Earlier today I shared these words at Mass in St Agnes’ Cathedral. I’d first written them a few years ago for our parish magazine and updated them recently for an article in The Messenger Magazine. After Mass a number of people told me they liked the lines so thought I’d include them here again. They’re intended as a reflection on the years since Ordination – thirty years ago now – in 1987.
There was, in poetry, a time
I thought things had to rhyme.
That was, in poetry, the only way
at least that’s what I used to say!
But of that today I’m not so sure
could it be I’m more mature?
As a student in St Nathy’s College, I never fully understood poems that didn’t rhyme. More than that, I disliked them and the “poets” who wrote them seemingly unaware that poems should have a rhyming pattern!
So is that I’m more mature?
Like you, of that, I’m not so sure
From whence then came the clue
Some don’t rhyme and some just do
The answer I suppose lies in life … as a boy, a student in Maynooth, a newly ordained priest I knew there were questions but I thought answers were easily found. Things had an order about them – a sort of pattern like the rhyming poem.
The rhyme continued. Most people went to Mass. Churches were relatively full most of the time. Prayers were said and it seemed so important to keep the Parish together. I enjoyed those early days.
“The Lord be with you”, I would say
“And also with you” as one they’d pray
Great to see you; and so it was
Together then we’d stand and pause
Sins confessed, Sacred Story shared
His Body and Blood for all, nothing spared.
First baptism, first wedding – such joyful occasions, shared easily with people oozing joy and happiness owned the day. I don’t remember the First Confession I heard and often think that tells its own reassuring story of the sacredness of that Sacrament. Lines drawn in the sand, and no need to re-live or re-visit – that’s the way it’s meant to be, people move on renewed and refreshed having been forgiven through the gentleness of the Sacrament. First Communion Days and Confirmation in the parish all combined to enrich the rhyme.
He died in a tragic accident. His wife and children were devastated and the community drew to a halt. I went to the hospital for the removal and an elderly woman told me afterwards how sorry she felt for me in my short-sleeved shirt. I could as easily have been a boy in short trousers. Words were scarce and the rhyme was gone … it’s hard to speak in rhyme or think in rhyme when people’s hearts are broken. There were others like that; sudden deaths, car accidents, cancer and sickness, loss of Faith, decline in practice, indifference, hostility, scandals, doubts, anger, negative press, decline of vocations …. and still, through it all, the whispered refrain “I the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright …… Whom shall I send?”
The rhyme was in decline but the poem was still needed. I looked for signs, listened for voices, sought direction – wondered! Somehow, thanks be to God, the heart of the poem remained intact, enriched even by some of life’s questions and held sacred in the lives of many good people who cradled the faith, caressed the verse and, in time, helped me realise:
poems don’t have to rhyme but
they should speak
to a soul in need of Grace
a wound in need of healing
a heart in need of mending
a darkness in need of light
a thought in need
of sharing
And that’s what I want to say. Despite the difficulties and the sadness, the changes and the uncertainties, the Poem must go on. We must find time to share thoughts and place with one another, to bring people to that point where the Word is heard even if not fully grasped and prayers are prayed even in uncertainty.
The days have gone well. Since last post, I’ve had the privilege of baptizing seven children in the Cathedral of St Agnes on Sunday last. It was a lovely celebration and great to see so many people there. One of the children was named “McGregor” (first name!!) and I did offer the parents the opportunity to change their minds but they declined:) In fairness his other name was Stephen so we’re okay! There was a a Featherstone among the children baptized and that name linked me with my mother’s cousins, Teresa and Kay and the Featherstone family. I asked the people if they knew their Irish connection but they didn’t. I said that my cousins were often called “Feathers” rather than Featherstone and they said it was the same for them among the family.
St Agnes’ Cathedral, Rockville Centre,
Later that evening I met a priest from Galway Diocese who is doing a temporary spell in a New York Parish. We met near Times Square where I met some interesting “characters”
The “not so real” Vincent and Donald
Along the way I stopped to watch a man (the not so little Drummer Boy, perhaps!!) beating out the rhythm on a collection of buckets and pans. It was a wonderful sound. Suddenly a little child decided to join in – a lovely moment
After spending a bit of time with my priest friend I headed to the Theatre again – this time to see “School of Rock”. I’d been assured it was very good and have to agree. No more than the child on the street corner, the stage was filled and alive with the talent of children and adults but the children, in many ways, stole the show. Really glad I went.
