================================

Dozens of Catholic sisters participated as leaders, participants or observers in the 68th gathering of the commission at the United Nations in New York, held March 11-22. This year's priority theme was "Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective."

 

 

 

A final document of conclusions was approved by consensus on Friday, March 22, though U.N.-based diplomats were scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, March 27, to air disagreements on the document, centering on language some countries find problematic, such as issues regarding sexuality.

 

https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/dozens-catholic-sisters-advocate-women-united-nations-gathering?utm_source=Global+Sisters+Report&utm_campaign=7cec078e70-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_03_28_01_34&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_86a1a9af1b-7cec078e70-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

 

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A short introduction to our sound clips by Camden's archivist Tudor Allen.

 

https://soundcloud.com/user-711218415-388162574/a-word-from-the-archivist

 

 

 

===============================

 

Paul Shaw, SMG Central Congregational Archivist, talks about Mother Magdalen, the founding of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, and the work of the SMG Sisters in Camden.(© Poor Servants of the Mother of God) – running time 25 minutes

 

https://soundcloud.com/user-711218415-388162574/venerable-mother-magdalen-a-pioneering-nurse-and-religious-sister-in-camden

 

========================================

 

 

A ST. PATRICK’S DAY REFLECTION:

 

St. Patrick Day is a celebration and because St. Patrick is our national apostle we

 

tend to celebrate our Irishness. It’s a celebration of what we have achieved at

 

home, a progression from poverty to prosperity. It’s a celebration of our

 

distinctiveness as a people in terms of language, music, culture and dancing. It’s a

 

celebration of our Irishness. The legacy that Patrick left us is a legacy of faith.

 

The faith that Patrick brought us has given each of us a personal introduction to

 

the Son of God, Jesus Christ. That by far is the richest part of our legacy, our

 

heritage. St Patrick tells us himself in his confessions: The only reason he came

 

back to Ireland was to bring the faith to the people of Ireland. He said: I never

 

had any other reason other than that the Gospel for coming back. He came back

 

because without Christ we were lost. Patrick said: it is my duty fearlessly and

 

confidently to spread Gods name everywhere, so that after my death I may leave

 

a legacy to many thousands of people. St Patrick was consumed with a holy zeal to

 

spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The legacy that Patrick left us is a legacy of

 

faith which has stood the test of time. It has lasted with us for some 1500 years.

 

It has given us an assurance that there is a God above and that we are forever in

 

His love, that He will one day welcome us home. It has given us insights into life,

 

standards by which we live, a way of worshipping together that Christ himself has

 

given us in the mass. It has helped us to be more faithful to one another in

 

marriage. To care for one another as neighbours and to look beyond death and

 

bereavement to the prospect of eternal life. The faith that Patrick brought us

 

has given each one of us a personal introduction to the Son of God himself. That

 

by far is the richest part of our legacy our heritage.

 

==============================

 

JOURNEY WITH US THROUGH LENT

 

Each Week we will have a different theme as we try to deepen our faith

 

commitment . This week we focus on Family. The following might be

 

helpful for your own private prayer and reflection, as well as a focus in our

 

Masses for the time ahead.

 

------------------------------------

 

5TH WEEK OF LENT: FAMILY

 

Mon: We pray for the gift of Family

 

Tues: We pray for our own role in the family

 

Wed: We pray for legislators that they protect the family

 

Thurs: We pray for healing of broken families

 

Fri: We pray for families who are carrying the burden of illness

 

Sat: We pray for all emigrant families who have come among us

 

----------------------------------

 

TINTEAN: Other than poetry submissions, please submit items with a word count of between 500 and 2500 words, in Word. Please do not send a PDF. Word counts outside of those suggested may be negotiated. We are willing to work with authors on submissions in order to best serve our readers, so do not hesitate to offer a submission. We expect authors to provide proper attribution to sources they have used for their research, and to provide relevant images also with attribution.

 

 

 

While we prefer submissions that have not been published previously, we have made exceptions in the past. If your submission, or part of it, has appeared in print already, please identify the publication, and secure the publisher’s permission to republish with due acknowledgements of the original publisher, and email us with evidence that you have done so.

 

 

 

 Please include a short biographical note at the end of your submission. You can see examples at the end of previous articles in Tinteán. See tintean.org.au

 

 

 

While Tinteán reserves the right to reject submissions, all submissions will be read and responded to, providing sources have been provided. We do not publish AI material. Enquiries and submissions to dymphnalonergan@gmail.com

 

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Barry O’Meara was an Irish surgeon and physician who served as Napoleon Bonaparte’s personal physician during his exile on the island of St. Helena from 1815 to 1818. He was born in Ireland and according to the Dictionary of Irish Biography was ‘the son of Jeremiah O’Meara, solicitor, and his wife, the sister of Edmund Murphy, MA, of TCD.’ The ‘wife’ does not have a name, apparently. Although it is claimed by some that he studied to be a doctor at Trinity College, Dublin, the DIB says there are no records of his attendance there. It is likely that he acquired his medical knowledge in other Dublin institutions, private medical schools. O’Meara was appointed as a naval surgeon on the HMS Bellerophon, the ship that transported Napoleon to exile after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Napoleon was so impressed with his fluency in French and Italian that he asked that O’Meara be assigned to him on St Helena. This was granted.

 

https://tintean.org.au/2024/03/10/napoleons-irish-doctor/

 

==================

 

BOOK LAUNCH IN Adelaide

 

 

 

Sunday April 14 at 2pm Adelaide Irish Club 13-15 Carrington Street

 

Wakefield Press and Adelaide Irish Club are pleased to invite you to the launch of Irish Women in the Antipodes: Foregrounded, edited by Susan Arthure, Stephanie James, Dymphna Lonergan and Fidelma McCorry to, and launched by Dr Kiera Lindsey, South Australia’s History Advocate.

 

Irish Women in the Antipodes: Foregrounded is a collection of Irish women’s contributions to life in the Antipodes, stories that have been neglected or insufficiently acknowledged. The contributors have used all available tools to find these women in the archives, public records, newspapers, and family histories, taking them from the proverbial footnotes of history to the foreground.

 

https://tintean.org.au/2024/03/10/whats-on-in-march-and-beyond/

 

 

 

-----------------------------

 

By: Imogen Lepere- March 11, 2024

 

The icon indicates free access to the linked research on JSTOR.

 

 

 

In nineteenth-century Britain, rumors about “the curse of the Nile” abounded. As Nezar AlSayyad points out, most explorers who sought the great river’s source not only failed in their mission, they also met untimely and unfortunate ends. James Bruce died alone after tumbling downstairs. Richard Burton was upstaged by his travel partner John Hanning Speke, who ultimately shot himself. David Livingstone disappeared while trying to solve the Nile mystery. However, there was one who seemed immune to the curse: Mbarak Mombée, who died peacefully in 1885 at age sixty-five.

 

https://daily.jstor.org/mbarak-mombee-an-african-explorer-robbed-of-his-name/?utm_term=Mbarak%20Momb00E9e%3A%20An%20African%20Explorer%20Robbed%20of%20His%20Name&utm_campaign=jstordaily_03142024&utm_content=email&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_medium=email

 

 

 

---------------------

 

Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Vietnam — March 11, 2024

 

 

 

Hmong ethnic Joseph Ma A Lau, 25, and Therese Giang Thi Xu, 22, in their traditional clothes, held their marriage ceremony at Sa Pa Church on Jan. 4.

 

 

 

Their ceremony was attended by 170 married couples who celebrated the 5th, 10th and 15th anniversaries of their marriages, and 40 other couples whose marriages had not been regularized by the church since they were under legal marriage age.

 

 

 

Those couples from four Hmong-dominated parishes of Hau Thao, Lao Chai, Sa Pa and Su Pan in Sa Pa town of the northern province of Lao Cai attended the first-ever gathering to observe the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

 

https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/vietnamese-sisters-work-prevent-child-marriage-hmong-communities?utm_source=Global+Sisters+Report&utm_campaign=3d15249ddd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_03_11_08_54&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_86a1a9af1b-3d15249ddd-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

 

---------------------------------------

 

 

 ==================================

Gina Christian

 

OSV News

 

Join the Conversation

 

Jenkintown, Pa. — February 26, 2024

 

Mere days before the second anniversary of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, women religious from that nation and the United States were recognized for their extraordinary efforts to bring Jesus Christ to those suffering from war, poverty and addiction.

 

On Feb. 22, the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great were formally presented with the 2023-24 Lumen Christi Award, the highest honor conferred by Catholic Extension. Taking its name from the Latin words for "light of Christ," the Lumen Christi Award affirms those who radiate and reveal Christ's love where they serve.

 

"Today we are here because a group of women religious have gathered out of a sense of mission, to try to build up our Catholic faith and transform the world in which we live, (especially) at this horrific moment in the life of Ukraine," said Catholic Extension president Fr. Jack Wall.

 

https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/basilian-sisters-honored-bringing-christ-people-suffering-war-poverty-addiction?utm_source=Global+Sisters+Report&utm_campaign=bb47bf6c23-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_02_26_10_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_86a1a9af1b-bb47bf6c23-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

 

 

 

=================================

 

The Way I See It

 

https://www.athea.ie/category/news/

 

By Domhnall de Barra

 

 

 

I think it was the late Bob Hope who said that Ireland was a lovely country especially when you could get the four season’s weather in one day. I experienced something like that on Friday when I travelled to Clonlara in Co. Clare to pick up some paper. When I left it was cold and raining torrents from the sky so hard that it was difficult to see the road before me. This lasted until I had passed Adare and then I had hailstone and sleet. Just beyond Limerick it dried up and by the time I got to Clonlara the sun was shining like a summer’s day.  On the way home, the sky began to darken again and by the time I got to Ardagh it was snowing. It was really heavy in Carrigkerry and the whole place was covered in a thick blanket of white. It got lighter as I travelled on and by the time I reached Athea there wasn’t a sign of snow. People were looking amazed at my car which was covered in white so I experienced a diversity of weather in a relatively short journey through the County Limerick. There is no doubt that we are getting a lot more rain than usual and I suppose it is down to climate warming. At least we are getting the flood relief scheme which will be a comfort to those living near the river.

 

 

 

Thanks to everyone who congratulated me on my appearance on the telly last week playing with the Liverpool Céili Band. People have asked me what was my connection with the band so I tell them that it goes back to the late ‘60s when I lived and worked in Liverpool. I actually got married in Liverpool and my first two children were born there.  The Liverpool Ceile Band were famous at the time having won the All-Ireland, toured America and appeared on “Sunday night at the London Palladium” the top entertainment show on TV at the time. I joined them when Kevin Finnegan went to America and Frank Horan returned to Ireland to take up a teaching job in Roscommon. The band was centred around the leader Seán MacNamara, a Liverpudlian who had connections in  Co. Clare, and Eamonn Coyne also born in Liverpool with Sligo connections. As a matter of fact, I was the only one who was born in Ireland. They were without doubt, the best musicians you could get but they were also full of fun and devilment. We played a few times a week and had a session every Sunday morning in the Irish Centre which was usually jam packed for the couple of hours we were there. I came back to Ireland in 1973 to take up a full time job as Munster organise for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann but that did not end my connection with the band. I joined them every time they came to Ireland and I used to go over every so often especially if they had a big gig on. Those years with the Liverpool were the happiest times of my life but sadly none of the original band are still alive. I am the only one left but others who joined the band in later years come together every so often to keep the spirit of the Liverpool alive. Two years ago, Sean MacNamama’s son-in-law, Ray Rooney, wrote a book on the band and we got together for the launch in Ennis. That is why we gathered again at the All-Ireland in Mullingar and appeared on the TV show from there. People also ask me why we were jumping up and down to the music. Well, this was started by Eamon Coyne in his hayday and it has been a kind of signature of the band ever since. Playing with the band was always about enjoyment and passing it on to the audience. We should never take ourselves too seriously especially playing music that is all about enjoyment. We are getting together again to play at Fleadh Nua in Ennis to mark its 50th anniversary. I am looking forward to that.

