THE NET | JUNE 2020 1

ISSUE 55. JUNE 2020 PRICE - £1.50 The NET /€2.00 Sharing fruits of faith in Derry Diocese

See inside...

St Columba! Youth Holy Hours – Cappagh St Columba! Holy Patron of our

Virtual Vigil – Drumragh town...’

RE Advisor – Derry Calvary scene at St Columba’s Church, Long Tower

Shalom Award – Cappagh Fr Carlin’s 80th – Fahan Bridin McDermott RIP – Pennyburn JPIIs Keeping Connected – Greenlough in focus in People

Sarah Downey – Three Patrons Patricia Casey – Kilrea Fr Oliver Crilly – Castlefin McCafferty Sisters – Bridget Quigley & Nellie Kerlin – Annagry/Derry

Also featuring: CBS Omagh, Lumen Christi, St Brigid’s & St Joseph’s keeping the faith on-line, Diocesan on-line youth programme, Newtownstewart First Holy Communion with a difference, Lifford faithful honour Our Lady, Drumagh reflect on new ways to engage in parish life, Consecrated Virgin shares mystical espousal to Christ, Derry’s Long Tower, St Columba, Virtual Lough Derg pilgrimage, Irish Page, Children’s Catechism and much more... 2 THE NET | JUNE 2020 Reflecting on the Pope’s prayer intention for June, “...that all those who suffer may find their Contents way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus”, Sr Mary McCloskey, SSCC, writes about... CopiesParish of ‘The Net’ will deliveries be available in parishes again after restrictions, as a result of Covid-19, are lifted.

The Way of the Heart A reflection by Sr Mary McCloskey SSCC...... p2 Lifford faithful honour Our Lady...... p2 The Way of the Heart Parish Post-its...... p2 of Jesus, we draw close to the the wounds of our broken this experience of Jesus in the Diocesan on-line youth programme by Yvonne Rooney...... p3 central mystery of our faith: humanity, bringing fresh hope. Gospels that He is asking us to Fan the Flame 2020...... p3 a God, who with boundless, The first and last message of draw close to. First Holy Communion Day with a difference infinite love for our world, the Gospel is that God loves It is hard to believe in God in Newtownstewart...... p4 embraced the limitations of the world and every person in when life is tangled in fear Cappagh Youth Holy Hours by Davog McCaffrey...... p5 human history and of the it. He sent His son Jesus not as and brokenness. In moments Drumragh family’s virtual vigil human condition. He took on a judge, but as a shepherd with like this, it is hard to hang on by Aisling McGrath...... p5 a body and heart so that in a large compassionate heart. in faith. When we are lost CBS Omagh keeping the faith online by Sonya Darcy...... p6 the human heart of Jesus, and Jesus understood His life’s and wondering where life is Lumen Christi family staying connected how He was with people as he work as setting people free leading, where we are going, by Stephen Doherty...... p6 moved through the villages from fear and ignorance, not how it will all end...we are St Brigid’s College continues to be beacon of light by Shauna Sharkey...... p7 and countryside, we might so much the movement from brought to the realization that St Joseph’s pupils encouraged to engage in daily prayer catch a glimpse of this God of sinning to not sinning, but a life ends where it began, with by Catherine Lagan...... p7 compassion who loves us so change of heart, a change in the Lord. Honoured to be part of Diocesan Catechetical Team by Mary O’Boyle...... p8 much, this God of the human how they saw God and how It is the personal encounter Masters in Catholic School Leadership condition, this God of the they saw themselves in relation with Jesus that brings hope by Therese Ferry...... p8 littleness of the human way. to God. Jesus revealed a new and meaning. Jesus is “the JPII students looking forward to completing Award...... p9 Grandparents and grandchildren encouraged to share stories...... p9 This preferential option of image of God, as Abba, like a Alpha and the Omega”; the Prayer for Grandparents...... p9 God, for a suffering humanity father for His children. beginning and the end. Celebrating St Columba a Derry tradition weighed down by anguish and The depth of Jesus’ Encouraged by this, and by Ivor Doherty...... p10-11 despair, can be seen through relationship with the Father is knowing that the heart of Jesus Fr Willie Doherty biographical snapshot by Ivor Doherty...... p11 Jesus in the Gospels. revealed in His conviction that is open in love to all those who St Columba Hymn Long Tower anthem...... p11 The people who tend to God is good and absolutely to are suffering and in need, we Donegal native flies flag for follow Jesus are the “little be trusted, even when hanging too can pray... St Columba in The Wells...... p12 Feast of St Columba 2020...... p12 ones”, the ones on the margins: on the cross. It teaches us that Shalom Media award delight for Cappagh parishioner...... p13 the lame, the poor, the blind, it is possible to live with the “I am Yours, Lord - yesterday, Columba Community founder celebrates same depths of faith, trust, today and forever. I am Yours, 80th birthday...... p13 prostitutes, drunkards, tax

The power of The Little Flower collectors, and foreigners. He courage, commitment, fidelity Lord forgive my past, bring helps heavy hearts blossom again...... p14 Sr Mary McCloskey SSCC lived in close proximity to, and and ultimately surrender in light and peace to my present How can we help young people renew the Church? in solidarity with, the excluded our own lives. and prepare me with a – Bishop Donal...... p15 ones in His society; those We are also strengthened by generous heart for the future. Little Saint of Lisieux as close as ever THE month of June is a statue or picture or icon that by Roseann O’Donnell...... p15 suffering and in pain. His Word and His Promise, I know that you will be there time, traditionally, when we we prayed to, or worshipped This Year... The way that Jesus reveals that we too will not be for me, A Reader’s Reflection on St Therese Novena 2020...... p15 are invited by the Church to for years, without forming a St Therese Reflections...... p15 in the Bible, is a way of the abandoned; that He is with us My Lord and My God.” renew our relationship with personal relationship. Drumragh reflection on new ways of engaging in parish life...... p16 heart. It is a liberating path to the end through it all. Jesus and allow ourselves to be This devotion has been Padre Pio evenings in Sacred Heart Church...... p16 of humility, compassion, and When Pope Francis invites (From the townland of Tereighter, transformed by this encounter. marketed over the years in a Irish Page by Fr Oliver Crilly nonviolence in the face of us, this month of June, to pray near Park Village, Co Derry, Amhráin Dochais (Songs of Hope)...... p17 Our prayer during this month thousand prayers and pictures, oppression that culminates in for all those who are suffering Sr Mary is Superior Delegate Remembering the late Bridin McDermott...... p18 centres on Devotion to the and become so familiar that His death on a cross. that they might find their way of the Europe-Africa Zone in A mystical espousal to Christ Sacred Heart. Many Catholics it has, perhaps, lost its impact by Taryn Watkins...... p19 In Jesus, we see God at work and allow themselves to be the Congregation of the Sacred were reared on this devotion, today. On-line mentorship programme for discerning religious life...... p19 in our scattered world, healing touched by Jesus, it is precisely Hearts of Jesus and Mary). Diocesan Prayer for Vocations...... p19 very probably focussed on a In contemplating the Heart Approaching 80th birthday, Fr Oliver Crilly launches Irish book...... p20 Cappagh Parish Webcam - The weekly Padre Pio Mass The Holy Family Padre Pio Leading lives of quiet isolation by Fr Peter McCawille SMA...... p21 www.CappaghParish.com. celebrated in St Columba’s Prayer Group is live streaming Church, Long Tower its monthly prayer meetings Ireland has its Round Towers... Parish Post-its ...Derry has its Long Tower by Stephen Doherty...... p22-23 Padre Pio Masses continues to get an amazing on the first Tuesday of each Columba in Song St Columba webcam, on Tuesday nights The parish of Drumragh, response, with people tuning month, after Mass at 7.15 pm. by Vera McFadden...... p24-25 This year, the Mass in at 7.30 pm. The next one is on in Omagh, has introduced a in from not only across the Prayers are offered for all those Hold on to Holy Spirit and preach again the one message – Jesus is Lord! by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD...... p26 honour of St Columba, on Tuesday, June 2. monthly Mass in honour of Diocese, but the world too. affected during the Covid-19

Journeying with great mysteries of our salvation his June 9 Feast Day, will be St Pio. The next one will take The healing Mass is celebrated pandemic. – Bishop Donal...... p27 broadcast via the webcam at Cappagh Youth place on Tuesday, June 23, at on Wednesday nights at 7.30 St Eugene’s turned into virtual Lough Derg by Roseann O’Donnell...... p27 St Columba’s Church, Long The youth of Cappagh7.30 pm, with the recitation pm and is streamed live on Cemetery Blessings Virtual Lough Derg pilgrimage schedule...... p27 Tower. Bishop Donal will Parish, on the outskirts of of the Rosary beforehand at Facebook or can be accessed The faithful departed will Urgent appeal of Our Lady of Fatima for the world celebrate the Mass at 7.30 pm, Omagh, Co Tyrone, will 7 pm, and will be broadcast via the webcam link – https:// be prayed for by the priests by Anne Lench...... p28 A Word of God for your Family Life during which water from St be leading a Holy Hour on from Sacred Heart Church. www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st- of Greenlough and Lavey by Fr Johnny Doherty CSsR...... p28 Columb’s Well will be blessed Wednesdays, and are hoping Petitions can be columbas-church-longtower. parishes in an alternative to My faith journey and made available to people many will join in the evening emailed in advance to A Mass in honour of St Pio the usual Cemetery Sundays. by Patricia Casey, Kilrea...... p29 Adoremus 2020 rescheduled...... p29 afterwards. of adoration, reflective prayer eprayersdrumragh@outlook. is also celebrated in St Patrick’s Greenlough Parish Prayers Prayer for priests...... p29 and music. com. These will be printed and Church, Pennyburn, on the will take place on Sunday, June Pope’s prayer intention...... p29 Life in the Spirit The time of prayer will begin placed before the altar. first Monday of the month, at 14, and on Sunday, June 28, Good News from Heaven has to be made concrete on earth - Bishop Donal...... p30 Dungiven parish priest, Fr at 8.15 pm and end with Night The webcam can be7 pm. It is streamed live via for Lavey. Fr Eamon and Fr Fifth anniversary of Laudato Si Seamus Kelly has been leading Prayer at 9 pm, and will be accessed via http:// webcam - www.threepatrons. Dermot will lead the prayers - A reflection by Noel Bradley...... p30 Life in the Spirit Seminars transmitted live from St Mary’s www.churchservices.tv/ org/webcam or www. at 3 pm from each of the Children’s Catechism Club – C3 by Veronica Harley...... p31 from St Patrick’s Church, via Church, Killyclogher, via the drumraghparish. mcnmedia.tv. churches via the webcams. Quiz Time with Lawrence...... p31 Lifford faithful honour The ministry of The NET was dedicated to Our Sharing the fruits of the faith in the Derry Diocese Lady, through the Our Lady intercession of Contacting us: CLONLEIGH parish priest, May. They have also been leaving St Maximilian Kolbe, in a If you have a story that you would like to share or an event you Fr Colm O’Doherty was “The parishioners have been their petitions in a box beside would like covered by The Net, just drop an email to ceremony celebrated by delighted to see the parish faithfully bringing flowers to the May Altar, which Fr Colm [email protected] Bishop Donal McKeown community honouring Our the May altar at the Church,” offered up in prayer during the or ring/text 07809292852 on August 14, 2019. Lady during the month of said Fr Colm. celebration of Mass. THE NET | JUNE 2020 3 Alpha youth film series A new initiative for young questions and it will give people to get involved in this teenagers a chance to explore, month is the online Youth question and learn about their Alpha film series. This will run faith. every Sunday night, beginning Any young people aged 15-17 May 31st at 7 pm, and will be can sign up by completing an Diocesan on-line youth programme delivered through Zoom. online form through Instagram Alpha Youth Films are Derryyouth or Facebook designed to help engage young @DerryYouth or at www. to continue over summer by Yvonne Rooney people in a conversation about catecheticalcentre.org some of life’s most important THE online programme for international charity, and ‘Mary’s are volunteering in their parish Those involved in the Derry young people through lockdown May’, which focused on a different and community. Youth Programme appear to have has engaged many young people, Marian pilgrimage site each day The next theme was ‘Faith’ and, enjoyed the online community. including students involved in and included several young people during that week, there were Although the programme will the JPII award and offering a wide performing a live presentation on numerous examples of faith in change over the summer months, range of themes. Lourdes during that week. action, faith and vocations, and the Diocesan Youth Ministry team The young people have been The Week 3 theme was a focus faith and sport. are inviting everyone to stay tuned sharing their own experiences in on the PJPII Award, and a number The final theme was ‘Fun in to the social media platforms @ these strange times and learning of past participants shared how Lockdown’ and that week involved derryyouth on Instagram and about various charities and aspects the award had impacted on them a review of the highlights and Facebook as new posts, videos of faith. and influenced them even after challenges over the last 10 weeks, and tasks will still be posted on a Themes during May included they had completed it. Current and there was a live bake off, a quiz regularly basis. ‘Mary’s Meals’, which is an participants also shared how they night and scavenger hunt.

New on-line opportunities for parish leaders

THERE have been some new the Diocese of Duluth and is an Fan the Flame 2020 opportunities on-line for parish internationally renowned speaker. THE annual Fan the Flame have been supported there by pack of ideas. The children always their experience of Primary and leaders to avail off. CYMI, the Several representatives from Mass for Year7/6th Class pupils their schools, youth ushers and design T-Shirts to wear at the National School, and in the people Catholic Youth Ministry Network, the diocese took part in these throughout the Diocese will be adult volunteers, priests and post Mass, so they are encouraged they have shared this time with. has offered three seminarsseminars. celebrated by Bishop Donal on primary representatives. to design a T-Shirt around the Schools have received the pack nationally via zoom for leaders The parish zoom sessions Thursday, June 4, at 10 am, via the This year is very different Gospel of the Day - the Beatitudes, and are currently working with working and volunteering in continue regularly for anyone St Eugene’s Cathedral webcam. as so many of them have not which as Pope Francis says...”reveal children to help them engage with Youth Ministry. involved in youth ministry in their Normally held in Celtic Park, this yet received the sacrament of the path to true happiness...they the Mass from home. The first focused on ‘Christus parish, and recent zooms included Mass is a very colourful celebration Confirmation and they can’t always lead to joy”. The resource pack is also Vivit’, the post-synodal apostolic prayer, time for sharing and some marking the fact that the children gather in Celtic Park. The children have also been available on the Diocesan exhortation of Pope Francis, digital training. have received the sacrament of To help the children celebrate asked to complete a reflection Catechetical Centre website www. written in response to the Synod To date there has been an Confirmation and are preparing this Mass with their families at journal or create a memory bottle, catecheticalecentre.org of Bishops, on young people, faith Instagram training input, Zoom to move to the next stage of their home, the Diocesan Catechetical which will help them to be aware and vocational discernment. training and exploring Microsoft education. The youngsters would Centre has put together a resource of God’s presence throughout The second was presented by Dr and Google Forms. These sessions Jessie Rogers, who spoke about the are a relaxed way to stay in touch spiritual nourishment of youth with each other and learn some ministry workers in this time of key skills to engage with our young change. Dr Rogers is a lecturer people in this time of isolation. in Sacred Scripture in St Patrick’s The online community is a good College, Maynooth. source of support and fellowship The third seminar was by during these times, and has Fr Mike Schmitz, who spoke become an ideal platform for about youth ministry and digital sharing skills and resources among evangelisation. Fr Mike is the parish leaders and providing Director of Youth Ministry from training. Alpha on-line for adults LEADERS from various parishes found at www.catecheticalcentre. will have the opportunity to org. participate in an on-line Alpha If you are interested in more course weekly, beginning on information on youth ministry Thursday, June 4, again delivered in your parish at this time, or in via Zoom. signing up for either the Alpha This will be an online platform programme or would like to join to share and discuss many aspects the parish leaders zoom meetings, of our faith in a safe and engaging please contact yvonne.rooney@ space. If you are interested in this derrydiocese.org course an online form can be 4 THE NET | JUNE 2020

First Holy Communion Day with a difference in Newtownstewart Photographs by Ashlene Canning

lens on the picture drawn by that to learn of the next chapter of their child. Meanwhile, the children special day. and their teachers and families The Pastoral Forum proceeded were watching on Facebook Live to make a little video of Fr from their own homes. You can Colhoun outside the Parochial imagine the sense of joy this House, surrounded by named elicited in each household and gift-bags, one for each P4 child. throughout the parish. He invited the families to come Next was the celebration of without delay to collect the gifts. the Mass, with the congregation When this had been uploaded to limited to the two readers, Facebook, the people responded Ashlene Canning and Shauneen with great enthusiasm, dashed off Kilpatrick. In the sermon, Fr for their little bag and went home Colhoun acknowledged the to explore the contents. The bag huge disappointment that included a specially designed card the postponement caused the from the parish, Rosary beads, children. Waiting until a later a Rosary leaflet, a special poem day is an enormous challenge for composed for the occasion by an eight-year old. But he quoted Anne McDonnell, and a generous SATURDAY, May16, 2020 Day. On the page, the children St Peter, from the First Reading, helping of sweets! was a day with a difference in wrote their own name, the name who tried to console the earliest The final stage of the day was the Newtownstewart. It was First Holy of their chosen saint, composed Christians about the delay in the individual tea-parties at home. The Communion Day without Holy a paragraph on the saint’s life and Lord’s return: “With the Lord, a parents very kindly photographed Communion. That is to say, the drew a picture of the saint. day is like a thousand years and a the children’s celebrations and sent Mass took place, but the children St Eugene’s Church, at thousand years are like one day” the pictures to the parish. These could not come. Glenock, is well placed for such (II Peter 3:8). In other words, God can be seen in a moving collage It was, of course, due to the a presentation because of its very is not governed by the calendar on the parish Facebook page and First Holy Communion – Covid-19 virus, which prevents all ornate altar rails, installed in 1949. and He is using the delay to give form a beautiful tribute to the First public gatherings at present. Still, Accordingly, the 20 pictures were us more time to pray. Communion class of 2020 in St It should have been today! the ever-creative Parish Pastoral placed in an upright position on At the end of Mass, Fr Colhoun Patrick’s Primary School. Forum found an alternative way of the altar rails, recognising the said that First Communion would The Covid-19 virus delayed the by Anne McDonnell marking the occasion. work of the First Communicants take place as soon as possible, but reception of Holy Communion, To ease the inevitable and honouring the presence of the that no one was yet able to give but the parish made sure it Saturday, May 16, 2020 disappointment of the Primary Saints in the liturgy. a date. However, he announced would not deprive the children Four children, the parish planned Before the liturgy began, Fr that a surprise now awaited the of their celebration of God’s It should have been today at a very special Mass a socially distanced celebration. Roland Colhoun read out the Primary Four children and that it love. ‘O Sacrament Most Holy, O That you joined all your friends from the P4 class, Each child was asked to research name of each child while the would be revealed within an hour Sacrament Divine, all praise and And celebrated your First Holy Communion Day the life of a saint and prepare an parish cameraman, Martin on the parish Facebook page. The all thanksgiving, be every moment But unfortunately, things cannot be that way. A4 page for First Communion Kerrigan, carefully focussed the children waited with bated breath thine’. This scary virus – Covid 19 Has set a very different scene, No school, no Mass, no playing with friends We know you can’t wait till this all ends.

It’s all very different from what you know Having to speak to older people through a window, Just to be sure they do not get very sick But we know sticking to the rules will do the trick.

This gives you time to reflect and pray About receiving God on First Holy Communion Day, And be excited to respond to God’s special invitation To speak to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

So make sure you keep saying your prayers to Jesus That soon this scary virus will be behind us, Keep being good and helpful and kind and do not forget You’ll have your First Holy Communion Day yet. THE NET | JUNE 2020 5

Cappagh Parish Youth Holy Hours by Davog McCaffrey God’s guidance, may they make wise and informed decisions. Maybe you didn’t know, but our Ring Finger is the weakest finger of all! We call to mind all those who are weak and sick. Particularly, we remember all those in ICU/ Critical Care Departments. We pray for the healthcare workers who are using their skills to SINCE the beginning of May, Sacrament, which has allowed us reflection based on Popeprovide the best possible care. myself and a small number of and all those watching to gather Francis’ ‘Five Finger Prayer’. I May God’s healing powers work Young People from Cappagh together and give Praise, Glory was introduced to this ‘Prayer’ within them and through them. Parish have gathered together - and Honour to God. by Monsignor La Flynn whilst We remember all those who have appropriately socially distanced We were previously involved working on Lough Derg, and I died during the pandemic and of course! - in St Mary’s Church, with the Christ The King Youth believe that it is an excellent way those who are grieving in these Killyclogher, to lead a ‘Holy Hour’ Choir based in the parish and, to help us all, particularly young difficult circumstances. May God on Wednesday evenings at 8 pm. therefore, music ministry has been people, grow or come back to our comfort them in their distress. We The Parish has been doing a a central element to the services – prayer life, as this is something also think about prisoners and great deal of online outreach, after all, as St Augustine said, “To that many of us may struggle with. their families, who may be finding including Night Prayer at 9 pm sing is to pray twice!” I will share with you some of that separation particularly difficult at each evening, and so we wanted We also felt that it was important reflection and maybe you would present. May God protect them to build something around this. to offer young people likelike to use the ‘Five Finger Prayer’ and may they repent for their sins, The decision was made by a few ourselves some spiritual direction the next time you pray. seek forgiveness and transform of us, with the support of local in these challenging times and, We begin by praying with our their lives. priests, Fr Kevin McElhennon PP each week, one of us has led us in Thumb, which is the finger closest Finally, we reach our Baby Finger and Fr Declan McGeehan, that a reflection on something related to you. We remember those which is of course, our smallest in these strange and uncertain to our faith. We’ve had reflections closest to us in our own lives. We finger. Pope Francis says this times, it is important that there are from Benedict on the many graces think particularly of those from reminds him to pray for himself. opportunities for young people to and blessings we can receive from whom we are physically separated After praying using the four other connect and grow in their faith, praying the Divine Office of the at this time – perhaps elderly and fingers, now you can pray for your and what better way than if we Church, perhaps starting off with vulnerable family and friends. own needs (in perspective!) open our hearts to God in the Morning and Evening Prayer. We pray that God may comfort Through the intercession of presence of Jesus, exposed in the In this month of May, Jermy them in their isolation and that Pope St John Paul II, I pray that Blessed Sacrament! talked to us about the central our bonds of love and affection all young people will have the Making use of the webcam in role of our Mother Mary in our may grow even stronger. May courage to place their trust in St Mary’s Church, we have put Catholic faith and how, by praying God grant all of us strength and Jesus who is, ‘the Way, the Truth together a Youth Holy Hour the Rosary, we can ask Mary to perseverance in the knowledge and the Life’. I pray that those who centred on Adoration of Jesus, intercede on our behalf. that, although we are physically have not heard the Good News truly present in the Blessed On the first week, I led a apart, we are together in Christ. will one day come to know Christ Our Index Finger points the way. for themselves. I finally pray for all We think now of our priests and all those, like myself, who are sitting Religious who lead us in faith. May exams or making life-changing My virtual vigil in they be Good Shepherds, tending decisions at this time. May God to God’s flock now and always. grant all of us clarity of mind and Drumragh Parish May God bless them with courage help us achieve our goals MY name is Aisling McGrath, for the grace of the Holy Spirit to and wisdom. We also remember from the Drumragh Parish, in guide us through the remainder all teachers and educators. May The Youth Holy Hour, led by Omagh, and I am 15 years old. of lockdown. they embrace innovative ways of a small number of young people Bishop McKeown invited us in Bishop McKeown stated that imparting knowledge upon their from Cappagh Parish, continues the Diocese of Derry to begin he was going to hold his vigil in students to help them achieve the on Wednesday evenings at 8 pm and end the month of May 2020 St Eugene’s Cathedral, and my best of their abilities. and concludes with Night Prayer with 24 hours of prayer and mum, my younger brother and Our Middle Finger is the tallest and Benediction at 9 pm. We penance. I were allowed to hold our vigil finger and so we call to mind would be delighted if you could I was a pilgrim on Lough Derg in our beautiful Sacred Heart all of our leaders. At this time, join us as we build a praying in 2019, so I was aware of the Church, in Omagh. perhaps we should focus on our community together. You can format of the stations and the I would invite as many people political leaders and their policy watch live from CappaghParish. vigil and, as we would not be as physically able to virtually advisors on these islands and com. Further information is allowed to visit the island this join us at the end of May on our globally. May they leave personal available on the Cappagh Parish year, I wanted to take part in this second vigil before Pentecost. political interests aside and focus and Christ The King Youth Choir vigil with local parishioners. May is a special month for me on protecting society and on the Facebook Pages. I thought it was a great idea to as, from a young age, my granny preservation of life. Through offer up prayer and penance in has embedded within me a great solidarity with those who have devotion to Mary, and I could no choice. We prayed for those think of no better way to venerate who are suffering and for those Our Lady. who have suffered, and we asked

Aisling with her mum and brother during their virtual vigil in Sacred Heart Church, Drumragh 6 THE NET | JUNE 2020

