8TH. JULY 2011 BALLYVALOO, BERKLEY AND IN-BETWEEN!!
This past week, I was surely breaking new ground! Most of my companions on the train were heading for The Tall Ships Festival in Waterford. However, leaving the historic town of Wexford in the company of an old school friend, Lila, and being driven by her niece, we passed a few seaside villages and finally entered the gates of our retreat venue, Ballyvaloo. Recently refurbished, this glorious place is ideal. It has plenty of grounds and a magnificant beach. Facilitator to our group was a Sister Joann Heinritz CSJ, an American of German extraction. Sister is well known as a retreat giver and she has worked in a number centres throughout Ireland. On the way to Ballyvaloo we had passed Berkley wood and our driver remarked that this wood had given the name to an American University.To our surprise, the Sister was introduced as being a staff member of that University!
Our week was a very good experience of input, silence, marvellous liturgies and of course the beach! Each evening we had an hour of "Body Praise" - a mixture of both aerobics and Pilates! This was completed inretreat atmosphere. Now, as I return to Belfast, I have heard ripplesof a busy weekend ahead. It is great to feel all set for what the new day will bring!
Have a great weekend! For Belfast readers,- "Be prepared to celebrate".
Friday, 8 July 2011
Thursday, 30 June 2011
FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART 2011
30TH.JUNE 2011 FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART 2011 BELFAST
I am pretty sure that this is my first time making a SECOND entry on one day!! My reason is this - the final sentence of my entry has disappeared!! I recall it said - "Tomorrow is the feast of the Sacred Heart and I wish each one a happy day. Have a good weekend."
Now, I add another word - a request this time! It is for a prayer 2-8 July please. I make retreat and have felt a little apprehensive about it as it is my first experience of having a Sister giving the retreat. Then, today, I discovered that three of the Sisters here have made, and really loved. their annual retreat with this same American Sister. Also, two of them have been to the same venue, so I feel very re-assured. One further point, - Sister Noreen O'Shea made a very different retreat with this same Sister in the past few weeks. It was called - "The Labyrinth". I do not plan any unusual travel and will be quite content with a little 'sacred space' though I would also welcome some opportunity to get a walk!
Shalom!
I am pretty sure that this is my first time making a SECOND entry on one day!! My reason is this - the final sentence of my entry has disappeared!! I recall it said - "Tomorrow is the feast of the Sacred Heart and I wish each one a happy day. Have a good weekend."
Now, I add another word - a request this time! It is for a prayer 2-8 July please. I make retreat and have felt a little apprehensive about it as it is my first experience of having a Sister giving the retreat. Then, today, I discovered that three of the Sisters here have made, and really loved. their annual retreat with this same American Sister. Also, two of them have been to the same venue, so I feel very re-assured. One further point, - Sister Noreen O'Shea made a very different retreat with this same Sister in the past few weeks. It was called - "The Labyrinth". I do not plan any unusual travel and will be quite content with a little 'sacred space' though I would also welcome some opportunity to get a walk!
Shalom!
WEST CORK, AWARD, PLUS "RIVERDANCE".
30TH. JUNE 2011 WEST CORK, AWARD, PLUS "RIVERDANCE". BELFAST!
Inchydoney really lived up to our expectations! Great welcome from Elma and the beach looked exactly as on the video that I managed to include once in this blog!
We delighted in the sunshine, great hospitality and our one foggy day gave us great relaxation.
On Sunday, Elma drove us around the West Cork Coast to Glandore - a beautiful journey. Earlier, a letter from the Bishop was read at Mass. It showed us clearly the "signs of the times". In January 2012, six parishes,including Clonakilty, will be "clustered". They will work as a unit, so as to offset the scarcity of priests and to ensure that Mass is available in each area.
On Tuesday, before we left, Elma was invited to the Boy's School, where Donal RIP had been a Board Member and 'accountant' - contributing much time and energy to the School. The school had set up a - "MAKING A DIFFERENCE" Award. Each year, Elma is asked to present this "Donal O'Mahony Award". Choice of recipient is made by the School staff.
