The Nativity Scene or the Christmas Crib is first of all a beautiful Christmas decoration. But of course, it is much more. Its origins go far back in history. St Francis of Assisi, on a visit to Rome, had been struck by the mosaics, showing the birth of Jesus, in the Roman Basilica of Saint…
Substantial repairs were recently completed to the roof of the Parish Hall. Our Hall is used by numerous groups and organisations throughout the year and is an integral part of our community. This work would not have been possible without the support from Kilkenny County Council’s Community Support Fund, from which we received €12,000. We…
We remember with great affection the people who made a real difference to our lives. We are forever grateful to them for their kindness. As we look to Christmas, we reflect on the difference that the coming of Christ makes to the world. I like to reflect, in particular on two gifts Christ brings us.…
This weekend we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. An old priest said after the Vatican Council, ‘My Christ used to be Christ the King, but now he has to be Christ the Carpenter’. Yet in this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus refers to himself as a King. For this, ‘He was born and for this…
Desmond Tutu said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” You don’t get out of bed in the morning without hope. We have hope in many things. Hope in God, hope in family, hope that our efforts will bear fruit, hope we’ll overcome a sickness, hope that…
Somehow, it’s difficult for us to imagine saints as ordinary people. We would not think of a saint as wearing a uniform, an apron or a pair of overalls. A kitchen apron or a nurses’ uniform do not fit into how we imagine saints would look. Saints should be a bit unusual! Indeed, many of…
What happens when a person dies? We have many consoling images and beautiful stories that shield us from the reality of death. But what is that reality. Beliefs and views vary. Many modern-day humanists believe and proclaim that we cease to exist at the moment of death. Nothing remains but our memory of our dead…
‘Love one another as I have loved you’, says Christ. The way of Jesus is made known to us by the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. In presenting the way of Jesus to us, the Church has given us lots of rules and regulations and practices to help us to know what Jesus…
Two weeks from now on the 22nd October we will be celebrating Mission Sunday. Mission Sunday reminds us each year of our missionaries working in the countries of Africa and Asia and across the world caring for the poor and the marginalised. They need our prayers and support. We think especially of those who work…