CBS Omagh keeping the faith online by Sonya Darcy allowed the pupils to focus on issues through all Key Stages but In his homily, Fr Hasson highlighted that research shows their fears and we noted that, especially in senior school, where focused on the theme of service, that young adults who pray often overall, we all share the same fears my role involves coordinating the which is inherent in the tradition are healthier and happier than of someone getting sick or losing Pope John Paul II Award. of Blessed Edmund Rice and one their peers who do not pray. He a loved one. In a time where we We have maintained contact which we instil in all of our pupils, reminded us of the words of Pope are all worried about the impact through Microsoft Teams, where and has been so evident on our Francis, who said, “Kindness is of the virus on young peoples’ I set weekly challenges to reflect school social media, where we the path of choice for the strongest minds, we practiced using a on their faith and direct them to have acknowledged the great acts and most courageous people, centring prayer as a method to opportunities to practice their of service of many of our past never weakness.” It restores hope calm our racing thoughts. faith and complete their hours, pupils, over many generations, to our young and to our old and On Palm Sunday, we such as those provided by the who have given so selflessly in connects us all; it is the path of encouraged the pupils to collect Derry Diocesan Youth Team. We their role as key workers. solidarity. I have come across a phrase as a school community in times Palm branches and hang them always reinforce the importance Most recently, we came together As a CBS community, we are many times over the last few of celebration and joy but also in in their window or on their that they continue to act as as a school community to mark united as one through Christ, weeks, “the school building is moments of grief, sadness and front door. They embraced the missionaries for the church in Mental Health Awareness week isolated in our homes but closed but school is not over.” uncertainty. Through it all, we are opportunity to worship together ways that comply with current with the theme of ‘Kindness’. We always connected by our faith This statement rings so true and always united through our faith in and shared photos of their Palm social distancing regulations. shared a series of videos from past community through love of schools everywhere have had to Christ. leaves. We shared how to bless Pupils have helped in their pupils, staff and friends of CBS, Christ and love of one another. rethink how they go about their In March, when we realised that them with Holy Water and shared parishes by delivering prayers and who shared their experiences Our online presence connects us day-to-day business. we may be gathering as a staff for the prayers ahead of the online Holy Water, and collecting food to on the impacts of exercise, diet, and helps our staff and students The restrictions of lockdown the last time before lockdown, we Masses in our local parishes. donate to those who are in need. and social media on our Mental to continue to actively live out our have threatened to take away the came together in the Sport’s Hall During May, we have shared The beginning of May was to Health. We tied this together with faith. heart of every school, and that is for a final prayer service asking our May Altars and supplied be the much-anticipated Belfast a Seven-Day Kindness Challenge, “Jesus does not ask us to love the relationships with staff, pupils for protection for our friends pupils with a prayer card. We Marathon for many. Our staff encouraging the spirit of charity him as a response to His love for and the wider community. To and family, for healing for those encourage the boys to use this as and students had planned to where pupils shared their many us, rather He asks us to love one the outside world, academia may who are sick and to give thanks a focal point for prayer with their take part with their relay team to God-given talents, such as music, another with His own love. He be our business, but anyone who to those who continue to work so families to keep up our tradition raise money for local charities. baking, art and charitable works. asks us to be like Him, because works in a school can tell you that we may be safe. of morning prayers, where our Instead, they captured the spirit On our final day, Fr Christopher He has become like us.” (Pope teaching is about so much more. It has been a challenge to students and staff would usually of our school prayer, ‘seek to McDermott, our school chaplain, Francis, Dec 2019 Our founder, Blessed Edmund maintain this community spirit gather together in St Brendan’s live lives of love and service’, and Rice is known for educating the when we are in isolation, but Chapel for Morning Prayer, led by adapted to the current situation hearts and minds of the young it is no surprise that our staff our PJP II students. by completing the run virtually. and this is very much still evident and students have risen to the During the Easter season, a time They raised over £2,400 and have The Serenity Prayer in our school today. In Christian challenge in many spectacular when we usually come together in purchased 15 Tablets, which were God grant me the serenity Brothers’ Grammar School, we ways. We quickly moved our worship, our staff united to create donated to our local care homes, to accept the things I cannot change; pride ourselves on our strong teaching online and, in turn, we a video montage with a special so that they could keep in touch courage to change the things I can; links with our parents and those began to develop new ways of message for our students; to with their loved ones. and wisdom to know the difference. in our wider community. practising our faith. In December remind them that although we are May also marked the departure Our pupils are encouraged to 2019, Pope Francis stated apart, they are very much in our of our Year 14 students. We may Living one day at a time; develop their faith but, more unambiguously that change and thoughts and a valued part of our not have been able to join together enjoying one moment at a time; importantly, to actively live their reform is in the very nature of CBS community. physically but, determined to accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; faith at home, at school and in a church that is called “to be Tradition mark this milestone on their taking, as He did, this sinful world their local communities. Our missionary.” As head of Chaplaincy, I have journey at CBS, we held an as it is, not as I would have it; relationships are enriched and Our online Religious Education always encouraged our students to online Mass celebrated by Fr trusting that He will make all things right embedded through our faith lessons naturally allow us to live out the principle of Christian Eugene Hasson in Sacred Heart if I surrender to His Will; families and, as a school, our CBS continue with faith development Brothers’ Immersion projects Church, with Sean Diamond, that I may be reasonably happy in this life family stretches far and wide, with as we follow our usual programme of ‘Come and be, rather than one of our deputy head boys and and supremely happy with Him our feeder pupils coming from of study, examining the scriptures come and see.’ We have a strong his mum taking part in the Mass forever in the next. across three dioceses. and growing our faith. A lesson tradition of putting our faith into to represent all the pupils and Amen. We frequently gather together on ‘The Calming of the Storm’ action, supporting social justice parents of the Class of 2020. Lumen family staying connected to each other and the One for whom all things are possible by Stephen Doherty

MANY challenges have control and beyond the control lockdown, we responded to Pope messages through the Google presented themselves to us since of those who have nourished Francis’ call to pray the Rosary Classrooms, designed to support this pandemic began. One of the and protected us throughout each evening for an end to the and empower students and staff, things that was unimaginable our lives. Amidst the many pandemic. We created our own and to encourage prayer. A several months ago was the opportunities this slower pace tailored reflections on the Rosary beauty of Catholic education is thought that we wouldn’t be able of life affords us, it also throws and posted it on our website and the opportunity to present Christ to go to Mass. Yet, many of us up many challenges. Through Twitter feed. Each Sunday, we in the fabric of our relationships. have experienced a new reality the ages, people have turned to connect our school community The online daily interaction with in relation to how we express our prayer when everything else lets with the Holy Father by bringing our students and staff affords faith. In fact, many would now them down. It is important, his messages and Sunday homily us the chance to make sure that consider this to be the new norm. more so than ever now, to stay to our Twitter feed. everyone is looked after, cared for Spiritual communion is special! connected. Connected to the We post a ‘Thought for the and needs met. One of the ways we, at Lumen One for whom all things are still Day’ each morning at 9 am, There is nothing more Christi College, have been possible. often inspired by Scripture, as powerful than ‘two or three signposting these opportunities Science is helping us well as frequent Retweets from @ gathered’, but for now we strive is through our Twitter feed understand the mechanics of Pontifex. Bishop Donal engages to make the most of the ‘spiritual’ (@LumenChristi NI. Many Covid-19, but it is God who with our students by offering opportunities afforded to us as inspirational things have been brings us into an understanding thoughts and messages, and we continue to join with one posted to help our community of the deeper mysteries of life’s we connect with these through another in prayer. We, at Lumen deal with these ‘different’ times. meaning. Our Holy Father, Pope Twitter and our online Pastoral Christi College, join with the It recognises the fact that, maybe Francis, asks each one of us to Classrooms. This is the same for family of Catholic schools across for the first time in some of confront the challenge of the Diocesan initiatives created for our Diocese, in wishing everyone our lives, we find ourselves in pandemic with prayer. our school communities. Form God’s blessing in the days and situations that are beyond our At the beginning of the Tutors, on a weekly basis, post weeks ahead. THE NET | JUNE 2020 7 In times of darkness, faith at St Brigid’s College continues to be a beacon of light by Shauna Sharkey, Head of RE our families to reassure and one body in prayer and worship. Form students during lunchtime support parents and pupils. We The RE department hason Tuesdays, along with some have had many reports of families continued to develop faith members of Youth Initiative. This praying together on a daily basis. through their lessons, has continued during lockdown Mrs Walsh, mother of Ethan encouraging pupils to deepen using the ZOOM platform as his Walsh in Yr 10, described how their relationship with God. An way of reaching out. they took time each evening to example of this is our Yr 9 lessons In the New Testament, St Paul light a candle and pray together. on the Holy Spirit. The anticipated talks about the early Christian Due to our Catholic ethos, outcome of these lessons is that community “working together prayer plays an essential role in pupils will know and understand with one heart” and I believe that Mrs Fitzsimons and her children, Caoimhe and Caolan, praying the Rosary on the day-to-day life at St Brigid’s that the Holy Spirit dwells within this is true of St Brigid’s College. College Facebook. College. The theme of Mission us and, therefore, can bring us We continue to support our pupils Week 2020 was the words of comfort and support. In one of with the help of community Padre Pio...to “Pray, hope and the lessons pupils are invited to groups, such as Family Works and Mrs Shauna Sharkey, Head of RE at St don’t worry”. At the end of this listen to the song, ‘Holy Spirit You the local HUB, where families can Brigid’s College, Derry fruitful week, each pupil received Are Welcome Here’, and share obtain advice and guidance. a Rosary pack which contained it with someone in their family. We are a family and, like any IN March 2020, Google reported a pair of Rosary beads and Even in these circumstances, we family, we celebrate our successes. a surge in the number of online instructions on how to pray the can still follow Jesus’ command to Our school Facebook page searches for ‘prayer’. During a Rosary. We would often gather preach the Good News. contains many examples of pupil time that has been filled with fear together in the school Prayer During these times, when the appreciation posts, recognising and uncertainty for many, we Room to say the Rosary, especially news and media is dominated with those from our school who understand now more than ever before our annual pilgrimages to challenges, we want to encourage are ‘loving their neighbour’ by the importance of our Catholic Year 8 pupil, Liam Og McGilloway’s May Altar. Knock and Medjugorje. and remind our students that serving on the front line. faith at St Brigid’s College. To continue our devotion to the Christ is always walking with Our school motto ‘Fide et Mr Ó Mianáin, our school Holy Rosary, during lockdown, us and showering us with many Fidelitate’ (through our faith principal, includes prayers in his Head Girl’s relationship with God Mrs Fitzsimons and members graces. To this end, our students and through our faithfulness) is daily updates to staff. He also of the school community lead have been asked to acknowledge a living motto as exemplified by strengthened during lockdown encourages us to participate in us in a decade of the Rosary. and give thanks to God for any those from our community who the spiritual life of the school Cáit Ní Cheallaigh Yr14, St Brigid’s College Head This includes special intentions graces they have received at this are being faithful in serving the and, in turn, support the faith Girl, shares her faith experience during the Covid-19 for a particular group in the time. This is an opportunity to see needs of others. St Rose of Lima development of each of our pupils. community, posted each day on the light and joys that, perhaps, once said: “We must not fail to lockdown... This is also a time when we, our school Facebook page. during our busy lives, we take for help our neighbours, because in as a staff, have been called to be “My relationship with God The impact of this has surpassed granted. them we serve Jesus”. creative in acquiring new ways to has continued to grow and all expectations, with daily posts Fr Columba, our school Lockdown has not prevented deliver the curriculum and stay has become stronger during reaching thousands of people chaplain, has been very us from staying connected to our connected as a community of lockdown. and an outpouring of positive present during this time and faith as a school community; it has faith. To address the latter, Heads I watch Mass with Bishop comments, such as “nothing can has continued his mission to simply challenged us to come up of Year have initiated an online McKeown every Sunday. My beat the power of prayer”. As the our students and staff. He has with new ways of communicating pastoral forum, which provides Mammy and I have been saying saying goes...“a school that prays produced assemblies on various and connecting. Our faith has an opportunity for pupils to the Rosary as often as possible together, stays together”. themes, such as, obedience and been a great source of comfort in communicate with each other and with Bishop Alan McGuckian. During the month of May, many responsibility. He has encouraged what has been a difficult time for their teachers. I have also led the Rosary for my pupils and staff have uploaded our pupils to “be their best” many, something which binds us Each week, Heads of Year lead school community and, on the photographs of their May Altars and to serve God by helping together and provides support. Assemblies and encourage pupils first Friday of each month, I join and sacred spaces. This gives our out around their homes, and In times of darkness, faith at St to recite our school prayer. Form the Franciscan Friar’s for their school community the comfort loving each other. Throughout Brigid’s College continues to be a Cáit Ní Cheallaigh, Head Girl at St Teachers have been contacting Healing Service”. and reassurance that we are all the year, he gathers with our 6th beacon of light. Brigid’s College, Derry St Joseph’s pupils encouraged to engage in daily prayer by Catherine Lagan SINCE the beginning of acknowledged religious liturgical own homes. lockdown in March, St Joseph’s events via Facebook and Twitter. Many of our students have has put the safety needs of staff and Each week, Mr Currie produces also engaged in charitable works pupils first. We have ensured that a weekly newsletter on sway. The by volunteering in their local pupils have had an opportunity to online newsletter opens with communities delivering home engage in academic and spiritual our school’s morning prayer and packs to those most vulnerable. development. principal’s address. The newsletter Year 9 pupil, Tristan’s May Altar. Year 10 pupil, Adam’s May Altar. Staff have set up remote gives us an opportunity to learning platforms using both celebrate pupil success during Microsoft teams and Google lockdown. classroom. Pupils have been I have also encouraged the assigned tasks daily in relation to Pope John Paul students to link their normal school timetable. For with Lizzie Rea and Charlotte those having technical difficulties Gormley, from St Eugene’s, in we have provided learning packs. order to engage in online youth We have continued to follow our activities. schemes of work and syllabuses. It was with great sadness we had Pupils have uploaded their to have our leavers’ Mass behind completed work, which teachers closed doors. Fr Lagan celebrated have assessed and provided a poignant Mass for our leavers feedback. in the school oratory. Mrs Ross In addition, pupils have been and her son Andrew provided encouraged to engage in daily beautiful music. The Mass was prayer and to view weekly Sunday live streamed through our social Mass via the webcam of their local media platforms for the pupils to Year 8 pupil, Luke’s May Altar. parishes. Our school has also view from the comfort of their Mrs Ross and her son, Andrew provided the beautiful music for the school’s Leavers’ Mass in the school oratory. 8 THE NET | JUNE 2020 Honoured to be part of Team Gate Lodge, Derry Diocesan Post Primary advisor, Mary O’Boyle writes about her role and how lockdown’s redirection to new ways of working brings to mind the words of St Thérèse of Lisieux... “The smallest happenings of our lives are guided by God” extended and this August I finish implications surrounding morality part of this review, thus giving my fourth year in the centre. The topics in the A’Level syllabus. staff a wonderful opportunity for work is varied and challenging, but In other years, Dame Nuala O’ professional development and it is interesting and stimulating. Loan and Fr Paul Farren spoke to the chance to make a difference There is never a dull moment! the spiritual and religious needs of in the learning experiences of the Over the last few years, I have had the teachers. This annual in-service students they serve. the opportunity to visit schools, also gives heads of department the My work allows me to support meet principals and staff, and it opportunity to develop a strong schools in a variety of ways. I is clear that schools are places network of relationships, which work with both the National where the ‘good soil’ abounds and allow for the sharing of ideas and Association of Post Primary work whilst caring for their own updated, has been crucial in this Mary O’Boyle, Derry Diocesan the faith experiences offered, not resources. Advisors (NAPPDA) and the families! Truly ‘Jesus at the Centre’ time of ‘Lockdown’; introducing Post Primary advisor. only by the Religious Education I was lucky enough to be able Northern Pastoral Network of all they do. all of us to a new way of working! TOWARDS the end of August staff, but by the entire school body to enhance my own professional (NPN). Being a part of these My daily routine also took a My journey has been an unusual 2016, I arrived at the Gate Lodge. endeavour to bring young people development and to work groups allows me to keep different path – a reminder that the one since retirement. Who would This is a small period building to a realisation that “Christ is alive alongside practising teachers and abreast of new understandings words of St Thérèse of Lisieux are have thought that a whole new situated in the grounds of St and He wants you to be alive!” principals, when my application to surrounding faith and faith related eminently true...‘that the smallest vocation to serve God and others Eugene’s Cathedral. It is where (Christus Vivit:2019:1) do the Masters in Catholic School issues. I can also share resources, happenings of our lives are guided would come from such a simple the Derry Diocesan Catechetical The heads of department for Leadership was accepted. The information, liturgies with the by God.’ Like the religious staff I request put to me in June 2016! All Centre (DDCC) can be found. Religious Education are my main DDCC works in Partnership with schools, thus fulfilling the vision of support, I needed support – how in all, my last four years have been I was about to start on a new point of contact. There are 20 St Mary’s University, Twickenham. the Catechetical Centre... ‘to bear to work effectively from home, stimulating and fulfilling. I have venture, a new challenge, three in total and they do an amazing The course is online, but face- fruit in a new life.’ how to post on Facebook, how been blessed and encouraged by years into my ‘retirement’ from full job, sometimes in very difficult to-face meetings take place four Life in general, and my working to Tweet, how to ZOOM. Skills the faith and commitment of those time teaching. I was the Diocesan circumstances. (eg Lockdown), times a year. The support received life in particular, changed which would normally have taken I work with and those I meet in my Post Primary Advisor for Religious They are resourceful, highlyfrom the university is wonderful considerably when, in mid- March, years to learn now had to be learnt work. I am truly honoured to be a Education! qualified and enthusiastic. They and tutors are always available at the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted in a matter of days and weeks. part of Team Gate Lodge. The journey to the Catechetical share their enthusiasm with their the end of a ‘phone or an e-mail. I daily routine for everyone. Work No longer could I look across at Centre has been an interesting one. department members and it not cherished every moment! in the office ‘building’ came to Thérèse and ask “Can you help www.catecheticalcentre.org In 2013, I retired from teaching. I unusual to see more than one I would say that one of the an end, but not the work of the with this, when you get a chance?” www.thepopejohnpauliiaward.com had been a member of staff in St teacher at annual events such as highlights of my work was the Catechetical Centre. Now I have to turn to Google for Mary’s College, Derry for almost the Pope John Paul II Award and setting up of a shared Learning Schools closed overnight! School answers or turn to Thérèse and my Twitter-The Door of Faith @ 38 years, interrupted only by a the annual Fan the Flame Mass. Platform known as FRONTER. celebrations so important to staff other colleagues on ZOOM for derrydiocese.org sabbatical of two years, when I They are quite often accompanied It is thanks to IT Microsoft and students were postponed help. https://www.facebook.com/ taught in a post primary technical by senior students who have expert, Roisin Rice, that diocesan initially, only for them to be The Catechetical Centre Website DerryDiocesanCC/ college in Cameroon, West Africa. volunteered to help. schools have been able to access cancelled shortly after! Even, the (www.catecheticalcentre.org) has Then, in June 2016, I was asked As advisor, I assist the schools in this platform to share ideas churches closed! There seemed provided an exciting platform for (References: Post-Synodal Apostolic if I would consider taking up a their work of providing Religious and resources. It has the added to be no light at the end of the resources to be shared, not just Exhortation Christus Vivit of the Holy part-time, one-year post with the Education for its students. I do advantage of facilitating the tunnel! However, I have found with the schools but with parents Father Francis to Young People and to DDCC. I would not be working this in a number of ways. I provide inclusion of diocesan schools in that, through the creativity and and the wider faith community. the Entire People of God. Rome 2019 alone but would be part of a team, pastoral support, information and the Republic of Ireland. resourcefulness of the Religious The Centre’s Website, recently Vatican Publications) which included youth leaders resources to heads of department My work also involves Education staff, whole new and the primary advisor for the in the ever-changing scene that is keeping abreast of educational opportunities have opened up for Diocese of Derry. Post Primary Religious Education. developments. For example, in the students - teaching from home, Today, that team consists of Fr I also provide in-service, designed last two years I have been part of an teaching online, and using social Paul Farren, director, Thérèse to meet the needs of the schools. ACCORD team which developed media platforms became the new (primary advisor), Yvonne and Over the last four years, heads a Northern Ireland Relationships ‘n or m a l .’ Lizzie (youth team) and Anne of department have been able and Sexuality Guidelines The dedication of the Religious Marie, office administratorto access academic and spiritual document (RSE), under the Education staff knows no limits and, of course, myself. Working in-service support. Visits from directive of the Archbishop of and so they are able to help their collaboratively, the team aims to the NI Inspectorate supported Armagh, Eamon Martin. students to meditate on the Word provide a co-ordinated approach the delivery of the new A’Level Development of God, to experience different to catechesis, working closely with Religious Education specification, Recently I was invited to be ways of praying and to celebrate Bishop McKeown, as we outreach as did the visit of Michael Wee, an part of a team aiming to review Liturgy online. This is on top of to schools, parishes and families. Education and Research officer for the ‘Fully Alive’ textbook. the requirements of the Religious the Anscombe Bioethics Institute, Religious departments across Education Curriculum, the My initial year’s contract was Gate Lodge at St Eugene’s Cathedral, home to the Derry Diocesan Catechetical team who presented on the issues and the diocese were invited to be carrying out of administrative On-line information session coming up for... Masters in Catholic School Leadership by Therese Ferry THE Derry Diocesan Derry. The programme content need for those who will take on understanding upon how faith- Catechetical Centre, working includes modules in Catholic leadership positions, not because based leadership decisions are in Partnership with St Mary’s Education, Leadership and it brings them glory or power but made.” University, Twickenham, offers Management, Spiritual and because leadership is a service To date, 20 people have the Masters in Catholic School Theological Foundationsthat can focus a range of creative already completed the Masters Leadership. and Research Methods and energies in an often-fragmenting Programme, through the This is a post graduate degree Dissertation. world. It needs a heart that knows Derry Centre, whilst another dedicated to the professional Bishop McKeown, speaking how to build teams and bridges. 39 participants are currently at Graduation at St Mary’s University, Twickenham development and spiritual at last year’s graduation in the It means having convictions and different stages of study. formation of Catholic school Chapel of St Mary’s University, being able to bring people with The next intake will be Autumn leaders. It is a great opportunity Twickenham, said that the wealth y ou .” 2020. An online information for those currently in leadership of local research carried out Describing the Masters’ session, facilitated by the roles and those who aspire to, or by students would be of great Programme as, “personally programme director, Dr John have an interest in, leadership benefit to Catholic Education, enriching and professionally Lydon, will take place on June 8. roles within the Catholic School because...“Leadership - in school enlightenin”, Masters graduate, Registration is essential. If you system. or elsewhere – is challenging. Stephen Keown, felt that... “as a are interested in attending please The Saturday School sessions Understandably many shy away school leader, the course provided email [email protected]. Mass of Thanksgiving at St Mary’s College, Derry. are hosted by St Mary’s College, from it. But there is a crying a confidence, knowledge and THE NET | JUNE 2020 9 JPII students looking forward to completing Award... Greenlough JPII student helping St Joseph’s JPII student looking others during COVID-19 forward to completing Award MY name is Emma Harkin and For my parish hours in St Oliver MY Name is Matthew Devine. every Tuesday. I am currently a Year 13 student Plunkett’s Church, Greenlough, I I am a student at St Joseph’s Boy At the primary school, I was in St Conor’s College, Clady, try to do as much as I can around School, Derry and my parish is St helping with pupils’ reading as participating in the Pope John the chapel, for example, reading Eugene’s Derry. well as getting involved in other Paul II Award. at Mass, cleaning the chapel and Before lockdown came, I was activities, such as Arts and Crafts For my social hours in this children’s liturgy. reading the Prayer of the Faithful and ICT. Award, I have been helping out All of this has been very hard due at Mass every Saturday night for During lockdown, I participated at my local GAA Club with the to the current lockdown situation. my parish hours. in an on-line retelling of the story underage trainings and matches. However, I am still doing my part For social hours I had a wide of Lourdes. I have thoroughly During school hours, I am also to help others by making face mix of tasks, for example, I enjoyed doing the award and I a mentor in the junior school, masks for the NHS through Block volunteered at a Christmas was really disappointed not to assisting with things such as Blinds, in Magherafelt, and doing fundraiser for the foodbank, but be able to finish all my activities I was mainly getting hours by this year. Hopefully, we can get it quizzes and match days as well my granny’s shopping weekly. Matthew Devine, St Joseph’s completed next year. and helping to answer any Hopefully, when the current helping out at a primary school College JPII Award participant. questions the child may have situation passes, I will be back about the senior school. helping in the local community. Emma Harkin, Greenlough On-line youth ministry gets thumbs Long Tower JPII parishioner up from Greenlough’s Clara enjoying on-line youth challenges MY name is Clara and I am a and have also helped with the MY name is Sarah Toland. I am To keep up with my award, I sixth form student at St Mary’s children’s liturgy. a student at St Cecilia’s Secondary am participating with the online Grammar School, Magherafelt. I I am really missing doing these School, Derry, and I attend the programme run by Derry Youth am from the parish of Greenlough things now! However, I have Long Tower Parish Church. Ministry. I watch their live videos and have been a member of the found lots of things to keep me I am currently doing my Pope on Instagram on Monday nights folk group in the chapel for a few busy during lockdown. John Paul II Award. Before the and follow the challenge for that years. Every Sunday, I play my I have been enjoying the Derry Covid-19 pandemic, I attended week. flute during the Offertory and youth page and I’m learning lots Mass and helped with the The week that had the theme of sing in the choir. about my faith through watching Children’s Liturgy at the 12 Marian pilgrimages, I took part Since starting the Pope John the lives and participating in pm Mass on Sundays. I read, in a live performance of the Story Paul II Award this year, I have tasks. I have also been delivering occasionally, as well. Due to the of Lourdes. I am continuing with become even more involved in the groceries to my aunt and cousin Pandemic I am no longer able to the programme to achieve my parish. I read every few Sundays who are shielding. Greenlough JPII parishioner, Clara. do this. hours for my award. Sarah Toland, Long Tower Grandparents and grandchildren Prayer for encouraged to share their stories Grandparents of their grandchildren - especially vision’ in a new way, that 2020 was those around us, especially during their hugs!” the year we learned to appreciate this restricted period”. by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Noting that the relationship more each other - our family, our He concluded: “As Pope Francis Lord Jesus, between the generations was a elderly, our friendships, our front- says, ‘The history of Christ is not a you were born of the Virgin Mary, favourite theme of Pope Francis, line workers, our clergy - and all legacy from the past; it is our story, the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. he said: “The Pope often speaks because we had to spend some and always timely. It shows us that Look with love on grandparents the world over. of the bond that exists between time apart”. God was so deeply concerned younger and older people and Archbishop Eamon went on to for mankind, for our flesh and Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, for the for his communications message encourage everyone “to read this our history, to the point that he Church and for all of society. this year he particular focuses on year’s uplifting Communications became man, flesh and history. It Support them! As they grow older, the importance of sharing stories Day message by Pope Francis, also tells us that no human stories may they continue to be for their families strong pillars of Gospel across the generations”. and to reflect on the power of ‘the are insignificant or paltry’.” faith, guardian of noble domestic ideals, living treasuries of sound Encouraged by this, Archbishop story’ in our own journey, and on religious traditions. Eamon invited grandparents Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they may pass and grandchildren to share their on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and Archbishop Eamon. stories of how they were coping spiritual experience. during the coronavirus crisis – Lord Jesus, IN response to Pope be that over the ‘phone, on social help families and society Francis’ World Day of Social media or video call. Communiciations message, the “Perhaps the young people could to value the presence and roles of grandparents. Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop record and capture this moment May they never be ignored or excluded, Eamon Martin has invited for the future,” he suggested, but always encounter respect and love. grandparents and grandchildren adding: “In years to come, when Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of to pray for each other, to share and we look back on 2020, we will be life which you give them. record their ‘2020 vision’ stories. sharing with future generations Mary, Mother of all the living, Archbishop Eamon extended the story of how the world had to keep grandparents constantly in your care, accompany them the invitation after hearing many pause, to stand still. on their earthly pilgrimage, and by your prayers, grant that all grandparents mention, during “Hopefully we will be able to families may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland, this time of Covid-19 restrictions, relate the things that we learned where you await all humanity for the great embrace of live “how much they missed the from this pandemic experience. without end. Amen! physical company and affection Perhaps we will speak of ‘2020 10 THE NET | JUNE 2020 In a time of social distancing and virtual celebration of the Mass as the Covid-19 lockdown continues, Long Tower parishioner, Ivor Doherty reflects on... Celebrating the Feast of St Columba – a Derry tradition since 1897 AS we approach the month of Returning to the earnest, skilled, workmen, began June here in Derry, and Long commemoration, the early operations for removing the Tower Parish in particular, we days of June 1897 were a time stone from the Wells. The men look forward to the annual of great religious fervour. A worked silently and no sound commemoration of St Columba, novena was promoted leading was heard save the clink of the June 9, although this year things up to the 9th and many arches pickaxes. Within a short space of might be very different. We were constructed in the streets time the boulder was free from also remember all the years this surrounding the church. There the ground and placed on a large commemoration has been taking were Masses celebrated from five hand-barrow. A number of strong, place since 1897. in the morning until noon and willing young men volunteered It was first initiated by a during those hours there was a their services and immediately young priest from Castlederg, constant stream of communicants, proceeded to bear the stone, which affectionately named Fr Willie for Fr Willie’s intention from the is of very considerable weight, Doherty. He was appointed in 1890 first was to make the celebration to the grounds of Long Tower as Catholic Curate to St Columba’s Eucharistic. Church. Church, Long Tower, Derry. From After the last Mass, the Blessed This was accomplished after the moment he arrived there, he Sacrament was exposed and much exertion, especially at the made it his business to familiarise enthroned amidst the richest and long flight of steps, and as this the local people with the story of rarest flowers, and a devotional strange procession entered the St Columba, giving lectures using arrangement of hundreds of chapel yard, Fr Willie proceeded, Calvary scene early 60’s on June 9. Courtesy of Derry Journal. lantern slides in the likes of St candles and ruby lamps as were reciting the Rosary, with a number Columb’s Hall. never before seen within its storied of people in the grounds and those “Let us now before we part, turn The local people were already walls. During the entire period, accompanying the procession to the altar and ask Our Lord to let familiar with the saint but he the church was filled with silent of workmen responding. In this Columba repeat that same blessing dedicated himself to giving adoring crowds and all was hushed way, the vestry was reached and tonight. May every annual feast of them a wider knowledge of him. stillness. the stone placed within it on the his be kept in this church as today’s This programme was aimed During the afternoon, there were floor, to remain there pending has been. That, and that God may at making the year 1897, the processions to the Church of all arrangements for insertion in the reward you all who have helped 1300th anniversary of the death the Catholic school children in the Calvary Shrine. in these days’ work, is my prayer of St Columba, a very important city carrying religious bannerettes, Fr Willie then asked those tonight, as it shall be my Mass in one. Prior to 1897, there was no accompanied by their teachers. assembled to come into the church the morning”. commemoration of the saint. The pupils of St Columba’s Girls’ and, at about one o’clock in the All were then dismissed with a There has always been a belief School, during the processional morning, having again joined blessing and the scene at the Long that the Long Tower Church visits to the Blessed Sacrament, in prayer, the Rev gentleman, Tower finally closed. grounds is the location of St sang the rousing centenary hymn standing at the altar rails, spoke as What a privilege it would have Columba’s first monastery, but to St Columba, written and follows, “The proceedings of the been to be present at this event. Bishop Neil Farren at the St Columba celebration in June 1963 there are others who now believe composed by the organist of the past week have been a splendid they have located the spot where St Long Tower, Mr E Conaghan, act of faith on the part of Derry, Columba sited his first monastery. and a feature of every feast day and tonight’s work is a most fitting This second view, whilst not since. Indeed, that hymn, which ‘Amen’ to our novena. You have being in the Long Tower grounds, permeates to this very day, is now brought Columba’s Stone to the is very close to them, being in played on other occasions such as place where he most loved to be the grounds of the now Lumen Requiem Masses. himself, and where it is proper Christi College, adjacent to what Preparations were immediately that everything belonging to him was believed to have been a 17th put in place for the erection of a should be laid - that is, within the century built windmill but now Calvary monument in the coming shadow of the tabernacle. has been scientifically proven, year, wherein was to be installed a “And now the midnight hour using carbon dating, to be a 12th stone named St Columba’s Stone, has sounded. Thirteen hundred century monument, namely, the which lay as an obstruction to the years ago, at this hour last night, often spoke of real Long Tower. road in St Columb’s Wells but was Columba lay dying on the altar If one clears away all the buildings treated with exceptional religious steps of Iona. ‘Raise my hand,’ he between the two sites you are able, reverence where it lay. feebly cried, ‘that I may bless you in your mind’s eye, to imagine the Fr Willie was the guiding light all; higher still, that I may bless my close proximity of the monument behind all this, so at midnight on beloved oak groves and those that to Long Tower Church. June 9, 1897, he, with a group of dwell therein’. Columban Celebrations June 1963.