Inchydoney really lived up to our expectations! Great welcome from Elma and the beach looked exactly as on the video that I managed to include once in this blog!
We delighted in the sunshine, great hospitality and our one foggy day gave us great relaxation.
On Sunday, Elma drove us around the West Cork Coast to Glandore - a beautiful journey. Earlier, a letter from the Bishop was read at Mass. It showed us clearly the "signs of the times". In January 2012, six parishes,including Clonakilty, will be "clustered". They will work as a unit, so as to offset the scarcity of priests and to ensure that Mass is available in each area.
On Tuesday, before we left, Elma was invited to the Boy's School, where Donal RIP had been a Board Member and 'accountant' - contributing much time and energy to the School. The school had set up a - "MAKING A DIFFERENCE" Award. Each year, Elma is asked to present this "Donal O'Mahony Award". Choice of recipient is made by the School staff.
Friday, 24 June 2011
FROM GARRYVOE TO INCHYDONEY!!
24JUNE 2011 FROM GARRYVOE TO INCHYDONEY!!
Bernie and I had a lovely journey from Dublin to our Garryvoe venue on the water's edge here on Tuesday. With just one stop at "The Horse and Jockey Hotel" our travelling time was surprisingly short. Since then, we have had our family time with Una and we really enjoyed the days. On Wednesday, Una surprised us with lunch at the Castlemartyr Resort and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience in this beautiful setting. Long gone are the Carmelite Community and their boarding school boys. We loved the luxury of the renovated building!
Yesterday, we again had plenty of sunshine. We set off for Mount Mellary and we had a marvellous day. We did not stop at Lismore Castle - even though it was very much alive with tourists as we passed. The scenery is great all the way, driving by the Blackwater River. Mount Mellary Cistercian Monastery greeted us with the bells for afternoon Office and we joined the community for part of their prayer. Later, we enjoyed the warm sunshine with the mountain air for almost an hour when we reluctantly began our return journey to Garryvoe.
Now, it is time to move on, but before we leave, we go to lovely Bayview, Ballycotton for lunch. I feel sure there will be a celebratory atmosphere today. Una telephoned last evening to share the good news that Emma had just received news that she had got First Class Honours in her Degree. I spoke to her later and she agreed it was great news as she leaves, with two friends , for three weeks 'island-hopping' in Greece!!
Enjoy the weekend!
Bernie and I had a lovely journey from Dublin to our Garryvoe venue on the water's edge here on Tuesday. With just one stop at "The Horse and Jockey Hotel" our travelling time was surprisingly short. Since then, we have had our family time with Una and we really enjoyed the days. On Wednesday, Una surprised us with lunch at the Castlemartyr Resort and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience in this beautiful setting. Long gone are the Carmelite Community and their boarding school boys. We loved the luxury of the renovated building!
Yesterday, we again had plenty of sunshine. We set off for Mount Mellary and we had a marvellous day. We did not stop at Lismore Castle - even though it was very much alive with tourists as we passed. The scenery is great all the way, driving by the Blackwater River. Mount Mellary Cistercian Monastery greeted us with the bells for afternoon Office and we joined the community for part of their prayer. Later, we enjoyed the warm sunshine with the mountain air for almost an hour when we reluctantly began our return journey to Garryvoe.
Now, it is time to move on, but before we leave, we go to lovely Bayview, Ballycotton for lunch. I feel sure there will be a celebratory atmosphere today. Una telephoned last evening to share the good news that Emma had just received news that she had got First Class Honours in her Degree. I spoke to her later and she agreed it was great news as she leaves, with two friends , for three weeks 'island-hopping' in Greece!!
Enjoy the weekend!
Sunday, 19 June 2011
KNOCK, MAAM, ASSOCIATES, "BIG NOVENA".
19TH.JUNE 2011 TRINITY SUNDAY KNOCK, MAAM, ASOCIATES, "BIG NOVENA".
