The Meaning of the Holy Mass - Ven. Fulton Sheen

Monstrance saved from Reservoir now the Centre of New Adoration Chapel for Vocations

A man fishing at the Loch Raven Reservoir in north Baltimore County some two decades ago was convinced he had snagged a big fish after his line hooked something substantial.

After reeling in his haul, the angler had no fish. He had, however, caught something even more remarkable: a large Gothic monstrance used by Catholics to hold the Eucharist for worship.

Unsure what the ornate object was, but thinking it looked “churchy,” the man took the monstrance to a local Catholic church. A priest examined the vessel, suggesting that the man take the beautiful brass finding to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, where it subsequently remained in storage for years.

- See more at: Catholic Review - Monstrance saved from reservoir

Silverstream Priory - Benedictine Community need your help

Ireland’s newest monastery - the Benedictine monks of Silverstream Priory in Co Meath - need €150,000.

Benedictine monks of Silverstream priory (l to r) Dom Elijah, Dom Mark Daniel Kirby, Dom Finian and Dom Benedict Andersen.

The fundraising deadline for Ireland’s newest monastery is just four days away and the Benedictine monks of Silverstream Priory still need €150,000.

The community of five was founded from its parent community in the diocese of Tulsa in Oklahoma in the US and ended up coming to Ireland when the house the community was renting in Tulsa became too small.

Prior, Dom Mark Daniel Kirby, explained that they need to purchase the Victorian-era monastery to make their future secure and to do major work to stem its descent into further decay.

Silverstream Priory was built around 1845 on 15 acres of countryside near Stamullen.

Above article from and continued here;  Catholic Ireland - Silverstream Priory

To contact the Monastery with a donation go here:  http://www.cenacleosb.org/

We are in great need in Ireland for this Community and for other Communities from abroad to come here as we need Holy Priests and also to make reparation for the many sins against the Holy Eucharist.  Please support and give what you can as their Community is vital to the renewal of the Church in Ireland. God bless you. 

Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel

Adoration leads to Vocations - But do you know about it ?

In Ireland we are struggling with Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious life.  It is a well known fact that Adoration helps to increase Vocations. Yet you would see in some Churches in Dublin anyway that Eucharistic Adoration is not promoted at all.  One particular Church I know has Adoration three days a week, but they do not put the times of Adoration on their weekly Sunday bulletin, nor their website.  And this Church has cut down on the hours of Adoration due to a lack of adorers.  It used to be available five days a week.  Perhaps they might realise sometime that the lack of adorers comes from the lack of knowledge about the Adoration in the first place.

So Please if you know of Adoration hours taking place in your Church, put up a sign in the Church and make it appealing.  Put it in your bulletin EVERY week just as you put the Mass times.  Speak about it from the Pulpit.  People don't know anything about things that they don't see or hear about.  Please keep the Churches open on Sundays for people to Pray also.  We don't always need Adoration but we know that Jesus lives in the Tabernacle.  Adore Him there, and keep Him company.

Irish Catholics need to wake up and promote Prayer and Adoration using whatever modern means they have.  Also with Vocations, the same.  Promote the Priesthood and Religious life in attractive ways.  This Year is the Year of Consecrated Life.  Be Joyful about it.  Jesus is still calling people whether you think it or not.  Give Him the Chance to Reach them...

Wake up ....for Goodness Sake......

Jesus is coming - Prepare to give your Life for Him......

The Divine Mercy devotion is given to us by Christ for these days.  It is important that we listen to Him.

Do not listen to those who preach a Gospel of false compassion and mercy.  This is a very dangerous teaching which will mislead and lead to final death.  To make allowances for sinful behaviour is not the Way of the Lord.  Jesus calls us to conversion and to a holy life and the Saints are witnesses to the True Love and Mercy that Jesus gives.  You cannot experience Gods Mercy unless you turn away from sin.  To tell those who are living in sin that God loves them as they are is false and dangerous.  Jesus hates sin and we only need to look at the Sufferings He endured for our sake to know this.  For anyone to say that sin is okay is speaking on behalf of the evil one who wants to destroy our souls.

Listen to Christ and to the Church's teaching and to the Voices of the Witnesses over the centuries.  Do not be deceived.  We are living in a time of great grace but it is up to each of us to Choose Christ or the voices of the anti Gospel or anti Christ.  We may be asked to give our lives for Christ and for that we must be prepared at all times.  

