Séamus Ahearne: WHO CAN DISBELIEVE A WORLD DRENCHED IN MIRACLE? (Glimpsing More – Pádraig Daly osa)
AN OASIS OF TRANQUILITY:
Glencomeragh House and Grounds has appeared in the News. ‘Tread softly. You tread on my dreams.’ My mother and family lived as immediate neighbours to that house. This predated the arrival of the Rosminians and now the present owners, The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. A Rosminian brother came to the rescue when my uncle Jimmy took a stroke and died. I introduced my niece Rebecca to the remnant of the old house of the family. Her innocent response and question was: “Did they live up a tree?” All that remained of that house were a few stones and a tree growing. One of the long memories then was of the time my grandmother’s donkey was stolen. This was a major catastrophe. She was left with the cart and no ass! Her shopping trips to Carrick had to end. My mother worked in Glencomeragh House in those earlier days. I recall too when croquet used to be played on the lawn. And then a final memory: My grandmother going across the plank (a shaky one at that) over the stream to milk the goat. The Rosiminians did a wonderful job in developing the place and I hope now it provides space and peace for many who come there. Some of us might have difficulty with the Diocese and Phonsie allowing certain groups use the facility. However, these places have to pay their way, whether the visiting groups are pro- or anti-Francis!
ARTISTIC EXPRESSION:
I went to Kilcock Gallery on Saturday morning 12th October. It was the official opening of Fergus Lyons’ Exhibition. It was due after three. Fergus is an artist. He comes from Portlaw (Waterford). His father Peadar was my teacher in Primary School. His sister Nuala (and husband Jim) were great friends with my mother and father; both friends and minders! I think Fergus is a marvellous artist. We can hardly be objective, but many can see for themselves and conclude as I do. We had a private viewing of his recent Exhibits. It was beautiful. Yes. I was lost for words. The enduring title of the work was ‘On the Way Home.’ All country life was exposed. It jumped out of the canvas. I was back in that world of my past. In fact, I felt somewhat jealous. How is it that some people are so gifted, that they can reveal what the rest of us don’t notice? Fergus had asked me to let Pádraig Daly know of the exhibition. Now Pádraig hasn’t been well but I was thinking of his more recent Book – ‘Glimpsing More.’ Yes. Fergus and Pádraig Glimpse More. I can understand why they admire each other so much. We have in our Church here in Finglas, the ‘Stations of the Cross’ – Turas Connacht. Fergus imagined all of this happening in present day life. (The Stations). All the characters are dressed in modern garb. We have these Stations on loan from The Arts Council. Another blessing.
THE HARVEST:
I came back from the Gallery in awe and enriched. And then we moved into the Eucharist for the Harvest Thanksgiving celebration. It was most appropriate. The Oratory was alive with Autumn colours in the Sacred Space. The vegetables were brought to that space. The tins. All sorts of non-perishable goods (which ended up on Monday at the Capuchin Day Centre). Our chat/our celebration was all about thanksgiving, as every Eucharist is. The rich young man of the Gospel might have turned away. But we too are rich. We expressed our richness in grace and gratitude. People spoke of how grateful they were. For life. For health. For friends. For family. For neighbours. For the community. For laughter. For fun. For faith. For music. For song. For the air we breathe. For the song of nature. For the colours of Autumn when the trees and bushes act as the prima donna and teasing us and taunting us as to how we will miss them. And Kay thanked God that she has been able to cope with being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. God was very present. We were humble. And Eucharist was happening. The Gallery; Fergus Lyons; Pádraig Daly; people. The harvest of our lives. We were blessed. We are blessed.
INDI HASN’T GONE AWAY:
Some have asked where has Indi gone? Oh she is around. She is eager to hear me on the phone. Whenever I ring the house she wants to talk. I ask her simple questions: Are you coming to see me? Do you want to stay with me? Will you hug me and kiss me? Do you love me? Am I the best? Her reply to all such questions is: ‘I don’t.’ I tell her that I am crying and that my heart is broken and I am so very sad. All she does is laugh at me. Now I know why she wants to hear me on the phone – She is thoroughly happy upsetting me. She has the best laugh possible. Now sometimes she relents. She will ring me back and say – ‘I do love you.’ She is a rogue, a torment. She is learning quickly how easily it is to upset a mere man. Her father suffers similarly.
Seamus Ahearne osa.
15th October 2024.