FREE CATHOLIC MONTHLY NEWSPAPER
FUN, FRIENDSHIP, FAITH NO. 258 SEPTEMBER 2019 | 200,000 COPIES NATIONWIDE | WWW.ALIVE.IE | PAGE 3 ALIVE!Becky Kealy, Cork. Marie Donnelly, Kerry. Niamh Uí Bhriain, Dublin. WOMEN SEE PAGE 2
CORK WITH FOCUS STANDING PAGE 3 UP FOR LIFE
THE NEXT GENERATION PAGE 3
SPIRITUALLY FIT PAGE 5
SMARTPHONE JUNKIES PAGE 17
Another look at the Tuam Bon Secours Sisters’ Mother and Baby Home PAGE 13
• The content of the newspaper ALIVE! and the views expressed in it are those of the editor and contributors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Irish Dominican Province. 2 | ALIVE! SEPTEMBER 2019 Fun, Friendship, Faith Singing their way to Knock
Singing in the Rain.
JACK WALSH Jennifer who started the walk in Maynooth remarked that two men Photo: Cillian Kelly. had guitars and they would sing KYW leaders Liam, Lauren, Hannah, Natasha, Andrea, Aaron and Connor. he Cursillo Pilgrimage to their hearts out: “The power in so Knock, better known as The many souls walking together, pray- LIAM O’CONNOR themselves and relax in the com- of them have been campers before TWalk to Knock began in 1988. ing and singing” she said. A person pany of their peers. The KYW and wish to give something back. It was an organised event to cele- who provides accommodation for offers young people the chance One such leader is Aaron Culligan brate the Marian Year and Cursillo the group on their walk, Marga- he Knockadoon Youth Week, of a safe holiday away from their who started as a camper. 10th anniversary in the northwest ret, commented that the Cursillio or ‘KYW’ as it is better known, normal lives in which development Aaron explains the typical day. of Ireland. It was envisaged to be a Group are “a supreme example of Tis a residential summer camp as a human being and growth in “It starts with breakfast followed one-off event, but has since devel- prayer in action as they walk, pray that takes place in the Knockadoon one’s Catholic faith is the central by Catechises then lunch. After oped into a large community event and sing their way to Knock every Dominican Camp, Co. Cork. The mission of the week. lunch there are competitions in over the last thirty-one years. year.” KYW is a week-long programme Young people who have spent the afternoon, and after dinner Today, it involves pilgrims from There are now three organised which takes place over the course time in the camp over the years various night time activities”. the Dioceses of Derry, Down and walks each year, setting out on of four back-2-back weeks with have come away with many happy Aaron came to know about the Connor, Raphoe and Dublin. Eight Wednesday, 20th July, from Derry, a different group being hosted memories of the joy, fun, and camp through his involvement years ago the Dublin walk began in Belfast and Dublin. each week. friendship which they found on in the altar boys and the local response to a number of Dublin pil- The Cursillo Movement is an The purpose of the KYW is to the camp. Dominican Youth Cub in Dundalk. grims who had participated in the international evangelical move- provide a safe place where young The week itself is run exclusively pilgrimages from Derry and Belfast ment composed of lay people from people can come together to enjoy by volunteer youth leaders. Many over ten years. all walks of life.
FROM PAGE 1 Women Fully Escorted Pilgrimages Standing H L C Up for Life Bethlehem on Christmas Day JACK WALSH Becky Kealy, Cork. Marie Donnelly, Kerry. 20 - 28 D 2019 Niamh Uí Bhriain, Dublin.
p to 15,000 people marched at the Precious Life. Mrs Smyth announced that Rally for Life on the streets of Dublin there will be a March for the Babies in Bel- Ustarting at Parnell Square and making fast on 7th September, to protest against its way to Custom House Quay, where the the “extreme law that the Westminster €1,595pps huge crowd heard music and speeches. Government is trying to force abortion Among the speakers were pro-life advocate onto Northern Ireland, against the princi- Fully Escorted Pilgrimage of a Lifetime Becky Kealy, Chairperson of Life Institute ples of devolution and against the wishes of Niamh Uí Bhriain and Bernadette Smyth of the people”. September Camino de Santiago Departures €895pps In the Spirit of St. James the Apostle Monastic Experience Weekend SARRIA TO SANTIAGO, THE FINAL 100KM 7 NIGHT GROUP PILGRIMAGE WALK Departing Dublin 9 September | 23 September with back up car throughout WeWE INCLUDEinclude: Return Flights - Hotel Accommodation - Fully Escorted Packaged Pilgrimage Spiritual Directors - Services of Marian Pilgrimages Rep. on the Ground - All Airport and Mount St. Joseph Abbey, Roscrea, Co Tipperary. Local Taxes - Back Up Car (with Camino de Santiago Pilgrimages) Friday 25th – 27th October 2019 All departure dates available at www.marian.ie or on request by phone For men aged 20 to 40 who may be discerning a monastic vocation. Experience the rhythm of monastic daily prayer life. WWW.MARIAN.IE (01) 878 8159 | (028) 956 80005 | [email protected] For further info or to talk about vocation discernment,contact Vocations Director, 19 Eden Quay, Dublin 1 Br. Malachy, email: [email protected] or text info to 085 833 8503. Fully licensed and bonded tour operator TO142 SEPTEMBER 2019 ALIVE! | 3 On Top of the World JACK WALSH bers, in particular young people. Cork with FOCUS Shaun Austin is one of the leaders in Cork, and organiser of a recent LIAM O’CONNOR esus Youth is an Interna- pilgrimage for the group in Cork tional Association within the to the famous Gougane Barra, is JCatholic Church with a focus delighted to see the movement urtis Martin founded the on evangelising young people, pro- growing, “we are overjoyed and Fellowship of Catholic Uni- moting an active Christian way of humbled to see how the group has Cversity Students (FOCUS) in Photo: Cillian Kelly. life and nurturing their missionary expanded in Ireland over the past the US, starting with just two mis- initiatives. Jesus Youth is passion- ten years and we thank God for all sionaries at Benedictine College in ately Catholic in its vision, approach His blessings. Please come and join 1998. Today they have thousands and expression. On the 7th of April us in one of our prayer meetings of missionaries working through- 2016, the Pontifical Council of near you for a time of prayer and out the world. Laity (Vatican) recognised Jesus fellowship. If you are in Dublin, FOCUS started as a Catholic col- Youth as an “International Private please drop in every Wednesday at legiate outreach whose mission Association of the Faithful with 6:30pm at the Blessed Sacrament was to share the hope and joy of the Juridical personality”. Chapel, Bachelors Walk. And for gospel with college and university The movement has been in Ire- those in Cork, it’s Unit 2 Bache- students; and they now continue land for over ten years in Ireland lor’s Quay, every Wednesday also the work on Irish college cam- and has attracted many new mem- at 6:30pm. puses. However, they also now go on mission to the wider community and hence their trip to Cork. Nineteen of them arrived in Jacob and Jess of FOCUS on the steps of St. Mary’s Cork. Cork, and stayed in Sheila’s hostel and worked going door-to-door Jacob, who appreciated the respect And with Cork’s young adults she and onto the streets. They also ran of the Cork people. explained that she really enjoyed a couple of events in St. Mary’s, Jess commented that she was spending time with them: “[I]nvit- Pope’s Quay. really impressed with the forma- Their leaders were very happy tion of the older generation and ing them into the sacraments with with their time spent in Cork. “The their “zeal and desire to live out the us and living that out together has flame of faith is alive here” said faith well”. been really awesome.”
Jesus Youth on top of a mountain at Gougane Barra. The Next Generation
Photo: Cillian Kelly.
Participants at the Evangelium conference in discussion. FOCUS missionaries on the streets of Cork proclaiming the Gospel’ JACK WALSH conference. According to one of the organis- ers, Ellen O’Shea, the large group he Evangelium Project was of young adults were treated to established in 2008 with the “excellent and engaging talks” on JOE WALSH TOURS ITALIAN PILGRIMAGES Taim of equipping and sup- Sacred Scripture and the Eucha- porting young Catholics to live and rist. There was also the opportunity € € share the beauty and truth of their for workshops on authentic fem- ROME AND SAN GIOVANNI ROME AND ASSISI from faith in the modern world. ininity and masculinity led by the • 30 September | 7 nights €929 • 9 September | 5 nights It seeks to be a platform to Dominican sisters from Limerick €799 pps pps inspire and encourage the next and Senior Counsel, Ben O’ Floinn. • 3 nights Rome | 4 nights San Giovanni • 4 nights Rome | 1 night Assisi generation of Catholic priests, reli- The day concluded with an apol- € € gious, husbands and wives who ogetics panel which raised some SAN GIOVANNI, ADRIATIC ASSISI AND ROME will help to rebuild and reignite the very relevant and interesting topics faith in Ireland. of discussion. COAST & ROME €959 • 5 October | 6 nights €865 pps pps In 2014 the first Evangelium “Feedback of the conference • 26 September | 7 nights • 3 nights Assisi | 3 nights Rome conference was held in Ireland, was overwhelmingly positive, with taking place in St Patrick’s College, most participants eager to return For more information, please see: www.joewalshtours.ie | 01 241 0800 Maynooth. This year over 80 young next year,” said Ms O’Shea. The Catholics from across Ireland gath- Evangelium Committee is already Licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, TO 052 and TA 0689 ered in All Hallows DCU for the preparing for next year’s conference. 4 | ALIVE! SEPTEMBER 2019
going to tolerate it, and the gov- “There are half a million ernment is not going to tolerate people on waiting lists Harris’ attempt to bully it either”. This sounds like bluster from to see a consultant Minister Harris. It’s a fact that, at – with a staggering this point, 9 out of 19 maternity million people on pro-life doctors won’t work units are not performing abortions. hospital appointment At least two - Wexford and Letterk- waiting lists. 30,000 NIAMH UÍ BHRIAIN want to force doctors enny - say that’s because the staff there have a conscientious objec- women are waiting to like me to do so. That’s tion to abortion. see a gynaecologist, not going to happen” In St. Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny, ast month, and thousands of Dr. Hayes told the Rally where Dr. Hayes practices, all four one of Ire- children cannot get the Lland’s most to sustained applause. consultant obstetricians decided highly-regarded unanimously that the hospital is not mental health services Obstetricians, Dr. an appropriate location for medical “The media and Simon Harris they need. Yet the Trevor Hayes, or surgical terminations. are hiding the reality of what we Photo: Joey Bustasimante. media gives Simon spoke at the Rally As Dr. Hayes told the Rally for as medical professionals are being for Life in Dublin. It was a power- Life: “In fact, 85% of GPs do not Harris a free pass pressured to do. Let me be very ful speech, where Dr. Hayes spoke believe that abortion should be because he endlessly clear. I will not take a curette to about the role of medical profes- part of general practice, and 80% a helpless child in the womb, and tweets about abortion.” sionals in serving both mother of GPs say they will not participate nobody can make me do so. There and babies. in providing abortions as part of are hundreds if not thousands of general practice. Abortion services “The tragic death of Savita Hal- He also had a message for pol- doctors and nurses who feel the were forced on GP services without appanavar from mismanagement of iticians who are trying to force same” he said. consulting with doctors, but that’s sepsis was exploited by campaign- doctors and nurses to perform or The truth is that the government ers to repeal the 8th, but the truth Dr. Trevor Hayes speaking at the how Simon Harris operates, even facilitate abortions. is that women’s lives are in danger is trying to trample on the right of Rally for Life. as the health service falls deeper “A great many of medical professionals who con- and deeper into crisis.” right now, on Leo Varadkar’s and Simon Harris’ watch, because our my colleagues are scientiously object to taking part in of working in medicine Minister Harris, according to abortions. This is a form of bully- the report, said he might be able to health services are underfunded, unwilling to perform ing that is absolutely unacceptable, and caring for patients, “force” the HSE to employ “specific under-resourced and under staffed. surgical abortions, and because a person’s conscience is often in hospitals where staff” to carry out abortions. It is This is what Simon Harris needs to they say they will not be not subject to majority rule. staff are under constant not clear how he will do this, given be dealing with instead of obsessing strain because of the that 1 in every 5 consultant posts in with abortion – a procedure with forced to carry out this Dr. Hayes was Ireland remains unfilled or filled by helps no-one and takes the life of a life-ending procedure. accompanied on government’s appalling temporary appointments, and the child,” he continued. Would the politicians stage by a large group mismanagement of the health service in general is facing “Instead he is trying bully who so vehemently of pro-life doctors, health service. acute and persistent staff shortages. good men and women into being Pro-life doctors have called involved in abortion against their insist that we must nurses, midwives, and Simon Harris out for obsessing consciences. If this means that perform abortions be pharmacists. These are Simon Harris, the Minister about abortion as the chaos in the nurses and doctors and other med- willing to carry out one medical professionals responsible for said mismanage- health service spirals out of control. ical professionals are forced out of ment, responded to Dr. Hayes in themselves? Would “Almost every doctor in the country medicine, this will only add to the who are highly- a smirking contribution to a news would agree that we wish Minister staffing crisis already crippling the they undertake the educated and skilled, video made for Joe.ie. Harris had the same enthusiasm health service. But that outcome horrific task of ending and who have been He accused doctors who were and drive in addressing the seri- will be caused, not by pro-life doc- the life of a living, trained to save lives. exercising their right not to be ous, never-ending, life-threatening tors or nurses, but by Simon Harris involved in abortion as causing crisis that has developed in the and his government, because we growing, human being? Unlike the Minister, they “obstruction” and said “I’m not health service on his watch,” Dr. will not be bullied into taking the I suspect not, but they have long experience going to tolerate it, the HSE is not Hayes said. life of an innocent child.”
