UPDATE - KORCE TO BELFAST AND BACK!!

UPDATE - KORCE TO BELFAST AND BACK!! KORCE 7 October 2012 I had very mixed feelings about my decision to travel to Ireland, without laptop! My journey was much easier - even the 42 unnecessary miles by National Express Bus when between airports in London, courtesy of my German travel agent!! Arriving in Gatwick and connecting with a flight to Belfast in Heathrow is not any kind of good planning, I can assure you, and NOT to be recommended!! Blog access proved impossible in Ireland, hence this is, as you can see, my first post since 18 August! 19 SEPTEMBER 2012 BELFAST - LAPTOP ACCESS! Very late that evening I was given a laptop and, of course, thought I could break my blog silence. But no! Blog access was just not possible. Otherwise my plans went really well, thank God. After a few days in Belfast - until about August 23, I went to Dublin on a very special day. The Tall Ships were visiting in the distance and more importantly, Sister Brigid Lawlor was visiting. I thought of visiting to greet her, but decided otherwise. Left Dublin next day and had a wonderful few days in Inchydoney, West Cork. Had a great day at Aghada and Garryvoe, in East Cork, with family too. All delightful. Back in Belfast, fully refreshed, prepared for the a visit to Knock Shrine and the West of Ireland, with 96 year old Sister Brigid Keane! We were so glad to visit Knock and take time to rest there, then on towards Connemara to visit her family. A very special afternoon tea at Ashford Castle, Cong, was surely a wonderful highlight for us en route! We returned in good time for me to prepare for a much-longed for visit to Angers. We left on September 9. Sister Anna Landy organised a group of Good Shepherd Friends. There were 23 of us who met at Dublin Airport for departure. A full week had been planned. I had two of our group from Belfast and also I was delighted to hear my Novitiate companion, Sister Rose Doherty was joining our group too. Sister Noreen O'Shea met us, with a coach, at the airport in Nantes and we had a memorable week. With a great Spiritual Leader, Father Sean Maher, who is studying at the Irish College, Paris, we appreciated a Mass in English every day. We travelled to Noirmoutier Island, where Mother Foundress, Saint Mary Euphrasia, was born and we had a glorious day there. Later in the week, we travelled to Tours, where the young Rose Virginie went to boarding school and spent her years up to becoming a sister. So the week was full of meaningful storytelling and enjoyment, all, now, underpinned with a truly meaningful memories. Our final day was Heritage Day in angers. We were free all day and our house was open for visitors. The groups had a guided tour plus an organ recital in the church. Rose and I spent the day, visiting the Chateau in the morning with most of the group. Then we enjoyed our final meal with Father Sean who returned to Paris when had had said Evening Mass for us. Later, Sister Rose and I went out for a meal just to celebrate being in Angers together - will include a photo! We had a joyous evening - making a presentation to Sister Noreen for her great hospitality and input during the week. Sunday was marked with a most creative Service after Mass. This was led and organised by Noreen at the newly opened Labyrinth. This really summed up our great week of Journeying with Mother Foundress. Again we had the luxury of a bus to Nantes Airport. Dublin was kind to us and we got a connection to Belfast much more quickly than expected, even though quite late on September 16!! A week full of happy memories for sure, with much to share with community and after some days with our Belfast group of Friends. Two days later, I was on the train again, travelling to Dublin with a Sister going to Waterford. Little did I know that I would be there within the week. Sister Anne and I went down on Tuesday 25 and stayed overnight. My only reason for going was to visit Sister Marie Murphy's grave and pray. on our return journey, with Sister Marie Therese, we visited Rostrevor Benedictine Monastery. The Abbot's mother, known to us, had died and we called to pay our respects. We arrived back in Belfast in the early evening, well satisfied with our journey. The rest of the time was spent meeting some of the "ladies" from my earler ministry and catching up with community and friends. Arrived back in Korce late on October 4, fully refreshed even if tired from the travelling on that day. So, till next time - every blessing!