On Monday last, 95 year old Sister Brigid and I set off for Connemara! We travelled via Knock Shrine, where we had Mass and prayed for everybody. Then to Ballinrobe to visit her sister, Nora, and finally to Maam, in the heart of Connemara. I slept in a room that was used as a studio by none other than the artist, Paul Henry, who was famous for his scenes of the West of Ireland. I had a great view of the mountains and could see Sister Brigid's home too. We met her relatives on Tuesday evening as our hostess gave a dinner - eight of us had a very happy evening plus a marvellous meal! Sister Brigid and I again had a few hours at Knock Shrine on our way back to Belfast on Wednesday. Sister had amazing energy and enjoyed the journey as well as meeting with her friends.
Yesterday, we had a lively meeting of our Associates/Friends. This took most of the afternoon as we had much news to catch up with, due to the length of time since we had met. The Friends experience great support from these meetings - they are all people that have supported us over the years in our ministry. Just one man rang up to say he could not be with us.
The past four days have been dominated by visitors, and the "Big Novena" that began on Wednesday! We had Sisters Evelyn Fergus, Maria Minogue and Anna Landy. Ethna has been here a few times too and has gone off on holiday today. The Novena - www. clonard.com - has been amazing, with ten sessions each day. These attract about 15,000 people. We have traditionally gone to the early morning session, leaving here before 6.30a.m. to ensure we have a seat!! This year, Sister Elise Rasch has come with us each day as she is here for a Board Meeting of Sharing Fair. Most days we have met people we have got to know over the years and also, we have met many of the people living around our former house at Sussex Place. They tell us they make the Novena "their annual mission" and they "feel great when its over"!!! I have a little twinge of regret that today finished my attendance for this year. I go on holiday this afternoon!!
Enjoy this beautiful feast - I remember especially the Sisters in Albania as all here make enquiries about our mission there. Have a great week!
On Monday last, 95 year old Sister Brigid and I set off for Connemara! We travelled via Knock Shrine, where we had Mass and prayed for everybody. Then to Ballinrobe to visit her sister, Nora, and finally to Maam, in the heart of Connemara. I slept in a room that was used as a studio by none other than the artist, Paul Henry, who was famous for his scenes of the West of Ireland. I had a great view of the mountains and could see Sister Brigid's home too. We met her relatives on Tuesday evening as our hostess gave a dinner - eight of us had a very happy evening plus a marvellous meal! Sister Brigid and I again had a few hours at Knock Shrine on our way back to Belfast on Wednesday. Sister had amazing energy and enjoyed the journey as well as meeting with her friends.
Yesterday, we had a lively meeting of our Associates/Friends. This took most of the afternoon as we had much news to catch up with, due to the length of time since we had met. The Friends experience great support from these meetings - they are all people that have supported us over the years in our ministry. Just one man rang up to say he could not be with us.
The past four days have been dominated by visitors, and the "Big Novena" that began on Wednesday! We had Sisters Evelyn Fergus, Maria Minogue and Anna Landy. Ethna has been here a few times too and has gone off on holiday today. The Novena - www. clonard.com - has been amazing, with ten sessions each day. These attract about 15,000 people. We have traditionally gone to the early morning session, leaving here before 6.30a.m. to ensure we have a seat!! This year, Sister Elise Rasch has come with us each day as she is here for a Board Meeting of Sharing Fair. Most days we have met people we have got to know over the years and also, we have met many of the people living around our former house at Sussex Place. They tell us they make the Novena "their annual mission" and they "feel great when its over"!!! I have a little twinge of regret that today finished my attendance for this year. I go on holiday this afternoon!!
Enjoy this beautiful feast - I remember especially the Sisters in Albania as all here make enquiries about our mission there. Have a great week!
Sunday, 12 June 2011
IRELAND, FRIENDS, ROSTREVOR PLUS!!
12TH. JUNE 2011 IRELAND, FRIENDS, ROSTREVOR PLUS!!
Where has my first week gone? All has gone well and I have managed to catch up on many people, first of all with the Sisters, while the days vanished!!! Great to meet my Novitiate companions on Thursday. All of us in Belfast met today as we had eight extra Sisters at dinner! It really was not possible to reconnect with everyone in depth, but it was a great get-together!