Catholics should not be refused Holy Communion just because they are kneeling...

It is to be noted that Catholics should and can receive Holy Communion if they wish to kneel.  A Priest has no right to refuse Holy Communion to anyone who kneels.  I say this because I myself and others have been rebuffed because we kneeled to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament.

Though I do not get angry with the Priest but go standing if I have to.  But what the Priest does is wrong.  He needs prayer and sacrifice.

We have to remember the Church's teaching and the examples of the Holy Fathers Pope Emeritus Benedict and Pope Francis who distribute Holy Communion to people kneeling and on the tongue.

It is after all Jesus Christ we are receiving. If a Priest no longer has that faith in the True Presence, it does not give them the right to deny someone Holy Communion if they wish to kneel.  To kneel for Holy Communion gives reverence due to the Lord who is due our respect.

Please stand up for your Faith and do make a complaint to a Bishop or Priest if this happens.  But do so in charity always.  It is important that you do so because we the laity are called to help protect and rebuild and renew the Church.  If we remain silent, we will allow these abuses to continue and it is my own belief that many liturgical abuses have entered into the Church, because the faithful say nothing.  Remember Veronica who came out of the crowd and risked her own life to wipe the Face of Jesus in His great sufferings.  We too are called to step out and defend our Church and comfort the Lord in the midst of all He has to endure today in the Church.  

God bless you.  

U2 - Gloria - O Lord if I had anything, anything at all, I'd give it to You...

Today is the beginning of Advent and also the Year of Consecrated Life.  What does this mean to give ones life completely to Christ ?  It is a radical decision and not an easy one.  But it is one that gives great Joy, Hope and Love, not the joy or love that the world talks about but of a greater, a higher joy and a deeper Love that goes beyond anything that the world could give, something that one cannot explain.  But every decision for Christ also demands Sacrifice.  I chose to put up this song from U2 which goes back right to their early days as they set out on the road to stardom.  The lyrics (see below) of the song speak about giving anything to the Lord and that only in You (meaning Christ) I'm complete.   It evokes many memories from me when I saw them back then and I can only say to hear that song live was like something not of this world.

We pray today for all those who have made that Sacrifice to give their lives totally to Christ for the salvation of souls and we pray also for many more who will choose to lay down their lives for Christ in the future.

The lyrics of the Song Gloria:

I try to sing this song
I...I try to stand up
But I can't find my feet
I try, I try to speak up
But only in you I'm complete

Gloria...in te domine
Gloria...exultate
Gloria...Gloria
Oh Lord, loosen my lips

I try to sing this song
I...I try to get in
But I can't find the door
The door is open
You're standing there
You let me in

Gloria...in te domine
Gloria...exultate
Oh Lord, if I had anything
Anything at all
I'd give it to you
I'd give it to you

Gloria...Gloria...

A Martyr for the Truth...

Link to video:  Youtube: Rome Reports - Documentary on Fr. Jerzy Popieluszko

Pray for Vocations, we need more Priests !

As the Year of Consecrated Life begins on 30th November we must remember to Pray each day for our Seminarians, for our Priests and for more holy Vocations to the Priesthood most especially in Ireland where we are going through a drought regarding Vocations to the Priesthood.  But I believe that is going to change and that drought will turn into a well spring of hope, of joy and of heroism for those who will find their Life in Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour who will never fail us and who will give you that life you so desire in the depths of your heart and soul.  Check out the blog on Vocations at  http://comefollowmesaysthelord.blogspot.ie/

Chase is now a Priest and Chaplain, you can see updated video here: Youtube - Mount St. Mary's - Chase Hilgenbrinck

For the Year of Consecrated Life - Blog on Vocations

As the Year for Consecrated Life begins on November 30th 2014.  I have renewed another of my blogs for this event specifically for Ireland though it will include other countries also.  It is simply to encourage vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious Life primarily.  In Ireland we are in dire need of Vocations most especially to the Priesthood.  You can check it out here: http://comefollowmesaysthelord.blogspot.ie/

You can watch a fascinating documentary 'Called to the Collar' on the above blog which features two young twin brothers called to the Priesthood.  

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago retires

Link for above video:  Youtube - Fox32 Chicago interview with Cardinal Francis George

May the Lord bless and strengthen Cardinal Francis George in his retirement.  

