The Importance of Pilgrimage
Blessed are those who find their strength in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5)
Pilgrimage has always been part of our Celtic spirituality. The early Irish monks left Ireland to be pilgrims for Christ. In early Christian Ireland, the greatest sacrifice and penance a monk could make, other than martyrdom, was voluntary exile, becoming a pilgrim for Christ’s sake. Going on pilgrimage is still a popular devotion today. Many go on pilgrimage outside of Ireland. But we have many places of pilgrimage here in our own country. On this last Sunday in July thousands of people go on pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick.
The best starting point for a pilgrimage is an openness to seeing life as a mystery. Mystery calls us to be filled with wonder and awe, to be open to the experience of God in the place of pilgrimage. It was on this holy mountain that Patrick had a close encounter with God. We have read in our history books that here he prayed for Ireland and for the Irish people that we would remain faithful to the faith that God had given to us. The pilgrimage to the Holy mountain reminds us of the pilgrimage of life, in the mystery of God leading us, inspiring us, as we journey towards Him.
To be a true pilgrim one must go with the eyes of the heart open to relish the wonder, the history and the beauty of the place. The true pilgrim is the one who can sit quietly and receive the beauty and wonder, to be able to gaze upon, to reverence and adore. Whether it’s on Mayo’s holy mountain, in Lough Derg’s place of penance or just at the local St. Fiacre’s Well, to be a pilgrim means:
· To move slowly
· To seek treasures that do not rust
· To be comfortable with your heart’s questions
· To move towards the holy ground of God’s presence with empty hands and an open heart.
St. Fiacre's Well
The annual Mass at St. Fiacre’s Well in our parish will be on Sunday, 31st August at 3.00pm.
Foulkstown Cemetery Mass
Our annual Foulkstown Cemetery Mass will be celebrated on this Thursday 31st July at 7.30pm. Please remind your relatives and friends, especially those who are living away from home.
Because of the anticipated heavy traffic we advise those who hope to attend the Cemetery Mass to start out early and to follow the instructions of the Gardai and the stewards.
Pray For Our Deceased Friends
Recently Deceased: Ivan Power, Laurel Drive. Nin Bligh, Circular Road. Kitty Larkin, Upper Patrick Street. Pat Murray, Riverview. Mary Clayton, Garden Villas. Mary Murray, Rothe Terrace. Patrick Doyle, Connolly Street. Elizabeth McCarthy, Kickham Street.
Months Mind: Tom Rothwell (Sun 12.00)
Anniversaries: Chris Murphy (Sat 6.15). Vera Brannigan (Sat 7.00). Denis Treacy (Sun 10.00). Lilly Purcell (Sun 11.00). James & Mary Brennan (Sun 12.30). Gabriel Warde (Fri 10.30). Thomas & John Phelan. Edward & Anne Whelan. Sean & Kitty Ryan. John & Esther Loughnane. Delia O’Hara. Mary Tynan. Martin Doheny. Joseph Browne. Nancy Larkin, Jimmy & Billy Bourke. Harry Emery.
Intentions for Next Weekend: Eileen Grace (Sat 6.15). Michael Ruth (Months Mind Sat 7.00). Davina Crosby (Sun 10.00). Annie Lennon (Sun 10.30). Mary Fahy (Sun 12.00). May they rest in peace.
World War One Memorial Mass and Talk
To remember the thousands of people from Kilkenny City and County who left home and family to participate in “The Great War”, and to pray for the hundreds who never returned, a special Centenary Memorial Mass will be celebrated in St John’s Church next Wednesday, July 30th, at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Mr Paddy Neary. Wreath Laying by Bishop Séamus Freeman and Mayor Andrew McGuinness. Music by Thukolo Gospel Choir. Refreshments afterwards in the Parish Social Centre. All are welcome.
Let Us Pray for Peace in the World
“The death and destruction that we are witnessing in certain parts of the Middle East is truly shocking and heart-breaking. I encourage all Christians and all people of goodwill to pray for an end to the conflicts in Iraq, in Syria, in Palestine, and in Israel.”
The images of death and destruction emerging daily from these places are all the more distressing when we consider the rich cultural and religious heritage of this region and, in particular, its deep spiritual significance to the Abrahamic faiths. The violence and devastation of these days shows the horror that is unleashed when differences of faith and identity are allowed to obscure the bonds of our common humanity.
The plight of persecuted and endangered Christian communities in the Middle East is a particular challenge to the whole world. Pope Francis has said: “Dear brothers and sisters who are so persecuted, I know how much you suffer, I know that you are stripped of everything. I am with you in the faith of the one who has conquered evil!”
Pope Francis has also said: “Prayer helps us not let ourselves be defeated by evil or resign ourselves to violence and hatred having the upper hand over dialogue and reconciliation”. I therefore invite everybody to join in solidarity with all who are suffering in the Middle East and to pray, both personally and at Masses, for peace and justice in these lands.”
Day of Prayer for World Peace
Please pray with us at the Capuchin Friary Church, Kilkenny on next Friday, 1st August from 11.00am to 5.30pm. This call is for everybody!
Church Gate Collection
St. Patrick’s Parish Lourdes Fund will hold its annual church gate collection at all Masses next weekend. The organisers wish to express their appreciation for the support within the parish which enabled them to send eight ill or deserving parishioners to Lourdes on this year’s diocesan pilgrimage.
Samaritans - Kilkenny/Carlow
We welcome representatives of the Samaritans to all our Masses this weekend. They will briefly explain their work and seek your support.
In celebration of World Mental Health Week Samaritans would like to highlight our new free telephone number 116 123. Samaritans provide a listening service in the community, we operate this service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We would also like to extend an invitation to all to visit the Samaritan Centre in Dean Street, Kilkenny on this Sunday, 27th July between 18.30 and 20.00. Volunteers will be very happy to show you around the centre and answer any of your questions.
Youth 2000 Summer Festival
This will be held at Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary from Thursday, 14th to Sunday, 17th August. For young people aged 16 – 35 years. Free buses will run from towns throughout Ireland. For information and booking: www.youth2000.ie or 01 675 3690.
Certificate in Theological Studies
The course aims at providing religious education, faith formation and spiritual enrichment for those actively engaged in parish life or in the pastoral care of people, young and old. The programme is a Level 7 Certificate accredited by St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. It provides a solid foundation for any of these fields of ministry and a suitable springboard for further specialisation. Above all it helps create confidence and conviction for future volunteers in the life of the parish and the church.
The programme runs for 24 weeks from September 2014 to May 2015. For details apply to Declan Murphy, St Kieran’s College 087 908 1470 or 056 775 3624 or email declanmurphy@ossory.ie
Hour of Adoration for Young People
There is an hour of Adoration and Prayer for Young People on every Sunday at 7.30pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, St. Mary’s Cathedral. This is for people of secondary school age and upwards. Contact Sean on 086 371 5882 for more information.
Carlow County Museum
Visit Carlow County Museum and get a snapshot of the county’s great history. View our special temporary exhibition: ‘Journeys in Time: The Archaeology of the Carlow By-pass’ which has objects on loan from the National Museum of Ireland. Exhibition ‘An Ghaeilge I gCeatharlach 1889-2014’: The story of Irish in Carlow for over 100 Years. Officially opened by Micheál Ó Muirchearthaigh. Why not pop in and explore the History of Irish in Carlow. June to August opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm; Sundays and Bank Holidays 2.00pm to 4.30 pm. Free admission. Carlow County Museum & Carlow Tourist Office, College Street, Carlow Town. Tel: 059 913 1554.
