I FOUND myself reflecting seriously on a front page picture in the Irish Times of the new papal nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown, running after his zucchetto (the saucer-shaped skull cap) because the wind had blown it off his head during the presentation ceremony of his credentials to President Michael D Higgins.
TOMMOROW Wednesday 22 February is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent.
NEXT Tuesday, 21 February, begins the sixth annual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in St Andrew’s Church, Bagenalstown at 7.30pm.
TIME TO THINK
with Fr Paddy Byrne
AS A SCHOOL chaplain, I am very conscious that these are testing days for students who are currently sitting their mock exams.
I WAS greatly inspired recently by RTÉ’s documentary detailing the very moving story of Colm Murray’s struggle with motor neurone disease.
THERE is nothing like a good movie. It lifts the spirits and opens our minds and hearts to a feelgood message.
THE death of journalist and broadcaster Mary Raftery has been marked with significant appreciation for her determined and courageous efforts to make the ‘dark secrets’ of our past come out into the light of truth.
RECENTLY, I had occasion to be reminded of the importance of generosity and community.
I CONFESS to being a fan of Sinead O’Connor.
AN ICON of hope for the new millennium passed away this year: Steve Jobs. Remarkable in his genius, he once said: “We are but moments away from giving birth to something new.”