2nd June 2019 - Fr. Eamonn Conway - Lough Derg: An Oasis of Peace for our Modern World

On this week's programme Fr. Eamonn Conway, Head of Department for Theology & Religious Studies at Mary Immaculate College and author of Lough Derg: Island of Quiet Miracles joins John to speak about the spirituality of Lough Derg and what it offers to us today. We also have our regular celestial guides and reflection on the Sunday Gospel.

You can listen to the podcast of this week's full programme HERE.

Lough Derg - An Oasis of Peace for our Modern World
Fr. Eamonn Conway speaks with John about the treasure that is Lough Derg and why it is so important for us today. Fr. Eamonn shares with us the spirituality of Lough Derg and what is involved in the three day pilgrimage. He outlines why it is necessary for us to make time for prayer and asceticism so that we can better hear God's voice and renew our souls. People of every age and background come to Lough Derg, take part in the prayers and penances and return to their daily lives joyful and renewed.

You can listen to a podcast of this reflection excerpted from the programme HERE.

You can find out more about Lough Derg on their website HERE and the 2019 Season Guide is available HERE.

Fr. Eamonn's book Lough Derg: Island of Quiet Miracles is available to buy HERE. 

Previous blog posts on Lough Derg are available as follows:

1st  July 2018 - Lough Derg: A sanctuary of extreme relevance in today's world
2nd July 2017 - Lough Derg: Reconnecting with our family history
5th June 2016 - Lough Derg: Island of Quiet Miracles

Gospel - Luke 24:46-53

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘You see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.'

‘And now I am sending down to you what the Father has promised. Stay in the city then, until you are clothed with the power from on high.’

Then he took them out as far as the outskirts of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. Now as he blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up to heaven. They worshipped him and then went back to Jerusalem full of joy; and they were continually in the Temple praising God.

Reflections on this week's gospel:

Word on Fire
English Dominicans
Centre for Liturgy
Sunday Reflections

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours - Psalter Week 3
First Friday - June 7th 

Saints of the Week
June 3rd - St. Kevin
June 4th - St. Charles Lwanga and his Companions
June 5th - St. Boniface
June 6th - St. Jarlath
June 7th - St. Colman of Dromore
June 8th - St. William of York

Spring on Lough Derg

You can find more information at the Lough Derg website HERE and the 2019 pilgrimage season guide HERE.

1 July 2018 - Lough Derg: A sanctuary of extreme relevance in today's world

Lough Derg - the sanctuary of St Patrick has been hosting pilgrims since the 7th century and on this weeks programme Fr Eamonn Conway joins us from Ireland's holy isle to discuss and share how Lough Derg is a sanctuary of extreme relevance in our modern world today.

We have our regular reflection on the Sunday gospel as well as a run through the liturgical odds and ends for the week.

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

Lough Derg - One of Ireland's greatest sanctuaries

“No telephones to distract or wireless programmes to assail the nerves. There is a complete absence of the fuss, clatter and compulsory absorption in petty trifles that make up the confusion of everyday life. All that bustle so frequently mistaken for achievement, all that hugger-mugger, is left behind on the mainland and the pilgrim steps into a new air” 

So wrote Alice Curtayne in praise of @lough_derg in 1944 when she attended the three day retreat on Ireland's Holy Isle and she could just as easily be writing about the experience of pilgrims of 2018 and their encounter with St Patrick's Sanctuary.

Fr Eamonn Conway joins the SS102fm team from Lough Derg and takes us through the tradition and the relevance of such a place for those of faith and none.

Saint Patrick’s Sanctuary is located on Station Island in Lough Derg which is four miles north of the village of Pettigo, Co Donegal.  For anyone not familiar with it, it is often referred to as Saint Patrick’s Purgatory or simply Lough Derg.  

The Diocese of Clogher has been the sole custodian of Lough Derg since 1780.  Historical records date the practice of pilgrimage on Lough Derg to the 7th century. Legend also presents the cave on the island (where the basilica now stands) as the place where Saint Patrick had his vision of Purgatory.  Saint Patrick is said to have left a disciple in the area and the foundation of one of the earliest monastic Christian settlements followed. The remnants of the monastic prayer cells remain central to the pilgrimage tradition.  

