Pilgrim progress- a disciple on a journey!

Meeting Pope John Paul II, 2004 Today we recall the 11th anniversary of the return home to God of Blessed John Paul II. When he came to Ireland in 1979, I viewed this historical event from the tranquility of my mother’s womb (I was born a few months after!). My father, who played the french horn in the Band of the Western Command was part of the military band for the occasion and played at the Papal Mass in Knock. So did my godfather Gerry Lacey too who wrote about this in an interview with the Westmeath Independent here . I felt I could say ‘I was there too’. Little did I know some years after I would meet JP II face to face and have the opportunity to speak to him and tell him about this little antedote. Our God is truly a God of surprises! Never in a million years did I ever contemplate being in Rome for such memorable events: the death of our beloved John Paul II, a conclave, and the consequent election of Pope Benedict XVI. I had come to Rome three years previous and as I...

On the 15th of June 2014, our sister Sr. Paul went home to God. Today we celebrated with the Eucharist one year since her birth into eternal life. Below is the reflection I was asked to prepare for the occasion.  "I have been asked to share a little of my memories of Sr. Paul. Of course, the next few minutes is not going to do justice to the many gems which I carry as treasures as I remember with love Sr. Paul on this her first anniversary. There is a quote that reads: “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” In true Irish fashion, we would say that Sr. Paul was a character, a character who was truly unique. Over this past year since she returned to God, we have heard so many stories about Sr. Paul. Stories which were also new to us, her sisters. They are stories of all the hidden good which she did, to those who were suffering, to those in need, to those who needed a kind word of enco...

This time last year I had just moved to Ottawa, the city that I continue to call ‘home’ for the next year.  I continue to carry a verse from Proverbs throughout the journey: "The human heart may plan a course but the Lord makes the steps secure". Looking back there is so much to be grateful for. It has been a wonderful though challenging year! Here's 10 highlights: 1)    The birth of my little nephew Isaac on the first day of the Year of Faith! I am counting the days until I see him for the first time, and to see my beautiful nieces and nephews who are growing up so fast. 2)    Getting to know the sisters in the communities here in Canada and in the States. I continue to be grateful to them for making me feel very welcome. 3)    Making wonderful new friends and acquaintances from the four corners of the world. You have been true pilgrims with me along the way. 4)    Discovering  new things about myself and my pers...

This Saturday, we commemorate 25 years since M.M.Scholastica returned to the house of the Father. Here are some of her spiritual thoughts which allow us to see the depth of her spiritual union with her Divine Master. THOUGHTS FROM MOTHER SCHOLASTICA ' ...Heaven is beautiful and to reach there we need to pass by the way of our Master, the way of the Cross, may the Lord be blessed because in His infinite mercy He   allowed us poor mortals to participate in it… '              Seek to correspond to the divine invitations and to work faithfully because the Lord has chosen you and loves you so much. He lets you taste the joy of belonging to Him, to be His, always be His. Give thanks to Him and keep faith that He will continue to enrich you with the Holy Spirit. Your ‘yes’ which you pronounced on the day of your Profession flows into each day until that final day where you will give to Him all of your life adorned...