Baptism: Beginning of Ministry The baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan marks the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. He came out of the years of hidden life. There was no need for Jesus, being without sin, to participate in the ceremonial washing that John the Baptist offered people. But by submitting to…
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Beginning the New Year with Mary, Mother of God
The 1st of January is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. What better way to start the New Year! St Francis of Assist had a deep devotion to Mary. Her courage in responding positively to God’s invitation to be the mother of God encouraged and inspired him to respond positively to what God was…
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Congratulations to Archbishop-elect Dr Dermot Farrell
On behalf of the Capuchin Franciscans, I want to congratulate Bishop Dermot Farrell who takes over from Diarmuid Martin as Archbishop of Dublin. Bishop Dermot was ordained Bishop of Ossory in 2018 and has shown great leadership and pastoral care to the priests and laity in Ossory Diocese during these last two years. He has…
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Christmas Greetings
We wish each of you every blessing this Christmas. This has been a difficult year for so many and we hold you in our prayer as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the joy of this event remain always in our hearts. We also want to share with you some short…
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Christmas single released in support of the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People
A Wexford teenager, Molly Meaghan-Tresson, who busks every Christmas to raise money for Charity has this year released a single – Last Christmas – in aid of the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People. The story was covered by RTE News (1o December 2020). Sincere thanks to Molly for her generosity and to all who will purchase…
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Gospel Reflection, 3rd Sunday of Advent
The Joy of Believing Our journey through Advent has highlighted hope, the virtue that keeps us going through darkness and coldness. We are going through a winter under the restrictions of coping with the Covid virus. It is a severe winter for the homeless and for people who have lost their jobs. Hope keeps us…
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Gospel Reflection: 30th Sunday, Year A
The Greatest Commandment It was an attempt to start an argument with Jesus, to disconcert him when one of the Pharisees asked for his opinion on the greatest commandment. Jesus cut through all their commentaries and debates with a simple and challenging answer. “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with…
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Fratelli Tutti: Capturing the essence of St Francis of Assisi
On the 4th of October Pope Francis published ‘Fratelli Tutti’. Much has been said and written about this already. The first four paragraphs provide a glimpse into Pope Francis’ understanding of what the essence of St Francis of Assisi was and is. St Francis was a man dedicated to creating connections with all so that…
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World Mission Sunday 2020
Today is Mission Sunday and we join in prayer for missionaries around the world. We pray today for our own Capuchin missionaries who serve the people of God across the globe. The following is thanks to www.catholicnews.ie: Pope Francis released his annual Message for World Mission Sunday 2020 on Pentecost Sunday. Its theme is taken…
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