Today, the Lough Derg Three Day Pilgrimage follows a pattern prayer from the Celtic monastic time and shows remarkable continuity with the earliest systematic account of the pilgrimage, which dates to the 1600s.

That tradition of pilgrimage from the 5th century is alive today with the focus on the basics, going back to being more mindful about the simple things in life with fasting and physical & strenuous activity. But it is not about the hardship it is very much a place of pilgrimage on a holy place where you are called to take off your shoes - you are walking on holy ground linking back over centuries to the time of St Patrick himself. It can be seen as a a spiritual boot camp to help us have the resilience to deal with the Lough Derg's of our daily lives once we come off the island and back into the daily grind of life. Pilgrimage to Lough Derg is not about changing God's attitude to us but rather about us changing our attitude to God.

The Three Day Pilgrimage begins on Lough Derg on 1 June and continues until 15 August 2016. Pilgrims can begin their pilgrimage on any day up to and including 13 August.  During the Three Day Pilgrimage, pilgrims make ‘Stations’: they walk barefoot, kneel on the hallowed beds, fast, pray and keep vigil. 

Once the main pilgrimage seasons finishes there are one day retreats available on the island - check out the website for information.

"Through the centuries it has been a privileged place of encounter with God, a place of healing, a place where people have battled with and defeated their demons, whatever these might be, anything that diminishes us as human beings."

You can listen to Fr Eamonn's interview excerpted from the main programme HERE.

Lough Derg's online presence:

• Website
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Youtube 
• iCatholic Lough Derg channel

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For pilgrims from Limerick who would like to participate in the three day pilgrimage they can contact Fitzpatrick's of Listowel, Co Kerry who run buses up to Lough Derg. Their three Day Pilgrimage dates 2018:

Tuesday 10th – Thursday 12th July
Friday 10th – Sunday 12th August 

For further information and bookings contact 087 3966399 (9am – 6pm)

Gospel - Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boatto the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea.One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward.Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying,"My daughter is at the point of death.Please, come lay your hands on herthat she may get well and live."He went off with him,and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years.She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctorsand had spent all that she had.Yet she was not helped but only grew worse.She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowdand touched his cloak.She said, "If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured."Immediately her flow of blood dried up.She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him,turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who has touched my clothes?"But his disciples said to Jesus,"You see how the crowd is pressing upon you,and yet you ask, 'Who touched me?'"And he looked around to see who had done it.The woman, realizing what had happened to her,approached in fear and trembling.She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth.He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has saved you.Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."

While he was still speaking,people from the synagogue official's house arrived and said,"Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?" Disregarding the message that was reported,Jesus said to the synagogue official,"Do not be afraid; just have faith."He did not allow anyone to accompany him insideexcept Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official,he caught sight of a commotion,people weeping and wailing loudly.So he went in and said to them,"Why this commotion and weeping?The child is not dead but asleep."And they ridiculed him.Then he put them all out.He took along the child's father and motherand those who were with himand entered the room where the child was.He took the child by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum,"which means, "Little girl, I say to you, arise!"The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around.At that they were utterly astounded.He gave strict orders that no one should know thisand said that she should be given something to eat.

Reflections on this weeks gospel:

Word on Fire
English Dominicans
Sunday Reflections
Centre for Liturgy

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours - Psalter week 1

Saints of the Week

July 2nd - St Swithun
July 3rd - St Thomas (Apostle)
July 4th - St Elizabeth of Portugal
July 5th - St Anthony Zaccaria
July 6th - St Monnine of Killeavy (First Friday)
July 7th - St Maelruain (First Saturday)

2nd July 2017 - Lough Derg: Reconnecting with our family history

On this weeks programme, the full SS102fm team are back on air and we have an interview with Sharon Harty about St Patrick's Sanctuary at Lough Derg and their plans for the 2017 pilgrimage season. We have our regular reflection on this weeks Sunday gospel as well as our liturgical odds & ends and some notices.

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

Lough Derg - 2017 Pilgrimage season

John interviews Sharon Harty about Lough Derg this morning. They explore the history of pilgrimage to this sacred isle which has with stood the ravages of the centuries and persecution.

Sharon shares about the experience of pilgrimage at Lough Derg and what it can mean to link in with the history of the spirituality of the pilgrimage and the opportunity for people to take a moment out of the busy lives that we live

You can listen to Sharon's interview excerpted from the main programme HERE.

