Mass in The Cathedral, World Day of Prayer for Peace, January 1st, Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God.

Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, January 1st 2009.

World Day of Prayer for Peace.

Mass will be celebrated in The Cathedral by Most Rev. Martin Drennan, Bishop of Galway at 11 am.



Come and pray for peace!!

Sympathies, Michael Brosnan, R.I.P.

Your prayers are asked today, Sunday, December 28th, for the repose of the soul of Michael Brosnan, 80 Claremont Park. Michael’s remains will be reposing at Arus Naofa, Renmore Avenue, tomorrow, Monday, December 29th, from 5 to 7, when they will be removed to the adjacent church of St. Oliver Plunkett. Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday at 10 with burial afterwards in Ballymoreustace, Co. Kildare.

'Dying you destroyed our death....'

The Feast of the Holy Family, Sunday, December 28th.

We wish a happy feast day to the Church of the Holy Family in Mervue and Holy Family Special School in Renmore.

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, December 28th.

The Tradition of the Wren... let's not forget our Irish culture and heritage.

COPYRIGHT: www.goireland.com


The tradition of 'Hunting the Wran' or the 'Wren' is to some degree alive in Ireland at Christmas. Once a common event throughout Ireland, it now takes place in certain towns and villages on St. Stephen’s Day, the day after Christmas Day.
People dress up in old clothes and paint their faces, wear straw hats and travel from door to door singing, dancing and playing music. Find out more about this very unusual age-old Irish Christmas custom…
Long ago in Ireland, young boys and men known as 'The Wren Boys' would go out into the woods. They would hunt for and then kill a wren and then parade the dead bird through the town on top of a decorated pole. Charming eh?
There is a lot of speculation as where this tradition stems from. One story says that long ago there was a plan by Irish soldiers to ambush a Viking soldier camp and a whole bunch of wrens pecked on the Viking soldiers drums and woke them up just in time for the plan to fail. The Irish soldiers were defeated. From then on, the wren was known as the bird of the devil.
The poor little Wren is also blamed for the betraying the Christian martyr St. Stephen when was in hiding by making noises, hence the reason for hunting the Wren on St. Stephen's Day.
Of course, the little wren was considered the 'King of all birds' in Celtic mythology, as it is said that the birds had a contest to see who could fly the highest. The clever wren flew higher than the eagle by sitting on the eagles back as it soared high and then the wren could fly even higher when the eagle got tired. So this custom of hunting the wren could also stem from Pagan times.
In the old days it was a real wren that was killed and placed on the top of the pole and the "wren boys" would carry it around to houses and beg for money to bury the bird as it was considered to be evil.
The Wren Boys would sing this traditional song at each house:
The Wran, the wran
the king of all Birds
on St. Stephen’s Day
it was caught in the furze,
up with the kettle
and down with the pan
give me a penny
to bury the wran.
This ancient tradition can still be seen in certain town and villages in Ireland and it really is a sight to behold! The Wren Boys march through the streets dressed in traditional attire (usually something made from straw) to the beat of drums and they stop off in bars along the way to play traditional music. Money is still collected but this is given to charity and of course a wren is not killed anymore but some Wren Boys march with a fake bird.

St. Stephen's Day.

COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.org

All we know of Stephen is found in Acts of the Apostles, chapters six and seven. It is enough to tell us what kind of man he was:
At that time, as the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenist (Greek-speaking) Christians complained about the Hebrew-speaking Christians, saying that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit.... (Acts 6:1-5)
Acts says that Stephen was a man filled with grace and power, who worked great wonders among the people. Certain Jews, members of the Synagogue of Roman Freedmen, debated with Stephen but proved no match for the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke. They persuaded others to make the charge of blasphemy against him. He was seized and carried before the Sanhedrin.
In his speech, Stephen recalled God’s guidance through Israel’s history, as well as Israel’s idolatry and disobedience. He then claimed that his persecutors were showing this same spirit. “[Y]ou always oppose the holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors” (Acts 7:51b).
His speech brought anger from the crowd. “But [Stephen], filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God....’ They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him....As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit....Lord, do not hold this sin against them’” (Acts 7:55-56, 58a, 59, 60b).

Comment:
Stephen died as Jesus did: falsely accused, brought to unjust condemnation because he spoke the truth fearlessly. He died with his eyes trustfully fixed on God, and with a prayer of forgiveness on his lips. A “happy” death is one that finds us in the same spirit, whether our dying is as quiet as Joseph’s or as violent as Stephen’s: dying with courage, total trust and forgiving love.

PEACE! HOPE!JOY!CHRISTMAS IS HERE!

St. Francis of Assisi assembled the first crib in a cave on an Italian hillside in 1223. His aim was to make the Christmas story come alive for the shepherds and farmers of the locality.

On Christmas Eve the friars and the people assembled with candles and torches to illuminate the night. Then Francis arrived and was very happy when he saw the preparations they had made.

The crib was put in place.
The hay was brought in.
The ox and donkey were led forward.
The woods rang with their prayers.
The rocks echoed with their hymns.

Francis spoke to them about God's son coming among us.
At the end of the vigil they all returned to their homes.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL. MAY YOU AND YOURS BE BLESSED BY THE CHRIST CHILD NOW AND ALWAYS.

The Annunciation.

The webmaster loves this picture by Henry Ossawa Tanner. It's ideal to use with last Sunday's Gospel, telling the story of The Annunciation.

Keeping you up to date!

Click to zoom!

Sympathies, Kevin Cowley, R.I.P.

Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of Kevin Cowley, 9 Sylvan Avenue, Fairland's Park. Kevin will be reposing at O'Flaherty's Funeral Home on Munster Avenue on Friday, December 26th, St. Stephens Day, from 2:30 until 4 when they will be removed to our church. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, December 27th, at 12 noon, with burial afterwards in Glann Cemetery, Oughterard.

'Nearer my God to thee....'

Tuesday, December 23rd.

Don't forget our Cluster Penitential Service is in The Abbey this evening at 6. Priest's from our cluster of parishes (St. Joseph's, Sacred Heart, The Abbey, The Cathedral) will be there to hear confessions and be instruments of Gods grace and mercy.

Sympathies.

