Séamus Ahearne: dancing through life and the parish…
Wandering words around the Parish of Rivermount in Finglas
I passed down by the Annunciation today (Finglas West). Most of the Church is demolished. It is quite emotional to see this great symbol of the Community dying. Many talk of the Tin Church; of the Spire; of the Church as their other home. So much is changing in Finglas. However we have to keep in mind the mighty heart in the people here. The humanity, humour, hospitality is all there. This is the real Church. Something different and better will emerge. We each have a role to play.
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice are the stars of Strictly Come Dancing. She ‘hears’ the music by ‘counting’! How it works, I have no idea. Rose’s deafness isn’t allowed to stop her. Her vivacious spirit is inspirational. She reminds me of that film Inside I’m dancing. This was about a man with severe learning disabilities who came alive, even though it appeared, he couldn’t communicate at all. For all of us, the dance of life, has to go on. The wonder of each person has to be explored and found. When we look around our Community in Rivermount (any and every parish) every day – we see that dance, that sense of fun, that honesty, that openness, that hilarity, that mischievousness. That surely is the God of the everyday. That is Christ among us.
On Piers Morgan’s Life Stories (Sunday 5th December) Kate Garraway featured. She has been on TV for years. I had never heard of her. She was magnificent. Her life story was told. Her failures in finding a man were highlighted. She eventually met Derek Draper (a political advisor). They were a most unlikely pair. But it was love then, and that love continues. Derek got Covid. He was on a ventilator for a long time and was in hospital for ten months. He has now come home. He is a total invalid. He has no mobility and can barely communicate. She has made a Documentary of his story. It is a lesson for everyone. It shows the destruction that Covid can cause. None of us should ever complain at the Guidelines or the Government Regulations. This story is enough to frighten us. This virus is vicious. However their love story goes on and it was beautiful. The two children were great. Despite the problems in life, there are always people and moments to lift our spirits.
In conclusion and with best wishes:
The past year was difficult. Normal life seems very far away. But we are still strong. Parishioners have been so good. The schools are open. We have been gathering in Church. The broadcasting goes worldwide. Our Community does age. Many have died. But we all look out for each other and look after each other. A new world is being born. The dance goes on. Our love affair continues. God is among us and life is good. The New Year will bring more changes but we have the energy and the stamina to face whatever comes.
Thank you all for your company and your goodness throughout the year.
Seamus Ahearne osa (on behalf of PPC and Team at Rivermount).