31 Jul 2016

Reek Sunday 2016


Homily Notes of Archbishop Charles J Brown for the Annual Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage

The path of Christian faith is still alive in Ireland in 2016. Perhaps at ...times we are tempted to be downcast, to keep our eyes down and our heads down. Even physically, many of us, and I include myself in this, have our heads literally down as we read our smart phones and type and text. But Jesus Christ is saying to each of us today: “sursum corda” – hearts up! – Archbishop Brown

Homily Notes:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains, from where shall come my help? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1).

Brothers and sisters in Christ, from the dawn of history, human beings have been fascinated by mountains. There is something intangibly mystical, attractive and enchanting about the high places, something profoundly renewing about just being in the mountains. The American naturalist, John Muir, the father of the American National Park system, famously gave advice to his contemporaries about finding peace: “Climb the mountains” he wrote, “and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

For Catholic Christians, the mountains are something more than a place of beauty and refreshment and renewal. The mountains are places where we come in contact with the mystery of God: in the Old Testament, it is on the Mountain of Sinai that Moses encounters the unspeakable majesty of God and receives the Ten Commandments. In the New Testament, on the new Mountain, the Mountain of the Beatitudes, the disciples of Jesus receive from him the new law of love.

WYD2016 - A SS102fm Round up!

Trying to keep up with WYD2016 coverage would be a full time job so we are going to pull a few bits and pieces together for you in the post below and it will be updated throughout the next few days if we find other bits and pieces.




General articles

However, to get the best flavour of WYD2016 you need to see the photos - so check out the official WYD2016 facebook and also #wyd2016 on twitter.

Rather than link to every article, check out the Vatican Radio coverage at their tag here and
Crux coverage at their tag here




Friday


This is the way a priest should welcome someone to confession.
This is the way the church should welcome everyone. - Fr James Martin SJ
(CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano)



Saturday - The Great Vigil at Campus Misericordia





 




Sunday - the Closing Mass and Announcement of location of WYD2019

 
 
UPDATES
 
World Youth Day is over. Now the hard work of living its message begins

UPDATE 2

Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick gave three talks at WYD, you can read his talks No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3.

UPDATE 3
[Video] Bishop Barron's World Youth Day Recap
 
For the cute factor at WYD:





WYD2016 - A meme!


30 Jul 2016

31 July 2016 - Catholic World News Roundup - 18th Sunday in Ordinary time

On this weeks programme, John, Shane and Anne take a whistle stop tour across some of the things making the news around the Catholic world with pride of place obviously going to WYD2016 in Krakow this week. We also have our regular reflection on the Sunday gospel and our other liturgical odds and ends including our celestial guides for the coming week.

You can listen to the podcast of this weeks full programme HERE.

Catholic News Roundup



We did a quick whirlwind run around the world to highlight some news items from the Catholic world. Topics covered on this weeks programme:
You can listen to the podcast of this section of the programme excerpted from the main programme HERE.




Gospel - Luke 12:13-21


Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.’ Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’"

Reflections on this weeks gospel:

Sunday Reflections
Centre for Liturgy
English Dominicans
Word on Fire

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours - psalter week 2; 18th week in ordinary time

Saints of the Week

August 1st - St Alphonsus Ligouri (founder of the Redemptorists)
August 2nd - St Peter Julian Eymard also the Indulgence of St Mary of the Portiuncula
August 3rd - Bl Godfrey of Le Mans
August 4th - St John Vianney
August 5th - Dedication of the Basilica of Mary Major (First Friday)
August 6th - Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

28 Jul 2016

Limerick Diocesan Synod 2016 - An Update!



Our Synod Journey - Where are we now and where are we going?

