END OF AN ERA, ALPHA, WOMEN'S WORLD DAY.

28 FEBRUARY 2013 END OF AN ERA, ALPHA, WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER. This evening marks the end of an era with Pope Benedict XVI's final Blessing and farewell words at Castel Gondolpho. Now we, with the rest of the Catholic world, enter Kairos or God's time, until the Holy spirit will enable the election of his successor. For us, here in Belfast, we heard before Christmas that Sister Cait would join us in February so, on this final day of the month we awaited her arrival. Cait arrived after 6.00p.m. We will welcome her formally on Sunday, when our new era will begin. Cait has spent many years in Galway, where she lived with just one Sister and was on her own for more than the past year. So, getting to know a different culture and moving into a large community will present many moments of change for her in the coming weeks and months. These days we have had wonderful sunshine and Spring has really arrived in style. We have lots of daffodils and snowdrops and we are enjoying this time of year. The ALPHA course I have been attending with one of our Friends, Rosemary, continues. This evening at our weekly session we finalized plans for a day at Methodist Edgehill Training College, here in the city, on Saturday next. There, we will have a day of input on the Holy Spirit. We all welcome this quiet day for prayer and reflection as we feel its a great need both at Church and community level. Tomorrow evening a nearby Church of Ireland will host Women's World Day of Prayer. The Minster's wife invited me to the service which has been prepared by the women of France and has the theme of - "I was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me". A number of us will be happy to attend this Service. Let us all spare a moment to remember women throughout the world in prayer tomorrow. Let us remember especially women who have been rescued from trafficking situations in so very many countries. Have a Blessed St. David's Day tomorrow and, I heard recently the word "Lent" is an old word for Spring. So, may the month of March be full of life and growth for you as we move towards Easter.

BIRTHDAYS, LYS MARIE AND DARK HISTORY,

19 FEBRUARY 2013 BIRTHDAYS, LYS MARIE AND DARK HISTORY. "WHY IS A CAR'S WINDSHIELD SO LARGE AND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR SO SMALL?" "BECAUSE OUR PAST IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS OUR FUTURE. SO, LOOK AHEAD AND MOVE ON" Anonymous Today is glorious, another day of sunshine and nice temperature too. I will clarify my reason for the above question a little later! Since my last entry, it has been a time of settling in, of renewing acquaintances, meeting friends and even, its been a time of 'flu and of beginning a process of de-cluttering! A time of Birthday celebrations - in community, friends and family. Our 97 year old Sister Brigid Keane shared her day, on Sunday 17 February with the 80th Anniversary of the setting up of our contemplative community at Lys Marie. To celebrate, we invited the community to join us for tea in the afternoon. We began with a song of welcome for our two Sri Lankan Sisters. Sisters Vivienne and Regina later sang for us in their own language and in between, we shared la lovely tea, much singing and a great time. In fact, the Birthday theme continued until yesterday, when I spent the day with my sister Bernie, in Dublin. We enjoyed a special day of sunshine, beginning with the arrival of a classmate of hers, laden with flowers. Later, we visited a favourite restaurant of ours in the Dublin mountains and the festivity of the day was complete! The past few weeks have had a clear focus as a bright light has been shone on our dark Good Shepherd history. The rumblings of the past have thrown up some very dark moments. Today is the culmination, when there is a full-scale debate in our National Parliament on this same reality. Martin McAleese, husband of our ex-President, completed a report that has sparked this full-scale discussion. This will highlight once more our dark history. Listening, even to fragments of past memories,as they are reflected by our ex-residents, has been truly a huge shock. Even allowing for some exaggeration and, possibly, creativity, yet there is an underlying very dark history. Glimpses of this darkness have been most salutary for each one of us. In fact, they led to my opening question. I felt we needed to realize that "our past is not as important as our future" and so, "it is time to look ahead and move on" rather than sink into the quagmire of these reflections. Brother Philip Pinto, cfc, speaking in Dublin last month, told the group - "Dark times are normal to life; there's nothing wrong with us when we periodically plunge into the abyss - no rebirth is possible without moving through a dark passage"! So, Lent has presented us with this new journey and hopefully, with the possibility of new birth, led by compassion and reconciliation. Blessings on each one at this time, until it is a moment for another entry!

EVE OF BAPTISM OF OUR LORD. FIRST OF 2013.