Bishop Kieran O'Reilly to be Archbishop of Cashel/Emly Diocese

After morning mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles Brown introduced Bishop Kieran O'Reilly as the new Archbishop of Cashel and Emly. 

A large gathering of people and priests welcomed the new Archbishop. He was warmly welcomed by Archbishop Dermod Clifford who recently submitted his resignation to the Holy Father upon completion of his 75th year of age. 

For more on this announcement go to: Diocese of Killaloe - Bishop Kieran O'Reilly introduced to Cashel/Emly Diocese

Please pray now for a good and holy successor for the Diocese of Killaloe which has been under some strain over the last few months over the Permanent Diaconate.  We now hope that the Permanent Diaconate will also be put back in place for those men who wish to go forward.  We thank God for Bishop Kieran O'Reilly and we ask the Lord to bless him in his new appointment.   

Synod of Limerick for 2016

The Synod will take place over three days bringing together 400 delegates who will set out a path for renewal for the Church in Limerick.

The Diocese of Limerick has announced it will hold its first synod in over seventy years in spring 2016 which is aimed at plotting a way forward for renewal and collaboration in the Church there.

Bishop Brendan Leahy made the announcement at a Youth Mass at St Joseph’s parish in the heart of Limerick City on Sunday, saying there would be an 18 month period of reflection and listening ahead of the synod, which will commence this December.

They will try to ensure the synod delivers, with a sense of renewal as well as partnership among all in the diocese, the message, ministry and mission needed for the future.

Between now and the official opening of the period of reflection on Sunday 7 December, 400 synod delegates, who will be drawn from parishes across the diocese, will be identified.

The 400 will collectively begin a process that will set out the key issues for consideration at the gathering in spring 2016.

Bishop Leahy has appointed Fr Éamonn Fitzgibbon, Episcopal Vicar, as Director of the Synod. Fr Fitzgibbon will co-ordinate the many strands of preparation for the synod as well as the synod event itself.

He will also engage in a process for the selection of delegates for the synod.

In a letter published on the diocesan website www.limerickdiocese.org, Bishop Leahy said the gathering would be true to the meaning of the word ‘synod’, which is ‘journeying together’.

Above from website and more here:  Limerick Synod 2016

Called to be One....Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham

Link for video: Youtube - Personal Ordinariate of our Lady of Walsingham

Irish Bishops Conference - Year of Consecrated Life

Below from the Irish Bishops Conference website (in green):  

Three representatives from the Conference of Religious of Ireland attended the Bishops’ Conference to discuss the celebration of the year for Consecrated Life.  

Father Gregory Carroll, OP, vice-president of CORI was accompanied by Sisters Pat O’Donoghue and Eithne Woulfe.  CORI plans for the year include a weekly celebration of Evening Prayer in Clarendon Street Church, Dublin at 6:15pm from 4 December 2014 as well as pilgrimages to the Holy Land in early May, and to Knock on 30 May.  

Other events planned include a seminar, open day and competitions for young people.  The meeting also discussed the value and contribution of religious to the life of the Church and society in Ireland and in Mission areas.  The hidden and effective presence of many older religious in present times was highlighted.  The importance of local and diocesan celebrations was also stressed, and the celebration of local religious in an ecclesial context.  The question of promoting religious life was raised and also its nurturing into the future.  It was agreed that these issues will be on the agenda of the next joint meeting of the Bishops’ Conference and CORI.

Catholic Bishops Conference - Year of Consecrated Life

*I hope and presume that all Dioceses will have more things in place for the Year for Consecrated Life and that they would also have initiatives especially to promote Vocations to the Priesthood as it is in crisis here in Ireland as only 14 men entered the Seminary this year.  I would also ask everyone to light a candle in your Church and ask the Lord as you are doing so for a good and holy Vocation to the Priesthood in your Diocese and do so each and every day.   And yes, every day...

National Youth Sunday - UK Catholic Church in England and Wales - Feast of Christ the King, Sunday 23rd November

On the feast of Christ the King - this year on Sunday 23 November - the Catholic Church in England and Wales makes young people our particular focus as a sign of how much we value them. The theme for this year, ‘How happy are you?’ knocks on the door of our heart and challenges us to look at what really brings happiness. The videos and downloads here are designed to offer adaptable material for those working with young people not only for National Youth Sunday but throughout the whole of the ‘youth ministry year’

For More Details go here: 

http://catholicnews.org.uk/Home/Featured/National-Youth-Sunday-2014

UK High Court Allows Mother to Euthanize Severely Disabled Daughter

The decision by a United Kingdom High Court judge to allow a British mother to legally euthanize her 12-year-old daughter, who was suffering from a host of non-life threatening disabling disorders, is drawing strong criticism from many disability advocates who say the decision sets a dangerous precedent that will allow guardians of other disabled people to do the same.