 

 

 

Athea Drama Group are ready to take to the stage for this year’s production “Turning Mammy” which will begin at the hall on March 16th and run for seven nights. It is traditional to have plays at this time of the year because of the laws of the Church that reigned supreme a few years ago. Lent was strictly observed with fasting and abstinence the rule. People took it very seriously and it was thought to be a great sin if someone had meat on  a fast day. I remember my father at a time when he had a lorry and sold turf for a living. He was down near Knocklong on a very cold, miserable March day dropping off a load of turf. The family were Protestant and when he was invited in for tea  he was given a plate of rashers and sausages. He did not want to insult the woman of the house so, even though he knew he was doing wrong, he polished off the food. That did not stop him feeling guilty so, the next Saturday night, he went to Confession. He told the priest he had eaten the meat and the circumstances. The priest said to him, “you were hungry and cold so you did the right thing” and gave him his penance. Needless to say he was mightily relieved coming out of the  confessional box. Dancing was forbidden during Lent so there was no entertainment on Sunday nights. That’s when the drama groups started and there was a play in most parish halls for the seven weeks until the bands returned again. That practice has stayed with us and it is a pity because all the plays are on at the same time. If they were staggered throughout the year we might get a chance to see all of them at our leisure instead of trying to cram in three or four a week. The best one I have seen lately was the Abbeyfeale production “The Banshees of Crokey Hill”.  It is a good play but what impressed me most was the standard of acting which was bordering on the professional. Looking forward now to seeing our local group in action.

 

https://www.athea.ie/category/news/

 

-------------------------------------------

 

Notes from Tom Aherne  ; By Carrig Side – 28/2/24.

 

ICA: 50TH ANNIVERSARY:  Ardagh ICA Guild are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and the members came together recently to mark this milestone. The Ardagh Guild was formed on 12-2-1974, (I also saw March 11, 1974, mentioned)  and the first officers were President Eileen Collins, Vice President Mrs Danaher, Secretary Maura O’Dwyer, Treasurer Kathleen Wilmott. Press Officer Mrs O’Sullivan, Production Officer Miss K O’Connor, Competition Secretary Mrs Breen, International Officer Mrs Kennelly.

 

In the early years the emphasis was on craft such as upholstery, rush work,  rug making and sewing classes. The Guild entered many competitions, including ”Make and Model”, Drama, Set Dancing, and the Quiz team won many prizes. On March 7,1988, the Guild hosted its first Federation meeting and the following week the first round of the Friends Washing Up Liquid” sponsored competition. Their achievements include an ”Arts Award for Literature” presented to Mary Tobin O’Connor in December 1998 and May 1999. Mary was awarded third prize in the national final  of ‘Jacobs/I.C.A. Creative Writing” competition. In 2003 the Federation ”Role of Honour” was presented to Joan Riordan.

 

Ardagh Guild has been very involved in many activities at local/community level, being involved in setting up a Parish Community Alert scheme, fundraising and overseeing the erection of road signs in conjunction with Limerick Council. The parish Christmas Party for Senior Citizens and the Chiropody Clinic were also initiated by the Guild. They have held classes in cookery, flower arranging and art etc. Joan Riordan was Federation President for the Golden Jubilee of Limerick Federation in 1994 and continued to serve in various roles at national level. Down the years many charities and organisations have benefited from fundraising. They have held fashion shows, invited guest speakers to deal with a wide variety of topics and organised annual outings. Continued success to the members of Ardagh Guild in the future.

 

HOUSE:

 

ELM HILL: A noted landmark on the Ardagh to Reens  junction Elm Hill House at Kilscannell has been falling into a derelict condition in recent years. Maurice Studdert a Magistrate and Captain in the Limerick Volunteers built Elm Hill House in the middle of the eighteenth century. It was a two-story eighteenth-century house erected over a basement, and the property of I.Studdert in 1837. The house passed through  the Wandesford and Magner families and was purchased by Patrick Woulfe in 1931. The Woulfe family continued to live in  the house until the 1990s, with two brothers  being the last occupants. In the intervening  years the house  became derelict, as rain poured in through large holes  in the roof and the floorboards becoming rotten. in recent weeks the roof has fallen in and Elm Hill house is now just a past landmark.

 

https://www.athea.ie/category/news/

 

---------------------------------

 

by Peg Prendeville

 

George Langan’s reply to Peg’s poem

 

from last weeks issue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ah yes indeed Peg, the sweet Kerryline

 

Where oft-times we roamed, in the sweet summertime

 

Down the bog road, from your old mountain home

 

Where times long ago, the memories were sown

 

In that whitewashed house, humble and clear

 

Echoed the sounds, of laughter and cheer.

 

Where once was a bog-hole, there’s now a bright lake

 

The sign of the times, how my heart it dot break

 

And the well in the meadow, we can no longer see

 

Surrounded by spruce, and the conifer tree

 

God rest your dear gran, she was Bridge Faley White

 

Who worked like a beaver from morning till night

 

And the lads cutting turf, on the famous round bank

 

 

 

Bill, Paddy, Mick, Danny, and Danaher ‘The Yank’

 

Higgins and Langan’s, and the Falahee boys,

 

The Lynch’s and Dalton’s, those familiar eyes

 

Many years have since passed, since you moved away

 

But your heart still remains, where the grouse once held sway

 

Many neighbours are gone, but their presence remains

 

In that haven of peace, where love it sustains

 

And as the Kerryline carries us, both on our way

 

Within our young hearts we long for to stay

 

We remember the ‘Bard’, see the imprint of his toes

 

Inspiring us daily, these lines to compose.

 

 

 

George Langan

 

https://www.athea.ie/2024/02/knockdown-news-28-02-24/

 

 

 

===========================

 

Matt D’Antuono Blogs

 

February 26, 2024

 

 

 

My family and I live on a hobby farm. It’s not much. We have rabbits, chickens, bees, dogs, cats and a big garden, and we all have our farm chores. The older kids share a rotating schedule of chores, and there are times, like the winter, when it gets difficult. Distributing water to the animals in freezing temperatures is not a fun task. But at least they are not having to do the chores with only one eye.

 

When Adele Brise was a young girl, while making soap with her family, some lye burned her eye. She was blind in her right eye for the rest of her life, but she continued to do all the chores required in her family.

 

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/go-and-fear-nothing-story-of-our-lady-of-champion?utm_campaign=NCR&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=296074457&utm_content=296074457&utm_source=hs_email

 

=================================

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Kate Quiñones

 

 

 

CNA Staff, Feb 28, 2024 / 17:30 pm

 

 

 

In an interview with EWTN News, renowned psychologist and author Jordan Peterson shared his perspective on his wife’s “miraculous” recovery from cancer and his view of her embrace of the Catholic faith.

 

 

 

Peterson recounted that upon learning of his wife Tammy’s diagnosis, the couple sought treatment options in various hospitals across North America. Wherever they turned, he said, they were told available treatments had “no evidence for success” and the one-year survival rate for the cancer afflicting Tammy “was zero.”

 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256943/dr-jordan-peterson-discusses-his-wifes-miraculous-recovery-from-cancer-and-embrace-of-catholicism?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=296213399&utm_content=296213399&utm_source=hs_email

 

==================================

Your life priority is no longer what “you” want

 

by Brian Monzón

 

Published on February 9, 2024

 

Categories: Spiritual Growth

 

Your life priority is no longer what “you” want

 

 

 

Philippians 2:9-11

 

 

 

“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 

 

 

In the New Testament Jesus is called Savior less than ten times, while He is called Lord more than 700 times, clearly demonstrating the priority Jesus is to have in one’s life. Many people confess Jesus as Lord and Savior without having any knowledge of what that actually means.

 

 

 

When you confess Jesus Christ is Lord, you are completely surrendering to the reign and rule of His Lordship in your life, it is an acknowledgement of His total takeover of your life. You’re no longer free to live as you want.

 

 

 

Any one who thinks they can superficially confess Jesus is Lord and Savior and still have the right to run their own life, needs to understand that the only thing you’re running is your life right into hell.

 

 

 

That’s why Jesus says the only way you’ll ever save your life is to “die to self,” to completely abandon your own will, your own desires, your own ambitions, even your former relationships that are sinful by God’s standards.

 

 

 

The priority in your life is no longer what you want, and what pleases you, it’s giving all that up to live a life that is pleasing to God. 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

 

 

 

Jesus makes it clearer in Matthew 7:13-14, when He says “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

 

 

 

Matthew 10:32-33:

 

 

 

“Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.”

 

 

 

The idea here is if you don’t deny yourself and confess My Lordship, you are not qualified as one who truly belongs to Me and I will deny you before My Father who is in heaven. Jesus doesn’t accept anything less than that.

 

 

 

Matthew 16:24-25:

 

 

 

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

 

 

 

The language is unmistakably clear, you cannot be saved and refuse to give up anything in your life, your friends, family, possessions, or sinful lifestyle. Anyone preaching another Gospel is preaching a perverted message that is authored by Satan and not God and is worthless for salvation.

 

 

 

Matthew 7:21:

 

 

 

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. “

 

 

 

Brian Monzón grew up attending church with his grandmother. Through her actions, she impressed upon him the power of the prayers of the righteous, as she herself spent many hours kneeling before God, praying for her family and the needs of others. Besides being a pastor, Brian has been studying and teaching the Word of God for many years. He has devoted his life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, praying with and for others, especially the unsaved. Brian is also a proud father of four children. He challenges them to be their best and has strived to raise his family up in church and on the Word of God. To discover more about Brian and his ministry please visit Brian Monzón Ministries.

 

 

 

Photo by Wallpaper Safari

 

https://www.christiangrandfather.org/2024/02/09/your-life-priority-is-no-longer-what-you-want/

 

-----------------------------------------

 

When grandparents and parents play on the same team, kids come out ahead.

 

https://www.christiangrandfather.org/

 

=======================================

 

 

 

Pakistan is a hostile country for Christians however, the Lord Jesus Christ is using His people tremendously across the country to spread the Gospel and he changing the lives of non-Christians. Pastor Anwar Fazal, a sincere and humble man of God, hosted a two day conference in the city of Lahore, Pakistan.

 

https://www.christiangrandfather.org/2024/02/08/the-persecuted-church-in-pakistan/

 

=============================

 

The Irish Cruiser Racing Association (ICRA) Information

 

 

 

The creation of the Irish Cruiser Racing Association (ICRA) began in a very low key way in the autumn of 2002 with an exploratory meeting between Denis Kiely, Jim Donegan and Fintan Cairns in the Granville Hotel in Waterford, and the first conference was held in February 2003 in Kilkenny.

 

 

 

While numbers of cruiser-racers were large, their specific locations were widespread, but there was simply no denying the numerical strength and majority power of the Cork-Dublin axis. To get what was then a very novel concept up and running, this strength of numbers had to be acknowledged, and the first National Championship in 2003 reflected this, as it was staged in Howth.--------------------

 

The 2025 ICRA National Championships will be held at Kinsale Yacht Club it has been confirmed.

 

https://afloat.ie/sail/icra/item/62114-icra-national-championships-2025-to-be-sailed-at-kinsale-yacht-club-s-sovereign-s-cup-regatta

 

=============================

 

Setting and patients: Neonates in the NICU of a university-affiliated children's hospital.

 

 

 

Interventions: Improved hand washing and restriction of use of long or artificial fingernails.

 

 

 

Results: Of 439 neonates admitted during the study period, 46 (10.5%) acquired P aeruginosa; 16 (35%) of those died. Fifteen (75%) of 20 patients for whom isolates were genotyped had genotype A, and 3 (15%) had genotype B. Of 104 healthcare workers (HCWs) from whom hand cultures were obtained, P aeruginosa was isolated from three nurses. Cultures from nurses A-1 and A-2 grew genotype A, and cultures from nurse B grew genotype B. Nurse A-1 had long natural fingernails, nurse B had long artificial fingernails, and nurse A-2 had short natural fingernails. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, exposure to nurse A-1 and exposure to nurse B were each independently associated with acquiring a BSI or ETT colonization with P aeruginosa, but other variables, including exposure to nurse A-2, were not.

 

 

 

Conclusion: Epidemiological evidence demonstrated an association between acquiring P aeruginosa and exposure to two nurses. Genetic and environmental evidence supported that association and suggested, but did not prove, a possible role for long or artificial fingernails in the colonization of HCWs' hands with P aeruginosa. Requiring short natural fingernails in NICUs is a reasonable policy that might reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10697282/

 

==========================================

 

Hers wasn’t pretty either.

