A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of saying a few words at a Mass marking the retirement of one of our priests. Having served in the parish of Charlestown for twenty-two years, Msgr Tommy Johnston, had arrived now at retirement and a packed church bore testimony to the difference he had made in…
They say that paper never refuses ink. As I sit to put ink to this page, I am saddened by many of the events happening in the world today. We hear of atrocities in the name of war, of murders in our homes and on our streets and of the heartbreak endured by far too…
Recently I spent nine days in Dublin. Possibly the longest period of time I have ever spent in our Capital City, and it was a good experience. The ‘nine days’ are significant since I was asked to preach at The Sacred Heart Novena in Gardiner Street Church. The invitation came some months ago from Fr…
There is a very beautiful walk around Lough Talt in Co. Sligo. It is called the ‘Loop Walk’ and covers just over 8km. The first part of the walk is a steep incline that tests all but the fittest but, once crossed, leads to a wonderfully breathtaking view of Lough Talt. The ‘loop’ continues along…
Dear Joseph, I have often thought of writing to you. I suppose, given the month that’s in it and that your Feast Day is recent, now might be as good a time as any. There is something very reassuring and uplifting in a letter that acknowledges a person and expresses gratitude and, that is what…
This week it was announced that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Kevin Doran to be Bishop of Achonry. Kevin is Bishop of Elphin and now is bishop of both dioceses. Since last April he has been Apostolic Administrator in our diocese so, in many ways, this was an expected announcement and a welcome one. There…
I signed up for this… in the name of the local GAA club as part of a national fundraising event where a club might gain some prize money if its members and friends can walk 4000km during a five-week window of opportunity. In honesty and more personally, I signed up because I know I need…
On December 29, the Church begins a Jubilee Year, with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Maybe this is not a bad place for us to spend a bit of time, this week, as we head towards the celebration of Christmas. There is a priest in Mayo that I have admired for many years – his…
I like music! I particularly like songs that tell stories or take us to a place where reflection is possible. Often, to the joy of some and the annoyance of others (including my dog, Indy), I have a go at singing them! To make matters worse – for Indy and others – last year I…
Notebook The driver was not having a good day! First he was annoyed by two children on bicycles and then was seriously irked by an elderly driver whose car stalled at traffic lights and, to cap it all, another motorist made it almost impossible for him to overtake. The children, the elderly driver and the…