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…
Notebook spend a lot of time on social media, sometimes I fear, too much time. Technology and communications have always held an interest for me so, in many ways, it is perhaps natural and understandable that I would pursue these interests and social media sits squarely in that space. For many years I have had…
Notebook It was All-Ireland Sunday 2001 – Meath vs Galway. There are two men I am remembering today, one was in the thrust of the action, the other watching from his hospital bed. One of them died within days of the final, the other in recent weeks. Tim Fitzmaurice, a Roscommon Man was in hospital,…
As I write these few lines, I am preparing to go to Ballaghaderreen for the wedding rehearsal of my nephew, Aaron and, his bride-to-be, Emma. It is something of a coincidence, since this same evening 37 years ago, I was at another rehearsal for an upcoming liturgical celebration. I was in Gurteen Church with some…
Notebook This is the season for First Holy Communion ceremonies. Important, and sadly often misunderstood occasions, they have the potential for so much good. I enjoy them. Through the years I have had some very memorable moments. I remember my own First Holy Communion Day but, oddly enough, not as much about the Mass or…
Notebook Like Ben Bulben, Fr John Carroll is a cherished landmark around Sligo! Like Ben Bulben, the shadow of his presence crosses county boundaries. For many years he was the chaplain in the town’s hospitals and continues to have a very active and pastoral presence to this day. It is impossible to put a number…
He was in the other room when I walked in. I knew the door would be unlocked so just gave a quick tap, said hello and walked in. “Who’s there?” he asked and when I said it was me, he said that he’d be with me in minute. He walked in, carrying a mop and…
Notebook A few weeks ago, priests were the subject of a highly-publicised TV programme, entitled: The Last Priests in Ireland. It wasn’t exactly the way I thought we might see ourselves presented or our ministry described. Last is a dangerous place to be! It puts on additional pressure and is tinged with sadness and despair.…