Vocations Supplement 2020 Heroic Callings during Troubled Times Vocations Ireland is an association of vocation directors from religious orders, congregation and societies which provides training in ethical decision-making and assessment of candidates for religious life and priesthood. Over the last number of years, the association has sought to address the reality of life in…
The Sisters of Bon Secours are embracing technology as a way of connecting their Bon Secours family worldwide at this challenging time. Anne-Marie Whelan who works for the Sisters as their Evangelisation and Vocations Officer in Ireland and Great Britain tells us that like many congregations, families and even businesses there are challenges in maintaining…
Michelle Robertson ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers to his harvest.’ ~ Matthew 9:37 We are living through the strangest of times, a turning point in human history. I’m sure we all feel it, the world is on the brink of great change.…
Over 400 Years of Service in Ireland The Capuchin Franciscan Friars were founded in the early 1500’s in Italy with the desire to return to a closer living of the rule of St Francis of Assisi. Capuchins arrived in Ireland in 1616 and since then have become an intrinsic part of the Irish story. Today…
We Franciscans are a Fraternity in Mission, inspired by the life of St. Francis to bring the Gospel of Joy and Grace to the world. We devote our lives to the search for God in a communal life of prayer, simplicity of life and service to others. At the heart of Francis’ Gospel vision is…
Fr Colm Mannion Born in Birr, Co. Offaly, I didn’t come in contact with the Dominican Order until I moved to Dublin in my early 20’s. After some years involved with the Legion of Mary, I eventually received the grace to put myself forward for the priesthood. While it took some years for me to…
The Presentation Brothers extends their prayers, thoughts, best wishes and expression of solidarity to all affected in so many ways by this COVID-19 outbreak. The united effort, both local and global, to combat this virus, has been phenomenal. People have rallied together to do their part in the flight against the spread of the virus.…
Edmund Rice 1762-1844 The Christian Brothers were founded just over two hundred years ago by a remarkable Irishman called Edmund Rice. Born into a situation where his people had little share in their country’s resources, Edmund was part of a minority who had the advantage of a good education and everything needed in the way…
The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary was founded in 1800 in France in the aftermath of the French Revolution. It was a time of great disorder and fear. One of God’s responses to the cries of the people of that time was to call together a community of men and women…
Fr Alan Neville My favourite painting, without doubt, is found in a small church in Rome, just off the Piazza Navona, only a short walk from St. Peter’s. The Call of St. Matthew is tucked away in a corner with two other works by the same painter, Michelangelo Merisi de Caravaggio. It depicts the very…