Unprovoked Attacks

I have the good fortune to live near the sea here in Dublin. The good weather of recent days has brought big crowds flocking to the water.

Sadly, however, there have been some nasty incidents. Two African men were pushed into the sea here last weekend and another man was badly beaten in an unprovoked assault.

These attacks are intimidating our ethnic minorities, frightening the elderly and really worrying local young people.


It's all a sad sign of the level of violence and aggression in our society.

My vocation to religious brotherhood means that I should be standing in solidarity with people who are being bullied or afraid. The men who were pushed into the sea were left feeling humiliated. No one should have to experience that.

All in a day's work

What does a Brother do all day?

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Men who are interested in joining our congregation are often surprised to learn that in addition to the most important components of the day- prayer and ministry- it also involves very ordinary and mundane activities such as mowing the lawn!

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The last few days have been beautiful here in Dublin and it's been a great opportunity to look after the garden here at our house.

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If the life of a religious brother interests you feel free to shoot me an e-mail at prescall@eircom.net

Mass in Glasthule...

Last night we had a special Mass at our house in Glasthule in Dublin to seek the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice on his feastday

It was a great occasion and thanks to the people of St Joseph's Parish for the strong turn out!

Monsignor Dan O'Connor of Dun Laoghaire and Fr Billy Farrell of Glasthule celebrated the Mass.

Here are some photos from the event.

Monsignor Dan O'Connor preaches the homily of the Mass.

Maurice delivers the First Reading.

Preparations in the kitchen on Wednesday morning. This is the "meitheal", the team, in action!

The dining room struggles to cope with the crowd again!

Happy Feast Day!!

Today, Wednesday 5th May, is the Feastday of Blessed Edmund Rice, our Founder.

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It's a day when we thank God for Blessed Edmund's extraordinary witness to his faith. We also seek his intercession for our own cares and concerns.

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As vocations director for the Presentation Brothers I pray today in a special way for new vocations to religious brotherhood.

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Tonight we will offer a Mass at our house in Dublin to mark the occasion.

To learn more about Blessed Edmund, please visit our congregation website's dedicated section.