Advent is a time for anticipation, but it is also a time to remember some important basic truths writes Fr John Burger. In 2013, after twelve years in administrative assignments with the Columbans, I was given the chance to take a sabbatical. I seized the...
They are remembered every day. They are prayed for at Mass, at the Divine Office, during community prayers. Many have died but they are never forgotten. Every day, without fail, whether alive or dead, they are brought before the Lord. In China, in Korea, in...
He was a young, fit, articulate teenager and he was very, very angry. “I had a massive row with my Mum,” he said. “That’s it, I’ve had it. I’m moving out. I may end up homeless, but I am never, ever going back to that woman.” In homes up and down the land similar...
Lent comes as the days grow longer, the darkness lifts and lifts and our hearts echo the songs of the energetic birds. Life is spilling over, nudging seeds and bulbs to break through the dark earth and open to the sun in all their hidden beauty. In this time of...
For the gift of this New Year, we say ‘Thank You.’ God has already blessed us. No delay – ‘Thanks.’ He continues to bless us as we go forward, letting go of the past, trusting His Spirit with us, guiding us each new day. In a world that is often frightening, a...
The Mission Outreach Team has prepared some Lenten reflections which are displayed along our 'Reflection Walk' in the front woodland at St Columban's, Dalgan Park, Co Meath. Why not take a stroll in our beautiful grounds and be inspired for Lent!
The joy of Christmas is for everyone – for those who are faithful, loving and giving; for those who are indifferent or hostile; for those who have turned away and walk no more to the stable at Bethlehem. The Child comes for all. “He emptied himself” (Phil 2:5), to...
“Remember your last end,” Scripture admonishes us. Yet it seems that few people do, or maybe they remember when they attend a funeral or hear of a friend’s death. For us, November, the month of the Holy Souls can be a wake-up call. We are jolted into an awareness...
The blind beggar heard the crowd passing him on the road. Feet hurrying, people talking, all moving quickly along. What was going on? “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” It was enough. Immediately the beggar shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” He was...
What are you giving up for Lent? The old favourites surface – sweets, ice-cream, favourite snacks, cigarettes. Some people forego the cinema while others will go without alcohol for the duration. The challenge of Lent may inspire people to brave the early morning...