Countdown

Countdown

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.

Thanks!

Lough Derg Continues

Lough Derg Continues

Still on “The Island”!  Thankfully still enjoying it too.  Met some wonderful people and had the chance to work with some great priests and a deacon who is to be ordained a priest of Clogher Diocese.  That, in itself, has been great to see.  I watched him as he led us in Benediction last night and couldn’t but notice the reverence he brought and showed to the Blessed Sacrament.  Perhaps, at times, we need reminders like this, lest we become too casual.

Today included bidding farewell to the “pilgrims” who came to Lough Derg the same day as myself.  Having completed their Vigil and the “Stations” of the Island and celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation, they return home now – hopefully enlivened and enriched by the time spent here.  I watched them depart and felt a connection with them, since they were part of the group I led into Vigil on Monday night and with whom I celebrated Evening Mass on Tuesday evening.

“Round and round the story goes”

It’s a bit quieter here this morning so decided to wander around and take a few photos. Hope you like them!  This is one of my favourites:

“A DAISY A DAY” in a chain of prayer and pilgrimage

As pilgrims leave, others take their place now and that’s the way life goes here.  I continue to be genuinely impressed by the depth of faith of the people and the span of ages attending here.

 

Transfiguration

Transfiguration

He let His glory be seen .....


On Saturday evening, when going to Mass in Urlaur for the Vigil Mass,  I noticed a most glorious sunset and sky. Though tight enough for time, I bypassed the Church and went to Urlaur Lake.  I’ve been here long enough to know that when the sky is right, Urlaur Lake is at its best.  I wasn’t the only one there, met two people – one a professional photographer – who were enjoying the moment too.  I took a few quick shots with my phone and the colours were amazing.  

Struck me that I was heading back to Church to say a few words about The Transfiguration and surely if Urlaur Lake were anything at that moment, it was transfigured by the very touch of the heavens.  Its beauty is always there but the moment it is touched by God’s splendour, the full story is told.

"Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here"


 


(Matthew 17:1-9)

 
Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’ When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.
 
As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, ‘Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.’

Remembered for ….

Remembered for ….

Looking through Twitter yesterday I noticed this photo and it caught my eye.  An image captured from one of the many marches around the world that sought to express something less than pleasure at the election of the Donald Trump as President of the United States, the slogan was a play on his election slogan: “Make America Great Again”.  I liked the call to kindness.  Of course the banner was given to the child and was not of her making but she presents the message and there’s something believable in a child calling us to kindness.

I was struck by the difference one word can make.  There’s nothing wrong with greatness and to be told you’re “great” is as welcoming as its flattering but there’s something very special about kindness.  I think, at day’s end, we’d prefer to be remembered for kindness rather than greatness.

The slogan then goes beyond America to a more immediate “homeland” – the homeland that is “me”.  Maybe we need to hear that slogan applied to ourselves and, if there’s been any slippage, to let the message sink in “Make ME kind again”.

 

Ronan and Ursula

Ronan and Ursula

On Friday, I had the privilege of celebrating the Wedding Mass of my nephew Ronan and his bride Ursula. The wedding was in the Cathedral in Cavan Town and it was an enjoyable occasion. I baptized Ronan when I was a deacon – and he’s the only “Vincent” I’ve ever baptized – Ronan Vincent!  It seems appropriate then, that he’s the first of my nephews and nieces at whose marriage I’ve officiated.  I wish my nephew and his wife every joy and blessing in their married life and look forward to shared friendship with them as our journey continues.

Mullaghmore

Mullaghmore

p1040637Hello there!

I’ve been in Mullaghmore the past few days.  An Advent Retreat in the Star Of The Sea Retreat Centre is the reason I’m here.  The group was small, six and a few joined us from time to time, but I’m glad to have had the few days with them.  I had good memories of staying here last year and walking the “loop” and had hoped to do so again.  Unfortunately I picked up a cold in recent days and it sort of flaked me a bit.  The result, no walk but I’ll survive!

Just had the final talk with the group and will shortly celebrate Eucharist before heading home.  I spoke to the group just now about Verbs in the Christmas Story – “Listen”, “Let’s GO and SEE”, “They DID him homage”, “Mary TREASURED these things in her heart” – verbs call for action and action is in response to something – someone.  God’s call.

Talked a bit about being happy in your space and knowing that you make a difference there.  I’d hope we can be grateful for the difference we make and grateful too for the places we live and the people that surround us.

I’m only saying!!

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