The following is a copy of a letter sent by the Provincial Minister to the Irish Times on Nov 30th, only one line of which was quoted by them in an article in the Irish Times today (03 December 2016). They did not publish the letter itself. The main point of the Provincial Minister’s…
Recorded live in the College chapel of St Francis College, Rochestown, Brother Martin Bennett (Vocation Promoter and Chaplain to St Francis College) leads us in the first of four Advent reflections on Franciscan prayer.
For many years the walled garden at Ard Mhuire was unattended, originally the Kitchen Garden of the Ards Estate the friars now host the Ards Friary Organic Community Garden and Allotments here. Nearly 40 people have taken plots to cultivate, and a program of organic gardening education takes place throughout the year. It is hoped…
Our beautiful friary and retreat centre in Ards is 50 years old! While the Friars were here since the 1930’s, the new house that you see today was opened on the13th of November 1966. This evening at 5:30 we celebrate a Mass to begin a year of thanksgiving for all of the Friars and people who…
This year saw a new departure for our Friary in Kilkenny. It has been designated as one of a small number of ‘International Fraternities’ by our General Minister, Brother Mauro. What does this mean? Well, in simple terms it means that the fraternity in Kilkenny has been strengthened and enhanced by Friars from other European…
Last week the community of Ard Mhuire were delighted to welcome scripture scholar Frances Hogan along with an film crew from EWTN who came to record a five day scriptural retreat due to be broadcast later this year. Set on over 250 acres of woodland with its own beeches and coves, Ards is…
Yesterday the Feast of St Francis was celebrated around the world. Even after almost 800 years, this man continues to ignite imaginations and stir the spirits of all who come into contact with him. His approach to serving the poor in humility and faith was both counter-cultural and revolutionary. We pray that the example…
Today in the Capuchin world we remember our deceased brothers, sisters, benefactors, relatives and friends. We pray in thanksgiving for those gone before us and we remember the contribution they made to brining the Message of Christ to the world. May they rest in peace.
Yesterday (Sunday 15th of May 2016) President Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina, attended a prayer service to commemorate James Connolly in St Mary of the Angels, Church St. The President joined members of the Connolly family, as well as representatives from SIPTU and…