The month of November The month of November marks an important time within the Church’s calendar when we remember those who have gone before us. As we celebrate the feasts of All Saints, All Souls, St Malachy and All the Saints of Ireland, we are conscious that our ancestors in faith went through periods of tremendous change. St Malachy guided us through a period of great Church reform. St Oliver Plunkett guided us through a period of persecution. Many of our ancestors either died in the famine or were forced to emigrate and parish life changed significantly as a result. What sustained them in difficult times was their faith, their trust in the enduring presence of the Spirit of the Lord and their capacity to adapt to changing circumstances. Our times are not quite so difficult but those same qualities of faith, trust and willingness to adapt will enable us to make the adjustments we need to make so that future generations can stand in the great tradition of faith handed down to us. “Lord, give us a spirit of openness that we might follow where you are leading. Give us a spirit of courage, that we might take the steps you invite us to take. Give us a spirit of charity that we might journey together in mutual love and respect”.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 20:00:00 +0000