June 1964 Columban Novena. Courtesy of Derry Journal. Tommy Mitchell - Keeper of the well. Unveiling of the Calvary June 9, 1898 THE NET | JUNE 2020 11

1400th Anniversary Mass of Death of St Columba.

Remains of the original Long Tower. St Columba’s Day 2009.

1400th Anniversary Mass in St Columba’s Church, Long Tower.

St Columba’s Day 2008. Remains of Long Tower. Bishop Donal proceeds to bless St Columba’s Well. Fr Willie Doherty – a biographical snapshot by Ivor Doherty FR Willie Doherty was a native the people whose privilege it was many Masses, the thousands who was responsible for the of the finest schools in Ireland. In in Buncrana, just outside the of Castlederg, Co Tyrone. Born in to worship on the spot where he received daily Communion, the magnificent new Boys’ School at fact, there were those who stated church doors. 1861, he was ordained a priest on was wont to pray.” arched and decorated streets with the Long Tower. that the Buncrana parish was the June 20, 1886 at Maynooth College. Fr Doherty set himself to change the altars, the illuminated houses, He also had a great love for best schooled parish in the Free After a four year placement as CC that. With the enthusiasm and the magnificent public religious the poor and infirm, and was State. at Langfield, he was moved to St singleness of purpose of the procession, the first that Derry responsible for the new wing No sooner had he completed Columba’s Church, Long Tower, pioneers of the great devotions saw since the Penal Days, the added to the Nazareth House in the schools, when he set about Derry, on April 14, 1890; a move of the past, he began in a way Exposition, the open air Gaelic Bishop Street. providing what was, indeed, an that was to define his life for the all his own to tell the people of Rosary, and the solemn removal, In 1917, with the death of Fr admitted necessity, the erection next 27 years. He would remain in the glorious memories and holy at the midnight hour of June 9, Hugh McMenamin, Fr Doherty of a church in the town. With Derry until 1917, when he would traditions of the Long Tower and of St Columba’s Stone from the was appointed parish priest of the willing support of the local make his last move to Buncrana, to preach devotion to the patriot Wells to the Church. It was a Buncrana and here he continued population and his bishop, he until his death on January 25, saint who, over thirteen centuries splendid culmination of Father his mission of over a quarter of a undertook the erection of what is 1931. before, had laid its foundation and Doherty’s unwearying labours and century in Derry. He recognised, today St Mary’s Oratory, a gem of In the report of his death in consecrated it to God. unsurpassed gifts of organisation as did his predecessor, the need church art and architecture. the ‘Derry Journal’ of the day, To make fuller and closer the and leadership. for better and larger school As the years passed and the work it described him as follows, “In people’s acquaintance with the This tireless priest regarded it as accommodation, but the First increased, as well as the death of his death the Derry Diocese lost life and character of Columba, to but the beginning. Without any World War prevented him giving his two sisters within a space of one of its greatest priests - great arouse a lively religious interest flagging of time or effort, he set effect to his desires. The moment six months which he never got in whole-souled piety, great in the sacred associations of the about the erection of the beautiful this obstacle was removed, he over, it all took a toll on his health. in education, great in church Long Tower, to increase devotion Calvary, in which the stone is now threw himself into the work of Finally, on January 21, 1931, he building and decoration, great in to the Dove of the Tabernacle enshrined. With warm approval providing places of education and, succumbed to the inevitable. He scholarly attainments, great in his by spreading devotion to the and cooperation of the Bishop, he to this end, gave Buncrana eight was buried in Cockhill Graveyard, The late Fr Willie Doherty. tireless labours for the spiritual Dove of the Church...such was Fr followed up by demolishing the welfare of his people, great above Doherty’s mission. And to him, it old Long Tower and raising up all in preaching and promoting at was a mission of love. on its ruins what Cardinal Logue Hymn to St Columba...the Long Tower anthem all times and in all places, a living, Columba was the Saint of the described as “one of the most ONE of the highlights of the born, Sr Perpetua McNulty, the associated greatly with the Long burning, constant, love for the Eucharist, and it was Fr Doherty’s beautiful churches in Ireland”. annual celebration of St Columba Diocesan Director of Music said of Tower where, even to this day, Blessed Eucharist.” wish that Derry’s offering to God, Fr Doherty’s labours did not end on his Feast Day is the great gusto it: “Musically, this is a well crafted many will wear their oak leaf on Fr Willie, as he was affectionately in Columba’s name and honour, there. During the winter months with which the congregation sing hymn. Its anacrusis gives it ‘a lift’ the Feast and decorate their houses known, made a massive should, through the hands of Mary of each year he made his people the hymn composed in honour from the very beginning. The in honour of St Columba”. impression on the Long Tower Immaculate, be Eucharistic also. familiar with the history of the of Derry’s patron saint, for the melody line of the verse features Recalling strong memories of Parish. During his first seven years The realisation of that desire was church, the lives of our Lord, the Columban Centenary on June 9, the rising scale motif, allowing the the 1997 Columban celebrations as curate there, he took on the not long in coming; the success Blessed Virgin, and the Saints, and 1897. piece to gather momentum from and the televised Mass from the responsibility of organising a great of that mission was speedy and the great Shrines of the Catholic The ‘Hymn to St Columba’ was the outset. Long Tower, Sr Perpetua said: commemoration in the city for the spontaneous. World, through limelight lectures. composed by E Conaghan, who “The chorus retains the opening “The people sang that hymn with 1300th anniversary of the death of Evidence for that was As a limelight lecturer he had no was the Long Tower Church rhythmic feature making it a great enormous passion. It is almost St Columba on the island of Iona. the Thirteenth Centenaryequal. organist on the occasion of the piece to sing and even greater to in the DNA of the Long Tower Up to the year 1890, as one writer Celebrations. Those celebrations At the same time, he took an Centenary, and over the years listen to. It has that gift of building people, who have great pride in the put it, “if the name of Columba was witnessed in the Long Tower active interest in education, of it has become the Long Tower the crescendo and then coming to claim they have in Columba, and familiar, the life and personality of scenes were as leaves plucked which he was a noted exponent, anthem and is one of those hymns resolution within a fairly narrow a great pride also in their town, of the saint of the Long Tower were from the glorious chapters of its and, in addition to his remarkable that everyone loves singing. frame. Wonderfully crafted!” which Columba is their esteemed as unfamiliar to the great mass of early Christian splendours; the work for the children themselves, A favourite too of Tyrone- She added: “It became an anthem patron”. 12 THE NET | JUNE 2020 Long Tower nonagenarian prepares to fly flag for fellow Donegal native, St Columba

America”. Recalling that it was very hard to get jobs at that time, she said: “I was in houses doing domestic work and then worked in factories. Then I met a lovely girl who said to me about getting an office job, so I went to ‘the brew’ to ask about this and I got a job as a file clerk, which I got on well at. I did that for four years. “I was in America for about five years. My brother and his wife were in America too, and they said that they were taking a trip back home and asked me to come back with them. So, we went back to Bridget Quiqley Nellie Kerlin S c ot l an d .” She added: “My sister, Nellie, THE Feast of St Columba is that she was only seven years was married to a man called celebrated in a special way every old when her mother died in Mickey Kerlin, who came from year in Derry, with people wearing childbirth: “My father was left to outside Claudy, in Co Derry, and the oak leaf on their lapels in rear the eight of us, three girls and he wanted to go back to Derry honour of their city’s Patron Saint, five boys, which wasn’t an easy job when the Morning Star Bar went and the bishop celebrating Mass but, thank God, we got on well. up for sale. When he bought it, I in the Long Tower Church, before Irish was our first language and we went back with them and worked walking in procession down the had to learn to pick up the English. there, and that is where I met my little Bogside hill to bless the water It wasn’t easy. Even today, I think husband, Mickey. that flows into St Columb’s Well. in Irish first and say my prayers in “I never thought I would be This special ceremony ofIrish. living in Derry, but I have no blessing, within an area of housing “I left school when I was 14 regrets. It’s funny that I ended up known as ‘The Wells’, is a tradition years old. Daddy died when I was here as my home townland name treasured by those who live there, aged about 16. There was nothing is Derrynamansher, which means especially Co Donegal born, Mrs there for us when he died, so we ‘Derry of the oak’. We lived in Long Bridget Quigley, who not only immigrated to Scotland. I had Tower Court first. Mickey was welcomes the occasion to proudly several jobs, mostly factory work.” born and reared in St Columb’s Bridget with Bishop Donal when he visited her home in The Wells last year on the Feast of St Columba display her St Columba flag on “I remember looking for a job in Wells and when we got this house, the wall of her little home, but to Scotland,” continued Bridget, “and he couldn’t believe that he was when at home in Derrynamansher, with me every night,” said Bridget, there. It was a very busy life...we also have a chat in her native Irish a woman in ‘the brew’ told me coming back to live in The Wells.” and she has large luminous Rosary “She died last year and now had a lot of lodgers.” tongue with Bishop Donal. that there was vacancy for making Prayer beads that she was delighted to another neighbour, Bridie Sharkey But, no matter how busy they “Tommy Hasson made that flag shrouds. I didn’t know what that A woman of prayer, Bridget likes receive from Fr Jim Hamilton, comes and prays the Rosary with were, Nellie said that the practice for me because St Columba and I was so I asked her, and she looked to keep her Child of Prague statue who was born in The Wells and me every day.” of their Catholic faith was always a were both born in Donegal, and at me and said – ‘Are you telling close to her when sitting in her went to minister in America after Well looked after by herpriority: “Our faith meant a lot to I put it up every year on his Feast me that you don’t know what a favourite chair, as it has a special his ordination in 1958. On his neighbours in The Wells, Bridget Mickey and me, and he wouldn’t Day,” said the 91-year-old, who shroud is?’ connection with her late husband, return home to Derry, he lived for also feels blessed to have her sister, open the pub until he had been to was born into a farming family “I asked a neighbour and she who bought her the statue as a gift a while in The Wells before moving Nellie living in Derry as well. Mass. The prayers saved us. about 30 miles from Gartán, the said – ‘Are you stupid? That’s what for one of her birthdays. She also to Seven Oaks Care Home. Nellie still lives in the Glen Road “We were in Lourdes many birthplace of Columba, on the men wear when they are going likes to pray to St Therese, whose Bridget misses her good friend, home she shared with her late times, and visited Fatima and other side of Glenveagh National out fishing! She was as stupid as statue has a special place on her Mary McCallion, another Donegal husband, Mickey Kerlin. Along Rome a few times too. We went Park, in the Gaeltacht area of I was! I finally found out that it coffee table, and to St Pio. woman who came from Quigley’s with their brother, Phil, who lives on the Derry Diocesan pilgrimage Anagaire (Annagry). was clothing for the dead when I One of her favourite prayers is Point and had lived a few doors in Birmingham, they are the only to Lourdes every year and I got to The second youngest of eight, took the job. I worked at that for the Rosary, which she remembers down from her in The Wells surviving members of their family. know a lot of priests, who came to Bridget (nee McCafferty) recalled about two years and then I went to praying with her family every night “Mary came to say the Rosary Leaving home for Glasgow as visit us often”. an 18-year-old, after Bridget had While she has a strong devotion made the move, Nellie recalled to St Jude and St Pio, Nellie’s that she wasn’t there long when she favourite prayer is the Rosary met her husband, who came from and, like her sister, Bridget, she the townland of Munigh, in the automatically prays in Irish. Craigbane area of Claudy Parish. Her love for the Rosary and After a few months of dating, her Catholic faith goes back to the pair became engaged and got her childhood and the great married the following year, 1951, example of the strong faith of her in Glasgow. grandmother, who died at the age “We came home to Ireland to of 104 years while praying the visit a lot,” said Nellie, “and when Rosary. Mickey’s father was getting old, he “When we were young,” she wanted to come home. I hated to recalled, “granny didn’t take it too leave Scotland, but we bought the well if we were late for the Rosary... Morning Star Bar, on Waterloo and if we weren’t in for it, we would Street, in Derry, and came to live be as well to emigrate!” Feast of St Columba 2020 This year, the Mass for the Feast this ceremony, water from St of St Columba, on June 9, will be Columb’s Well will be blessed celebrated virtually by Bishop and made available to people Donal from St Columba’s Church, afterwards. A painting of Bridget and Nellie’s home place in Annagry, Co Donegal. Long Tower, at 7.30 pm. During THE NET | JUNE 2020 13 Cappagh parishioner, Joemon Joseph thanks Bishop Donal and parishes in Diocese as... Shalom Media wins prestigious award It was also selected for awards in “I have done many programmes, evangelisation initiatives, like stories and offering formation in work go from strength to strength, the ‘Videos Promoting Attendance as programme coordinator, retreats and revival programmes faith. They are a God-given gift to spreading God’s Kingdom in a in Religious Places’ category, involving parishes of our diocese. for parishes. Within the past three the Church at this time. I hope and hurting and fragmented world.” with ‘The Martyr’s Shrine’ of “As part of our association years, we arranged three-day pray that this award will see their ‘The Journal’, gaining first place, with the Irish Church in residential retreats and one-day and honourable mentions for its organising the World Meeting retreats in various parishes in the ‘Little Douglings’, in the ‘Children’s of Family(WMOF), we did a diocese. I take this opportunity Narrative-television’ category, programme called ‘We Are Ready to thank many parish priests who and for its website, in ‘The Best for WMOF’, involving parishes in welcomed us with warm hearts. Television Website’ category. Derry, Omagh and Dungiven. “Being part of Cappagh The news has delighted Cappagh “We also produced a programme parish, I had full support and parishioner, Joemon Joseph, as the called ‘Into the Light’, which was a encouragement from Fr Kevin Events Coordinator for Shalom documentary about the Diocesan McElhennon, and I am so grateful Media Europe, who told ‘The St Pope John Paul II Award. for that. Net’: “With immense gratitude, I “In addition, we encouraged “As part of helping the thank Lord Almighty for this great and helped a youth music band to parishes to enrich their website Joemon Joseph, European event achievement. We, in the Shalom reach millions of people through with thousands of HD quality coordinator for Shalom Media. World team, are so blessed and our TV programs. The ‘I AM’ programmes, we have developed a joyful for this heavenly approval band, from Derry, was introduced unique programme called ‘Media SHALOM Media has become of our hard work and dedication to us by Bishop Donal and we Gallery’, which is already linked to a growing presence in the world to be an instrument in helping the broadcast their live Christmas many dioceses and parish websites of evangelisation not only in the Word of God to reach the entire concert in 2018”. worldwide. With this link, anyone Derry Diocese and other dioceses world, through our TV channels He went on to note: “With can visit our programmes through in Ireland, but also in other parts within a short span of years”. very limited resources, we have the parish website”. of the world, and the impact and He continued: “I take this carried out major projects like a Thrilled to hear that Shalom quality of its productions have opportunity to thank Bishop live telecast of the entire WMOF Media has received a number of been recognised in its winning of Donal McKeown, who was the first and we were the official media awards for the quality of their TV the Gabriel Awards for 2020. to endorse our ministry in Ireland, partner for the World Youth Day presentation of Catholic news and This prestigious Award, when we started our productions in Panama”. teaching, Bishop Donal remarked: recognising the best in film, in 2016. His prayers, blessings and Saying that Shalom Media were “I knew them first at a local level broadcasting and cross-platform participation in various programs very much part of, and active in, through the work of their intrepid media, is presented by the Catholic are fondly cherished. On behalf of every diocese of Ireland, Joemon Omagh-based team. But only later Press Association of the United the entire Shalom World team, I commented: “Our achievements did I begin to realise just how States and Canada, which selected express our sincere gratitude and and growth are all by the grace of they have a worldwide role and Shalom World as ‘the Television thank Bishop Donal for all his God Almighty and the support reputation”. Station of the Year’ for 2020 from prayers and support for our works and prayers of many of you”. He added: “As we have discovered amongst such channels at EWTN, in Ireland”. “Also, through our media during lockdown, the media offer Salt and Light Television, and The Within the short period of our ministry”, he continued, “we great channels for proclaiming Catholic TV Network. works in Ireland”, Joemon added: are involved in various other the Gospel, bringing good news Columba Community founder, Fr Neal Carlin, celebrates 80th birthday by Columba Community THE founder of the Columba cavalcade departed, saying: “Just as their faithful ministry. Community of Prayer and it rains with water from Heaven, I Fr Neal sees this kairos time as Reconciliation, Fr Neal Carlin, will give you all a blessing”. an opportunity and an ideal time who established Columba House Fr Neal and The Columba to accept Jesus’ invitation to be of Prayer, St Anthony’s Retreat Community have been refreshed by His Spirit in engaging Centre, White Oaks Rehabilitation instrumental in their works of in private, contemplative prayer, Centre, IOSAS Centre and Celtic prayer, reconciliation and healing for the Lord says “The Spirit blows Prayer Garden, celebrated his in not only Derry and Donegal, where He wills”. (John 3:8) 80th birthday on May 1 and, but also in the lives they’ve touched More information on The even amidst the limitations of throughout Scotland, Europe Columba Community can be found lockdown, managed a celebration and further afield in America, at www.columbacommunity.com like no other. spanning over 40 years. and also through the Facebook Over 40 cars travelled, in convoy, It was his courage to ‘Wait on pages of each of the individual to his home just outside Buncrana, the Lord’ (Isaiah 40:31) that has centres. organised by his sister-in-law brought prophetic teaching, Fr Neal with members of the Columba Community at St Anthony’s Retreat Centre, prior to lockdown. Catherine to mark such a special blessings and healing to those with occasion in tribute to a man so whom He ministers to, in building loved by family, community and and sustaining Basic Christian friends from near and far. Community; a new model for the The socially distanced gathering Church. saw many sing ‘Happy Birthday’ The Columba Community to a shocked and surprised Fr continue “to joyfully come Neal, who never expected to see so together as a group of individuals many people, especially this year believing and celebrating in the due to the coronavirus. power of Jesus Christ for mutual In response to witnessing the support and to minister to other cars festooned with balloons, Fr people”, as outlined in their Neal said: “I want to give you mission statement. all a hug but you know that is Even amidst lockdown out of the question. It is great to restrictions, all of the centres see you all here. This took some continue to provide prayerful organisation...I was wondering support and ministry to those why Brendan cut the lawn the who seek Jesus’ healing presence other day.” in their lives, reaching out to the The sun shone as Fr Neal lonely, marginalised and most proceeded to give thanks and bless vulnerable in society, that they Fr Neal Carlin on his 80th birthday. Fr Neal enjoying the birthday wishes of those whose took part in drive-by to mark his 80th birthday. everyone who attended, before the may find peace and solace through 14 THE NET | JUNE 2020 Making a special connection with a St Therese Novena speaker five years ago, a Derry mother shares how... The power of The Little Flower helps heavy hearts blossom again Rainbows’ and I am dedicating it loves roses, and sent me a picture to my son, Kevin. He would have of her garden full of them.” been 30 last July. He loved writing Saying that she and Elma have too. He wrote songs and had an arranged to meet in Knock album in SoundCloud the year next year, on May 6, for Donal’s before he died. He wanted to be anniversary Mass, which is now Derry’s Johnny Cash/Eminem”. celebrated there every year, Sarah In the years that followed, Sarah continued: “It is so good to be in didn’t make it back to the Novena contact now with Elma; it just feels to The Little Flower, but this year, like it was meant to be with the she said: “I really wanted to go to it way everything happened. but we couldn’t and I didn’t know “It has really given me a lift that it was on-line until it was at the because this has been a very close, when I was telling my friend, difficult year, especially when the Marie Healy about something cemetery was closed because of amazing that had happened. the coronavirus and I couldn’t visit “A few weeks before, Marie had Kevin’s grave.” given me a bunch of yellow roses In her 48 years on this earth, Sarah Downey. in a beautiful vase for Mother’s Sarah has experienced much Day. I have a yellow Rose bush in heartache. Born in the Rossville A special experience towards my garden that I bought last year Flats in the Bogside in 1971, she the close of the St Therese Novena and, about four weeks ago, when comes fifth in a family of four girls was shared with ‘The Net’ by a I was out doing some gardening I and three boys. Derry mother, who has found noticed one of its branches lying “I have only one brother left this a particularly difficult year on the ground. It looked dead, now,” she said, recalling: “My other regarding the anniversary of the but I decided to put it in the vase two brothers died by suicide. Liam death of her eldest son. Marie had given me, thinking ‘you was 47 years old when he died in Sarah’s May Altar in her garden, where she has placed Donal Walsh’s Memorial Card every year since his mother gave it to her at the St Therese Novena she spoke at in 2015. Sarah Downey’s first-born, Kevin never know’, while at the same June 2013, six weeks after my son, died from a heart attack at 23 time thinking ‘I’m off my head’, as Kevin died, and Paddy died in 14 years old. I loved going around my faith and mind. I am a different that’s how it finally happened. years of age, on May 7, 2013. She it wasn’t the time of year to expect 1992; he was only 25.” visiting the old people and helping person and a firm believer in the “My weekend was very had gone into his bedroom that it to come back. Saying that she could not have them; going for their groceries”. saying, ‘What doesn’t kill you, emotional. I let go off a lot of pain morning when he hadn’t turned “About three weeks later on a coped without her faith to fall back She continued: “My faith has makes you’.” that I had been carrying for years, off his alarm clock, and found him Saturday morning, I was chatting on, Sarah is ever grateful to her kept me going through so much Sarah went on to talk about and got a lot of healing. It was lifeless in his bed. to Marie on the phone when I mother and grandmother for their since I was a child. I was pregnant how, in 2012, she lost her first like washing out your soul. There The shock and deep grief that noticed that not one, but two example: “My granny, Mary Agnes with Kevin when I was 17 years grandchild: “The baby was a wee were a lot of laughs too and by the this visited upon her was such yellow roses had come out on the always had a May Altar. I would old, and his father was in prison. boy, Patrick Shea, who was born end of the weekend, I didn’t want that Sarah doubts she would have branch! We started to cry because have stayed with her quite often at So, I was on my own as a young asleep on Easter Saturday, and it to leave Termonbacca. It was a made it through without the we have both suffered a lot of loss the weekend. She was definitely a mother. Kevin was born in 1989, was a year after that that my son, great weekend. I was exhausted strength that her Catholic faith in our lives and we just thought very strong faith influence on me. in the midst of The Troubles, and Kevin passed away. He was a big, afterwards but in a good way. It gives her, and it was this that led that this was so special. I could She died when I was about 11 years Patrick was born in 1993. handsome fella. He had been drug was like I had peace. I think it was to her coming to one of the talks hardly believe what I was seeing. o l d ”. “Between 1992 and 1995, I lost free at the time and was doing the only time that I had let myself during the St Therese Novena “Then Marie told me that the Rosary my brother from suicide, my brilliant in his life. He had turned have peace of mind. I learnt a lot a couple of weeks after Kevin’s St Therese Novena Mass for Recalling having convulsions as a mammy and my partner, who died a corner and was back living with from the sharing of others. I just second anniversary in May 2015, the Deceased had been on that baby, she said: “I’ve been told that I in 1995. I had a breakdown after me. loved it”. where she again found the loving morning. I had missed it, but was near death a couple of times, that due to all the losses; I was only “I took comfort from him dying Having the Franciscan Friars of hand of God at work in her life. Marie mentioning it reminded but neighbours brought me round. 24 years old. When I look back, at home and not lying on the the Renewal living within Galliagh Living out at Skeoge, in Glendale, me of that occasion, five years ago, The thing about this is that I have I probably should have been in street or in prison. I don’t think has been a blessing too, noted within the Three Patrons Parish, when I had heard Elma Walsh’s a memory of being in Our Lady’s hospital but, sadly, I didn’t get that any mother who loses a wane Sarah: “Fr Columba said the Mass Sarah heard people talking about talk, and I got an overwhelming arms as a baby and I have grown help. My mother’s brother, Michael ever gets over it; you just learn for Kevin’s second anniversary in the Novena and decided to go feeling to contact her. I couldn’t up to have a very strong devotion Carlin was in the Legion of Mary to accept it, but life is never the our house and has been amazing. along to experience it for herself. remember her first name, but to Our Lady. I say the Rosary and he was very good to me after same. Again, it is my faith that He told my son, Patrick, that he Saying that this visit, five years when I mentioned this to another every morning and night, and I mammy died. He always visited gets me through. There’s a saying had had only one brother as well, ago, had been her first time at friend I had messaged to share also try to say it around 3 pm, but me and was a great help to me. I the Carlin family that my mammy and that he had been knocked the Novena, she continued: “The about the two yellow roses, she that doesn’t always happen. I have always had great family support. always said...‘While I have breath, down by a drunk driver while out speaker, on the night I went, was reminded that it was Elma and a great faith in the power of the My eldest sister, Marie was like a I have hope’. on his bike. He told Patrick that Elma Walsh, whose teenage son, told me that if I Googled the Rosary. mini-mother to us”. But a huge ray of sunshine his door would always be open to Donal, had died from cancer Donal Walsh Foundation, I would “My mother, God rest her soul, Sharing some of the difficulties filled her world when her grand- him, so Patrick always visits him on May 12, 2013, five days after get contact details for her. I was so brought us up well in the faith. she had had with her son, Kevin, daughter, Emily Louise, was born and this has been a great support”. Kevin’s death, and she shared her happy to hear this”. She wouldn’t have been a big Mass Sarah said: “He was a lovable rogue six months after Kevin died. She added: “Fr Columba also story of grief. Finding the website, Sarah goer, probably because she didn’t but he suffered from addiction, “She is Patrick’s daughter and she gave me my first statue of Our “It was such an emotional messaged it with her contact have the time with seven wanes, which took us down a lot of not has been a saving grace in my life,” Lady of Fatima, which I love, and night for me and I was crying, number and asked for Elma to ring but I remember her taking the nice paths watching him, God rest smiled Sarah, saying: “I call her now I have it in my May Altar though hearing Elma’s story really her, as she had something to share Legion of Mary Statue into the him. It was almost like a cancer”. ‘My Flower’. She was such a great every year”. helped me. I remember Bishop with her. house when it was going around, “There were a lot of difficult distraction for me. Emily is six years McKeown, who had just come to “I wanted to tell her about and us saying the Rosary. We had times,” she added, “and I remember old now and she is just amazing. I our Diocese the year before, taking the roses,” she said, adding: “I lots of holy pictures in the house as having priests over to bless my love being a grandmother; it’s the me over to meet Elma as I was one explained who I was and that I still well. I remember our names were house, because I wondered what best experience in the world. There of the first out of the Cathedral had Donal’s Memorial Card that all filled in on the Sacred Heart was going on. In 2010, I was is no love like it”. afterwards. We talked and she gave she had given me at the Novena picture”. attacked and it was horrific. After Another wonderful gift in her me such a warm hug. She told me, in Derry; I have put it on my May Another positive influence on that, I tried to take my own life. It life was the opportunity to go on a ‘I know that you are not going to altar every year since then. It has Sarah’s faith development was a was a miracle that I survived, but Cursillo weekend, which she went lie under your cross; you are going got a bit battered, but I still put it lady called Delia McFarland, who I am glad to be here today. I was on in November 2015 and loved. to do things’. up. was one of the leaders during her in ICU for about 10 days and, “I had wanted to go on a Cursillo “And she was right, because I “A couple of days later, Elma time in the Briginis. since, I have always known that it weekend for years and then, in have been working on a book rang me and we had a lovely talk, “Delia had a deep faith,” said wasn’t my time. I just kept praying. 2015, a lady I knew, who had had of spiritual poetry, which I am and we have been messaging each Sarah, “and she instilled a love for I didn’t want to put my family a lot of tragedy in her life, said that getting published this year. I have other since. She said that the two it in us too. I think it was through through that again. I should have she was going on one”, recalled always written poetry, even as a roses was a sign from our two being in the Briginis that I ended known the pain that it would cause Sarah, adding: “I mentioned that The yellow roses that, against the child. Writing is a brilliant therapy; sons; their way of letting us know up in the junior Legion of Mary in them because I had experienced it that was something I would love to odds, bloomed for Sarah on the day it gives me a great release. that they are close. Elma was really my teenage years. I was in this for myself when my brothers died by do and she told me that she would of the Mass for the Deceased during “My book of poetry is called ‘My amazed at this and told me that she about three years, until I was about suicide. But I am stronger now, in get a form from Pat Ramsay, and the St Therese Novena. THE NET | JUNE 2020 15 Encouraging the faithful to consider ways of helping the young renew the Church, when he spoke at The Little Way Novena, Bishop Donal asked... “Can we find ways to till the ground to let new little flowers bloom?” can do extraordinary things - and men may have championed the paralysis of the living dead, true to themselves, where they can that all church renewal ultimately truth and mission, women have who have no life because they become who God calls them to be comes from the young, not from been champions of the God of are afraid to take risks, to make and not merely a copy of someone the old. tenderness. Great strong women mistakes or to persevere in their else. Those great young saints from “My generation may have messed figures have included Brigid and commitments… Don’t go through the church’s history have been able up many things as we stammered the Irish women saints, young life anaesthetised or approach the to blend silence and prayer with and stumbled through the end St Clare of Assisi, St Catherine of world like tourists…. Please, don’t mission and passion”. of one way of being Church. We Siena, St Therese, and founders of take early retirement’. (Christus Pointing out that St Therese had may be a sort of sorbet generation religious families such as Catherine Vivit 142-3 – Christ is alive)” known ‘Christ is alive’, he remarked between two strong courses. Or McAuley, who gave us the Sisters “That is what young saints in that was why she had blossomed, perhaps we are the springtime of Mercy. Most of the creative and every generation have always “quietly in her own short lifetime generation – pulling up the weeds, rebellious initiatives in education done,” remarked Bishop Donal, and powerfully since her death”. tilling the ground, sowing seed for and health care came from adding: “In the ashes of collapsed Concluding, he asked: “Can we Bishop Donal with Fr Paul Farren, administrator of St Eugene’s, and Fr Patrick Lagan, CC, at the close of the annual St Therese Novena. a future that we will probably not dedicated women whose passion certainties, they have seen a rich find ways to till the ground to let see. But if we are not courageous would not allow them to merely soil for new life. In this pandemic, new little flowers bloom in our workers, trusting in the Lord of the serve the past, its assumptions and more space has been created for garden?” That has always been AT the close of the 2020 Novena people of all ages, “not just for the harvest, then we will have failed its structures.” silence where young people can God’s little way. Following it can to St Therese of Lisieux, Bishop end of life”, he highlighted that St in our mission. Our job is to hold Referring to Pope Francis’ hear better where their hearts are make saints of us all.” Donal asked for prayer that “our Therese had died at the age of 24, the ground so that new shoots of document to young people of this calling them, where they can be Church communities will go while St Bernadette of Lourdes had God-given renewal can spring up, generation, in which the Holy beyond asking, ‘How can we died at 35, and Derry-born nun, Sr as they have always done”. Father issued a number of strong hand on faith to young people?’ Clare Crockett and St Catherine of He continued: “Down through challenges, Bishop Donal noted: – important though that question Siena both died aged 33. history, young people have given “His words are especially valid now may be – and also ask, ‘How “These are not plaster cast all for Christ. We easily think of that this pandemic has opened the can we, of this generation, help figures from the past whom we can Columba, Columbanus, Francis, door to a new way of being society our young people to renew the admire,” remarked Bishop Donal, Dominic, Ignatius, Edmund Rice and Church. Church?’” adding: “They are flesh and blood and waves of Irish missionaries “He wrote to young people Saying that holiness was a call to statements that ordinary people in every generation. But while just over 12 month ago, ‘Avoid

