Sunday Reflection - All Saints Day
Posted: Sat, 30 Oct 2021 09:45
Today we have a welcome break from the cycle of Sunday reflections in Mark as we remember ALL the Saints of our Christian family. It is chance for us to remember all those women, men and children who are enjoying new life to the full. We remember those who ate the famous and obvious like Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Bernadette of Lourdes. We also remember the less obvious like Canon Felix Kir of Dijon... Read More »
Sunday Reflection - 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted: Sat, 23 Oct 2021 14:47
In today's gospel, although Jesus is talking to Bartimaeus, he could well be speaking to each of us as he asks the blind beggar, 'What do you want me to do for you?' (Mk 10:51). For the Jericho beggar, the answer is obvious: he wants to be able to see. Each of us will have a different pressing need that we want healing today: it might be a broken relationship or a relief from pain. Bartimaeus is not... Read More »
Sunday Reflection - 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted: Sat, 16 Oct 2021 17:10
Today we meet the delightful sons of Zebedee, James and John. They are two of those most trusted band of Jesus' disciples. Already in Mark's gospel, we have seen Jesus reminding them of the need to have a child-like attitude, reminding them that 'whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it' (Mk 10:15). Like Peter, James and John do not always get it right and do and... Read More »
For Good
Posted: Fri, 15 Oct 2021 15:34
Towards the end of the popular musical 'Wicked' the two heroes, Galinda and Elphaba say farewell to each other and go their separate ways. As they reminisce, they see the goodness, light and love that they have shared since they met at school. It is a song that helps us understand how friendship impacts on each of us; friends come into our lives for a reason. Friends make a real difference for good... Read More »
Sunday Reflection - 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted: Sat, 9 Oct 2021 17:10
In the gospel today, Mark presents a vocation story of the rich young man. He is a good person who simply wants a share in life that Jesus wants to offer. There is a danger that we could think that, as he is simply lists his achievements, he is showing off. However, he has simply kept the commandments and tried to live a good life. He has not stolen or told lies, he has respected his parents and never... Read More »
The Beauty of the Ordinary: it is seriously good!
Posted: Wed, 6 Oct 2021 11:18
One of my family sent me this picture of the full moon, known as the 'Flower Moon', taken in my village at home. The beautiful bright moon was just over our local cemetery where my parents, grandparents and family are buried. Meelick Tower has been a centre of worship since the Celtic monks founded their monastery in the ninth century. There is something very sacred, and yet ordinary, to stand at my... Read More »
Don Bosco Global Film Festival
Posted: Wed, 6 Oct 2021 09:46
Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) is the first worldwide festival from the Salesian Congregation to unite all our young people globally to come together on a common project where they can express their creative talents and be rewarded. This festival is our own festival, and is a precious opportunity to make the name of Don Bosco resonate in the 134 countries where we are present, especially... Read More »
Sr Chiara Cazzuola FMA elected New Mother General of Daughters of Mary Help of Christians
Posted: Tue, 5 Oct 2021 14:38
The FMA are currently having their 25th General Chapter, where Sisters Pauline Clark FMA and Gill McCambridge FMA are attending as representatives of Great Britain. They have just elected their new Mother General Sr. Chiara Cazzuola. We pray with them as they continue their work together.
(ANS - Rome) - The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) gathered in Rome to participate in the FMA's 25th... Read More »
26th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted: Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:17
Our Gospel today warns us against sectarianism and trying to make out that Christ is just 'for us'—something we have been so guilty of! The disciples seem jealous that others are bringing the light of Christ to others: they fail to fully appreciate that the Gospel is for all and not just a narrow group in society. Jesus makes it very clear that all can share in the beauty of the mission—even... Read More »
I have never denied the Eucharist to anyone!
Posted: Fri, 17 Sep 2021 13:18
At his traditional post visit press conference on his recent Alitalia flight back home from Slovakia, Pope Francis was quizzed about the Eucharist by American journalists. The election of the Catholic, Joe Biden re-ignited the debate in American politics: how can a Catholic President possibly support the Democratic party's policy of supporting abortion? It has become a hot issue, especially in the... Read More »