up’ as he settled into the Recession of a Sunday Mass. decided to have a month-long a couple of enjoyable days with Fr wery well then. That gentleman’s Masses. I remember going out to what might be a second or third Then there were, in many Chilean celebration. Under the form of Seamus Farrelly in Carn, golf of air would be a pleasure to look Rathmines, where the church was Mass. So there was a momentum Parishes, the ‘Bailes Religiosos’, the Alianza, the competition course included, was the Summer upon being all smooth again, and full to the doors for their Sunday there too for a Dialogue Homily, the dance groups that formed a was to get the local Community School in Gaoth Dobhair, under wery well then!” evening Folk Mass; the young and with often unpredictable and kind of a confraternity with a deep candidates elected as the Queen of Noel O Galchoir, and the songs, the Or, as in more recent times, the not so young, all enthusiastic spontaneous reactions! allegiance to the Virgin Mary. With the Alliance, accompanied by her ‘curra cainte’, and the Ceilis…well James Michener wrote: “Never and often with a simpatico C S Lewis in one of his books, their silk outfits and the simple Rey Feo (her ugly king!) So, the into this century, this occurred! put off till tomorrow, what you celebrant. maybe ‘The Screwtape Letters’, energetic dance steps, with drums, seven chapels went on campaign So, just a quick word about can do today! Because if you enjoy On one occasion, during Holy remarked that for many people, etc, accompanying the songs, they for the month with their aspiring the ‘Games’ part of the title. My doing it today, you can do it again Week, we decided that the Folk if you were enjoying it, there lifted any congregation for their queen. Marks were to be allotted Columban brother, Fr Mike tomorrow”! Hoban, with his special humour, THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021 31

reminds us that even when Mass is St Clare - August 11 Children’s Catechism Club - C3 not celebrated, Jesus in the Eucharist, St Bartholomew - August 24 by Veronica Harley is still present in the Church. St Augustine - August 28 Hello children. Welcome to the months of July and August. ascending to the Father. (Jn 20:17). O Sacrament most Holy, Summer time has arrived. These are fantastic months filled with Mary Magdalene announced to the O Sacrament Divine apostles that she had seen the Lord All praise and all thanksgiving fun and plenty of things to keep you amused. and told them what Jesus had told Be every moment Thine her. Mary Magdalene was the first really was. Some have thought evangelist; a messenger of the good that she was the sister of Martha news. of Bethany (Luke 10:38-42) and We celebrate the feast day of Mary the sinner who dried Christ’s feet Magdalene on July 22. Her Feast with her hair. Despite any of these Day reminds us of how anyone can problems, the existence of Mary transform their lives if they are truly Magdalene is not questioned. She repentant. Mary Magdalene has is known for her sincere conversion always been an example of great love and generous heart. and forgiveness of someone who The story of the repentant sinner is grasped God’s love for humanity and The Transfiguration one of the most significant accounts spent her own life bearing witness to The Feast of the Transfiguration is that is believed to be related to Mary that love. August 6. On this special day, we Magdalene. While Jesus was dining celebrate how Jesus showed Himself at the home of the Pharisee called to be truly divine to the three Apostles Simon, a woman crept in and knelt who accompanied Him to the top of before Him (Lk 7:36-50). Simon Mount Tabor. was very angry at this interruption In the Gospels, we hear how Jesus because the woman was a known took with Him Peter, James and John Assumption of the Blessed sinner. The woman began to kiss and went up the mountain to pray. Virgin Mary Jesus’ feet and beg forgiveness for While the disciples were there with The beautiful Feast of the Assumption her sins. She dried His feet with Jesus, Elijah and Moses appeared of Mary into Heaven is celebrated on her hair and covered them with to speak with Him. Then before August 15. The Assumption of Mary expensive perfumed ointment. Jesus their eyes, Jesus was transfigured, means that She was taken up into told the woman that all her sins were completely changed, His face and heaven, body and soul. Mary’s body forgiven. clothes becoming dazzlingly white! was always pure. She gave birth to the Mary Magdalene is very important The Feast of the Transfiguration helps Son of God, therefore, God rewarded because she was a devoted and us to see, as the Apostles saw, that Her by taking Her pure, immaculate committed follower of Jesus Jesus is really and truly God (CCC body into Heaven (CCC 966). who witnessed some of the most 554-555). This same Gospel story