obvious they can’t”, she said. the EU in a bid to boost the number Zappone crèche concerns ring hollow, say parents Most surveys in Ireland and of women in the workforce. abroad have shown that a major- “Minister Zappone and her col- DAVID STANLEY the crèches in question had been children are the ones getting hurt ity of women would prefer to be at leagues offer nothing but crèches inspected by Tusla, with one Hyde as a consequence. We need a seri- home or to work part-time when when what families actually want & Seek facility on Tolka Road ous rethink in this regard, because their children are young. However, are real choices including the abil- arents have hit out at Minis- receiving an ‘’Excellent’’ grade in a the State should not be forcing Charlie McCreevy, Fianna Fáil’s ity to raise your own children at ter Katherine Zappone in the 2017 inspection. parents to put their children into Minister for Finance, introduced home, and have peace of mind Pwake of the latest undercover “A lot of parents are thinking that for-profit childcare, or imagining tax individualisation in 2000 when it comes to the safety and investigation of crèches, saying Minister Zappone’s expressions that they can provide better care which makes single-income fami- wellbeing of our children” said Mrs that the government is punishing of concern ring hollow, when she than the family home when it’s lies pay more tax, at the behest of Sheehan. families who want to care for their and her government are actually own children in their own home. punishing parents who don’t want An RTÉ Investigates programme to put their children into crèches. JOE WALSH into the Hyde and Seek chain of The current tax policy is extremely crèches found that young children anti-family, and forces families TOURS were handled roughly, shouted at, who have one parent at home left in high chairs for long periods, raising the children to pay thou- MEDJUGORJE and given watered-down milk and sands more in taxes. It’s a direct sub-standard food. The childcare penalty for looking after your own is an exciting new media platform • September departures chain had received very substantial children,” said Maria Sheehan, a from Dublin, Cork € funding from the taxpayer - some family advocate. for Life, Faith, Family & Freedom & Knock from €1.25 million through various “Minister Zappone has ensured • Full religious schemes - helping the owners to that millions are pumped into €725 pps record a profit after salaries of crèches, and her government is programme €2.75 million from 2014 to 2018. making it impossible for fami- Be part of it! led by Philip Ryan However, one mother has lies to raise their children on one pointed out that Minister Zap- income. They seem to believe that Call 01 8730465 to donate Call 01 241 0800 pone’s assurances that crèches the State should raise our chil- Licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, would be inspected will not be dren, but that’s proven to be a Challenge the consensus TO 052 and TA 0689 a comfort to parents given that disaster, and parents and small SEPTEMBER 2019 ALIVE! | 5 Praying by the Sea ALIVE! NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT, PLEASE! All CREDIT CARD Payments accepted. CALL 01 404 8187 AIB, Tallaght • SORT CODE: 933317
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Rosary on the Coast last year in Laytown, County Meath. TELEPHONE he third annual Rosary on the tries around the world including Coast for Life, Faith & Love the USA, Australia, Switzerland, Please send your donation to: ALIVE! St. Mary’s Priory, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Twill take place in Ireland on India, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Sunday, October 13th, at 2.30pm. France, Luxembourg, Lebanon, This date was chosen because Iraq, Jordan, Canada, Mexico, and ANONYMOUS DONATIONS October is of course the month of many more ... €250: An; €200: DG Athlone; €100: An Kerry Reader; Co. Leitrim; An; €60: An; €50: Black the Rosary, and in Fatima in 1917 Fr. Marius O’Reilly, spiritual & Amber; An Wex; DO’S; An; €40: PF; €30: BD; MO’R; €25: BAO’G; An; €20: MC; AK; on this date, an amazing 70,000 Director to the Rosary on the Coast €10: An; STG: £200: JT; £20: KL; people witnessed the great miracle Team said: “Something indeed of the sun. very special seems to be happen- This event is not only taking ing. Our Lady is on the move and If 8,000 people contribute just €20 each we can continue for another year. place in Ireland on October gathering her children together in Special thanks to all of you who donated to ALIVE! during July. 13th, but in many other coun- Ireland and across the world. Spiritually Fantastic Book O er From Family & Life
Fit Photo: Cillian Kelly. The Last Four Things God has not called us to His y family took it worse wrath, but to salvation. Only than I thought.” These by rightly understanding the are the words of Lizzie "Four Last Things" are we sure “M to think straight when life's Reezay who spoke recently, in di culties threaten to Cork, about her conversion to overwhelm us. Fr. Wade Catholicism. Menezes expertly explains Lizzie, a twenty something ener- these realities by describing getic American, says it was gradual the reality of Hell, dispelling sentimental notions about and that it started in High School. Heaven, and identifying key The internet sensation says that Rosary on the Coast last year in Laytown, County Meath. but not so obvious - truths one she first stopped believing the must know about Death and protestant idea that one is saved by Judgment. faith alone after reading St. James. Please send me the book. I enclose €16 (includes P&P) She also stopped believing in the Please print your details in BLOCK CAPITALS idea of scripture alone as “I learnt in college that we need Church his- Name:...... tory to prove the bible and so we Address:......
Lizzie (middle) with Melanie Devereux and Theresa ...... Traynor at a Catholic conference in Midleton Cork. JOE WALSH TOURS Phone:...... can’t say bible alone”, she claimed. Mobile:...... The Church Fathers also helped her as she Email:...... SHRINES OF FRANCE WALK THE CAMINO read their understanding of the Real Presence in 4 OCTOBER | 7 NIGHTS 12 OCTOBER | 7 NIGHTS I prefer to charge my debit/credit card: the Eucharist. The Church Father Irenaeus had Visa Mastercard • Visiting Lourdes, €895 • 5 walking days & 1 full day the most profound effect on her, because, she per person Card Number:...... Rocamadour, Paris, in Santiago de Compostela explains, “he was born in 130 AD and the last • Last 100km with apostle John died in 100 AD. And so just 30 years Nevers & Lisieux Compostela Expiry Date:...... CVC Code:...... • Full religious programme, Certificate after one of the Apostles died we have someone’s led by a Spiritual Director • Daily transfers writings who grew up with the first generation of Signature:...... between the walking Christians so close to the original Church”. • Panoramic tour of Paris I hereby consent to Family & Life processing my personal data in accordance with its Privacy Policy and route & your hotels €875 Lizzie’s parents, who are devout protestants, sending me communications by mail, e-mail, SMS, and telephone, including newsletters, updates on the • Full assistance throughout per person organisation’s projects, and requests for nancial support. I understand that I am free to change my mind, • Fully escorted tour didn’t react well to her conversion. “They took it and withdraw my consent, at any time. horribly. Worse than I thought. A bad year, but We accept Visa/Master/ Laser card orders by phone, For more information: www.joewalshtours.ie | 01 241 0800 things are improving” she says. email or through our website. Or send payment to: Family & Life, Freepost, 26 Mountjoy Square, www.joewalshtours.ie | [email protected] | 01 241 0800 You can check out Lizzie Reezay on her You- Dublin 1. Tel: 01 8552790; Email: [email protected] Licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, TO 052 and TA 0689 in compliance with the Package Travel Tube channel which currently has 220,000 and Linked Travel Arrangement Package Regulation 2018. www.familyandlife.org A BK TFLT 19 subscribers. 6 | ALIVE! SEPTEMBER 2019 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WATCH Trump’s Judicial Nominees California Law Proposal Targets Google Win Pro-Life Victories in US Freedom to Preach the Truth Manipulation BLAZE PAULS blow to the abortion industry. BLAZE PAULS Staffed with 6 Trump nominees, CATHERINE O’TOOLE with a 7th confirmed, the court pon taking office as US upheld the President’s Protect new proposal in the Cali- President in 2017, Donald Life Rule which prohibits federal fornia State Legislature is n a recent interview at Project UTrump was faced with funds from being used to pro- Aseeking to silence preaching Photo: Paulsanjose. Veritas, a US group which investi- more than 200 judicial vacancies mote abortion. In order to receive that does not conform to polit- to fill. To date, he has made 127 the relevant funding, the abortion ically correct standards on gay Igates corruption and misconduct, appointments. clinic will have to be placed in a issues. Congressman Evan Low Greg Coppola, a senior Google The great judicial battle in US separate facility to where other is calling for a resolution which engineer, warned that the tech courts rages between judges who services are offered. It is estimated would condemn “counselors, pas- giant manipulates search results to favour an “original intent” inter- that the rule will cost abortion tors, religious workers, educators” suit a left-wing political agenda. pretation of the Constitution and providers between $50 and $60 and institutions with “great moral those who see it as a “living doc- million in federal funding. influence” which maintain that ument”, capable of significant This is a small start in stem- there is something wrong with moulding. The earlier cohorts ming the massive flow of money homosexual behaviour. Previously strive to read the document in a from the US Government to the Low introduced a bill making California Assembly member way envisaged by the American abortion industry, with Planned it illegal to advertise or engage Evan Low. Founding Fathers, upholding the Parenthood alone receiving in “sexual orientation change rule of law, morality and freedom. around $1.5 million per day. efforts”. The bill was eventually many of whom would like to hear It is with those judges that Pres- The tide may well be turning as dropped by Low himself. alternative viewpoints expressed. ident Trump has tried to fill the a recent Marist poll showed that The new proposal is slammed This criticism came from pastor courts in the last number of years. 54% of Americans oppose tax- by clergymen and was described Ken Williams who ministers to On 11th July, the US Ninth Cir- payer funding for abortion. as an “unfair and direct attack” on people with same-sex attraction in cuit Court of Appeals dealt a major people with same-sex attraction, California.
The Real War on Women in India Photo: Stephen Bergin. Google Offices, Dublin, Ireland.
Coppola, who worked for Google for 5 years, said that there was a 10-year period where the technol- ogy was politically neutral. Users have gotten used to this and many now believe that if something is highly rated on Google Search it must be more important and closer to the truth. This is increasingly not the case. A clear example of such manip- ulation occurred during the 2016 US Presidential elections. As Hillary Clinton was pursuing her campaign amid a storm of crimi-
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly. nal accusations, a Google Search of “Hillary Clinton cri” yielded CATHERINE O’TOOLE Indian state, there were 216 babies draining the families’ resources A Population Research Insitute auto-suggestions of “Hillary Clin- born in 132 villages over a period until eventually being “given away” report claims that 16 million girls are ton crime reform”, “Hillary Clinton of three months. None of them to their husbands. In contrast, effectively missing from the Indian crisis” and “Hillary Clinton crim- recent Daily Mail article were girls. NONE. boys are seen more as a long-term population due to sex selective inal bill 1994”. Coppola observed highlights the rampant sex In many parts of India girls need support for their parents, so that abortions, once again showing that that it would be “ridiculous” to A selective abortions which excessive dowries when they marry, sex-selective abortion is a constant abortion ultimately hurts women. claim that Google does not have a are occurring in India. In one and so they are seen as a burden, danger to girls and women. political bias. “A DAY IN HONOUR OF OUR LADY” Calling all Families – ‘Consecrate your Family to Our Lady’ – 4 EVENTS IN 1 KNOCK SHRINE, SATURDAY, 5TH OCTOBER 2019
1 10am - 1pm: Praise & Worship in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, led by Cormac Buckley from Living Waters.
2 2pm: Stations of the Cross, Holy Rosary & 3pm: Pilgrimage Mass. 3 4.30pm to 6pm: An ‘Evening of Celebration’ with music, food and testimony in Rest & Care Centre.
4 6pm to 7pm: Adoration Holy Hour Vigil. Praying for each of our Bishops and their Dioceses.
Everyone Welcome!!
For further information contact, Human Life International (Ireland) Guadalupe Centre, Main Street, Knock Co Mayo.
TELEPHONE 094 937 5993 EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.humanlife.ie SEPTEMBER 2019 ALIVE! | 7
than parents.” Photo: JustinLing. Despite all our advantages, insti- Even though we have much tutional care, in some form or greater wealth, much greater other, continues to be promoted Irish institutional care resources, and much less need to as a solution to challenges faced resort to institutions, the State and by families. Different challenges, DAVID REYNOLDS institutions of the past, of those treated with when they are out- society promotes them. different solutions. But still insti- who ran them and worked in sourced. This is not to sit in judgement. tutions. They may not have grey them, and the societies that pro- Why the surprise? Why is Cath- Parents are under pressure to earn walls, they may be better heated, he RTÉ PrimeTime investiga- moted them and set them up. erine Zappone ‘shocked and two wages. The establishment and decorated with pretty colours tion into the mistreatment of The idea, the concept, of the vari- appalled’? Has she ever put her- has made it so difficult to manage and cuddly animals, but the con- children at crèches in Dublin T ous institutions is also derided as self in that position of minding without institutional childcare. cept of institutional care has not has shocked the country and wrong-headed at best. Nefarious multiple of children, day after day, Society makes the ultimate virtue disappeared. Nor have its short- prompted a wave of reaction. The intentions are often attached to strange children scared and upset out of career. Modern living means comings. programme follows from a similar the derision. Inhuman. Backward. in an unfamiliar environment, money is needed in much greater And we shouldn’t assume that exposé ‘A Breach of Trust’ in 2013. Cruel. The people and the institu- unable and unwilling to settle. volume than before. state-controlled day care will Same issue. Same outcome. tions. The ideas behind them. Surely any parent knows how But let’s not be surprised when perform better than for-profit day- Institutional care in the 20th And there is a similar reaction frustrating it can be when one child the same result happens over care? Why would it? It is not as if century caused untold damage. We each time there is a new revelation won’t stop crying and there seems and over again. We cannot be the State has a stellar performance have seen problems of mistreat- in modern Ireland. But the idea of to be nothing that can be done? blind enough to expect that there in looking after those already in its ment in institutions for the elderly the institution remains sacrosanct. Imagine that ten-fold. And you do won’t be issues when care is out- charge. and for people with disabilities We are outraged at the workers in it day after day. Not because the sourced for salaries. All childcare in recent years as well. We know the institutions who mistreat the children are your offspring, or your approaches will fall short of the We assume we can regulate and that orphanages and other such elderly strangers they are tasked family, but because you need a ideal - even parents fail - but Oliver standardise the care system but do residential institutions are not con- with minding for a salary. We are living wage to pay the bills, to feed James’ hierarchy makes sense. not account for human nature. And sidered to be best practice in the disgusted at how the orderlies lose your own children. Yet, modern Ireland continues we get outraged when humans fail developing world. their temper with our disabled rel- Why are we not a little bit to present itself as superior, mor- in doing the type of work most of us Generally, institutions for the atives we have entrusted into their appalled by the concept of the ally superior, despite the trappings would not go near; when they fail vulnerable, for those needing care, care for money. We are shocked institution in this day and age? of a developed state, of wealth, looking after people on our behalf, tend not to result in optimum when a low-paid carer look- As author and psychologist Oliver compared to the past. Modern Ire- that we pay them to – whether pri- results. Repeatedly mistreatment ing after multiple wilful children James warned: “daycare is less land sits in judgement of a time vately or through taxes. arises as an issue. Yet we continue gets frustrated. good for under-threes than child- when there were no safety nets, And the State continues to fail in to be shocked. We are surprised when strangers minders, who are less good than when there was limited state and its basic responsibility of oversee- It is a daily and perpetual past- don’t exhibit the care and love that nannies, who are less good than few options, but modern Ireland ing its paper-based standards and time to berate the failures of the we expect our dependents to be close relatives, who are less good doesn’t look in the mirror. regulations.