 

 

 

 

 

The patient they called me to see in the ER the other day was brought to the hospital from a Nursing facility that provides care for patients who are ventilator dependent. A few months prior she arrived at another hospital after a cardiac arrest—and unfortunately had anoxic brain injury (lack of oxygen to the brain). After weeks of multiple hospital complications, it was becoming clear that many of her organs have failed… but were still functioning. Not optimally, but present enough to be in the audience… albeit absent of any signs of significant participation.

 

 

 

 

 

The only applause in the background was probably from her family, whose hope for some answers most likely became fading cries for a miracle. The devastation of anoxic bring injury carries with it a prolonged (lifelong) care plan that hospitals (fast food magic/circus shows) are not equipped to support. Thus, patients with these injuries have tracheostomy (a surgically created tracheal orifice in their necks for ventilator support) and gastric (feeding) tubes placed. They are then rapidly discharged to (not so) Long Term Acute Care (LTACs) facilities, who perform more magic tricks for about 20-30 days for the price of admission (or what CMS/Insurances are willing to pay), then—Poof!

 

 

 

 

 

No more magic. No more promises of betterment. No more illusions of wellness. Just a circle of "in-and-out" of the hospital visits… that ultimately end in death when the body can no longer the handle the rigors of illness and disease… or more circles.

 

https://adoctoredlife.com/%240-02-blog/f/abracadabra

 

==========================

 

One organ, eye, and tissue donor can save and heal more than 75 lives.

 

Every day, we work to ensure that organs and tissues are always available to those in need and that every family that wants to donate has the chance to do so.

 

https://www.midamericatransplant.org/

 

 

 

====================

 

 

 

There’s an old story of a father who wanted to help his son understand the importance of getting his temper under control.

 

 

 

He gave his son a bag of nails and told him to hammer a nail into their wooden fence whenever he got angry.

 

 

 

At first, the boy had to drive in many nails each day, but as the practice gave him greater awareness of his anger, he began to lose his temper less often. His father then told him to remove a nail each day that passed without an angry outburst.

 

 

 

When the boy had removed all of the nails, his father brought him over to the fence to examine its now pitted slats. “When you’re tempted to go back to your old ways,” the father counseled his son, “remember these holes. Even though you’ve pulled out the nails, the holes cannot be repaired. In the same way, anger can create damage that can never be undone.”

 

https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/sunday-firesides-remember-anger-leaves-a-lasting-mark/?mc_cid=664ee12959

 

 

 

==============================

The Way I See It

 

 

 

By Domhnall de Barra

 

 

 

Michael Fitzmaurice, TD for Galway-Roscommon, has joined the new political party, Independent Ireland which was formed by Limerick’s Richard O’Donoghue and Cork’s Michael Collins. This party hopes to find support in rural Ireland and offer an alternative to those who want to oust Fine Gael/Fianna Fail but don’t want to vote for Sinn Fein. I have been an admirer of Micheal Fitzmaurice for many years and have enjoyed listening to him in debates where he brings a touch of common sense when it comes to plans, especially by the Green Party, to make changes that would destroy rural life as we know it. He comes from an area where there is a good deal of bogland and he was particularly annoyed at the thought of rewetting land that is being used by small farmers in his area. It is very easy for people who live in towns and cities to come up with bright ideas about how to save the planet but they do not think through the consequences for those who work on and live off the land. For years farmers were advised, and even given grants, to cut down hedgerows, use fertiliser, drain their lands and maximise their output. They did that and I well remember seeing contractors in most of our farms  making drains to take the water away. The result was more land that was fit for tillage and hay and farming became more intensified. As a result it became good business and the produce became our biggest asset. Irish food is famous all over the world and we are rightly proud of it. Now we have suggestions to change all that because of global warming. Of course something must be done but, as I have often said before, we are but a tiny speck on the globe and unless the big powers like China, India, the US and South America come on board, we will not make a bit of difference even if we kill every cow and let the land go to waste. Donald Trump has promised that, if he gets elected in America (he says “when”), he will reverse the trend towards electric cars and open up the traditional car factories again. He also says he will open the mines again, as he said , it will be “dig baby, dig”. The chances of him becoming president are getting better day by day as Joe Biden’s health and memory come under scrutiny. With this prospect in mind, is it right to ask rural Ireland  to make decisions that will destroy, not only their livelihoods but the future of small towns and villages everywhere. I don’t know if this new political party will have any great success because  there have been a number started over the years that eventually fell by the wayside. If they can attract a few more of the rural independent TDs, who have good following in their constituencies, to their ranks they could do damage to the established parties in the next election. At least they will give people an opportunity to vote for an alternative to Tweedledum and Tweedledee.  I wish them well.

 

 

 

The plan to ban motor traffic from Central Dublin shows how badly we are prepared for change in this country. We had it with the push to get everyone into electric cars before having the charging points ready around the country. It must be very annoying to arrive at a charging station to find all the points occupied and have to wait an hour or more to get hooked up and then have to wait while your car is being charged. Even worse to arrive at a point and find it out of order. Surely a greater effort should have been made to provide the service before the big sell on EVs. There is also of course the question of electricity supply. If we all go over to electric vehicles, where is all the power going to come from?  As it is, we are in danger of power outages at certain times of the year due to over demand. Putting the cart before the horse achieves nothing. The Dublin plan is an example.  Public transport is not good enough to accommodate the people who have to go to the city centre every day. The proposers cite other cities that have traffic free centres  but they all have great transport infrastructures. When I am in London, Paris or New York, I wouldn’t dream of driving in the city centre because the public transport is so good. The underground systems are absolutely wonderful, travelling frequently and on time, and at a reasonable fee, to get within a short walking distance of any place in the city. Dublin does not have an underground system which is its biggest problem. Yes, the Luas and the Dart are there  but they only cover certain areas and the buses are infrequent and unpredictable.  I know something has to be done about the traffic congestion but banning it in the city just moves the problem up the road a bit. Until public transport is fit for purpose it will be a disaster.

 

 

 

I heard another harebrained suggestion on the radio today. It was from another “save the planet” group who want to put a limit on the number of tourists allowed into the country every year. The reason given is the fact that they have to fly to get here and then when they have arrived they use cars and take up spaces in houses at a time when we don’t have enough. Over the years, the government, through Bórd Failte, have spent billions promoting Irish tourism because it has been a lifesaver for this country, especially for those along the Western seaboard.  They have succeeded in making “The Wild Atlantic Way” and “Ireland’s Ancient East” attractive to people from all over the world who come here to sample our hospitality. While here they spend lots of money on food, goods and entertainment and that money is vital to the survival of many communities. Imagine what would happen if there weren’t any tourists. Places like Killarney would become ghost towns and many parts of rural Ireland would be subject to mass emigration again. Is this really the way forward.?  “Save the planet” by all means but what is the point if those who are left are like they were back in the dark ages. The way some people want us to act, we might as well all commit suicide now and leave the planet to the animals.

 

https://www.athea.ie/category/news/

 

-----------------------------------------

 

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FOR LENT

 

 

 

Scatter seeds of kindness everywhere you go,

 

Scatter bits of courtesy watch them grow and grow

 

Gather buds of friendship keep them till full-blown

 

Then you’ll find more happiness than you’ve ever known.

 

----------------------------------------

 

HAPPINESS & SUCCESS  can be achieved, but only after travelling on a road of bumps and warning

 

signs.  The road will not be straight and easy.  You will swerve on loops of Confusion, take jolts on

 

bumps known as Failure, and halt at the red lights called Enemies.  Fortunately, you will glide through

 

green lights called Family, have back-up spares known as Determination, forge ahead with an engine - 

 

called Perseverance, and enjoy good insurance called Faith.  And at the end of the day, signs should welcome us to a place called Success.

 

 

 

Please send a little healing, Lord – a gentle loving touch to ease the strains and aches and pains that trouble us so much.  Send down your warming, calming rays, like sunlight from above, to soothe the spirit and the mind and wrap us in your love.  Then, through the dark

 

and quiet night sweep all our ills away.  Please send a little healing, Lord, and give us

 

strength each day.

 

=====================================

 

 

CONFESSION: In his landmark encyclical Mystici Corporis Christi on the Catholic Church as the Mystical Body of Christ (promulgated universally in the midst of World War II in 1943), Pope Pius XII defends the practice of frequent confession — even if one has only venial sins to confess. He says that through the regular reception of the Sacrament of Confession, “genuine self-knowledge is increased, Christian humility grows, bad habits are corrected, spiritual neglect and tepidity are resisted, the conscience is purified, the will strengthened, a salutary self-control is attained, and grace is increased in virtue of the Sacrament itself.” (Mystici Corporis Christi, 88).

 

 

 

So, whether it be just venial sins that are confessed, or mortal sins, or a combination of both, these are the nine chief benefits of this particular sacrament. Let’s look at each of these benefits and explain them further:

 

 

 

1. Self-knowledge is increased. Many saints make it clear in their writing and teaching that self-knowledge is needed to grow in holiness. This means knowing and admitting your virtues so you can advance them in your life, and knowing and admitting your vices so you can uproot them out of your life.

 

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/nine-chief-benefits-of-confession?utm_campaign=NCR&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=293340207&utm_content=293340207&utm_source=hs_email

 

=========================================

FEVER: Between 1873 and 1879, nearly eight thousand people died during Memphis’s Yellow Fever epidemics. While ministering to the sick, some thirty-four physicians lost their lives, along with twenty-four police officers and twenty-four firefighters, two dozen Catholic priests, and fifty women religious. In Memphis’s Calvary Cemetery there stands a monument to the priests, but none to the Sisters. Although a monument in Washington, D.C., honors nuns who served in Civil War hospitals, more Sisters died in Memphis in those six years than during the entire war.

 

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/mcnamarasblog/2018/11/priests-nuns-and-memphis-yellow-fever-epidemic-1873-1879.html

 

 

 

================

 

Dominican priest, Rev. Joseph Augustine Kelly, whose humble grave on Chapel Hillside, in Calvary, marks the resting spot of one of America’s greatest men.

 

 

 

The Book of Three States: Notable Men of Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee (Memphis: Commercial Appeal Publishing Co., 1914), 223.

 

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/mcnamarasblog/2014/09/a-dominican-in-memphis-father-joseph-a-kelly-o-p-1827-1885.html

 

 

 

=========================

 

Listowel Search

 

Father John M. Cronin was born November 13, 1873, in Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland. He received his elementary education in the Listowel ...

 

https://www.patheos.com/search?q=listowel#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=listowel&gsc.page=1

 

 

 

================

 

 

 

444 Irish Catholic Martyrs & Heroic Confessors

 

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2016/03/444-irish-catholic-martyrs-heroic-confessors.html

 

 

 

====================================

 

 

 

SOLAR: The Biden administration has updated the roadmap for solar development to 22 million acres of federal lands in the US West.

 

 

 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory have determined that 700,000 acres of federal lands will be needed for solar farms over the next 20 years, so BLM recommended 22 million acres to give “maximum flexibility” to help the US reach its net zero by 2035 power sector goal.

 

 

 

The plan is an update of the Bureau of Land Management’s  2012 Western Solar Plan, which originally identified areas for solar development in six states – Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.

 

https://electrek.co/2024/01/18/us-govt-opens-22-million-acres-federal-lands-solar/

 

 

 

=================================

 

Presentation Listowel MatildaJan2024

 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/407457631657808

 

 

 

========================

 

We ought to concentrate on making things better in our own backyards.

 

https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/advice/podcast-962-the-case-for-minding-your-own-business/?mc_cid=c0817f1b7b

 

 

 

=====================

 

Bishop John Noonan was born in Limerick, Ireland, and immigrated to New York at the age of 18 and later relocated to Miami where his calling to the priesthood led him to St. John Vianney College Seminary. After graduation, he attended St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1983. On September 23, 1983, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Miami, and received his first pastoral assignment as parochial vicar, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Pompano Beach.

 

 

 

From early in his priesthood, he was seen as a humble servant willing to do whatever needed in service to the Lord. He excelled at leading young people to Christ and became chaplain for Youth Ministry in Broward County between 1985 and 1987. He then assisted young men discerning a vocation to the priesthood as Dean of Men, St. John Vianney College Seminary from 1989 to 1993.

 

https://www.orlandodiocese.org/biography/

 

------------------------------------------

 

A retired Catholic priest with the Diocese of Orlando and his sister were among the four people killed in Sunday afternoon shootings in Palm Bay, Florida, according to a diocesan statement.

