Communicating Communication

Communicating Communication

I had a few days away at a Media Conference.  It was held in the Pontifical University of The Holy Cross, Rome and gathered over 400 people from all parts of the world.  The focus was communications and media and the experience was very good.

Certainly you become aware of the vastness of the task of communication of the message of Christ and the Church in a world where so much has to be communicated every day.  The church’s role is a role among many others.

I enjoy communications and believe that if something is worth sharing it ought to be shared.  Also, in keeping with my father’s much loved quote about an old neighbour I never knew; “It’s all right in talking but no harm to say nothing”, I realise too that there are times for silence.  I think the Book of Ecclesiasticus figured that out a while before I did … “A time for every purpose under Heaven”.

The variety of people at the conference was matched by the variety of languages. Here I feel very inadequate as I’m a one horse race when it comes to languages.  Even my Irish is poor (to my shame) but it was incredible to hear people deliver papers in a variety of languages, Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese and to have another translate as they spoke so that all could hear, like that first Pentecost Sunday, “in their own language”.

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I walked this street each day, to and from the conference.  It’s called Via dei Coronari and was an eye-opener. Narrow, full of life and people.  A great variety of shops and cafés and all that makes a city a city.  It is also the traditional Pilgrim Route to St Peter’s and, in this Year of Mercy, to the “Holy Door of Mercy”.  It was incredible to meet so many people making that pilgrimage.  (The picture above is of one such group.  I had just met them, watched their faith in motion and decided to take a photo when they passed.  I hope the journey’s end was good for them).

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Via dei Coronari – a name given to the street because people used make Rosary Beads and sell them to pilgrims as they passed

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I was struck by the fact that there is such a variety of people wanting in a variety of ways to share the Gospel.  Every tool is used and every moment seen as an opportunity to promote “the good word”.  Technology is to the fore and the desire to embrace new technology seems very much at home with communications.  I think of Jesus using the withered fig tree, writing in the dust on the ground, pointing to the liles in the field, the hairs on our head, stars in the sky and any other image that came to mind to help plant in the minds and hearts of those he encountered the means to grasp his message.

My own part in all of this is very small but I suppose it’s my part.  In the diocese, I try to do a bit around communications (our website, twitter, notifying media about diocesan events etc) and on this blog, I like to think I share something of the journey too. The days in Rome reminded me again of the vastness of the world and its people, the many languages that are out there and the need to find some way of being involved with people.

Around the days, I had the chance to meet some people.  Some I knew from before and a few I met for the first time.  We attended the General Audience in St Peter’s on Wednesday and I had the chance to be relatively close to the Pope and to see his enthusiasm around people.  I stood beside people I didn’t know and eventually spoke to a girl beside me.  She spoke English and was so full of joy.  The day before her sister had been married in Rome and all her family had travelled to share the day with her and her husband.  Six brothers and six sisters, she was the youngest and spoke of the joy of seeing her sister and her husband share the “sacrament” of marriage. That to her, and by the sounds of it, her entire family was the core of their faith.  Marriage is a Sacrament. It was “a blessing” to be in Rome to celebrate her sister and boyfriend’s day.  She asked me where I lived and told me she would pray for my parish!

I left, glad I’d seen Pope Francis (even at a distance) but perhaps even happier that there are so many people out there to whom the Faith means so much.  Joy around faith and IN faith.  Now there’s a message!

I’m glad I was there … as you can see below, I wasn’t the only one:)

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Daily Lenten Thought February 26th

Daily Lenten Thought February 26th

In HQ!!

Here for the Episcopal Ordination tomorrow of Monsignor Paul Tighe (a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin) who has worked in the Vatican for a number of years and recently moved to a new post in the Pontifical Council for Culture. I’m looking forward to the ceremony and thankful to have been asked to attend. Paul has connections with home. His mother is Johnson from Ballymote and there are cousins in Gurteen too. Happy as well about that link!