even though there appear to be Jesus told His disciples not to serious defects of intention and attempt to carry out the mission preparation in someone who is until they were clothed with power The Sacramental Crisis approaching a sacrament, “The from on high, and so must we. As sacrament will take care of it.” almost 1,700 years of Christendom RALPH MARTIN, S.T.D. attempts to stir up the graces of approaches Baptism, by that very Thomas does not agree. Thomas collapse and a new international the sacraments already conferred fact makes a show of having right teaches that the reception of the pagan culture gains ascendency, is the wisdom of St. Thomas on faith in Christ, of veneration for sacrament should not be counted even rising to the “dictatorship of A CRISIS OF DECLINING the subjective dispositions that can this sacrament, and of wishing on to remove obstacles of lack relativism” that Benedict warns us NUMBERS block sacramental fruitfulness. to conform to the Church, and of repentance, unbelief and about, the Church in the West is We are all, I’m sure, somewhat We can find these primarily in to renounce sin. Consequently, other forms of “insincerity”. The encountering circumstances that familiar with the statistics that the Summa Theologiae, espe- to whatever sin a man wishes to removal of these obstacles needs are more like those encountered by reveal a widespread sacramental cially in the Tertia pars (III, qq. cleave, if he approaches Baptism, to precede the reception of the the early Church than anything we decline. In many, many countries 66–71). In these questions, Aqui- he approaches insincerely, which sacrament. have known in our lifetimes. the reception of the Sacrament of nas identifies very insightfully the is the same as to approach without Confirmation is seen as the last obstacles that block the fruitful- devotion. THE NEED FOR AND THE Facing the current doctrinal and obligation a young person has to ness of the sacraments, even when On the other hand, accord- REALITY OF A NEW PENTECOST pastoral crisis regarding sacramen- fulfil before he can stop coming they are validly conferred: lack of ing to St. Thomas, when a lack When Aquinas speaks about sac- tal fruitfulness, cannot the wisdom to church. faith, lack of understanding, lack of sincerity such as lack of true ramental fruitfulness he is talking of Aquinas and the contemporary of desire to live a new life, lack of repentance or lack of faith or lack about what our theology of the sac- experience of successful renewal A CRISIS OF FAITH repentance. of intention to receive and live the raments says should happen in a movements, show us a pathway to The powerful secular culture, I want to highlight two of the unique grace of the sacrament, person’s life through receiving the the genuine “new Pentecost” that with its immense power of elec- many elements that Aquinas cited blocks the fruitfulness of a validly sacrament, to some degree at least, was St. John XXIII’s deepest hope tronic distraction and fascination, as causes for the lack of fruitful- received sacrament, subsequent actually happening in a manifestly for Vatican II? And would this not seems to be doing more to form our ness. These are also the two that repentance and recourse to the discernible manner. He is talking be a very positive step in resolving people in what to believe and how are most frequently mentioned in Sacrament of Reconciliation can then about the real power of the the shocking disconnect between to behave than what can happen Scripture as essential for salvation: release or increase the fruitfulness sacrament to effect identifiable our sacramental theory and sacra- at occasional or even regular Mass repentance and faith. of the sacrament. change. mental practice? attendance. THE BAPTISM OF ADULTS: FAITH A CRISIS OF FRUITFULNESS THE TEACHING OF ST. THOMAS Thomas clearly teaches that the While both sacramental partic- AQUINAS sacraments aren’t “magic” but ipation and orthodox belief have Thomas unambiguously teaches require faith on the part of their JOE WALSH TOURS declined even among church goers that those who are not willing to adult recipients in order to bear in many countries, we are also repent of sin should not be bap- fruit. “Therefore the sacrament € facing a crisis in what appears to be tized. Quoting scripture and of Baptism is not to be conferred PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND the lack of sacramental fruitfulness Augustine to support this point save on those in whom there 27 SEPTEMBER | 6 NIGHTS | HALF BOARD €929 in those who still participate in the he states: “Now so long as a man appears some sign of their interior pps sacraments. The Catholic theology wills to sin, he cannot be united conversion … Baptism is the sacra- • Full religious programme of the sacraments is truly beauti- to Christ”. Secondly, because in ment of faith. Now dead faith does FULLY ful, but the gap between theory and contemporary sacramental prac- not suffice for salvation.” It would • Led by a Spiritual Director ESCORTED practice in many cases is embar- tice when someone physically seem that by “right faith” Thomas TOUR rassingly wide. presents oneself to receive a sac- is not meaning “perfect faith” but • Visiting Aushwitz, the Saltmines and rament proper disposition is often at least a living faith and inten- the family house of Pope John Paul II THE WISDOM OF ST. THOMAS assumed. Thomas teaches the tion to receive the sacrament as it One of the best sources for contrary. is understood by the Church. (See For more information call: 01 241 0800 understanding what now needs to A man is said to be insincere ST III,q.68, ad 3). be present in our initial celebra- who makes a show of willing In contemporary sacramen- www.joewalshtours.ie | Licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, TO 052 and TA 0689 tion of the sacraments and in our what he wills not. Now, whoever tal practice, one often hears that 8 | ALIVE! SEPTEMBER 2019
FAMILY LIFE
THE Moving. The house YOUTH FORUMWITH MARY SCOTT BORAS changes but it is still home
Why does God let bad things happen? AOIFE DE CLÁR our little functioning kitchen, so dishes are washed and laundry is ne Question which I often when something bad happens it to when I knew nobody else could dried the old fashioned way. hear is “Why does God let does not mean that it was God’s possibly help me. hat a won- These are great chores for the Obad things happen?” What will or that God made it happen. I turned to prayer and trusted derful children that never had to wash No matter how bad the situa- God with all my heart and He sums the answer up pretty well is summer dishes by hand or rely of the weather “free will”. When we were created tion, God’s plan for your life will has never failed me. All of the W we are having! to dry their clothes. Couches and by God he gave us free will, which never be shaken. God is all pow- hard times in my life have made Living in Dublin City has so much armchairs were moved out to make means the ability to choose, think, erful and has already promised us me who I am today. Even though to offer. Parks, numerous beaches, room for a big secondhand table and act on our own initiative. victory. When we get into a hard it seemed at the time that good museums, shops, amusements, and chairs, that will comfortably fit Human beings can be the situation we usually tend to look could never come out of some- activities and summer events all all 9 of us for a meal. authors of their own actions and at the giant of the problem and thing so horrible I have always free of charge and something dif- Upstairs, every child has just reject the idea that our actions think it is impossible to beat. But learned a lesson and came out ferent to do every day. two drawers to store their clothes. are determined by external condi- if we look at it from what has been stronger than I ever thought I But apart from all this, we have If it doesn’t fit in those drawers it tions or fate. God is all powerful said in the bible we have already could be. been busy clearing shrubs and goes into a bag and is brought to but He chose to give us free will. been saved and we already have I have grown so much in confi- building great dens with twigs and the charity shop. They all share If God instead decided that he the victory! dence in myself and in God’s plan branches, climbing trees and huge their bedroom and they all sleep would control us, we would be “I have told you these things, so for my life. If I could have the walls and exploring all that our in bunkbeds within arms’ length more like robots than humans. He that in me you may have peace. In choice between having a life with- new surroundings has to offer. of each other. This took a little does not want to force us into any- this world you will have trouble. out pain but being controlled, or We’ve been kept on our toes thing. With His love it is always But take heart! I have overcome having free will and pain, I would time to get used to but they now clearing, painting and tidying so enjoy their night-time chats and there for us to accept if we choose the world.” - John 16:33. choose free will because I would our new home is more welcoming. to do so. He does not want to force I think of my own life and the not be the person I am today with- card games on their beds. We’ve spent hours and hours work- One of our older children was us to love Him but wants our free times that really tested me and my out it. ing in the sun and greeting our willed love. belief in God and His love for me. God will never give you a test complaining about the lack of new neighbours that approached space and privacy in our new Some people reject His love and Every time I was in the darkest that you cannot overcome. “The our little, broken wooden gate to choose to do bad things that go place and had nothing, those are Lord will fight for you; you only dwelling. Our 6-year-old asked offer a quick ‘hi’ that often turned him ‘Why do you want to be against God’s will. God has a plan the times I was actually closest to need to be still” - Exodus 14:14 into lengthy friendly conversations for each and every one of us and God because He was who I turned all on your own and away from with a sweeping brush or a garden everybody, sure that’s very shears in our hands. boring’. So he has decided that if I was nervous with this move. about is how to build a personal same time as increasing your he wants time on his own he goes We were moving to somewhere relationship with God and one wonder and love for this life in the out with his hurley and sliotar and that might not have had a great thing that has helped me very smallest of things. hits the ball against the gable end Build reputation and from the outside of the house until he’s had his fill much is to see every little thing Being thankful for everything, seemed a bit neglected. The media of solitude. and how it is from God. you realise how lucky you are and hasn’t been kind to this commu- Yes, we’ve a smaller house, but your life Thank God for everything small how He is “Worthy of every song nity we are now living in and I we’re all in earshot and eyeshot that brings a smile to your face. As we could ever sing. Worthy of all was scared for our children. I had of each other which means there’s hile I was working on this the lyrics of the song say: “Open the praise we could ever bring. plans made to ‘escape’ this area a lot less shouting, and because I article thinking of what up my eyes in wonder; Show me Worthy of every breath we could every day and fill the days with can see everything that’s going on, to write about for this who you are and fill me; with your ever breathe.” activities and field trips a good W there is less (not none) fighting and issue I had my praise and worship heart and lead me; in love to those Talking to God at every oppor- car drive away. I didn’t want our squabbling and a lot more sharing. music playing in the background around me”. tunity you get, will build your 7 children exposed to everything The children are completing and I had a pretty bad case of writ- The more you rejoice in the relationship with God and build that is wrong in this world and their chores quickly and with- er’s block. Then my favourite song small things the more joyful you your life upon His love. You will felt we were moving right in to the called “Build My Life” by House- will be. Not only will it not take feel so much less dependent on middle of a pit hole of social prob- out complaining. It’s much easier fires came on and I instantly had something massive to make you other people and you will not only lems, drugs, crime and general to put away your clothes when ideas of what to write about. happy but it will increase the big grow a strong relationship with trouble. you haven’t much. And it’s much One thing I feel very strongly things by a huge amount at the God but you will be much happier. quicker to tidy and clean when the How wrong was I! area to tidy and clean is small. Years ago, people didn’t have ALIVE!’S PHOTO OF THE MONTH We were welcomed to our new half as much ‘stuff ‘ as we do today. home with open arms by our lovely Family life, although it could be new neighbours who could not do tough in many ways for parents, enough for us in settling in. I have was simpler and happier. learnt so much in the last month If we meditate on the life of the or so. Firstly, I have learned we Holy Family, our minds will picture have far too much ‘stuff’. Our cur- a young Jesus playing at Mary or rent home is just half the size of our Joseph’s feet. Mary will be sewing previous one so some major declut- or preparing a meal and Joseph tering was called for. will be working in the background. With the help of my wonder- It was a simple life and one we ful new neighbour, Mary, we got should try to mirror. There wasn’t there. After filling 2 skips, numer- mounds of toys or dressers full ous visits to the recycling centre, of clutter. There was a mother a dozen trips to various charity watching over her child while her shops with car-boot loads full of husband worked. One thing I am clothes and sold whatever we could extremely grateful for, is my role as on online selling sites, our house full-time mother. is cleared of clutter and gradually I am my children’s stability. I am starting to feel and look like some- their familiarity. I am their home. So where we can enjoy living in. We’ve wherever we are, whichever house gone back to basics. This is the best we live in, as long as I am there all thing we’ve ever done. the time for them, to provide love Family life has never been and nourishment, the children are From left to right: Chaplains to the Irish Army Fr. Sean Crowley, Collins Barracks; Fr. David Tyndall, simpler. There’s no space for a not upset and will settle. I know Cathal Brugha Barracks; Fr. David Murphy, Finor Camp. dishwasher or tumble dryer in them and they trust me. FAITH AGENDA SEPTEMBER 2019 ALIVE! | 9
when first Protestants and then sec- Judge intrudes own What kind of society ularists cast aside Catholic dogma Call to be will we have? and practice. religious views For Holland, “the debt of the eing an expert on the ancient contemporary West to Christianity family court has ruled that world gives UK historian is more deeply rooted than many a Catholic child in foster ‘non-judgmental’ people, believers and non-believers BTom Holland a special insight Acare may be sent to a rural alike, might presume.” into modern times. He scorns what Protestant school, contrary to the he calls “the illusions of European Modern elites may dismiss Chris- wishes of her parents. This may is absurd and American liberals” about good tianity as superstition; “but their or may not be the right decision, and evil. instincts and assumptions remain given all the circumstances. “Much that they have sought to no less Christian for that,” he noted. ach of us makes thousands However, an extraordinary cast as universal [e.g, care for the Friedrich Nietzsche, Christiani- of decisions every day: to get remark by the judge during the poor] stands exposed as never ty’s “most brilliant and unsparing out of bed, to wear this shirt, hearing, that the question of reli- E having been anything of the kind,” critic”, saw this more than a cen- gion has “bedevilled this country to have porridge for breakfast, to he recently wrote in the Spectator. tury ago. Not for him the nonsense for many a long year,” casts a dark butter my toast, to change from Holland noted that the World of caring for the weak and the poor. shadow on the ruling. first to second gear, to bless myself Humanist Congress affirms “the It was because of Christianity, he In a case like this, the issue when passing a church, to smile at worth, dignity and autonomy of the complained, that “the measure of a should be decided on the basis of the bus driver, to scratch my nose, individual, and the right of every man’s compassion for the lowly and what is good for the child while to switch TV channels, and so on. human being to the greatest pos- suffering comes to be the measure respecting as far as possible the Behind every one of these deci- sible freedom compatible with the of the loftiness of his soul.” natural duty of parents to care for sions there is a judgment, that rights of others.” Holland commented: “That the their child. Especially in a matter this particular action is good. So This is what secularists or liberals persecuted and disadvantaged as fundamental as faith formation. we make thousands of judgments Sigmund Frued (1856-1939). now put forward as an alternative have claims upon the privileged, But the ignorant and gratu- each day, often barely even think- to Christianity. But their belief widely taken for granted today itous remark about “religion” ing about it. may be misled, by ignorance of in human dignity and in human across the West, is not remotely introduced a foreign element, the I judge that an action is good the facts or by lies, but our minds rights, he notes, is as much a faith a self-evident truth.” It is, rather, judge’s personal religious views, because it will take away my are made for the truth. We should statement as anything in religion. Christian teaching. into the proceedings. hunger, get the children to school base our decisions on correct judg- “The humanist assumption that In other words, “the risen Christ This must raise significant con- on time, save petrol, hide my ments about the good. atheism and a concern for human cannot be evaded simply by refus- cerns about the extent to which wrong-doing, help a stranger, If we deny our ability to recog- life go together was just that: an ing to believe in him.” these views may have actually give me exercise, save money, nise what is true and good, false assumption,” said Holland. “What What, then, will remain when influenced the court decision. give pleasure, get revenge, win an and evil, we leave ourselves open basis, other than mere sentimen- Christian influence is finally wiped Could they be used as grounds for argument, please the boss. to being fooled, manipulated, tality, was there to argue for it?” out from society? This is not a ques- an appeal by the parents? Today’s fashionable idea, then, exploited. As happens so often Liberalists would have us believe tion our elites will face themselves On a different note, would the that we should not judge, that we today. that scientific research provides a or allow to be debated in the media. judge’s remark have given rise to should be “non-judgmental”, is When we’re told that the dif- foundation for this view. But Hol- But Ireland’s grotesque confu- more concern and comment by simply irrational. The only way we ference between good and bad land, himself agnostic, will have sion about women’s dignity, its pundits if the child had been a can live is by making judgments, behaviour is a matter of opinion none of it. growing contempt for children, Protestant being sent to a Catho- by constantly judging between we need to ask who is exploiting “The primary dogma of human- its loss of faith in reason, its rapid lic school against the wishes of good and bad. us, and to what purpose. ism, ‘that morality is an intrinsic decline into barbarism give us her parents? Would the judge Yet the “non-judgmental” idea Should we judge other people’s part of human nature based on some idea of what we may expect. have made the same remark? has made its way from a therapy actions or behaviour? We should. understanding and a con- that is ‘psycho’ into the wider soci- Caring for a sick person is a good cern for others’,” he wrote, ety, and has been welcomed into thing. Stealing from him or her is a “finds no more corroboration …URGENT …URGENT …URGENT …URGENT …URGENT …URGENT the Church. It has done much to bad thing, whoever does it. in science” than did the Nazi marginalise objective morality. When Jesus tells us not to judge dogma that anyone unfit for others (Matt 7,1), it is their motives life should be exterminated. THERAPIST and culpability he is talking about, In fact, the source of Time is Running Out... It has even changed the way we not their actions. modern humanist values, the killing of unborn babies could understand God. God has been The “non-judgmental” notion he noted, is not reason or turned into the great “non-direc- is a confidence trick on society, scientific thinking. It is be legal in N.Ireland by October tive” Therapist in the sky, oozing allowing the powerful to get their Christianity. “unconditional positive regard” wishes and to exploit the weak. As Our unborn children need YOU to... for us, indifferent to our disobedi- is evident, for example, in cases of CRIPPLED FORM ence and judging no one. adultery, burglary, fake news and These values survived in As a result, Christ’s teaching abortion. their present crippled form that at the end of our days we face a judgment on our whole life, and that our eternal happi- St. Thérèse Holy Face Prayer Group ness depends on the outcome, has MARCH FOR almost disappeared from Catholic together with Human Life International (Ire.) catechesis and preaching. th Yet this is a perversion of the 7 Annual Mass Gospel. As St Peter said: Jesus “commanded us... to testify that of Atonement and Reparation R V S he is the one whom God appointed THEI LI E in honour of the Holy Face as judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10,42). Note, “judge”. Parish Church, Knock th In making a judgment about Sat. 14 September, 2019 how to act we may, of course, be mistaken about what is good or bad. Speeding may seem like a good idea at the time, for example, 2.00 P.M. Eucharistic Adoration and R eflections led by Fr. Keith Byrne in but if we cause an accident it looks the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. 2:00 Adoration in the Blessed very different. 3.00 P.M. Assemble outside ChaSpacel fro arment process Ciohna tpo ePl.ar ish Church. Experiences like this teach us 3.20 P.M. Holy Face Devotions & brief talk on the Holy Face Revelations. TH 3:00 Procession to Parish 7 SEPTEMBER to recognise a difference between 4.00 P.M. Celebration of Holy Mass in Parish Church. what seems good and what is really “I seek Veronicas to wipe & VenCerhurate Mchy Divine Face which has but few good. And that with proper care we Adorers” - Our Lord to Sr. Mary3 in: 20184 5Ho ly Face Devotions & can generally tell the difference. Enquiries: Call/Tetalk.xt, P eter 0 48:007- 8Ho34ly3 3M2a2ss. o r MISLED Caoimhe Doyle, Holy Face Co-ordinator 085-2525612 BELFAST
