Perhaps this is not the right thread to offer this comment. It does though offer hope and encouragement from the other side of the "big pond". To be sure, I am happy to report that my diocese (within lower Michigan) is growing with respect to seminarians. I sing for Ordination each year. A few of our parishes actually have a Pastor and an Associate plus considerable staff and many volunteers. A couple have numerous priests, even if some of them are retired) Last year our Bishop reinstated the Permanent Deaconate. It was the first in many years that Permanent Deacons were ordained. We also had 3 Priests ordained. We'll see what this year holds. From my experience, these new priests are full of passion and zeal for their ministry! It shows in their Homilies, interaction, and their passion while offering the Consecration. I have also increased my prayer (as I know others are) for them, our diocese and our Pope.
Perhaps this is not the right thread to offer this comment. It does though offer hope and encouragement from the other side of the "big pond". To be sure, I am happy to report that my diocese (within lower Michigan) is growing with respect to seminarians. I sing for Ordination each year. A few of our parishes actually have a Pastor and an Associate plus considerable staff and many volunteers. A couple have numerous priests, even if some of them are retired) Last year our Bishop reinstated the Permanent Deaconate. It was the first in many years that Permanent Deacons were ordained. We also had 3 Priests ordained. We'll see what this year holds. From my experience, these new priests are full of passion and zeal for their ministry! It shows in their Homilies, interaction, and their passion while offering the Consecration. I have also increased my prayer (as I know others are) for them, our diocese and our Pope.
The national issue is a minor one compared to the moral ones. I'd rather live in a Christian British society than a pagan Irish one.
I will be at the Rally for Life too. Hopefully there'll be a huge turnout. I went to the one last summer and it was massive. But running the gauntlet of pro-choice howlers was no fun, not too fond of getting shouted and screamed at but I guess it goes with the territory. Maybe we will all meet, that would be great!
The shop sounds like Veritas in Lr. Abbey St. I think it's opposite Wynn's Hotel, and the Pro-Cathedral is a short walk away in Marlborough St. I'm hoping to make the rally but can't be certain yet. There was a good turnout at the last one although, sadly, the pro-life rallies get no advance publicity.
Jack you are right absolutely. You are marking the lintels and doorposts of your house and of your soul. The Lamb of God has put the mark of protection on you and your family. If Ireland as a nation votes for this then there is real trouble ahead. I do fear it. I could see terrible loss of grace in the US when the country voted twice for a rabid pro abortion president
I will be praying for all of you on Saturday. I'm thinking of St Paul's admonition to put on the full armor of God and stand your ground in the evil day. That is what all of you are doing. God bless you all. I am sure St Michael and his warrior Angels will be right there with you.
Utter madness. I think you may have more in common with the prolife Protestants for sure. That has been my experience here. Give me a devout believing Protestant any day over a cafeteria catholic.
I couldn't agree more, Aiden. I am the only one of 4 siblings that does not vote Sinn Fein. And I regularly engage in heated debate with family members regarding the giving of their vote to the Shinners. ...it is in fact the DUP (in the main) that are keeping abortion out of northern ireland. I dread to think what our punishment will be, if the shinners get it in. Funny, I was thinking recently why - WHY - they have tied gay marriage and abortion to their Irish language act. The only credible answer I could come up with, is that they are taking the George Soros money. But there's never any mention of it anywhere.... All credit to the DUP. If abortion comes in, we're in bother..
Thanks AED, sometimes with the eldest being 16 - and 3 others including a 2 year old, fidgeting & bouncing about during the recitation of it - and them not at all getting the 'meditation' side of things; sometimes one can ask oneself, 'am I doing this thing correctly?' 'Is there any point'? I usually spend half the prayer just trying to keep them focused! Lol
Does anyone know what is the purpose of the Share collection at Sunday Mass? Is it to help out poorer parishes or is it used for running the diocese? I'm sure that when the second collection was introduced we were told it was to help out poorer parishes but the last time I was at Mass the priest said it was to help with the running of the diocese.
I certainly could not vote for any party that that pro murder. Neither on the other hand could I vote for any party that was bitterly anti Catholic, so I don't vote at all. If I ever, in this world ,see again a candidate or party I could vote for I will; though I doubt this will ever happen. Perhaps those who would like to might meet for coffee or tea and we might say the rosary together after the Rally? It is so sad to think that things have gone so far that there is no one we can vote for. But there you are. The way of the world. Looking forward to the rally. I don't mind people shouting insults at me for the sake of Christ. I will wave and blow them kisses to drive them crazy. Sounds like fun. I am a terrible man.
It's in the Scriptures to be kind to your enemies because it heaps coals of fire on their heads. Not sure where it is in the Bible, but it is in there! Go for it, Padraig!
I have always been a fervent SF supporter, not because of their IRA links but their attempts at social justice/ community supports (Dessie Ellis was out with volunteers clearing snow in Tallaght over the weekend). However their abortion leaning tendencies has me worried. Who to vote for now? As it seems all parties virtue signal their agreement in abortion to make sure their vote is safe. In terms of Ireland's chastisement, hasn't it been prophecised that we shall drown once a comet/ canaries volcano crashes into the Atlantic creating a tsunami?
I believe the prophecy in your post is from St Patrick I abstain from voting for prolife candidates even if it means not voting I am in the US
I came across the following short book today when I was doing a search related to Padre Pio. I have not read it yet but I thought that some here might be interested in it, 'Ireland, Land and Home of My Heart, Beloved Country' ... ... Remember Our Covenant, http://religiondocbox.com/Catholici...and-and-home-of-my-heart-beloved-country.html . I hope it proves to be an interesting book.
I' going Saturday, Padraig. But my other half is working. I'm currently trying to decide which kids to bring, and which to try and find a sitter for. There's a chance I may have to take all 4. It' a quare run from Derry. Rain check on the coffee; as soon as its over we'll have to hit the road. Next event, I would greatly like to meet-up with the Mother-of-God'ers...
