A Time of Cleansing Today we have John’s version of the cleansing of the temple, anticipating the replacement of temple worship by the worship of God through the risen Lord (John 2:13-25). Herod the Great, a man of mixed racial lineage, desiring to ingratiate himself with the Jews decided to build a magnificent temple with…
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Day of Prayer for Survivors & Victims of Sexual Abuse
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…
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Gospel Reflection for the First Sunday in Lent, year B
Repent and Believe You may have missed out on the ashes this year but the message of Lent is unchanged: repent and believe in the gospel. To repent literally means to think again, to take an honest look at your life. To believe in the gospel means to be guided by the following questions: what…
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Blessings on St Valentine’s Day
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,…
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Gospel Reflection for the 6th Sunday, Year B
A Touch of Kindness We will be commencing Lent next Wednesday. Because the churches are closed you may not be able to receive the blessed ashes, although some parishes will have sachets of ashes available for collection. With or without the ashes you can still observe Lent. During Lent we are encouraged to give up…
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Gospel Reflection: The Baptism of the Lord
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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