Good and evil, then, are a given, Custom House Square Belfast • Saturday 7th September • 2.00pm not just a matter of opinion. We Human Life International (Ireland) 094-9375993
10 | ALIVE! SEPTEMBER 2019 WORDS OF WISDOM
develop, which provides a future of fidelity, also guaranteeing the the human being can do to himself MONTHLY and enables children, the fruit of future of the community. None of or herself whatever he or she likes: Meditations love, to believe in human beings us, in fact, belongs exclusively to thus, the body becomes a second- and in their future in difficult times. himself or herself: one and all are ary thing that can be manipulated, The freedom of the “yes”, there- therefore called to take on in their from the human point of view, and The body, both male fore, reveals itself to be freedom inmost depths their own public used as one likes. capable of assuming what is defin- responsibility. Licentiousness, which passes itive: the greatest expression of Marriage as an institution is thus for the discovery of the body and and female, has a freedom is not the search for pleas- not an undue interference of soci- its value, is actually a dualism that ure without ever coming to a real ety or of authority. The external makes the body despicable, placing decision; this apparent, permanent imposition of form on the most it, so to speak, outside the person’s openness seems to be the realiza- private reality of life is instead an theological character authentic being and dignity. tion of freedom, but it is not true. intrinsic requirement of the cov- The truth about marriage and the The true expression of freedom is enant of conjugal love and of the family, deeply rooted in the truth arriage and the family are indissoluble connection between the capacity to choose a definitive depths of the human person. about the human being, has been not in fact a chance sociologi- spirit and body: in fact, the human gift in which freedom, in being Today, the various forms of the actuated in the history of salvation, Mcal construction, the product being is a soul that finds expression given, is fully rediscovered. erosion of marriage, such as free of particular historical and financial in a body and a body that is enliv- at whose heart lie the words: “God situations. On the other hand, the ened by an immortal spirit. loves his people”. The biblical reve- question of the right relationship The body, therefore, both male lation, in fact, is first and foremost between the man and the woman and female, also has, as it were, the expression of a history of love, is rooted in the essential core of the a theological character: it is not the history of God’s Covenant with human being and it is only by start- merely a body; and what is biologi- humankind. ing from here that its response can cal in the human being is not merely Consequently, God could take be found. In other words, it cannot biological but is the expression and the history of love and of the union be separated from the ancient but the fulfilment of our humanity. of a man and a woman in the cov- ever new human question: Who am Likewise, human sexuality is not enant of marriage as a symbol of I? What is a human being? And this juxtaposed to our being as person salvation history. The inexpressi- question, in turn, cannot be sepa- but part of it. Only when sexuality is ble fact, the mystery of God’s love rated from the question about God: integrated within the person does it for men and women, receives its Does God exist? Who is God? What successfully acquire meaning. linguistic form from the vocabu- is his face truly like? Thus, these two links, between lary of marriage and the family, The Bible gives one consequen- the human being with God and in both positive and negative: indeed, tial answer to these two queries: the human being, of the body with the human being is created in the the spirit, give rise to a third: the In practice, the personal and unions and “trial marriage”, and God’s drawing close to his people image of God, and God himself is connection between the person reciprocal “yes” of the man and the even pseudo-marriages between is presented in the language of love. It is therefore the vocation to and the institution. Indeed, the woman makes room for the future, people of the same sex, are instead spousal love, whereas Israel’s infi- love that makes the human person totality of the person includes the for the authentic humanity of each an expression of anarchic free- delity, its idolatry, is designated as an authentic image of God: man dimension of time, and the per- of them. At the same time, it is an dom that are wrongly made to adultery and prostitution. and woman come to resemble God son’s “yes” is a step beyond the assent to the gift of a new life. pass as true human liberation. to the extent that they become present moment: in its wholeness, Therefore, this personal “yes” This pseudo-freedom is based on Address of His Holiness Bene- loving people. This fundamental the “yes” means “always”, it creates must also be a publicly responsi- a trivialization of the body, which dict XVI to the participants in the connection between God and the the space for faithfulness. ble “yes”, with which the spouses inevitably entails the trivialization Ecclesial Diocesan Convention of person gives rise to another: the Only in this space can faith take on the public responsibility of the person. Its premise is that Rome, 6 June 2005. BE CONFRONTED BY THE DIVINE WORD THE WORD OF GOD FOR SEPTEMBER He drove out the traders who were FR. JOSEPH BRIODY a later book. The authorship by remain faithful or to return to their turning the Temple into a market. Solomon was already questioned religion if they had abandoned it. Fire! He resisted his own relatives when by Origen, Eusebius, Augustine It attempts to show that Judaism they thought he was out of his Wisdom Books and Jerome, so this questioning is was superior to the surrounding BRENDAN CLIFFORD O.P. mind and came to take him home. Part 18: The not something new. The claim of Greek philosophy, great as that The love that was within him was Wisdom of authorship by Solomon is a literary was. The Book of Wisdom provided a fire that drew more and more Solomon – device common in Old Testament some of the New Testament writ- esus said to his disciples, “I opposition until his enemies finally Inspiration for wisdom literature. There is nothing ers like John, Paul, and the author have come to bring fire to the crucified him. earth, and how I wish it were Where have you seen that kind of our times misleading or deceptive about it. In of Hebrews with the language and J blazing already. Do you suppose fire? Imagine parents who discover ancient times they had very differ- concepts they would use to express that I am here to bring peace on that their child is being bullied; a he Book of Wisdom or the ent understandings of authorship the divinity of Christ. So Wisdom is earth? No, I tell you, but rather fire of love will drive them to take “Wisdom of Solomon” is and were comfortable inserting important in preparing the way for division.” firm action; they will not rest until Tnot in the Hebrew Bible. It later collections or writings into Christ and expressing the mystery What a strange thing for Jesus the bullying is stopped. We see this is known only in the Greek which an older, respected tradition, or of Christ. was most likely its original lan- invoking a great figure of the past. to say! On the night he was born fire in conscientious whistle-blow- The Book of Wisdom strove to guage. Because it was not written Wisdom may have been attributed the angels sang about peace on ers who bring criminal activities to strengthen the faith of the Jews in in Hebrew it is not included in the to Solomon to honor him as a great earth. And now Jesus says he did light, often paying a high price for Alexandria surrounded by temp- Jewish or Protestant canons. It wisdom figure—just as today we not come to bring peace on earth, their courageous action. We see the tations and to respond to the was accepted and read as Scripture might dedicate a book to some- but division. We thought it was quiet fire that inspires a care-giver question of innocent suffering. in the early Church and so is part one. What is important is that the love he was bringing, not fire. to look after a relative year after The author searched the Scriptures of the Bible used by Catholic and Book of Wisdom was accepted into Jesus looked at the world around year without complaint. We see it Orthodox Churches. the canon of Scripture and so is the for solutions and expressed these him for a long time before he left in young people who are passion- The Book of Wisdom stands inspired Word of God. insights anew for his own time and home and began to teach and to ate about justice for the poor, care within the great wisdom tradi- It seems that the Book of people. We too are meant to search heal. He knew that God the Father for the environment and in smaller tion under the patronage of King Wisdom was written before 50 BC the Word of God and to allow our- was incredibly loving and included numbers, passionate about the Solomon. While it may preserve and so may be the last of the Old selves to be confronted by that everybody in his love, good and bad. practice of their faith. much of his wisdom, it is likely Testament books. It was probably Divine Word, and so enlightened The religious authorities preached In the Church in many parts of that Wisdom was written centuries written in Alexandria, the capital and transformed. It’s not only that a God who excluded those who did the world today, we see the fire that later. It is unlikely that Solomon of Egypt, where there was a strong we read the Word of God: the Word not keep the many requirements of motivates humble people to give spoke Greek. However, the “per- Jewish population and where the of God also reads and interprets the Law. He opposed their teaching their lives for their faith, or to con- sona of Solomon is adopted by the Hebrew Bible was translated into us and our lives. It shines light on even though this caused division. tinue practising it in places where author as a vehicle to present his Greek more than two hundred what is really going on. It’s not that He resisted them when they said one’s life is endangered simply by own ideas” (Michael D. Coogan). years before Christ. we master the Word of God: the he should not mix with sinners. He going to Mass on Sunday. Some of the early Fathers and Wisdom was likely written origi- Word is to master us and so lead us cured the sick on the Sabbath when Enkindle in us, Lord, the fire of saints recognized that Wisdom was nally for Jews to encourage them to to real freedom. the authorities said this was wrong. your love. SEPTEMBER 2019 ALIVE! | 11
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something beyond them. And one can sympathise with the person to whom God has not yet given SCRAPS Faith and Reason faith – yet a sense of the mystery of the DEREK RYAN COLUMN universe makes them open to the idea t’s historically clear that lots of But ask Newton why things move of a source for it all, one day. famous scientists believed in God. according to this underlying pattern The real loser in this is the person But how? Miracles are the real flash- and he can’t tell you. I who has picked up the incorrect idea “OUR HOSPITALS” point – for here the laws of science That’s worth repeating…. appear to be decisively broken. that science explains everything, leav- n an interview with “news” website What sort of ‘law’ are we dealing Science explains how ing no possible room for miracles or a Joe.ie Simon Harris, responding to cause to it all. His mind is blocked. Ithe speech by Dr. Trevor Hayes at with here? things move by discovering the Rally for Life, declared that all hos- Imagine a sick kid, stuck at home simpler patterns How do atheists respond? pitals belonged to the State, echoing from school, watching the bus pass underlying everything. the words of Mussolini: “Everything Photo: Oireachtas. outside. She spots a pattern: there are Philosopher Bertrand Within the State, Nothing Against the two buses, one comes every 10 minutes But it has no explanation Russell, in a famous BBC State, Nothing Outside the State”. and one every 17. at all for why everything radio debate in 1948 with “You know what? It’s not their hos- Simon Harris. From this idea she can now explain moves according to these pital. It’s our hospital. It is a hospital why the bus came as it did in the morn- Fr. Fred Copleston SJ, for the women of Ireland.” It is easy to forget that Fine Gael ing, and predict when it will come in simpler patterns. when asked about the has its origins as the Blueshirts, who took their inspira- the evening: useful knowledge. It cause of the universe, said tion from the Blackshirts, who were of course, Mussolini’s simplifies things too: instead of mem- It’s quite something to think, next henchmen to enforce his totalitarian ideology. orising a long and apparently random time you look at the stars, that although “the universe is just there, ‘If we can’t have services provided through the natu- list of arrival times one just remem- we’ve found a simpler order underlying and that’s all.” ral way of asking … we can put in a direct HSE staffing bers “every 10 minutes and every 17”. everything, we have no idea why things resource … I would rather continue to win the argument” Ask her for evidence that her idea move according to it! That’s quite an He’s happy to ask about the cause of He will force the HSE to hire specific staff, wielding is true and she can show you her note- unexplained mystery! power where he loses the argument. Coercion replaces the particular things, but thinks it illegiti- book with the times she’s seen the bus. And this remains true as science has need to win an argument. It is odd that a Health Minister mate to ask ‘what is the cause of it all?’ But ask why there are two buses found more accurate and complex under- doesn’t understand that very few Irish hospitals are indeed Two mental visions of the universe and why they come every 10 and every lying patterns: Newton’s gravity replaced belonging to Fine Gael, or the Irish Government, or the are offered here. One searches for by Einstein’s which works better at high HSE, or the Harris family, whoever he considers ‘us’ to be. 17 minutes, and she’s at a loss. She meaning up to and including a source doesn’t know why the pattern holds, speeds and strong gravities, in turn to Because the State takes the taxpayers’ money, to fund of all things. The other draws a line and has no guarantee from something be replaced by quantum gravity. We are hospitals that have been set up, run and owned by different somewhere: on one side one can ask for more fundamental like pure logic that always proposing underlying patterns to people or groups at a time when the State was nothing more reasons (why is this star’s colour red- it will continue to hold. There’s a sense how things move, giving evidence that than a rabble throwing stones and marching in blue shirts dish?), but on the other side one can’t in which she’s described the buses’ the patterns hold from experiments, but with wooden rifles, Minister Harris thinks that this stew- (why is the starry sky there at all?). ardship of our money entitles him to run roughshod over motion, but hasn’t found the ultimate are not able to explain why things move Isn’t there a lot this philosophy can’t the healthcare providers, over the hospitals and over the explanation for it. this way. It’s a fundamental limitation of answer? … the existence of everything doctors and nurses, to enforce a State-controlled ideology. Scientific laws are a bit like this. science: to answer it one needs philoso- They didn’t fall far from the tree. Those who hail Min- Newton found the bus timetables of phy or theology. around you, with their painstakingly ister Harris ought to reflect. To hail Simon Harris is to the heavens in his law of universal You can see here how faith in God discovered patterns… endorse State power. It is to hail littler ideas than democ- gravitation and 3 laws of motion. and science could fit. Persevere in And if you don’t live your life believ- racy, human rights and freedom. Ask Newton for evidence that things prayer, knocking on God’s door. One ing in a universe that has a reason, move as he proposes and he can show day God may give you a sense of Him- won’t the baleful glare of the alternative you how he can deduce known things self. Suddenly, you have new data – you – just impersonal atoms bumping into GENDER MAINSTREAMING like planets moving in ellipses, the know Someone Exists. And looking each other in the void and evolution – existence of tides... at the sky and realising that science lead to a slow, mostly unconscious, but he madness of gender identity continues in the Again someone finds a simpler has left its fundamental patterns quite cumulative poisoning of your thoughts? United States, and it has got so crazy that it is almost underlying pattern that all things unexplained, you may see, first, that the Because then what meaning is there Timpossible to write about because of the grotesque- move by, from which we can deduce idea of God fits as the source of these to your thoughts and feelings, other ness of the story. Jonathon Yaniv is a man who identifies the complex behaviour we see in the patterns, and second, that it might than elaborately evolved ways of pre- as a woman and prefers to be called Jessica. Jonathon heavens. sometimes happen that God does serving