 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256676/orlando-catholic-priest-among-four-killed-in-palm-bay-shooting?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=291980233&utm_content=291980233&utm_source=hs_email

 

 

 

====================

 

The United States and European Union have announced that they are suspending new funding for UNRWA, in addition to Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and other countries.

 

 

 

The cuts follow reports that the agency’s staffers participated in the Oct. 7 attack, in which Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 Israelis and took some 250 hostage, sparking the current war. The Wall Street Journal cited intelligence sources who said ties between Hamas and the agency run deeper than previously known, with 10% of  UNRWA staffers implicated in the activities of Hamas. UNRWA last week fired 12 staffers after Israel shared evidence that they were involved in the massacre.

 

https://www.jta.org/2024/01/29/israel/more-countries-cut-funding-to-unrwa-over-allegations-of-involvement-with-oct-7-attack-as-aid-agency-warns-of-impending-famine?utm_source=JTA_Maropost&utm_campaign=JTA_DB&utm_medium=email&mpweb=1161-67786-35794

 

 

 

=================================== 

 

“This is something we can all get behind, and I think people have been missing that. There’s a lot of division right now…That’s the power of this message. That’s the power of this time.”  - Father Agustino Torres, CFR

 

 

 

Listen in as Season 1 host, Father Agustino Torres, CFR, officially hands off the reins of the Revive Podcast to Season 2 host, Tim Glemkowski (CEO of the National Eucharistic Congress)!

 

 

 

In this episode, Tim and Father Agustino discuss the movement of the Eucharistic Revival across the United States, religious life with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, and how the Eucharist is the source of unity in a time of division.

 

https://revive.osvpodcasts.com/2073885/14190911-the-source-of-unity-with-fr-agustino-torres-cfr?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_email=Omeda&utm_campaign=NL-OSV+Consumer&utm_term=6899J0307967D5A&oly_enc_id=6899J0307967D5A

 

------------------------------------

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_nANM-CICkW4ImPVFXiLtw

 

======================================

 

 

 

“No one is ready for what’s COMING in 2024” Gerald Celente warns | Redacted with Clayton Morris

 

https://youtu.be/AdMCb8fdIsU?si=qlTuXaY7hVIKKmjo

 

 

 

===================

 

Oct 10, 2023

 

Is This Accidental Discovery The Future Of Energy? Get an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code UNDECIDED for an extra 3 months free at https://surfshark.deals/undecided Imagine getting the energy needed to power our phones, light up our homes, or drive our cars, from thin air. And no, we’re not talking about Nikola Tesla’s dream of wireless power a century ago, but a new and accidental discovery along those lines from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Researchers have found a way to turn humidity into electricity. It’s called hygroelectrical power, and believe it or not, a company named CascataChuva is already trying to commercialize a variant of the technology. So, what is it and how does it work?

 

https://youtu.be/ZyY1PLTlmT0?si=AiHBx20Yx_0Fedj7

 

 

 

=======================

 

1792 Recipe For The Cure Of A Fever. A Recipe For Curing Cancer

 

https://durrushistory.com/2024/01/28/1792-recipe-for-the-cure-of-a-fever-a-recipe-for-curing-cancer/

 

 

 

=================================

 

Sign up at FORMED Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox. Start your day off right. Be inspired and renewed each morning with a short video from Dr. Tim Gray.

 

https://watch.formed.org/suggested-content-for-sunday/videos/daily-reflections-january-28-2024?utm_campaign=for-daily-promo-content&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=291654906&utm_content=291270794&utm_source=hs_email

 

=============================

 

By .JOHN HOWARD GRIFFIN

 

ALBANY, N. Y., SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1957

 

                Albany NY Times Union 1957 - 2164 (2).pdf

 

(Written Expressly for INS. World Copyright, 1957, by INS)

 

FOR a decade I lived in the world of blindness. I married a wife I'd never seen. We had children I could know only with my heart and hands. I wrote books I never read.

 

In the Spring of 1947 I was rapidly losing the little sight I had brought back from the war 18-months

 

before. I lived in the Sarthe Valley of France, where I studied with the famed Benedictine monks of Solesmes. .Alone at night, I puttered about my room, trying to ignore the blindness that was walling me in. But my lamp reminded me each time I turned toward it Sight had faded until the bare globe was like candlelight seen through fog . At twenty six, I looked on this as the end of a life of adventure begun in my teens when I had gone to France to study medicine. Before my twentieth birthday I had been assistant to the doctor in charge of the insane asylum of Tours, had worked in the French underground and had fled the invading Germans. Then there had been nearly three years in the

 

Pacific where Bomb concussions had damaged my vision ( see paper for more)

 

 

 

https://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html

 

==================================

Reflect

 

Read this slowly         - GODISNOWHERE

 

What did you read?     God is no where or God is now here.

 

Just a beautiful line to say     -   LIFE DEPENDS ON THE WAY WE LOOK AT THINGS

 

LAST WORD: Compliment people as often as you can.  Magnify their strengths not their weaknesses.

 

====================

 

A NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan .....

 

I came across this during the week: British soldier Glenn Haughton, was on patrol

 

in Afghanistan. As he was walking across a field he felt the rosary he always wore

 

slip from his neck. Bending down to recover his rosary he realised he was standing

 

at a landmine. Staying perfectly still he prayed while an explosives expert

 

dismantled the device. The rosary had saved his life. A life he enjoyed because his

 

grandfather, also a British soldier, was saved by the rosary.

 

Sixty five years earlier, his grandfather, Joseph Tyrone and his troop were

 

retreating before the German army. Joseph paused in the march to pick up

 

something he saw on the ground. As he was bent over something whizzed over his

 

head and struck the soldiers he had been walking with. They were all killed. The

 

object he bent over to pick up was a rosary.

 

=========================

 

Prayer to St Brigid

 

Bridget, you were a woman of peace.

 

You brought harmony where there was conflict.

 

You brought light to the darkness.

 

You brought hope to the downcast.

 

May the mantle of your peace

 

cover those who are troubled and anxious.

 

And may peace be firmly rooted in

 

our hearts and in our world.

 

Inspire us to act justly and to

 

reverence all God has made.

 

Bridget, you were a voice for the

 

wounded and the weary.

 

Strengthen what is weak within us.

 

Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.

 

May we grow each day into greater

 

wholeness in mind, body and spirit.

 

Amen.

 

=====================

 

HISTORY: Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.

 

   Did you know? The NAACP was founded on February 12, 1909, the centennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.

 

https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month

 

============================

 

Reflection

 

 

 

Grant O Lord, that each day

 

before we enter the little death of sleep,

 

we may undergo the little judgement of the past day,

 

so that every wrong deed may be forgiven

 

and every unholy thought set right.

 

Let nothing go down into the depths of our being,

 

which has not been forgiven and sanctified.

 

Then we shall be ready

 

for our final birth into eternity

 

and look forward with love and hope

 

to standing before you,

 

who art both judge and saviour,

 

holy judge and loving saviour.

 

==========================

 

Prayer to St. Brigid.

 

May Brigid bless the house wherein we dwell.

 

Bless every fireside, every wall and door.

 

Bless every heart that beats beneath its roof.

 

Bless every hand that toils to bring its joy.

 

Bless every foot that walks portals through.

 

May Brigid bless the house that shelters us. Amen

 

==============================

 

We, the people of the Diocese of Kerry,

 

in communion with the universal Catholic Church,

 

trusting in a loving and merciful God

 

proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people

 

by living out, in community,

 

our baptismal calling to love, justice and peace

 

through witness, worship and service

 

 

 

We are a Roman Catholic Diocese in the South West of Ireland made up of 53 parishes and 144,000 Catholics.

 

 

 

Our vision is of a diocese:

 

where we encounter a loving and merciful God, whom we worship in community and as individuals;

 

where we respect the dignity and giftedness of each other;

 

where we safeguard and nurture children and young people;

 

where we experience belonging and welcome;

 

where we listen to and learn from others;

 

where we engage with the challenges of an ever-changing world;

 

where we deepen our commitment to justice, peace and the integrity of creation locally, within Ireland and in the wider world;

 

where we respect and engage with other groups, cultures and faiths;

 

where we are committed to witness to the Gospel locally, nationally and in the wider world;

 

where we live in a way that protects and nourishes our endangered earth;

 

where we have collaborative structures and practices;

 

where we communicate with openness and accountability.

 

https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/our-diocese/

 

 

 

==================================

 

Divest or Invest? A Climate Change Question

 

 

 

Divestment from fossil fuel corporations is a common call of climate activists, but divesting could be counterproductive to efforts combating climate change.

 

https://daily.jstor.org/divest-or-invest-a-climate-change-question/?utm_term=Divest%20or%20Invest%20A%20Climate%20Change%20Question&utm_campaign=jstordaily_01252024&utm_content=email&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_medium=email

 

=============================

 

1792 Bandon Mob Pillage Mill and Corn Stores of Mr. Biggs, Mr. Stawell, Kilbrittain Destroyed.  Other Corn Merchants in Barryroe Destroyed. Mr. Pratt near Clonakilty and  Mr. Crofts Burned.  Potatoes Rotting in the Ground.  Prudent not to Take any more...

 

https://durrushistory.com/2024/01/26/1792-bandon-mob-pillage-mill-and-corn-stores-of-mr-biggs-mr-stawell-kilbrittain-destroyed-other-corn-merchants-in-barryroe-destroyed-mr-pratt-near-clonakilty-and-mr-crofts-burned/

 

==============================

Reflect

 

A Prayer for the New Year

 

 

 

Dear Lord, please give me….

 

A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;

 

A work to do which has real value, without which the world

 

would be the poorer;

 

A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;

 

An understanding heart;

 

A sense of humor;

 

Time for quiet, silent meditation;

 

A feeling of the presence of God;

 

The patience to wait for the coming of these things,

 

with the wisdom to recognise them when they come.

 

===============================

 

Prayer to The Holy Family

 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul;

 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony;

 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you;

 

Into Your hands, O God, I commend my spirit;

 

Lord Jesus, receive my soul. Amen

 

A Thought for the Turn of the Year

 

“As the year comes to a close, it is a time for reflection – a time to release old

 

thoughts and beliefs and forgive old hurts. Whatever has happened in the past year,

 

the New Year brings fresh beginnings. Exciting new experiences and relationships

 

await. Let us be thankful for the blessings of the past and the promises of the

 

future”. (Peggy Toney Horton)

 

===============================

 

Blessings for the week ahead

 

May your week ahead be filled with – Blessings of Good Health, Strength, Friendship, Kindness, Compassion & Love.

 

May God Bless you and your loved ones and keep you safe.

 

--------------------------------

 

JANUARY REMINDERS:

 

You can do anything – but Not Everything at the same time.

 

You don’t have to figure Everything out.

 

Restart as many times as needed.

 

Your Inner Peace is too expensive to be sacrificed.

 

Do more of what makes you forget about Time.

 

LAST WORD: Never promise when you are happy, never reply when

 

you are angry & never decide when you are sad.

 

================================

A NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan....

 

In our first reading this weekend we see Samuel lay sleeping when he first heard

 

someone calling his name. He ran to his mentor, but Eli was not calling him. So

 

Samuel returned to bed, only to hear the voice twice more. When Samuel

 

appeared at Eli’s bedside for the third time, the priest realised that it was the

 

Lord he had heard. The God who loves to speak to his people was now calling

 

Samuel. So he gave Samuel timeless advice: “Reply, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant

 

is Listening”. So the big question we can ask ourselves is: Are we listening to God’s

 

voice like Samuel. Are we putting ourselves in a position to be able to hear God?

 

Two things that come to my mind. 1. Stillness: I was told once that sheep cannot

 

drink from a water fall. We as humans can go to a tap or font and drink flowing

 

water, sheep can’t. They need to go to a still pond. We’re like that when it comes

 

to drinking in Gods life. We cannot approach God on the run, we need a still place

 

to pray. We need to stop and be present to God. Be still and know that I am God

 

(Psalm 46). 2. Quietness: C.S. Lewis In his writings Screwtapes explained how the

 

evil one temps people to fill their lives with noise so they’re unable to hear the

 

voice of God speaking to them. He wrote this in 1950. Imagine the evolution of

 

noise since. Televisions, video games, mobile phones, ear buds, iPods, iPads, the list

 

is endless. Maybe it’s time in your life to move into a still and quite place and tune

 

into the God who loved you into existence and ask him to speak to your inner self

 

and lead you to that place where He created you to be.