We pray for the repose of the souls of the following:

Nora McDermott, 3 Saint Colman's Road. Nora's remains will be arriving at our church this evening at 7:30, from O'Flaherty's Funeral Home on Munster Avenue. Her Funeral Mass will be tomorrow, Tuesday at 11, with burial afterwards in The New Cemetery, Bohermore. Nora is the mother of Anne Wallace of Corrib Park, a Special Minister of Holy Communion in our church.

Kevin Corcoran, Bun an Cnoic, and Fursey Road. Kevin's Funeral Mass took place in St. Ignatius Church, 'The Jes', Sea Road, today.

Mary Healy, Ennistymon, whose Funeral Mass took place last week, the sister of the late Barbara Canavan, Laurel Park.

Joe Kennedy, Oakley Crescent. Joe's Funeral Mass took place in his native Westport and his Month's Mind Mass will be on Saturday in our church at 11.

'Safely home....'

ADVENT REFLECTION.

Jesus as you draw closer to me this Advent, give me the strength and the grace to draw closer to you. Help me to let your light shine in my heart so that I may be a source of your hope and encouragement to others. Help me to turn away from the selfish ways of sin, from all that diminishes and harms both myself and others. Give me the grace to say sorry to my family, my spouse, my children, and my friends. Help me to reach out in love to others this Advent. May my heart always burn with your love. Amen.

Let us Entrust the Past to God for Forgiveness

Let us Entrust the Future to God for Guidance

Let us Entrust the Present to God for Help in living our lives as his faithful and faith filled children.

December 20th, Feast of St. Fachanan/ Fachtna, Patron of Kilfenora.

Ancient ruins of 12th Century Cathedral of St. Fachanan and Parish Church of St. Fachanan, all in our diocese, in Kilfenora.

The following post is a combination of information to be found on the Catholic Ireland Website and our own diocesan website. You'll get the links to both in the sidebar menu.

Fachtna founded a monastery and scripture school at Ross Carbery in west Cork and, also, a monastery in our diocese in Kilfenora. He is the patron of Kilfenora, now integrated into our diocese, as well as the diocese of Ross, now integrated into the combined diocese of Cork and Ross. Patrick Duffy explains.

Scripture school
Toward the end of the sixth century Fachtna founded a monastery and school in the area now known as Rosscarbery (Ros Ailithir – “the wooded headland of the pilgrims”). The School of Ross became a celebrated seat of learning and gained an international reputation for study of sacred scripture and learning until the ninth century when it was besieged and destroyed by the Danes.
Diocese of
Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora
The Diocese of Kilfenora and the Diocese of Kilmacduagh were both erected and had their territories defined by the Synod of Kells in 1132. In 1751 the two dioceses were united but because Kilfenora was in the ecclesiastical province of Cashel and Kilmacduagh in the province of Tuam, the Bishop of Kilmacduagh was made the Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora, and it was decreed that the next person holding episcopal jurisdiction in Kilmacduagh-Kilfenora would be Bishop of Kilfenora and Apostolic Administrator of Kilmacduagh. This system of alternation continued down to the last bishop, Patrick Fallon, who resigned in 1866.
Diocese of Galway,
Kilmacduagh & Kilfenora
In 1866 the Bishop of Galway, John McEvilly, was made administrator of Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora. In 1883, Thomas Carr was appointed bishop, the first to be appointed with the title of Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora.
You can see a mosaic to St. Fachtna in The Cathedral Bookshop.

OUR ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS.

THIS CARD HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO EVERY HOME IN THE PARISH AND IS AVAILABLE AT THE CHURCH DOORS. CLICK ON IMAGE TO ZOOM IN.

City Masses and Confessions for Christmas. Zoom in for all the times across the city.

Penitential Service.

The Christmas Penitential Service for our Cluster of Parishes (St. Joseph's, Sacred Heart, The Cathedral, The Abbey)will be held in The Abbey on Tuesday next,December 23rd, at 6 P.M.

For all our Christmas Arrangements, here in the Sacred Heart, zoom in to the post above.

Beautiful Scripture...

There are beautiful readings for this Sunday. Why not get into the real spirit of Christmas by clicking on the leaflet above and reflecting on the wonderful message of salvation?

The Fourth Sunday of Advent.

The Annunciation by Fra Angelico.


'Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you'

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, December 21st.

20th December 7.30p.m. 1.Joe Davis
2.Bridie, Pat, Bill and Catherine Buckley

Pray for Paddy Hickey, the Barrett and Ward Families at all Masses
________________________________________________________________
Sunday. 9.30 James, Mary, Bernard&James Lee
11.00 a.m.Joe Kenny
12.15 Delia&Patrick Warde
6.30 1. Marcello&Volodia Alarcon
2. Nora Coyne

________________________________________________________________
Monday 22nd December
10.00 a.m. 1. Sean Kilraine
2. Thomas, Thomas Jnr. and Ann
Hayden

________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 23rd December 10.00 a.m. Sick and Carmel Griffin
6.00 p.m. Cluster Penitential Service
THE ABBEY

________________________________________________________________
Wednesday No Morning Mass
24th December Christmas Confessions : 12 noon - 1 p.m& 3 -4.

9.00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass and the
Blessing of the Crib
(For all the people of the parish and community)

________________________________________________________________
Thursday 25th December 9.30 a.m. ( For all the people of the
11.00 a.m. ( Parish and Community of
12.15 p.m. ( Sacred Heart Church)
NO EVENING MASS
________________________________________________________________
Friday 26th December 10.00 a.m. Gerard Monaghan
______________________________________________________

Saturday 27th December 11.00 a.m. Joe Kennedy (Months Mind Mass)
7.30p.m. Teresa Barrett and the deceased
members of the Hernon family
___________________________________________________________
Sunday 9.30 Stephen &Barbara McDonagh
11.00 a.m. Teresa Carroll
12.15 Tom Hynes&Caroline Flaherty
6.30 p.m. 1. Maura Flanagan
2. Ellen & John Hynes and Mary and
Joseph Crowley.

The Great O Antiphons... Click on images to zoom in and reflect...

Third Sunday of Advent.... REJOICE!!!

PICTURE COPYRIGHT: www.sermons4kids.com

This Sunday is known as Gaudete Sunday, a word which means rejoicing. It is a time of lighter mood as Christmas Day is coming ever closer.