A brief newsletter is now available, which aims to outline the steps which have already taken place and also the steps that are yet to take place as we move forward on this Synod journey. Copies of this newsletter were sent to delegates today and will be available in parishes this week.   Click HERE

A new series of graphs of 'total scores' by theme which are ranked in order of total score are also available HERE

WYD2016 - Pope Francis at the official welcome ceremony at Blonia Park in Krakow


 
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis told hundreds of thousands of World Youth Day pilgrims on Thursday to share God’s merciful love by building bridges and by tearing down barriers, walls and barbed wire. Speaking during a welcome ceremony in the giant Blonia Park, close to Krakow’s city centre, the Pope said "mercy has a youthful face" which can move us beyond our comfort zones and make us ready to embrace everyone. A merciful heart, he said, is able to be a place of refuge for the homeless, sharing bread with the hungry and welcoming refugees and migrants.

Vatican Radio report including audio here and here.

Full text of Pope Francis address at the welcoming ceremony here.

WYD2016 - Pope Francis: Third Pope to visit Auschwitz


WYD2016: Pope Francis prays at the Black Madonna of Czestochowa

And presents the ancient shrine with a Golden Rose (which is the third one the shrine has received)!

On Thursday morning Pope Francis joined with thousands of pilgrims to celebrate the Mass marking the 1050th anniversary of the baptism of Poland and to pay homage to the shrine of the Madonna of Czestochowa.

Salt + Light - Pope In Poland: Homily at Jasna Gora




SS102fm@WYD2016 - Catecesis with Archbishop Cupich of Chicago

This morning (Thursday) we gathered for morning prayer, catechesis and Mass. The catechesis was led by archbishop Blase Cupich (of Chicago) who taught us of the importance of letting God's mercy into our lives not just for the sins we commit, but also for the sins that are visited on us. In other words, God wants to bring us his healing and love and wants to untie those hurts that paralyse us.

He reminded us too that each of us is loved immensely by God and mercy is the key to bringing about peace in our world. Reconciliation brings peace because to reconcile means to see eye to eye. Even when it seems that people don't respond to our attempts at reconciliation, love never fails. We are called to be witnesses to God's unending love and mercy in this world.

27 Jul 2016

WYD2016: Pope Francis at the papal window in Kracow tonight

"Now I leave. Tomorrow we shall see, we shall meet again. You do your duty, which is making noise all night ... And to show your Christian joy, the joy that the Lord gives you to be a community that follows Jesus.

And now I give you the blessing. And as children we learned before we leave, we greet the mother. All pray to Our Lady, each in their own language. Hail Mary..."

SS102fm@WYD2016 - Hanging with some bishops!

Our pilgrims were hanging out with the "men in the pointy hats" this evening at an event organised for the Irish pilgrims in Krakow.

Our Mariah with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin

Ah sure would you look, tis Bishop Brendan getting to know the youngsters, ah bless!

A Limerick refugee is found! Bring him home with ye lads!
Fr Chris O'Donnell (the poor sod minding the lot of them in Poland), SS102fm's gorgeous Lorraine Buckley, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan (formerly of our diocese who has gotten lost inWaterford) and Aoife Walsh (the other poor sod minding the crew in Poland)

SS102fm@WYD2016 - Pilgrimage of Mercy

This morning (Tuesday) we completed our Pilgrimage of Mercy walk from the St John Paul II Sanctuary to the Divine Mercy Sanctuary. Fr Chris shared with us about St John Paul II and St Faustyna and the Divine Mercy devotion. We prayed the divine mercy chaplet between both sanctuaries and went through the door of mercy at the Divine Mercy Sanctuary where we had the opportunity to entrust to God's mercy all those whom we carry on our hearts.












Limerick and #WYD #Krakow2016

 
Limerick has, this week sent its own, 100-strong legion to one of the biggest gatherings of the year on the planet, World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland.
 