 

Speak, Lord, for your

 

servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:9

 

 

 

===========================

 

Healing The Wounds Of The Heart

 

 

 

All of us are wounded by sin.

 

The part of us which is most deeply damaged by sin is the heart.

 

The heart is so beautiful, so innocent,

 

but it can be betrayed, scorned and broken.

 

Darkness of the heart is the blackest night of all.

 

Emptiness of the heart is the greatest poverty of all.

 

A heavy heart is the most wearisome burden of all.

 

A broken heart is the most painful wound of all.

 

Only love can heal the wounds of the heart.

 

Lord, send your Holy Spirit to us,

 

to heal the wounds of the heart,

 

so that we may produce the fruits of love.

 

=====================================

By: Jamie Linsley-Parrish

 

December 4, 2023

 

3 minutes

 

The icon indicates free access to the linked research on JSTOR.

 

 

 

The rise in societal awareness of issues such as climate change and social injustice has led to a commensurate rise in desire for companies to prove their commitment to being more ethical, more green, and more fair. However, a tension exists: in a capitalist society, companies are incentivized to maximize profit for their shareholders at all costs rather than comb their supply chain or spend capital on cutting carbon emissions. When public or investor pressure becomes too intense for companies to ignore, should they relent and lower their profit margins to benefit society or risk the reputational damage that could prove costly? A third, more sinister route has emerged: greenwashing.

 

https://daily.jstor.org/what-is-greenwashing/?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-gb

 

 

 

===============================

 

 

 

As the holidays draw near and the coldest days of the year start trickling in, the idea of warming up by the crackling flames of a picture-perfect fire is too alluring to resist. But without the right preparation, that ideal fire can turn into a room full of smoke accompanied by nothing more than a few wispy flames. A fireplace fire operates differently than your typical campfire, so it makes sense that building one should require a few tweaks to your standard procedure.

 

https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/build-cozy-fireplace-fire-wont-get-smoky/?mc_cid=16ff7c42cd

 

 

 

=======================

 

Father Michael Steltenkamp, SJ, an anthropologist and parish priest, has written several books and journal articles about Black Elk and has prepared biographical materials for the canonization process. For Steltenkamp, Nicholas Black Elk is a model for American Catholics.

 

 

 

Steltenkamp told CNA that “Black Elk Speaks” really only chronicled the first 25 years or so of Black Elk’s long, momentous life. Referring to its author, Steltenkamp said: “Neihardt reports that Black Elk was born in the Moon of the Topping Trees (December). In fact, Black Elk was born in the summertime, but he used Dec. 6 as his birthdate because that was the day he was baptized” in 1904.

 

 

 

“In his words, not mine, not some fundamentalist’s words,” Steltenkamp said, “he was born again.”

 

 

 

Dec. 6 is the feast day of St. Nicholas and was thus the name Black Elk took as he began a new life, Steltenkamp said.

 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256220/the-hidden-life-of-nicholas-black-elk-revealed-in-canonization-process?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=285969267&utm_content=285969267&utm_source=hs_email

 

 

 

===============================

 

Real Benefits

 

 

 

Despite a growing sense that probiotics do not offer anything of substance to individuals who are already healthy, researchers have documented some benefits for people with certain conditions.

 

 

 

In the past five years, for example, several combined analyses of dozens of studies have concluded that probiotics may help prevent some common side effects of treatment with antibiotics. Whenever physicians prescribe these medications, they know they stand a good chance of annihilating entire communities of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, along with whatever problem-causing microbes they are trying to dispel. Normally the body just needs to grab a few bacteria from the environment to reestablish a healthy microbiome. But sometimes the emptied niches get filled up with harmful bacteria that secrete toxins, causing inflammation in the intestine and triggering diarrhea. Adding yogurt or other probiotics—especially the kinds that contain Lactobacillus—during and after a course of antibiotics seems to decrease the chances of subsequently developing these opportunistic infections.

 

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-probiotics-really-work/

 

==================================

 

GAA TG4 on 25 Jan 2024

 

The definitive GAA sports series returns to TG4 this spring for a 22nd series. The series hour-long format has proved a huge success, bringing each player's personal stories to screen. The series features eight Laochra with genuine star quality and reveals deeper, fresh, and sometimes unexpected insights into the lives of these icons. While their sporting careers continue to provide the backdrop to the story, the series travels well beyond the four white lines. Gripping personal storylines will compel viewers to travel towards territory unique to the GAA television landscape. (The names of all eight Laochra Gael's will be revealed on 15/1/24)

 

===============================

Weekly Newsletter

 

Last Sunday after Pentecost

 

26th November 2023

 

Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,

 

 

 

The Mass for today, the last Sunday of the liturgical year, is a prayer of thanksgiving for the year that is ending, and one of propitiation for that which is about to begin; it is a reminder that the present life is fleeting, and an invitation to keep ourselves in readiness for the final step. In the Epistle, St. Paul prays and gives thanks in the name of all Christians: “We. . . cease not to pray for you and to beg that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will. . .that you may walk worthy of God, in all things pleasing; being fruitful in every good work.” This is a beautiful synthesis of the task which the interior soul has endeavoured to accomplish during the whole year: to adapt and conform itself to God’s holy will, to unite itself to it completely, and, being moved in all things by that divine will alone, to act in such a manner as to please Our Lord in everything. God be praised if, thanks to His help, we have succeeded in advancing some steps along that road which most surely leads to holiness. Making our own the sentiments of the Apostle, we should give thanks to “the Father who hath made us worthy to be partakers of the lot of the saints in light.” The lot, the inheritance of the saints, of those who tend toward holiness, is union of love with God—here below in faith, hereafter in glory. This heritage is ours because Jesus has merited it for us by His Blood, and because in Jesus “we have redemption, the remission of sins”; thus, cleansed from sin and clothed in grace by His infinite merits, we also can ascend to that very lofty and blessed state of union with God.

 

If, with God’s help, we have succeeded in making some progress, there still remains more and greater work to be done. The Church, therefore, has us ask in the Collect: “Stir up, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the wills of Thy faithful people, that by more earnestly seeking the fruit of good works, they may receive more abundantly the gifts of Thy loving kindness.” So it is: the more we correspond to grace, the greater the graces Our Lord will grant us; the more we press on toward Him, the more He will draw us to Himself, so that the result of this continuous interplay of the divine assistance and our correspondence will be the sanctification of each one of us.

 

 

 

 

 

Today is the last Sunday of the liturgical year and next week begin all over again with the beautiful season of Advent, in preparation of the coming of Our Lord. Just a reminder that the Novena Mass for the Holy Souls goes on until this Thursday (30th). We were glad to see several people yesterday at the blessing of the grave of the Jesuits in Mungret. With gratitude, let us pray for the souls of the Jesuits for their service to God in Limerick.

 

 

 

Our heartfelt congratulations to Anthony and Natasha Lacken who got married at the Sacred Heart Church last Friday. Please keep them in your prayers so that they lead a holy life together.

 

 

 

Canon Ong has to go to Italy this week. At his return to Ireland he will be heading straight to Belfast where he has been assigned this year to assist Canon Heppelle. We will certainly get a chance to see him back in Limerick from time to time.

 

 

 

You may have heard that Canon Lebocq celebrated his 20th anniversary of ordination this year. The exact date was July 4th, which as you know is usually a very busy period during the year. It is however never too late to thank God. The Te Deum, the hymn of thanksgiving, will be sung during benediction after the Solemn High Mass.

 

 

 

Lastly, the 2024 Irish calendar has been sent to the printer. Hopefully it will be available at the beginning of Advent.

 

Canon Lebocq

 

Prior of Sacred Heart Church

 

 

 

=================================

Reflections

 

Blessing of the Advent Wreath                                                  

 

Lord God,

 

Your Church joyfully awaits the coming of its Savior,

 

who enlightens our hearts

 

and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin.

 

Pour forth your blessings upon us

 

as we light the candles of this wreath ;

 

may their light reflect the splendour of Christ,

 

                              who is Lord, for ever and ever.              Amen.

 

-----------------------------------------

 

FRIDAY 8TH DECEMBER  Feast of the Immaculate Conception. –

 

Holy Day of Obligation.

 

COP28 – AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION BY POPE FRANCIS:

 

The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28 – Nov. 30th – 12th Dec.

 

in Dubai (UAE). It is a formal meeting to negotiate and agree action on how to tackle climate change, limit emissions and halt global warming.

 

PRAYER FOR THE SUCCESS OF COP 28.

 

We ask you, Heavenly Father, to guide the political leaders gathered for this occasion so that they may be moved by the suffering of the poor as well as today's and tomorrow's victims of climate injustice. Inspire them to take effective action for the poor and suffering of our world.    Let us pray to the Lord.

 

 

 

LAST WORD: A smile is the most beautiful accessory you can wear. It has the power to change someone’s state of being.  Don’t ever let anyone take your smile away.

 

=======================================

Irish History 1916 through to 1923

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/413224152057476/user/1768650091/?__cft__[0]=AZWXevZDdFA_LrOzISp9OoUC_t4vjH7a-BpKpjKdNZg5BdraKl8aiFDeBAg9eAHL0SIPi71Sax-p9mWMyYxsZcrLOH-VCLPJRFOMtE5-LVFGMF4wX9mDMRnTbat_ISPgeA5ZBuYL3UdniKGxTw6WSG3q_-2JrVQ31ACTBkS-C7QMTbMMONx9iVJCjldgrDq7VFzFQzJ_YwKmHramQO08oaJFRbo5jyStGFjgwgUhh1_Afw&__tn__=-UC%2CP-y-R

 

 

 

The bloodiest Bloody Sunday

 

It was probably after the killing of a man named John Lynch, shot on his bed in the Exchange Hotel in the middle of the night of 23th September, 1920, that the IRA Intelligence became aware of the activities of a group of British secret agents in Dublin - what was to be later known as the Cairo Gang. Lynch was a Sinn Féin loan organizer with no connections with the military side of the movement and may have been mistaken for the successful Cork guerilla leader Liam Lynch.

 

The effort made by the British military intelligence to halt the advance of the Irish guerilla - mainly the policy of assassinations carried by the Squad, the elite unit attached to the IRA Intelligence department - started with the arrival of Colonel Ormond D’Epée Winter in May. He was in charge of military intelligence and organized a network of ex-British officers used to this work to counter the counter-intelligence operation led by the IRA. They started their very own “murder gang” - and by the time of Lynch’s death they were getting closer.

 

But Michael Collins, the IRA Director of Intelligence, wasn’t a helpless target. By 5th October he had already in his hands all information about how a group of military and RIC killed Lynch. “There is not the slightest doubt that there was no intention whatever to arrest Mr Lynch”, said the report he sent on the subject to the acting president Arthur Griffith. He was by then receiving informations from his trusted agent right inside the military command in the Castle - known only as Lt. G. Today it’s known that the military title was actually a short form for “Little Gentleman”, and that hidden behind it there was a woman, Lily Mernin, a typist on the Garrison Adjutant’s office. She was able to provide a great deal of information to identify the members of the “Cairo Gang”. Another source was Sergeant Mannix of the DMP station at Donnybrook. Other information came from talkative secretaries, a drunken agent with a heavy conscience about Lynch’s killing, and even a housemaid who was unknowingly flirting with Vinny Byrne, one of the top Squad men.

 

Things weren’t going too well by then. On September, a British spy managed to get close to the Sinn Féin leadership in order to get Collins, but he was exposed by Griffith in front of a group of reporters. On 11th October, the military gang managed to track down Seán Treacy and Dan Breen in Drumcondra; Breen was severely wounded in the ensuing fight, and Treacy managed to escape, but was killed three days later on Talbot Street. On 25th October, Terence MacSwiney, Lord Mayor of Cork, died on hunger strike. About the same time an account of the torture committed after the arrest of Tom Hales, commandant of the Third Cork Brigade, arrived on the hands of Collins. The four men were his personal friends.