Sympathies.

We extend a hand of sympathy and support to the families of the following:

Robert Nolan, 2 Corrach Bui, whose Funeral Mass took place in Mervue during the week.

Patrick 'Pa' Brown, 10 Dangan Court, Funeral Mass take place in the Church of St. James, Bushy Park, tomorrow at 12.

Kathleen Corrigan, St. Francis' Home, and formerly 45 Davis Road. Kathleen's Months Mind will be in our church next Saturday at 11.

'Those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith'

Christmas Penitential Service.

The Christmas Penitential Service for our cluster of parishes (The Cathedral,Sacred Heart, St. Joseph's, The Abbey) will take place in The Abbey, St. Francis Street, On Tuesday, December 23rd, at 6 P.M. Come along and receive God's mercy and forgiveness for Christmas.

SCOIL BHRIDE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT.

The Annual Scoil Bhríde Christmas Pageant takes place in our church tomorrow evening, Monday, December 15th, at 7:30. As usual, it promises to be a great spectacle with great music. Thank you to all the hardworking staff and children who have put so much into its preparation. All are welcome!

Final Advent Talk.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ZOOM IN! DON'T FORGET THE LAST TALK IS THIS MONDAY EVENING, GIVEN BY FR. MICHAEL SCREENE, MSC, CROI NUA, GALWAY, ON OPENING UP TO ADVENT HOPE, AT 7:30. THE NO.2, 5 AND 7 BUSES ALL STOP NEAR THE PASTORAL CENTRE, WHICH IS BESIDE THE MERCY CONVENT SECONDARY SCHOOL,NEWTOWNSMITH.

Do this in Memory of Me Programme

The Next First Communion Programme will be on Sunday, December 21st at 11.00 Mass and the Core Group Meeting regarding the same will be in the church tea room at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, the 17th December. We would love to see more parents involved, so, if you are free please come along..

SACRED HEART CHURCH
SEAMUS QUIRKE ROAD
MASS INTENTIONS
14th December 2008
Saturday 11.00 a.m. Terry Colohan (Months Mind Mass)
13th December 7.30p.m. 1.Bridget & Colman Hernon 2.Cliona Tierney

Sunday 9.30 a.m. 1. Paddy Lenihan 2. Martin & Della Ryan.
14th December 11.00 a.m. 1. Paddy & Theresa Heaney. 2. Teresa Hession..
12.15 p.m. 1. Tom & Kathleen Casserly
2. Margaret, Edward and Johnny Lynskey.
6.30 p.m. 1. James Scally and 2. Vincent Byrne
Monday 15th December 10.00 a.m. John Sammon
7.30 p.m. Scoil Bhride Christmas Concert

Tuesday 16th December 10.00 a.m. Sick and Eanna Slevin

Wednesday 10.00 a.m. 1. Lawless and Guinane families deceased.
17th December 2. Francis McDonagh
5.30 p.m. Indian Community Mass

Thursday 18th December 10.00 a.m. Kate & Bernard Ward

Friday 10.00 a.m. Deceased members of Gilroy and Hughes families
19th December

Saturday 20th December 11.00 a.m. Kathleen Corrigan (Months Mind Mass)
7.30p.m. 1.Joe Davis
2.Bridie, Pat, Bill and Catherine Buckley
Pray for Paddy Hickey, the Barrett and Ward families at all Masses.

Sunday 9.30 a.m. James, Mary, Bernard & James Lee.
21st December 11.00 a.m. Joe Kenny.
12.15 p.m. Delia & Patrick Wade
6.30 p.m. 1. Marcello & Volodia Alarcon
2. Nora Coyne

REMEMBRANCE TREE.

A remembrance tree has been placed inside the gates of The New Cemetery, Bohermore, and, also, Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery, Rahoon. You are invited to bring along a red ribbon and tie it to the tree in remembrance of your loved one(s).

DECEMBER 8TH, FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION.

OUR MASSES FOR THE HOLY DAY: 10:00, 11:30, AND 6:30






"[Mary] gave to the world the Life that renews all things, and she was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role.
It is no wonder, then, that the usage prevailed among the holy Fathers whereby they called the mother of God entirely holy and free from all stain of sin, fashioned by the Holy Spirit into a kind of new substance and new creature. Adorned from the first instant of her conception with the splendours of an entirely unique holiness, the Virgin of Nazareth is, on God’s command, greeted by an angel messenger as ‘full of grace’ (cf. Luke 1:28). To the heavenly messenger she replies: ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word’ (Luke 1:38)" (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 56).

The Jubilee Year for the 150th Anniversary of Lourdes comes to an end. Mary said to St.Bernadette 'I am the Immaculate Conception'.Why not visit the official site for the Jubilee Year www.lourdes2008.com ? (Don't forget to click the flag for the English language when you do)

ST. NICHOLAS, DECEMBER 6TH, OUR PATRON SAINT IN GALWAY.

COPYRIGHT: www.daughtersofstpaul.com


Nicholas is the great patron of children and of Christmas giving. He lived in the fourth century. This famous saint was born in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. After his parents died, he gave all his money to charity.
Once a certain poor man was about to abandon his daughters to a life of sin because they did not have the money for a dowry. Nicholas heard about his problem. He went to the man's house at night and tossed a little pouch of gold through a window. This was for the oldest daughter. He did the same thing for the second daughter. The grateful father kept watch to find out who was being so good to them. When St. Nicholas came a third time, the man recognized him. He thanked Nicholas over and over again.
Later St. Nicholas became bishop. He loved justice. It is said that once he saved three men who had been falsely condemned to death. He then turned to their accuser. He made the man admit that he had been offered money to get rid of the three men.
St. Nicholas died in Myra, and a great basilica was built over his tomb. Many churches were dedicated in his name. When his relics were brought to Bari, Italy, this city became a famous shrine for pilgrims from all over Europe. Nicholas is the patron of sailors and prisoners. With St. Andrew, he is the patron of Russia.

It is thought that sailors and merchants,from their travels, brought devotion to him to Galway. Hence, he is the patron saint of our city and diocese, and patron of the ancient Collegiate Church of Saint Nicholas, and, along with our Lady Assumed into Heaven, patron of our cathedral.