“The Lord will work wonders for me which will surpass my desires” (St Therese of Lisieux) Little Saint of Lisieux as close as ever by Roseann O’Donnell Novena to St Therese, held in St speakers as John McAreavey, Cathedral being delivered during Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry (the young widower of the the Coronavirus. The annual Novena to St late Michaela Harte; Martina Each night, Bishop Donal Therese is one of the highlights Purdy, the former television brought us into the gentle of the parish year at St Eugene’s news reporter who joined the presence of Mother Mary and her Cathedral, Derry. Hundreds of Adoration Sisters in Belfast, and beloved Son, with the Rosary and people fill the Cathedral each Nuala O’Loan, formerly the Police a period of Eucharistic Adoration. year, to honour the saint, to pray Ombudsman for NI. On the second weekend, the St Therese of Lisieux reflections... for a multitude of intentions This year, however, during the Mass at 10 am was offered for “I seek the beauty of Heaven. I was ready to become a prisoner in and to benefit from the spiritual Novena, the Cathedral was devoid the beloved dead and, on Sunday, order to give this heavenly beauty to other souls.” nourishment to be found in the of pilgrims. The societal norms May 17, the closing prayers were daily Eucharist and in the talks had changed - at least for now - offered at 3 pm. “I love you, Jesus, and bear in mind the words of St John of the given by speakers from home and and the people were compelled to It was a different kind of Cross: ‘The least act of pure love is of more value than all the other abroad. stay at home. experience this year, but there can works put together.” Each year, the guest speakers However, the Novena went be no doubt that the little Saint of include priests, religious, Catholic ahead, led by Bishop Donal and Lisieux was just as close as ever, “I am always discovering in [the Gospels] new lights and hidden lay people (both married and the priests of the Cathedral Parish. and that the God of Wonder and mysterious meanings. I know and I have experienced that ‘the THIS quotation from ‘The Story single), as well as men and Each day began with the Novena Compassion was listening and Kingdom of God is within us.” of a Soul’ reflects the trust that St women from the other Christian Masses at 6.30 and 10 am, followed loving and waiting to surprise Therese had in the goodness and denominations. by the Evening Devotions at us with blessings beyond all our “He is compassionate and filled with gentleness, slow to punish, the mercy of God who loved her. In the past, the Novena has 7.30 pm, and included the deepest desires and abundant in mercy, for He knows our frailty, He remembers we It formed the theme for this year’s featured such well-known weekly prayer programme at the are only dust.”

“For me, prayer means launching out from the heart toward God; A Reader’s reflection on St Therese Novena 2020 a cry of grateful love from the crest of joy or the trough of despair; This Year... it is a vast supernatural force that opens out my heart and binds me THIS year, the Cathedral was sacred shadow over the foothills of Carmelite prayer that was lived surpassed her greatest desires. close to Jesus.” almost empty. The seats, normally of steady, daily devotion. Instead, and loved by the great-little saint What would she tell us? filled with hungry souls, were the Novena quietly took shape whose name it invoked. If you believe that Therese “The greatest of all is that He has shown me my littleness and how, bare. The rustle of leaflets, the soft, around the daily regimen of prayer Was the Novena less potent, all can hear your prayers, you are of myself, I am incapable of anything good.” whispering voices, the shuffle of and worship already in place to because we did not put on our compelled to believe in the God eager feet on tiles - all were silent. sustain the people of God in our coats and go out into the weather who grants her requests on your “Our Lord has granted me the grace never to fear the conflict; at all This year, the people stayed at various places of refuge. This year, and the traffic? Did we lose grace behalf. You are compelled to costs I must do my duty.” home. This year, the priest and our we watched as our priests and because we stayed in our living believe that God can find you Bishop took the place of the people our Bishop set out on our behalf, rooms and kitchens to watch and where you are, surround you with “I am not dying, I am entering into Life...” and sent up our prayers to God in sowing, as they went, comforting pray online? love, pick you up, hold you close, our name. But the people of God words of encouragement and Let us ask St Therese, the little hear your prayers, dry your tears “Each time I needed food for the souls in my charge, I always were praying also. We watched on hope. Saint of Lisieux, who knew the and mend your broken heart. You found my hands filled. Had I relied on my own strength, I should laptops, we prayed on ‘phones, we This year, the Novena was God of Wonder, who knew that are compelled to believe that, this very soon have been forced to surrender.” listened on iPads. The prayers went subsumed, without fuss, into the He surrounded her in the hidden year and for all the ages, He can up and the prayers were heard. new, gentle rhythm of Cathedral life of Carmel where He sheltered do wonders and make you whole, “It is so wonderful to think that God is really just, that God takes This year, there was no mountain devotion. This year, it seemed to her, carried her as a beloved child surpassing all your greatest desires. into account our weakness and our frailty.” of prayer to be climbed, casting its emulate the steady, quiet rhythm and, with powerful generosity, 16 THE NET | JUNE 2020 Drumragh Parish Pastoral Council chair, Dympna Kelly, reflects on how clergy and parishioners have been... Turning challenge of lockdown into time of finding new ways to engage in parish life graves and parishioners will join of the Church now that it has re- this gives opportunities for others In our busy lives, it is seldom that remotely from their homes. opened. We planned carefully to become involved. Hopefully, we have the time or take the time Technology for this and sent out a call for this involvement will continue to reassess, to look at what we are All of this would have been volunteers to help. We had a great long past the pandemic stage and doing and why we are doing it. so much more difficult without response and were able to open the we will have new blood involved The past couple of months, filled technology. Church webcams Church as soon as we were given in the daily life of the parish as it has been with challenges, allow those who cannot be the go-ahead. It is so important long into the future. The Order have also presented space to physically present at funerals to to recognise that this wouldn’t of Malta has made many of its consider our practices. When we participate from their homes. Of have been possible without the volunteers available to us. Their eventually emerge, may we hold course, this is equally important assistance of parishioners who give presence provides a reassurance, onto those things we have learned for weekday and weekend Masses, willingly of their time. particularly to those who are to appreciate once more, both and other liturgies. In some cases, the usual band venturing out for the first time individually and as a parish. In the Sacred Heart Church, of volunteers were unavailable in weeks, and the volunteers are we have also introduced a Polish as they are still advised to stay at happy to have a socially distanced (Dympna is Chair of Drumragh Mass on Sundays at 1 pm. Now home as much as possible, but chat. Parish Pastoral Council) the Polish-speaking community PROVIDING best pastoral care Masses was especially for P4 First have access to a Diocesan weekly within the limitations imposed by Communicants and their families. Mass in their own language. Pre- health and government guidelines The children prepared for this by pandemic, there may have been is the main challenge at this sending in a drawing representing one available at a location close to time. This becomes particularly the sacrament and this created them only once a month, so they evident when someone dies. a very colourful addition to our actually have the opportunity to For priests, meeting the pastoral Facebook page at the start of pray together more often in Polish. needs of the family, I’m sure, is May. A teacher from each of the The Derry Diocesan youth always something of a balancing four parish schools took part in team has been holding regular act as everyone and every family the liturgy and represented the meetings with the Pope John Paul is different, and with that comes children who could not be there. II students and suggesting ways in different expectations. Now, this For those who should have which they can remain involved has become even trickier. received the Sacrament of and build up their hours. Within We experienced this as a family Confirmation at the end of March, the parish, we also invited the first-hand, at the end of March, we similarly invited them in a students to assist with the Rosary when my mother-in-law died. Her special way to the midday Mass in the Church each evening. One funeral took place in Sacred Heart on Pentecost, recognising that, of the students, accompanied by a Church, Omagh, on March 29 and not only has their Confirmation parent, responded to the prayers there were 10 of us in attendance. ceremony been postponed, but of the Rosary which was led by The family circle is small but the also they have been unable to one the priests. Often the student announcement, two days earlier by attend the Fan the Flame Mass in or parent also proclaimed the the Irish government, introducing Derry. Reading and Psalm at the Mass the 2 km limitation on travel In preparation for Pentecost, as which followed. For many of the meant that the sons-in-law and a parish we prayed the Spiritans’ students and their parents, this was grandchildren in Dublin were Holy Spirit Novena, calling for their only opportunity during the unable to attend. the gifts of the Holy Spirit to fill lockdown to physically be present While it then became easier all of us and the P7 children in at Mass and it was wonderful to be to comply with the regulations a special way. The priests have able to offer this to them. around numbers at funerals, even celebrated year end and leavers’ In some ways, there has been no the immediate family support Masses for their schools via merit in ‘re-inventing the wheel’, so which would ordinarily have been the parish webcam, often with we have tapped into events which there was absence. At that time, representatives from the schools other parishes have been doing. when we were new to lockdown, present. They are becomingFor example, we encouraged everyone was being more cautious familiar with, though maybe not parishioners to become involved in and adhering strictly to the comfortable with, sending video the Lough Derg Virtual Pilgrimage guidelines. Neighbours and close messages to the schools and letters on May1, broadcast from St friends lined the road near the to the children preparing for Eugene’s. Through the night, one house and the cemetery, but the sacraments. The children will be of our parish families remained numbers were small. At recent able to look back on these in years in the Sacred Heart Church for funerals, these numbers seem to to come as hopefully a unique year. the pilgrimage and represented be swelling as people are being The normal monthly routine of all those in our parish praying at more relaxed, maybe even a little visiting the sick and housebound home. For the pilgrimage at the complacent. has also had to change, as they have end of May, Drumragh Parish Meeting the expectations of the been highlighted as vulnerable again joined the pilgrimage, this family within the ever-changing individuals. Telephone calls have time as one of the parishes leading environment has never been had to replace the knock on the a station. We were delighted to be more difficult when even the door and this is appreciated by part of this initiative and we are practicalities of meeting a family those older parishioners and their grateful to our young people who require careful orchestration. families. led this. The pastoral care of schools The closure of the cemeteries was Many people have found new has had to be adapted to reflect very painful for many individuals ways of engaging with the parish. Drumragh Padre Pio evenings For many of us, our routines, the current circumstances. The who were unable to continue their ON May 25, the 133rd Church, Fr Chris McDermott CC Petitions can be emailed in in as much they exist, are very usual parish programme of First usual visits to the graves of loved anniversary of the birth of Padre gave a blessing with a relic of the advance to eprayersdrumragh@ different. The silver lining in this Eucharist and Confirmationones but, thankfully, the cemeteries Pio of Pietrelcina, the parish of revered Capuchin. outlook.com. These will be printed is that parishioners who have been is on hold and we have had to were reopened a number of weeks Drumragh, in Omagh, celebrated The next monthly St Pio Mass and placed before the altar. unable to be as involved as they find other ways of reaching the ago. Even Cemetery Sunday will its inaugural monthly Mass in will take place on Tuesday, June The webcam can be accessed may have liked in the past, are children and their parents. On need to take a virtual slant this honour of St Pio, via the webcam. 23, at 7.30 pm, with the recitation via http://www.churchservices.tv/ now able to do so. A very practical May 10, one of the parish Sunday year, when the priests will bless the At the end of Mass in Sacred Heart of the Rosary beforehand at 7 pm. drumraghparish example of this is in the cleaning THE NET | JUNE 2020 17 Eangach Ár nDúchas An Spiorad Naomh Amhráin Dóchais Fuascailt Níor imigh an Críost as radharc an tsaoil ar fad Iarúsailéim nuair a chuaigh corp agus anam sna Flaithis ar ais de rad. (Íseáia 52: 7–10) Ach thuirling a Spiorad ar phobal a Eaglaise Nach álainn ar na sléibhte beo cosa an té a bhfuil dea-scéala leis, le fanacht mar fhuinneamh is mar thuiscint síocháin á craoladh aige, a phobail go deo. maitheas á fhógairt aige, Is é an Spiorad seo a ruaig an eagla ar shiúl fuascailt á craoladh aige, is thug misneach is dóchas don bhuíon seo, á rá le Síón: beag i gciall, “Tá do Dhia tar éis teacht i réim”. le héirí amach os comhair pobail nár chreid Éist! Tá do lucht faire ag ardú a nglór, go fóill tá siad ag liúirigh le háthas in is teachtaireacht Dé a chur rompu mar éindigh, bhratach sróil. óir is léir dóibh mar bheadh súil le súil Thuirling sé orthu agus iad i seomra istigh an Tiarna ag filleadh ar Shíón. ag coinneáil comhluadair le chéile agus iad uilig ag guí, Scairtígí amach le háthas, gur pléascadh an doras ar oscailt os comhair a bhallóga Iarúsailéim! an tsaoil mar tá an Tiarna ag tabhairt sóláis agus d’imigh an Eaglais amach ag insint a dá mhuintir, scéil. tá sé ag fuascailt Iarúsailéim.

