Feb 16, 2017
The dark days of winter are coming to an end, and the dawning of Spring is on the horizon. In this season of renewal and hope, we pause to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, and to reflect on life’s changes and challenges.
As we look with hopeful hearts to the new season ahead, we celebrate the rebirth of the world around us – just as Jesus rose from the tomb and was born again in the light of God’s love for us all.
There is real wisdom, Lord, in the adage
“It is always Springtime in the heart that loves God.”
Springtime is a season of optimism and hope,
and the Christian lives a faith centred on hope.
Winter, with its cold dark days has gone,
just as Good Friday as passed to Easter and beyond.
We live a resurrection life
reflected in the new life springing up around us.
Thank you, Lord, for the hope that you bring,
the renewal that you bring,
both to this world and to our hearts and lives.
Feb 15, 2017
The recent announcement of Pope Francis’ 2018 visit to Ireland has been the source of much excitement and anticipation, with the Archdiocese of Dublin confirming that preparations are already underway.
Pope Francis will be travelling to Ireland to attend the World Meeting of Families in August 2018. His visit was confirmed by Enda Kenny after a meeting with the Pontiff in the Vatican on November 28th, 2016, after which the Taoiseach tweeted:
“Pope Francis has been an important voice for the young, the poor & disadvantaged – glad he will visit Ireland in 2018” (@EndaKennyTD).
The World Meeting of Families will take place in Dublin over a three-day period, from August 22nd to August 26th, 2018. This event aims to “strengthen the sacred bonds of the family unit across the globe”, and is organised by the Vatican’s Dicastry for the Laity, Family, and Life.
This will be the first visit to Ireland by a sitting Pope since John Paul II’s trip in 1979. One of the highlights of his visit was an open-air Mass in Dublin’s Phoenix Park on Saturday, September 29th, 1979, when 1.25 million people came together to celebrate the Catholic faith with our Church leader.
While a schedule has not yet been set in place for the Pope Francis’ Irish visit, it is set to be a momentous occasion for the Catholic community in Ireland. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin is one of many who have expressed their enthusiasm, saying that the Pontiff’s visit will be “an important gift” to the Catholic Church, in Ireland and all over the world.
