Chris McDonnell in the Catholic Times recounts the life of Ernesto Cardenal, Priest, Poet and Politician, who died recently at the age of 95
Brendan Hoban, writing in the Western People, comments on the recent decision of Pope Francis not to make a decision about women deacons. “It’s a decision that the Church seems intent on avoiding,” ….
“The key question Francis faces is not whether the Church can afford to ordain women deacons but whether we can afford not to do it.”
The ACP Leadership / Advisory Group meeting planned for Tuesday 30 April has been postponed to a later date.
RTÉ Radio 1 – The Leap of Faith, Friday 26 Nov 2021 What now for the Catholic Church? Presenter Michael Comyn In discussion are Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick, who…
The future of the Catholic Church – Archbishop Dermot Farrell speaking with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 Tues 16 Aug 2022 https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22133357/
An old work song sets Chris McDonnell, writing in the Catholic Times, reflecting on the beauty and awesome power of water. His musings lead him to think “It is a time of aridity in the Church, so much has happened that has left us parched and thirsty, casting about, looking for a drink to satisfy our thirst.”
The Youth Of Age
…”I used to worry about sin;
now I have no time for this.
When I pick up the Scriptures,
the light streams out at me
The words tremble with life,
and shout:’Abundant Life.’
My memory is memorising:
all the strands are being drawn together.
I can now say:
‘I see, I hear, I know, I smile, I love.’
I see new words, hear new music, know in deeper tones,
I smile at my dreams, I love with the trees.
I see bright flames coming from human lips.
I see rippling water flowing in endless light.
No container on earth can keep this flowing.
All my life is now here in the palm of my hand:
I am child, maid, woman, crone.
I live it all, now more fully.
How can I now describe my lightsome life?
I see
I yearn yet.”
Hildegard of Bingen ( Praying with the Women Mystics, Mary T Malone, the Columba Press 2006)