The highlight for me so far was Thursday when four of us met in Dublin. We really made the most of the time and enjoyed every minute too.
Yesterday, Noeleen and I were at Rostrevor Benedictine Monastery for the morning Mass. It was a delight, with beautiful chant and singing and with a great attendance. Today, Pentecost, was a special day at Saul, near Downpatrick. There was a Mass planned for the afternoon, but heavy rain ruled out the climb to the summit. This evening, I have succeeded in speaking to all the Associate/Friends and we have arranged to meet next weekend. Each one was delighted to hear we would spend a little time together.
Tomorrow, I go with Sister Brigid to Connemara. We plan to visit Knock en route, so I promise to pray for each one that reads the blog, even if only now and then!!!
Have a great week!
Where has my first week gone? All has gone well and I have managed to catch up on many people, first of all with the Sisters, while the days vanished!!! Great to meet my Novitiate companions on Thursday. All of us in Belfast met today as we had eight extra Sisters at dinner! It really was not possible to reconnect with everyone in depth, but it was a great get-together!
The highlight for me so far was Thursday when four of us met in Dublin. We really made the most of the time and enjoyed every minute too.
Yesterday, Noeleen and I were at Rostrevor Benedictine Monastery for the morning Mass. It was a delight, with beautiful chant and singing and with a great attendance. Today, Pentecost, was a special day at Saul, near Downpatrick. There was a Mass planned for the afternoon, but heavy rain ruled out the climb to the summit. This evening, I have succeeded in speaking to all the Associate/Friends and we have arranged to meet next weekend. Each one was delighted to hear we would spend a little time together.
Tomorrow, I go with Sister Brigid to Connemara. We plan to visit Knock en route, so I promise to pray for each one that reads the blog, even if only now and then!!!
Have a great week!
Friday, 3 June 2011
VISITORS LEAVE AND IRELAND BECKONS!!
3RD. JUNE 2011 VISITORS LEAVE AND IRELAND BECKONS!
Late this evening, we said "Goodbye" to our visitors - Sisters Susan and Daniela! The
few days since they arrived have passed so quickly! We were glad they managed to visit Pogradec and see our work there. Here, they also managed to meet some of the locals. In Albania, people tend to just arrive at the door, sometimes at most unsuitable times!!! They want to ensure that visitors know they are really welcome!
Earlier, it seemed a very good idea that I would travel on the same day as our visitors. Now, I am not so sure, especially as my plane leaves first! Anyway, it will all work out, please God. I have a long day Our travel agent has brought me into Dublin, rather than Belfast, in spite of my protests!! That means a long bus run late in the evening.
So, I will be in touch again from the Emerald Isle. Our 'Sacred Space' book had a nice thought a day or two ago. "We need to visit each other often, to offer each other a safe space to celebrate our freedom and our gifts." It seems to me I will make many visits over the coming weeks! I was glad to hear this evening that the summer weather continues!
Have a great weekend!
Late this evening, we said "Goodbye" to our visitors - Sisters Susan and Daniela! The
few days since they arrived have passed so quickly! We were glad they managed to visit Pogradec and see our work there. Here, they also managed to meet some of the locals. In Albania, people tend to just arrive at the door, sometimes at most unsuitable times!!! They want to ensure that visitors know they are really welcome!
Earlier, it seemed a very good idea that I would travel on the same day as our visitors. Now, I am not so sure, especially as my plane leaves first! Anyway, it will all work out, please God. I have a long day Our travel agent has brought me into Dublin, rather than Belfast, in spite of my protests!! That means a long bus run late in the evening.
So, I will be in touch again from the Emerald Isle. Our 'Sacred Space' book had a nice thought a day or two ago. "We need to visit each other often, to offer each other a safe space to celebrate our freedom and our gifts." It seems to me I will make many visits over the coming weeks! I was glad to hear this evening that the summer weather continues!
Have a great weekend!
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