The great charity of this saint has become legendary. Is there someone in my life who needs my love and generosity?

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, December 7th.

Saturday 6th December 7.30p.m. 1.Mattie & Kenneth Frawley and
2.Thomas and John Fahy.
________________________________________________________________
Sunday 7th December 9.30 a.m. 1.Martin Flaherty and 2.Mary Flood
11.00 a.m. 1.Michael & Mary Glynn.
2. Teresa Vurlane and deceased members of Conway and Murphy families.
12.15 p.m. 1.Joe Hoade
2.Kate & Bernard Ward
6.30 p.m. 1.Michael & Bridget Corcoran.
2.Peter Welsh _______________________________________________________
Monday 8th December-Feast of the Immaculate Conception
10.00 a.m. 1.Edward Fitzgerald and deceased
members of Fitzgerald and Hosty
families.
2.Martin and Della Ryan
11.30 a.m.Teresa Rabbitte
6.30 a.m. 1.Paddy Barrett and 2.Timothy Kyne
________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 9th December 10.00 a.m. Sick
________________________________________________________________
Wednesday 10th December 10.00 a.m. Delia Hoade
________________________________________________________________
Thursday 11th December 10.00 a.m. 1.Eileen & John O’Toole
2.Eddie Ward
________________________________________________________________
Friday 12th December 10.00 a.m. 1.Bridie Whelan.
2.Kate Sweeney.
______________________________________________________
Saturday 13th December 11.00 a.m. Terry Colohan (Months Mind Mass)
7.30p.m. 1.Bridget & Colman Hernon
2.Cliona Tierney
________________________________________________________________
Sunday 14th December 9.30 a.m. 1.Paddy Lenihan
2. Martin & Della Ryan.
11.00 a.m. 1.Paddy & Theresa Heaney.
2. Teresa Hession..
12.15 p.m. 1. Tom & Kathleen Casserly
2. Margaret, Edward and Johnny Lynskey.
6.30 p.m. 1.James Scally and 2. Vincent Byrne

Vatican Radio on RTE Digital Radio.

Tune to Vatican Radio on RTÉ 1’s new digital radio station RTÉ Choice every night between 8.44pm and 9.00pm for world news, commentary and announcements by Pope Benedict XVI.

Producing more than 42,000 hours of simultaneous broadcasting and covering international news and religious celebrations, Vatican Radio is the voice of The Pope and The Church to its global congregation.

Commenting on Vatican Radios addition to the RTÉ Choice week Ronan Kelly, RTÉ Choice scheduler, said: ‘It’s fantastic now that we can listen to Vatican Radio in Ireland. Just like so many other programmes on RTÉ Choice we’re given fresh and different views on the stories that make the news day in, day out. With Vatican Radio we have the opportunity to be kept up to date with the Catholic Church whilst catching all the latest world news at the same time.’

Since the station began broadcasting in 1931, it has not only reported historical events but has also made them. Throughout World War 2 Vatican Radio served as a source for news and propaganda for the Allied Forces whilst being surrounded by the fascist Italian state. Warnings and threats didn’t prevent Vatican Radio from broadcasting to an unbelieving world where Poles and Jews were being rounded up and forced into ghettos.

The historical radio station broadcasts to 61 different countries, in 47 different languages and now it’s come to Ireland where you can hear it only on RTÉ Choice

Tune into Vatican Radio on RTÉ Choice on online at www.rte.ie/digitalradio and on DAB digital radio sets in the Greater Dublin area, Cork and Limerick, every night at 8.44pm.
For further information please contact: Jack Fox, RTÉ Radio Press and Publicity Office, 01- 208 2452, Jack.fox@rte.ie

Sympathies, Carmel Griffin, R. I. P.

Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the soul of Carmel Griffin who has died in Birmingham, the sister of Cepta Casserly, 1 Grangemore.

Carmels remains are arriving at Knock Airport on Wednesday next, December 10th, at 12 mid day.
She will repose at her brother's house, Liam Mellows St., Tuam, on Thursday, December 11th, from 6.00 - 8.00pm.
Funeral Mass will take place in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, on Friday, December 12th, at 11. Burial will take place afterwards in Tuam Cemetery.

'In The Lords own house shall I dwell'

St. Francis Xavier, December 3rd.

COPYRIGHT: www.daughtersofstpaul.com

This great missionary was born at Xavier Castle in Spain in 1506. He went to the University of Paris when he was eighteen. Here he met St. Ignatius Loyola, who was about to start the Society of Jesus. St. Ignatius tried to get Francis to join him. At first the happy-go-lucky young man would not think of it. St. Ignatius repeated to him the words of Jesus in the Gospel: "What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" At last, Francis saw clearly that his place in life was among the Jesuits.
When Francis was thirty-four, St. Ignatius sent him as a missionary to the East Indies. The king of Portugal wanted to give him presents to take along and a servant. Francis refused his kind offer and explained: "The best way to acquire true dignity is to wash one's own clothes and boil one's own pot." During the course of his amazing career in Goa, India, Japan and other lands of the east, St. Francis made thousands of converts. In fact, he baptized so many people that he became too weak to raise his arms. He gathered the little children around him and taught them the Catholic faith. Then he made little lay apostles of them. He invited them to spread the faith they had learned. There was nothing St. Francis wouldn't do to help people. Once he faced a fierce band of raiders, alone, with no weapon but his crucifix. They backed up and did not attack his Christian tribes. The saint also brought many bad-living Christians to repentance. His only "tools" were his gentle, polite ways and his prayers.
In the midst of his painful journeys and great labors, the saint was full of a special joy coming from God. St. Francis longed to get into China, into which no foreigner was permitted. At last, the arrangements were made, but the great missionary became ill. He died almost alone in 1552 on an island off the Chinese coast. He was just forty-six-years-old. Francis Xavier was proclaimed a saint by Pope Gregory XV in 1622. He was in the best of company at the canonization ceremony in Rome. Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila, Philip Neri and Isidore the Farmer were also proclaimed saints that day.
Francis' love for Jesus was so strong that he could not rest at the thought of so many people who had never heard the Gospel. What would happen if I were able to share my faith with at least one person in my life?