your genes? known as Jessica was on the Niall Boylan radio show recently because Jonathon known as Jessica wanted to go to women’s salons and expected to receive certain ser- The David Plates: An depicted a plain cross, were destroyed. arm thrust. David wears a tunic and vices that were services particular to women. The details This has meant very little of Early Byzan- no armour. Underneath this scene the are not printable in a Catholic newspaper. Jonathon unlikely survival of Early tine Christian art has survived. bottom register depicts David behead- known as Jessica hung up when Niall Boylan asked why Byzantine Christian art A rare survivor from this time is a ing the defeated Goliath. The scenes on Jonathon known as Jessica thought that his rights to a ser- collection of nine silver plates, most of the plate are faithful to Sacred Scripture vice particular to women ought to trump the rights of the CONN MCNALLY which are now held in the New York but they depict it in a Graeco-Roman beauticians not to have to do that service on a man who Met, known as the David Plates. manner, blending the Biblical narrative identifies as a woman with all the physical attributes that These plates, dated to c.630, depict var- with classical culture. have traditionally defined maleness. year ago, during the World Meeting ious scenes relating to David’s battle How did these plates survive? They Jonathon known as Jessica has also tried to host pool of Families, Aid to the Church with Goliath. The presence of impe- were found in Cyprus amongst the ruins parties for girls over the age of twelve with the stipulation in Need Ireland held an exhibi- rial stamps on the plates indicate the of Lapethos in 1902. It seems that the that no parents be present and that the girls be topless. If A tion in the RDS, Dublin. This included a Byzantine Emperor Heraclius commis- plates were deliberately buried during an Jonathon known as Jessica was not serious, one would be chalice from the Middle East, which bore sioned them. Arab raid in 653/654. They were buried forgiven to think that he was a fantastic parody of the mad- ness that is currently hypnotising the world around gender scars from Jihadi militants who used The largest plate (diameter 50cm) to be kept safe but were never recovered. identity and the nonsensical issues that it brings up. it as target practice. Unfortunately the depicts David’s confrontation with This has meant the plates were kept safe If Jonathon known as Jessica was not attempting to ruin destruction of Christian artefacts, shrines Goliath. This is one of the most beauti- from both Arab looting and later Byzan- the livelihoods of innocent beauticians, it would all be a and churches is nothing new. ful examples of the skill of Late Antique tine Iconoclasm. The David Plates are belly-laugh. The excesses of the French Revolution silverwork and is one of the premiere a survival from a world often hostile to included the destruction of Chrisitian examples of the classical culture in 7th Christianity and its relics and art. artefacts and sculptures. When Oliver century Constantinople under the Her- Even in Ireland today relics are not MOON LANDING Fifty years ago, Pope St. Paul VI Cromwell ruled England, Puritans from aclian Dynasty. safe. The most notable recent exam- watched Neil Armstrong become the first man to walk on the west of England traveled to Can- The plate is divided into three regis- ple of this was the theft of St. Laurence the moon. terbury Cathedral and smashed all the ters. On the top register an armoured O’Toole’s heart and reliquary from Christ The pope looked at the moon from a telescope and images of the saints, except the images Goliath and an unarmed David face Church Cathedral in Dublin. The relic of watched the landing on television from the Vatican Astro- of St. Christopher, as they had to travel each other, David on the left and Dublin’s patron saint was missing for six nomical Observatory. home and wished to benefit from the Goliath on the right. Both David and years before it was recovered early last He dedicated Psalm 8 to the astronauts, giving them a saint’s intercession. Goliath have their hands outstretched year. In a world where Christians handwritten letter to leave on the moon. He also blessed An earlier period of destruction, which indicating speech. are by far the most persecuted them once they landed. He then congratulated President is largely forgotten in the West, is the In the central register David and Goli- religious group, the survival of the Richard Nixon via telegram for the successful landing. Iconoclasm of the 8th and 9th century ath meet. Goliath wears armour and David Plates reminds us to pray Byzantine Empire. Around the empire a plumed helmet and carries a shield. for and support the suffering and [email protected] all religious images, other than those that He aims his spear at David in an over persecuted Church. SEPTEMBER 2019 ALIVE! | 13
LEARNING FROM PAST MISTAKES who are only finding out now about those During the last number of years, we have surveys. all become more aware of how abuse robbed To have your say, get online and fill out our children of their innocence. Unlimited the most recent survey that is still live. Is School Out? access was given to children without asking pertinent questions. This was crazy and we THE CHURCH HAS CLEAR TEACHINGS ON INNOCENCE: CHARLOTTE MCQUAID-BRUEN are all rightly angry at this! But now we have ‘learned experts’ that claim to know better The Pontifical Council for the Family than the parents themselves, and say that (Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality) tells us about the years of innocence which here’s a lot of talk about the changes in it’s a good thing to give this information to schools when it comes to Relationships our children, despite the protesting instinct are from about 5 years up to puberty, the Photo: Fine Gael. and Sex Education (RSE). Why all the of parents. period of tranquillity and serenity that “must T never be disturbed by unnecessary informa- fuss? Hasn’t RSE been taught for years in The potential results of exposure of primary and secondary school? young children to sexual content was shown tion about sex”. Unfortunately, many parents don’t know recently in a very public, devastating and Instead, children should be given prudent what their children are being taught. They shocking court case. Exposing our children information about chaste love in an indirect usually have only a few sentences in a to content when they have neither the moral way, in preparation for puberty when “direct permission slip, or some such limited com- nor emotional maturity/capacity to deal information will be necessary”. This direct munication. with it, is foolish, to say the least. Dangerous information should always be passed on with Do they know why there might be prob- might be a better description. This should family values, ethics and morals, in a truly lems? Do they know the external agency that not be encouraged and absolutely not man- holistic way and set in the context of God’s might be delivering the material? And are dated in our schools. loving plan for each of us. they aware that the material is about to get INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND a whole lot more explicit and questionable, if IT’S SET TO GET WORSE. THE NCCA REVIEW OF RSE: RESPONSIBILITIES: the NCCA’s recommendations go ahead? To summarise the review so far, the NCCA, Canon Law (Can 793), Article 42 of the WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT? WHY backed up by the Oireachtas Education Com- Irish Constitution, The Universal Declaration DON’T PARENTS JUST TRUST THE mittee, is calling for the following topics to of Human Rights, the European Convention ‘LEARNED EXPERTS’? Donegal TD and Minister for Education, be included in RSE in schools both in pri- of Human Rights and precedents set in Irish Joe McHugh. The innocence of children is a widely mary and secondary, at an age appropriate courts, protect the rights of parents to choose accepted and honoured time of life, both by No! It is your job, you, the parent, to level that they will decide on: contracep- the kind of education for their children that it instinct in parents, common sense elsewhere decide what is right for your child! tion, pornography, abortion, LGBT is in line with their religious and philosophi- and by vast amounts of research in psy- In a recent radio debate on The Niall issues, gender identity and spectrums cal convictions. chology and psychiatry. There are beautiful Boylan show, I spoke clearly about the thereof. pieces of writing by the Vatican on this pre- national and international rights of the These topics are proposed to be taught With all of this in mind, find out what chil- cious time of life. Once taken, the innocence parent to decide on the type of education without ethics, morals or your family values dren are being taught. Then please find out of a child cannot be put back! that we choose for our children. I was up being delivered with them. No consequences, what is proposed. With an informed con- It’s not ok for a stranger or a bureaucracy against an ‘educator’ and my opinion was no responsibilities. No talk of God, religion, science decide if it’s in line with your family to decide what is age appropriate when it dismissed until I had explained my qual- the soul or moral implications. No philoso- values and what you really feel is appropri- comes to children. It’s not ok for children to ifications as a secondary school teacher phy, no personal convictions. And no school ate for your children. Then move forward be given this information, especially if the of Biology and Chemistry and a reluctant ethos getting in the way. confidently, with no regrets. parent feels that the child isn’t ready. And SPHE teacher. This older man, who was a In their most recent report, the NCCA pub- it’s not ok to force a child to talk about these teacher, was being regarded as more ‘quali- lished the results of online surveys that they For more information get in contact things with strangers, as will be the case with fied’ to speak about what my children should hosted at the end of last year and early this with the active Donegal group at aparents- the proposed Sex Education Inspectors. be taught than me –the parent! year. It seems there are a lot of angry parents [email protected]
ries and conclusions, thrown up by honest opinion, the image put out Restoring the good name this report, do not at all confirm by Catherine Corless is wrong … If the thesis that nuns placed corpses there were no nuns involved in that into a septic tank, and instead I Home, there wouldn’t be a word of Tuam Bon Secours Sisters’ think those that stated this owe us about it.” Is your marriage stressed, all an apology for weaving such a He is personally acquainted unloving or cold? Mother and Baby Home fantastical tale out of such thread- with many people from the Home: bare evidence.” “Around this area, there are dozens Have you stopped sharing how n the July edition of ALIVE! There is more to this story, how- Since the July article, more Tuam of men, reared in the Home and you feel with your spouse? we introduced the reader to the ever. locals have gained the strength to fostered. I have not met one from writings of Brian Nugent, a pro- In April 2019, an exhaustive I come forward to share their local all of these people who had spoken lific historian from Oldcastle, Co. report (529 pages) on burial prac- Retrouvaille is a programme understanding about the Home. ill of the nuns in the Home.” Meath, who has published a book tices at the Home was released by to help at all stages of Mary Rushe is a local midwife He lived all his life in Tuam and entitled “@tuambabies: A Critical the Mother and Baby Homes Com- married life. who worked alongside the Bon remembers the Home children Look at the Tuam Children’s Home mission of Investigation bringing Secours nuns in the Grove in 1963. well: “All of the children that I Improve communication & learn Scandal.” new evidence to light. The Com- She, along with her mother, was saw going to school were not fancy tools and skills for a happy This book addresses the allega- mission tested the soil within the particularly friendly with Julia dressed but well dressed ... with marriage. tions that have come to be known ossuary, and the scientists state: Devaney who is a key witness to life good boots ... and good heavy coats as the Tuam Babies Hoax, a media- in the Home (and who “was very Learn to blend differences into a ... that we envied.” driven story that has been used to “the sample examined is fond of” the nuns). Referring to the mutually satisfying relationship. Furthermore, with respect to the stir animosity toward the Church, not material originating accepted narrative, she remarks main allegation he stated: Nuns and traditional morality in from a sewage treatment that “we have bought into such Recover your marriage from “It is knowledge in Tuam that separation or divorce. Ireland since it emerged in the plant, septic tank or cess- nonsense.” news in Summer 2014. While rejecting completely the there were workmen clearing the pit. It is unlikely that the site [of the workhouse], [and in] In June, we documented how idea of bodies placed in a septic Next programme starts finding the bones they built this there exists evidence that the specific location of the tank (“for one thing was there a 4 – 6 October 2019 babies were buried in coffins, and questioned case sample septic tank in those days?”) she [concrete underground] box to con- that there was no reason to believe was a receptacle for also points out that the difficult tain the bones. They used to cover it Learn from presenting married at night and when they finished they they were not given a dignified sewage.” conditions everybody had – and couples and their personal burial in consecrated ground. therefore not just the Home chil- did another one. A few of them were testimonies. Nugent also explained how the dren – with food, clothing and built and these are what [Catherine structure, called the ossuary, where This statement is critical to warmth, in those years has not been Corless] calls the septic tank.” No personal disclosure is required the babies’ bones have been rest- the outrageous and unsubstanti- highlighted: “Catherine Corless is “She is painting this picture that on the programme! ing, was likely built decades after ated allegations that babies were referred to as the Tuam historian people had disrespect for the dead” the Home closed by Galway County dumped in a septic tank that are but she doesn’t really have a fla- but actually the workmen them- www.retrouvaille.ie Council, after they demolished the now thrown about as fact. vour of the town as it actually was.” selves even said a decade of the Home and redeveloped the sur- Nugent is thus adamant that “the Meanwhile a local butcher inter- Rosary for the remains each time EMAIL [email protected] rounding land. details, as opposed to the summa- viewed by ALIVE! stated: “In my they re-interred them this way. 14 | ALIVE! SEPTEMBER 2019
NEWS FROM ACROSS THE IRISH SEA protect women from life representatives while making mont to put aside their differences exploitation. a flying visit to deliver a speech to and re-convene, in order to take abortion advocates in Northern their power back from Westmin- Ireland two years ago. Her public ster. Stella Creasy’s confusion And all of this is being pushed presentation flouted the usual cli- Creasy would do well to listen while Deputy Creasy herself is chés about “anti-choicers” and she to the wisdom of another woman, pregnant. But it is bewildering even later claimed that she needed on Northern Ireland’s Baroness Nuala O’Loan, who lost that she is unable to see the con- a police escort to exit the premises. an unborn baby due to a bomb This move to sneak abortion into abortion stance Northern Ireland through the “back explosion in the North in 1977. door” was paternalistic and noth- After Creasy’s amendment was ing more than (post?)-colonialism. voted in, O’Loan delivered an MARIA HORAN ingly, Creasy managed to attach an If Creasy and her colleagues had excellent speech in which she elo- irrelevant amendment to this Bill, bothered to ask people in the North quently described how Creasy’s requesting that the British govern- how they felt about this cynical abortion clause is underhanded. fter many months of ment remove Clauses 58 and 59 in Photo: Chris McAndrew. move, she would have learned that She was in no doubt that it is being attempting to force abor- the “Offences Against Persons Act in a recent ComRes Northern Irish pushed by the UK abortion indus- Ation onto Northern Ireland, 1861”, which still regulate the 1967 poll, 66% of women are opposed to try who are desperate to remove it would appear that Westmin- Abortion Act. This proposition was having Westminster forcing abor- any legal constraints on abortions ster Labour MP Stella Creasy has rejected in Northern Ireland over tion on them without due regard in order to legislate for abortion to for devolution. This does not finally accomplished her aim. After fifty years ago. birth, for any reason. matter, as Creasy is convinced that attaching a clause to the Northern The proposed deletions are: her current role in Westminster is Ireland Executive Formation Bill, “Section 58: A woman is guilty of It is appalling on two to patronisingly “rescue” Northern she has managed to piggy-back a an offence if she unlawfully pro- Ireland’s women, who have never levels: so many MPs in push for abortion on to a Bill that cures her own miscarriage” and Official Parliamentary photograph of asked her to do this. Westminster actually is designed to protect women from “Section 59: Anyone who supplies Stella Creasy MP. However, the truth is that like domestic violence. drugs or instruments to be unlaw- are willing to vote the majority of MPs in Westmin- The bill will allow for abortion fully used to procure abortion is tradiction in treasuring her own ster, Creasy is not interested in the for yet more liberal on demand up to at least seven guilty of an offence”. Once these months in Northern Ireland, with soon-to-be-born child, while con- North but is using the region as a abortion; and that they clauses are gone, the next step for demning to death the pre-born pawn to force the 1967 Abortion the potential of de-criminalis- abortion-minded MPs will be to are willing to override ing abortion in all of the UK. It children of vulnerable women who Act to be rendered obsolete. apply abortion in all of the UK. typically seek abortion: ones who the self-determination will render the 1967 Abortion Act The one loophole in obsolete, it will potentially permit As Life Charity UK lack her life advantages, those who of the North to do this. are struggling with finances; those Creasy’s Bill is that it abortion to birth for any reason. points out, this clause No principles remain. The most recent abortion figures who have relationship issues; often will not come into law in the UK now exceed 200,000 a will usher in a free- immigrants who struggle with Eng- if the Northern Irish The time has come to say enough year, and yet there are those such as for-all business dream lish as a second language. Parliament re-convenes is enough. If they wish to retain Ann Furedi, CEO of BPAS (British for the abortion Creasy is a very privileged woman, well-educated and well-paid. But before October 21st. devolution and rights within the Pregnancy Advisory Service), who, industry in all parts similar to Creasy, believes that the she shows little understanding UK, this may be the very issue on UK law remains too restrictive and of Britain, which will of women’s lives who fall beyond The fact that Creasy and so many which Northern Ireland most cer- needs to be “decriminalised”. remove the need for her own narrow scope of real- of her colleagues, with this vote, tainly needs to say “No”. This Northern Ireland Bill was legal checks and ity. Indeed, it seems that not only have shown no respect for the formed to deal with the fact that does she demonstrate ignorance people of Northern Ireland, and Maria Horan is a prolife writer there is currently no active sitting conditions on abortion, of the North’s unique culture, but have failed to consult them on such and business owner, lives in the government in the North. Astound- which are meant to she also refused to speak with pro- an important issue may spur Stor- UK with her husband and son.