On Monday I celebrated the Funeral Mass of the mother of my cousin’s wife. The family lives in Rockville Centre and, over the years, I’ve had the joy of celebrating the wedding Masses of two of the daughters and a niece. It was the grandmother of these three that had died and I was pleased to be asked to celebrate her Funeral Mass. We went to St Mel’s Parish, Flushing (Queens) for the Funeral and I met another wonderful priest there, Fr Gerard, who could not have been any more welcoming. After the burial we went for lunch and later that afternoon I caught a train to New York where I was happy to meet with two friends from Maynooth days. It’s so good to be able to spend time with friends. As if I need reminding, that’s the reason I like to come here.
I had lunch yesterday with two of the staff (one now retired) who have constantly been kind and supportive of me through the years. We usually try to meet up at some point during my stay and yesterday was that point. I was happy to have the bit of time with them.
That’s more or less it – hours now rather than days to home time. Lots of good memories to bring with me and lots of good days to look ahead to at home.
For the twentieth year running, I’ve had the chance to spend a bit of time in New York. I spent two summers in Huntington (1997 and 1998) and, since then, in Rockville Centre Parish. It’s pure routine now and sometimes I wonder why I don’t do something different. The answer lies in the fact I feel welcome here and have the chance to meet with friends from home and others that I’ve made through the years here. Also I get a chance to “minister” in another setting and in a Church that matters to me. During the time here this year I’ve had the chance to celebrate Mass, attend a man approaching his final hour and offer him the Sacraments, to hear confessions and to baptize a number of children. Alongside this, I have shared food and time with priests from the parish, a priest from India (here like myself on a temporary placement) and to get a wider view of life. I will also celebrate the Funeral Mass of the mother of my cousin’s wife – whose daughters I have married here in recent years. All in all then, it’s a lovely place to be for a while and I always feel welcome.
My home away from home!!
During the time here I had the chance to meet with friends – as I say, some from home and some that I’ve met here over the years. I visited the McEnerney Family in Crestwood. Noelle, a neighbour from home, is married to Tom and I baptized their children – the younger of whom is now starting college. Years pass so quickly. Spent a little time in Grand Central Station when waiting for the train and took in some of its atmosphere.
I spent a bit of time at the first birthday party of a cousin’s daughter at the weekend. I married her parents here a few years ago and it’s lovely to have that link. Always feel welcome and happy to meet these people.
On Monday I walked the Brooklyn Bridge with friends from Kiltimagh. It’s something I’d wanted to do for a while and am glad to have been able to. Thanks to Elizabeth and Lorraine who met and walked with me. Thanks also to Joe who met us later and treated me to a fine meal! That never goes astray (more of that later!!) I was to meet an old friend from Maynooth days that evening but plans changed and it didn’t happen. I am grateful to him nonetheless for his willingness to meet and constant welcome. It was the afternoon of the Solar Eclipse and though my walking companions claimed to see it and there were signs telling people to turn on their lights during the eclipse, to me and for me nothing happened!! I don’t advocate Graffiti but since there was a lot there already and a pen was at hand, I decided to make my case for “Sligo”!! (@sligogaa)
I stayed that night in New Jersey and had a wonderful evening with an “all Irish” house! Met some people I’d not met before and we had a good few laughs. I also walked another of the New York Bridges “The George Washington” and that was a good experience as well. For all the walking I’ve done, there’s not been much payback in weight loss. Again, more of that later!
Crossing from Jersey to Manhattan
I visited my aunt Mary Margaret in Richmond. I had planned on a shorter bus trip to Fairfax County, near Washington DC but plans changed and I took a Greyhound Bus from New York to Richmond. I hadn’t told my aunt as I decided I’d surprise her. The bus ride took seven and a half hours!! Ouch! That said, the time passed and it was fine. A long time on a bus however. (Geraghtys and Michael Roddy take note!!)