We wish the Jesuit Community here in Galway a very happy Feast of St. Francis Xavier, and thank them for their great contribution to the life of our city and diocese. Visit the Irish Jesuits at www.jesuit.ie and don't forget the great Jesuit Sacred Space site; you'll find the link on the sidebar menu of this page.

St. Bibiana, December 2nd.

COPYRIGHT: www.dailycatholic.org
Saint Bibiana was a native of Rome, born in the fourth century, the daughter and sister of martyrs. Flavian, her Christian father, was apprehended during the reign of Julian the Apostate, branded on the face as a slave, and banished to Toscany, where he died of his wounds a few days later. Her mother, Dafrosa, was beheaded two weeks later. Their two daughters, Bibiana and Demetria, after the death of their parents were stripped of all they had in the world, and then imprisoned with orders to give them no food. The Roman praetorian offered them rewards if they would abandon their faith, and threatened a cruel death if they would not conform, but they replied courageously that the goods and advantages of this world had no attraction for them, and that they would endure a thousand deaths rather than betray their faith and their Savior. Demetria, after having pronounced this ardent defense, fell to the ground and expired at her sisters side; she is inscribed in the Roman martyrology on June 21st.

The officer gave orders that Bibiana be placed in the custody of a woman named Rufina, who was commanded to corrupt her or mistreat her. But the martyr made prayer her shield and remained invincible. Enraged at the courage and perseverance of the young virgin, the persecutor ordered her to be tied to a pillar and whipped until she expired, with scourges tipped with leaden plummets. The Saint underwent this punishment cheerfully, and died at the hands of the executioners. She was buried by a holy priest at a site where afterwards a chapel and then a church were built above her tomb. In 1628 the church was splendidly rebuilt by Pope Urban VIII, and in it he placed the relics of the two sisters and of Saint Dafrosa, their mother.


Blessed Saviour, Saint Bibiana lost everything except her faith in You. Her parents and sister were killed in the persecutions and her possessions were confiscated. The tragedy only increased her desire to rely on You, so the pagans killed her, too. I ask her to intercede for all those I know who are grieving the loss of loved ones, homes, jobs, health, the loss of innocence through rape, or the loss of safety through other forms of abuse. Comfort them and fill their empty hearts with Your tremendous love, O Lord. Draw them closer to You and give them compassionate friends who minister to them in their sorrow. Saint Bibiana, pray for us. Amen

Reminder, Older and Bolder Conference. Click on images to zoom in...

Advent Programme at Croí Nua.

There are two events coming up in Croí Nua, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Spirituality Centre, in Taylor's Hill.

1. A HEALING DAY- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14TH 10:00 TO 5.

2. ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH AT 8 P.M.

YOU'LL GET ALL THE CONTACT DETAILS AT www.croinua.com

Sympathies Tony Moran and Damien Dalton, R.I.P.

Your prayers are asked today for the repose of the souls of:
1. Tony Moran, 75 Droim Chaoin. Tonys remains will be reposing at his home tomorrow, Monday, December 1st, until 5 o'clock, when they will be removed to our church. Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday at 11:00, with burial afterwards in Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery, Rahoon.

2. Damien Dalton, 115 Corrib Park. Damiens remains will be reposing at O'Flahertys Funeral Home on Munster Avenue, tomorrow, Monday, December 1st, from 5:30 until 7, when they will be removed to our church. Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday at 12:30 ,with burial afterwards in Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery, Rahoon.



Please pray for their families
'There are many rooms in my fathers house.....'

ADVENT BY PATRICK KAVANAGH.

We have tested and tasted too much, lover-
Through a chink too wide there comes in no wonder.
But here in the Advent-darkened room
Where the dry black bread and the sugarless tea
Of penance will charm back the luxury
Of a child's soul, we'll return to Doom
The knowledge we stole but could not use.

And the newness that was in every stale thing
When we looked at it as children: the spirit-shocking
Wonder in a black slanting Ulster hill
Or the prophetic astonishment in the tedious talking
Of an old fool will awake for us and bring
You and me to the yard gate to watch the whins
And the bog-holes, cart-tracks, old stables where Time begins.

O after Christmas we'll have no need to go searching
For the difference that sets an old phrase burning-
We'll hear it in the whispered argument of a churning
Or in the streets where the village boys are lurching.
And we'll hear it among decent men too
Who barrow dung in gardens under trees,
Wherever life pours ordinary plenty.
Won't we be rich, my love and I, and
God we shall not ask for reason's payment,
The why of heart-breaking strangeness in dreeping hedges
Nor analyse God's breath in common statement.
We have thrown into the dust-bin the clay-minted wages
Of pleasure, knowledge and the conscious hour-
And Christ comes with a January flower.


Patrick Kavanagh

Console Christmas Celebration of Light.

The Console Christmas Celebration of Light for Galway will be held in the Church of St. Oliver Plunkett, Renmore, Galway on Sunday the 7th of December 2008 at 4pm

This ceremony brings together family and friends together in Solidarity and Hope to Remember the life of their loved one who has died by Suicide.

You are welcome to bring a framed photo or symbol of your loved one to place on the 'Remembrance Table ' at the beginning of the service.

This is an evening of song, music and reflection including the lighting of candles followed by a minute's silence to commemorate family, friends and loved ones lost to Suicide.

Music by:
Marc Roberts
Jacqueline & Marie O' Dowd
Margaret Duggan / Carmel Kelly


To Reserve Seating please contact: Ms Margaret Tierney, Console on e-mail: margaret@console.ie

WEBSITE: www.console.ie

Trócaire Christmas Global Gifts.

Trócaire are doing their Christmas Global Gifts again this Christmas. This is a gift that will change someones life for the better. Find out more at www.trocaire.org

Sympathies, Michael Maguire and little Erin Lamb, R.I.P.

We sympathise with the parents of little Erin Lamb, 73 John Coogan Park, who has died. Prayers and burial of little Erin will be in Mount St. Joseph Cemetery, Rahoon, on Sunday, November 30th, at 1:15.

We pray also for the family of Michael 'Micko' Maguire, Lakeview House, Bushy Park, whose Funeral Mass took place in the Church of St. James, Bushy Park, during the week.