Níl eagla fágtha i saol na hEaglaise feasta; Tá an Tiarna ag nochtú a láimhe níl ach maithiúnas ann agus pobal ag naofa iarraidh a bheith sásta, os comhair súile na gciníocha go léir, nuair a tharlaíonn sacraimint bheo i lár an lae, agus feicfidh críocha uile na talún go bhfuil an Spiorad dár gceangal le hÍosa D’aistrigh Breandán Ó Doibhlin, dánta dóchais agus suaircis iad, atá difriúil go maith ón saol agus beart tarrthála ár nDé. Críost é féin. sagart de chuid Dheoise Dhoire, go stíl álainn a bhfuil dul na ón chultúr a bhfuil muid féin leabhar Íseáia Fáidh ón Eabhrais reitrice uirthi go minic, atmasfaer cleachtach orthu. Mar sin féin, is (Brúitíní Creidimh. Buíochas le Foilseacháin go Gaeilge. Nuair a bhí an obair lán síochána, agus glór láidir dócha go n-aithneoidh gach éinne Ábhair Spioradálta.) idir lámha aige d’fhoilsigh Veritas muiníneach an údair ag sonadh againn píosaí cainte thall agus dánta as Íseáia 40–55 i leabhrán tríd ó thús go deireadh. Dia agus abhus a chualamar cheana. beag a raibh léaráidí ann le Steven daoine is ábhar dá cheol, agus go Don Tríonóid Naofa Hope, Geordie óg as Newcastle deimhin is minic a deir sé gurb iad Cnuasach filíochta é seo a upon Tyne a bhí ag obair le Veritas. focail Dé féin atá ina bhéal aige. cuireadh isteach le scríbhinní In ainm an Athar a fuair an bua, Cuireadh an leabhrán beag amach Íseáia agus atá le fáil anois ins na agus an Mhic a d’fhulaing an Pháis. le blas a thabhairt don léitheoir ar Tá le tuiscint uaidh gur dream caibidlí atá uimhrithe ó 40 go A Spioraid Naoimh, bí dár neartú, an leabhar iomlán a bhí le teacht. brúite brónach a lucht éisteachta, 55 de réir an chórais atá againne is a Mhaighdean ghlórmhar, bí ’nár dtriall. Seo cúlra na ndánta mar a mhínigh iad ina sclábhanna i bhfad óna inniu. ‘Leabhar Shólás Israel’ a Breandán é féin é: mbaile dúchais féin, agus gur tugtar go minic ar an chnuasach (Ár bPaidreacha Dúchais 348. Buíochas le chuige a labhrann sé, dóchas seo, de thairbhe an ábhair agus an Foilseacháin Ábhair Spioradálta.) Ní gá ach súil a chaitheamh ar agus meanmain agus muinín a dearcadh dóchasach atá le fáil ann. na dánta seo chun aibhléis na chur iontu arís. Is léir freisin gur fíorfhilíochta a mhothú iontu; dánta iad a bhaineann le cultúr An Eocairist: Rún na hEaglaise Baineann an Eaglais úsáid as arán nár cuireadh an píosa sin den scéal theorainn na coitiantachta i dtreo haigne rúndiamhrach Dé. agus fíon san Aifreann, giotaí de isteach i ngach Aifreann, seachas nádúr Dé féin, agus é a adhradh, bhéile coitianta ag aimsir Chríost. ar an Déardaoin Naofa amháin? taobh amuigh den taithí daonna Dá mbeimis i dteagmháil leis An choitiantacht sáraithe ag focail Ach ós rud é go bhfuil Dia i láthair, atá againn, bíodh sé sin olc, maith an rún seo agus meas againn air, na hEaglaise, ag focail Chríost, go caithfimid an cuireadh a ghlacadh nó measartha. Thar gach rud eile, bheadh sé furasta go leor againn ndéantar dó Críost ina dhuine le hamharc thar an choitiantacht tá cuireadh againn san Eocairist rún a dhéanamh ár saol a athrú agus ina Dhia. Léiríonn sé sin an agus thar an réaltacht shimplí go dul ar ár nglúine ní hamháin i i gcomhmhuintearas lena chéile cuireadh atá inár láthair, cuireadh dtí gnúis Dé féin, mar bharr ar láthair a chéile, ach i láthair Íosa agus ligean dó spré amach tríd an le teachtaireacht agus saol Chríost achan rud dá bhfuil ar an domhan Críost, Dia agus duine. domhan, mar a bheartaigh Dia i a chur i bhfeidhm ar choitiantacht nó san Eaglais féin. Is cinnte go bhfuil seoid againn dtosach é. Rún na hEaglaise gan an tsaoil i ndomhan s’againn féin. san Eocairist, taisce ach é faoi rún amhras. Cuimhnigh gur ag an Suipéar Ar bhealach tugann na laethanta seo. Is cosúil go bhfuil Dheireanach a nigh sé cosa na searmanas mar Bheannacht na dearmad déanta ag cuid mhór den (Buíochas le Foilseacháin Ábhair n-aspal, ag iarraidh orthu grá a Naomhshacraiminte cuireadh phobal ar an tseoid luachmhar, Spioradálta.) bheith acu dá chéile agus cúram a dúinn amharc anonn trasna ar an rún seo ó shaol na rún a ghlacadh dá chéile. Nach iontach theorainn na réaltachta agus thar chuireann muid i dteagmháil le 18 THE NET | JUNE 2020 Remembering Brídín McDermott by Vera McFadden “We seemed to give them back to McDermott and, at this stage, me but I could not find the entire away to set up new prayer groups. Thee Lord, Who gavest them to us. Michael had his chemist shop on words anywhere. Of course, Brídín I remember Brídín once talking But as you did not lose them in the the Strand Road. They had two knew it and wrote it out for me... to me about the Donegal Corra giving, So we do not lose them in children around the same age as Cainte (idioms). She had learned their returning. my three. They now lived on the ‘Prayer for Generosity’ by St these from her Gaeltacht mother. For Life is eternal and Love is Culmore Road and when we met Ignatius Loyola I would have met Brídín and immortal and Death is only a occasionally, we exchanged notes ‘Lord, teach me to be generous. Michael frequently at church or at Horizon. on how the children were coming Teach me to serve you as you family gatherings, weddings and And a Horizon is nothing but the on. She was very proud of her deserve; To give and not to count funerals. Blue was her favourite limit of our sight. family. the cost, To fight and not to heed colour and it was mine too. Now Lift us up, strong Son of God, Brídín and her husband were the wounds, To toil and not to seek and again, we were even dressed in That we may see Thee more clearly. very fond of photography and for rest, To labour and not to ask for the same outfits. Draw us closer to our loved one, had developing skills. I was given reward, Save that of knowing that I I believe that God gives Who is with Thee. several historical photographs. do your will’. affirmations or consolations in And whilst thou doth prepare a The most interesting of these was many ways. Sometimes it can be a place for us, Prepare us for that one of our grandfather, Anthony This was how Brídín lived. I special day or date. Brídín went to Sewing vestments here, Brídín was always happy to lend a helping hand. place. So that where Thou art, we Johnston when he was a young remember the first talk about the Heaven on the Feast of The Good also may be. teenager and I was able to get St Joseph’s Young Priests’ Society, Shepherd. Her daughter Ethna Forevermore. Amen.” copies made for the rest of our a prayer group for young priests, is a Good Shepherd nun and Derry Diocesan president of St Joseph’s family. and thinking that it was going to she herself had worked tirelessly Young Priests’ Society, Christina McLaren We have many people to I knew Brídín to be kind hearted be a powerful movement. Large for the St Joseph’s Young Priests’ remember and today I am and a deeply spiritual person. Her numbers from Derry came to Society, which supports young remembers how... remembering my cousin, Brídín. brother, Tony, who was a teacher, the meetings. It kept developing men who are preparing to be My first memories are of her as had gone to work in Canada and and then my little cousin, Brídín shepherds of His flock. The Chief an infant in the cot, in the pram, when her mother, Bella and her became president and remained so Shepherd, himself, had been with The late Brídín or crawling about. She was the other brother, Hugo needed help, for several years. During that time her all her life – before, behind, new baby girl in my Uncle Joe’s they got it from Brídín. She took she was extremely busy going to above, within, and she had always house. When she was about four them into her home to take care towns and villages quite a distance known that. McDermott stayed close years old, she was sent into our of them. Her constant happy smile classroom in Rosemount Girls’ showed this, like the line of the School to perform for us. She hymn ‘...and oh, how his beauty to the ‘Loving Shepherd’ sang ‘Christopher Robin is Saying transforms us, the wonder of the WHEN I first met BrídínShepherd Sunday, which was His Prayers’ in a light, melodious presence abiding. Transparent McDermott several years ago, I felt Vocation’s Day, Brídín was the voice. That song is quite a difficult hearts give reflection of Tabor’s here was a person with a gentle and Branch president of Holy Family one for a child of four but she went light within’. serene countenance. She seemed Ballymagroarty SJYPS. She will be through it without a hitch. Brídín also worked tirelessly for to glow and had a quiet manner. sadly missed by me and by all her Brídín was always smiling, was the church. I remember Brídín Years later, I met her in the ward friends in the Society. full of fun and enjoyed life greatly. working very hard at the making in hospital where her brother was a I felt that although her passing I was very proud of her and I of brown scapulars. She received patient with my dear father. It was was sad, it was fitting that The was also proud of my three other the pieces from a monastery, then that she asked me if I could set Good Shepherd called her on young cousins, Pam, Maureen and sowed them together and sent the up a branch of St Joseph’s Young Vocations Sunday because she Martha Gill, who lived next door to completed ones back. She was also Priests’ Society in our parish. I worked very hard and prayed for her. They were all contemporaries resourceful. One time they sent passed the request to my then Vocations, and her daughter, Sr of my own twin sisters, Cathleen no string, so she bought as many parish priest and it was some time Ethna, is a nun with The Good and Bernie, and they often enjoyed brown shoelaces as she could and before a group was established Shepherd Sisters. playing together. found that they were suitable for here. We send loving thoughts and When I was at teacher training the work. When Fr Pat McBride, I met up with Brídín at our prayers to her dear husband college in Belfast, I lost touch a Salesian priest, was helping quarterly meetings and when I Michael and to Sr Ethna and with Derry for a while. When I in the Holy Family Church, became Diocesan president, she Michael Jun. When I learned of started work I didn’t have as much Ballymagroarty, he enrolled many was very supportive. I was training Brídín’s death, the words of the contact with my cousins, as I did people in the brown scapular a new group and Brídín came hymn ‘Loving Shepherd’ came to in my childhood days. It was and, of course, it was Brídín who with me and was a great asset. mind... when I returned to Derry after supplied these. I understand she set up several ‘Where Thou leanest, May I go living in Belfast, that I met Brídín Brídín was a woman of prayer. branches of the society when she Walking in Thy steps below more frequently again. She had Once I had picked up a few lines was Diocesan president and was Then before Thy Father’s throne married a young chemist, Michael of a prayer which spoke strongly to Brídín and her husband, Michael, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. well thought of by all who knew Jesus claim me for Thine own’. her. May Brídín’s gentle soul rest in Up until her death on Good peace. Brídín’s dedication to promoting vocations bore much fruit by Ethna Johnston ANYONE who ever met Brídín As a young person, I recall quite a while. When I decided to the kettle on and a plate full McDermott must always have celebratory evenings in my home go to Irish classes in the Culturlann of her delicious tea cakes and been struck by her quiet, gentle when her brother, Tony, would on my retirement, I was delighted scones before you. The interesting demeanour and her radiant sense come home from Canada. Brídín, to find Brídín was one of my class conversations on world events, of joy during her life. I have many Michael, Tony and her other mates. You could not find a more local events and, of course, news memories of her during my life brother, Hugo, would all call and helpful fellow student - if you’d of family, cousins, friends and from meeting her in the Chemist we would have a lovely evening missed a day, Brídín would have ancestors would follow. I owe shop on the Strand Road, which being regaled with stories from collected that day’s notes for you much of my knowledge of family she and her husband, Michael, Canada, beautiful singing from and would give them to you when tree and relations to Brídín. ran, to being a fellow student with Hugo, and stories of Fanad from you returned, and if you needed a All her life, Brídín always her in the Irish classes run in the Brídín, about the times she spent bit of extra help she always obliged. showed her dedication to her Culturlann in more recent years. in her grandmother’s place when During our tea break, we all used faith and to her religious practice In her work in the chemist, Brídín she was growing up. the time like a cioral comhra, and in her dealings with the people Michael and Brídín with her brother, Tony, mother Bella, deceased 1988, and always served her customers with Indeed, some time spent there while I was struggling to recall she encountered. Her work brother Hugo, deceased 2002 great attention and courtesy, and during the war years, when she was words to mind her fluency was in promoting vocations was elderly were offered a chair so they very young, was probably where obvious - a fluency that earned her undertaken with total dedication could rest while waiting for their she got the foundations of her fine- her much prized gold fainne. and bore much fruit. May God rest Rest in peace script to be filled. She would often tuned ear for the musicality of the Calling on Brídín and Michael her soul and console her family for WE miss her and mourn her in Rest in peace, Brídín. have a friendly chat for you too, if Irish language. On returning to was always a real pleasure. You her loss. Her quiet, gentle presence sorrow unseen, and dwell on the From Margaret, wife of the late there weren’t too many customers school in Derry, she found she was wouldn’t be long in their beautiful will be sadly missed by all of us memory of days that have been. Paddy Johnston and family, Galway. in the shop. still answering roll call in Irish for home before Brídín would have who knew her. THE NET | JUNE 2020 19 A mystical espousal to Christ – this is what I had been made for by Taryn Watkins purity of body and soul, who hear the voice of the bridegroom, and bind themselves to Him through the Church’s hands. Here was the wound of love... the sacrificial consummation, consecrated virgins and martyrs like St Agnes. Before the blade bit into her body she was already mortally wounded by love, and before she gave her body as a witness in blood, she already gave her body in a virginal gift to the Lord. The nuptials of Jesus and His bride are consummated in the blood poured out from His side. This mystical union is also the moment of darkness, of abandonment, of violence. The banner of love is the battle standard, the marriage bed is the cross. Here was the radical call to live now what will be in heaven, the eschatological reality, to live now the wedding feast of the Lamb in a total, irrevocable union for all eternity, here and in the life to come. This vocation, at its heart, is a call to live a contemplative life New mentorship within the world and to be a sign of the original spousal relationship of Bishop Donal with Taryn Watkins at Knock Shrine last summer. which marriage is the wonderous programme for sign. ON the great Solemnity of the oldest form of consecrated life, vocation. To my surprise, I have This is a mystical espousal to discerning religious life Immaculate Conception, I lay existing many centuries before been one of them. Christ, which is the heart of the prostrate before the altar as the religious life and, in the early After I discerned that the vocation. Consecration is to be set A student-led Vocations who will act as a mentor as litany of the Saints was chanted. Church, the only form. Carmelites weren’t where God was apart for God, intensely dedicated. Outreach initiative at the they go through the formation Mary, the Virgin of virgins...all of Though it has many similarities calling me, I left in the same way I It is a receptive action initiated by Franciscan University of programme. Mentors will provide Heaven, was invoked in the hope to other forms of consecrated life, entered, with a deep desire to give God, and given through the hands Steubenville, in Ohio, has feedback on written tasks and will that I might follow the Lamb this vocation has unique aspects. Him everything, in simplicity and of His bishop, that is total and announced a new mentorship engage in long-distance, one-on- wherever He goes, just as they did. There is a special relationship to humility; it required a courage that forever. This is what I had been programme to assist young one communication throughout In that moment I laid down my life the local bishop; he is a spiritual could only come from Him. I had made for. men and women discerning the programme. to Christ in an ancient and new father and the virgin is obedient given Him everything and I asked After discovering this, I had consecrated religious life. Cassidy noted that it is important way. I received the consecration to to him, she offers her gifts and for nothing back. I still felt called several years of prayer and Remarking that discernment for young discerners to relate the Order of Virgins at the hands talents in service to the Church. to consecrate myself to Him, but in discernment, and Bishop Jenky can be a difficult and confusing directly with those in religious life: of my bishop in a sacred rite, It is primarily lived in the world, what form was He asking? gave his permission and the date journey, especially if you don’t “Religious life isn’t like marriage forever binding me to the Lord in which means the woman works After a long period of prayer and was set. Then came the day of have anyone to guide you or even the diocesan priesthood a spousal relationship. I am a bride to support herself, and for that purification, I stumbled upon the consecration...the music began through the process, Vocations - many people don’t grow up of Christ. This is a great mystery. reason there isn’t a vow of poverty. Rite of Consecration of a Virgin. and I walked down the aisle, my Outreach founder and team seeing that vocation actively lived I had been discerning consecrated A woman called to a religious Here were expressed the desires eyes only seeing the Tabernacle. I director, Cassidy Roderick went out. In order for people to discern life for a long time; about 12 years, vocation might not have the of my heart! Here was totality and knelt and received the veil and the on to say: “The Church so badly religious life, they need to know including more visits to religious desire for an explicitly spousal finality. Becoming a consecrated ring, received His graces...received needs religious vocations, and to what it is, and the best way to help communities than I can count, and relationship, or may not have the virgin is to give all of yourself, in an Him, who is all I ever wanted. foster them, we have to be able to them understand that is through 1½ years as a Discalced Carmelite. gift of virginity to give the Lord, exclusive and definitive way from provide discerning young adults relationships with those already in I had assumed that my call was to but these things are essential to which there is no turning back! with the tangible resources they religious life”. become a nun; I knew nothing of this vocation. We search for Him as the bride in Taryn Watkins is a Consecrated need.” In addition, discerners will be consecrated virginity for many In recent years, there has been a the Song of Songs. The receptive Virgin for the Diocese of Peoria, IL, Intended for men and women paired with another participant years. It’s a very little known and renewal in the Rite and the Holy space of a virginal heart makes USA, an artist, and an elementary considering joining a religious to whom they will talk with less understood vocation in the Spirit has been drawing more consecration, to be set apart for school teacher. community, discerners in the throughout the programme. This Church. Despite that, it is the women to this ancient and new Jesus alone, possible. It is a sign of Vocations Outreach mentorship is meant to give participants a programme will receive online spiritual, supportive friend who is formation by watching workshops on a similar level as them and to Please God, Taryn’s story can sow some and completing tasks designed foster a sense of community. to help them grow in their Vocations Outreach uses content spiritual lives and deepen their produced by the Franciscan - Bishop Donal understanding of consecrated University Catechetical Institute, seeds in our Diocese religious life. with the online formation I first met Taryn in 2016 on and she went on her knees and Lough Derg and Croagh Patrick When it came to reflecting on Workshops will feature talks workshops hosted on the a dusty path about 60 miles asked me for a blessing. This and was heading to Knock the the Permanent Diaconate and from a variety of presenters, Catechetical Institute’s online north of Rome. Three of us were was clearly a young woman of following weekend. But that she on Consecrated Virgins in this including religious from four learning management system: walking the last 110 km of the deep faith and great strength of would not make it to Derry. I was Diocese, I invited Taryn to share different orders. The topicsFranciscanAtHome.com. Via Francigena into Rome. But character. delighted to tell her that I hoped her story as a young woman include: Theology of Religious This six-month-long programme our pride was punctured when I had heard nothing from her to be arriving in Knock that who has discerned this vocation Life, Monastic Practices, Obstacles is free of cost. Vocations Outreach she said that she was finishing after her return to the US, until Sunday with the Cursillo Knock within God’s people. to Discernment, Listening to the is currently accepting applications. an 83-day solo walk – the whole Spring 2019, when she asked walkers. Thus, we were able to Please God this can sow some Holy Spirit, Overcoming Spiritual Applicants must be at least 15 length of the Via Francigena from what pilgrimages there were meet at the Mass in Knock. seeds in our own Diocese – as we Discouragement, Personal years old and actively discerning Canterbury to Rome! in Ireland. I suggested Knock, She told me that she hoped to discern where God is leading us Vocation, Lectio Divina and more. consecrated religious life. We arrived in St Peter’s Square, Croagh Patrick and Lough Derg. be admitted as a Consecrated through and after the pandemic. Each discerner will be connected To learn more or apply, please at the end of our four-day walk In mid July 2019, she contacted Virgin in her native diocese. This with a professed religious, visit vocationsoutreach.org and of her 12-week marathon, me to say that she had ‘done’ happened last December. 20 THE NET | JUNE 2020 Celebrating his 80th birthday in a strange year for the history books that also marks the 55th anniversary of his ordination... Fr Oliver Crilly reflects on how an unexpected mission enhanced his parish ministry RETIRED parish priest, Fr Celebrating the Golden Jubilee During his first year in the Caritas Fraternity of Priests. Oliver Crilly, is anything but of his ordination to the priesthood seminary at Maynooth, he studied Explaining that this is part of a ‘retired’ as the faithful of Castlefin, five years ago, on June 21, Latin, Greek and Irish, and then wider spiritual family that includes in Co Donegal, know very well. while serving as parish priest in chose to study for a Degree the Little Brothers and Little The priest-in-residence at StGreenlough, Fr Oliver said that it in Celtic Studies. Following Sisters of Jesus, Fr Oliver said: “It’s Mary’s, within the parish of Urney was only when he was appointed his ordination, Fr Oliver was all based around the spirituality & Castlefin, approaches his 80th to that parish that he began to appointed as a teacher at St of Charles de Foucauld, a French birthday this July having recently realise “how deeply rooted the Patrick’s College, Maghera, where soldier who had a huge conversion published his latest book, ‘An Crith vocation to priesthood was, on the he taught Irish, Latin, History and experience. He went to live in the B e o’. Bradley side...where it continues Religious Education. Sahara Desert and was shot by a Written in Irish, the book’s title in a younger generation...but also The 29-year-old priest wasyoung Touareg tribesman in 1916. translates into English as ‘The on the Crilly side, associated with teaching in St Pat’s for three-and-a- “He had always wanted to form Living Trembling’ and is about the the ancient monastery of Tamlaght half years, and living at home with a small community living in Irish writer, Seosamh Mac Grianna, O’Crilly”. his parents, when he was suddenly poverty but didn’t manage it in who was born in the Donegal He added: “At eight years old, transported to a very different his lifetime. However, he had it all Gaeltacht area of Rannafast in I thought I was experiencing a scene. written up and Fr René Voillaume 1900. Highly regarded by Fr Oliver purely personal calling, which was He recalled: “I was lifted out of later founded the Little Brothers as “a fantastic writer”, he wrote true, but that personal calling was this safe teaching position in a in 1933, on the template he found short stories and novels, as well as also an expression of a heritage Catholic school at the end of 1969. in his writings, and helped Sr essays, travel and historical works of faith handed on via family and It was after the Second Vatican Magdeleine of Jesus found the and a substantial autobiography. community over many centuries”. Council and there was a lot of Little Sisters in 1939, on the same The 30th anniversary of his death Apart from his family, Fr Oliver confusion among priests. Many template.” will be on June 11. recalled someone else who had left the priesthood at that time and Saying that the Little Sisters of An Crith Beo’ is dedicated to been a significant influence with after. Jesus had been invited into Dublin Fr Frank O’Flaherty, who was Fr regards to his faith formation: “My “As a teacher, I was in a safe to work with the Travellers, while Dermod McCarthy, one of the parish pastoral councils. Oliver’s Irish teacher at St Columb’s brothers and I were altar servers position. I had a timetable and was he was there, he continued: “I Radharc (meaning vision) team “In 1989, I became parish priest College, Derry, and the one who when we were growing up in ruled by the bell. I was lifted out was one of four priests who took that produced the films, and Fr of Melmount. It was my first parish introduced him to Seosamh Mac Lavey, and the parish priest was a of this and placed in Dublin, into turns to say Mass for them and Peter Lemass. priest post and, in 1990, we set up Grianna (Joe Green). The writer most marvellous person, Fr James the potentially unstable world of the Travellers. Out of this, I got to Fr Oliver also recalled the great a Parish Pastoral Council. We had had also been educated at St McGlynn, from Aghayaran. He communications. This could have know about the priests’ fraternity. support of Fr Gerry Reynolds a marvellous learning experience Columb’s, before going on to train was very kind. One memory that been a very disturbing world for a It didn’t exist in Ireland, but it was CSsR and Fr Jim Lennon, and of over the next nine years.” as a teacher at St Patrick’s College, stands out is of me dropping the priest”. in England, so contact was made Fr Eddie Daly, who was working Fr Oliver was then appointed in Dublin; a career he eventually Missal one day and he just told my He added: “I was dropped into a with them and Peter Lemass and in RTE at the time. as the parish priest of Ardmore left to pursue his love of writing. older brother, Tony, to give me a job I wasn’t trained for in the world Gerry Reynolds formed the first “Fr Daly was on our executive in 1999, and eight years later Another gifted writer amongst hand. of media, as the Director of Veritas Jesus Caritas priests’ fraternity in committee of the Catholic he was sent as parish priest to the St Columb’s College alumni, “As well as family faith influence, Publications! I was learning on the Ireland. Communications Institute and Greenlough - Tamlaght O’Crilly, Seamus Heaney, is also held in I am quite sure that Fr McGlynn job!” “So, instead of the move from had listened to all of my reports,” where he ministered until he came high esteem by Fr Oliver. Both influenced my decision, and that of However, he noted that his teaching in Maghera into the he said, “so, when he became to Castlefin, within the parish of from small farming families in my brother, Pat, regarding entering knowledge of Irish and Art had world of media in Dublin going Bishop of Derry, he knew the work Urney and Castlefin, in 2015. South Derry, they were very good the priesthood. He would still be stood him in good stead during his very wrong, I found a fantastic I was doing was important and Over the years, he also served friends during their time at the that archetypal priest in my mind. 13 years in the role: “We produced group of dedicated priests, who asked me to stay on”. a 10-year period on the Western College and shared a great love of I had the great privilege of going publications in English and Irish, challenged me and raised a whole He added: “Another good friend Education and Library Board, and language and literature. to see his birthplace in Aghyaran. so I was editing books in English new idea of community.” was Fr Pat Ahern, who wrote served on the Irish Commission However, it was his love for the I was at a wake in Castlefin and and Irish. To have the Irish was Challenged with this spirituality the music for the hymn, ‘Rian for Justice and Peace, and the Catholic faith that set the second- a man said to me that he heard I vital and Art came in handy as well of Charles de Foucauld, Fr Oliver Phádraig’, for which he asked me Independent Review of Parades born son of Robert and Rosina was asking about Fr McGlynn. It because, while I wasn’t doing the said: “I was learning more about to write the words. and Marches. Crilly, from the parish of Lavey, on turned out that he was his grand- graphics, it would have been hard the Scriptures and the whole idea “Other significant priests around Another great experience, he a different path. Ordained in June nephew, Patsy Connolly. He later to discuss artwork with graphic of fraternity. Brother Charles used me at that time were Fr Johnny recalled, was being part of the 1965, the thought of priesthood took me up to see the home place.” designers if I didn’t have an eye for the word ‘desert’ in a spiritual Doherty CSsR and Fr Chuck Diocesan Support Group for first came to him while praying the Fr Oliver also paid tribute to it .” sense – going out into the desert Gallagher, a big American Jesuit”. Parish Pastoral Councils, with family Rosary, in Rocktown, when the further nurturing of his faith Impact to be with God. In the early Irish After 13 years, Fr Oliver was Paddi Coyle, his brother, Tony, and he was about eight years old. by the teachers who had taught During this period in Dublin, Church, the Irish word ‘díseart’, brought back to minister in the good friend, Fr Johnny Doherty Describing his parents and him both at primary school in Fr Oliver was introduced to which appears in names like Derry Diocese, with Strabane his CSsR. extended family as “very faithful Rocktown and at St Columb’s. two movements that really ‘Desertmartin’, is a desert without first parish appointment, and he Catholic people”, Fr Oliver “When I went to St Columb’s I made an impact on him. One sand, a place where you can go believes that his experiences while ‘An Crith Beo’ can be got from remarked: “We really had the didn’t think a lot about priesthood,” was the Focolare Movement – apart and be in the presence of in Dublin probably affected what Irish bookshops, including An Church in our genes. There were he said, adding: “I was thinking an international organisation God, such as woods, river, sea, he did in parishes thereafter. Carn, Maghera, the bookshop in priests in our family, with my about exams and studying. I was founded in Italy, in 1943, by Chiara mountain, etc; it’s a place where He went on to speak about being the Cultúrlann, Falls Road, Belfast mother’s brother, Fr Pat Bradley, a more into academia than football, Lubich as a Catholic movement you just be. humbled and delighted that his (‘An Ceathrú Póilí’), and An Siopa priest in the Diocese of Leeds.” but priesthood would have been promoting unity and universal “Once we got involved with this, brother priests elected him as one Leabhar, Harcourt Street, Dublin. there in the background all the brother/sisterhood. we began to see the parallels with of the delegates for the National way through St Columb’s. Explaining that Focolare was the Early Irish Church and the Conference of Priests of Ireland “When I was deciding on A’level the Italian word for ‘The Hearth’, Céilí Dé movement - a movement (NCPI) in 1985. subjects, I didn’t choose them on Fr Oliver continued: “It is a of spiritual renewal in Ireland that Elected for a three-year term, anything particularly relating to nickname – their full title is Opera lasted for over 200 years, and one Fr Oliver recalled the conferences priesthood, but it turned out that di Maria (the Works of Mary). of the inspirational leaders was in 1986 and 1987 having a what I chose was handy for my They have a great devotion to St Safan of Urney. The Early Irish significant impact on his ministry: vocation – Latin, Irish, Greek and Our Lady; everything they do, Church and Charles de Foucauld “We had the same theme for Art. If I have any questions about they dedicate to Mary. I found it a shared a lot of insights”. these two annual conferences – translations in the Bible, I go back very interesting story and it had a Amongst the group of dedicated ‘Collaborative Ministry’. The main to the Greek text. You always get a big influence on me. I met Chiara priests he met were Frs Joe Dunn speaker for both years was Bro better feel for what the emphasis Lubich in Rome and found her to and Des Forristal, founders of the Loughlan Sofield, an American is in the Greek original, which be a most fantastic person”. Radharc Television Documentary religious. He gave fantastic talks. sometimes gets lost in the English The other movement thatSeries broadcast by RTE from It was the first time I heard about translation”. influenced him was The Jesus 1962 until 1996, as well as Fr THE NET | JUNE 2020 21 Leading lives of quiet isolation by Fr Peter McCawille (SMA) indicate that the heartfelt prayers companionship and a close of the people are being answered. identification with anyone who is As soon as news began to filter suffering. Long before Covid-19 through that this contagion was reared its devastating head, they devastating different countries were well used to helping out in Europe, the Government the less fortunate in their time of belatedly issued a directive that need. As soon as the lockdown all churches and mosques should was announced, members of be closed with immediate effect. our worshipping community People responded to what they immediately pulled together to saw as a high handed decision by provide a few weeks’ supply of the government by unleashing an food and provisions for their avalanche of prayer and petition. indigent neighbours, all of whom Being a naturally participative had abruptly been deprived of an people and conscious at all times income. that God is directing their lives, The churches may have been the thought of not being able to closed but their faith continued attend daily Mass, sing, dance to flourish in the most admirable and receive the Eucharist was the and authentic way. “I was hungry, equivalent of losing a limb. sick, naked, lonely…” (Matthew The latest daily reports here 25). Flowing through their veins Fr Peter McCawille SMA, on left. about virus victims indicate that is an instinctive inclination to out of a population of 200 million respond to the needs of the less I couldn’t have known then, stream is a cherished treasure. people, the number of those who privileged. but I now realise that growing World Bank figures indicate that have died is 164. By comparison Reflecting in quiet and up in Dregish, in West Tyrone, about 50% of the population of with figures from other countries contented isolation here in more than 60 years ago was Nigeria lives in cities and many in Europe with much smaller Abuja, I frequently find myself a kind of remote preparation of them in what are referred to as populations, these figures are searching through the rubble of for my response to the present slums, lacking the basic amenities remarkable. No surprise though the destruction wreaked by this pandemic, as I now spend my of light, water and sanitation; to the faith-filled people here contagion to identify some signs time ‘cocooning’ in Abuja, West facilities that we take for granted who interpret them as clear of hope. The awfulness of the last Africa. in Ireland. evidence that God is abundantly six weeks has been a serious test Long before Covid-19 invaded The World Bank also indicates answering their prayers. They are of our faith, especially for all those our busy missionary lives and that 85% of the population of always confident that God helps who have lost loved ones and had forced us into exile in our own Lagos lives in poverty. Ms Debby those who help themselves. They to endure the agony of not being homes, I was already feeling Ogunshola, a petty trader in also derive great comfort from with them in their last moments. quite comfortable with my own Lagos, spoke for millions when the revealing words of the great It is still very difficult to accept company. However, for the very she illustrated the stark reality African Saint Augustine: “God that the ultimate test of our faith is gregarious Nigerian people the facing many people there by created us without our consent not how loudly we praise God in thought of self-isolation came as reminding us that “the only virus but God can’t save us without our the good times, but how deeply we a major shock. By forcing them to that I fear is hunger, not Covid-19 co-operation”. continue to trust him in the bleak abandon their livelihoods and self and where are we supposed to get Another key factor in helping times. We take much inspiration isolate without putting anything the extra water to keep washing them to grapple with the from the selfless devotion of in their pockets to sustain them, our hands?” contagion is that, over the years, those bereaved families and from the government is asking many Neither is the emphasis on they have completed the full the courage of the medical and Nigerians to choose between self-isolation an option for Ms honours course in learning to ancillary staff who have led the death by Covid-19 or death by Ogunsola. She and her family cope with adversity (malaria, charge against the virus. hunger. (and thousands of other families) yellow fever and Ebola spring to It is my fervent hope that we As a local newspaper columnist live in one room in a block of mind) and many other forms of can also find much comfort and expressed it – “Many people 20, locally called ‘Face-me,-I- malevolence that regularly affect reassurance in the words of St prefer the lottery of infection over Face-you’ because of their close their lives. Luke 21:19, who reminds us that the certainty of starvation!” For proximity to each other. In learning to cope with these “Your endurance will win you the average Nigerian the idea of “If I am not able to go out adversities, they simultaneously your lives”. ‘cocooning’ is for those who live every morning and sell, how will develop a natural instinct for in cloud-cuckoo-land! my children survive?” added President Buhari announced on Ms Ogunsola, who earns her Sunday, March 29, that Nigeria’s daily bread by selling fruit and two major cities, Lagos and vegetables from a little wooden Abuja, would go into lockdown stall by the roadside. the following day, while repeating The reality here is that millions the already well-rehearsed of Nigerians live hand-to-mouth, admonitions to “keep washing often on less than $1 (£0.80) per your hands” and maintain “social day and so unable to stock up on distance”. food or other essentials. Similarly, I can only imagine that his it’s not uncommon for urban comments sent shudders through Nigerian families to live with the hearts and minds of millions older relatives, who also double of the population, especially the up as nannies, and the obvious many who live in overcrowded concern is that these older people conditions where it is impossible are at a serious risk if the virus to find any space, and for whom spreads. a bucket of water from a distant Miraculously, the daily figures Husband, wife and children arrive for Mass on Christmas Day. 22 THE NET | JUNE 2020 Ireland has its Round Towers...... Derry has its Long Tower stood as the most prominent ecclesiastical and powerful political settlement, for centuries. The first walled In fact, we could even suggest that the reason the English tried enclosure was built so hard in the 1500s to take Derry, was that the Plantation with the support of could never begin in earnest the then successor until the most powerful legacy in Ireland was broken, and Derry of ColumCille, as it stood, destroyed forever. Flaherty O’Brolahan The exodus, on September 4, 1607, which became known as and Murtagh The Flight of the Earls, when the O’Lochlann, High cream of Irish aristocracy, O’Neill and O’Donnell, left Rathmullan, King of Ireland. The with 90 plus supporters, to travel walls were called to Spain to recruit support, left a vacuum which England filled. Caiseal an Urlair. They were never to return. We know from Dowcra’s story of This stone enclosure his conquest that the one structure was constructed to he couldn’t bring himself to raze or alter, was the huge monastic comprise the flat round tower evident in his crude lands at the highest map of Derry (1600), and shortly after illustrated by the recognised part of the island of cartographer, Wenceslaus Holler, Doire. in his map of 1661 (reference in the collection given as 1651). Unlike the rest of Ireland, the Reamann O’Gallchoir (1569 Bishops of Doire and Raphoe All traces of Gaelic culture were Famous figures like the – 1601), who resisted and was never submitted to the new rule TANDING on the horizon that to be eradicated. This involved successor of Colmcille, Flaherty finally caught at the Strabane of English Reformation heresy. the extirpation of all physical O’Brolahan, High King Murtagh Road and murdered at Dunalong. separates Bishop Street from the In the last years of the 16th objects, artefacts and buildings. O’Lochlann, Bishop Ruairi “A separation of the houses century, priests and bishops Bogside, the Long Tower Church is one All churches, monasteries and UaDomhnaill, and Shane from the church in Doire was were hunted men. The three last ofS Derry’s most famous landmarks. But the abbeys were systematically looted O’Neill, have all been written caused by the successor of bishops of Doire were the only and then destroyed. out of the story of Derry, while ColumCille, Flaithbheartach Ua age-old question of where this iconic church native Gaelic clergy to hold out A real effort was made to re-tell Colmcille himself has even been Brolchain, and by Muircheartach against the English Reformation: got its historic name has for many years the story, indicating that English mythologised by some historians. Ua Lochlainn, King of Ireland Ruairi Ua Domhnaill (1520 – civilisation brought refinement What we can ascertain from the and they removed 80 houses remained unexplained. 1551), Eoghan O’Dohertaigh and culture to the wild Irish. Annals of Ireland, is that Derry or more from the place where However, a group of local Derry has at best become scantly (1554 – 1568) and Bishop they were and Caiseal-an-Urlair historians have scientific proof possible through digging and that the famous Long Tower, from at worst mythologized, and which the church gets its name, is not ever accessible. The Derry still standing. Not in the grounds Tower Heritage Group has been of the church, but in the grounds convinced for some time that this of Lumen Christi College. With is not the case. the help of archaeologists from In fact, we have believed that Queen’s University, of Belfast, the structure known for centuries and carbon dating testing, the as the Windmill, which stands Derry Tower Heritage Group in the grounds of Lumen Christi (DTHG) can now prove the College, is indeed the Long Tower, historic windmill at Lumen and probable site of Columba’s Christi College is the Long Tower. 546AD foundation. The question Stephen Doherty, of the DHTG, should rightly be asked as to why explains the story so far... we are only finding out about this From most of the published now, in the second decade of the histories, it seems as if there second millennium. The answer really was very little on the island is rather straight forward, while at of Derry when Henry Dowcra the same time complex. The site invaded with a force of 4,000 where the tower stands has, since soldiers in 1600AD. Very little the time of Fredrick Augustus attempt has ever been made Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol and to tell the full history of Doire Church of Ireland Bishop of Colmcille, the powerful monastic Derry, been a privately owned walled city, Caiseal an Urlair, one and hidden from view by an (Castle on the level ground), impressive wall that stands on its and dwelling place of the high perimeter, coupled with the fact kings of Ireland. In fact, it has that a major component of the long been believed that access Plantation from the beginning to any evidence of medieval was a cultural ‘re-branding’. THE NET | JUNE 2020 23 was erected by the successor of Long Tower, at Lumen Christi, ColumCille who pronounced a was constructed sometime curse on any that should come between 1160AD and 1275AD, over it.” (Annals of the Four going by the radio carbon dating Masters 1630) results calculated by Gerard The first walled enclosure was Barrett, under the direction built with the support of the of Colm Donnelly, Centre for then successor of ColumCille, Archaeological Fieldwork, Flaherty O’Brolahan and Queen’s University, Belfast. Murtagh O’Lochlann, High For several years the Derry King of Ireland. The walls were Tower Heritage Group has called Caiseal an Urlair. This collated much documentary stone enclosure was constructed evidence to support the theory to comprise the flat lands at the that the Long Tower remains highest part of the island of Doire. standing but could only ever go The walls extended from present- public with the support of ‘well day Butcher Gate across to the behaved’ scientific evidence. Diamond area and up to and In 1802, the Rev George extending over the whole of that Sampson concluded that the area comprising approximately Long Tower remained standing Upper Bishop Street. The main in the Bishop’s Gardens. He was entrance was just above the quickly taken to task by Colonel present-day Diamond which Thomas Colby, the famous British was an open market place at that military surveyor, who in 1837 time. At the highest place in the called Sampson ‘erroneous’ in his monastic city, the new cathedral claims. Of course, the rebranding An Teampall Mor, was built and was well underway at this stage, completed in 1166. and by now the stump of the Medieval Tower was universally regarded With the Norman Invasion in as a windmill. This windmill was 1169, a new wave of medieval given all the more prominence Gothic Architecture was to slowly by its position in relation to two change the landscape of Ireland. skirmishes during the Siege of We can only surmise that the city Derry. of Derry, which retained its Gaelic The Tower has undergone two identity, refusing to fall in line major renovations that we are with the diocesan partitioning of aware of, the evidence of which is Ireland of 1111, was determined evident in the structure. One was to emphasise its superior nature sometime in the 17th century and prominence as the first when, if accounts can be taken as among the Irish ecclesiastical accurate, Samuel Hobson, around sites, so at some point in the 1650, was granted land around early medieval monastic period, Hogg’s Folly on the condition decided to build a tower, a round that he built a windmill for the tower, the like of which Ireland city. On a 1622 map, a portable the existing structure that the the Tower took place in the second a dovecote. Again, the evidence The Tower itself has a had never before witnessed. windmill is shown: the solid Long Tower was decapitated, the half of the 18th century, when of this is clear to see. It is highly circumference of 19 metres at This was to complement the structure that came to be known new broken top was levelled, and Bishop Hervey, to complement probable that the Earl Bishop had the new ground level. The range most impressive church building as the famous Windmill was put the trappings of the mill were his Casino - a place where he the smaller roof like structure across Ireland was roughly and put an indelible mark on up sometime before the siege in added. feasted his guests, turned the added to the side of the Tower between 14 and 18 metres. One the monastic landscape. The 1688. It can be ascertained from Another major renovation to structure into an ice house and to act as a store, not an ice house can calculate, based on the depth which was suggested previously, of the icehouse, that over 20 feet of tower stands below the new ground level, giving some 60 feet of extant building. With the walls Finally, we have approximately a metre thick, one the Long Tower, might suggest that the Tower stood somewhere in the region sitting in still silence of at least 160 feet. Again, the range across Ireland’s monastic surrounded by landscape would be in the region school life for almost of 80 to 120 feet. There is a reason why this structure was called 150 years, before the Long Tower! It is certainly that finding itself put consistent with the maps referred to earlier; an Eiffel Tower like to use for purposes structure to complement the other than why it St Peter’s Basilica of its day, An Teampall Mor. was constructed. Finally, we have the Long Tower, It is a colossus sitting in still silence surrounded by school life for almost 150 years, of a structure, before that finding itself put to impressive in every use for purposes other than why it was constructed. It is a colossus detail, a huge piece of a structure, impressive in every detail, a huge piece of medieval of medieval Derry Derry standing above the ground. standing above the There are many questions that this revelation raises, and the ground. potential domino effect, not least of all, what else of Ireland’s monastic and political jewel are we not seeing on our landscape. Is and also to allow access to the the Oak Grove of Columba about dovecote where a crude opening to rise from the ashes after 400 was made halfway up the side of years of near obliteration? the remaining Tower structure. 24 THE NET | JUNE 2020

