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by Vincent | Jan 19, 2013 | General Interest, Reflections, Religion, Photography
During the week I had the pleasure of meeting a number of priests from the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. I had been asked to give some input through their days of annual retreat. I hadn’t met many of them before but knew one or two of those who were there. I have to say I really enjoyed the few days, not least because of the welcome received and the openness shown to the few words and ideas I shared. We gathered in Glencomeragh House – an excellent retreat facility in the care of the Rosminian Order. It is a spectacular setting in a place called Kilsheelan, between Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir. I had never been there before but felt totally at home there.
The walks were lovely and there are three “hermitages” on site. These can be used for private retreats. One of the priests was using one of them and showed me around. Incredible use of space and I’d say a good place to “clear the head”.
Anyway, took a few photos over the days so here they are – in no particular order.
During the week I celebrated Mass each day and, on Wednesday, I celebrated Mass for my mother (Mary) who would have been ninety that day. May she rest in peace. In remembering her, we remembered the parents living and deceased of all gathered for the retreat and indeed all deceased family members. It made me think about her and what life would be like for her had she been here to celebrate her 90th. It reminded me too of the 90th Birthday we had for Bill a few years ago. All in all, they had long lives. There is much to be thankful for. God rest them both.
On Friday it was announced that Eamon Martin, a classmate of mine from the Diocese of Derry has been appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh and will, in due course, succeed Cardinal Seán Brady. Needless to say, I wish Eamon every blessing at this time. It’s certainly a big undertaking but I’ve no doubt he has what it takes. Eamon was very musical when we were in Maynooth and added much to our Liturgies. I sent him an email yesterday and told him it might be time to start playing an instrument again!! I’ve no doubt he’ll find the right notes.
So another week over and a new one about to kick in. We’ll see how it goes.
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by Vincent | Dec 29, 2012 | General Interest, Reflections, Religion, Photography
A Christmas Corner – Kilmovee Parish Church 2012
YOU CAN PICK YOUR FRIENDS ……….
This is sometimes quoted when there’s trouble of one kind or another within a family and concludes with “ but you can’t pick your family …”
There’s a truth in it, of course, but a sadness too insofar as it usually is an expression of hurt or frustration within the home setting and among relations and family. There’s no doubt that this can be an all too pressing and common reality. Neither is there doubt that this is total tragedy.
Few of us, I like to say, were “born on Walton’s Mountain”, where our dramas are lived out in an hour or so of television and where even the most shattering of storylines sees a house closing down for the night with the gradual switching off of lights accompanied by the “Goodnight John Boy”, “Goodnight Elizabeth”, “Goodnight Granddad” etc. Sadly our dramas are not confined to the set of TV studios where lines and dialogue are carefully crafted and produced. but are rather lived out in the day to day routines and sometimes deep hurt that is the reality of life.
This Feast of The Holy Family may seem as far away from us as Walton’s Mountain but we must not lose sight of the reality that IS this family – a young single mother, a confused and shaken husband and a child born into poverty and uncertainty. This “HOLY” Family is at one with us and is FOR us. They did what was necessary to keep the family as one – took their direction from God and followed the path unfolding before them.
Maybe we look for friendship within the family, even if it’s a bit clouded at times for it’s there we are best known and were first loved.
by Vincent | Dec 26, 2012 | General Interest, Reflections, Photography
I received two emails in the past few days that I thought I might share here. One was from a cousin and her husband who are living in Canada. I celebrated their wedding with them there just over two years ago and met them recently in Dublin. They were, at that stage and still, proud parents of their recently born daughter. In any case they sent me two photos taken that day and I think they’re lovely so wanted to share!!
Is that a number one cut??? I find it easier to manage when it’s short!!
We go to the same barber 🙂
The other email was text – no photo but full of vivid imagery. It was from Ed Molloy, you might remember me meeting him when I was in New York. He lives in Los Angeles and is a native of Mullaghroe and a daily visitor to my blog. I was so pleased when he told me that and glad that he sees here, from time to time, things that are important to him and bring him home, albeit in memory. Anyway, he sent me an email and I hope he won’t mind my sharing some of it here. I told him I might so now he knows I DID!!
