Resource for Advent

One of the best resources I've come across in recent times is Fr Robert Barron's "Word on Fire" media apostolate. As Advent approaches why not take a look at his YouTube channel which has plenty of excellent material.

I also recommend downloading the 'Word on Fire' app for your smart phone.

Let's make an effort to do some deeper reflection this Advent!

A special day...

 Meeting President Higgins at the Áras

One of the most enjoyable features of my life as a Brother is the time I spend as a mentor to young people. One of the groups with which I'm associated is SHARE - a charity, run by secondary school students, which provides accommodation and friendship to the elderly of Cork city.

Last week I was with a group of students from SHARE who visited the President of Ireland, Mr Michael D. Higgins, at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin. The group also included trustess and Presentation Brothers who have been associated with the charity over the years.

President Higgins welcomed us in the State reception room which is used for receiving visiting dignitaries. It is instantly recognizable from TV news footage. The President addressed us before Michael, Chairman of SHARE, replied. Sorcha, from the SHARE executive, presented the president with a replica of the SHARE crib as a reminder of the birth of Christ and the Christian message of love, service and peace.

We took a group photo with the president and he spent some time with us in the beautiful State dining room which is laid out in crisp, white, Irish linen with fresh flowers (from the Áras’ own garden) mirrored under Waterford crystal chandeliers. We were also taken on a guided tour of the House including the Ambassadors’ room, the Council of State room where new government ministers receive their seals of office under the watchful eye of former Irish Presidents whose portraits line the walls. In an unscripted moment, John, a member of our group, had the privilege of giving a recital on the beautiful House piano.

After the tour, I was left in awe of the colourful history of this residence, how it has known many different lives in the past and how it has witnessed much of the history of modern Ireland in the making. We spent time in the beautifully kept gardens capturing the moment with photos & selfies. ‘Shadow’, the Aras dog insisted on being included in the photos much to the amusement of everyone.

This is one of the many events throughout the year in our ministry with young people. The work of our Brothers today is focused on passing the faith to this new generation. If this work interests and excites you, feel free to get in touch for some more information. vocation@PresentationBrothers.org

Praying with Brother André

I've been doing some traveling recently. I was in Toronto, Canada, with four other members of our Leadership Team. It was an opportunity to meet with the Brothers ministering in that part of our congregation. We spent a lot of time reflecting on our 2011 Chapter Vision Statement, we prayed, shared and enjoyed the gift of Brotherhood together.

We also visited Montreal city and had a guided tour of St. Joseph's Oratory on Mount Royal. This beautiful, prayerful and reflective place is associated with Frére Andre of Montreal. Our guide’s devotion to Br. André was quite evident as she narrated many anecdotes about his life with great enthusiasm. Our pilgrimage into the inner sanctuary where the "Saint of the Mountain" lies was a special and moving moment.

We also took the opportunity to visit the cemetery at Longueuil near Montreal where 44 Presentation Brothers are interred. They spent their lives working with poor emigrant children. We had a prayer service at the graveside.

We also celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in the Chapel of the Longueuil House of Prayer with friends of the Brothers and presented a candle to each of those in attendance. This was a reminder that we are all called to carry Christ's light in our lives. It is also a sign that Christ's message continues to shine today even with the allurement of our materialistic world.  

If you are interested in finding out more about the Presentation Brothers, feel free to call me or drop a line at your convenience. Just e-mail vocation@PresentationBrothers.org 

Commitment and Perseverance

Yesterday, I was at a very moving celebration at our Mother House - Mount St Joseph, in Cork city.
It was our annual Celebration of Jubilees.

What's that all about I hear you say! Well, each August we remember the Brothers who, that year, are marking a significant anniversary of the day when they first made their religious vows.

This year, for example, we had one Platinum Jubilarian - that means he made his first profession as a Presentation Brother in 1944 - 70 years ago - long before I (and you too, I imagine) was even born!

Four Brothers marked their Diamond Jubilees (60 years of religious life) and two Brothers celebrated their Golden Jubilees.

We gathered to pray with them and for them. You can read an account of the Jubilee Mass on our website .

What struck me most about these men was their ability to persevere in their commitment to God. I'm sure they had difficult and challenging days and here they are; 50, 60, 70 years of fidelity later. Such a beautiful thing.

Life as a religious brother involves a vow of poverty but it is a life rich with meaning and experiences.

If it interests you, get in touch....vocation@PresentationBrothers.org

New statue of Jesus...

Last week at our Soul Food discernment evening in Dublin we discussed images of God. The most revealing image of God is, of course, Jesus Christ.

Then, I came across this...It's very thought provoking. Read the article here.

Would you like this statue of Jesus in your local parish?

Call

Here's a really beautiful poem I came across this week...

It's "Call" written by Michael Ruddy ss.cc.

Call

You were playing games with me
My God
That you could not let me know
In simple language
That you needed me
To do your work?

Was it too much to ask
For one single sign
That would
Without a shadow of a doubt
Have kept me from worry
And from wondering if
It was right to leave my shore
That I could see
                and hear
                and fee
For other shores
That were not my own?

I called out to you
In desperation you said that
Yes I would be happy
To do whatever
You asked of me
But let me know now!
I need to know now.
Could you not see my tears?

Of course you heard
And answered me
In the tears of others
Who called for help
                a touch
                a smile.

Prayers under pressure

Exam season is about to start, and in some instances is well underway. It can be a pretty stressful time and many people feel nervous and anxious as they approach their exams.

Here is a prayer I came across that I think will help you to feel some of the calm and peace of the Lord...

Undertaking Exams

Loving God
be with me now,
as I prepare for my exams.

Thank you for the many talents and gifts you have
given me and for the opportunity of education.

Calm my nerves and anxiety, help me
to remember all that I have studied,
to express it clearly and to answer the questions
the very best that I can.

Holy Spirit, sit with me in my exam
- and always.

In Jesus' name

Amen