NEWS FROM STATESIDE rights to not have their children children? Safeguarding concerns subjected to what they see as a are rightly raised when adults deviant lifestyle? exhibit strange behaviours around Crossdressing Story Hour Is it something more sinister when grown adults are so deter- children, whether in schools, JAKE ROBERTS The upsurge in the number of mined to spend time with young swimclubs, churches or wherever. groups who have gained a sudden desire to tell stories to young chil- t has been an issue in Ireland. It dren is disconcerting. Why all is one that is continuing to be an of a sudden are so many of these Catechesis in the States Iissue across the United States. groups looking to appear in librar- ‘Drag Queen Story Hour’ is per- ies and tell stories? JAKE ROBERTS If the option stated ‘mere symbols’, plexing at best but a very great One Mayor in Nevada in the U.S. the number choosing it may have concern for parents who usu- attempted to stop this but to little been lower. ally find out very late in the day success. When Sparks Mayor Ron recent Pew Research Nonetheless, while the number that men who like to dress up as Smith caught wind that Washoe survey in the United States may appear low, because Cat- women are extremely keen to tell County Public Library would be City of Sparks Mayor Ron Smith. Aidentified that Catholic echesis, especially in relation to stories to young children in full hosting one of the events – in understanding of the faith is both Transubstantiation has been so drag paraphernalia. which adult crossdressers read to library deleted pictures of children good and bad. It isn’t as good as poor, that nearly half know the cor- A group with an ugly name who children between the ages of three lying on top of a drag queen. it should be. And it isn’t as bad as rect answer is seen by some as a described themselves as a ‘DIY and eight, hold question-and-an- Either it is a massive coinci- many people think! positive. drag collective’ sought to entertain swer sessions, and pose for photos dence that from nowhere, all of a Less than half of Catholics could Robert Zmirak blames post-con- young children at Deansgrange – he was outraged, the Reno sudden, cross-dressers across the correctly answer the multiple ciliar religious education for the library in Dublin. Fortunately, choice question of what happens at fact that so few Catholics know Gazette Journal reported. But United States discovered a simul- after strong community activism, the County Librarian was hearing the Eucharist: the bread and wine what the Church teaches. “For an taneous altruistic desire to read the activity was cancelled. nothing of the complaint. turns into the real body and blood entire lifetime (mine), religious stories to young children out of the In the United States, it has not “It doesn’t make any sense of Christ. Some contend that the education in most Catholic schools goodness of their hearts and offer been a one off. Various groups are to me,” Smith said. “It is abso- question was poorly worded- using has been emotional, political, psy- replicating the issue, looking to lutely ridiculous. Why would you these services, indeed push these the word ‘actual’ instead of ‘real’, chological,” he said. “It seems that host story telling hours for young have transgender people talking services under threat of litigation, possibly causing confusion. One middle-aged clerics and religious in children in libraries. In Ireland, to kids?” Smith said he was con- or there is something else afoot? option was that the bread and wine the early 1960s took their own tor- it was advertised as providing cerned about reports of how drag Is this a coordinated tactic to are symbols of the body and blood tured existential doubts (perhaps “glamorous, positive, and una- queens have conducted them- indoctrinate young children with of Christ, which could be mislead- they’d followed false vocations), bashedly queer role models” to selves in similar events across ‘glamourous’ role models? Is it ing as they are considered symbols and infused them into new educa- young children. the country. Recently, an Oregon an attempt to undermine parents’ as well as being transubstantiated. tional programs,” he continued. SEPTEMBER 2019 ALIVE! | 15 Clonakilty – beauty restored and recreated PHILIP JOYCE of our Faith, mainly the life, death and times of Jesus, His n Easter Sunday morning of this year, relationship with His Holy 2019, an event occurred at the Parish Family along with portraits of OChurch of the Immaculate Concep- saintly people since. tion in the town of Clonakilty, County Cork, which brought the people and the history of These new windows (or ‘lights’), which the town into this church in a very different will eventually be installed into the building way to the norm for Catholic churches as proper - they are in very tastefully designed new stained glass windows were unveiled for temporary frames at present - illustrate a viewing before being installed. synopsis of many facets of our town, both Some years ago, our beloved Parish Priest, religious and secular. Bandon-man, Monsignor Aidan O’Driscoll, These describe such events as the Norman V.G., had received advice that two of the invasion; the Penal Laws; the tragedy of the plain-glass transept windows of the almost Famine; the setting up of the Mercy Convent; 140 year old George Ashlin-designed church the now redundant linen industry; the music were due for some remedial attention. Simul- and sports of the locality and Deasys’ brew- taneously, Monsignor Aidan had an idea to ery, of past centuries. depict some of the main historical events from Germany; mosaic from England; stat- ancient cemeteries, Templequinlan Famine It is worth bearing in mind that beer, being associated with Clonakilty - which received uary from other parts of the continent - all Graveyard and that of Ballintemple. The heated in the process, provided a safer means its original charter in 1613. complimented by local limestone, Aberdeen latter bears the remains of 1798 Insurrec- of hydration compared to much of the poor A local artist/designer, Tomás Tuipéar, granite and marble from Italy. tion leader, Tadgh An Asna, who died, with quality drinking water’ available in times who, along with town council architect, Billy The side altar dedicated to the Sacred a hundred others, at the Battle of the Big past. The Deasys’ business also provided Houlihan, had transformed the look of so Heart of Jesus, incidentally, was built by Cross, near Shannonvale in the Parish. jobs in building maintenance, town and port many local business premises, etc. in the none other than James Pearse, father of The building of the church at Darrara infrastructure, cooperage and ship-build- latter part of the last century, was brought in 1916 Uprising patriots, Patrick and Willie. was part of a 19th century bequest by Mr. ing. It is worth noting that Daniel O’Connell, as historical designer for the proposed new This Church of the Immaculate Concep- and Mrs. Dan O’Leary whose will also initi- ‘The Liberator’, used Deasy schooners on a stained-glass windows. Tomás went to work, tion has recently been described in detail ated the opening of the Darrara Agricultural number of occasions to transport himself based on his extensive knowledge of so many in a freely available historical brochure, College. In more recent times - and in a ges- and his family to France. aspects of this jewel of community and sent the wording of which was supplied by the ture of ecumenism - a sacristy extension to These new additions to our parish church his full-size drawings to Brendan Mullins, immediate predecessor to our current parish the Sacred Heart Church was facilitated by - financed by an anonymous donor - in the Master Craftsman at Abbey Stained Glass priest, Monsignor Leonard O’Brien, who still using stone from a de-consecrated Church form of two sets of triple lancet windows, Studios of Dublin. resides in the parish. of Ireland church at nearby Ring Village. The each set surmounted by a triple trefoil - are As if this is not enough to inspire any soul Darrara church, like its mother-church in Invariably, such windows described in a beautifully presented bro- to a loftier level, the Parish Chapel of Ease - Clonakilty Town, contains some fine Meyer - in Catholic churches, at chure available in this unique holy building. the Ashlin designed Sacred Heart Church at of Munich stained-glass windows and also They will seek their own standing in a nearby Darrara - was the subject of a recent some more recent George Walsh of Dublin any rate – would depict the church of amazing wealth of religious art from information leaflet, by a local committee, ‘lights’. The O’Leary couple’s mortal remains scenes of the Central Story many parts of Europe - stained glass windows about its history which also covered two rest in a crypt beneath Our Lady’s Altar.
he told me it would help with my grieving process, so I took his word for it. A struc- What God Means to Me tured routine of simplicity and daily prayer was exactly what I needed. This is where I GRACE KELLY cope, which resulted in my Grandma taking pursue my passion for music and sacred found the light of God. over the maternal and parental role in my singing. This kept my connection to the I realised that no matter how hard life life. This is where I was introduced to God. church alive. is, and the struggles that one might face, am currently She taught me how to pray, she brought me In college I became a committee member you must have faith in God. For me, if I did going into my final to Mass most days and explained the impor- of the DCU Pro-life Society. I was very active not have the knowledge of God in my life I I year in All Hal- tance of God and religion. during the time of the referendum which would not know how to cope. Knowing that lows’, Dublin City Five years later, my Dad decided to pack led me to meet many inspiring like-minded my parents are in the arms of God and look- University, studying up and take me with him to a little town in individuals who also had strong faith. Meet- ing down on me brings immediate comfort to become a music Co. Mayo called Newport, which was where ing people within the same age bracket as to my daily life, but most importantly, it and religion second- he grew up. I was devastated leaving my me with similar beliefs was a new experi- gives me hope. ary school teacher. grandma and older siblings behind, and ence. Being surrounded by these people I grew up in the now I was moving to a strange place with my encouraged me to openly discuss my pro- middle of London dad who was still struggling with my moth- life views and Catholic beliefs. My faith was and was youngest er’s passing. He desperately wanted a new stronger than ever. The Medal of three children. There was a large age gap start for both of us so that he could move Towards the end of my second year of col- Associated with ‘Divine Inspirations’ between me and my next sibling, 14 years. on and rebuild our lives. We left everything lege, my dad fell ill. I became his carer and This is the description I had everything I could have asked for – and everyone behind to start a new life, just eventually the hospital became our home which Our Lady a loving mother and father, brother and the two of us. Although it was hard at the away from home. As each week passed my gave of this medal: sister, and a nice house which was close to time, it was the best decision he could have dad’s health deteriorated. As it was just the FRONT OF MEDAL: extended family members. It was the perfect made. God and religion were never spoken two of us for so long, I could not imagine The two Hearts with the inscription family setup. about during my teenager years as my Dad a life without him, and was in denial of the “The Immaculate Conception and the Sacred Heart of At the age of five, my mother suddenly felt hard done by in the eyes of God. harsh reality that lay ahead. On July 27th, Jesus unite the World BACK OF MEDAL: passed away, leaving behind a heartbroken Music has always played a big part in 2018, my dad passed away. My whole world Jesus of Mercy with the inscription ‘Jesus the Light of family. Although I was only young, I still my life, and in secondary school I was a came crashing down around me. I really felt the World. He who believes in Me will never die.” remember the moment my dad told me that member of St Cecilia’s school choir. This as though I would not get through it. Our Lady said: ‘I will personally bless anyone who wears this medal, “mummy has gone back home to God and small choir gave me the opportunity to I missed a lot of college through my it is a sign of my love.’ is in heaven now”. Not long after my mum sing at weddings, funerals, school ser- grief and found it hard to manage without Available from: passed away, my dad lost both of his legs vices and Latin Masses. I was fascinated by my dad. During this time, I was given the Michael Scahill, Magillstown, Swords, Co. Dublin due to circulatory problems. Through the Latin sacred music and the beauty of the opportunity to travel to Taizé as part of TEL 01 840 1590 EMAIL [email protected] loss of my mum and the life-changing disa- Latin Mass. These Masses subconsciously a pilgrimage with a wonderful priest and GERALDINE PLANS TO VISIT IRELAND IN OCTOBER bility my dad faced, he found it very hard to resurfaced my faith, whilst allowing me to friend called Fr. Gabriel Flynn. I remember Details later. 16 | ALIVE! SEPTEMBER 2019
to be catholic, in the costs low; minimal full-time staff common sense of the and strong voluntary support, less Lessons Learned for the Future emphasis on facilities and infra- word, instead reserved structure, and significant flexibility for the privileged and around learning outcomes and sub- of Irish Catholic Education wealthy. ject choices. In seeking models that may suite Catholic Ireland’s cur- JOSEPH MARTIN rent education conundrum, the extent that in 2017, the Australian As with most things French, bishop’s conference noted that “it French experience merits close France has a somewhat complex is impossible to . . . ensure Catholic inspection. menu of education options; a three- reland’s history of excellence in schools can continue to teach the Of course, Ireland’s unique his- tier system of public and private Catholic education dates back Catholic view of marriage.” tory, culture and language requires schools, as well as the “écoles sous to the fifth century when Irish a unique Catholic curriculum. I contrat d’association”, a uniquely monks reignited flames of learn- Clearly, where Catholic While programmes might draw French solution to separation of ing across Europe in the wake of inspiration from international education is provided church and state which part-funds Barbarian invasions. However, the best practice, classical methodol- with the support of neo- private schools, mostly Catholic, in latest wave of neo-liberal ideologies ogies, and the existing Irish state pose unique and unprecedented liberal governments, return for the privilege of permit- curriculum, it should be foremost challenges to existing Catholic edu- often espousing an ting religious education. a student-centred experience However, it is the unfunded pri- cation models, not least in our own overtly anti-Catholic rooted in the Irish Catholic tradi- country. vate Catholic establishments that tion which enables each student to As a growing consensus emerges world view, an authentic have seen the most significant discover through learning the deep around the incompatibility of the Catholic education growth, particularly since 2013 love of God, as well as their calling when the French government leg- new Irish public education system system aligned with Engraved portrait, with autograph, in God’s world. islated for “mariage pour tous” in with an authentic Catholic ethos, Catholic social, moral of John Henry Cardinal Newman, The Leaving Certificate exami- a pressing question is what new published in 1882. spite of the largest street demon- nation will remain the gateway to model for Catholic education can and theological strations since World War II. further study in Ireland. However, co-exist in a pluralist Irish society. norms is incongruous struggle to provide Catholic edu- There are currently about 250 it cannot be the prism through Looking overseas, we find little with publicly funded cation to their children. There primary and secondary Catholic which Catholic students view their inspiration in an English Catholic are notable exceptions, such as schools in France operating “hors education and learning. Significant education system where a reliance education. the Christo Rey Schools Network contrat” or without state funding opportunities exist to introduce on local authority funding has, in which emerged in Hispanic com- and while some have struggled the study of philosophy and theol- general, resulted in a gradual ero- The United States has long been munities in Chicago, as well as the financially, they remain the fast- ogy, as well as innovative teaching sion of authentic Catholic values. seen as the international gold burgeoning Catholic home-school est growing sector in the French and learning outcomes in the study Like in Ireland, there is no expec- standard for private Catholic edu- co-operatives, and a staunch cohort education system. The schools of English and Irish literature, tation that most staff in Catholic cation beyond the tentacles of of authentically Catholic schools are unapologetically Catholic with history, music, art, and even math- schools are practising Catholics. government or ideological interfer- providing a classical education, as times for communal prayer during ematics and science, which can In Australia, one in five students ence. However, between 1970 and highlighted by the annual Newman the school-days and many draw on serve as tools for catechesis and receive a Catholic education with 2010, the number of US Catholic Society’s honour roll. the classical education model to formation. Small pilot schools can the support of the state. schools dropped by a third, while However, as a whole, include philosophy and theology serve as test beds for this approach. Inevitably, secular ideologies tuition costs have increased dras- within their schedules. Ireland’s rich history of Catholic have also seeped into Austral- tically. US Catholic education Most of the new schools are run education is not coming to an end ian Catholic school culture to the US middle-class families now seems to have ceased with a “start-up” culture to keep but rather rediscovering its roots.
