I just had a message from a classmate, wondering if I was alright since I had not published anything here for sometime. Oddly enough, I was thinking this same thing yesterday – not whether I was alright or not but about the length of time since I sat down to put something here. So, thanks Brendan – not just for taking me to this screen but for caring enough to wonder if all was well. It’s a comforting thought to know that one’s welfare matters to another. This ought not be taken for granted or go without appreciation.
Doing grand thanks. My last piece here was in August when I was in New York (Rockville Centre) for my annual ramble and time in the parish there. I enjoyed that time very much and shared a few words and images from a Sunday visit to Central Park and a lovely meal with friends from Kiltimagh. I returned to Mayo a few days later. As I was checking in at JFK, I got a message to say a parishioner here had just died – a lovely man named John Hunt, and I was saddened (though not surprised) by the news. John had been sick for a few months and, when I was going on holidays, I wondered if he would still be here on my return. I hoped he would but sadly, that was not the case. I came home to his heartbroken family and to his funeral. It was the first of four funerals that week. Quite a homecoming. I was happy to be able to be with people during those days and met so many through the days – so many good and kind people. Neither should these be taken for granted.
Earlier this month Messenger Publications published a booklet I had written. It is the fourth booklet they have produced and I am thankful to them and, especially Fr Donal Neary SJ, for the support and encouragement received. This booklet, one on the Rosary was my own idea and I approached Donal to see if he would be interested. The previous two booklets were in response to suggestions by Donal that I might write something on the themes he suggested. This time was, as I say, different insofar as I asked him what he thought of the idea of a booklet on the rosary – a booklet telling the story the Rosary tells. The inspiration for the piece came from one of my favourite songs: “The Isle of Innisfree” (by Dick Farrelly) and, in particular, a few lines that talk about remembrance of home and of family gathering around the fire where “their rosary is told”.
“And then into a humble shack I wander
my dear old home, and tenderly behold
the folks I love around the turf fire gathered
on bended knees their rosary is told. ”
I was struck by the use of the word “told” rather than “prayed”, “recited” or “said”. It seems such an appropriate word since The Rosary is the telling of Christ’s story – from the moment of Annunciation to Ascension and all that surrounds it. Donal liked the idea and agreed to publish the booklet if I got it to him. The aim was for October – “The Month of The Rosary” and it happened. I am pleased about that. It is called “Telling The Rosary” and is available now. Maybe you might pick up a copy.
I’ll finish with the words from the last page – a poem of sorts that tells the Rosary’s story.
SO IT’S TOLD
The announcement brought yes,
a chance to bless;
the birth brought news of greatest joy
presentation recognised the God sent boy
the Temple finding after loss,
foretaste of Calvary’s wooden cross
Jordan’s water had to pour
Cana’s water to wine brought more,
Kingdom come and will be done
on mountain top revealed as Son;
take and drink, take and eat
in my memory to all you meet.
Tears shed with heavy heart
at pillar flesh was torn apart;
crown of thorns bring blood to face
a cross un-deserved is put in place;
one thought forsaken wonders why
on darkened hill he has to die.
Stone rolled back and empty tomb
risen to enter the Heavenly room;
Spirit sent to nourish all,
Reward for Mary’s “yes” to call;
Queen of heaven, Queen of Earth,
the mother who shared the Saviour’s birth.
(Vincent Sherlock July 2019)