General Chat

Because Redemptorist priest Fr Tony Flannery has been forbidden by the Vatican to speak in public, he had to seek a non-church venue for the Mass he celebrated on Sunday to mark his 70th birthday.

“The obvious place was the community hall here [in Killimordaly]. Living so close by, where else would I go?” he mused as he addressed the packed congregation in the hall. “But it was such a right decision,” he added. “The local community took it up. The sense of support, engagement and affection that I got from this area has been incredible.”

There had also been emails, calls and texts of support from elsewhere “which was lovely. But what happened here was special”, said Fr Flannery of the way friends and neighbours in his home place had rallied round.

Fr Flannery was silenced by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, five years ago. The reason given by the Vatican’s ‘strong arm’ was that his liberal views on celibacy, women priests and homosexuality were out of line with Church teachings, as were his criticism about how the Church had dealt with cases of child sex abuse.

However, Fr Flannery feels that the real reason for the Vatican’s ire was his involvement in setting up The Irish Association of Catholic Priests. By silencing him, Rome was letting priests know that they were not entitled to a voice.

His decision to celebrate Mass in defiance of the Vatican was to mark the milestone of his 70th birthday, which fell on January 18. It was not to declare war on the Vatican, he said, just to celebrate his 40 years of ministry.

One group of women at Sunday’s event commented on the sadness of the occasion, given that those “with power and pomp” had prevented Fr Flannery from saying Mass for the previous five years.

But Tony Flannery didn’t look sad. In fact, he radiated happiness. This was a celebration. The Mass featured a reading from the prophet Isaiah, while Matthew’s Gospel spoke of how “the people living in darkness have seen a great light”.

Some in the congregation nodded. Mostly middle aged and older, with many from the local area, they didn’t look like revolutionaries. Respectable people, they were there to support a popular priest, whose message resonates.

(Connacht Tribune 26.01.17.)

Good morning :-)


Poor kandj, you are having such a tough time at the moment bless you. Hope you feel better today <3

Dermot......I think it has long been said that arguing, shouting and ranting at God is quite acceptable.......He understands. :-)

The hospital visit went well - straight into a parking place and called right in - didn't have to sit down in the waiting area. :-D Things are as stable as they can be, so no change really.

Something to think about today..........


If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He listens.
He can live anywhere in the universe,
but . . . He chose your heart.
And . . . that thing He did at Calvary . . .
Face it, friend--He is crazy about you!


Love to all. Cx :-)

'Tell God what you feel to his face. God “likes to argue with us,” especially when it is difficult to accept His will.

He likes it when you get angry and tell Him what you feel to his face because He is a father!” the Pope said on January 24 during Mass in the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae.

(The Catholic Herald).

Hello all

Thank you Cynthia. I say "AMEN". to your last two postings.

I have felt unwell. There are so many bugs around and I appear to have got one.
It's not what I would wish, but it is what I have, at least for now. It can only get better!

I hope all goes well for your hubby and you at the PD clinic today.

Sending Blessings to all who are reading this now xx

Good morning :-)



For today :

What Keeps You Going?

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keep You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!


Off to Walton to see the Parky's nurse today.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Do we ever feel that our prayers are not being answered?

I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve.
I asked for prosperity and God gave me brawn and brains to work.
I asked for courage and God gave me dangers to overcome.
I asked for patience and God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.
I asked for love and God gave me troubled people to help.
I asked for favours and God gave me opportunities.
I asked for everything so I could enjoy life.
Instead, He gave me life so I could enjoy everything.
I received nothing I wanted, I received everything I needed.

- Unknown


Hope all are well. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


A thought for today............

God never promised
A life without pain,
Laughter without tears
Or sun without rain.
But He did promise
Strength for the day,
Comfort for the tears
And light for the way,
And for all who believe
In His Heaven above
He rewards their faith
In His everlasting love.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer) for today:

Almighty God,
whose Son revealed in signs and miracles
the wonder of your saving presence:
renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your mighty power;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

The gospel reading tells of Jesus calling the fishermen to be ‘Fishers of men’.


Today is Education Sunday and the worship in many churches may be led by pupils from church schools.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Hi Vera..........hope your visits went well yesterday and that you were cheered up rather than cast down... :-D

Nights are being a problem with us at the moment. Yesterday, I thought my dreams had come true - I had 6 hours sleep but......................last night .... arrrrrghhh probably 4 hours max. Forgive the matchsticks keeping my eyes open :-D


For today

You are the God
who calls us to be
a chosen people,
a living sacrifice,
a holy nation.
You are the God
who calls us to be
a light in this world,
a faithful people,
a people of praise.
You are the God
who forgives
and restores us,
the God we serve.

Cx :-)

Good to see you Kandj. Your 'to do' list certainly rang some bells with me, particularly a couple of items on the list. Every day I get up meaning to exercise some patience and be a little kinder and then find myself snapping at my poor OH who bears the brunt of it. Oh well, if at first you don't succeed............

Today I am going to visit two acquaintances, both in very poor health, but what different personalities they are. The first , even when fit and well, has always been a glass half empty sort of person and I really have to make an effort to be patient and kind. The other is just the opposite and I leave her feeling she has cheered me up rather than the other way around.

Thank you for this week's thoughts Cynthia. I know you have a busy life but you always take time to post and it is appreciated.

