At the time when movement is limited, our on-line communications have taken on new importance. Some of our Friars are ministering in an active way on social media to help keep people connected. Br Bryan Shortall OFM Cap. (Parish Priest, St Francis of Assisi Parish) – https://www.facebook.com/PriorswoodParish/ Streamed on Facebook Live – Mass 12 Noon (Monday…

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The Raising of Lazarus The story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead begins with a puzzling situation.  When Jesus is told that his friend is seriously ill, he remains distant and aloof.  It’s so unlike him.  When eventually he goes to the house, Lazarus has died.  The sisters Martha and Mary seem to…

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Masses and other church services in our Friaries have been impacted by the recent instructions from the Department of Health. Please contact your local Friary or Capuchin Church to find out their arrangements. Contact details for each of the Friaries can be found of the ‘Our Places’ page of this website. All Friary offices are…

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High Mountain, Great Vision Jesus took three apostles, Peter, James and John with him up a high mountain where they could be alone.  From a mountain height one gets a panoramic view of the winding of rivers, the meeting of roads, the outline of fields.  It is an experience that opens up the mind.  The…

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Temptations of Jesus The story of the forbidden fruit is the prototype of all temptation.  The devil is the father of lies and deception.  The most successful deception is the half-truth which is like the tasty bait used to lure the fish.  The devil begins by planting a doubt in the minds of Adam and…

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According to Pope Francis, what Jesus set up was a revolution of tenderness … replacing bitterness and hatred with a love that refuses to be contaminated by the wrongdoing of another.  He advanced from what was said in the past to “but I say to you … offer the wicked man no resistance … turn…

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A Weed or a Flower When Jesus visited Jerusalem as a twelve year-old he had a long discussion with the leading Jewish teachers.  He was far from impressed and told Mary and Joseph that one day he would devote himself to addressing the problem.  Some of the great prophets claimed that the covenant between God…

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No Plan B Here’s a made-up yarn.  Imagine when Jesus in his Ascension returned to heaven.  The angels greet him like the crowd welcoming home the All Ireland champions.  One angel asked, “Did you convert all the great leaders and philosophers?”  He replied, “Not really, I got on better with the ordinary people.”  Another angel…

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How time flies!  Today it’s forty days after Christmas, a significant timespan.  Forty days was the duration of the fast of Jesus and the time between his resurrection and ascension. Today is also known as Candlemas Day marking the closure of Christmas as the season of light.  Simeon, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,…

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