do something difficult: improve be in good health, but it is also to one little thing in your life, then enable the best psychological and Set your house in another. Don’t blame the world for intellectual development of each what is wrong with your life. young person. It includes simple perfect order before In his strikingly appealing style, things, such as eating well, sleeping Peterson continues: “The ancient at regular hours and being reasona-
Jews always blamed themselves bly fit, without falling into excessive Photo: Gage Skidmore. you criticise the world when things fell apart. They acted care for oneself. This is the first step Jordan Peterson speaking at the as if God’s goodness – the good- towards responsibility. 2018 Student Action Summit. ness of reality – was axiomatic, and The second goal of scouting is DR. BÉNÉDICTE SAGE-FULLER of right and wrong - leading to took responsibility for their failure. character formation. Scouting aims The fourth goal of scouting is the nihilism, and forced indoctrination That’s insanely responsible. at the integral development of the service to others. The youth learns into this ideology. “But the alternative is to judge young woman or man. It helps them to become generous, to overcome ule 6 of Jordan Peterson’s Amazingly, there is something reality as insufficient, to criticize to learn to discern between what his own teenage difficulties by Best Seller “12 Rules for Life of alignment between his message Being itself, and to sink into resent- is important, and what is futile. turning his attention to others. He – An Antidote to Chaos” is watched by hundreds of thousands R ment and the desire for revenge.” Guides and scouts learn to make develops his capacity to love and to about taking responsibility for on YouTube, and the tenets of good decisions, to persevere and to give. Scouting teaches young guides one’s life. Peterson is a profes- Catholic Scouting. Catholic Scout- So there you have it: persist in their efforts. This is the and scouts to work daily to serve sor of psychology at University ing is about instilling in each young there is no alternative second step towards responsibility. others, so that it becomes a primary of Toronto, who made headlines Guide and Scout a sense of respon- The third goal of scouting is attitude in everyday life. This is the when he publicly opposed Ontario sibility, which alone can lead to to being responsible. to become practical. This means fourth step towards responsibility. legislation aimed at controlling the true freedom. This is insanely radical. Finally, the fifth goal of scouting, use of language and of pronouns learning good DIY skills, but more Scouting changes the world, one But life as a human the jewel in the crown, is the sense according to the preferred gender importantly acquiring a good sense guide, one scout at a time. In Rule of God. Christ is the First Scout, choice of your interlocutory, on being on this fallen of the real that surrounds us. 6 of his 12 Rules for Life, Peterson and He leads the guides and scouts pain of legal prosecution. says: “Who knows what existence Earth is radical. By living outdoors, to meet Him through the other four He is an Internet might be like if we all decided to a scout learns to goals. Indeed, we are incarnate strive for the best? Who knows Scouting proposes a simple sensation, he attracts be creative, to find human beings, not pure spirits. what eternal heavens might be and effective path towards taking practical ways to We must learn to live as human the crowds in his established by our spirits, purified responsibility. This is done improve his living beings, if we want to love our God refusal to bow down by truth, aiming skyward, right through the 5 Goals of Scouting. with all our strength. That is why conditions, and this to political correctness here on the fallen Earth?” Baden-Powell devised four, and physical health, character forma- By “[s]et your house in per- Father Sevin, the French Jesuit way, he learns to tion, being practical and serving and post-modernism. fect order before you criticize founder of Catholic Scouting added adapt and to find new others, are essential to develop the the world”, Peterson means take the 5th. These goals have shaped solutions. This is the ultimate goal of scouting, and last He better than anyone else responsibility for your life, do the lives of hundreds of thousands third step towards step towards responsibility, the explains how our Western youth, something with it, improve it, don’t of scouts throughout the world sense of God. the Millennials, have been raised play the victim. Take up your suf- since the early 20th century. responsibility. Join the Catholic Guides and under the double curse of extreme fering and change what you do The first goal of scouting is a good Scouts of Europe – Ireland, contact relativism, based on the rejection wrong. Don’t make things worse, physical health. This is not just to us at: [email protected] CULTURE SEPTEMBER 2019 ALIVE! | 17
ALIVE!’S FILM FOR THE MONTH goodness. It’s one thing incredible, and if you like seeing to have superpowers, things being blown up, this is the movie for you! But the real action but what if a superhero is happening in Jean’s inner life. lacks virtue? To quote a Can she deal with newly discovered Dark Phoenix Spiderman movie, ‘with pain? Will her new powers destroy great power comes her personal identity? Will she use her strength to serve her anger, to FR. CONOR MC DONOUGH OP ible speed. great responsibility’. destroy all around her? But there has to be more to it than that. I’m convinced that, at some The X-Men films are among In the end, and this owards the end of April, it level, we’re attracted to these sto- those that illustrate the risks that won’t come as a felt to many of us that half ries not because of their unreality, come with power. Just think of the the country – and half the but because they face up squarely, surprise, Jean Grey T two basic approaches in that series world – was taking their position succeeds in retaining and indeed realistically, to univer- to mutant-human relations: Mag- on the starting blocks, ready to sal human experiences. Just think neto (at least when he was a villain) her personal identity sprint to movie theatres on April of how these movies, and the comic wants powerful mutants to dom- and her commitment to 25, the opening date of ‘Avengers: books they’re based on, make vivid inate weak ‘unevolved’ humans, Endgame’, surely the most eagerly goodness, but only just. the difference between good and while Professor Xavier wants awaited movie of all time. Since Her victory depends on evil. As the late, great Catholic harmony between the two, and be grasped, but emptied himself, then the film has taken in over $2 commentator Stratford Caldecott emphasises the need for mutants an astounding sacrifice. taking the form of a servant [...]. billion. loved to point out, superhero sto- to use their powers cautiously and In order to choose good And being found in human form he What is it about superhero ries, out of all genres of cinema and ethically. and reject evil, Jean movies that we love so much? humbled himself and became obe- literature, are the strongest on this The latest instalment in the must match total power Part of the attraction is surely point. There’s little room for moral series, Dark Phoenix, out now dient unto death, even death on a the brief escape they afford us. relativism in the Marvel or DC uni- in cinemas, takes this question with total self-gift. cross’ (Philippians 2:6-8). It’s deeply satisfying, for a while verses ... to an extreme. After the psychic For medieval preachers and art- at least, to leave behind the ordi- mutant, Jean Grey, encounters a For Christian viewers, it’s not ists, this drama of beautiful power nariness of our daily lives and to The principal ethical strange force on a space mission hard to find seeds of the Gospel in emptying itself in love before imagine ourselves in a world where point these movies her powers are suddenly released this drama. The Incarnation too returning in glory was summed up humans – that is, we ourselves – explore repeatedly is the and the normally kind, mild-man- matches the power of almighty God in one of their favourite symbols are capable of extraordinary feats: nered woman becomes incredibly with loving self-emptying: ‘Though for Christ, the very same symbol time travel, manipulation of the relationship between dangerous. he was in the form of God, did not that flashes in the sky in this mov- weather, flying, invisibility, incred- power and moral Yes, Jean Grey’s powers are count equality with God a thing to ie’s final scene: the Phoenix.
our ability to make sense of the work of our own hands! world, just as it increases expo- Some smartphone users have nentially our access to “facts” both had to undergo a programme of Smartphone Junkies true and false. It even changes the digital detox. This focusses on physiology of our brains. The brain addressing the root causes of has to adapt itself constantly to the addiction to smartphones. It looks Switch off before you become one! non-stop randomness of the online at the emotional triggers that experience, and the repetitive jolts cause us to constantly reach for FR. LOUIS HUGHES OP that come with a ceaseless flow of the phone. Following detox, people new stimuli. report finding themselves more relaxed, more aware of their sur- e bump Social media in roundings, and with an increased into them particular profoundly attention span. Family and friends Wdaily on compromise our notice that they are more present the footpath – and attentive at home. heads bowed, right ability to pay attention thumbs, or both and accelerate the The lure of social media thumbs, working political and moral and the internet in feverishly – and all the time full general poses a serious steam ahead. Social media addicts fragmentation of was a Canadian communications political and religious upheaval. society that has been spiritual challenge to need to be connected at all times theorist and educator. Back in the An example from history is the to Facebook, WhatsApp or Twitter 1960s he mapped out how the pro- way the invention of the medium under way since the all of us. As faith is just as much as they need the liferation of telephone, radio and of printing in the fifteenth century mid-twentieth century. abandoned more and oxygen they breathe. TV usage changed the way people made the Protestant Reformation But “being connected” can make We may appear to be more in our society, thought, felt and acted at that time. possible by making vernacular them incapable of reading books, addictions of numerous He spoke about a “global village”, translations of the Bible widely entering a new world watching full-length films or even which had come into being as a available. of greater freedom kinds are multiplying. having uninterrupted conversa- result of “instant electronic infor- We are, for the most part, This is because we tions. Smartphone addiction is just and inexhaustible mation movement”. unaware of the effects that the com- one way in which new informa- information, but in fact all carry within us a munications media we use daily are tion technology is scattering our The slogan, “The be seduced into passive hunger, which has been attention and pulling our lives out having on us. As McLuhan put it: medium is the “We’re just keep trying to fit the old consumption. described as “a God- of focus. The internet is a gift that shaped hole”. has opened up a universe of infor- message” is his most things into the new form instead of mation and communication for memorable soundbyte. asking what the new form is going Our information technology everyone – just think of how par- What it means is that to do to all the assumptions we had is steadily evolving into a kind The God who created us, loves ents and their emigrant children the introduction of before”. This is crucial in terms of of ritual that demands more of us infinitely and unconditionally, can so easily keep in contact via how the Church uses the internet our time and attention through- provided we give him the chance. Skype or Viber. any new medium of and social media. out every hour of the day, and the Realizing this love involves giving But there is a downside, and communication causes We put big resources into getting night. Online “friendships” under- serious time to prayer, especially we may not be aware of its scale changes in the lives the Gospel message on-line. How- mine our relationships with real silent contemplative prayer. This and impact. The new technology and culture of those ever, we are not paying enough people and with God. Perhaps means switching off, not just the does not just provide new ways of attention to how this internet usage something of this was foreseen in smartphone, but everything. We processing old information and who use it. is affecting our own spirit as Chris- an iconic song of the 1960s, Simon need to stay in the silence, waiting enabling us to hold conversations tians. One might ask for example: and Garfunkel’s, The Sound of for God, who alone can satisfy us. across continents. It is radically These changes can be more sig- what has become of the practice of Silence: “And the people bowed In the words of St. Augustine, “You changing us and the world in which nificant in the long run than the silence which is essential for any and prayed, to the neon god they made us for yourself, O Lord, and we live. information carried through that serious life of prayer? made”. We end up worshipping as our hearts are restless until they Marshall McLuhan (1911 – 1980) medium. They can lead to social, Too much internet compromises ‘god’ the technology which is the rest in You.” 18 | ALIVE! SEPTEMBER 2019
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Sky TV, shared pool, www.RadioFence.ie received. AK. long/short term. Special winter rates. Tel: CORK farmer 49 years old. 6’ tall. Sincere, HOLYLAND pilgrimage, 4th -13th October, kind, caring, NS, RC. Interests include pol- 087 237 1716. BLIND Exit? Driveway Safety Mirrors from leaving from Dublin. Full spiritual itinerary led THANKSGIVING to the Sacred Heart & his itics, travel, cinema, socialising, country only €39.95 www.BranBest.com Orders/ by our spiritual advisor. Stg£1,149 which Bl. Mother for two babies being born. A loan LUXURY 2 bed bungalow for holiday lets, music, prayer meetings, dining out, and Enquiries Tel 087 244 5568 Nationwide. can be paid in installments. For further infor- granted. A house found. Exam passed. St. short or long stays, all mod cons, suitable walking. Wltm someone between the age of mation contact Brenda on 004477 6172 Anthony for many favours received. Thanks for wheelchairs, in beautiful surroundings at 34-50, and practising Christian with a view 6640 from the Republic or 077 6172 6640 WANTED. Altar for an Oratory and statue of be to God. SC. Knock, Mayo, 087 640 6588. to marriage. Box 2506. from the north of Ireland. St. Pio. Tel: 086 199 6933. THANKS to the Sacred Heart, Our Lady, APARTMENT to rent in Medjugorje 3-bed- KILDARE lady, mid 60s, NDNS, caring, TRIP to Portugal Sept 8-14, afternoon and St. Joseph for favours received. LH. room. Lift access. All mod cons. 5 mins from DISABLED lady seeks mini sewing honest, no ties, varied interests. Wltm gen- flights ex-Dublin. Four star accommodation. church. Tel: 086 105 5388. machine. Offers. Tel: 087 644 4416. uine gent, mid 60-70, for friendship. Simple E875 fully inclusive. Visiting Lisbon and the USEFUL SERVICES things in life. Box 2507. birthplace of St. Anthony, the beautiful resort NORTH West Donegal, 2 bedroom cot- of Cascais, the royal town of Sintra, and ALL unwanted home waste removed. tage, sleeps 6, free wi-fi, 2 miles to beach, 1 NOVENA ACTIVE lady, pensioner, seeking a nice the sanctuary of Fatima. Buffet breakfasts, Cookers, fridges, beds, suites, wardrobes, mile to shops and pubs. 1 bedroom cottage room in Kerry or Cork town. Rent reasona- DEAR Sacred Heart of Jesus in the past I all dinners (with drinks), some lunches, full carpets, etc, removed and disposed of in also available. E220 July/August. E160 rest ble. Box 2508. have asked for many favours, this time I ask coaching, all tours, all baggage fees and proper manner. No job too small or big. of year. E85 weekends. Tel: 074 954 4403 you this very special favour (mention it). Take taxes included. Each rooms with tea making Contact Tommy 087 640 6015. or 087 756 2467. PILGRIMAGES it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it in your facilities, balcony and kitchenette. Tel: 057 broken Heart where your Father can see HOUSE to rent Glenties, Dungloe, Co. MEDJUGORJE 9 nights, Oct 3rd-12th 9355050, mornings only. www.culturalcon- REFACE your kitchen. We change kitchen it. Then in his merciful eyes, it will become Donegal, for summer months. Pease con- E729pps, with Marian Pilgrimages. Contact nections.eu TA0776 cabinet doors, and worktops. Free esti- your favour, not mine. Amen. Sacred Heart tact 074 973 8007. Carmel 087 253 3718. mates. Tel: 01 862 4647. of Jesus I place all my trust in thee. Say this RELIGIOUS MALE 60, working in Dublin, looking for prayer for 3 days, promise publication and DIVINE Mercy pilgrimage, ex Dublin & TYPEWRITERS & dictating machines, room in Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford area. Tel: favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Belfast, Krakow, Sept 5-10, from £479. HOLYFACE Reparation books, medals, & repairs, sales, ribbons, most makes, Tel: 01 085 118 0544. EC, Grandma, RMcF. Contact Danny 028 (Rol 048) 9024 5547. various scapulars. Write to: Michael Gorm- 8309333. ley, 68 Melvin Rd, Terenure, Dublin 6W. MEDJUGORJE 3rd Sept, 7 nights. Sp. Dir. KNOCK House for sale in the retirement PERSONAL LAWNMOWERS chain saws, etc. Repairs village. This property is ready to move into. Fr. Oliver Brennan. Darko House, beside & sales. Open Sat 9.30-1pm. Esmonde church. Tel: Phyllis Mulligan 087 202 8492. THINKING about a vocation? Interested in Wheelchair accessible with ramp to the LOOKING to contact Gertrude Timoney of knowing about the Dominican friars? Visit Machinery 0402 37182. landscaped garden with garage. Contact, Finntown, Co. Donegal. Worked in Great CHRISTMAS pilgrimage group to the www.dominicans.ie 087 742 7154. STATUES ornaments, glass restoration Southern Hotels. Contact Mick O’Sullivan Holyland. Ex-Dublin 19th-27th December. nationwide. Dr. Nicholas von Kerckhoff www. 087 637 0598. Also Holyland 31st October for Halloween RETREAT House in St. Benedict’s Priory, KNOCK 5 bedroom house on 0.5 acre atelier-nicholas.com Tel: 087 2203898. approx. Upstairs: 4 bedrooms ensuite, large 8 nights. Taking in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Cobh run by Benedictine Nuns. Daily Mass, bathroom, converted attic with 2 rooms. DUBLIN lady 60s, kind, caring, etc, wltm (Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Day and Night Adoration, Monastic Liturgy, Downstairs: large kitchen with french doors gent, similar age, for friendship/relationship. Last Supper Room and Calvary), Mount stunning views of Cobh Harbour, beauti- leading to patio and garden, sitting room, Box 2501. Tabor, Cana, Nazareth, Jericho, River ful Bible Garden, Library, meals provided. living room, utility and toilet. Also on the Jordan, Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee. Con- For more information contact the guest ground floor is 1 bedroom with ensuite. Large LEINSTER gent, NS, 60yrs, enjoys dining tact James Treacy 086 057 2216. garden with garage. Site next door also for out, weekends away, wltm lady of similar R sale. For more details, call 087 742 7154 or age for companionship. Tel: 085 823 6134. MEDJUGORJE M B e-mail me at [email protected] October 4th MALE early 70s, NS, wltm a sincere lady, OUR LADY MISCELLANEOUS single or widowed. Portlaoise or Kildare. 