Spent a bit of time around Rome today and visited two “Holy Doors” – one at the Basilica of St John Lateran and the other at St Peter’s.  The doors are wide open and welcoming but I have to say I’ve noticed a marked increase in security since I was last here.  To get to the open doors, there are queues of people going through airport style security. It almost seems a contradiction that the open door is on the latch behind a layer of security. In its own way though, it’s a sign too that when evil is at work in the world, it quite literally stifles (but never quenches) the flow of good.

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“Holy Door” – St John Lateran Basilica

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“Holy Door” St Peter’s

I wandered around both Basilicas and their vastness never ceases to amaze but for some reason they don’t especially move me. I’ve seen people deep in prayer in both “churches” despite all the movement that’s going on around them. I think that’s one of the things I’m looking forward to at Paul’s Ordination is to see St Peter’s focused in prayer around an individual and his ministry.  Chances are, it will take on a new and deeper significance for me.

I also climbed “on knees” as is the custom the “Holy Stairs“.  A sore climb but one made by countless people. One step at a time, one prayer at a time.  There’s an image at the top of the Crucified Christ with a woman and man at the foot of the Cross.  I’m taking them to be Mary and St John.  My confusion around that is that they both look quite old and drained.  In a way, I’d like to think it is Mary, because I think we need to see her more like that from time to time. Sometimes the beautiful images of her belie a woman who knew at the deepest level of her heart what suffering meant. In this knowledge she is, for all of us, in tune with our own sadnesses and difficulties.

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Scala Sancta “The Holy Stairs”

Finally, I spent time on trains and in the presence of people speaking a language that I do not understand.  The occasional Italian word a native speaker does not make!! I wondered what people were talking about but, more than once, found myself drawn to broad smiles and deep laughter. It’s such a common language and we should be very grateful for it. It truly is the shortest distance between two people.

So where’s the thought in all this?  I’m here to share in prayer and joy an important moment in the life of another. I wandered around today, saw buildings, tried to say a few prayers, almost got to Confessions but I met nobody I know.  I’m looking forward to meeting people tomorrow, including some from the Irish College and a few Sligo people too.  Rome will be at its best then, for it is truly people who make places.  The Holy Doors are open and, please God, security needs will lessen as people come to recognise the common language of a smile and laugh.  Also, the aged and worried Mary at the top of the Holy Stairs is an image that will remain.

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Something old, something new!!

Oh, forgot to say I bought a cap!!

Lateran Basilica

Lateran Basilica

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

Basilica of St John Lateran

Interior View

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.)


When in Rome ….

When in Rome ….

The old saying goes: “do as the Romans do”!  I’m not so sure I’m doing that but I am in Rome.  I came here for the wedding of some friends – a girl I know since her childhood days in Collooney and the man she is marrying – Nicola and James.  Tomorrow we will have that celebration.  Last night I met them with some of their family members and we went for pizza so that’s fairly Roman I think.  It was very enjoyable.  We laughed as much as we ate and that can’t be bad.

Spent a bit of time watching Street Entertainers on Piazza Navona.  These people always amaze me.  Such a variety of talents on display and so many there to take in the various shows.  It’s a good experience.  One of the men I watched was spray painting a “masterpiece” and I decided to capture the moment!  Thought about capturing the picture too but didn’t go that far.  Wondered how easily it could be transported to Kilmovee:)

FRIDAY

I slept in for a while today (best blinds ever so the room was dark until I chose to let the light in  – sorry Leonard, no cracks that I noticed!!).  I had in mind to visit the Irish College today.  I’ve been there a number of times but not in recent years.  I know some of the priests on staff but none of the students.  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.  A few years ago I celebrated a Wedding Mass in the little Baptistry beside the Basilica and was happy to see that again too.  A little prayer there for Anne and Derek and some good memories of a very enjoyable few days spent with both of them and their families.

Basilica of St John Lateran

Basilica of St John Lateran

Interior View

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.)


(FRIDAY CONTINUED!!)

From there I went to the Irish College – one of our National Seminaries – and spent a bit of time there.  I was disappointed that the staff member I know best was not there as I’d like to have had the chance to meet him when I was local.  I went to the College Chapel and said Morning Prayer there (okay, I told you I got up late – darkened room and all!!)  I remembered family and friends there.  A special remembrance too for that poor family in Cork as they struggle to come to terms with such a terrible loss.  God help them one and all.

