Notebook In recent days four people of my acquaintance have tested positive for Covid-19. The four are from different age groups and all have been fully vaccinated in recent months. In all four cases, the positive test has meant that their families and others within their circles are isolating. This personal experience is having a…
Notebook When I was a student at the Irish College in Rome back in the 1980s one of the features of our lives was the interaction we had with Irish couples who came out to Rome to be married. Sometimes there were four or five couples each week. Many of them travelled to Rome on…
Notebook We are in a decade of centenaries marking one hundred years since our war of independence, the civil war and the establishment of the Irish State. These milestones and how we commemorate them provide opportunities for celebration but of course there are also many sensitivities to be aware of. The role religion and faith…
Notebook A conversation between a grandfather and his grandson went like this: “Grandad, what happens when you die?” Grandad explained as best he could. Still puzzled, the boy asked, “Does that mean you won’t be here anymore?” Grandad nodded: “Yes, that is true”. “Does that mean you won’t be able to play hurling with me…
Notebook At the heart of the Easter story is the triumph of life over death, love over hate and reconciliation over resentment. The following story brings the message of that first Easter right up to date. Over 80 years ago, in Greece, 50,000 Jews lived peacefully in Thessaloniki. It was a valued and vibrant community.…
Notebook Pope Francis said recently: “I know that many of you go to confession before Easter… Many will say to me: ‘But Father… I can’t leave the house and I want to make my peace with the Lord. I want him to embrace me… How can I do that unless I find a priest?’ “If…
Notebook An Ash Wednesday scene in a home in our parish last week. John, a farmer, comes home after his day’s work is done. His daughter Clara is sitting at the kitchen table studying for her Leaving Certificate. John immediately notices that Clara is sporting a very big black cross on her forehead which she…
Notebook The report on the mother and baby homes is the latest in a line of painful spotlights to be shone into dark areas of our society during the decades following the setting up of the Irish Republic. One of the questions the report sought to answer was, why there had been the need to…
Notebook As this difficult year, characterised by social distance and disconnection, comes to an end I’d like to share a story which created a wonderful memory and celebrates the power of connection. Andy and Sarah Lawrence live in England near Buxton in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales. Andy’s family roots are in the parish of Rathdowney…
Notebook Dear Mary, It’s Advent time again, which for you equates to the last month of your pregnancy all those years ago. Down through the years a lot has been said and written about your son’s birth in Bethlehem. Famous artists have tried to depict not only that famous night but also the day you…