SATURDAY 12 JANUARY. EVE OF BAPTISM OF OUR LORD. FIRST OF 2013. Having decided to make less entries this year, I now continue! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I welcomed the New Year, 2013, in Dublin, with my sister Bernie. We managed to enjoy the Annual Viennese Concert, attended a crowded Mass and the day continued peaceful! My resolutions included Passport Renewal! Back in Belfast, greetings continued and on January 5 I traveled to Cork. I was happy to see Elma waiting and following a good meal, I visited Good Shepherd. Met a few of the Sisters plus the staff who had traveled to Angers in September and left greetings for Sister Alex, who was on the road from Limerick, and other members of the Community. Inchydoney was mild, calm sea and all was right to enjoy W0MEN'S CHRISTMAS. The days that followed were full of visiting and greeting relatives and friends and many delightful moments. Discovered there had been two engagements in the younger generation with wedding bells in the year! Each day was mild, with sunshine in Garryvoe and Kinsale - really Summer weather! A chat with our Albanian Community included chat of a Volkswagon CADDY - and I had traveled all that day in a VW CADDY! Belfast again, and NEW BEGINNINGS! I went along to the local ALPHA Course introductory evening where I connected with four young and two more senior neighbours - all new to me. I look forward to journeying with them in the coming weeks. The local Clergy attended. Our speaker, a Presbyterian Minister, had supper with us before he spoke and our retired Canon was also there. A tiny flavour of Belfast! Yesterday, we had a Ungandan catering chef working here. Due to buses being hijacked and cancelled and taxis were not functioning, I offered to drive him to his residence. We were turned back three times, twice by protesters and once by the Police. We succeeded in the end by going via the City Airport Road and all was well. It seemed so strange that 20 organised protests were allowed while an international Rugby match was being played! Another NEW experience today! I went to see a new movie, on the word of another Sister! "LIFE OF PI" was superb. I really enjoyed seeing such an acclaimed film, that already has many awards. More importantly, it has a truly Christian focus. Blessings on each reader and peace in your heart until I write again!

PRE-CHRISTMAS HIGHLIGHTS, NEW YEAR 2013.

29 DECEMBER 2012 PRE-CHRISTMAS HIGHLIGHTS, NEW YEAR 2013. For me, there has been a sense of wonder and joy in the very ordinary lead-in to Christmas. Having been away from this hustle and bustle for the past three years, I happily revelled in the days that included new and challenging experiences too. The highlight of the pre-Christmas preparations for me and I feel sure for many others, was the superb concert of our friends - "The Priests" at the WATERFRONT on December 22. There was a palpable sense of festive enjoyment and the three priests excelled all our expectations as they gave themselves very generously to the evening, even to adding tinsel and appropriate props for a number of the carols. The more solemn Christmas Carols were delivered with genuine reverence. An added treat was the scheduled appearance of the Schola Cantorum from our Cathedral. This group of about 50 young men delighted the audience and their beautiful melodies. They were fresh from singing at the Vatican where they were acclaimed! As we returned from that Waterfront evening, I felt ready for Christmas. I was delighted with all the pre-Christmas visitors as they enabled me to re-connect with many friends. Our group of Associate Friends attended a Mass and we met for more than an hour after to share some goodies and mulled wine. We almost finalized a workable programme for 2013. We resolved to get this into shape at our first 2013 meeting! I have had a number of contact with Albania - the Sisters and friends, some of whom used SKYPE with great success. I gathered there is not as much snow as last year so it is easier to move about. Also, I enjoyed several photos of Korce and friends there. There is such an amount of contact possible now and it is great to keep in touch. Today, I move down to DUBLIN for a three day New Year visit. I look forward to seeing a grand-niece in reality - her photos show a very lively young lady, rather than a wee baby! I am having some thoughts about continuing with blog entries. I hope to reach a decision about this over the coming day! So, with a greeting for a blessed 2013, with all your hopes and dreams coming alive I will finish. May you have good health, great surprises and special moments to enrich your 2013.

FEAST OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS - UPDATE

14 DECEMBER 2012 FEAST OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS - UPDATE! "In the evening of Life, we shall be judged on Love" St. John of the Cross. Since my last post, life has been good. Meetings with friends and re-connecting with them is a special joy. I was delighted to be in our Community at Derry for the three day Retreat - my first experience of a Carmelite preacher and I heard so much that was enlightening about Saint Teresa and John of the Cross. The few days was a real experience of a pre-Christmas retreat - very peaceful and silent. Also, the new information throws a special light on todays feast! Today, I have a new beginning, a ministry very close to my heart and also to Good Shepherd. Coinciding with my return, a request came from the Diocese for support with a new ministry and I was asked to consider taking responsibility for it. No further development since until two days ago. Today sees my first involvement in a new field.I can share no further about it just now but I feel the day is most significant as a starting-point! Also, the task I have been asked to do links in with my previous experience of retreat-giving aftercare role and hopefully there will be new and open growth as this takes root. Maybe I can say....WATCH THIS SPACE! Three delightful events of recent days - a beautiful visit to Rostrevor Benedictine monastery - bonus to a request from a friend to help her visit a Nursing home in the area. A special bonus was a glorious day of sunshine and a memorable Liturgy too. At the weekend, I missed a Birthday Party of the Leader of our Divine Healing Ministry, an Anglican Franciscan. I would have met 120 friends that has to be postponed for the present plus a re-connecting with a ministry that I love. To compensate for my missing that wonderful evening, Brother David and I went to share a meal and we really got a Christmas flavour and a Birthday atmosphere as a Plum Pudding portion served with a globe of ice-cream was surmounted with a giant sparkler that cheered even the tables celebrating with Christmas crackers! I may say, this mini-celebration was a great follow-up to a wonderful meal that we both enjoyed. We did not even refer to the significance of us witnessing to both sides of our Belfast community, that necessitated us working our way through ridiculous protests about flags to get to our restaurant venue1 Today, I had accepted a lunch appointment with a friend from my previous street ministry who wanted to introduce me to her husband. This plan was postponed last evening and I am delighted that this frees me to attend a Lunch Party at my previous Diocesan ministry. I really look forward to attending and I feel privileged to be invited to this event each year as it keeps me in touch with former colleagues and even fellow-students sometimes!!! I think this completes my update and I want to wish you a peaceful and even joyful lead-in to Christmas. I have just heard on radio that Sunday will mark a Peace Gathering at our poor City Hall that has been "battered" by so-called "Loyalists" in recent times and all the chaos created has really done us no favours at all - at any level. I PRAY WE CAN BE POSITIVE IN ALL THAT WE SAY TILL NORMALITY RETURNS TO BELFAST!

