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.
On Friday evening I met with Edmond Molloy, a native of Mullaghroe now resident in Los Angeles and with my cousin Seán McDonnell. Edmond had arranged the meeting and I was happy to be able to join them both. We had a lovely dinner in “The Moorings”, Knockvicar (a first for me) and the company was equally pleasing. Edmond has a wonderful sense of place and his memories of my grandparents (and their generation) are always lovely to hear.
Equally Seán has a deepened sense of history and family that takes me to places I’d otherwise not travel! Thanks to you both!
It’s always good to spend time with people. I’m amazed how many people Edmond gets to visit when he comes “home”. That’s what he enjoys, catching up with people and I can identify with that.
Edmond had told me before and repeated it on Friday that he checks this blog every day. He feels it connects him with home and, I’ve said it before too, that makes it all worthwhile.
Thanks to him and all who check in from time to time!
Well into the “holidays” now and enjoying the days very much. That said, I’ve been very connected with home too, as I remember Ger Regan, R.I.P., whose Funeral takes place today. I had Mass here around the same time and remembered Ger, his family and friends there.
Over the past few days I’ve had the chance to do what I really like doing when I come here, connecting with old friends (and meeting some new ones too!). Last Sunday evening I went to New York to meet Joe, Liz and Keenan who have been friends of mine for many years. With them were some people from Kiltimagh, two of whom I’d met before. We had a lovely time and it was good to catch up. The other visitors were going to see “WICKED” on Monday evening and asked if I’d like to join them as they had an extra ticket. Needless to say I said yes, though I knew nothing about the show.
It’s one I need to think about but there’s a very positive message running through the show. Leave it with me!! This seems to be the central song in the show – “Defying Gravity”. I think it’s a message about not being kept down but finding and reaching your potential.
The Cathedral here has gone through quite a face lift since my last visit. It is covered in scaffolding just now but the work on the interior has been completed. Very impressive.
On Wednesday evening I went back into NY and met an old friend from Maynooth days. We had a lovely meal, walked around for a while. He took me to a Roof Top bar where there’s an excellent (and free!!) view of NY and NJ. I just took one photo there.
I stayed in NY that night and the next day wandered around for a while. It was gloriously hot (though people were complaining about the heat – I was happy enough to be in it – great weather for the bog!!) I enjoy walking and noticing bits and pieces as I go. I spotted one of “New York’s Finest” doing his duty and couldn’t help but notice his Patrol Car. I can’t see Bruce Willis saving New York in one of these … only saying!!
Later in the day I met a good friend, Seán, whom I’ve missed out on meeting in recent years. We went for a bite of lunch and chatted away as if we’d met the day before. That’s always a good sign of friendship for me. From there I went to Crestwood and met the McEnerney family. I’ve met them every time I’ve visited here and had the privilege of baptizing their children. The older of the two is about to go to College this year and is so excited about that. Hard to believe how quickly the years pass. His younger sister will be making the same trip next year. My memories of her go a bit further back to a young girl playing the piano for me and suggesting I stop “filming” when a few stray notes wander into her performance!!
At Mass this morning, here in the Cathedral at Rockville Centre, I noticed two people at Mass that I get the chance to meet each year. – Mary and Caroline Hunt – they are among the most faithful visitors to these pages and I was happy to see them. Mary’s husband, Martin (RI.P.) was from Ballaghaderreen parish and that’t the link.
What I like to think is running through these days is “connection” with people. At day’s end, I see that as one of the greatest gifts we have and I am blessed to be able to avail of it.
Earlier today I met some cousins who are visiting from USA. We arranged to meet at Knock Shrine and had lunch together. Some I’d have known from before, with others it was a first time meeting. Enjoyed the company very much and was good to catch up with those I know and get to know those I didn’t. JFK’s line came to mind “A stranger is a friend I’ve yet to meet” …
Before meeting them I went to the Basilica for a minute. Decided to take a little video of the Basilica which looks so good. Posted to YouTube so have a look
After lunch we went home to Moygara and my brother Gerard took the family to see the home of their ancestors in Fauleens. I think there is not much of the home left now but even to stand on the ground has meaning.
