Soul Food for The Presentation of the Lord / ‘Libermann Day’, Sunday 2nd February 2025
Today’s Gospel tells the story of a young couple bringing their infant child to the temple. There they encounter Simeon and Anna, two elderly individuals filled with faith. When Simeon met the infant Jesus, his immediate response was prayer – he blessed God. His prayer, now part of the Church’s official night prayer, expresses gratitude and the recognition of God’s salvation. Anna, on the other hand, responded by speaking to others about Jesus, particularly to those awaiting God’s special intervention in their lives.
Author: - January 29, 2025
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