Sending a cyber hug to anyone whose life is stressful at the moment <3

Good morning :-)

Lovely to see you popping in kandj - you are still in our thoughts and prayers. <3



For today:

"Lord, may nothing separate me from You today. Teach me how to choose only Your way today so each step will lead me closer to You.

Help me walk by the Word and not my feelings. Help me to keep my heart pure and undivided.

Protect me from my own careless thoughts, words, and actions. And keep me from being distracted by MY wants, MY desires, MY thoughts on how things should be.

Help me to embrace what comes my way as an opportunity... rather than a personal inconvenience. And finally, help me to rest in the truth of Psalm 86:13, 'Great is your love toward me.'

Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

I have just read back and it is all very interesting and thought provoking. Thank you.

This is my "to do list" for today,

Pray more.

Count my blessings.

Practice patience and kindness.

Let go of what I can't control.

Listen to my inner thoughts.

Just relax and breathe deeply.

So if you are reading this, please wish me luck ha ha.

Sending gentle hugs to those in need today. xxx

Good morning :-)


Good morning everyone..........

So far this week, we have looked at whether or not Christians should be superstitious. The overwhelming evidence says………no.

Christians do not follow cleverly devised superstitions, but instead believe in wonderful things we know to be true.

We don’t worry about the future and consult psychics, because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and our futures are safe with him.

We don’t need psychics, horoscopes, Ouija boards, magical statues, or any other superstition because, as Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “God’s grace is enough.”


Love to all Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


When a child or person is baptised, the parents and Godparents make vows which are important in the Christian life.

One of the questions asked is…………….."Do you turn away from evil?"

In the eyes of the church, this question is not based on superstitious nonsense, but on the fact that evil exists and is anything which is against which God teaches and what he wants from us. How does the dictionary define evil?

noun: evil
profound immorality and wickedness, especially when regarded as a supernatural force.

Think how many times we have said……..”and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from EVIL, for Yours is the kingdom…’

Lord God, we ask that you keep us strong in the faith and that we may be true disciples of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love to all Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


I read about that yesterday Dermot.... :-D


Continuing to look at Christians and superstitions and I guess most of us have looked at our horoscope at some stage in our lives but.........

Why is Astrology condemned in the bible? I have done some research…..

“Many Christians are not aware of what is involved. But you will meet people who dabble in it and others who take it seriously. As popular as it is, some in the church will be influenced.

We need to know whether or not we should participate. We need to know how to approach those who are involved to show them what the Bible says., but what is Astrology?

Astrology – horoscope – zodiac, is the ancient art or science diving the fate and future of human beings from indications given by the position of the stars and other heavenly bodies. Historically, it is rooted in pagan idolatory.

By definition, astrology attempts to predict the future but the bible gives many examples – especially in the books of Daniel and Deuteronomy – about how God forbids dabbling in this sort of thing."

Basically, it is saying that if we believe that the God of the bible is the one true God, we should not trust things of the occult, but trust in His Word.



Cx :-)

A bishop has expressed regret after a row erupted over the Scottish Episcopal Church’s decision to allow a reading from the Koran in a Glasgow cathedral.

The move, which was aimed at improving interfaith relations in the city, led to abuse directed at the clergy of St Mary’s Cathedral who had made the decision. The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, promised a review of the cathedral’s work. The police have been called in to investigate obscene messages.

“The Scottish Episcopal Church is deeply distressed at the widespread offence which has been caused,” the bishop said. “We also deeply regret the widespread abuse which has been received by the cathedral community.”

(The Times 16.01.17). {Not too sure what the perceived 'distress' was!}.

Good morning :-)


Following on from Friday 13th......................Should a Christian be superstitious?

Looking for thoughts on this, I came across the following……

“Superstition is based on the ignorant faith of an object having magical powers. Another word for superstition is “idolatry.” The Bible does not support the idea of things occurring by chance, but nothing is done outside of God’s sovereign control.
We should get our faith not from objects or rituals of man-made origin, but from the one true God who gives eternal life.

There are many types of superstitions in the world, ranging from the familiar—such as not walk-ing under a ladder—to the occult practices of astrology, black magic, divination, voodoo and sorcery.”


All of these are condemned by Scripture – we’ll see why in the next few days.

Lord, help us to be true to you every day. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Today is Parade Sunday at church when we will be joined by the members of our youth organisations. We give thanks for these organisations and for their leaders throughout the world.
.
The Collect (special prayer) for today

Almighty God,
in Christ you make all things new:
transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen


The gospel reading is from St. John and tells of how John speaks about the greatness of Jesus as the Lamb of God.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Lord, I trust in your unfailing love, in your promises.
I give this day and all that it holds to you.

May I walk in your goodness,
knowing your gentle hand will guide me,
and keep me.
Amen.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Lovely to see kandj's post this morning but so sorry that things aren't improving very much......sending gentle hugs......x <3


Friday 13th……….Unlucky for some?

Where did the idea surrounding this superstition come from and should a Christian be superstitious?

There are various thoughts on why Friday 13th is considered unlucky, and one of the most common ideas is that it stems from Good Friday and the fact that there were 13 disciples at the Last Supper – Judas the Betrayer being the last to arrive. Whatever the truth, should a Christian actually be superstitious? We’ll take a look at that next week.

Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can’t handle. Amen.


Please take care in this treacherous weather.

Cx :-)