Lough Derg is not about escaping life but about getting to the heart of what life is all about

Lough Derg offers families a unique connection with their ancestral family whose spiritual footsteps down the generations awaits them in this sacred Island. The Lough Derg Pilgrimage season connects us with the flame of faith, hope and love lit in Ireland by St Patrick in the fifth century and continues to give light to families today.

Fr Owen McEneaney, Prior of Lough Derg extends a personal invitation to one and all to come and walk in the spiritual footsteps of your family – parents, grandparents, relations – walk the same ground where they walked and prayed, reconnect with their prayer for their family and future family. Today you are that family; come and be touched by God’s grace in the sanctuary of St Patrick. A sacred place where we look to God – Father, Son and Spirit – that communion of love to guide us on our faith-filled journey.

From the time of St Patrick right up to today, experiencing this communion of love at the heart of God has a particular resonance for pilgrims to Lough Derg, leaving the Island as they often do with a deep, deep sense of God’s presence, closeness and love. It is as if they have been taken into the communion of love that is Father, Son and Spirit.

If you have thought about coming to Lough Derg but never managed to get here or if you have been here in the past and thought you will come back some day – let that some-day be this year.

Linking with the World Meeting of Families in Ireland next year

As Ireland gets ready to host this momentous event Lough Derg extends an invitation to family groups, the parish family and the diocesan family to come and prepare for this occasion, to be part of the unbroken link of Lough Derg as a place of continuous prayer for families over the generations.

The Lough Derg team can be contacted for more information on 071 9861518 daily from 8.00am until 9.00pm during June, July and August. Full season details on loughderg.org

Gospel - Matthew 10:37-42

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

Reflections on this weeks gospel:

Word on Fire

Sunday Reflections

English Dominicans

Centre for Liturgy

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours - Psalter week 1; 13th week in ordinary time

Saints of the Week

July 3rd - St Thomas - Apostle

July 4th - St Elizabeth of Portugal

July 5th - St Anthony Zaccaria

July 6th - St Monnine of Killeavy

July 7th - St Maelruain (First Friday)

July 8th - St Kilian

Lough Derg Pilgrimage Season 2017 - Continuing a family tradition!

LOUGH DERG PILGRIMAGE SEASON 2017

1st June – 15th August 2017 (last day to commence the Three Day Pilgrimage is 13th August )
For over 50 generations families have carried forward the faith of their families who made their way to Lough Derg.

 Lough Derg offers families a unique connection with their ancestoral family whose spiritual footsteps down the generations awaits them in this sacred Island. The Lough Derg Pilgrimage season connects us with the flame of faith, hope and love lit in Ireland by St Patrick in the fifth century and continues to give light to families today.

Fr Owen McEneaney, Prior of Lough Derg extends a personal invitation to one and all to come and walk in the spiritual footsteps of your family – parents, grandparents, relations – walk the same ground where they walked and prayed, reconnect with their prayer for their family and future family. Today you are that family; come and be touched by God’s grace in the sanctuary of St Patrick. A sacred place where we look to God – Father, Son and Spirit – that communion of love to guide us on our faith-filled journey.

From the time of St Patrick right up to today, experiencing this communion of love at the heart of God has a particular resonance for pilgrims to Lough Derg, leaving the Island as they often do with a deep, deep sense of God’s presence, closeness and love. It is as if they have been taken into the communion of love that is Father, Son and Spirit.

If you have thought about coming to Lough Derg but never managed to get here or if you have been here in the past and thought you will come back some day – let that some-day be this year.

It is our hope that you will say yes and come as you are, come home to the love of God’s family and connect with your family prayer here on Lough Derg.

Linking with the World Meeting of Families in Ireland next year

As Ireland gets ready to host this momentous event Lough Derg extends an invitation to family groups, the parish family and the diocesan family to come and prepare for this occasion, to be part of the unbroken link of Lough Derg as a place of continuous prayer for families over the generations.

The Lough Derg team can be contacted for more information on 071 9861518 daily from 8.00am until 9.00pm during June, July and August. Full season details on loughderg.org

5th June 2016 - Lough Derg: Island of Quiet Miracles

On this weeks programme John and Shane are joined by Fr Eamonn Conway to talk about his new book "Lough Derg: Island of Quiet Miracles" and to reflect on what the tradition of pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of St Patrick has to offer modern Ireland today.