'The sadness of death gives way to the bright promise of immortality'

Advent Talks in the Pastoral Centre.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ZOOM IN! DON'T FORGET THE FIRST TALK IS ON MONDAY EVENING, GIVEN BY BISHOP DRENNAN, ON THE PERSON OF JESUS IN MARK'S GOSPEL, AT 7:30. THE NO.2, 5 AND 7 BUSES ALL STOP NEAR THE PASTORAL CENTRE, WHICH IS BESIDE THE MERCY CONVENT SECONDARY SCHOOL,NEWTOWNSMITH.

Mass Intentions for the week ahead, November 30th 2008.

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Feast Day, St. Catherine Laboure and the Miraculous Medal.

COPYRIGHT: www.daughtersofstpaul.com

Zoe Laboure, born in 1806, was the daughter of a French farmer. She was the only one of her large family who did not go to school. She could not read or write. Her mother died while she was still very young. Zoe had to run the house when her older sister became a nun.
Zoe, too, would have liked to enter the convent when she was in her early teens. However, because she was needed at home, she waited until she was twenty-four. Zoe became a Sister of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. She took the name of Catherine.
Shortly after she finished her training as a postulant, Sister Catherine received a special privilege. She began to see the Blessed Mother. One night, she was awakened from sleep. A "shining child" led her to chapel. There Our Lady came to talk to her. The Blessed Mother, in another vision, showed herself standing on a globe with streams of light coming from her hands. Underneath were the words: "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who turn to thee!" Sister Catherine was told that a medal was to be made of this picture of Our Lady. She was also told that all who wore it would receive many graces from Jesus through his mother's prayers.
Sister Catherine told her confessor and he later told the bishop. So it was that the medal which we call the miraculous medal was made. Soon many, many people all over the world were wearing it. Yet no one in the convent knew that humble Sister Catherine was the one to whom Our Lady had appeared. She spent the remaining forty-five years of her life doing ordinary convent tasks. She answered the door. She looked after the hens that provided the nuns with eggs. She also took care of elderly and sick people. She was happy to keep her special privilege hidden, and was only interested in serving God as best she could. Catherine died in 1876. She was proclaimed a saint by Pope Pius XII in 1947.

In the difficult times in our lives, we can turn to the Blessed Mother for strength and guidance.

LATIN MASS, FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS, GARRISON CHURCH.

Saturday, 6 December, Feast of St. Nicholas, Patron of Galway City - 2 pm
Mass, St. Patrick’s Garrison Chapel, Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway.
Celebrant:
Rev. Father John Loftus, CC.
Contact: John Heneghan, Tel.: 093-31273,
e-mail: john_heneghan@hotmail.com

Check out: www.latinmassireland.org

Croí- Church Gate Collection this weekend, November 29th and 30th.

CROÍ, THE WEST OF IRELAND CARDIOLOGY FOUNDATION

FIGHTING HEART DISEASE FOR ALL OF US!

Croí is a heart charity dedicated to pursuing and attaining the highest level of Cardiovascular Health Care for the people of the West of Ireland. They are holding their Church Gate Collection at our church this weekend, November 29th and 30th.

Since 1985, they have funded and implemented a wide range of initiatives across all areas of Cardiac Care, from Research & Education to the Development of Cardiac Services and Facilities in the region. They depend totally on voluntary effort and support. All their activities are funded entirely from the proceeds of fundraising events, voluntary contributions, donations and philanthropic support.

WITH YOUR SUPPORT THEY CAN CONTINUE TO SAVE LIVES!

Check out: www.croi.ie

Congratulations.

Congratulations to Noel Timothy, Gaelcarrig Park, who won the National Carer of the Year Award. Well done Noel, your story is an inspiration.

Sympathies, Mary Spellman, R.I.P.

Your prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of Mary Spellman, the sister of Peter Griffin, Davis Road. Her remains will be reposing at O'Flahertys Funeral Home, on Munster Avenue, tomorrow, Monday, from 4 to 6 when they will be removed to St. Mary's Church, The Claddagh, where Mass will be offered on Tuesday at 11, with burial afterwards in Rahoon Cemetery.

'Dying you destroyed our death'

St. Andrew Dung Lac and companions, November 24th.

COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.org

St. Andrew was one of 117 martyrs who met death in Vietnam between 1820 and 1862. Members of this group were beatified on four different occasions between 1900 and 1951. Now all have been canonized by Pope John Paul II.
Christianity came to Vietnam (then three separate kingdoms) through the Portuguese. Jesuits opened the first permanent mission at Da Nang in 1615. They ministered to Japanese Catholics who had been driven from Japan.

The king of one of the kingdoms banned all foreign missionaries and tried to make all Vietnamese apostatize by trampling on a crucifix. Like the priest-holes in Ireland during English persecution, many hiding places were offered in homes of the faithful.

Severe persecutions were again launched three times in the 19th century. During the six decades after 1820, between 100,000 and 300,000 Catholics were killed or subjected to great hardship. Foreign missionaries martyred in the first wave included priests of the Paris Mission Society, and Spanish Dominican priests and tertiaries.

Persecution broke out again in 1847 when the emperor suspected foreign missionaries and Vietnamese Christians of sympathizing with the rebellion of one of his sons.

The last of the martyrs were 17 laypersons, one of them a 9-year-old, executed in 1862. That year a treaty with France guaranteed religious freedom to Catholics, but it did not stop all persecution.

By 1954 there were over a million and a half Catholics—about seven percent of the population—in the north. Buddhists represented about 60 percent. Persistent persecution forced some 670,000 Catholics to abandon lands, homes and possessions and flee to the south. In 1964, there were still 833,000 Catholics in the north, but many were in prison. In the south, Catholics were enjoying the first decade of religious freedom in centuries, their numbers swelled by refugees.

During the Vietnamese war, Catholics again suffered in the north, and again moved to the south in great numbers. Now the whole country is under Communist rule.

Comment:

It may help a people who associate Vietnam only with a recent war to realize that the cross has long been a part of the lives of the people of that country. Even as we ask again the unanswered questions about United States involvement and disengagement, the faith rooted in Vietnam's soil proves hardier than the forces which would destroy it.