‘Columba in Song’ by Vera McFadden So it was when I had arrived at little tune. It was one that came the breakthrough and was sitting into my head from Medjugorje. practising chords and playing I hummed it and found that it different variations of them, that fitted nicely. These would need to I said to myself “that sounds be done on manuscript paper, as good”, and played again. I did so the schools would need written for a while. I was pleased with copies, so I asked my songwriter this combination of chords and brother, Tony to help. He listened decided to set a little song to it to me singing them and picked up – one about St Columba. Other the melody on the piano and then little tunes emerged in the same noted them in staff notation and manner and these were also set to solfa. City Print then put the sheet songs about our city’s patron Saint. music into book form and copies Two years later, it was the were sent to various Donegal Columban anniversary year and schools. It was great to hear the preparations were being made for children from Termon School a big celebration at Gartan. My singing my songs at the Columban friend, Margaret Alcorn, from anniversary celebrations. Gartan Heritage Centre, told me Later, I got the urge to get a CD that the teachers were complaining of the songs. One of my friends that there were no children’s songs who had a recording studio about the Saint. She then told agreed to help, but when he took them that I had composed several an initial recording I was appalled and they were anxious to get them. by my own broad Derry accent Shortly afterwards she told me and decided to forget about it. My that none of the songs mentioned niece, Ethna told me “but that can Gartan, even though he had been be rectified”. So I practised with

born there. So, I composed two my tape recorder in the kitchen, St Columba Icon in Mexican style by Mary Jane Miller. others which included the name which had good acoustics, and ‘Gartan’. One was ‘Eithne’s Dream’. developed a most exaggerated strange dream as she sat in the Walking along in silent prayer, my heart, The melody for this one was not Oxford accent. It certainly helped. meadow at Glenswilly. I know angels everywhere are “You read it, now live it and see to one of the little guitar tunes, but Now, I needed musical backing praying with me to my God. this man. You cannot treat people an air which had come to me in and my two grandchildren ‘Eithne’s Dream’ apart.” (Chorus) my kitchen and to which I had set agreed to help me. One played by Vera McFadden I love my island on the Foyle, which THIS is a story about how a words about the flight into Egypt. the flute and the other the violin. Ainmire gave to me, I raced out to discover the truth. single idea or intention can grow, The other was a song about the We went to another recording Once I had a strange dream of a Its mighty oaks, its little streams, its I overtook him at the gate and oh merge with other intentions and heron which had fallen on the studio but it seemed impossible silk veil coming down from Heaven, peace for all to feel. yes! It was Jesus! develop into something tangible. beach in Iona. This, again, was not to achieve a recording with the decked with flowers pale. And here we came and built our I fell on my knees and asked pardon It started about 35 years ago when a guitar tune but an air that I made instruments, though we tried It was for me. I wanted to see. But church, in a clearing in the wood, for making him wait. I was in my early 50s. I spotted the up on the spot. several times. Perhaps they were to my sorrow it drifted away. A fine place for a monastery. We He spoke to me gently for while, guitar that my son had left behind After a couple of weeks, I was on not suitable or too near a human Drawn by an angel, away from me. knew that it was good. (Chorus) showing me the best way to give, him and wondered if I could learn a weekend retreat at Rossnowlagh voice. So I was advised to go to To give of our time, to give of our to play it. One of my colleagues and found that many other schools another recording studio and sing Now I could not reach it, though And in the space between the trees, goods, help the poor, sick and needy agreed to teach me but I found in Donegal were also looking for without instrumental backing. I I knew ‘twas mine. It floated high we monks built little cells. ones to live. (Chorus) that it was not as easy as I had songs about Columba. I met a decided that a short narration and above me but it was a sign. We come to pray during the day in previously thought. I could not young teacher, from Gortahork, humming a few lines of ‘The Key The angel then said, ‘no need to answer to the bells. Once a very sick baby was use the plectrum and her nimble and a Sister of Mercy, from of Love’, a Gaelic traditional air, in dread. This veil’s like your son. Here we work and read and write, brought to be baptised but there fingers plucking at the strings Ballyshannon, that were eager to between each song, would be an Likely and free, a fine missionary and keep the little fasts, was no water about. looked impossible to me. have them. One of the Brothers, effective way to do it. The disc was working for God. God’s spirit guiding all our ways Disillusioned, I wanted to give who was a lay brother very gifted made gradually over several days. and bringing peace that lasts. ‘The Mark of a Saint’ up trying but she would not let in Irish music, said to me, “Don’t The man who did the recording You will have a baby. He’ll be very At the monastery, the needy got (Words by Tessa Johnston, me. “I know it looks very hard let them songs sit”. That evening knew I was overwhelmed, as I blessed. He will journey for God help and alms at a certain hour music to ‘A Gartan Mother’s now”, she said, “but there will be I wondered how I had had a few had never done anything like this and will lead the rest. every day. Lullaby’, Trad.) a breakthrough, you just wait and promises about putting them on before. Graces like flowers will come Our Lord came to show Columba see. You should keep learning as tapes or CDs but it seemed that Copies were then done by in their showers, through your that this was not enough. He blessed the ground and the it will be a lovely hobby for you. fulfilment was nowhere in sight. the first recording studio. I also Columba who helps so many. spring spurted up and drenched the When you are sitting in the house The only way to get them out was designed a cover for the CD. Who’ll help so many to the True ‘Whatever We Do’ by Vera gnarled trees. on your own on a winter evening, on sheet music and that could be Now I could hold it in my hand God, the Trinity. McFadden The frightened birds from their it will be lovely to be able to pick done quickly, but I did not have and play it whenever I wanted. nests took fright, I fell onto my up the guitar and play for a while.” the musical know-how to do so. Of course, that would not have And now here in Gartan is my baby Chorus: Whatever you do to the knees. I was teased, “You will be the As I sat there thinking, I decided been possible without Danny of son. Patrick told of his coming, he’s least of my brothers, you do to me, The droplets hung on the tinder oldest swinger in town”. Others that I didn’t like the air that I had the Blue Rose Studio, my brother a special one. you do to me. (x2) dry grass and wetted the lips of the were encouraging, “Oh that’s previously composed for ‘The Tony, Ferguson Studio, my two A Saint from our race, a chief who’ll flowers. lovely, you will be able to sit down Heron’ and I remembered another grand-daughters, Catherine and love grace – There were so many poor about. And the woodlands rang and the and play the guitar.” Emma, the owners of the studio, Columba from Gartan, my little They came to our monastery each mountains sang, acknowledged Margaret Alcorn, the Franciscan son. Columba from Gartan, the day. Columba’s powers. Brothers at Rossnowlagh, and the blessed one. We helped, gave them food, we did teachers in the schools. Not all all that we could. But sadly one The saints stepped forth and he the compositions on the CD were Columba was baptised by man was turned away. cupped his hands, and he filled my own. One was written by my Cronaghan, who later fostered I was copying the scriptures in them up to the brim. cousin, Tessa Johnston, one by Sr him and taught him. He went my cell about the Last Judgement, He poured the water on baby’s Angela McConville, and another to some other schools and later where Christ says, ‘what you do head, baptise my child, bless him. by my brother, Tony. All of these became a priest. His cousin, King onto others, you do onto Me’, when My baby stirred and he opened his were used with permission. There Ainmire of Aileach Mor, gave him the almoner came in as I read. eyes, blue as a bright summer’s sky. is also a prayer composed by St the island of Doire Calgach, where (Chorus) And the woodlands crooned and Columba on the CD. he founded a monastery. the mountains tuned their own Listen to the story of the great This fellow was late yesterday and sweet lullaby. Columcille who was a gifted ‘On the Island of Doire Calgach’ late the day before. musician and singer. Sometimes by Vera McFadden Now he said, “tell you Abbot that I hugged my child, my precious his voice could be heard miles hunger’s a need that can’t answer a child, and I laughed and cried with away. With the same timbre as Chorus: On the Island of Doire schedule anymore”. joy. those standing near him heard. Calgach, I go for a walk in the I looked down at the words I’d just Columba smiled as he touched the Eithne, wife of Feilinidh, had a woods. read. Their message spoke clearly to hands of me and my little boy. THE NET | JUNE 2020 25