  • You can read about the Limerick diocesan group in the press release HERE and see some photos HERE
  • You can follow our Limerick pilgrims progress on the diocesan facebook page HERE
  • Bishop Brendan is one of over 200 Bishops leading Moments of Catechesis this week - click HERE to read his Wednesday morning reflection.
  • If you'd like to learn more - why not download and read the official pilgrims guide book (with lots of great pictures, reflections and information) HERE
  • You can download the official prayerbook HERE, or a reflection book HERE

WYD2016: Five days of “full immersion” with youth for Pope Francis


WYD2016: The World Youth Day in Kracow begins


 
 
Cardinal Dziwisz' Introduction and Homily for World Youth Day Opening Mass
 
Below is Cardinal Stanislas Dziwisz, (Archbishop of Krakow) Introduction and homily at the opening mass for World Youth Day 2016 in Blonia Park in Krakow.
 
My Dear Friends!


The moment we have been waiting 3 years for has arrived. We have been waiting since the day Pope Francis announced in Rio de Janeiro that the next World Youth Day would take place in Poland – in Krakow.


The clock fitted on the facade of St. Mary's Basilica in the heart of historic Krakow counted the days, hours, minutes and seconds to the moment which we are now experiencing. But a more important clock, registering the thoughts and feelings in our hearts, spiritually prepared us for the meeting of young disciples of the Master of Nazareth that we are beginning today.


You have come from all continents and nations, from the East and West, the North and South of our globe. You bring with you many experiences. You bring many desires. You speak numerous languages. But starting today we are going to communicate with each other in the language of the Gospel. This is a language of love, brotherhood, solidarity and peace.


I welcome you all most cordially in the city of Karol Wojty?a – Saint John Paul II. It is here that he grew up to serve the Church, and it is from here that he set off to the ways of the world to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I welcome you in the city where we especially experience the mystery and gift of Divine Mercy.


Cari amici – benvenuti a Cracovia!

Dear friends – welcome to Cracow!

Chers amis – bienvenus à Cracovie!

Liebe Freunde – herzlich willkommen in Krakau!

Queridos amigos – bienvenidos a Cracovia!

Queridos amigos - Bem-vindos à Cracóvia!

 

Drodzy Przyjaciele – witajcie w Krakowie!

Brothers and sisters, let us open our hearts to receive the word of God and the gift of the Eucharist. May the crucified and risen Lord, the saviour of the world, stand among us. Let us commend to Him all our thoughts and feelings, hopes and expectations regarding the festival of faith of the young church that is beginning. But because we are aware of our sins and our disloyalty to the ideals of the Gospel, let us apologize to God so that we could jointly celebrate the Most Holy Sacrifice of this Mass with pure hearts.

 
Homily


26 Jul 2016

SS102fm@WYD2016 - Our roving reporters report!









Hello from our SS102fm roving reporters Lorraine & Mariah!

We hope to bring you regular WYD2016 updates (depending on our WiFi connection!).

























Yesterday (Monday) we spent most of the day travelling with a few Polish lessons from Fr Chris O'Donnell and Fr Michael Liston.














After arriving at our hostel, we walked around the historic old quarter of Kracow and spent a while soaking up the atmosphere and meeting people from many, many different nationalities.




When we got back to our hostel we finished the day by celebrating night prayer together which reminded us that love is at the heart of everything we do and that God is present wherever there is love.



This morning (Tuesday) we got our fetching WYD2016 pilgrim back packs complete with map, Divine Mercy rosary bracelet, baptismal shawl (more about this later in the week!) and multipurpose scarf.



Just about time for a game of people bingo, lunch and then we are setting off for Blonia Park for the opening Mass which will be celebrated at 5.30pm Polish time.

We continue to pray for all those whom we promised to pray for and ask you to pray for us too.

25 Jul 2016

Limerick heads to WYD2016


There are almost 100 pilgrims traveling from Limerick to World Youth Day today. This is the diocesan pilgrimage group as they leave Shannon airport (including SS102fm's own Lorraine Buckley!) - we wish them, the Polish pilgrimage, pilgrims traveling with the Franciscans Friars of the Renewal and other groups all the very best. Pray for us as we pray for you all. ‪#‎wyd2016

Press release from Limerick Diocese with comments from Bishop Brendan available HERE.


