Soul Food for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, 26th January 2025
In the summer of 2024, I found myself at Ballyvaloo Retreat & Conference Centre in Co. Wexford, attending the Chapter of the Irish Province of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. It was in this space that I received an invitation from the Provincial to join the new leadership team. At the Chapter attendees were reminded once again of the inspirational text that led to the foundation of the congregation which is commonly known as ‘the Spiritans’.
Author: - January 20, 2025
Soul Food for The Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Sunday 19th January 2025
When I was growing up in north County Meath in the early 1960s, just one image of Church was visible to me. This was of the all-powerful and to-be-feared parish priest who controlled everything and who expected all families, including young families like our own, to be at his Mass every Sunday. Parish involvement was only through an adult choir or, for young males like me, as an altar-server. By extension, for anyone growing up in this environment – where the experience of Church was based on stability, order and power over others – the only way to work for the Church was to walk the road towards priesthood or religious life or, as for a part of my own early life, towards missionary priesthood.
Author: - January 6, 2025
Soul Food for The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday 12th January 2025
The new year is in its infancy and many people, including myself, feel a little more motivated at this time of the year. New Year’s resolutions like eating healthier, doing more exercise, spending less time on the mobile phone are my usuals. I am also someone who tries to take time to let go of the old and to welcome the new, using this time as we end the Christmas season to reflect on the previous twelve months.
Author: - December 17, 2024
Soul Food for The Feast of the Epiphany (5th / 6th January) 2025
I have a soft spot for the poetry of Seán Ó Ríordáin (1916 – 1977). His poem entitled ‘Oíche Nollaig na mBan’ (‘The Eve of Nollaig na mBan’ or ‘The Eve of Womens’ Christmas’) was written on a stormy night on the 5th or 6th January. In the poem (which was translated by Theo Dorgan), Ó Ríordáin describes the energy of the storm, the howling wind outside and the fear in him when his candle is blown out …
Author: -