 

The last straw was the execution of 18-years-old Kevin Barry on 1st November, followed by the arrest of some of the higher-rank members of the intelligence department. Liam Tobin and Tom Cullen managed to fool their captors, but Frank Thornton was held by ten days. Neither was identified. On 10th November, the IRA Chief of Staff, Richard Mulcahy, had a close shave and had to escape of the house he was sleeping through a skylight. It was enough. “Arrangements should now be made about the matter”, wrote Collins to the commandant of the Dublin Brigade, Dick McKee, on 17th November. The date of 21th November, a Sunday, was chosen to take advantage of the Gaelic football game scheduled to that afternoon.

 

On Saturday night, Collins, Mulcahy, McKee, the Vice-Brigadier Peadar Clancy and others met with the Minister of Defense, Cathal Brugha, to settle the last arrangements. Brugha personally analyzed the list of men that were to be shot. He found there was little evidence about some of them and reduced the list from 35 to about 25 names. They were to be shot in their lodgings scattered around Dublin on Sunday morning, precisely at 9 AM.

 

At least 100 IRA members, divided in around 15 units, took part of the job - not only the Squad, but also Intelligence officers like Charlie Dalton, and men drawn from the several Dublin battalions, like the future Taoiseach Seán Lemass. Things ran as planned, and in the end 19 men were shot - 15 dead, 4 wounded. Only one IRA man was arrested - Frank Teeling. He was sentenced to death, but managed to escape in February 1921.

 

Not all the targets were home. Two of them, Auxiliary division Captains Hardy and King, were called early in the morning to the Castle to interrogate three suspects arrested in the previous night. They were no less than McKee and Clancy, who were betrayed by an informer and arrested in their lodgings at Gloucester (now Sean MacDermott) Street, along with an innocent Gaelic League enthusiast, Conor Clune. At the moment of the shooting, both captains were torturing the prisoners in the Castle. On that night, all three were shot dead.

 

Collins tried to get the game in Croke Park cancelled, but the organizers thought it was too late and proceeded with it. As a result, a group of Auxiliaries and RIC, “excited and out of hand”, according to their own commander, entered the field and started shooting randomly for 90 seconds, killing 14 persons, including a player and three children. In the end, 32 individuals lost their lives on the bloodiest of the Irish Bloody Sundays.

 

Adriana Moura

 

=====================

 

Irish History 1916 through to 1923

 

pnoestSrodm3er6 16eau0091421v9fu6g3,7b188f505ml1N2o820tg71f   · Dublin  ·

 

Did You Know?

 

 

 

Prior to the opening of Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, Catholics had nowhere to bury their dead due to the repressive Penal Laws. It was Daniel O' Connell who campaigned for the establishment of a burial ground in which both Catholics and Protestants could bury their dead with dignity.

 

So it was then, that on February 22nd, 1832, the small coffin of Michael Carey, a young boy from Francis Street in Dublin, was placed into a little patch of ground on Dublin's northside. From such humble beginnings arose a national cemetery, which,so far, has become the resting place of over one million people.

 

Glasnevin now covers over 124 acres and is the last resting place of such famous people as Daniel O'Connell himself, Michael Collins and his fiancée, Kitty Kiernan, Newmarket born, John Philpott Curran, Charles Stewart Parnell, Kevin Barry, Brendan Behan, Harry Boland, Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington to mention just a few.

 

The cemetery contains over 800,000 unmarked graves. Daniel O' Connell wanted the poor of Dublin to have a burial place so the funerals of those with no money came from the Magdalene Laundries, the Union and the Workhouses and the poor from the tenements of Dublin.

 

Life was cheap in the tenements. The buildings themselves were structural death traps. It was said that even driving a nail in a wall could cause the wall to collapse. With all cooking, cleaning and heating done in the same room on an open fire of turf or coal, the risk of fire was huge. Diseases such as TB, diphtheria, smallpox, respiratory problems and typhoid caused thousands of deaths. Children had no shoes and walked in the mud and filth of the streets and often gangrene set in on cut feet. There were no drugs such as penicillin and having a diet of mostly bread and tea, they were unable to withstand such attacks and often these simple cuts proved fatal.

 

At this time, the poverty, injustice and hardship in Dublin was unparalleled in any other European city See less

 

https://www.facebook.com/1916risingirishcivilwar

 

=================================

“What is the dude, papa?” she said, with sweet, inquiring eyes,

 

And to the knowledge seeking maid, her daddy thus replies:

 

A weak mustache, a cigarette, a thirteen button vest,

 

A curled rim hat—a minaret—two watch chains cross the breast.

 

A pair of bangs, a lazy drawl, a lackadaisy air;

 

For gossip at the club or ball, some little past ‘affair.’

 

Two pointed shoes, two spindle shanks, complete the nether charms;

 

And follow fitly in the ranks, the two bow legged arms.

 

An empty head, a buffoon’s sense, a poising attitude;

 

“By Jove” “Egad!” “But aw” “Immense!” All these make up the dude.

 

https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/knowledge-of-men/the-origin-of-the-word-dude/?mc_cid=1f076bfa7b

 

==================================

Derek Thompson

 

@DKThomp

 

I'm mildly obsessed with this Q: Why did most of Europe industry whiff on the tech revolution?

 

 

 

Look at the largest US vs. EU companies by market cap.

 

 

 

- America: computers, computers, computers, computers, computers, computers

 

- Europe: ozempic, luxury bags and jewelry, lotions

 

https://twitter.com/DKThomp/status/1716772436652282136

 

 

 

-----------------------------------------------------------

 

CLEAN Tech Canada; A report commissioned by the federal government revealed that Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) has been violating its contribution agreement with the federal government, distributing tens of millions of taxpayers dollars inappropriately.

 

 

 

Furthermore, SDTC board members and executives were incentivised with big bonuses to erroneously distribute these taxpayer dollars with little oversight, the report found.

 

 

 

https://tnc.news/2023/10/24/clean-tech-agency-taxpayer-dollars/

 

--------------------------------------------

 

These Are the Longest Flights in the World

 

https://www.afar.com/magazine/longest-flights-in-the-world?utm_source=recommendedreads.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=catholic_news_in_unprecedented_letter_to_the_people_of_god_300_synod_delegates_urge_more_synodality&utm_term=2023-10-26

 

 

 

=================================

 

What’s the deal with plastic and climate change?

 

 

 

Plastics fall into a class of materials called petrochemicals, meaning they’re made using fossil fuels. The category also includes products like fertilizers and laundry detergents.

 

Related Story

 

Kid surrounded by bins and scattered plastic containers proudly holds up a toy figure constructed by plastic parts

 

Think that your plastic is being recycled? Think again.

 

 

 

Plastic is cheap to make and shockingly profitable. It’s everywhere. And we’re all paying the price.

 

 

 

Fossil fuels are used as a feedstock, or starting ingredient, in plastics production, and they are also used for energy to power the manufacturing process. Plastic made up around 6% of global oil demand as of 2014, according to a report from the World Economic Forum.

 

 

 

That number could get much worse, and fast. Plastic consumption could nearly triple by 2060. Add all that up, and plastics could make up 20% of global oil demand or more by 2050.

 

https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/10/19/1081856/plastic-climate/?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-gb

 

==============================

 

Indeed, the scale of the problem is hard to internalize. To date, humans have created around 11 billion metric tons of plastic. This amount surpasses the biomass of all animals, both terrestrial and marine, according to a 2020 study published in Nature.

 

 

 

Currently, about 430 million tons of plastic is produced yearly, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

 

https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/10/12/1081129/plastic-recycling-climate-change-microplastics/

 

====================================

 

Reflect

 

JTA) — Abraham saw a world that was burning. A vivid midrash on this week’s Torah portion, Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1 – 17:27) recounts the story of how the Jewish patriarch first encountered God. Abraham saw the world as a bira doleket, a flaming tower, and demanded indignantly, “Is there no one in charge?!” At this, God shows his face and admits, “I am the one in charge.” Thus begins Abraham’s relationship with the divine.

 

 

 

Like Abraham before us, we too gaze out at a burning world. Our eyes have taken in so much devastation and horror. In the last few weeks we have all been witness to many burning buildings. We too cry out that no one is in charge. We too long for God to show up and take some ownership of the situation.

 

 

 

This midrash paints a picture of divine relationship that emerges from a place of shock and indignation. God shows up in the world because Abraham demands it. The world without God’s presence is untenable, it will burn itself out. Abraham won’t let that happen. He holds God accountable, reminding God that the ruler of the universe needs to act like it.

 

https://www.jta.org/2023/10/26/ideas/the-world-is-on-fire-but-it-is-also-full-of-light?utm_source=JTA_Maropost&utm_campaign=JTA_DB&utm_medium=email&mpweb=1161-63795-35794

 

 

 

================================

 

FEAST: Saint John Paul II – Feast Day 22nd October. Karol Wojtyla, taking the name John

 

Paul II, was pope from 22nd October 1978 until his death on 2nd April 2005. Born in

 

Wadowice, Poland on 18th May 1920, he studied at the seminary in Krakow, was

 

ordained a priest in 1946 and then studied in Rome. After parish work and university

 

chaplaincy he again undertook further studies in philosophy and theology. He was

 

ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Krakow in 1958, in 1964 archbishop, and in 1967 he

 

was created a cardinal. He took part in the Second Vatican Council, making a

 

significant contribution to the drafting of the document Constitution on the Church

 

in the Modern World. As Bishop of Rome he visited almost all of the Roman

 

parishes and made apostolic journeys to over 100 countries, including Ireland from

 

29th September to 1st October 1979. He played a major role in the collapse of

 

Communism in Eastern Europe in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. He suffered from

 

Parkinson’s Disease for many years before his death in 2005. He was beatified on 1st

 

May 2011 and canonized on 27th April 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday. His feast day is

 

observed on the anniversary of his inauguration as Pope on 22nd October 1978.

 

-----------------------

 

Reflect

 

Memories remind us that nothing lasts forever.  We could be happy today and sad tomorrow.  Time is precious and should not be wasted, enjoy life and remember don’t count your days  - make your days count.

 

 

 

LAST WORD: If you tell the truth it becomes a part of your past..if you tell a lie it becomes a part of your future.

 

=============================

 

 

 

=========================================

 

 

The amendment fell under a motion that requires all taxicabs and rideshares to operate zero-emissions vehicles by 2031.

 

 

 

The number of licenced drivers may not surpass the amount currently in operation as of October 2023 “in order to manage current levels of greenhouse gas emissions in vehicle-for-hire industry,” reads the motion.

 

 

 

Uber said it will oppose the measure, saying it would increase wait time and make transportation less affordable.

 

 

 

“This will increase wait times and the cost of a safe and reliable transportation option for so many while important transit projects are delayed and the cost of purchasing a vehicle has increased almost 50 per cent in four years,” said Uber spokesperson Keerthana Rang.

 

https://tnc.news/2023/10/14/uber-toronto-cap/

 

 

 

=====================================

 

No more right-to-shelter rule in NYC? Mayor Eric Adams has asked a judge to let him suspend New York City's right-to-shelter mandate (also called the Callahan consent decree) under an influx of migrants. Adams is arguing that the spike in migrants expecting public services constitutes an emergency, which warrants suspending the policy.

 

 

 

"With more than 122,700 asylum seekers having come through our intake system since the spring of 2022, and projected costs of over $12 billion for three years, it is abundantly clear that the status quo cannot continue," Adams declared in a statement.

 

 

 

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGtxTBWVpKhBvcWqMHzcLKCVCJF

 

 

 

=====================================

 

TRASH: Turns out, it still isn’t. A May 14, 2022 Star story quoted one John Mullinder, who spent 30 years in the recycling industry, calling the whole thing “a little green lie”. Little? The same piece quoted “the plastics program manager” at an NGO called Environmental Defence, who said, “(Recycling) is just a one way ticket to garbage.”

 

 

 

The same story says that in 2019, Canada produced 1.9 million tonnes of plastics. Of that amount, just 12 per cent went for recycling, and an even smaller percentage was processed into a new product.

 

https://tnc.news/2023/10/03/varley-recycling-is-a-myth1/

 

 

 

===================================

 

What is truth? Who is man? Who are we? And where are we going?

 

 

 

The first of these questions was asked by Pontius Pilate in his native Latin: Quid est veritas? It was asked of Jesus Christ. He refrained from answering Pilate directly but gave the answer to his disciples.

 

What is truth?