In August, Charlotte Fitzmaurice Wise legally authorized the euthanasia of her daughter, Nancy, after she successfully petitioned the U.K. High Court to allow her to end her daughter's pain and misery.

Nancy, who was born blind and diagnosed with hydrocephalus, meningitis and septicaemia, suffered constant pain and was never able to talk, walk, eat or drink on her own. Her condition required 24-hour hospital care, where she could only be fed, hydrated and medicated through tubes.

The burden of Nancy's illness caused Charlotte to quit her nursing job so she could be devoted full time to supporting her daughter. But when Nancy's agony became too much, and pain killing measures like morphine stopped numbing the pain, Charlotte issued a plea to the high court. Justice Eleanor King empathized with the mother and granted her request to end her daughter's life because she ruled that Nancy had no quality of life.

Full article here: Christian Post: UK High Court allows Mother to Euthanize severely disabled daughter

Mindfulness or the Sacrament of the Present Moment

Mindfulness retreats etc are doing the rounds in Catholic retreat centres around Ireland. I find this quite sad to say the least.  We don't get it, do we ?   That Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist and is in the Tabernacle day and night and in these Retreat Centres also and yet so many are now ignoring Jesus in favour of 'new philosophies' or as St. Paul says in the second letter to Timothy 4:3  'For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.'  

If we walk away from Christ and all the riches He has given us in our Catholic Faith, what do we have left ? Just emptiness and nothingness...

On the Women of Grace blog I came across this article which explains Mindfulness and how it is at variance with our own Catholic Faith...full article here: Women of Grace - Mindfulness Meditation

MM asks: Is there anything wrong with Mindfulness Meditation? It sounds like it’s nothing more than living in the present moment. Could there be anything wrong with that?

The technique known as Mindfulness Meditation is the brainchild of Jon Kabat-Zinn, a biomedical scientist and founder of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. In 1979, he developed something called “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction” (MBSR) which is an 8-week course combining meditation and Hatha yoga to help patients cope with stress, pain, and illness through moment-to-moment awareness.

and another part of the article reads; 

However, we Catholics have our own method of living in the present moment which is explained by the late great spiritual director, Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade in the book, The Sacrament of the Present Moment. This practice involves the realization that every event in our lives, from the most ordinary to the most spectacular, are all manifestations of God’s will for us. It teaches us to experience every moment – such as this very moment as you read these words – as a holy sacrament because God is at work in it. As we acquire this holy practice, God becomes much more real to us, much more a part of our lives, and a true Companion on our journey. 

The Year of Consecrated Life opens November 30th

The Vatican has begun to announce plans for celebrating the Year of Consecrated Life, which begins in November 2014.

Three-pronged focus

•   renewal for men and women in consecrated life,
•   thanksgiving among the faithful for the service of sisters, brothers, priests, and nuns,
•   invitation to young Catholics to consider a religious vocation.

Tentative schedule

 
Nov. 29, 2014: Opening Prayer Vigil

Nov. 30, 2014: Opening Mass with Pope Francis

Jan. 22-24, 2015: Meeting of Catholic consecrated men and women and consecrated religious from other Christian traditions (to be held during the week of Christian unity)

Second week of April, 2015: Conference on religious formation around the world

Sept. 23-26, 2015: Event for young men and women in discernment and in the process of joining religious orders

Dec. 18-21, 2015: Separate meetings for members of monastic orders and of secular institutes.

Jan. 28 - Feb. 1, 2016: Theological symposium on religious life

Feb. 2, 2016: Closing Mass with Pope Francis on World Day of Consecrated Life

Click here for more information about available resources for the Year of Consecrate Life.

There are many more events held in Dioceses throughout the World for this special Year. This is a Year to encourage Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life.  We must do all we can to encourage and assist Christ in His Work of Redemption of Souls and Pray for all those who have already given their lives to Him in this work and for those who will do so in the future as Priests and Religious.