7 nights €559 Box 2502. OF FATIMA ALOE VERA Forever living products. 10 nights €629 Distributor: Phil Colgan 01 628 1436; Five First Insurance included. 086 243 7653. PLAIN Mary, but attractive in many other Saturdays Devotion ways wltm a personable, refined, educated HEALTH and wellness company requires gent, preferably a widower, for friendship. FATIMA Old Parish Church, Knock Shrine, on 10 -14th September help, flexible hours work from home. Part Ideally age range 80ish. Mary is retired, first Saturday of each month at 11am. time and full time earnings available, email widow, educated, young at heart, digni- Full board – €499pps. E G [email protected] or phone Anita 087 062 4108. fied, trustworthy, kind and caring, vgsoh. Mass at 12pm with Enrolment in the P Box 2503. Brown Scapular. Pat & Phil 087 223 8911 DO you suffer from aches and pains? or 01 628 1436 Departs Dublin Why not call and find out about our amaz- EASYGOING widower, 69, NS, wltm nice Our Lady’s Promise: th th ing supplement called Move? Phone Anita widow or single lady in the Leinster area, She would, “assist at the hour of 6 - 9 September 087 062 4108 or email [email protected] for companionship. My hobbies are walking, death, with the graces necessary for With Guided tour of salvation, the souls who make the pps St. Peter’s Basilica FINANCIAL opportunity available promot- dancing and cards. Box 2504. MEDJUGORJE €599 ing ASEA cellular health products. www. First Five Saturdays”. 26th October - 2nd November Call or visit www.marian.ie for the redoxlife.com Tel: Margaret 087 207 8718. DUBLIN lady 48, single seeks profes- Full 3 day itinerary sional gent, not farmer, aged 46-58, single, Coming Dates €699pps - Insurance included AGGRESSIVE dogs? Fend them off with for longterm friendship. Preferably Dublin/ Saturday, 7th September 2019 Philomena Cleary WWW.MARIAN.IE Dazer for Walkers, Cyclists, Postmen. Kildare area, but will travel. Likes walking, Saturday, 5th October 2019 01 878 8159 Nationwide brochure: 087 244 5568. socialising, eating out, etc. Box 2505. 087 631 3978 FULLY LICENSED AND BONDED TO142
Steve was not going to be with spiritual work was the hardest of “I remember his anointing most LIVES OF THE SAINTS them much longer. When he was all. And I pointed out that he was vividly. Three other men were lined just fifty six he was diagnosed with now doing the spiritual work of his up on the bed and anointed at the cancer. After an unsuccessful oper- life, lying there suffering, endur- same time, sitting there like gaunt ation he was taken to St. Rose’s ing, sowing all his own desires, in old crows, their simple solemn DOROTHY DAY Cancer Hospital on the East Side, order to reap them in heaven. He faces lifted expectantly, childlike, to die. Over the door was the rather began to realize that he had to die watching every move of the priest, PART 31 pacifism. He thought they were merciless inscription, Home of the in order to live, that the door would as he anointed their eyes, nose, subversive. This was shortly after a Cancerous Poor. Dorothy and Peter open, that there was a glorious mouth, ears.” he location in which the riot in the district during which the went to see him every day. She had vista before him, ‘that all things Steve died suddenly one morn- operating headquarters of rioters had made their way through just been on retreat and was filled were his.’ ing, and there was no one with TDorothy’s movement found the district where the office was with enthusiasm and ready to talk “I read Bede Jarrett’s No Abid- him. Like many whom Dorothy itself was often very precarious. located, wrecking all the store to anyone who would listen on the ing City to him, and some of Father knew, he regretted not being able Sometimes it might be a temporar- fronts as they went. During the long implications of the Christian life— Faber’s talks on death, and he to do more in this life. “Just as ily unoccupied office, later it might night of the rioting they heard the and Steve always loved to converse, enjoyed them all. They offered they are beginning to open their be a closed-down main street store, Negroes who made up the maraud- she wrote later. him the richness of thought that eyes to the glory and the potential- another casualty of the Depression. ing crowds saying “Don’t touch this “I went to St. Rose’s each day he craved, and when the Sister ities of life their life is cut short as At one point she, Peter Maurin place.” Steve and Peter and the old with my notes, and read them to who cared for him asked him if he a weaver’s thread. They were like and Steve Hergenhan were set up professor who inhabited the store him. He gradually became happy did not want Baptism, he shouted the grass of the field. ‘The spaces in a store in Harlem from which heard them say. “These folks are and reconciled. He had said, ‘There wholeheartedly, “Yes!” of this life, set over against eter- they were eventually evicted by the all right.” The windows all around is so much I wanted to do.’ And I Dorothy and Peter were his nity, are most brief and poor,’ one owner, a member of the National them were smashed and the roar- told him that physical work was sponsors. To her it was a miracle of of the desert fathers said. It is part Guard who did not agree with their ing mobs passed down the avenue. hard, mental work harder, and God’s grace. He received Viaticum. of ‘the long loneliness’.” SEPTEMBER 2019 ALIVE! | 19 PRIZE CROSSWORD CROSSWOCRYPTICRD NCLUESO.: €25 237• for the first correctSeptember entry out 2019 of the bag. Entries before Wednesday, 11th Sept. Kids Corner €25 One entry per family. Winner & answers next month. NO. 237 Dia dhaoibh a pháistí, 1 2 3 4 5 6 Did you enjoy August? It’s a COLOURING COMPETITION - WIN €10 191 really cool month as it’s dedicated 7 8 to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In August we also celebrated an 9 important feast day, the feast of the Assumption in which Mary, 10 11 because her love of God was so great was taken both body and soul up into Heaven to live with God and 12 13 her son Jesus for all eternity. Just like Mary, she loved God and Jesus 14 15 16 because they were her family, and now she lives with them in Heaven. 17 18 Through her example you should love your family in same way also. 19 20 21 Sometimes family can be annoying and difficult at times, but when you 22 23 feel like getting annoyed or irri- tated you should always know that you can pray to Mary and Jesus 24 25 and ask them to help. It is impor- tant to remember that your family 28 29 will always love and care for you the same way Mary loved and cared ACROSS DOWN for Jesus. ✃ 7. Blood type posted goes missing (6) 1. Bad song© bringsEMMANUEL disease (7) PRESS Slán go fóill, 8. Express sorrow for the right kind of heron (6) 2. Fled with crazy speed around California (7) Aisling 10. A mother’s energy? Astonishing! (7) 3. Bent nails used to capture mollusc! (5) ACROSS 11. Annoyed that potassium was used in dire mixture 4. Be mercifulDOWN when I go in two directions during (5) Lent (7) CONNECT THE DOTS 7. Blood type posted12. Article goestaken from missing the Dolomite (6) Museum (4) 5. Can a frog1. noise Bad be heard song in this brings Park? (5)disease (7) 8. Express sorrow13. Leaving for the with righttwo of thesekind and of you’reheron gone? (6) (5) 6. Alien due2. to changeFled musical with composition!crazy speed (5) around California (7) Connect the dots from 1-59 and 10. A mother’s energy?17. City morning Astonishing! man! (5) (7) 9. Fool roaming3. aroundBent America nails (9)used to capture mollusc! (5) find out who Samson fought with 18. Inform William? (4) 14. Imitate what a mule somehow consumed (7) and won. 11. Annoyed that22. potassiumKind of seat for wasa pigeon used (or rat)? in dire(5) 15. Strange fund4. etcBe is obsoletemerciful (7) when I go in two directions during mixture (5) 23. Three of you, we hear, go with Gary to this 16. Footballers on stage?Lent (7)(7) 12. Article taken fromcountry the (7) Dolomite Museum (4) 19. Perhaps as5. Indian Can as Mra Paisley?frog noise (5) be heard in this Park? (5) 24. Distributes voting papers mostly (6) 20. Need these to fix broken stool? (5) 13. Leaving with two of these and you’re gone? (5) 6. Alien due to change musical composition! (5) ✃ 25. Swordsman who’s free around North Carolina (6) 21. Ars priest has 500 healed! (5) 17. City morning man! (5) 9. Fool roaming around America (9) NAME SOLUTION TO JULY CROSSWORD: 18. Inform William? (4) 14. JULYImitate CROSSWORD what a WINNER:mule somehow consumed (7) ACROSS: 1. Blockbuster 8. Lesson 9. Seraph 11. Sheltered ADDRESS 22. Kind of seat14. for Grass a pigeon 15. Pop-up (or rat)?16. Decreased (5) 20. Amoral 21. Monaco 15. StrangeMarie McNamara,fund etc is obsolete (7) 23. Three of you,22. weGet heacracking.r, go DOWN: with Gary2. Lists to 3. this Croke 4. Shear 5. Eland 16. FootballersCoolraine Heights, on stage? Old (7) country (7) 6. Claregalway 7. Chairperson 10. Striker 12. Haste 13. Elope 19. PerhapsCratloe Rd, as Limerick.Indian as Mr Paisley? (5) 16. Drone 17. Craic 18. Smock 19. Drain. AGE 24. Distributes voting papers mostly (6) 20. Need these to fix broken stool? (5) Return to ALIVE! St. Mary’s Priory, Tallaght, Dublin25. 24. Swordsman NAMEwho’s free around North 21. Ars priest has 500 healed! (5) Carolina (6) CAN YOU UNSCRAMBLE THESE WORDS? ADDRESS AUSMSPOITN USJES COLOURING COMPETITION WINNER FOR JULY WAS: Chloe Lavin, IMAMCUALTE YMRA Emlaghfad, Ballymote, TELEPHONE
Co. Sligo. Age 10.
ASSUMPTION, IMMACULATE, JESUS, MARY JESUS, IMMACULATE, ASSUMPTION, ANSWERS: Solution to ALIVE! St. Mary’s Priory, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Solutions to July/August Crossword: Across: 1. Blockbuster 8. Lesson DUMBAG WRITES... LETTERS FROM A MASTER TO A TRAINEE9. Seraph 11. Sheltered TEMPTER 14. Grass 15. Pop-up 16. Decreased 20. Amoral 21. Monaco The Indignation of ture of it. Because that might hurt Smithers- they have put the horror 22. Get cracking. her feelings and she may change of abortion behind closed doors. It GREAT NEWS! Down: 2. Lists 3. Croke 4. Shear Feelings Hurt her mind. is sanitised. Only a silent scream. It 3 HOURS5. Eland OF 6. Claregalway PRAISE & WORSHIP This generation will pass away is great. 7. Chairperson 10. Striker 12. Haste Dear Dastardly Smithers, but the legacy of the Irish nation’s Lately some foolhardy souls have OF13. GOD Elope 16. IN Drone KNOCK 17. Craic SHRINE righteous indignation of hurt feel- been protesting outside Holles 18. Smock 19. Drain. he indignation of feelings hurt ings will live on. We have fooled Street Hospital with a display of Praise & Worship with Exposition from 10am – 1pm in the Smithers, has had this nation them. white coffins. A little bit of righteous Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Knock as a ‘new dimension’ to our Tdragged right into the toilet. We convinced them that the hurt indignation shut that down quick, HLI Ireland Annual Pilgrimage.‘A day in Honour of Our Lady’ It is great. The abortion referen- feelings of a few trump the rights of didn’t it? Hurt feelings are clouding on Saturday, 5th Oct 2019. dum was won because nowadays the majority. Those babies legally the issue again. They are great. They “The Lord is enthroned in the praises you can’t tell people something murdered will never have a birth detract from the big picture issue of His people.” Psalm 22:3 that might offend them. Even if it’s certificate, a death certificate, the and focusing on false pity. the truth, even if it might save their opportunity to have feelings of their These ‘hard cases’. They got us As God’s people praise Him, His graces soul, we have people convinced not own. Innocent, defenceless, and here. Now hurt feelings will keep come down. Let’s pray for Ireland and to offend. hardly anyone cares anymore. us here. We will use them to keep the world! No, no, Smithers. The Irish “Oh the poor women,” we tricked the wolves from the door (of the Music and Praise led by Cormac people live for the comforts of this them into thinking, distracted from hospitals). Buckley from ‘Living Waters’ in Dublin. world only. A young woman might the awful reality that is abortion on All it takes for evil to flourish is for not want a pregnancy, or a baby, demand. good people to remain silent. Some- See Full Pilgrimage Details on Page 6. impinging on her freedom and her Feelings, the cherry on top of the times I think our job is too easy … Human Life International (Ireland) education, so they think abortion is PC movement. You can’t talk about Yours despicably, Guadalupe Centre, Main Street, Knock Co Mayo. the natural choice. No one will tell anything real - you might hurt TELEPHONE EMAIL WEB her what that actually entails, or someone’s feelings. Newsflash, have the audacity to show her a pic- Dumbag 094 937 5993 [email protected] www.humanlife.ie 20 | ALIVE! SEPTEMBER 2019
St. Jude’s Centre is a place of Welcome and Healing At St. Jude’s we offer space for all to come and separate themselves from the world. To tell their story and to be heard and understood. We want you to be able to relax and feel at home and to go on your way unburdened and with a new freedom in your life.
One of the primary forms of healing Prayer in the centre we deal in is Inner Healing. Daily we gather to open ourselves to the We are all wounded in some form. And Love of God, through his mercy and love. some Wounds come from memories of past There are set times of communal prayer and experiences that have hurt us emotionally. we consecrate ourselves to Our Lady. It was These feelings can cripple us and make us under her direction that St. Jude’s opened ill. You have the opportunity to allow healing and we entrust our lives and all the work of to set us free, to bring us to the fullness of the house to her with the recitation of the life. The opportunity for prayer is offered Rosary. We have a special devotion to St. with an experienced team who will listen Jude, Apostle of Hope, as we have witness in a compassionate and non-judgemental first hand that no one is beyond the mercy manner. of God. We run in-house programs, and on request we facilitate retreats for other groups in Community to us is very important to us external settings. We know everyone has something to • Day of Healing contribute and something to learn. We share our lives, our laughter, tears and forgiveness. • Prayer Meeting We gain encouragement in praying together. • 3 day retreats Hospitality flows out of community. We • Life in the Spirits Seminar invite people to join and be part of this. • Parish Mission and School Retreats Upcoming Events
September 7th, 12 noon – 4pm October 12th, 12 noon – 4pm “The mercies of the Lord are renewed “My soul magnifies the Lord.” (Luke1:36) each morning, so great is His faithfulness” An afternoon of prayer with Our Lady Queen (Lamentations3:22-23). Come and experience of Peace God’s faithfulness. October 21st – October 23rd An afternoon of Healing Prayer. “Be it done unto me according to your Word.” September 27th – September 29th (Lk. 1:38) “Of you my heart speaks, your presence Let the Word of God bring you healing. O Lord I seek. Hide not your face from me.” (Psalm 27:8-9) November 9th, 12 noon – 4pm Allowing the Lord to speak in the silence of “Peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be your heart. troubled or afraid” (Jn. 14:27) An afternoon of prayer for our loved ones who have gone before us. For more information contact St. Jude’s Centre Carrigeen, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, E41 HN56 www.stjudecentre.ie To book your place today contact Mary on 089 454 3930
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