I suppose we take our place for granted a bit and it’s all very local to us. It’s when you see how much it means to children and grandchildren of those who emigrated, you begin to re-assess the appreciation of what’s local.
Today we celebrate the Feast of The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. Have to confess in years past it wasnt’ a Feast that much engaged or inspired me. I am not sure when that changed but it did somewhere along the line through, I imagine, visits made to Rome and to the Irish College which is very near the Basilica. Some years ago I celebrated the Wedding Mass of two friends in the Baptistery Chapel next to the Basilica. Maybe that brought it to life for me. Not just a big building anymore but a place where good friends said a prayer, made a life choice and celebrated a Sacrament. Last year I was back in Rome for another wedding – this time in the Irish Franciscans Church but I paid a visit to St John Lateran. I put these words on the blog around those days and thought it might be a good day to re-visit them.
In any case I got on the Metro and a few stops later was beside St John Lateran Basilica – regarded as the major church in Rome, even ahead of St Peter’s. It’s a very impressive building.
Basilica of St John Lateran
Interior View
Though I didn’t think to take photos of them, one of the things I love about this Basilica is that around the walls of it are twelve life size statues of the Twelve Apostles. It is as if they are still keeping a watchful eye on the Church. A consoling thought for sure.
(Sunday 7th September: Update! I went back there today and was able to attend Evening Mass. It was powerful to see this Basilica in its role as a place for the Faithful to gather in prayer. I noticed Confessions were also taking place but not in English so I had to give that one a miss! Could have been my chance to go to someone who didn’t understand me:) I stayed on for Mass and was happy to do so. The priest sounded very like Pope Francis in his tone and delivery. After Mass I took photos of the twelve. Only then did I notice that Judas’ place is taken by Paul – the Apostle called from the Road to Damascus.)
Spent a bit of time again in Rockville Centre. Always enjoy visiting there. Didn’t travel too much but met a few good people along the way. Among those I met, Andy and Chris, Elizabeth and Joe, Noelle, Tom, Neil and Maeve – met two priests from home, Pat and Conor, a friend from Maynooth days, Denis. I met my aunt in Richmond and her cousin Pat. Had the chance there to connect again with a family I’d not seen for some years and that was very pleasant.
Among the places, I walked The Highline in New York. Very impressive – an old railway track that has been developed into a lovely walk that overlooks parts of New York. I also spent a bit of time in (and said a prayer for family and friends) in the re-furbished and breath-taking St Patrick’s Cathedral. Visited the Whitney Museum and walked through five floors of art – some of it I appreciated more than I understood some of the other pieces. Had a few lovely meals along the way. I met Anita from Collooney on her way home after a stint here on the J1 Visa. Good to catch up. I celebrated Mass in The Cathedral of The Sacred Heart, Richmond, Virginia and had two seven hour bus trips (to and from Richmond).
I enjoy meeting people I know and meeting a few I didn’t. That’s always good. All the while, I kept in touch with home and that’s very important to me too. The heart is there! I met Gerry and his family in New Hyde Park and Nancy and Caroline there too. Caught up with Kay from Mullaghroe and her family.
Didn’t make it to Boston this time but spoke to the people I would have met had I gone there. All good, thank God.
Met some very good people in Rockville Centre – the priests of the parish, the staff of the rectory, cathedral and parish office. Enjoyed good food from the resident chefs and, sadly, lost no weight!! Met two priests I’d not met before – one just ordained. What a refreshing young man, full of life and enthusiasm. God bless him and it. Also a Franciscan who was working, like me, for a few weeks in the parish. Enjoyed meeting him a lot. He has a collection of birds that travel with him. Their sound was strangely soothing. I can’t see myself getting a cage (don’t panic Alpha!!) but it was different.
Going to add a few photos now. You might recognise a face or a place. If you do, all well and good, if not – no harm done either. If you’ve read these few lines, the photos might make more sense!!
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