The webmaster is going to Lourdes on the Diocesan Pilgrimage on Friday, hence this weeks newsletter is early. I'll be praying for you all!
June 29th, Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
Apostolic Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of Ireland’s National Eucharistic Congress
Please see below the special message of Pope Benedict XVI, which was issued on behalf of the Holy Father by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, on the occasion of Ireland’s National Eucharistic Congress in Knock on 25 and 26 June.
The Holy Father was pleased to learn of the celebration of the Irish National Eucharistic Congress and he sends his warm and prayerful best wishes to you and to the Bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful of Ireland. His Holiness is spiritually united to all who, through prayerful reflection on the Eucharist, offer adoration, thanksgiving and praise to the living God for the saving sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, renewed in the celebration of every Holy Mass. He is confident that the frequent and worthy reception of the Bread of Life will guide all who, especially in this time of renewal, walk together the path of conversion, in truth, justice and charity, pursuing the gift of purification from sin by seeking and offering pardon and by strengthening the bonds of reconciliation and communion. He prays that by drawing nourishment from this Sacrament, their whole life will become, with Christ, an offering to God (cf. Sacamemtum Caritatis 71). Commending all the faithful people in Ireland to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing.
Points from Homily of the Primate of All Ireland, Cardinal Brady, at the National Eucharistic Congress in Knock:
· “may this National Eucharistic Congress, and the International Congress next year, help to bring healing to the social, economic, spiritual and moral wounds that have so deeply afflicted our country and Church in recent times”
· bishops and priests anoint the sick before Mass in the Basilica: “May these days of grace bring healing, strength and peace to us all”
· “my hope is that those who have drifted away from regular Mass will hear the simple request of Jesus: Do this in memory of me”
· thanks young people for attending and encourages use of social media to invite others to be part of Ireland’s preparations for the International Eucharistic Congress 2012
· welcomes Saint Joseph’s Young Priests Society to Knock and thanks the Society for its many years of support for seminarians
· “Jesus is gentle and merciful and loving. He understands the weakness of the human condition. He reaches out to us with compassion and a love that heals. But Jesus is also challenging. He is not afraid to confront us about our laziness, our selfishness and our sin. He does so - He calls us to conversion - because these things hold us back from experiencing the fullness of life God wants us to have. This is the fullness of life that comes from our immersion in the Word of life and in the Eucharist – the Bread of Life”.
Read the full address on:
Also, on the above website read:
Bishops congratulate Pope Benedict XVI on the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood
1. Today, 29 June, the Feast day of the Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, marks the 60th anniversary of the ordination of Pope Benedict XVI to the priesthood. See on the site a statement of congratulations from Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.
2. Derry’s four Church leaders mark opening and blessing of the new Peace Bridge.
3. Council for Justice and Peace opposes cuts to Sunday pay.
There is a bus going to this rally from Galway, from The University, NUIG/ UCG at 9:30 on the day. Please ring 087- 6217702 for more details.
This summer, the most important date on the pro-life calendar is 2nd July. That’s when we hope you join with thousands of others to speak up for the right to life. Meet us at the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square @ 2pm.
Ireland - north and south - is one of the last remaining places in Europe where abortion is still illegal. But our unborn children are under threat. Powerful pro-abortion campaigners in Ireland, the UK, European Union and United Nations are attacking our pro-life laws. That’s why it’s so important we show our opposition to abortion. On 2nd July 2011 lets do that!
They Say......
"Life is our most precious gift. "The All-Ireland Rally for Life" is a celebration of life. To attend or take part in it in any way is a worthwhile endeavour to pursue as Catholics. We stand up for God's gift of life."
Philip Boyce O.C.D. Bishop of Raphoe
“His Holiness will remember you and your associates in his prayers, and invokes upon you God’s abundant blessings.”
Message to the Rally for Life from the Vatican Secretary of State
Message to the Rally for Life from the Vatican Secretary of State
"The people of the Diocese of Clogher are happy to join you in celebrating and cherishing the gift of life in all its forms and wish every success to your Rally for Life on 2 July in Dublin.
