Christ is Risen I like the story about an ageing flower-lady with an outdoor stall. Her clothes were old and shabby, her face weather-beaten and wrinkled. A regular customer asked how she was always in good form. “It’s my friend Jesus”, she replied. “Good Friday was the worst of days. Three days later, Easter Sunday,…
We offer our warmest fraternal congratulations to our brothers in the Western American Province of Our Lady of the Angels. This province was founded by Irish Capuchin Friars over 100 year ago and today is an independent province with some Irish Friars still ministering there. The following is taken from their Facebook page ((1) Be…
Today is International Women’s Day. This is a very important day. The theme of IWD 2021 is ‘Choose to Challenge’ The fact that we still have to speak in terms of equality for women in 2021 is shocking. But sadly we do. The United Nations forum for Women’s Rights states that ‘Women of the world…
Today marks the Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Abuse. Dioceses and religious orders around the country are joining in prayer today in support of all those who have suffered. This Prayer of Atonement has been penned to help focus our hearts and minds as we remember those who have suffered so…
The over arching symbol of St Valentine’s Day is, without doubt, the heart. This heart is the symbol of love. It’s red, full and vibrant; filled with life, joy and expectation. The Carmelite Friars in Whitefriar Street Church, Dublin are keepers of the heart of St Valentine. Each year engaged couples from all over Ireland,…
The theme of this year’s Catholic Schools Week is ‘Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith and Resilience’. Schools have been under so much pressure over the last twelve months and this shows little sign of letting up anytime soon. Faith and resilience are two key qualities that can help us in difficult times. This week let…
We offer our congratulations to the Friars in the Capuchin Custody of Korea who recently elected a new leadership team. Pictured are (L to R) Brothers Cosmos, Pat and Stephano. Brother Stephano Kim was elected as Custos, Brother Pat as First Councillor and Brother Cosmos as Second Councillor. We wish our brothers every blessing as…
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…
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…