The College Chapel was re-designed in recent years.  It is a very engaging Prayer Space and its imagery and mosaics speak loudly and proudly of Ireland.  This is hugely appropriate since it is literally a piece of Ireland in the heart of the Church’s landscape.

Sanctuary of Irish College Chapel, Rome

Sanctuary of Irish College Chapel, Rome

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Interior of Chapel, Irish College Rome

Interior of Chapel, Irish College Rome

I left the Irish College, glad to have paid a visit and decided to get some lunch in a nearby restaurant.  On my way I saw something very Roman – very Italian that brought me back many years to Mullaghroe and a woman called Clare Horan (R.I.P.) whose widowed husband Gerry was ordained a priest the same year as myself (God rest them both) – anyway, I digress – what did I see?  What Roman landmark reminded me of Clare and Gerry?  The Colosseum?  Spanish Steps?  Trevvi Fountain?

Not at all …. it was this

The Fiat 500!!

The Fiat 500!!

Later in the evening I went to St Peter’s where I spent a bit of time. The Basilica was closed and very few people around.  Had a lovely chat with a priest I know and met a couple on the Square with Donegal and Kildare connections.  They were good people and we talked for a while.  Struck me how much this place means to people.

Glad to be here too

Glad to be here too

St Peter's at a quieter time

St Peter’s at a quieter time

SATURDAY: THE WEDDING

We had the ceremony a little earlier today (Saturday 6th) in St Isodore’s Church.  A very old and beautiful church it is looked after by Franciscans of the Irish Province.  Fr Michael made us all very welcome and could not have been more helpful.

After the Wedding Mass with Anita, Nicola, James and (Tall) Paul

After the Wedding Mass with Anita, Nicola, James and (Tall) Paul

The reception was a lively affair.  An excellent band P-51 Airplanes gave its all!  Excellent musicians.  (I recorded one song that I’ll put on YouTube at some stage)  There was a mighty atmosphere and everyone totally enjoyed the night, the music, the food and the craic.  Not least myself!  Met some fine people along the way and that’s always a bonus.

Two musicians provided some background music as we awaited the evening meal.  They played a variety of tunes and then one of them asked me where we were from and I said “Ireland” which brought the following selection!

 

VIDEOS PROMISED!!

Nicola surprised us all with a lovely song “Savc the last dance for me”.  Unfortunately the lighthing was low at the time and the camera (phone) and cameraman (me) were not able to make up the gaps!!  Anyway, I think it captures a nice moment worth remebering.

Here’s a song from P51-Airplanes.  Just decided to take a shot and the man on the keyboard spotted me and rose to the occasion!  Though not the nicest or most enjoyable of the songs performed it shows something of their talent and commitment to their passion!

SUNDAY

On Sunday I went to Mass in St Isodore’s and joined two of the Franciscans there for Sunday Mass.  Afterwards we had a cup of tea and a chat together with those who attended the Sunday Mass there.  Felt very welcome and I’m sure this church means a great deal to those who see it as “their own” as a place for prayer and worship.  From there I went to St Peter’s for the Sunday Angelus and address by Pope Francis.  Sadly my language limitations did not allow me to fully grasp what he was saying but the mention of “Ukraine” assured me he was calling us to pray for peace in a very troubled world. In a later translation I notice he told us to be careful even of our words as they have the potential to kill.  The Square was thronged with people of all nationalities and ages.  A great experience of the Universal Church and a reminder, as if needed, how much Pope Francis means to people.

As mentioned above I went back to St John Lateran Basilica today.  I wanted to go there again.  Mass was on so I was pleased to attend that and to have the chance to take the pictures of the Apostles’ Statues that are central to the Basilica.

Tonight I met the wedding people again.  We had a very pleasant evening and I am back again in the hotel, getting ready for bed and the journey home tomorrow.  It has been a very good few days and I’m glad to have been part of it.

Kilmovee tomorrow!  That’s good too.

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