UPDATE - BELFAST. FEAST OF ST.FRANCIS X.

3 DECEMBER 2012 BELFAST - FEAST OF SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER I have opened the blog and am surprised I have not made an entry since 18 November. 20.11.12 - Travelled to Tirana, so as to be in time to meet Sister Daniela at Rinas! 21.11 - Daniela arrived on time! Amira had arranged the first Mass in our Tirana setting. This included our Renewal of Vows and was celebrated by a French Jesuit 22.11 - Daniela left for Munich. I returned to Korce and Lalini arrived from Angers about two hours later. 23.11. Packing up and many "Goodbyes". All the time, I insisted it may only be "Au revoir". 24.11 Left KORCE for Tirana, accompanied by Lalini, Bea and my little friend Xhoana. Shared a "Farewell" meal with Mirjam and Amira. 25.11. - Journey to Belfast was straightforward. Was surprised by being met on arrival by Sister Rose, who had arrived from Dalgan, for the closure of the Twinbrook house. 26.11 - Community Meeting with Provincial Council. In the afternoon, Sister Noeleen and I attended a Church Service at the Church of Saints Paul and Barnabas. Our friend Denis Moloney joined us as he was doing a commentary on "I Have a Dream*. This was a Depaul event and most interesting as it gave the history of their 10 years in Belfast. 28.11.12 Sister Brigid Keane's sister Nora died and I was asked to go to the funeral. 30.11.12 Sister Brigid and I set off for Knock, settled in and then left for Clonbur for the evening funeral. The Mass on Saturday was close by Maum, in Kilmilken, and was celebrated by Father Miceal McGreal, SJ. who has close links with the family and is a native of the area. Later, we visited Leenane and then had a quiet day in Knock on Sunday, before travelling back to Belfast in the evening. 2.12.12 Word came there is a Retreat in Derry. This will begin on Wednesday afternoon. I hope to travel for these days. Now that my commitment to Albania has ended I finish with a quote from Paulo Coelho - "One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the meaning of the other stages we have to go through. Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters - whatever name we give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that have finished." I am sure I will realize the wisdom of this in due course. Now, I am settling in anew and delighting in the everyday life of the community. A blessed Advent to you.

REMEMBRANCE, ANGERS, ALBANIA 100 YEARS!

18 NOVEMBER 2012 REMEMBRANCE, ANGERS, ALBANIA 100 YEARS! Time has just flown by since my last entry. I just cannot believe the days are counting down so fast! Yet, when a leave-taking, "Farewell" moment is included there has been a relaxed time and all is well. With Remembrance Day on Sunday last, when I declined the invitation to the French Military Cemetery and meeting with our French Ambassador to Albania, Christine Moro, the day was most enjoyable. A Thanksgiving/Farewell meal, shared with Laurie, who was leaving early to celebrate in New York, helped the weekend to disappear! Lalini and Mirjam have been on email and I was surprised and delighted to see their Mission Course, with some content, on Facebook once or twice. In fact, this reminded me that I had brought photographs from my visit to Angers too. So, spare moments since were spent getting a few of these together. With help, a very nice Powerpoint has now emerged. I think it will be of limited interest, mainly because the idea of a disc only emerged very recently. So, the photos are just random, rather than a record of our wonderful week of memories of Angers, Noirmoutier and Tours, from September. There are big celebrations here in Korce at the end of the month, when Albania will celebrate 100 years of independence. Many schools were open yesterday so that the last three days of November will be free, just for celebration. Yesterday, Dad's anniversary......and this year, as I included Nora, both were closely linked for this special month. Have a special week - every blessing.