We have our regular reflection on this Sunday's gospel reading as we return to Ordinary time as well as some liturgical odds & ends including the saints of the week, Pope Francis prayer intentions for June and other notices.
 
You can listen to the podcast of this weeks full programme HERE.
 
Lough Derg: Island of Quiet Miracles

 

John and Shane are joined once more on this weeks programme by Fr Eamonn Conway who tells us about his experience of Lough Derg, what it can contribute to Ireland today and his new book about the holy island, one of Ireland’s oldest living pilgrimage sites.

You can listen to the interview with Fr Eamonn excerpted from the main programme HERE.

Saint Patrick’s Sanctuary – the pilgrimage site – is located on Station Island in Lough Derg which is four miles north of the village of Pettigo, Co Donegal.  It is often referred to as Saint Patrick’s Purgatory or simply Lough Derg.  The Diocese of Clogher has been the sole custodian of Lough Derg since 1780.  Historical records date the practice of pilgrimage on Lough Derg to the 7^th century. Legend also presents the cave on the island (where the basilica now stands) as the place where Saint Patrick had his vision of Purgatory.  Saint Patrick is said to have left a disciple in the area and the foundation of one of the earliest monastic Christian settlements followed. The remnants of the monastic prayer cells remain central to the pilgrimage tradition.  Today, the Lough Derg Three Day Pilgrimage follows a pattern prayer from the Celtic monastic time and shows remarkable continuity with the earliest systematic account of the pilgrimage, which dates to the 1600s.

 

That tradition of pilgrimage from the 5th century is alive today with the focus on the basics, going back to being more mindful about the simple things in life with fasting and physical & strenuous activity. But it is not about the hardship it is very much a place of pilgrimage on a holy place where you are called to take off your shoes - you are walking on holy ground linking back over centuries to the time of St Patrick himself. It can be seen as a a spiritual boot camp to help us have the resilience to deal with the Lough Derg's of our daily lives once we come off the island and back into the daily grind of life. Pilgrimage to Lough Derg is not about changing God's attitude to us but rather about us changing our attitude to God.

 

It is described as "a pilgrimage that has the potential to transform your life: whether seeking answers to life’s questions, searching for direction or simply reflecting on life-changing decisions or giving thanks to God”.

 

The Three Day Pilgrimage begins on Lough Derg on Wednesday 1 June and continues until 15 August 2016.  Pilgrims can begin their pilgrimage on any day up to and including 13 August.  During the Three Day Pilgrimage, pilgrims make ‘Stations’: they walk barefoot, kneel on the hallowed beds, fast, pray and keep vigil.  14,000 pilgrims visit Lough Derg every season from May – September and since the late 1800’s the number is estimated to be over two million.  

 

Speaking at the promotion events for his new book Rev Prof Eamonn Conway, said, “This is first and foremost a book about Christian spirituality. It is one account of how a relationship with God might be supported and nurtured. Pilgrimage can play a key part in opening ourselves up to the mystery of God, and as pilgrimages go, Lough Derg has to be one of the most unique, and, in my view, one of the best.

 

Through the centuries it has been a privileged place of encounter with God, a place of healing, a place where people have battled with and defeated their demons, whatever these might be, anything that diminishes us as human beings.

 

“Lough Derg continues to be that place today, a sanctuary where people can go to experience in a direct and tangible way the mercy and healing of God. I hope this book will be a guide for pilgrims old and new, and perhaps also a help along the spiritual journey for those who cannot go to the holy island but journey towards God in their hearts.”

 

“The great strength of the book is that it is not an outsider’s perspective, or a preachy book telling pilgrims how they ‘should’ experience Lough Derg, but it is based on Father Conway’s own experiences on the island over more than 30 years and his journeying with and listening to the varied reasons that bring pilgrims to the island and keep them coming back.
“There’s something in Island of Quiet Miracles for everyone, and it explores Lough Derg as a place where great things happen, but often in small ways”.

• Three day retreats - 1 June - 13th Aug 2016 (last day of the three day retreats is 15th August)
• One day retreats 21 Aug - 31 Aug 3 Sept - 24 Sept with various themes
• The Irish Catholic - Lough Derg – a place of welcome for all
• Sanctuary of St Patrick (Lough Derg)
• Facebook page of Lough Derg 

UPDATE: Multimedia report from Catholicnew.ie on the book launch.

