by Vincent | Dec 19, 2013 | General Interest, Reflections, Parish and Diocese, Photography
Woke up this morning to discover snow outside (well better than discovering it inside I suppose!!) and it was strange, since last night at a dinner, a number of us discussed Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and wondered if it is still the best selling single of all time (bit of research on that just now suggests that Elton John’s “Candle In The Wind” has displaced it ….) and there was a strong feeling that whether or not Bing’s classic has outsold all others, that the desire for a “White Christmas” was not a real one for most people.
Certainly it’s not for me. I like the snow in photos and have managed to capture a few images though the years but once the picture is taken, the snow is welcome and encouraged to leave! I don’t like the way it makes travel difficult since Christmas, in my book, is very much a time for visiting and being visited.
Snow aside, what about the dreams? What am I dreaming of this Christmas? I was in school earlier today (Kilkelly) and some of the children told me of their letters to Santa. It’s always so nice to hear them speak of these letters and to see the expectation and hope in their eyes and hear it in their voices as they recall what they’ve asked for. It’s likely most of their wishes will come true. What of ours?
I’d like to dream of peace for all. It’s difficult to understand why there is so much conflict and stress in the lives of people. I’m not talking about “World Peace” but that peace that makes us feel good about ourselves, at one with people that matter and at home when at home. World peace comes from that – from a desire for local peace, family peace, personal peace …. Michael Jackson, for all is strange ways, had it so right when he said if the world is to be a better place we need to start with “the man in the mirror”.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/pEQAie8ABLE?rel=0]
I dream of a coming home for Christmas – when people will not just come to church for Mass but come home to the faith and find there again, a renewed hope and sense of call.
I dream of hope for our country and its people and especially hope for those who may now feel a deep sense of hopelessness.
I dream of Pope Francis continuing to breathe again life and enthusiasm into our church by making it that “hospital for sinners” he speaks of whereby people feel wanted and welcome, needed and nurtured, challenged and changed …. where people belong.
I dream of becoming more energised myself, making more of an effort to reach out to people in the parish and beyond in whatever way is best and most appropriate.
I dream of laughter, music, song, story, joy ……
I dream …………………. but I don’t want snow 🙂
by Vincent | Sep 28, 2013 | General Interest, Reflections, Religion, Photography
On Friday September 27th, the parish of Keash/Culfadda celebrated with its recently retired Parish Priest, Fr Jim Finan, the occasion of his Golden Jubilee of Ordination. The Church of St Kevin, Keash was filled to overflowing for the celebration. Bishop Brendan Kelly was the Principal Celebrant at a con celebrated Mass. Fr Jim was joined on the Altar by a number of priests from the diocese and by his brother, Fr Joe. The local Church of Ireland Rector was also in attendance. It was a wonderful celebration of Jim’s priesthood and the affection in which he is held was clearly visible. Jim recently retired as Parish Priest having spent twenty-three years in the parish.
Fr Jim was one of my teachers when I was in St Nathy’s. He was always, and remains, a very likeable man. I was glad to see him so honoured this evening. He recently moved to Collooney Parish and I know, from my own time there, that he will be made feel welcome and at home. Ad Multos Annos.
![A possible smile ….]()
by Vincent | Sep 18, 2013 | General Interest, Religion, Photography
Last week I had a call from my classmate, Dermot Maloney, to see if I’d be free to share a thought or two with a group of students who would be visiting Knock Shrine today. I said I would and was happy to spend a bit of time with them at the Gable Wall. A very impressive group of young people and a credit to themselves and their school.
There were 150 students along with the School Principal, Fr Dermot and other members of Staff. They were a pleasure to meet and I hope they have a great year. Just checked the School Website and noticed some pictures from Knock so borrowed the one above. I hope they’ll not mind:)
![A possible smile ….]()
by Vincent | Aug 21, 2013 | General Interest, Religion, Photography
Mary 16/1/’23-21/8/’09
Today is the fourth anniversary of my mother’s death. May she rest in peace. She died on the anniversary of the Apparition at Knock and that seemed and seems so appropriate. She liked Knock very much, not least the “third Sunday in May” – the day of the Achonry Diocesan Pilgrimage and these days of the Knock Novena. I will go there this evening and remember her. It is certainly true that we don’t need an “anniversary” or date on a calendar to remind us of her absence but it is nonetheless good and important to mark the date. My brothers and families joined me this morning for Mass in Kilmovee. There we remembered her too, along with my father and the deceased of our family. May they all rest in peace.
These are the words I spoke at my mother’s Funeral Mass in Cloonloo in August 2009.
Woke up this morning to discover snow outside (well better than discovering it inside I suppose!!) and it was strange, since last night at a dinner, a number of us discussed Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and wondered if it is still the best selling single of all time (bit of research on that just now suggests that Elton John’s “Candle In The Wind” has displaced it ….) and there was a strong feeling that whether or not Bing’s classic has outsold all others, that the desire for a “White Christmas” was not a real one for most people.
