Pilgrim progress- a disciple on a journey!

A blog post written for the Office for Religious blog: Photo by Sr. Aneta, Redemptoristine A nippy but bright day set against the Dublin seacoast of Killester provided the scenic backdrop for the Diocesan celebration of the Day of Consecrated Life at the Church of St. Brigid’s, Killester. Religious from all over Dublin arrived in great numbers for the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by His Grace, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. Following the liturgy for the Feast of St. Brigid, the liturgical assembly was lead in prayerful song by the Diocesan Choir under the direction of Fr. Pat O’ Donoghue. The Liturgy of the Word was very appropriate with the Gospel inviting us to  ‘be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together,...

Artist: Sr. Marie Paul O' Brien, pddm Traditionally in Ireland today, the 1st of February is regarded as the first day of spring though meteorologists would say the 21st of March. Oh, I know that there is no magic switch that flicks on the first day of spring, unleashing new life and green shoots, but there is something about knowing that spring has come that leaves a tingling promise of renewal, and rebirth, in my veins. However this year I will have to wait a little bit longer for Springtime. The ice and the snow still remind us that the weather is not yet warm enough for the buds to peek their head above the soil. More snow is promised tomorrow and next week. The skaters on the Rideau Canal,on the other hand, are probably hoping that the Great Freeze will persevere and stay as long as is possible and not curtail the fun! However in Ireland today we also celebrate a special woman, the great St. Brigid.In liturgical iconography and statuary Saint Brigid is often depicted hold...