The sun broke through and it And the long swell of breakers and the danger that they stood. haloed his head and rainbowed lapping Erin round. And straight within that moment Antiphon: My Last words I each flower and each leaf. Canice ran to pray commend to you. Have true love And the woodlands sighed and the Columba came to Iona, out of And Columba and the other among you – and peace. mountains cried, with me in sheer sight of Ireland, here he founded monks, came home that very day. relief. another monastic settlement. He One sunny morning Columba and often thought of Derry. For Canice came before the Lord, Dermot went round the farm Once there was a terrible storm knowing Jesus’ power. On Iona to pray and to bless all they and the lightening caused a fire in ‘Columba to Derry’ To calm the storm, to still the hearts found, the village. The people came to the (Words and melody by Tony within in needy hour. The fields and the paths, the kettle, monastery to ask Columba to pray Johnston) Jesus waits so gently there and the barn and the grain, for their safety. He prayed: welcomes us as friends Then Columba told Dermot he Sweet visions of Erin keep hunting And offers us the greatest gift, a love never would do this again ‘Noli Pater’ by St Columba my dreams. that never ends. Of its moorlands, its meadows, its And on the way home, they stopped Father, do not allow thunder and silvery streams. Columba was filled up with on the roadside to rest. lightning, The lilt of the morning when matin the Holy Spirit and very close to A white horse came up and it Lest we be shattered by its fear and bells ring. Heaven and the angels. He saw nestled its head on his breast fire. Over woodlands and garden, where them often. And then with great grief, like We fear you, the terrible one, sweet song birds sing. human it started to cry. believing there is none like you. ‘Columba and the Angels’ For God let it know that Columba All songs praise you throughout the I can still see my Derry, my pride (Words by Vera McFadden and was going to die. host of angels. and my own, melody to ‘The Londonderry Let the summits of heaven, too, And the moss that grows green on Air’) He blessed the island and then he praise you with roaming lightning, my old kneeling stone, returned to his cell O most loving Jesus, O righteous The twice blessed walls of my Columba came to kneel in And worked at the writing of King of Kings. monastery fair. prayer before his God and on the scripture, a work he loved well. Blessed forever, ruling in right Oh! My poor heart is broken, that I Thursdays he felt Heaven here. ‘Those seeking the Lord will lack government, am not there. The love from Jesus shining warm nothing that is for their good’ Is John before the Lord, till now in into his soul. And his heart filled But Baithin must finish – Columba his mother’s womb, I can still see my people, so constant, with peace and joy, so clear. had done all he could. Filled with the grace of God in place so brave. And there before our Eucharistic of wine and strong drink. And their sweet voices call me from King , he saw so many angels in After praying the Vespers, Columba Elizabeth of Zechariah begot a over the wave. deep worship true lay down for a while. great man: And I sigh for the oak grove, I never For Heaven and Earth, praise in the “My words I commend to you, John the Baptist, the forerunner of shall see, presence of their God, Dermot”, he said with a smile. the Lord. Where the angels of Heaven would The angels and the saints and all “Have true love among you and if whisper to me. our own friends too. you will act in this way, The Flame of God’s love dwells in Where the angels of Heaven would God provides all from Heaven and I my heart, whisper to me. On Cnoc na nAingeal, a hill on living with Him, will pray.” As a jewel of gold is placed in a Iona fair, the angels came to talk to silver dish. Columba often had insight Columcille. And now it was midnight, Columba about future events. Once he knew With arms outstretched he looked hurried to pray. When he was forty-two years that an exhausted bird would fall up towards the heavens, Again in the church at the start of old, Columba wanted to go on on the shore and he asked the And when they came light that Pentecost day. missionary work and he left Derry brothers to look out for it and take brightened up the hill. A light came to meet him. The and sailed down the Foyle towards care of it. A brother saw this happen from monks saw great joy on his face Scotland. another height, though it was only As he blessed them and left them, to ‘The Heron’ by Vera McFadden meant for Columcille. go to his God of all grace. ‘Farewell to Derry’ The angels knew and stopped the (Words by Sr Mary Angela A bird came down on the western conversation and with great speed Antiphon: My Last words I McConville, music to the shore, worn out by its long flight. they rose up from the Holy hill. commend to you. Have true love ‘Londonderry Air’) It was a heron from my homeland, among you, and peace. we have to put it right. In Derry’s wood, he saw the angels Neath sullen skies I glide adown the Poor tired bird from Gartan’s in the trees so near the church, It took me two years of research grey seaway. banks, rest in Iona now, praise their eternal King. before I wrote the book, ‘Songs Swift is my barque but oh the salt We’ll care for you and feed you well, He often sent one to the help of of Celtic Saints’. Since then, I sea spray til you are strong again. friends in need, to save, protect or read an article in ‘Archaeology Has dimmed my eyes, tear wet with peace and comfort bring. Ireland’ which was written by longing great. We kept the heron sheltered here, And sometimes Colum saw the a professor from one of the How great He knows who forms for three days and three nights. angels come to earth, to carry up to English Universities. It was about hearts passionate. And then it longed for home again Heaven, a friends soul. the different types of musical and took off in firm flight. And oh! The Glory and the joyful instruments that were used in the In Erin fair the whins are deep in Fly home bird to Erin fair, to my music like none on earth, its time of St Columba. These would scented gold. own Donegal, to my own people. melodies greatly roll. have been what he learnt to play The apple trees, their rosy cups And I send God’s blessing on them when he took time off from his unfold, all. The angels were no strangers to our studies for the priesthood, to learn And every hawthorn spills its foamy Columcille and let’s remember that music and poetry with the Chief cup of white, Again, he had an intuition that they are real friends. Bard. I want to learn more about Like spumes of sea in Derry by the Canice’s prayer in church would We each have one to comfort and to these instruments and what they Foyle’s bright light. help them in a dangerous situation. guide us, which also sees the Father sounded like, perhaps in time I without end. will. At this same hour, the Derry hills ‘The Storm’ by Vera McFadden Let’s listen, talk to them, ask help for Glory to God who gives the are shimmering, others. Before the Lord with us their curiosity, the interest and the In opal light and winding The waves were high, the sea was worship’s true, determination. To Him be glory glimmering. rough, the wind blew loud and For Heaven and Earth, praise in the and praise forever. All pearl and silver, ruddy in the strong. presence of their God, sunset’s glow. The little currach tossed about. The angels and the saints and all The Foyle goes singing to far seas, I They feared they hadn’t long. our own friends too. know. “Columba, save us ere we drown. Save us by your prayer!” When he was seventy-five years Oh seagull, winging home, at close “The prayer of Canice, that would old, Columba went with Dermot of day. save, if he were but aware.” around the island to bless it. Bring my dear love across the waters grey. Now Canice in the dining room was ‘Columba’s Last Day’ Sighing above the cadence of Iona’s setting out the food. (Words by Vera McFadden and sound. He sensed the plight of Columba melody to ‘Buachaill o Eireann’) 26 THE NET | JUNE 2020 Hold on to Holy Spirit and preach again the one message - Jesus is Lord! by Fr Stephen Quinn OCD N Pentecost day, we realise that the what they owed to Christ, and to sit shaking and trembling in the Gospel commences with one birth upper room. They had seen at and concludes with another. Our close quarters what this troubled and dubious old world can do mindsO are asked to return to that original when it wants to; coming stealthily moment; to that little house in Nazareth, to at night with sword and cudgel to silence and to destroy. They the young woman who was busy with her had seen how it had taken their chores, and was completely oblivious to the Lord and dumped Him out of the vineyard to die horribly upon the strange and wonderful offer that was about to cross. There was no doubt as to be made to her. Deep within her womanhood; what that world as capable off. These men and women needed the sacred chamber of her womb lay silent, inspiration and they needed it inert and empty. So much possibility and so quickly. They got it in spades. much promise but all was quiet. The Lord, the giver of life, on that Pentecost day hovered over that Then, she uttered those fateful together, while the rest of the world empty room, over those empty words, “behold the handmaid went on with the real business of heads, those empty hearts and, like of the Lord” and the Holy Spirit life. Just take that in for a moment! two great electric prods, he sent came down on her in all His These men and women had beheld life and new birth coursing into omnipotence. As the Creed rightly the glory of the Son. They had that room. The tongues of fire set declares, the Lord, the giver of life, seen Him with their eyes, heard those hearts ticking to a new and took humanity from this woman Him with their ears, and touched divine life. and united it to the Person of the Him with their hands and yet Those tongues of fire went Son of God. The Word was made they remained ‘stuck in the mud’ down into their empty memories Flesh inside of Mary, His grace in this upper room. All that they and put that whole three-year and truth filled the womb of this had experienced was threatened experience with Jesus into its woman and on Christmas day with still birth as these disciples proper context. “Oh Goodness”, He came forth. So, as you can see could not find it in themselves to they said to themselves now, “that obviously the Gospel begins with do anything about it at all. is what that all meant!” “At last, we a birth! can see things for what they are!” The second birth is not as simple Minds that had been empty now woke up to the realisation that this as the first to pick up on, but it is They remained huddled absolutely as significant. One, who they had been with, was Now at this concluding together, while the rest none other than the Son of God. moment, at the end of the written He had saved the World. The fate of the world went on Gospel testimony, we are gathered of the world, the power by which around another chamber. The with the real business of that world can be turned into the upper room lies empty and sons and daughters of God, was forlorn. I say empty not because it life. Just take that in for a laid at their fingertips. was literally deserted, for it wasn’t; moment! These men and Power in its dark corners, the disciples The tongues of flames licked at and a few faithful women cowered. women had beheld the their hearts and set them literally The Annunciation - Carlo Crivell It was empty because the disciple’s glory of the Son. on fire for Jesus. Up until that heads and hearts were empty. moment their love had been no They had seen Jesus die, they had more than the light and warmth to every woman and man with the Only in this friendship is the great choose again for ourselves Christ experienced His resurrection, and generated by a match, but now Son of God and His words to that potential of human existence truly and the new life that He offers they had witnessed His return to As you strive to take in the scene with the power of the Spirit their person. revealed. Only in this friendship, humanity. We, who choose to be His Father. They had seen all this of this upper room, it only makes love burnt white hot like the sun, The Holy Spirit’s electric prod do we experience beauty and authentic members of Christ’s and yet remained clueless as to any sense when you take in the they loved him utterly. Maybe, to that upper room had brought liberation. Christ takes nothing Church, cannot retreat back what to do now, with all that they power of real fear. Fear enough most of all, they woke up to the on a new birth - the birth of the away from you and He will give behind the walls of our Churches had experienced. to make these disciples forget awful prospect that, even though One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic you everything. Yes, open, open and go into a holy huddle and let They remained huddledwhat they had experienced and they thought that they were safe Church. At this moment, the wide the doors of your life to that world outside pass us by. No and sound behind those brick Church came into the World Christ and you will find true life.” matter the hate and derision, we walls, they were profoundly through the midwifery of the They preached this intoxicating have to get out there! mistaken if they thought for one Spirit. message as they took to the We ask for the gift of the Holy moment that they had locked out So, the Disciples, under the highways and by-ways on their Spirit, for His inspiration, His the world. inspiration of the Holy Spirit, journey to the very edges of the energy, His wisdom, and for a new The fear and despair of the unlocked the door of that Upper world. birth of Christ’s life in the Church. world was firmly locked in with Room that held them and they After the experience of these Holding only on to the Holy Spirit, them. They were the world. They went forth. They stepped onto the last few decades in the life of we must put our foot outside of were locked in with it. They had to street, preaching in many different the Church, we could ever so the upper room of our churches get out! Those walls were, in fact, languages but saying only one easily find our hearts and minds and ecclesiastical computer a prison. The room was literally thing - “Jesus is my Lord” to each becoming empty. It is distressing to streams, and preach again the bursting with Christ’s new life but and all they met. They came with see the Church’s witness to Christ one message - “Jesus is Lord!”, it couldn’t get out. It was locked Good News. They said to each called into question by the ‘filth’ of in whatever language that will up. It was locked away. The Risen one with whom they engaged, certain priests’ and bishops’ lives. get through to family, to friends, Christ had stepped into that room, “If you let Jesus Christ into your We have given the world all the and to neighbours who have long but now was the time to let Him life, you lose nothing, nothing, tools and weapons that it could forgotten that under all the chaos step out again, with them placing absolutely nothing of what makes ever have wanted. The Catholic there is a message in the Church of their foot outside the room, with life free, beautiful, and great. Only Church has become a by-word for eternal life! them now putting themselves on in friendship with Jesus Christ secrets, lies and hypocrisy but we, Duccio Pentecost. the line for the Risen One, to go are the doors of life opened wide. my brothers and sisters, we who THE NET | JUNE 2020 27 Journeying with great mysteries of our salvation BISHOP Donal reflects on the wonderful time of traditional structure, including and schools would have end-of- who is the Lord of the harvest and ideas of what they can dream of the Mass for the Deceased on the year events. Even our Fan the the Lord of the ages. This year, I being.” prayer in the Mother Church of the Diocese, and Saturday morning and the closing Flame gathering in Celtic Park is will celebrate Mass in the Long in parishes across the Diocese, during this time of ceremony on Sunday afternoon. not possible this year. However, Tower at 7.30 pm for his Feast Journeying through different lockdown in Ireland and many parts of the world due Judging by the number of requests we plan to have a virtual Fan Day on June 9 and, during that, seasons of Jesus’ life... to Covid-19. Welcoming the reopening of churches for candles to be lit, there was a the Flame Mass on June 4 from water from St Columb’s Well will “During the Church’s year, we very substantial following! So, the the Cathedral. I know that the be blessed and made available to journey through different seasons for private prayer, he pays tribute to the powerful Novena this year invited people to Catechetical Centre has put people afterwards.” of Jesus’ life, and of our own heart. witness of the faithful and looks ahead to the various walk their own Little Way in the together suggestions so that young The Eucharist has been central Feast Days and special occasions to be celebrated simple events of their lockdown people can prepare some of the A message for young people in to Christian life since The Last life. Grace is found in little things things that we would normally exam year groups... Supper. And the gentle love of virtually during the month of June. and small places.” have had in Celtic Park. And that “I remember my own last weeks Jesus has been very strong for date comes between important in secondary education, with some centuries in the image of the Churches now open for private just for the strength to cope with A good time to promote young feasts in the Church’s year – the pressure of exams but also a Sacred Heart of Jesus. So, despite prayer... the illness. It was very affirming heroic saints... Pentecost on May 31, The Holy sense that one chapter of my life the lockdown, there is actually a “People have been asking when to discover that people from all “This has been a time when we Trinity the following Sunday, and was coming to a natural end, with great chance for us, as Church, to the Churches would be open. But around Ireland, and much further have seen where the real heroes St Columba on June 9. I hope lots of personal support from my engage with people and share the the initial response to the opening afield, had participated in at least have been working to maintain and pray that this year can be teachers. There would normally big picture about the many aspects of the buildings for private prayer part of the Vigil. In penance, we our public services. And, it is a memorable in its own strange be celebrations to mark the end of the Good News that we have has been gradual. I know that empty ourselves to invite the Lord chance to put young heroic saints way!” of one chapter of school-leavers’ heard and want to share.” many people have become afraid to fill us and use us, especially before the eyes of our young lives. But I have every confidence of leaving their house and have when we feel we have little or people. In the past weeks, we Celebrating the Feast of St that imaginative young people will Celebrating life... become accustomed to following nothing to give. Penance is praying have celebrated Saints Therese, Columba... find creative and responsible ways “The real dramas of the last services on the webcam. There with our bodies and not just our Aloysius, Bernadette, Catherine “We have been journeying with to celebrate this year! In that, there weeks have had to do with those is a bigger picture of how we heads. And, we come from a long of Siena – and Sr Clare Crockett. great mysteries of our salvation, is also an important lesson. Life who fight to save life. It is ironic encourage people to come back tradition of Celtic spirituality, They showed that the call to from the beginning of Lent to does not always work out the way and tragic that, at the same time, to Church – but in controlled marked by a tough demanding holiness was for young people and Pentecost. Deep down that is all we wanted it to. But every crisis the abortion regulations for NI are numbers. However, I have heard commitment to prayer and not just for the elderly. These saints that St Columba preached and and challenge is an opportunity being implemented to enable the so many saying, ‘It is so good to penance.” died young, having dedicated their would want us to hand on. He to learn new lessons and to grow. destruction of precious human be back’. They just sit and look as lives to the love of God. In fact, did not preach himself, but Christ As somebody said, ‘never waste a life. People of faith can work in if they were coming home after Thankful Novena to St Therese Pope Francis, in his document crucified. So, any lessons that we crisis!’ And this time of quiet and two areas. Firstly, there is a need a long absence. And lots of the went ahead... to young people, ‘Christus Vivit’, learn from the saints is how they isolation can also be a chance for to keep the pro-life message before people are young.” “The familiar is very important dedicates a section to 11 young lived and proclaimed that message students to reflect deeply on what the eyes of politicians and others, for many people. And the Annual saints (para 49-63).” that is always the same and always their heart is calling them to be so that any regulations can be Response to Lough Derg style Novena has been part of life for new. He had to find a way to deal and to do. In faith, we call that affected by the pro-life voice in prayer and penance many people in the City and Fanning the Flame in 2020... with the need for repentance discernment. And people of faith NI. Secondly, by keeping a strong “I was delighted with the very wider area. We had talked about “This is a difficult time for many and reconciliation. And he had believe that, by being at peace with pro-life culture, we can minimise wide response to the Lough Derg cancelling it this year, but we young people – in a special way for to preach in a wild area on the the best that a person can be, we the number of women who would style Vigil. The idea was to find decided to go ahead. And, thanks those who are leaving primary/ West coast of Scotland. He would discern what God is calling us to contemplate abortion. We do our a way of maintaining a focus on be to God, we did. There was a national schools. Normally, all remind us that we are called to become. The new range of heroes bit – and God works in strange intercessory prayer and penance great level of participation, even parishes would have celebrated sow the good seed of God’s Word. that we have met in these weeks ways that we cannot imagine.” for the defeat of the virus, and not at the 6.30 am Mass. We kept the the Sacrament of Confirmation, The growth comes from the one may have given our youth fresh

St Eugene’s transformed into virtual Lough Derg for time of prayer and penance by Roseann O’Donnell IT is no easy matter to be a without leaving our homes. St Eugene’s was a hub of prayer, Bishop! How does a Bishop lead He brought the Lough Derg beginning with Morning Prayer his people to God? How does pilgrimage to Derry. From of the Church, followed at 6.30 Great stories shared across Diocese to he set an example of holiness midnight on Thursday, April 30, am by Holy Mass. Many people and faith? How does he help the until after the 6.30 am Mass on accompanied him online, staying celebrate World Communications Day people of his Diocese to know and Saturday, May 2, the people of our up all night to pray, fasting from believe that his words are true and Diocese were invited to fast (one food and joining in as many of TO celebrate World Lizzie Rea, about the Act of shared their experience of the that his faith is founded on a rock? ‘Lough Derg’ meal only on the the prayers as they were able to. Communications Day 2020, Spiritual Communion. Pope John Paul II Award, as did Well, maybe words are not Friday) and to pray. Others joined in here and there, as the Derry Diocese took up the The parish priest ofyoung Melmount parishioner, enough! The Cathedral was transformed health and duties permitted. storytelling message of Pope Greencastle, Co Tyrone, Fr Hollie Frystal, while Noel In recent years, our Bishop has into a virtual Lough Derg, with It was a powerful time of prayer, Francis and shared some great Eddie Gallagher talked about Bradley, Buncrana, shared some taken his cue from St Patrick and Bishop Donal, Fr Paul, Fr Patrick which Bishop Donal called us stories on-line to highlight the his lockdown experience which thoughts for a prayer walk. made his way to Lough Derg, and seminarian, Willy, each taking to again at the end of May, this many faith initiatives happening involved him in Rosary and Seminarian, Willie Krause where he led the people of God in turns to lead the prayers. And these time inviting parishes around the in parishes across the Diocese. Eucharistic Blessing Walks shared the story of his entry into prayer and fasting. It is a very good prayers were no mere lip service. Diocese to get involved in leading As well as Bishop Donal’s around the roads of his parish, the Catholic faith and his draw to thing to have a spiritual leader Bishop Donal took off his shoes the praying of ‘The Stations’. My World Communications Day and the message from Cait Glass, the priesthood to fulfill his desire who will fast from food and sleep, and prayed barefoot on the cold parish in Moville has taken up message, there were messages Derry GAA Ladies Captain to share his faith with others, pray barefoot with his people and marble. He prayed the ‘Stations’ this invitation and will lead the from Therese Ferry, the Diocesan 2017-2019, delivered as part and Fr Patrick Lagan, of the humble himself before God, all for walking around the Sanctuary, as prayer for the Fourth Station at 12 Advisor of Religious Education of the Diocesan Youth Faith Cathedral, gave advice to anyone the good of souls. he would have done on the ‘beds’ midnight on Friday, May 29, from for Primary Schools, on prayer Programme, was also shared. considering the vocation. This year, we have to stay at on the little island known as St St Pius X Church. space in the home, and from St Eugene’s parishioners, These stories can be accessed home, but Bishop Donal found Patrick’s Purgatory. Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Nicolle and Aine Simpson on the Diocesan website. a way to bring us in pilgrimage From 6am on Friday, May 1, 28 THE NET | JUNE 2020

Urgent appeal of Our Lady of Fatima for the World by Anne Lench

continent to re-echo Her urgent We witnessed, in many churches, in the Brown Scapular, which is During the seven days of this appeal in every country to sin both men and women brought to part of the Fatima message. visit, 10 parishes, six schools and no more. I had the privilege to tears as she passed by. It was a very The ATH team truly felt Our a nursing home were Consecrated be present in Rome for this great touching moment to behold. Lady’s presence and protection to the Two Hearts of Jesus and occasion. All churches provided hours during our 10-day pilgrimage Mary. The spiritual director, Frof Adoration of the Blessed throughout the North. We, the Covenanted Members Edgardo Arellano (Fr Bing) of Sacrament, where families came Then, on January 16, 2018, of Two Hearts, felt so privileged the AHFI movement, requested together to adore and pray the Ireland was blessed once again and blessed to have participated the covenanted members of Rosary. It was a very special time with the return visit of the ICPI in this great evangelizing work of the Alliance of Two hearts in of healing. Confessions were made statue of Our Lady of Fatima. On promoting devotion to the Sacred Ireland to prepare for visits of the available in some parishes. At this occasion, visits to different Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Centennial Pilgrim Image. each Mass, all attendees received parishes included schools and Heart of Mary, through Our covenanted members in a package with a beautiful Two nursing homes. This was a very Consecration to their Two Hearts. Ireland approached Archbishop Hearts image of Jesus and Mary, special time as the youth and The journey of the ICPI statue Eamon Martin, Primate of All with the Consecration Prayer on children got to hear about Our on Our Lady’s Mission around the Ireland, to request his permission the back, and an explanation of Lady’s Message to the three little world can be watched on Youtube: for the visit, and he kindly agreed First Friday/Saturday Vigil and the Shepard children in Fatima. They ICPI Our Lady of Fatima. to a welcome ceremony for the Brown Scapular. were all Consecrated to the Two We pray for all bishops, priests Centennial Pilgrim Image of Our At each Mass a talk was given Hearts of Jesus and Mary and and families...that they will lady of Fatima. by a Brother of the AHFI team enrolled by their priest in the continue with Our Lady’s CARE With great haste, all bishops on the Urgency of the Fatima Brown Scapular. Plan for the world. and dioceses in the North were Message. He spoke clearly on approached, and they agreed the CARE plan; Confession, to welcome and facilitate this Adoration, Rosary and Eucharist. great blessing on their dioceses Satan, the Adversary, he said, is and parishes. Six cathedrals and out to destroy the family because 10 parishes were covered over it is the Heart of the Church and a 10-day period. The Statue of Society. He told us that Prayer and Our Lady was carried on a bier Reparation are the weapons which surrounded by roses and brought the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the to the Altar by the Knights of Immaculate of Mary give us to Anne Lench with the statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the image of The Two Columbanus and crowned by the win in this Spiritual Battle. Hearts of Jesus and Mary. main celebrant. The Celebrant led a Parish ON January 11, 2017, the Jubilee International and Human Life All the churches were packed Consecration and invited the year of the 100th Anniversary of International, and asked Pope and the parishioners were full parishioners to join in and recite Our Lady of Fatima, two Global Francis to bless six statue images of joy and overwhelmed by the the Consecration of the Home and Movements came together, the of the Immaculate Heart of Our arrival of the Queen of Heaven family Prayer. Everyone present Alliance of the Holy Family Lady of Fatima. One for each in her shimmering white veil. was able to avail of the enrolment The Two Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