Dear Father Vincent,
It was great meeting you in New York in Sept. Thanks for the blog. It was an accurate accessment despite the fact you did not take any written notes. I loved the photos of Alf enjoying the heat of the fire. He is a powerful looking animal. I would like to share some memories of the Sherlock Family in the 1940’s. Some of them sad.
Your Aunt Mary Ellen fell off a Bicycle coming from a mission in Gurteen and was fatally injured. Your Grandmother “Baby” Sherlock was not in good health and and was unable to attend the funeral. As the Funeral passed by the home place on its way to Monasteraden Cemetery. Mrs Sherlock sat on a hill beside the house and waved a white handkerchief.
A few times I observed Bill sitting in front of his Mother and flapping a towel to help her breath better. There were Apricot trees in the garden and Mrs Sherlock used to make delicious Apricot Jam. The door to the work area was a half door to discourage people from entering the work area. If you grabbed the knob you would get a shock. One Sunday evening a truck from Dublin bound for Ballina came under the bridge back firing and belching smoke and came to a stop at the Green Gates. It was using Coke as a substitute for petrol. The driver and 2 helpers tried to fix the problem but to no avail and had to stay in Kellys Hotel in Gurteen that night. Next morning Bill was contacted and arrived on his bicycle with a slip sleeved pliers and after a few minutes adjusting the carburetor the truck was on its way to Ballina. Sherlocks had an orange and blue donkey cart with rubber tires. The donkeys name was “Blossom”. Jimmy was the driver and I often went with him to Mahanagh Bog for turf and to Kilfree Junction to pick-up new bicycles “B.S.A. and Raleigh” bicycles from Birmingham.
Beside being an expert at the slow-bicycle race Jimmy could do another feat none of us other teenagers could do. He could dis-mount from a bicycle by jumping out over the handle-bars turning around quickly and grabbing the bicycle before it fell to the ground.
Bill McDonald, Bernards older brother was returning to Wolverhampton and his father, John “Corbett” McDonald took him to Kilfree Junction in a Pony & Trap. Bill boarded the train and as the train pulled away he leaned out a window and started waving a white handkerchief. The father standing on the platform did the same and both kept waving white handkerchiefs until the train moved out of sight.
So thanks to both emailers for pictures of different times and generations – for all that is in the past and in the future, may God bless and guide them.
by Vincent | Dec 24, 2012 | General Interest, Reflections, Religion, Photography
Just want to wish you all a very Holy and Peaceful Christmas. Will remember you and your intentions during Christmas Masses. Thanks for your friendship and support during the year.
The Crib in Kilmovee this evening. You are included in all it says and means.
God Bless you always.
V
by Vincent | Nov 24, 2012 | Humour, Photography
I think he’s got it right!!
by Vincent | Nov 9, 2012 | Religion, Photography
We remember all our deceased relatives and friends at this time. May they rest in peace.
During the week I celebrated Mass each day and, on Wednesday, I celebrated Mass for my mother (Mary) who would have been ninety that day. May she rest in peace. In remembering her, we remembered the parents living and deceased of all gathered for the retreat and indeed all deceased family members. It made me think about her and what life would be like for her had she been here to celebrate her 90th. It reminded me too of the 90th Birthday we had for Bill a few years ago. All in all, they had long lives. There is much to be thankful for. God rest them both.
On Friday it was announced that Eamon Martin, a classmate of mine from the Diocese of Derry has been appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh and will, in due course, succeed Cardinal Seán Brady. Needless to say, I wish Eamon every blessing at this time. It’s certainly a big undertaking but I’ve no doubt he has what it takes. Eamon was very musical when we were in Maynooth and added much to our Liturgies. I sent him an email yesterday and told him it might be time to start playing an instrument again!! I’ve no doubt he’ll find the right notes.