Gospel - Luke 7: 11-17

 

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain,

and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him.

As he drew near to the gate of the city,

a man who had died was being carried out,

the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.

A large crowd from the city was with her.

When the Lord saw her,

he was moved with pity for her and said to her,

“Do not weep.”

He stepped forward and touched the coffin;

at this the bearers halted,

and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”

The dead man sat up and began to speak,

and Jesus gave him to his mother.

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, crying out

“A great prophet has arisen in our midst, “

and “God has visited his people.”

This report about him spread through the whole of Judea

and in all the surrounding region.

Reflections on this weeks gospel:

• Word on Fire
• English Dominicans
• Sunday Reflections
• Centre for Liturgy

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours: psalter week 2; 10th week of ordinary time

 

Saints of the Week

June 6th - St Jarlath
June 7th - St Colman
June 8th - Saint Melania the Elder
June 9th - St Columba (Colmcille)
June 10th - Blessed Edward Joannes Maria Poppe
June 11th - St Barnabas
 
Popes Intentions for June

Universal: Human Solidarity

That the aged, marginalized, and those who have no one may find–even within the huge cities of the world–opportunities for encounter and solidarity.

 

Evangelization: Seminarians and Novices

That seminarians and men and women entering religious life may have mentors who live the joy of the Gospel and prepare them wisely for their mission.

Pilgrim stories: Sharing the experience of Lough Derg - iCatholic

Lough Derg - A Good News Story

Lough Derg continues to be on the rise

This small lake tucked away in Donegal seems to be surviving the tidal change of doom and gloom that is pervading society today. Entering the last week of the traditional Three Day Pilgrimage season, signs are encouraging that for the third consecutive year there will be a slight increase in the number of pilgrims to Lough Derg. If the trend holds until Saturday we will have seen pilgrim numbers increasing each year since 2008.  Fasting, going without sleep and shoes is contrary to the world we live in today where everything is instant and too often about ourselves. But still the practice continues unabated - pilgrims have been travelling to this remote Donegal Island for centuries, from all over Ireland and indeed the world. There are records of pilgrims coming from Catalonia in Spain in the 1300s - and in 2011 pilgrims have travelled not only from every county in Ireland but also from 30 other countries as far away as Brazil and Bermuda!

Lough Derg’s motto “Bringing you the Gift of Hope” seems to pervade the air on the third morning when pilgrims depart a little lighter in their heart after this tough but rewarding experience.

 
It’s always encouraging when a ‘business’ gets repeat trade and Lough Derg is delighted to welcome back each year 80% of regulars, but they are equally encouraged with 20% of new blood embarking upon this ancient rite for the first time. What has been remarked this Season is the number of people coming back after a lapse of up to 30 years and those pilgrims have been impressed with the many physical improvements to the Island which has been quite transformed over the last 20 or so years. ‘There is a definite trend of ‘Come back to Lough Derg, and see what they’re all talking about’, says Manager, Deborah Maxwell. Recent exposure on television such as Nationwide has also been a great help.’


For a place to have survived 1500 years it cannot stand still; Lough Derg certainly is passionate about creating new opportunities for people to enjoy the sanctity of the Island. 2011 has seen the biggest programme on offer ever - with a Mother and Daughter Retreat in May, a Father and Son Retreat in September, a special Family Day on August 19^th, and not to be outshone on the festival circuit, an event called Pure Oxygen-a gig, on 25^th August on the Island for young people. This event which may seem contrary to the ethos of the Island is all about welcoming young people from both sides of the community to enjoy some local talented music, without the pressure from their peers of alcohol and drugs.

There’s plenty other events remaining in the 2011 programme to allow you to experience this special Island where time has most definitely not stood still.

For more information, contact Deborah Maxwell, Manager call 071 986 1518 or email manager@loughderg.org  www.loughderg.org

Some Dates to Remember

13^th August - Last day for starting the Three-Day Pilgrimage

15^th August - Last day of the Three-Day Pilgrimage

One Day Retreats are available on       

August: 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
September: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20

 

LIFE’S JOURNEY SERIES – an optional extra to the One Day Retreat programme

22nd August             Living In The Present

27th August             Understanding Our Children

30^th August               Guided Prayer         

4th September        A Day With The Angels

14th September      Meditation for Beginners

Full Day Workshops

19^th August               Family Day Retreat

9^th September          Father and Son Retreat

 

Lough Derg

Following on from last weeks programme about Lough Derg, RTE's Nationwide programme Friday evening was about the Lough Derg Pilgrimmage. The programme is available on RTE playback, here is the link. It may not be available to readers outisde the Republic of Ireland.