She was happy to see me! If not, she didn’t let on:) Later her friend and neighbour Lisa called in and we chatted for a while. Mary Margaret’s cousin Pat called too and we went for dinner – the three of us – and that too was good.
“Doorstepped”
Mary Margaret and Pat
I spent the night in Richmond. Mary Margaret is always good company and I am glad we had the chance to meet. That said, she did deal me a killer blow! Remember me mentioning the food and that I’d come back to it later. Well now IS later!! I was standing in her kitchen, getting a glass of water and she put her hand on my shirt and pointing to my stomach said “Is that all you?” I was (literally) gutted!! It’s like something my mother would have said:) Sadly, I had to admit that yes, it was all me!!
Next day I went to Fairfax County and met my friends Jeanie and Corky Korves. Our friendship goes back twenty years to my first visit to Huntington. I attended Jeanie’s mother who was approaching her final hour and discovered that she was a native of Lisacul. I attended her funeral and Jeanie and her family have become friends of mine ever since that time and I am thankful for that. We had a lovely evening and later were joined by their son, his wife and three children (who stayed with me in Kilmovee about two weeks ago) and YES, more food. “Is that all you?”
On my way back to Rockville Centre I went to a Broadway Show “Beautiful The Carole King Musical” – it was amazing. Wonderful songs that I’d heard many times but not realised she’d written/composed. Strange how we so easily forget the author of a song. Was glad to be there.
So a lot of the time here is centred around meeting people. That’s the reason I enjoy being here so much – the chance to meet and spend a bit of time with friends and extended family. That’s also the reason I look forward to home and that the time comes when I know it’s time …..
I’m lucky to have so many good people around me. I hope you know I’m thankful.
I celebrated Mass this morning and remembered my mother, Mary, who died eight years ago today. She died on the Feastday of Our Lady of Knock and, as I write these lines, I am looking at Mass from Knock Shrine marking the launch of a year’s journey towards the Word Meeting of Families, to be held in Dublin next August. As I ask God to bless my mother’s memory, so too I ask God to bless that preparation and all families.
The Gospel at Mass today is the story of the “rich young man” who asked Jesus what had he to do to enter God’s Kingdom. Jesus lists some of the commandments and the man replies that he already keeps these and wonders what else he need do. Jesus tell him to sell his possessions, give the money to the poor and then to follow him. The man walks away, saddened by these words, because he is a man of great wealth.
There’s talk of a Solar Eclipse taking place later today – when the sun’s light is “blocked” and day literally becomes night for a little while, though the sun shines.
In the few words I shared at Mass, I tried to draw a link between these three realities. My mother’s death brought a barrier that cannot be crossed this side of Eternity. I catch glimpses of her, welcome glimpses, in dreams, photos and videos and in the words that come into mind, words she’d speak and in the tone she’d have used. These remain glimpses nonetheless and I cannot see her the way I used to. I miss that of course and always will. The truth remains, in and from our Faith, that my mother continues to be – in a way I cannot fully grasp or imagine but remains nonetheless.
The Gospel man, who had come to know Christ as “good” wants to do the right thing by him but finds himself at a loss and walks away from Jesus. In that walk, Jesus too is eclipsed and can no longer be seen by the man who truly wants to see. It strikes me that Jesus, though not visible to the man now, has not gone anywhere. All the man need to is turn around and walk towards Jesus again.
Equally the eclipsed Sun, though darkened by the passing of the planets and the wonders of nature, continues to shine though we cannot see it.
In all these then, eclipse is a temporary barrier to the LIGHT but the light remains and has to shine – always to shine – if only we can turn around or be patient as we await its re-emergence.
My mother, the Gospel man and the eclipsed sun have much in common today. May the “sun” and THE SON shine for all of us. Amen.
A few months ago I posted some video clips from Glen Campbell. I had only heard a few days earlier that he was living with Alzheimers and was very taken by his daughter’s song about her father, telling him that she’d “remember for him”.
In memory of him, thought I might add a clip here. It’s around a farewell concert tour and gives a great insight into the journey Glen found himself on …
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