A Word of God for your Family Life June - Faith by Fr Johnny Doherty, CSsR AS we slowly emerge from families, and communities at the participate. That, however, does 2. Through faith, parents can actively grow in our life of faith. we are the only Scripture that the serious restrictions of the deepest level. not mean that it is not significant see that nothing is as important We can do that by letting the many people will ever read. It is coronavirus lockdown, there is In our Catholic tradition, and more than worthwhile. for their children as their Liturgy of the four weeks of June through us that others will come much speculation about how marriage is one of our seven Surveys show that people who time, attention, affection, and talk to us and bring us to greater to know and relate to Christ. this will affect the economy, Sacraments; one of the major don’t normally practice any understanding. Parents can wear commitment to Christ and to His What a privilege that is. What a employment, businesses...as they ways that Christ is present among religion are searching the web for themselves out providing things Church. wonderful responsibility. try to open again, education, us through the committed love sources of hope and many of them for their children and yet not a.Week 1, June 7 is the feast of By the end of this month, we will leisure, etc. And, it is generally of a husband and wife. Marriage are finding this in the Eucharist satisfy them because they have the Most Holy Trinity, celebrating be closer to many of the freedoms accepted that all of these and, is a sacred space and needs our online. not experienced their parents’ our faith in the true God of Father, that we have been accustomed to. indeed, every aspect of human support in every way. It is vital Through prayer we are put in presence and love. Son, and Holy Spirit. Our family is We need to make sure that we are life will have been changed by this that, at this time, every couple touch with the reality of God and 3. Through faith we can all see the made in the image of this God and also much closer to one another pandemic and can never really be would hear that word of Christ for learn to experience God’s presence needs of the world around us and is sacred. and to our God who loves us, and the same again. themselves: “Peace be with you”, with us. That reality opens us out not have to hide from these or be b.Week 2, June 14 is the feast of lives among us and in us. Along with the speculation, there and use this time to build up their to see the things that are really destroyed by them. We are opened The Body and Blood of Christ, the is also a lot of projection about love relationship in every way important and distinguish them up to contribute to those in need family meal that Jesus provides for how the various aspects of life will possible. from what is not really important. and be part of the community of us in our journey with him. Our be changed and affected. One of It is also our faith conviction that That is what faith is. It is the power the Church, dedicated to making family meals, both in our homes the most serious projections that stable and flourishing marriages to see things differently and to live this world a better place for every and in the Community of faith I have heard is that when the are essential for the health and that new way in the company of person because of the presence are vital for our knowledge of the coronavirus crisis is all over, there wellbeing of society. the Lord. It is not really a much of the Risen Christ in all human presence of Christ with us always. will be a significant spike in the spiritualised thing at all. affairs. c.Week 3, June 21 assures us that, divorce rate. This is very tragic if it A time of faith 4. Through faith we come to because of this presence of Christ proves to be true. When we are very busy, when Some examples know our need for God and His with us we should not be afraid, there are a lot of things to think 1. Through faith, couples who presence with us. We get in touch especially of committing ourselves How serious are we? about and get done, the first have committed themselves to with that God when we celebrate, fully to our marriage, and/or our When put side by side with casualty very often is prayer. It is each other for the rest of their lives especially on the first Sunday of family, and our faith community. projections of a shattered amazing how easily we let go of in marriage can see that the single June, the God of love, the God We will find great fulfilment economy, mass unemployment, this power at the very time we most important thing for them who is Father, Son, and Spirit. And through this commitment. On many aspects of the lockdown probably need it most! is their unity with one another. we live with the assurance of His this Sunday we also celebrate continuing for most of the next However, during this time of When that becomes their aim, love, an assurance that makes life Father’s Day. We honour all fathers year and maybe even longer, the the pandemic, when Churches then their actions are all directed bright and beautiful, even when and thank God for them. But it is prospect of an increase of divorce are closed and people cannot go towards it. They plan together, it is threatened by darkness and also a clarion call for all fathers to may not seem such a primary to Mass, there is a huge increase work together, get over difficult pain. renew their commitment to being tragedy. However, it is. This is of participation in Mass online. times together. Enjoy their time fully part of building their family where the effects of the virus touch Of course, this is not the same as together. What a difference this A time for faith life, in so far as this is possible. the lives of individuals, couples, being able to go and physically makes to their lives. This month is a time for us all to d.Week 4, June 28 shows us that THE NET | JUNE 2020 29 What is the reason for the hope that you have? (1 Peter 3:15) My faith journey by Patricia Casey am from Kilrea, Co Antrim. The eldest very respectfully, and he was interested in listening to me talk girl in a family of 11, I have four brothers about my faith. As he read verses from his King James Bible to me, I and four sisters. I was brought up in a was amazed at his knowledge and traditionalI Catholic home. I longed for deeper knowledge of God in my Bible. My earliest memories of learning every week for a whole year to pay When I moved to another town, about my faith are of my Granda for the trip. I didn’t see him for almost five Ned bringing me to Charismatic In Medjugorje, I felt such peace; years. But when we met again, Prayer Meetings and daily Mass I felt loved, and I felt ‘at home’. he was really excited to tell me before I was even of school age. I A priest there explained that we his ‘good news’ - he had become remember, as we walked to Mass, feel most at home wherever our a Catholic! His conversion story how he always talked about how mother is, and that is so true in was powerful. He shared with me glorious Heaven would be and Medjugorje. how his thirst for knowledge of that when we went to Mass, we When it was time to go back Sacred Scripture had led him to entered into Heaven. home, it broke my heart. I didn’t realise the Bible is truly Catholic. I also went to Mass every want to leave Medjugorje. I knew Barry has now set up the Sunday with my family. My I had to go back to school but that ‘Catholic Bible Page’ on Facebook, mammy always had me wearing a thought filled me with dread. At with over 70,000 followers. Even pretty dress, so I always felt like I that time, no one knew that I was Scott Hahn shares his posts! Since was going to a wedding. We were being seriously bullied at high meeting him again, Barry has taught to be very reverent at Mass, school. This went on for almost helped me in so many ways to so when I made my First Holy four years, almost every day, and understand the Bible, and how Communion I was well prepared most of the bullying was by boys. Our Lady is so integral to Sacred in knowing that I was receiving But after I came home from Scripture and always leading us to the Body of Christ. I truly felt like Medjugorje, I learned a new Jesus. His little bride. prayer - the Chaplet of Divine As I’ve mentioned, my granda My daddy and mammy also Mercy. It was taught to me by always told me amazing stories taught me how to pray the Rosary Bernadette Smyth, founder of about what God has in store for at a young age, but my personal Precious Life, who was a good us in Heaven, so when a friend devotion and love for Our Lady friend of my mum’s. Bernadette bought me a book called ‘A grew after I watched the film, spoke so gently and lovingly, and I Travel Guide to Heaven’ I was ‘The Song of Bernadette’. I was felt such warm compassion as she very touched. After reading the mesmerised by this beautiful explained how we were praying book, I felt a real connection with Lady appearing with roses on her for the conversion of those God, and also with the author - feet - what little girl who loved involved in abortion. Anthony DeStefano. So I decided Disney princesses wouldn’t love Inspired by what she told me to write to tell him how much his this Queen from Heaven! about the power of this prayer, I book meant to me. When I was 13, my mum told decided I would also pray for the I wasn’t expecting a reply from Patricia Casey, Kilrea. us she was planning to go to conversion of those who were this famous American author, become a very good friend and like these into my life. These working through these people - Medjugorje, where Our Lady bullying me at school. And that who also appears on EWTN, but has arranged amazing trips for me people have all had a positive even if they didn’t realise it. This was appearing. My immediate bullying did end. Praise Jesus! to my surprise he did send me a to Rome, Assisi and Loreto. Each impact on my life because of their has shown me that everything we thought was - I have to go there In the housing estate where I beautiful heartfelt message. He of these pilgrimages has helped gentle, tender and loving way of do to others really matters. I hope too! But I had no money, so I grew up, I had a friend called also posted me signed copies his deepen my faith. sharing their faith with me. that I too can always be gentle, decided to take a paper round job. Barry Wright, who was a other books, which have now I know that only God could have God is gentle and tender, and tender and loving. In doing so, I Working early mornings and after Protestant. Many times he shared really helped me in my journey brought such wonderful people God is love, so it was He who was can bring God to others. school, I saved my wages and tips his faith with me, always speaking of faith as well. Anthony has

Msgr Brendan Devlin (3rd) Prayer for Priests All priests (4th) Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless Eucharistic Adoration Apostolate Fr Peter Devlin (5th) our bishops and priests and to Fr Fintan Diggin (6th) confirm them in their vocation of Fr Brendan Doherty (7th) reschedules Knock pilgrimage service. All priests (8th) As they stand before us as All priests (9th) ministers of Your Sacraments, to 2021 Fr John Doherty (10th) may they be channels of the love THE annual pilgrimage and for Adoremus 2020 can happen is possible. All priests (11th) and compassion of the Good National Eucharistic Congress in June 2021, when we can all Chair of the Diocesan Fr Michael Doherty (12th) Shepherd, who came not be served for the Apostolate of Eucharistic gather at our great Eucharistic and committee, Gwen Lagan, said: Fr Patrick Doherty (13th) but to serve. Adoration, due to take place at Marian Shrine. “Due to the current situation, Mgr Andrew Dolan (14th) Give them the grace they need to Knock Shrine, in Co Mayo, on “The most important thing for we are unable to continue to Fr Brian Donnelly (15th) respond generously to you, and June 19 and 20, will not now take all of us right now is to continue visit the remaining parishes in Msgr Joseph Donnelly (16th) the courage to proclaim your place. praying and, when and where our diocese. At the start of the Fr Liam Donnelly (17th) Word of justice, love and truth. Announcing the news with possible, to attend Mass and get year we introduced a Renewal All priests (18th) Bless, in a special way, a heavy heart, Brendan Cleary, back to our weekly Adoration. Programme at the request of Fr John Downey (19th) Your servant of the National Committee, What a joy it will be to get back to many parishes and to date have Pope’s monthly All priests (20th) explained: “Due to Covid-19, Mass, Sacraments and Adoration.” completed two parishes Creggan All priests (21st) intention Father.... it is not possible to have large Virtual pilgrimages and online and Moville”. Fr Jack Farrell (22nd) Send your Spirit upon him gatherings and so we are left with Sunday ceremonies from Knock Explaining that the mission All priests (23rd) The Holy Father has asked for So that he may always walk no alternative but to cancel this Shrine can be accessed via of the Apostolate of Perpetual Fr John Farren (24th) prayer during JUNE for: in the path of faith, hope and love, year’s ADOREMUS 2020”. - https://www.knockshrine.ie/ Eucharistic Adoration is “to Fr Neil Farren (25th) in the footsteps of Christ, “However,” he continued: “a sunday-ceremonies-from-knock- sanctify its members to assist Fr Paul Farren (26th) the eternal priest, who offered virtual ADOREMUS 2020 will basilica. parishes with this great gift of The Way of the Heart Fr Christopher Ferguson (27th) Himself on the cross for the life of take place with a Mass and Rosary The Derry Diocesan Eucharistic prayer”, Gwen added: “These are We pray that all those who Fr John Forbes (28th) the world. Amen. in Knock with no congregation. Adoration Apostolate, which strange and unusual times, and we suffer may find their way in Fr Eddie Gallagher (29th) This is the way all pilgrimages are has already introduced weekly hope, with God’s help, to continue life, allowing themselves to be Fr Paul Fraser (30th) happening in Knock this year. Adoration to around 30 parishes our work as soon as it is made touched by the Heart of Jesus. Remember in prayer: Fr James Devine (June 1st) “It is hoped that our exciting and across the Diocese, is hoping to possible”. All priests expansive, planned programme continue its mission as soon as it 30 THE NET | JUNE 2020 Celebrating World Communications Day on Feast of the Ascension, Bishop Donal highlighted that... Good News from Heaven has to be made concrete on earth said: “As a Church we have to Chinese, or Bill Gates or Communications Day was “a if they remember absence pious escapism. work out what story we tell repressive governments or a chance to reflect on how many rather than presence. Can we “After the Ascension, Jesus about where God is in all of vindictive angry God. Those things we have learned about allow Jesus to write an inspiring may have started ‘working this. debates generate heat but no how to communicate during story through our actions from home’ – but He has “At the present time there are light, they nourish fears and not this pandemic”. today, as actions of his Body, promised that He will be with many stories circulating, often faith. Our job is to know what Amazed at how so many the Church? The early Church us, His body, until the end of calling out for our attention. story we tell about Jesus and parishes and clergy have found had no excuse for hiding in time. He has won the victory We have all heard conspiracy his grace – and to find ways of ways of keeping their parish the upper room, despite all the over sin and death. This theories by the bucket load. communicating that story and community alive and their challenges. Nor do we”. pandemic is our time and place “One thing is important when pouring Christ’s mercy into channels of communication He continued: “St Paul is for ministry in Jesus’ name. We Bishop Donal. it comes to judging many of our hurting world. And we do open, he remarked: “Theyclear that our witness is based cannot put off witnessing until these stories and working out that because, as St Paul told us... have been visible and audible on the concrete life of Jesus circumstances suit us better. IN this age of the Church, our story. The Bible does not our story has a happy ending, on-line. They have found ways in this world, especially in his The Apostles would laugh at where the story of the Holy come with a heart that keeps based on our belief that Jesus is to get missalettes and parish death and resurrection. And, that idea! They remember that Spirit is still being written, asking, ‘Whom do we blame out far above every power on earth bulletins out through local as the concrete Body of Christ, the angel told them not to stand Bishop Donal has highlighted there for what is happening?’ and in heaven”. shops. They have given support we have to continue filling the looking up to the sky”. the call “to announce clear Jesus calls us to live the truth Highlighting our task “to and encouragement to people whole of creation with Christ’s Stating that Good news the amazing story that we tell in our own daily faith journey. proclaim hope rather than near and far”. message. That comes through comes from heaven but has to about the God who so loved Any other wranglings come helplessness, love rather than “My task as bishop,” he those who offer healingbe made very concrete on earth, the world”. from politics and power games lust, grace rather than greed” explained, “is to encourage and hope, those who create Bishop Donal concluded: “This And, in his message rather than from prayer. Jesus and the invitation on Ascension all that work so that, when it beauty and businesses that time and this place are where to the faithful on World and the early Church did not Day “to be bearers of good comes to the story that will be employ, those who promote the mission continues, not a Communications Day, he blame others for the problems news rather than fearmongers”, told about this diocese during community rather than exploit time for pausing the mission encouraged consideration of and opposition they faced. Bishop Donal stated: “There is the pandemic lockdown, confrontation. received at the Ascension”. the story “which people will They simply sowed the good little grace in those who think people will remember the Body “Holiness is working to live (www.vatican.va/content/ tell in the future about how we seed and left the rest to the Lord there is something virtuous in of Christ as showing lots of saintly lives here with the least francesco/en/messages/ allowed grace to flow out in of the Harvest. being preoccupied with what generosity, creativity, courage, of Jesus’ brothers and sisters. communications/documents/ these weeks of stress”. “Thus, our message should makes people frightened and gentleness and hope. We are called to make God’s papa-francesco_20200124_ Speaking of this difficult time never waste too much time a n g r y ”. “As a local church, we will grace real in the history of this messaggio-comunicazioni- for many people, Bishop Donal on theories that blame the He went on to say how World have failed Jesus and His people time, this place. It is not about sociali.html)

Fifth anniversary of ‘Laudato Si’- A reflection by Noel Bradley

The wider world and governs us, and who produces But, while there have been many as a ‘kairos’ moment, meaning a Christ, even if it is hard for us to In the wider world, there various fruit with coloured flowers small initiatives, the response to moment of grace for us. People are believe that. This time of history, are thousands of organisations and herbs”. the challenge of the Pope’s letter, I talking about it being a ‘wake up’ after the historical Christ is the time committed to caring for our planet, It is a pity that the media, and would say, has been on the whole call for all of us about how we are of the Spirit. We see this so clearly in although the Paris agreement that thus the public in general, took up very small. In the last five years, living our lives, and what kind of the Acts of the Apostles. showed such hope five years ago, the question of celibacy for priests how many times have you heard world we are creating if it can all be One of the ways that the Spirit seems to have run out of steam, in the Amazon region and thus care of the Earth mentioned in your brought to a stand-still so easily and often draws people to God is with the various governments distracted from the main message of local church? Or where the local so quickly. through the natural world of of the world reneging on their the document. Besides this Synod, church took some local pro-active I am also thinking of this time creation. Over the lasts two months, commitments. President Trump I am sure there are various good initiative? as a graced time to fall more I have been walking to Fr Hegarty’s has withdrawn the United States things done to protect the Earth by Here is an important paragraph deeply in love with nature, which Rock along Lough Swilly, and every from their commitments. So, it various churches and organisations (217) from the encyclical that is is the first step in an ecological day I would meet people who were seems that change is not going to in different countries throughout worth pondering: “…the ecological conversion. We will not damage just enthusing about how beautiful come from ‘the top’. the world. They never get media crisis is also a summons to profound what we love. Although there everything was and how grateful What about from the ‘bottom up? attention. interior conversion. It must be said has been understandably a lot of they were to be living in such a We have seen a sign of hope with The local church that some committed and prayerful sadness expressed by Catholics beautiful place. This can be true of Greta Thunberg and the movement What about our own diocese and Christians, with the excuse of about their inability to receive Holy people everywhere. of young people that she has helped your local church? There is a little realism and pragmatism, tend to Communion...”the real presence of The Pope says “there is a to inspire. What about the Church ‘Laudato Si’ group in the Diocese, ridicule expressions of concern the Lord has been taken away from mystical meaning to be found YES, it is five years ago since Pope as a world organisation? We have of which I am a member, and we for the environment. Others are us”...and, in Northern Ireland, about in leaf, in a mountain trail, in a Francis published his encyclical had the Synod on the Amazon last are trying to influence things but, if passive; they choose not to change not being able to go into a Church dewdrop, in a poor person’s face. letter on ‘Care for Our Common year in Rome, which focused very I have to be honest, it has been an their habits and thus become for a quiet prayer; in truth, the real The mystic experiences the intimate Home’. In that letter, he called for an much on what was happening to uphill struggle. I am sure there are inconsistent. So what they all need is presence of the Lord has not been connection between God and all ‘ecological conversion’. This involves the millions of indigenous people other individuals and small groups an ‘ecological conversion’, whereby taken away from us. things” (233-234). a ‘falling in love’ with nature like St in the vast Amazonian forests, and in parishes trying to do various the effects of their encounter with I was struck by the readings in Have we not all been minor Francis; a seeing with new eyes the the destruction of their whole way things, for example, using the Jesus Christ become evident in their Church recently when Jesus told his mystics at one time or another, beauty and wonder of the natural of life by the accelerated cutting car less, car pooling, using public relationship with the world around disciples (and us) before he died, “It although we would never think world. down of trees there in recent years. transport, turning off unnecessary them. Living our vocation to be is for your own good that I am going of putting that name on it? Here This brings a new understanding These forests have been called the lights, less use of plastics, tree protectors of God’s handwork is because unless I go, the Advocate is Patrick Kavanagh talking about of how we are all connected in the ‘lungs of the planet’ because of the planting, organic gardening and essential to a life of virtue; it is not (the Holy Spirit) will not come to our ancestors: “From every second web of life and of how sacred each millions of trees with the ability farming, preserving ‘wet lands’, an optional or a secondary aspect of you” (John 16.7). hill a neighbour watches With all creature and human being is. We to draw in carbon dioxide and, bee keeping, opening up nature our Christian experience”. Jesus has gone to the one He the sharpened interest of rivalry. begin to let in the pain of the earth through a wonderful process called walks for people to deepen their So, an ecological conversion called ABBA (Father) and has sent Yet sometimes when the sun comes and of what we are doing to the photosynthesis, transform it into love of nature, separating refuse, for us who think of ourselves His Spirit, the “Spirit of truth” to be through a gap These men know poor, ‘the wretched of the Earth’, oxygen. restricting their consumer habits as ‘committed and prayerful with us forever and “to lead us into God the Father in a tree”. (The Great who suffer the most. This should The final document repeated and waste of food, incorporating Christians’ is not an optional or the complete truth”. The Spirit is Hunger) bring a surge of love and mission to largely what Pope Francis had awareness of the Earth into the secondary aspect of our Christian always with us now. In a real sense, So, let us stay close to nature at do what we can to literally save the already said in the ‘Laudato Si’ Eucharist, Confirmation and first lives but, in all truth and honesty, I however strange to our ears, the this time and God may draw us planet and its inhabitants. This will letter . ‘Laudato Si’ is the Latin for Holy Communion, into sermons, think that 99% of us Christians in Spirit in some sense replaces the in to his presence. “Laudato si’, mi’ involve decisions and actions in our ‘Praise to You’...Lord, taken from promoting zero waste, and the diocese have hardly begun to Son. The disciples and we, ourselves, S i g n o r e”. lives. It will challenge us to a new St Francis’ prayer of praise: “Praise objecting to fracking (taking gas out take the challenge seriously. are not to be left orphans; they and and radical spirituality. Have you be to you, my Lord, through our of the rocks and leaving enormous COVID-19 - A Kairos Moment us receive another Advocate, the (Noel can be contacted via email seen much evidence of that in the Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains damage to the environment). The COVID-19 crisis can be seen Holy Spirit and He is just as real as at [email protected]) last five years? THE NET | JUNE 2020 31 saints, Peter and Paul. It falls on the Children’s Catechism Club - C3 29th of June every year. These two men were among the first to spread by Veronica Harley the message of Jesus. Hello children. Welcome to the month of June and the lovely which the sacred Host can be seen. Saint Peter was a fisherman who summer days. This month is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Behind the glass is a round container Jesus called to be one of the Apostles. called a lunette. The lunette holds He followed Jesus, learned from Him Jesus. This year we celebrate this beautiful feast day on June 19 the Host securely in place. When and loved Him. This great Apostle’s and, on the following day, we rejoice at the Immaculate Heart of the Host is not in the monstrance name was Simon, but Jesus changed Mary, June 20. God is Love and the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the for adoration, it is kept safely in its it to Peter, which means ‘rock’. “You human sign of God’s love for us. Jesus’ Heart is overflowing with lunette within a strong container are Peter and on this rock I will build love for all humanity. known as a pyx in the Tabernacle. my Church” (Matthew 16:18). Peter is the Prince of the Apostles, the first But the Bible reveals that there is leader of the Church; the first Pope. only one God but three Persons; the St Paul was a Roman citizen and a Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit Pharisee who never met Jesus during (Matthew 28:19). The word we use to the Lord’s earthly life. In his early describe this is ‘Trinity’. It is made up days, Paul hated the first Christians of the word ‘tri’ which means three and made them suffer for believing and the word ‘unity’ which means in Jesus. Paul was converted to one or being unified. Christianity after he experienced a When the monstrance contains worship until His forehead touched vision of the resurrected Jesus on the sacred Host, the priest will not the ground. He taught the children the road to Damascus. He became Our Lady of Fatima touch the vessel with his bare hands. a beautiful prayer to say to Jesus. a powerful teacher and preacher, Sacred Heart of Jesus Out of respect for the Eucharist, the Please try to visit Jesus in the Blessed always trusting in God. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. priest holds the monstrance with a Sacrament and spend some precious We honour these two great apostles: Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your humeral veil, a wide band of cloth time with Him. Peter, our leader in the faith, and love for me. that covers his shoulders (humera) Paul, its fearless preacher. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your Kingdom and has pleats on the inside, in which come. he places his hands. A humeral veil is a liturgical vestment normally The Immaculate Heart of Mary leads made of silk or gold cloth and is used us closer to God and shows us how Corpus Christi by priests during Benediction of the we should love Him. Mary’s heart The glorious feast of Corpus Christi Blessed Sacrament. is Immaculate. This means that it is celebrated after Trinity Sunday. It We are invited to come and spend is pure and without sin (CCC 411) usually falls between late May and time with Jesus in the Blessed and that She is the only fully human early June. The name Corpus Christi Sacrament. When we come to Saints of the Month person who can love God in the way is the Latin for ‘Body of Christ’ – spend time with Jesus in the Host, St Justin martyr – June 1 that He should be loved. Devotion to the feast of the Holy Eucharist. The we praise and adore Him. We thank St Kevin – June 3 Mary’s Immaculate heart allows us to actual feast day of the Eucharist is Him for all the wonderful things in St Columba – June 9 honour Her holiness (CCC 971) and Holy Thursday, the Last Supper. But our lives and the many gifts He has St Irenaeus – June 28 brings us closer to God (CCC 969). because of the sad events which are given us. When the angel appeared recalled in Holy Week, the Eucharist to the children at Fatima, He showed Saints Peter and Paul Immaculate Heart of Mary is given its own special day of them how they should worship Jesus During this month, we celebrate the O Virgin Mary, my Mother, I give to celebration – Corpus Christi. One in the Eucharist. He bent low in special feast day of two magnificent your Immaculate Heart my body and practice of devotion which allows my soul, my thoughts and my actions. us to show great homage to Christ is I want to be what you want me to be Eucharistic Adoration. 13. Which country has Jacinda Ardern as its current and do just what you want me to do. Quiz Time with Lawrence prime minister? I am not afraid because you are 1. Coulrophobia is a fear of what type of character? 14. Who did Alex Higgins beat to win the 1982 World always with me. Help me to love your Snooker final? Son, Jesus with all my heart and above 2. Which former Manchester United manager spent all things. almost his entire playing career at United’s two 15. Which country’s international vehicle registration Take my hand in yours so I can always biggest rivals, Manchester City and Liverpool? code is the letter ‘D’? be with you. 3. In Roman numerals, what number is represented by 16. Which number is considered unlucky in China and the letters XCV? Japan because of its close sounding to their words for ‘death’? 4. Which two US states are the bookends for America’s famous Route 66? 17. Jack Shepherd has played which Coronation Street character for the past 20 years? 5. What fictional parish had Fr Ted Crilly’s nemesis, Dick Byrne as its parish priest? 18. The Escaut is the longest river in which European country? Eucharistic Adoration 6. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was a direct The Catholic Church has developed sequel to which Mark Twain novel? 19. What role does Siobhân McSweeny play in the TV series ‘Derry Girls’? the beautiful practice of Eucharistic 7. Which motor manufacturing company used the Adoration. This practice is centuries advertising slogan, ‘The car in front is a ....’? 20. In the traditional ‘Burns Night’ dinner, what type of old, dating back to the Apostles, food is ‘Neeps’? when the Eucharist was carried 8. What European city first heard Christian preaching? 21. The Forint is the national currency of which into the homes of those people who 9. Who is the only US president to have held the title European country? Trinity Sunday could not attend Mass. Eucharistic despite never being elected either president or vice Trinity Sunday is celebrated on the Adoration is a sign of devotion and president? 22. Which prominent Biblical figure was the grandson first Sunday after Pentecost. Unlike worship of Jesus, who is truly present of Methuselah? Lent or Easter, the Feast of the Holy 10. Name the 1995 fantasy adventure movie about two – Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity children playing a board game who stumble on a Trinity is but one day, which is 23. Which famous UK landmark was sold in 1967 and – in the Eucharist. man trapped in the game? rebuilt in Lake Havasu, in Arizona? symbolic of the unity of the Trinity. The Holy Eucharist is placed On this day we remember the truth 11. What metal is ‘Fe’ the chemical symbol for? 24. In which Irish town was singer/songwriter Paul in a very special vessel called a Brady born? that God is three Persons – the monstrance. This is made of a 12. Behind Madrid and Barcelona, which is Spain’s next Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy precious metal and is shaped like the largest city in population? 25. Which TV family lived in the fictional Nelson

Spirit. It is a central mystery of our Mandela House? sun to symbolise the resurrection of Trotters. The 25, Strabane. 24, Bridge. London original The 23, Noah.

faith (CCC 234). Because it is a

Jesus. The centre of the monstrance 22, Hungary. 21, Turnip. 20, Michael. Sr 19, Belgium. 18, Platt. David 17, Four. 16, Germany. 15, Reardon. Ray 14, Zealand. New 13, Valencia. 12, Iron. 11, Jumanji. 10, Quiz Answers: Quiz

mystery, it’s difficult to understand. has a round glass window through Ford. Gerald 9, Philippi. 8, Toyota. 7, Sawyer. Tom of Adventures The 6, Island. Rugged 5, California. and Illinois 4, 95. 3, Busby. Matt Sir 2, Clowns. 1, 32 THE NET | JUNE 2020

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

Celebrating 5th Anniversary of ‘Laudato Si’ Moville, Newtownstewart, Omagh, Plumbridge, Sion Mills, Steelestown, Strabane, Swatragh, Templemore - Long Tower and St Eugene’s, Three Patrons, Waterside Waterside Patrons, Three Eugene’s, St and Tower - Long Templemore Swatragh, Strabane, Steelestown, Mills, Sion Plumbridge, Omagh, Newtownstewart, Moville, (Photography by Delma Boggs) Greenlough, Iskaheen, Killyclogher, Killygordon, Kilrea, Lavey, Leckpatrick, Lifford, Limavady, Maghera, Magilligan, Malin, Melmount,