I feel I have to share this ….

I feel I have to share this ….

A few days ago, I quite literally happened on fifteen minutes of a YouTube video.  It featured a man I have met each summer for more than twenty years.  I met him in the context of spending a few weeks each summer in St Agnes’ Cathedral Parish, Rockville Centre, New York.  I have mentioned this many times through the years and always enjoy the time I spend there.  The first Mass of the day in that parish is at 6.30am and the man featured in the video, Bernie O’Brien, opened the church each morning for that Mass and prepared for the celebration.  His loyalty to this hour of the day and the importance of the celebration was incredible.

I watched this video clip – a talk given last Lent in St Agnes’ Cathedral, I am assuming as part of a series of talks, and I was amazed.  Some of the detail I knew, not least that Bernie lost his son and son-in-law in the attack on Twin Towers in 2001.  The rest of his story was new to me but told with such conviction.  I was amused by his reference to a favourite saying of his “The best way to start the day” – referring to Mass.  I have to confess there were times I’d have been as happy starting the day a little later!!  Bernie relished the morning.

Having watched the video, I decided I wanted to get in contact with Bernie to thank him and say how much I had enjoyed it.  It was only when I went to seek contact details, I discovered that he died in January, may he rest in peace.  I’m sorry I hadn’t the chance to tell him how special these words were but feel I can share something of his message here.

Pleasant evening

Pleasant evening

Edmond Molloy, Los Angeles and Mullaghroe!

Edmond Molloy, Los Angeles and Mullaghroe!

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!

Delightful

Delightful

Yesterday, I met Marian (a niece of one of our oldest parishioners in Kilmovee) and it was good to meet her. We went for lunch (Fisherman’s Catch, Point Lookout) and met with her daughter and son-in-law, whose marriage I celebrated in Rockville Centre.  When I was here last year they had their first baby but time didn’t allow for us to meet.  We rectified that yesterday.  We had a lovely lunch and a good chat but the highlight for me was their little daughter.  She was among the best humoured people I’ve ever met.  Without saying a word (well at least a word I understood) she held the attention of all.  I have to say it was a joy to meet her.  I look forward to sharing these photos with her great grand-aunt.  (I don’t think she’s an “on-line” woman!!)

Time shared …

Time shared …

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.

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