Quiet Corner

Quiet Corner

Though your message was unspoken

I met her as I walked into the church in Castlefin.  There was Adoration taking place and I thought I might call in for a while, to say a prayer and focus a few thoughts for this evening.  “Are you going in to hear confessions?” I said no but that I could if she wanted.  I said there’d be a Penance Service on Thursday evening and that I might hear confessions this evening.  Again, I told her I could do it then if she wanted but she said “No, there’s plenty time.”  Maybe I should just have said “yes”.  What else was I doing?  A few minutes wouldn’t have made that much difference.  Yeah, chances are, I should have said “yes”.

After spending a while in the Adoration Chapel – pleasantly surprised to see so many there – I wandered around the church for a while.  I’d noticed the statue of Our Lady earlier in the day and thought it a meaningful presence in the church.  I hadn’t gone close to it though so was happy to be able to spend a bit of time there.  Something very gentle about it.  I like the two water containers – Old and New Testaments maybe and Our Lady bridging the two – the link.  Beside the statue two candles burned.  I wonder was it the same person who lit both?  Chances are it was.  What was the intention behind them?  The one prayed to and the intention prayed for and the person doing the lighting maybe also the bridge between the two.

I thought of Knock again and the silent witness given by Mary.  That witness was born of her ability to say “yes” and I’m back again at the door of the church and meeting a woman who asked “Are you going in to hear confessions?  Still think I should have said “yes”.

LENTEN THOUGHT:  Go with your gut feeling when asked to do something – even if that feeling is pushing you in a direction you hadn’t planned.  Most likely it’s the right thing to do.

Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound

Friday,still in Castlederg but heading home this evening.  It’s been an amazing few days.  I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to share the faith journey with so many people.  I don’t think I have words to describe how uplifting it has been to witness the faith of this parish since Sunday evening.  People came in their hundreds each time we gathered – three times a day, to celebrate Mass and spend time in prayer.

We covered much ground – a lot of it you, regular visitors, have covered with me in the past but there’s always something new that comes into the narrative.  I have been so touched by the kindness and receptivity of all that i met here over these days.  It’s so reassuring to my own life, as priest, to realise my ministry can enter the lives of so many people and have a meaning and a home there.  Needless to say, I sense this in my own parish too and the gratitude I feel for all with whom I live in Kilmovee and its surrounds, is no less real or meaningful.  There seems to be a real sense of belonging here that I haven’t encountered for such a prolonged period,  It quite likely is rooted in history but it is certainly lived in the present.

Each morning at 6.30am Mass I was renewed in my admiration for young families that sat as one in church.  Very many teenagers, in school uniforms of varying colours and crests were as one in their “Amen” to to faith and prayer.  Equally so, all gathered.

Last night we had a Penance Service with around nine priests attending.  It was humbling to see so many avail of this moment of Reconciliation and comforting that people waited on, as community, until the service was over and we could all leave, together, as a renewed people.  I believe it was the Sacrament at its best – a community supporting the individuals within.  I truly hope God’s Mercy was witnessed.

This morning we celebrated the Sacrament of the Sick.  The church was full, the prayer was intense and the desire for healing palpable.  Thank God for this and so much more that happened this week.

I had the chance to visit the local primary school yesterday, St Patrick’s and to meet all the children in two assemblies – one for the junior classes and a second with the seniors.  I really enjoyed seeing them.  I thought how similar children are everywhere and we should be doing all in our power to help them enjoy life.  At the end of the second assembly the children sang for me – “From A Distance” – it’s been a while since I heard that song but it sounded sweet!

Anyway, will leave it there for now … might add a bit over the weekend.  For now, a few images from the days and the place

On a mission

On a mission

Some months ago a classmate of mine in the Diocese of Derry asked if I’d conduct a Mission in his parish.  Though my initial email was to thank him for asking me and saying that I’d think about it, the reply was thanking me for agreeing to do it!!!  I must be more clear in my email:)

Anyway, it’s happening.  The parish is Castlederg in Co. Tyrone.  There are three churches in the parish but the “Mission” is in the Parish Church.  That’s a good idea and leads to a better experience of congregation.  Very good experience, I have to say.  It’s an impressive display of faith and pride in the parish, and I’m glad to be part of it.

The theme is “Our Lady Undoer Of Knots”

So, for now a prayer that all goes well and, in time, I’ll let you know how it goes!!

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