Olympics and Exams....

Congratulations to all our Olympians who represented us in London - you did us proud! Something that impacted on me was their faith in God and the significance of family in their lives. Their faith was at one with their daily activities and that faith was with them throughout the Olympics.

During the events they always acknowledged a greater presence in their lives. Katie Taylor, thanked “everyone for their prayers” and declared, she is “nothing without God.” What role models our athletes are for us!

Our students are now receiving their Leaving Certificate results. We wish all of them well. We rejoice with those who are happy with their results and we share in the disappointment of those who have not performed as they had hoped.

Like our Olympians be inspired by the power of God. God has a place in the Divine Plan for everyone.

I pray that all of our students may be inspired by the Holy Spirit, and find their own unique path, their vocation, in life.

Let the games begin...

Tonight, the 30th Olympic Games commence in London. In ancient times this was a period when conflicts were ceased or put on hold.

You can take a look at some information about the spiritual dimensions of the Olympics over on www.PresentationBrothers.org

I think it would be a good idea to mark the opening of the Games by praying for peace in the world. In particular we pray for the innocent victims of the violence in Syria. I also want to remember those parts of Nigeria which remain troubled by strife.

In the words of Pope Benedict XVI:

“I pray that, in the spirit of the Olympic Truce, the good generated by this international sporting event may bear fruit, promoting peace and reconciliation throughout the world."

Post-Invocation 2012

Catechesis session in the main tent at Invocation

After the hugely successful Invocation 2012 discernment festival in Birmingham I took a few days holidays in England. Now I'm back at my desk and, in addition to being refreshed from the experience of a good rest, I'm also enthused by the memory of the great energy and commitment I witnessed at Oscott College, the home of Invocation.

Hundreds of people gathered at the seminary for a weekend of prayer, reflection, catechesis, workshops and an opportunity to chat with a priest or religious. The goal of Invocation is to provide young people who are discerning a religious vocation with a supportive environment. Many of the people at the event tell us that they find it hard to discuss their experience with family and friends. At Invocation they are surrounded by people who are also discerning and who have the same questions, fears and dreams.

You can take a look at some photos from the event on the official website of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. You can also keep in touch with the organisers by Liking the Invocation page on Facebook (Invocation Festival) and following it on Twitter (@Invocation2012).

A scene from Benediction at the end of the Eucharistic Procession at Invocation

Invocation 2012

One of the most exciting developments on the vocations scene in recent years has been the emergence of the Invocation discernment festival, held each summer at Oscott seminary in Birmingham.

I'll be there this year along with dozens of young men and women who are seriously discerning their vocation in life. I'm looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of prayer and reflection that characterises events of this nature.

The role of the religious who will be there is to provide advice, encouragement and support to the young people we meet.

If you're in the region why not consider registering to attend...

You can read more about the event at www.invocation.org.uk

What a week in Dublin

Tens of thousands of people packed Croke Park on Sunday for the closing Mass

I spent last week at the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin. It was a remarkable week at the RDS where the Presentation Brothers had a stand in the Exhibition Hall.

Sunday's Statio Orbis Mass at Croke Park was a very prayerful event yet full of joy and celebration.

Presentation Brothers came from all over the country to be a part of this special event. I want to thank them for stopping by at our stand and for giving us support and encouragement.

I met several men during the week who are discerning a religious vocation. I ask that you keep these people in your prayers in the weeks ahead.

One of the legacies of this Congress will be the conversations had and the connections made between discerners and vocation directors.

Our Facebook page (Presentation Brothers) has several images from the week. Go take a look!

Br Barry (left) lends me a hand at our stand.

Getting Ready for the Congress

A stack of shirts and fleeces...

I'm heading to Dublin tomorrow (Saturday) to be at the Opening Ceremony of the Eucharistic Congress. There will be several Presentation Brothers in attendance during the week. We'll be wearing our white polo shirts with our logo on the front.

We will have a stand in the Exhibition Arena (stand 15). If you're passing by feel free to say hello!
Let's keep the success of the Eucharistic Congress in our prayers.

Good luck in the exams!

The Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate State exams begin today. St Joseph of Cupertino is a favourite saint of students at this time. Here's a prayer that I hope may help:

O great St. Joseph of Cupertino, who by your prayers obtained the grace from God to be asked in your examination the only question which you knew, grant me success like you in this exam for which I am now preparing. In return, I promise to make you known and to cause you to be invoked. O great St. Joseph of Cupertino, grant me my request. Amen