Psalm at today’s Mass

Psalm at today’s Mass

This was the Psalm prayed at Masses throughout the world today.  The words cut deep but are a reminder that the troubles we now experience are not new, there have always been tensions and pressure in life.  God is the only real alternative ….

Rescue me, God, from my foes;
protect me from those who attack me.
O rescue me from those who do evil
and save me from blood-thirsty men.

See, they lie in wait for my life;
powerful men band together against me.
For no offence, no sin of mine, Lord,
for no guilt of mine they rush to take their stand.

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,
for you, O God, are my stronghold,
the God who shows me love.

As for me, I will sing of your strength
and each morning acclaim your love
for you have been my stronghold,
a refuge in the day of my distress.

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,
for you, O God, are my stronghold,
the God who shows me love.

Dear Fr Jacques

Dear Fr Jacques

Dear Fr Jacques,

As you walked to Mass this morning, I wonder what thoughts were in your head?  Had someone asked for a prayer, a remembrance at today’s Altar?  Was there a promise somewhere to remember someone and to bring his or her needs and hopes to The Lord?  Were you like me, rushing in at the last minute, confident that all would be ready or were you the “me I’d like to be”, there a good while before Mass, getting things ready, taking a seat somewhere in the church to settle your own thoughts?  Tonight, I’m wondering all these things.

As you put on Alb and Stole this morning, covering up the everyday man, what joy you sought to bring to your congregation.  Was there a little bell sounded to say you were on your way from the sacristy?  Was there a little hymn or opening Antiphon that marked the move from gathering to being gathered?  It should have been like other days, Jacques, a day begun in prayer in a little church that has been home to countless generations of people, like you and your gathered few.  You have been faithful to them and they to you.  Faithful to Him and He to you.  Eighty four years of life, more than half a century of priesthood – you knew what you were about.  You made a difference.

It’s certain that you had wished the small congregation well.  “The Lord be with you” you spoke to them and though small in number the little congregation replied “and with your spirit”.  I don’t know how far you had moved on in the Mass.  Had there been time for the confession of sins, the seeking of the Lord’s mercy and, more importantly, its reception “May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life” …. “Amen”.

I’m sad that you died such a violent death, Jacques. I’m hurt that as you got ready to celebrate Mass, to make that powerful statement of faith and loyalty to the request of a Peace-filled man; “do this in memory of me”, others got ready to seek fresh blood, to spill blood that has been too often spilt.  It’s difficult to imagine the three of you waking up to this July morning, opening your eyes to the day, reaching for clothes and dressing, washing, preparing, walking out your front doors, seemingly in the same town but with totally different intent. You carried life and they carried death.  You sought to open your mouth in praise and encouragement but not so, it seems,the intent of your assailants. Some, perhaps even themselves, believed a message was delivered. It’s difficult to imagine any vocabulary could string words together to make sense of their message.

They’re calling you a “martyr” tonight.  Some say you should be canonised. It’s certain you sought neither title.  Seemingly you were happy where you were, being a priest among people.  I can see you walking down the street, nodding to one, stopping with another, feeling at home and safe.  No more than you deserved.  No more than the world deserves.

Who do we blame? That’s the danger isn’t it?  We look for someone to blame and beyond someone a group, a religion, a country and it’s pointless.  There are the finest of people in every country, every group and every religion.  There are people, countless people, who detest these actions and recoil from them.  Sadly though, there are others too, who make noises, stir up mistrust, sow seeds of hate and quite likely from a distance watch others as they carry into society the work and words of twisted minds.  From that distance, they watch young men and women, like your neighbours, carry out atrocities and die.

Sadly it’s certain you won’t be the last to die like this.  In a few days time your name will have slipped from our news headlines and newspapers will have other stories to tell.  He, whom you sought to serve in priesthood, He will not forget.  Neither will your little congregation and there will be some, many, to speak your name in a quiet prayer and to say “Merci, Pere Jacques”.

Tonight, I’m one of them.  I’ll bring you to Mass in the morning and another little congregation will say “Lord graciously hear us” as we mention your name alongside a prayer for peace.

Your brother in Christ,

Vincent

Knock Basilica Re-dedication

Knock Basilica Re-dedication

Earlier I looked at Cardinal O’Malley’s Blog and notice he has included piece on his recent visit to Ireland, especially to Knock and Ballintubber Abbey.  Was pleased to see, in his post, some photos I’d taken!  More importantly I was pleased to see a link to a YouTube video of the Mass.  I especially like the anointing of the Altar during the Mass.

Archbishop Neary spoke at the beginning of the Mass and he quoted Pope John Paull 11 who spoke at Knock in 1979.  I liked the words but could not fully recall them.  Take a few minutes to hear his words too.  The piece I liked is around the 20 min mark and includes these words from Pope John Paul and he appeals to God to keep the Faith alive in the hearts of the people of Ireland;

“May prosperity never cause Irish men and women to forget God or abandon their faith. Keep them faithful in prosperity to the faith they would not surrender in poverty and persecution. Save them from greed, from envy, from seeking selfish or sectional interest. Help them to work together with a sense of Christian purpose and a common Christian goal, to build a just,, peaceful and loving society where the poor are never neglected and the rights of all, especially the weak, are respected.”

To read Cardinal Seán’s post click here

Worthy Celebration

Worthy Celebration

Many people gathered in Mullinabreena on Sunday and Monday for the ordination and First Mass of Brendan McCarrick.  A native of the parish of Achonry-Mullinabreena, Brendan was ordained a priest of the Pallottine Order.  Bishop Brendan Kelly ordained him in the presence of family, friends, priests of the Pallottine community as well as diocesan priests and religious.  It was a joyful occasion and with all there, I wish Brendan every happiness and blessing in his ministry.

I took a few photos to include on our Diocesan Website so will include some of them here as well.

Praying with distraction

Praying with distraction

This weekend’s Gospel Passage finds us with the disciples asking a question that could well be our own, “Lord, will you teach us how to pray?”  In answer he gives them the words of the Our Father – a prayer that brings together all that is central to our faith – the acknowledgement of God as Father, His place in Heaven and Earth and it calls us to a deeper and more giving/forgiving relationship with those around us.

We get distracted in our prayers – wandering off topic to a place of uncertainty or day dreams.  We worry about this but do we need to?  Is the starting place not what matters?  We desire to acknowledge God.  That must mean something.  Come back from the distractions, worry less about what is to be said and find peace in just being there ….

I want to share the words from today’s Mass.  This is the fourth week I’ve recorded the words at Sunday Mass.  I don’t think I’ll be able to keep this going or maybe even need to keep this going but for this week anyway!!


 

These are the words shared in the email from a priest of the diocese.  I think they’re very good and worth reading as well.

 

Humility in Success

Portugal defeated France in the final of the Euro 2016 European Football Championship. At the post-match press conference Portugal’s coach, Fernando Santos dedicated his   victory to Jesus in the following words.

“First of all, I would like to thank God, the Father, for this moment and for everything in my life.”

 The Portuguese coach went on to thank family, friends & colleagues before adding:

“Lastly, but most importantly, I want to speak to  my best friend, and His mother, to dedicate this victory to Him and thank Him for haven chosen me; for giving me the gifts of wisdom, humility and  perseverance to guide this team, and for having guided me and lit my way. That all I do, hope and wish  for may be for the greater glory of His name.”

 The Tablet 15 July 2016

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