Pilgrim progress- a disciple on a journey!

  There is absolutely nothing we can do on Holy Saturday, and that is the point. It is a day of desolation and nothingness, a day of darkness and utter emptiness. The day is and should be the most calm and quiet day of the entire Church year, a day broken by no liturgical function. Christ lies in the grave, the Church sits near and mourns. After the great battle He is resting in peace, but upon Him we see the scars of intense suffering. The mortal wounds on His Body remain visible.  There is nothing to do now except wait… and waiting is the hardest part in this digital and instant age. Holy Saturday is the silent pause between what we have done and what God will do – what only God can do. On this day God is silent, yet God is still at work. Scripture tells us Holy Saturday is the day Christ descended and ministered to those in Hades, or the place of the dead. This is not a trivial or side matter, which is why “He descended to the dead” finds mention in the Apostles’ Creed. Christ goes

Grace, Mercy, Compassion, and Forgiveness freely and willingly offered to those who repent. GRACE= G od’s R iches A t C hrist’s E xpense Strangely so, all the excitement of the procession into Jersualem, the crowds chanting, the road strewn with coats and branches – it all leads up to, well, nothing. Mark Chapter 11, 11 tells us that Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts, he looked around he then turns around and returns to Bethany. And Bethany is where a very significant event takes place, one that often is glossed over on our Holy Week journey. Today, Monday of Holy Week, we are given a Gospel text, the Anointing at Bethany. The anointing of Jesus at Bethany is an event which is narrated in the accounts of the four evangelists, something which is relatively rare. The details differ slightly from evangelist to evangelist. As Jesus dines with his beloved friends, Mary does something which only love can do. She took the most precious thing she had a

 

It was a blessing to be able to participate in the Ecumenical Youth Day and the Prayer Vigil with Pope Francis in preparation for the universal Synod. Together with the juniors preparing for Perpetual Profession and some of the other younger sisters in the General House and the Italian Province, our first stop was at the Basilica of St. John Lateran for the time of prayer and worship. We were reminded that we are "members of the Synod, youth participating in the “Together” gathering, leaders and delegates from different Churches and Christian communions…. Pilgrims of faith, we are delighted to journey and pray together. We are also in communion with many Christians praying with us in their local communities." Under the Roman sun, we walked then from the Basilica to St. Peter's Basilica- a joyful group of pilgrims. Many tourists stopped and asked us who we were and what we were doing so it was a good experience to give witness and share. At the Piazza, we found Pope Franc

Yesterday on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, we were invited to raise our eyes up to contemplate Jesus on the Cross. Today, the Feast of our Lady of Sorrows, we are invited to look beneath the Cross, where Mary stood, a maternal and strong presence for her Son. Who stands with you when you are called to carry heavy crosses? We pray for all those who suffer especially those who feel alone- may they feel the presence of Mary today and always. "At the cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last. Through her heart, his sorrow sharing, All his bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword has passed." (Stabat Mater)  

  As the evening falls and as today I conclude just over 9 years service in the Office for Religious and Extern Priests in the Diocesan Curia, the word which remains with me is gratitude. Gratitude for the many opportunities which allowed me to walk with different consecrated men and women, priests from other countries and the People of God, particularly in the Archdiocese of Dublin. It has not always been easy but again I am grateful for colleagues who became friends and fellow pilgrims on the Christian path. I bring you all in my prayers. Here's to the next chapter.  #gratitude   #roma   #pddm