 

“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life!”

 

We can leave aside, for the purposes of the present discussion, what Christ means when he states definitively that he is the way and the life. But he does state definitively that he is the truth. The first question is, therefore, answered.

 

https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2023/10/meaning-life-nutshell-joseph-pearce.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=catholic_news_us_bishops_echo_call_of_latin_patriarch_of_jerusalem_urge_catholics_to_pray_and_fast_for_the_holy_land_today&utm_term=2023-10-17

 

 

 

====================================

 

Ever since we did our in-depth series about the seasons of a man’s life (truly some of the most interesting articles we’ve written — I highly recommend reading them!), I’ve continued to think about human development, particularly in adulthood. Most books and articles on development focus on the transition between childhood and adolescence and adolescence to adulthood. People act as if no development happens after age twenty-five, which is weird. And certainly not the case!

 

https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/knowledge-of-men/the-stages-of-a-mans-life/?mc_cid=bc707fba3d

 

=============================

Dingle Food Festival 1 October2023

 

Published 1 Oct 2023

 

https://youtu.be/RMHozc0eAVw

 

=======================

 

Video link

 

https://youtu.be/GGXdwZ8vFHE

 

Filename

 

Food Festival Dingle 2023.mp4

 

=================================

 

Video link

 

https://youtu.be/tKFAKw3-bk4

 

Filename

 

Knockanure Tractor Day 2023.wmv

 

=================================

Reflect

 

Just came across these few lines which I thought were nice so here goes——

 

If you’re walking past a stranger who you think is looking sad,

 

Are you brave enough to say hello for that person might be glad,

 

That you’ve taken just a moment to brighten up their day,

 

It might lift them from gloomy thoughts as you carry on your way.

 

Just that little gesture will warm that persons heart,

 

And you can go home knowing that today you’ve played your part

 

 

 

---------------------------------------

 

 

 

Girls who have supportive fathers in their lives tend to thrive more academically compared to girls lacking a supportive dad. Studies show that dads tend to encourage their daughters to push and challenge themselves academically more than moms do. Moreover, when dads regularly help their daughters with their homework, those daughters are less anxious about school. Mom’s help with homework has no significant impact on academic-related anxiety.

 

 

 

The influence a dad has on a daughter’s academic success carries over into college. Daughters with close relationships with their fathers have higher grade point averages in college than those with poor father-daughter relationships.

 

 

 

Be an involved dad when it comes to your daughter’s schooling. Help her with homework. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Encourage her to push herself and praise her when she excels.

 

https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/fatherhood/5-ways-fathers-hugely-influence-on-their-daughters/?mc_cid=673a221f33

 

 

 

===================

 

“Fast fashion” is the moment right now thanks in part to Instagram and influencer culture. Oftentimes fast fashion brands will copy ideas from high-end or celebrity brands and sell their “dupes” for a fraction of the cost. But what about the “someone” who made that dirt-cheap outfit for us? A recent investigation by the Department of Labor found that garment workers receive some of the lowest wages on the planet, with one manufacturer paying their workers $1.58/hour — significantly lower than any state’s minimum wage. Environmental author Ronald Geyer found that no major clothing brand pays its garment workers in Asia, Africa, Central America, or Eastern Europe enough money to climb out of actual poverty.

 

https://grottonetwork.com/make-an-impact/transform/why-you-should-learn-how-to-sew/?utm_campaign=Weekly-Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=276829080&utm_content=276829481&utm_source=hs_email

 

===========================

========================================

PROLOGUE:  This was written by an old lady in a geriatric ward in a hospital.  After she died, it was found among her possessions by a nurse.  All of those who have dealings with old people should ponder on what the old lady wrote:  " What do you see, nurses, what do you see?  What are you looking at when you look at me?  A crabbed old woman, not very wise - uncertain in habit with faraway eyes.  Who dribbles her food and makes no reply when you say in a loud voice - I do wish you'd try.  Who seems not to notice the things that you  do and is forever losing that stocking or shoe.  Who unresisting or not, lets you do as you will, with bathing and feeding - the long day to fill.  Is that what your're thinking?  Is that what you see? Then, open your euyes, Nurse, you're not looking at me.  I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,  as I move at your bidding, as I eat at your will.

 

I'm a small child of 10 with a father and mother, brothers and sisters who love one another.  A girl of 16 with wings on her feet - dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.  A bride soon at 20 - my heart gives a leap.  Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.  At 25 now, I have young of my own, who need me to build a secure happy home.  A woman of 30 my young grow fast, bound to each other with love that should last.  At 40, my young sons have grown and are gone but my man is beside me to see that I don't mourn.  At 50, once more, babies play around my knee - again, we have children, my husband and I.  Dark days are upon me - my husband is dead, I look to the future, I shudder with dread.  For my young are all rearing young of their own and I think of the years and the love I have shown.  I'm an old woman now and nature is cruel - 'tis her jest to make old age look a fool. , The body, it crumbles, grace and vigour depart - there is a stone now, where once I had a heart.  But inside this old carcase - a young girl still dwells and now and again my battered heart swells.  I remember the joys - I remember the pain and I'm loving and living life all over again.

 

----------------------------------

 

 

 

=======================

 

Back then—this was the spring of 1979—Moore was a young industrial designer living in New York City and working at Raymond Loewy Associates, the famous designer of everything from NASA’s Skylab space station to home appliances. At a planning meeting one afternoon, Moore mentioned that, growing up, she’d seen her arthritic grandmother struggle to open refrigerators. She suggested creating a fridge door that unlatched with ease. “Pattie,” a senior colleague told her, “we don’t design for those people.” The firm’s target users were middle-aged male professionals. Moore fumed at the injustice, to say nothing of the lost business opportunity. But, she thought, who was she to advocate on behalf of elderly consumers? Moore had never struggled to open anything. She left the meeting frustrated, with a feeling she couldn’t shake: If she could understand what it was like to be old, she could develop better products. Not just for elders, but for everybody.

 

https://www.wired.com/story/patricia-moore-sacrificed-youth-to-get-tech-bros-to-grow-up/?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-gb

 

 

 

================================

 

Science

 

https://www.wired.com/category/science/

 

 

 

=================

 

“It struck me that Earth observation satellites are essentially telescopes pointed down,” he says. “Looking at a galaxy is similar to looking at a field of grass or wheat. You’ve got your observations telling you something about the physical properties.”

 

https://www.wired.com/story/this-startup-wants-to-give-farmers-a-closer-look-at-crops-from-space/

 

 

 

By: Aissa Dearing- August 10, 2023

 

 

 

Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris administration released an ambitious strategy to better understand nature’s contributions to the economy and therefore guide decision-making on land-use issues.

 

 

 

As economist Dieter Helm explains, natural capital, a way of folding natural resources into the mainstream economy, puts nature “on the balance sheet” by assigning a monetary value to ecosystem services. These services are some of nature’s best gifts to humanity, including carbon sequestration, natural hazard defense, and water and air quality regulation. Beyond ecosystem services, nature provides provisioning services (such as timber, foodstuffs, and fuel) as well as cultural and spiritual value for local communities.

 

https://daily.jstor.org/should-environmental-policy-commodify-nature/?utm_term=Should%20Environmental%20Policy%20Commodify%20Nature&utm_campaign=jstordaily_08102023&utm_content=email&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_medium=email

 

 

 

=======================

 

Reflect

 

We are wounded by sin.

 

The part of us which is most

 

deeply damaged by sin is the heart.

 

The heart is so beautiful, so innocent,

 

but it can be betrayed, scorned and broken.

 

Darkness of the heart is the blackest night of all.

 

Emptiness of the heart is the greatest poverty of all.

 

A heavy heart is the most wearisome burden of all.

 

A broken heart is the most painful wound of all.

 

Only love can heal the wounds of the heart.

 

Lord, send your Holy Spirit to us,

 

to heal the wounds of our hearts,

 

so that we may produce the fruits of love.

 

------------------------

 

The Story of Knock

 

At about 8 o'clock on the Thursday evening of 21st August 1879, the Blessed Virgin

 

Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist appeared at the South gable of the

 

Church at Knock, Co Mayo. Beside them and a little to the right was an altar with a

 

cross and the figure of a lamb around which angels hovered. There were fifteen

 

official witnesses to the apparition – young and old – who watched it for two hours

 

in pouring rain and recited the Rosary. Two Commissions of Enquiry accepted their

 

testimony as trustworthy and satisfactory in 1879 and 1936.

 

Today, Knock ranks among the world’s major Marian Shrines, having enjoyed the full

 

approval of the Church for many years. It has received privileges from five Popes and

 

the most recent privileges were the visit of His Holiness, Pope Saint John Paul II, on

 

30th September 1979 and the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis on 26th August 2018.

 

 

 

------------------------

 

If you are not actively involved in getting what you want, then you don’t really want it.

 

 

 

We are often so caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey, especially the goodness of the people we meet on the way.

 

Appreciation is a wonderful feeling – don’t overlook it.

 

 

 

You don’t know what other people are thinking, no more than other people know what you are thinking.  If you want people to know what you are  thinking, tell them.   If you want to know what others are thinking – ask them. It takes courage to both speak and hear the truth.

 

 

 

The person waiting for something to turn up, might well start with their shirtsleeves!!

 

 

 

The problem with making assumptions is that we believe they are the truth.

 

----------------------------

 

Be someone who listens, you will be heard.

 

Be someone who cares, you will be loved.

 

Be someone who gives, you will be blessed.

 

Be someone who comforts, you will know peace.

 

Be someone who understands, you will be wise.

 

Be someone who loves, you will be happy.

 

Be someone who values truth, you will be respected.

 

Be someone who takes action, you will move life forward.

 

Be someone who lifts others higher, your life will be rich.

 

Be someone filled with gratitude, and there will be no end to the things

 

for which you will be thankful.

 

Be someone who lives with joy and purpose and your own light will brightly shine.

 

Be in every moment the special someone you are meant to be.  BE YOURSELF.

 

 

 

What have you always wanted to do -  Go for it now!!

 

 

 

LAST WORD: It is far better to be alone than in bad company.

 

========================

 

Prayer to Our Lady of Knock

 

Our Lady of Knock Queen of Ireland,

 

you gave hope to your people in a time of distress

 

and comforted them in sorrow.

 

You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence to your Son,

 

remembering his promise;

 

‘Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find. ’

 

Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to heaven.

 

Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially

 

those who live with me.

 

Comfort me when I am sick or lonely or depressed.

 

Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass.

 

Pray for me now, and at the hour of my death. Amen.

 

Our Lady of Knock, pray for us

 

 

 

 

 

----------------------

 

NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan.....

 

When I celebrate weddings I’d offer the couple getting married a crucifix which

 

they would hold as they exchange their wedding vows and read to them the

 

blessing which comes with it. Most go for it gladly. That might come as a surprise

 

to some because when you think of a crucifix one would think of Good Friday or

 

the suffering of our Saviour or the season of Lent and so on but not marriage!!

 

But on closer examination you will see that the Cross is the greatest symbol of

 

love there is. In the Book the Love Dare by Kendrick in chapter 10 which is called

 

‘Love is Unconditional’. Here is a piece from it - ‘If anyone asked you ‘Why do you

 

love your husband?" Or why do you love your wife what would you say? Most men

 

would mention their wives beauty, her sense of humour, her kindness, or her inner

 

strength. They might talk about her cooking, her knack for decorating, or what a

 

good mother she is. Women would probably say something about their husbands

 

good looks or his personality. They'd commend him for his steadiness and

 

consistent character. They'd say they love him because he's always there for

 

them. He's generous. He's helpful. But what if over the course of years, your wife

 

or husband stopped being every one of these things. Would you still love them?

 

Based on your answers above, the only logical response would be "no." If your

 

reasons for loving your spouse all have something to do with his or her qualities

 

and then those same qualities suddenly or gradually disappear--your basis for love

 

is over. The only way love can last a lifetime is if it's unconditional. The truth is:

 

lasting love is not determined by the one being loved but rather by the one

 

choosing to love. Relationships are dysfunctional when individuals within a

 

relationship thinks about themselves first. For example sayings like - does this

 

suit me? What’s in it for me? I must put myself first! The Crucifix shows Jesus

 

with arms opened wide in generosity. This is my body given up for you. He died for

 

us while we were still sinners as St. Paul says. There’s nothing in it for Him. It’s a

 

decision of the Will for our good. It’s only couples who together embrace the

 

cross and its ideology can choose to love each other in this sacrificial way. Of

 

course it takes two to live in this way. But without Christ and His Cross true

 

unconditional love is near impossible to live. I’d like to take this opportunity to

 

congratulate all the couples this weekend celebrating significant anniversaries for

 

2023 and well done for those years of dying to self.