3rd July 2011 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time and Lough Derg

On this weeks show we have a return visit and interview about St Patricks Purgatory on Lough Derg as well as our regular gospel reflection, prayer space, some notices and reminders as well as a quick run down on this weeks celestial guides.

The programme podcast is also available.


Lough Derg

John has an interview with Msgr Richard Mohan who is the Prior of St Patrick's Purgatory this morning which asks us the question: Santiago de Compostela, The Holy Land, Ganges River, Purgatorium Sancti Patricii, what do they all have in common? Pilgrims have been travelling to these sacred sites for centuries on a spiritual quest or a journey seeking something deeper, getting closer to their authentic selves, continuing a ritualistic tradition of their ancestors.

Reputed to be the most challenging pilgrimage in the Christian world, the traditional Three-Day Pilgrimage remains intact after more than 100 years - walking, praying, fasting, on a remote Island once considered to be at the edge of the world. Each year the community on Lough Derg offer us the opportunity to step out of your ordinary routine for three days and experience something deeper, something real - reconnect and rediscover!

The three day pilgrimage season will resume on 1st June 2011 and conclude on 15th August

To find out more about Lough Derg or to book onto a retreat/visit to the island, go here.

Gospel - Matthew 11: 25-30

With this weeks gospel, we enter again into Ordinary time in the liturgical calander. After a hectic and intensive period from Ash Wednesday through to Easter and Pentecost we have a chance to catch our breath. Ordinary Time is the liturgical period outside of the distinctive liturgical seasons. It runs 33 or 34 weeks - between Christmas and Lent, and between Easter and Advent, exclusive.

The liturgical colour of Ordinary Time is green. According to The General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, the days of Ordinary Time, especially the Sundays, "are devoted to the mystery of Christ in all its aspects." Ordinary time does not need to be "ordinary," and is not meant to mean that somehow we get a break from the Liturgical Year. The opposite is true: Ordinary Time celebrates "the mystery of Christ in all its aspects." We remember and celebrate the parts of Jesus' life that were ordinary, much like our own lives. And we also remember that what we know of Jesus life is his birth, one incident at the age of tweleve and then nothing futher until tradition holds he was thirty when he began his public ministry. 

It is also a gospel which reminds us that we dont have to be experts in theology or philosophy to be able to have a relationship with God. The gospel calls us to re-discover the child-like ability to be able to engage and be open to God like innocent children. It is not a call to be childish with a focus on that old white haired man in the sky approach to God. We need to re-discover the freedom of love which Pope Benedict has been reminding us again and again. Our faith is not about doe's and don'ts but rather how are we open to a personal relationship with God, and a personal encounter with Love Incarnate - Jesus.

It is also a gospel which reminds us that we cant carry the burdens of life on our own. At the same time, we do need to face up to our realities in life, but when we do that, we realise that Jesus is there to share the burden with us and we are able to carry and deal with that difficulty. God never gives us a cross without the grace to be able to carry it. 

But for those who feel totally overwhelmed, who feel that they cannot face the difficulties in their lives, who might feel that they are so alone through this dark time, Jesus promises us that "Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest...."

Other reflections on this weeks gospel available:

• Dominican Interactive (website of the Irish Domincan friars) - The Path of Littleness
• Word on Fire - "The purpose of Jesus' teachings is that we allow the divine life to surge through us so that we become transformed in Christ, making us more like Him. All our knowledge should serve this end. However, some learned people can use their knowledge to puff up their egos and put others down. The "Little Ones" are the people whose entire life is about helping others participate in the divine life so they may fully flourish".
• Deacon Greg Kandra

Saints of the Week
July 4th - St Elizabeth of Portugal
July 5th - St Anthony Mary Zaccaria
July 6th - St Maria Goretti
July 7th - St Maelruain
July 8th - St Kilian
July 9th - St Augustine Zhao Rong and his Companions