Quote:
“The Church in Vietnam is alive and vigorous, blessed with strong and faithful bishops, dedicated religious, and courageous and committed laypeople.... The Church in Vietnam is living out the gospel in a difficult and complex situation with remarkable persistence and strength” (statement of three U.S. archbishops returning from Vietnam in January 1989).

GO Local! Campaign.

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The Irish Bishop's are supporting the GO Local! campaign. This campaign asks you to think, in these difficult economic times, about the importance of supporting local services and produce and encourages your active participation in local community groups. GO Local! every week! There are leaflets about the campaign at the church doors and you can check out www.ifacountryside.ie

Happy Feast day to Church of Christ the King, Salthill.

Happy feast day to the Church and Parish of Christ the King in Salthill!

Pioneer Total Abstinence Association.

The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association,Galway City West Branch, are holding a church gate collection this weekend and would appreciate your generosity. Visit the national website at: www.pioneertotal.ie

Youth 2000 Retreat, next weekend!

Galway Youth 2000 are holding a Retreat in St. Mary’s College, St. Mary’s Road, Galway City. It begins on Friday Nov 28th at 7.30p.m. concluding on Sunday Nov 30th at 4p.m. All those aged between 16-35 are welcome. Under 18's must have the written consent of a guardian. Contact Caroline on 087- 9771901 or Diarmuid on 086- 6052179 for further details or visit our website – www.youth2000.ie

They will be at the doors of the church this weekend with fliers.

Don't forget! Children's Choir for Christmas.

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Sympathies,Margaret King and Tara Sheridan,R.I.P.

Your prayers are asked for the repose of the souls of:

Margaret King, Connolly Terrace, Bohermore, and St. Francis' Home, the mother of Eithne Cooke, 75 Corrib Park.

Tara Sheridan, a young woman who has died this week.

May Christ the King welcome them home.

Feast of Christ the King.

COPYRIGHT: THE CENTRE FOR LITURGY WEBSITE: http://liturgy.slu.edu/
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.

Jesus,
King of Creation,
you came from splendor,
put on your crown of ugly thorns,
took on a killer-cross for your throne

You suited your brightness to our sight.
You became poor just like us,
that we might become
like you

Christ,
Help us see you in the faces of the hungry.
We want to feed you and clothe you and slake your thirst.
Come to us in the needy
and fill us with
everlasting
love.

November 22nd, Feast of St. Cecilia.

COPYRIGHT: www.daughtersofstpaul.com

This patroness of music lived in early times. What we know about her goes back to the fourth century. Cecilia was a Roman noblewoman who had given her heart to Christ. Beneath the rich clothes worn by women of her class, Cecilia wore a rough shirt that caused her suffering. She wanted to be able to offer this sacrifice to Jesus, whose bride she intended to be. But Cecilia's father gave her in marriage to a young pagan noble. It is said that during the wedding celebration, the lovely bride sat apart. She was singing to God in her heart and praying for his help. When she and Valerian, her husband, were alone, she gathered up courage and said to him: "I have a secret to tell you. You must know that I have an angel of God watching over me. If you let me keep my promise to be Christ's bride only, my angel will love you as he loves me."
Valerian was surprised and said kindly, "Show me this angel. If he comes from God, I will do as you wish."
Cecilia said, "If you believe in the one true God and receive the waters of Baptism, then you will see my angel." Valerian went to Bishop Urban and was received with joy. After he had professed his belief in the Christian religion, he was baptized and returned to St. Cecilia. There by the saint's side, the young man saw the splendid angel.
Valerian's brother, Tiburtius, learned of the Christian faith from Cecilia. She spoke so beautifully of Jesus that before long, he too was baptized. Together the two brothers performed many works of charity. When they were arrested for being Christians, they went bravely to death rather than give up their new faith in Jesus. St. Cecilia lovingly buried their bodies, before she too was arrested. She converted the very officers who tried to make her sacrifice to false gods. When she was put into a fire, it did not harm her. At last, a man was sent to behead her. He struck her neck three times, but Cecilia did not die right away. She lay on the floor of her own home unable to move. Yet by holding out three fingers of one hand, and one of the other, she still professed her belief in the Blessed Trinity.

On this feast of the patroness of music, let us consider the words of St. Augustine: "Words cannot express the things that are sung by the heart..And if so happy that words can no longer express what they feel, people discard the restricting syllables. They burst out into a simple sound of joy, of jubilation."

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK AHEAD, NOVEMBER 23RD.

Saturday
22nd November 7.30p.m. 1. Paddy Francis and 2. Nancy Murphy
________________________________________________________________

Sunday23rd 9.30 a.m.Deceased members of the Flaherty family
11.00 a.m.1. Willie Creane
2.Chris, Tom and Thomas Coughlan.
12.15 p.m. 1. May & Dan Carr
2. Frank Codyre, Margaret Flaherty and
Eddie Lee.
6.30 p.m. Billy and Grace Joyce. ________________________________________________________________
Monday 24th 10.00 a.m. 1. Josephine McWilliams
2. Sally O’Toole
________________________________________________________________
Tuesday 25th 10.00 a.m. Sick and Sarah Walsh.
________________________________________________________________
Wednesday 26th 10.00 a.m. Tom Fahy and deceased members
of Fahy family
________________________________________________________________
Thursday 27th 10.00 a.m. Bridget Hughes
________________________________________________________________
Friday 28th 10.00 a.m.
_______________________________________________________
Saturday 29th
7.30p.m. 1. Willie Noone and 2.Special Intention.
________________________________________________________________

Sunday 30th 9.30 a.m. Maureen,Charles and Bunny Devlin.
11.00 a.m. Deceased members of the Keaveney family.
12.15 p.m. 1. Teresa Kelly
2. Michael & Mary Duffy
6.30 p.m. Timmie Mannion.

November 21st, Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

WE WISH THE PRESENTATION SISTERS IN OUR PARISH, IN SHANTALLA AND 160/61 CORRIB PARK, A VERY HAPPY FEAST DAY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE LIFE OF OUR COMMUNITY, OUR DIOCESE, AND THE IRISH AND UNIVERSAL CHURCH.



COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.org
Mary’s presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was built there in honor of this mystery. The Eastern Church was more interested in the feast, but it does appear in the West in the 11th century. Although the feast at times disappeared from the calendar, in the 16th century it became a feast of the universal Church.
As with Mary’s birth, we read of Mary’s presentation in the temple only in apocryphal literature. In what is recognized as an unhistorical account, the Protoevangelium of James tells us that Anna and Joachim offered Mary to God in the Temple when she was three years old. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless.
Though it cannot be proven historically, Mary’s presentation has an important theological purpose. It continues the impact of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary. It emphasizes that the holiness conferred on Mary from the beginning of her life on earth continued through her early childhood and beyond.



Comment:
It is sometimes difficult for modern Westerners to appreciate a feast like this. The Eastern Church, however, was quite open to this feast and even somewhat insistent about celebrating it. Even though the feast has no basis in history, it stresses an important truth about Mary: From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She herself became a greater temple than any made by hands. God came to dwell in her in a marvelous manner and sanctified her for her unique role in God's saving work. At the same time, the magnificence of Mary redounds upon her children. They, too, are temples of God and sanctified in order that they might enjoy and share in God's saving work.

Quote:
"Hail, holy throne of God, divine sanctuary, house of glory, jewel most fair, chosen treasure house, and mercy seat for the whole world, heaven showing forth the glory of God. Purest Virgin, worthy of all praise, sanctuary dedicated to God and raised above all human condition, virgin soil, unplowed field, flourishing vine, fountain pouring out waters, virgin bearing a child, mother without knowing man, hidden treasure of innocence, ornament of sanctity, by your most acceptable prayers, strong with the authority of motherhood, to our Lord and God, Creator of all, your Son who was born of you without a father, steer the ship of the Church and bring it to a quiet harbor" (adapted from a homily by St. Germanus on the Presentation of the Mother of God).

November 20th 2008, St. Fergal.

St Fergal (or Virgil) lived first in France and then in Bavaria, where he founded the monastery of Chiemsee. He was appointed bishop of Salzburg around 754 and died in 784 leaving a reputation for learning and holiness.

Exciting events in the Pastoral Centre for Advent!

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Interested in being a lay missionary?

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Feast of the Basilica's of Saint Peter and Paul.

COPYRIGHT: www.americancatholic.com
St. Peter’s is probably the most famous church in Christendom. Massive in scale and a veritable museum of art and architecture, it began on a much humbler scale. Vatican Hill was a simple cemetery where believers gathered at St. Peter’s tomb to pray. In 319 Constantine built on the site a basilica that stood for more than a thousand years until, despite numerous restorations, it threatened to collapse. In 1506 Pope Julius II ordered it razed and reconstructed, but the new basilica was not completed and dedicated for more than two centuries.
St. Paul’s Outside the Walls stands near the Abaazia delle Tre Fontane, where St. Paul is believed to have been beheaded. The largest church in Rome until St. Peter’s was rebuilt, the basilica also rises over the traditional site of its namesake’s grave. The most recent edifice was constructed after a fire in 1823. The first basilica was also Constantine’s doing.
Constantine’s building projects enticed the first of a centuries-long parade of pilgrims to Rome. From the time the basilicas were first built until the empire crumbled under “barbarian” invasions, the two churches, although miles apart, were linked by a roofed colonnade of marble columns.

Comment:
Comment: Peter, the rough fisherman whom Jesus named the rock on which the Church is built, and the educated Paul, reformed persecutor of Christians, Roman citizen and missionary to the Gentiles, are the original odd couple. The major similarity in their faith-journeys is the journey’s end: Both, according to tradition, died a martyr’s death in Rome—Peter on a cross and Paul beneath the sword. Their combined gifts shaped the early Church and believers have prayed at their tombs from the earliest days.
Quote:
Quote: “It is extraordinarily interesting that Roman pilgrimage began at an…early time. Pilgrims did not wait for the Peace of the Church [Constantine’s edict of toleration] before they visited the tombs of the Apostles. They went to Rome a century before there were any public churches and when the Church was confined to the tituli [private homes] and the catacombs. The two great pilgrimage sites were exactly as today—the tombs, or memorials, of St. Peter upon the Vatican Hill and the tomb of St. Paul off the Ostian Way” (H.V. Morton, This Is Rome).

November 17th, St. Elizabeth of Hungary.

COPYRIGHT: www.daughtersofstpaul.com

This daughter of the king of Hungary was born in 1207. She married Louis, the ruler of Thuringia, while she was very young. (We celebrate the feast of Blessed Louis on September 11.) Elizabeth was a beautiful bride who dearly loved her handsome husband. Louis returned her affection with all his heart. God sent them three children and they were very happy for six years.
Then St. Elizabeth's sorrows began. Louis died of the plague. She was so heart-broken that she cried: "The world is dead to me and all that is joyous in the world." Louis' relatives had never liked Elizabeth because she had given so much food to the poor. While Louis was alive, they had not been able to do anything. Now, however, they could and they did. Within a short time, this beautiful, gentle princess and her three children were sent away from the castle. They suffered hunger and cold. Yet Elizabeth did not complain about her terrible sufferings. Instead she blessed God and prayed with great fervour. She accepted the sorrows just as she had accepted the joys.
Elizabeth's relatives came to her rescue. She and her children had a home once more. Her uncle wanted her to marry again, for she was still very young and attractive. But the saint had determined to give herself to God. She wanted to imitate the poverty of St. Francis. She went to live in a poor cottage and spent the last few years of her life serving the sick and the poor. She even went fishing to try to earn more money for her beloved poor. St. Elizabeth was only twenty-four when she died. On her death bed, she was heard to sing softly. She had great confidence that Jesus would take her to himself. Elizabeth passed away in 1231.
St. Elizabeth had great compassion for the poor. As followers of Christ, we are all called to be moved at the sight of others' sufferings.

Deepening Faith and Prayer Course.

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Coeliac Society.

The Western Branch of the Irish Coeliac Society are holding an information evening on Wednesday next, November 19th, in the National University of Ireland, Galway at 7:30 in the Colm O hEocha Lecture Theatre, Arts Millennium Building. The guest speaker will be Dr. Lucina Jackson, consultant gastroenterologist at University College Hospital, Galway. Registration takes place at 7:00 and there is an administration charge of €5.