Mary now reigns as Queen of heaven important moments of His life. is heard during the second Sunday and earth. She is our Mother who She accompanied Jesus on His of Lent every year. It is part of the listens to our prayers and asks Jesus last journey to Jerusalem and was Lenten readings to remind us that for special graces for us. On the Last present at the crucifixion, keeping the Apostles were given great hope Day, in the General Resurrection, vigil. The Blessed Sacrament - at seeing Jesus in His glory, before we too hope to enter Heaven with August He was put to death and crucified. our newly glorified bodies. Our The month of August is dedicated Likewise, we can reflect during Lent resurrected bodies will not suffer any to the Blessed Sacrament. The on the glory and joy which we will illness nor need food or drink, but Blessed Sacrament is the presence celebrate in the Easter story which instead will be splendid and eternally of Jesus in the Eucharist. Special will follow. beautiful. times are set aside in our Churches If we use our bodies for doing good Precious Blood of Jesus – called ‘Adoration’, where we can while we are alive, we will share the July come and worship Jesus in the Saints of the month- heavenly reward. On this great Feast, The month of July is dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharist August we ask the Blessed Mother of God to Precious Blood of Jesus. We all have (CCC 1178). The Blessed Sacrament St Dominic - August 8 guide, protect and care for us. blood in our bodies, which helps us to live and stay healthy, therefore, we 12. 1980’s pop band ‘Spandau Ballet’ featured which know how important and precious Quiz Time with Lawrence two British brothers? blood is. The Church and the 13. How many keys are there on a piano? sacraments, which we receive, have 14. In what year was the Euro introduced as a formal all come about through the precious Three days after His death, Mary 1. What 2014 movie saw Seth Rogen recruited by the currency? Blood of Christ, which was poured went to the tomb where Jesus had FBI to kill Kim Jong-Un? 15. In which US state does the famous Route 66 start? out on the Cross when Jesus suffered been laid, intending to anoint His 2. At what venue is the French Open tennis 16. Which country recently won the first ever World Test and died for us. body. When she arrived, she found championship played? Cricket championship? the rock that covered the tomb 3. What is the most popularly spoken language in 17. By what name were TV detectives, Bodie and Doyle had been rolled back and the body Brazil? collectively known? Saints of the Month - July 18. What is the only word in the English dictionary to was gone. Mary ran to whom she 4. Which thriller novel and movie was set in the St Thomas the Apostle - July 3 fictional Overlook Hotel? end with the letters ‘mt’? St Benedict - July 11 thought was a gardener nearby, but 5. What is the more popular name for the UK landmark, 19. In Cockney slang, how much money is a ‘pony’? St Mary Magdalene - July 22 it was only when the man spoke her Elizabeth Tower? 20. Irish novelist, John Boyne wrote a 2006 novel about St Bridget of Sweden - July 23 name that she recognised him as 6. Which singer won an Oscar for the 1987 movie, the Holocaust. What is it called? the risen Lord. Jesus told Mary to Moonstruck? 21. Of which country is the Forint the national currency? go and tell the apostles that He was 7. What number is written as LXXVII in Roman 22. In which English County is the market town of Saint Mary Magdalene numerals? Chester-le-Street? Mary Magdalene was one of the 8. Which country is credited with giving wine the term 23. Who is the current world snooker champion? women who accompanied Jesus and ‘plonk’? 24. The role of what TV comedy character brought His apostles during their travels, 9. What is the UK’s biggest land carnivore? Roger Lloyd-Pack a life of fame? caring for and supporting them. 10. Who was the USA’s first female Secretary of State? 25. In which country will you find the volcanic Mount She was close to Jesus and played a 11. Which US boxer won World titles at six different Elbrus? major role in the events surrounding weights from super featherweight to middleweight His death and resurrection. Over between 1993 and 2004? Quiz Answers: . 1, The Interview. 2, Roland Garros. 3, Portugese. 4, The Shining. 5, Big Ben. 6, Cher. 7, 77. 8, Australia. 9, The badger. 10, Madeline Albright. 11, Oscar the centuries, there has been some De La Hoya. 12, Gary and Martin Kemp. 13, 88. 14, 1999. 15, Illinois. 16, New Zealand. 17, The Professionals. 18, Dreamt. 19, £25. 20, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. debate about who Mary Magdalene 21, Hungary. 22, Durham. 23, Mark Selby. 24, Trigger in Only Fools and Horses. 25, Russia. 32 THE NET | JULY /AUGUST 2021

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