Liam S. MacDaid, Bishop of Clogher
I commend the All Ireland Rally for Life Committee on the marvellous work you are doing. Supporting the fundamental right of life for the unborn child is so important and it is good to gather people to celebrate the precious gift of life. I send you my best wishes as you celebrate the Rally for Life, in Dublin on 2 July 2011, and wish the event every success.
+Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh
Many thanks for your letter describing the atmosphere, success and enthusiasm generated by last July’s “Rally for Life” celebration in Belfast. I am confident that this year’s rally in Dublin on 2nd July will be equally successful in highlighting the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
Modern western culture has enshrined and secured many just liberties for peoples from many various faith and culture backgrounds but those liberties, when they contravene gospel values, cannot be accepted if they compromise and endanger the very essence of our common humanity, the right to life. I am happy and honoured to give my unequivocal support to this year’s “Rally for Life” in Dublin on 2nd July
+Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor
Thanks you for your letter of 13th of May 2011. In a rapidly changing society one of the values we need to uphold with constant vigilance is respect for life at every stage of its existence. Life is a very precious gift. It deserves reverence, nurturing, protection. I support those values and I support those who share these ideals. May I wish every blessing on your rally in Dublin in 2nd July. I hope that it will, like last year, be a festive occasion, a true celebration of the great gift of life that God has given us.
+Martin Drennan, Diocese of Galway
Feast of St. Oliver Plunkett, Irish Bishop and Martyr, July 1st
IMAGE COPYRIGHT: http://www.dioceseofmeath.ie/
The Church in Renmore, in our diocese, is dedicated to St. Oliver Plunkett, and was opened the year of his canonisation, 1975. There is a reliquary in the church which is lovely to visit.
Feileacain (stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland) a support group for anyone affected by the loss of a baby through stillbirth or neo-natal death, Parents night, Tuesday the 12th July at 7:30 in the Harbour Hotel Galway.
All are welcome. For further info:
Web:
http://www.feileacain.ie
E-mail: info at feileacain.ie
Warm Regards,
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Youth News
ONE YEAR COURSE in YOUTH MINISTRY beginning in the Galway Diocesan Pastoral Centre on 24th/25th September 2011. The Youth Ministry Studies Programme is open to anyone who has ability and an interest in working with and journeying with young people in a parish, school or college setting.
Check out
For more details and contact: Siobhain Bradley on 091-565066 for an application form.
YOUTH 2000 Clonmacnoise Summer Festival is a FREE four day event for youth aged 16-35.
It brings together young people to grow in faith, friendship and have some fun. For more information contact Siobhain Bradley on:
091-565066
Or check out
Support the Galway branch of the MS Society
The Galway branch of MS Annual City church gate takes place on the weekend of the 9th and 10 of July. Please support.Check out:
For more information on the good work being done by this charity to combat Multiple Sclerosis
A Message from Age Action
Are you 60+ years of age? Have you a small repair job which you would like to have done for you? The Care and Repair programme (run by Age Action Ireland) uses a pool of trustworthy volunteers and handy persons to carry out minor repairs for older people. All volunteers are vetted and carry official Care and Repair identification cards. The service is free; you only pay for the materials used. For your bigger jobs, we maintain a register of reliable and honest tradespersons. We are also accepting requests for small gardening jobs. You can arrange to have a job done for you by phoning the Age Action Care and Repair number which is
091 527831.
Thank you very much for your support.
Regards,Liam Carolan, Intern at Age Action West/Small Crane/Galway
Tel: 091 527831/Fax: 091 527828
Email: aaw at eircom.netWebsite:
http://www.ageaction.ieWould you like to support Age Action and our Fundraising? Check our website link above for details on the Ladies Mini Marathon
Positive Ageing Week 23 September to 1 October 2011Join Age Action and support Positive Ageing
Age Action is a charity which promotes positive ageing and better policies and services for older people. Working with, and on behalf of, older people We aim to make Ireland the best place in the world in which to grow older.