Following WDY2016 online through the Facebook page and also on Twitter with #wyd2016

July 25-31, 2016 - World Youth Day is scheduled to be held in Krakow, Poland.
 
Facts:
World Youth Day was created by Pope John Paul II after large turnouts at the 1984 Jubilee of Young People and the 1985 gathering for the International Year of Youth in Rome. orld Youth Day has been held every year since 1986. It is celebrated every two to three years with a large international gathering, and on off years, there is a smaller celebration in Rome.
 
During the big international events attendees spend time visiting the host country, performing community service, visiting dioceses, and participating in festival events.
 
Papal Mass is held on the closing Sunday of the event after a vigil on the Saturday night.
 
The official song of 2016 World Youth Day is "Light of the World."
The light of the world
The salt of the earth,
We scatter the darkness
When love becomes our way.

The light of the world

Christ is our light.
We shine with his brightness,
The reflection of his light

From day to day!
 
Past World Youth Days:
July 23-28, 2013
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
3 million attend the final Mass.
 
August 16-21, 2011
Madrid, Spain
1,400,000-2,000,000 attendees
Spain became the first country besides Italy to host WYD for a second time.
 
July 15-20, 2008
Sydney, Australia. Pope Benedict XVI makes his first trip to Australia to deliver the final Mass at the gathering.
500,000 attend
 
August 16-21, 2005
Cologne, Germany
400,000 attend
 
July 23-28, 2002
Toronto, Canada
800,000 attended mass presided by the Pope.
 
August 15-20, 2000
Rome, Italy
Over 2 million attendees; Dubbed the "Catholic Woodstock"
Featured concerts and prayer services.
300 portable confessionals were set up around the Colosseum and Circus Maximus arena.
2000 priests were on hand to hear confessions in over 30 languages.
 
August 21-24, 1997
Paris, France
Over 500,000 attendees
Over 1 million attended mass at Longchamps Race Track
Pope at mass: "there is more to life than films and pop music."
 
January 14-16, 1995
Manila, Philippines
450,000 attendees
Up to 5 million attended mass.
Pope had to use a helicopter to get to the stage.
 
1993 - Denver, Colorado
1991 - Czestochowa, Poland
1989 - Santiago de Compostela, Spain
1987 - Buenos Aries, Argentina
1986 - Rome, Italy

24 Jul 2016

24th July 2016 - The Mercy of God : A reflection with Marie Beirne

On this weeks programme John has a recording of a reflection on God's mercy from Maire  Beirne, a Charismatic Renewal speaker from Co Leitrim. The reflection was recorded at the Limerick Maranatha Prayer Group during May 2015. 

 
Maire lead a wonderful reflection in May 2015 and shared many stories and examples of the mercy of God in every day life. She reminds us that the mercy of God is flowing down from heaven and we can  do nothing to earn it. What we have to do is open up and receive this mercy which is eternal, new each day and powerful. Our response must start with prayer, we should not take the gift of prayer for granted.
 
The best way to receive the mercy of God is to take to heart what Jesus said in the Beatitudes - How blessed are the merciful, they shall have mercy shown to them. We are called to let the mercy of God flow out through us to others. let us ask the Lord to give us a 'Heart Transplant' so that his mercy and forgiveness can flow out through us to others. As this mercy flows from us to others, mercy will flow into us.

You can listen to the full programme podcast HERE with the reflection from Maire excerpted HERE.

Gospel - Luke 11:1-13


He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name.
   Your kingdom come.

   Give us each day our daily bread.

   And forgive us our sins,
     for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
   And do not bring us to the time of trial.’


And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
 
"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’

Reflections on this weeks gospel:

Word on Fire
Sunday Reflections
Centre for Liturgy
English Dominicans

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours - psalter week 1; 17th week in ordinary time

Saints of the Week

July 25th - St James the Great
July 26th - St Joachim & St Anne
July 27th - St Declan
July 28th - Blessed John Soreth
July 29th - St Martha
July 30th - St Peter Chrysologus