Sunday afternoon in an art cathedral
Sunday is a day of rest, a day for the spirit, mind and body. It’s also a day for the transcendent, the Divine. Today, after my local celebrations in church for the feast of the Holy Family, I took a […]
The Wedding Mass Reader
One of the high heels couldn’t stand still while she stood at the lectern. The shiny coordinated shoes were carefully chosen for today and for this special part which she had been assigned by her friend. It’s such a special […]
After a child’s funeral Mass
A reflection composed after concelebrating the Funeral Mass of a child. — I can’t take my eyes off his hand as he rests it on his wife’s shoulder. I don’t think it is a conscious gesture. His arm just instinctively […]
First ever history of Desertserges Parish published by retired principal teacher
For all those interested in Enniskeane and Desertserges Parish and its long history and in the history of West Cork: Con McCarthy, former Principal Teacher of Ahiohill National School and respected local historian, has published a comprehensive history of Desertserges […]
Light peaks through the Church at times
As Autumn gathers its cloak around us, the diminished light has an effect on our spirits. And, as if nature really wands to rub it in, when we learn that someone is in the autumn of their life, we feel […]
Fading rural Ireland in our hands and trolleys
I was reared on a small farm in West Cork. All my siblings still live in West Cork. I live in West Cork. I am blessed to have these connections with a beautiful part of Ireland. I have visited many […]
Ode to Ballineen Post Office
On Friday, the 14th of August, 2018, the tree of life in the Ballineen area lost one of its limbs as the local Post Office closed for the last time. But the life-blood of the community still flowed and soothed […]
When I’m on a path with no followers!
Never in my wildest dreams have I thought I’d be typing this: The Diocese of Cork and Ross, in which I minister, doesn’t have any student priest in our national seminary. Nor does it have any students in any seminary. […]