Antrim parish to hold ‘Prayers Matter’ to deepen Faith
An Antrim parish will hold its sixth annual round table gathering on ‘Prayers Matter’ with speakers including Baroness Nuala O’Loan, Sr Elaine Kelly from the Adoration Convent in Belfast and PP Fr Patrick Delargy.
The event takes place in All Saints’ Parish Centre, Cushendall Road, Ballymena, on Saturday, December 1 from 2-5.30pm.
Sr Elaine will speak about her spiritual journey and prayer life.
Janice McKeith, who will host the round table, said: “Many of us, regardless of age, lead very busy lives, with work, family and social commitments taking up much of our time. Prayer can sometimes be relegated to weekly attendance at church when we join together in various forms of public prayer, but we also need to spend private time nurturing our individual, living relationship with God.
“A growing relationship can be measured by the quality of its communication. If that happens only in public, it is an indication of a troubled relationship.”
The discussions will examine ways in which people can make various forms of individual prayer a significant part of their daily lives, and develop a deeper relationship with God.
There is no charge and refreshments will be served. A donation basket will be provided for those who wish to contribute towards the costs of the event.
To register or for further information, email: allsaintspc@outlook.com or phone 028 256 31236, 079 270 89125 or 077 699 74970. All are welcome to attend.
Nun honoured for 30 years educating in Zambia
The President of Zambia has conferred a nun from Westmeath with the President’s Insignia of Honour.
Sr Celestine Daly was among the recipients awarded for their outstanding contributions to the quality of life in Zambia.
The ceremony took place on the 54th anniversary of independence at State House with Sr Celestine being accompanied by her niece Pauline.
In his conferring remarks President Lungu paid tribute to Sr Celestine’s 30 years of service to the educational needs of his nation.
Born in Rosemount and educated in Mercy Convent Moate, she later entered Mercy Convent Navan and did her teacher training studies and taught for a number of years. Sr Celestine brought this experience to her Zambian mission.
Without trained teachers and suitable school buildings nothing could be done in Mazabuka. She knew that she could not face this mammoth task unaided. With the support of her Mercy Community of the Northern Province to which she belongs and her fellow religious in Zambia, she began to see a way forward.
With the help of the Mercy community, capacity building for untrained teachers was organised and those who performed well went to Teacher Training College. Later they were placed in remote areas where overcrowded classrooms made the need most great.
Bishop Smith and many people from the Meath Diocese donated generously.
Many teachers in various areas of Ireland fundraised and brought groups of students to Zambia to let them help in the schools and see first hand the poverty and deprivation and the need for charity in these regions.
Continuing to be faithful to the mission of Catherine McAuley, under the Ministry of Education, Sr Celestine later became co-ordinator of the Religious Education Programme in the district.