 

 

 

===================

 

Just a Thought

 

NOTHING is as contagious as an EXAMPLE. We never do great food or great evil without bringing about more of the same on the part of others. At onetime or another, in great ways or small you are an example, a role model, even and inspiration for others. This is true even when you’re unaware of the impact you are having. You make a difference by the way you handle personal crisis, treat a child, do your job, and spend your spare time. It’s natural that most people influence family and friends, neighbours, and co-workers. But it doesn’t end there. Touch one person’s life and countless others are affected. Young people in particular are likely to imitate not just what others say, but what they do. Whether you’re young or old sick or healthy, rich, or poor, you can be an example for good in the way you live your life. It is important to recognise your value. You can make the world a better place for having been in it.                         Ann Conroy

 

============================

 

=====================================

 

 

Reflect

 

The Way I See It

 

 

 

By Domhnall de Barra

 

 

 

I know that I complain a lot but I suppose it is the ageing process that lets us see things in a more critical light. Noreen’s father Jack Hannon, God be good to him, once said: “being old is great because you can say what you like”. Maybe there is a bit of Victor Meldrew in all of us but I am the lucky one because I have this platform to air my views. This week I am taking issue with the media, and RTE in particular, for the way in which they cover tragic events. The latest was a terrible car crash in Clones when two beautiful young girls, on their way to a debs ball, lost their lives.  You would want to be made of stone not to be moved by that news and, rightly, it was reported in the papers and on the airwaves. I have no problem with that; it is the invasion of privacy that I object to. The cameras hone in on the site of the crash and there is then a kind of a formula they follow. A reporter on the spot interviews the local priest then a politician, local teacher and then a few random neighbours to get their thoughts on what has happened. Fair enough, but then they continue to report on the accident for the rest of the week, especially when it comes to the funerals. This is what I object to most of all. The families of the crash victims need privacy and time to mourn their loved ones, not have their every move followed by a camera. It is bordering on the ghoulish and we, the viewers, have no right to be witnessing their most trying times.  I don’t think it is right to have cameras at any funeral, it only panders to those amongst us who have a morbid interest in tragic events. Some may say that it is news and we have a right to see it but I disagree. It can be shown discretely without panning in on mourner’s faces at a time when they are most vulnerable. I don’t suppose anyone will take much notice of what I am saying but I would appeal to RTE to show a bit more tact and respect when covering tragic events.

 

 

 

This past weekend was the August Bank Holliday and it was good to see a bit of local activity. We had a bit of craic down by the bridge on Saturday evening when the local Comhaltas branch put on a bit of open air entertainment in the pagoda. The sound of music filled the air and there was a great smell from Jack Quaid’s Bar-B-Cue down by the river. We were extremely lucky with the weather which was dodgy up to the last minute but stayed dry for the duration of the performance. There was a good crowd in attendance and the reaction was very favourable so we will probably do it again next year. On Sunday I went playing golf in Ardagh as usual and when I was coming home I passed  through Carrigkerry. There was a great buzz around the place and  a big crowd in attendance for the Vintage Rally. Moore’s car park was full of vintage tractors and cars of all shapes and sizes. The road was lined with cars and the shop was doing a roaring trade. I came on to Athea and drove into another carnival atmosphere. The bikers had their get-together and there were stalls all over the place. The fine weather brought out the crowds and I’m sure the local businesses had a great time. It was so good to see life in the locality. We were starved of it during Covid but, at long last, things seem to be back to normal. Long may it last.

 

 

 

Was the weather better long ago?  That is a question I am often asked and my immediate answer is yes. Sometimes we look on the past with rose coloured glasses only remembering the good bits but, if we look at the facts, the weather must have been better. If my memory serves me I believe we had more balanced weather; colder winters and more sunshine in the summer. We seemed to get snow and frost around Christmas and January/February. The old people welcomed this because it was supposed to get rid of all impurities and prepare for the season of growth. They also believed it was good for the health, killing off dangerous bugs. It was normal to wake in the morning and see the “Christmas trees” formed by the frost on the windows. There was no central heating in those days but we didn’t take too much notice. It was normal for us and we compensated for the cold by wearing layers of clothes and of course we had plenty exercise to get the blood flowing. As we went through spring the weather got milder and the gardens were set. 1st of April was the official day for throwing off the shoes and they stayed off until the end of September. I don’t ever remember a time when we couldn’t do that because of the weather but for the last few years we have had hard frost in April so things have changed. The summers had to be better too because the hay had to be saved, no silage in those days, and it was all done by hand. If we had weather back then, like we have had for the past month or more, the hay couldn’t possibly have been turned, shook out made into grasscocks and eventually into wynds but apart from on very rare occasions it was always ready for drawing in by the end of July. There is no doubt that the world is changing and weather is going to become more unpredictable. Too much rain or too much drought will play havoc with tillage farming and there is a real danger of a scarcity of food in the not too distant future. People say we must reverse global warming but I think the damage is already done. We will have to get used to more extreme weather with droughts followed by floods. Even now some land along the Shannon is under water. All we can do is hope that some change will come and we can continue

 

https://www.athea.ie/2023/08/news-8-8-23/

 

 

 

-----------------------

 

 

 

Seeing with Faith

 

While Caleb has a faith-based perspective, the other spies in today's reading have a fear-based perspective and spread this fear across the people of Israel. To enter heaven, you must have a divine perspective led by faith.

 

 

 

Murmuring Against the Lord

 

The teaching and truth of God's Word is not relative or up for interpretation. In the reading today, the actions of Miriam and Aaron expose the temptation to question the authority God has given to others.

 

 

 

The Gifts God Has Given

 

Today's readings offer insight into ingratitude and thanksgiving. Consider how you can grow in gratitude and see the gifts the Lord has given you.

 

 

 

The Glory of Christ

 

On the feast of the Transfiguration, Christ unveiled his true nature. Contemplate Jesus' Transfiguration and the present glory he has from the Father.

 

 

 

God's Graciousness

 

The Jubilee Year in the Old Testament is a year of release, which institutes the fruits of the Exodus. The Jubilee then becomes an internal exodus, freeing the people again from poverty and slavery.

 

 

 

St. John Vianney

 

St. John Vianney's priestly role was to offer up the sacrifice of Christ to the Father on behalf of his parishioners, bringing union between God and his flock. Ask for the intercession of this great saint and pray for priests today.

 

 

 

-------------------------------------

 

St. Francis Xavier

 

Tucked in a corner of the party capital of India, the mostly-incorruptible body of Goencho Saib (Lord of Goa), otherwise known as St. Francis Xavier, is on display in the right trancept of the Bom Jesus church in the old Portuguese center of town. The body was originally transported back to Goa in a lime-slake, from which his body miraculously emerged unmolested. He was placed on view in a raised reliquary, with annual festivals, where, up until recently, pilgrims had the opportunity to kiss the exposed, miraculously mummified feet of the saint. The open air was hard on the body, and religious zeal for the relic has taken its toll as well. Reportedly in 1554 an overzealous worshipper bit off the the pinky toe of his right foot, which then purportedly gushed blood as if from a living body. Later, in 1614, by order of the church, his right arm was severed at the elbow and brought to Rome.

 

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/body-st-francis-xavier

 

 

 

-----------------

 

1909 Bantry Feis.   Patrons include Canon (Church of Ireland) O’Grady, James Gilhooley, M.P., Tim Healy King’s Counsel,M.P., Maurice Healy, M.P., The Earl of Kenmare, Magistrates, Dr. O’Mahony, Benjamin O’Connor, M. O’Driscoll, William Martin Murphy, Alexander Martin Sullivan, King’s Counsel, Dr.  M. J. McCarthy, Patrick (Rocky Mountain) O’Brien, Dromore.  Prizewinners, Industrial Section.

 

https://durrushistory.com/2022/03/10/1909-bantry-feis-patrons-include-canon-church-of-ireland-ogrady-james-gilhooley-m-p-tim-healy-kings-counselm-p-maurice-healy-m-p-the-earl-of-kenmare-magistrates/

 

 

 

============================

 

Largest Empire in History

 

By Thomas J. Craughwell

 

Explore the Mongol Empire — which once ruled over 110 million people — in this riveting read that explores the state’s origins in Central Asia, the reign of Genghis Khan, and beyond. “Great, sweeping history from a superb writer” (Joseph Cummins).

 

 

 

=========================

 

The California Department of Education (CDE) is trying to stop two professors from testifying about COVID-era educational policies. The professors, Sean Reardon and Thomas Dee, were asked to testify on behalf of students who are suing over the state's pandemic education policies. That case is Cayla J. v. State of California.

 

https://twitter.com/KevinKileyCA/status/1686111056828272640

 

 

 

===========================

 

By Peter Jesserer Smith

 

 

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (OSV News) — Nearly 2,300 members of the Knights of Columbus, spouses and family members gathered together from all parts of the globe Aug. 1-3 in Orlando under the theme “First in faith and charity.”

 

But the unmistakable, uplifting message of the 141st Supreme Convention from start to finish was the power of each Knight — all 2 million in the order — to transform the church and the world around them by deepening their faith as disciples of Jesus Christ and living out a charity that evangelizes.

 

“We too can do great things, if we allow the Lord into our lives,” Bishop John G. Noonan of Orlando

 

https://thetablet.org/convention-summons-knights-of-columbus-to-discipleship-transformation-of-world/?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=269634666&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_NFmUsuQTSKwNFp3rWeXS95HQYgk92jaOH_StKPOECcv1yNVf-6vDFMxRO0KRH_Oyxk8mXzW-1MIlI2YKBLCfUmXLyeQ&utm_content=269634666&utm_source=hs_email

 

==========================

 

 

 

Five little-known inventors of the Victorian era

 

Tuesday 8 August 2023 | Katherine Howells

 

The nineteenth century was a time of incredible innovation in Britain.

 

https://blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/five-little-known-inventors-of-the-victorian-era/

 

====================

 

 

 

Every morning, she gets the kids fed and dressed, helps them log onto their virtual classrooms, and then tries to sneak away to work on the podcast she’s trying to launch. “I was taking charge of all the distance learning because my husband makes more money than me, so it seemed to make sense that before I started work, I would sit down and do their schoolwork with them,” Morlan says.

 

 

 

But of course, her sons needed a lot more from her than just a little help in the morning. By 11am, Morlan would typically finally “go to work for real” in her bedroom

 

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/stop-telling-women-they-re-amazing?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-en-GB

 

==============================

 

We often suppose that wars are fought over things like resources, border disputes, and ideologies. My guest calls this “the spreadsheet approach to war” and argues that, in reality, such factors only come in as justifications for the much deeper drives at play.

 

https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/military/podcast-916-why-we-fight/?mc_cid=4d3c1a1b9d&mc_eid=8bc7642aac

 

 

 

=======================

 

 

 

Jonah McKeown

 

 

 

By Jonah McKeown

 

 

 

St. Louis, Mo., Aug 1, 2023 / 08:45 am

 

 

 

The Biden administration is expected to pay $65,000 after attempting in 2021 to exclude fertility awareness-based family planning methods, a form of natural family planning, from health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.

 

 

 

The faith-based legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) announced July 27 that a federal court has ordered the Biden administration to pay $65,000 in attorneys’ fees for violating regulatory laws when it attempted to end insurance coverage for fertility awareness methods, leaving women with only coverage for contraceptive and abortifacient drugs and devices.

 

 

 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had in December 2021, without explanation, removed “fertility awareness-based methods” (FABM) from the list of “preventative care and screenings” covered under the Affordable Care Act. The language allowing FABM had been in place since 2016.

 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254957/biden-administration-to-pay-fee-for-attempted-exclusion-of-nfp-methods-from-health-insurance?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=268713284&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-99xyZNuqBf32CaqBLZjT7oBwyjxiswE2AJsit__cV2thxwymD55v4zvHjebGz5FHlVWkIH6qrBTrSquxBJzESnxTT5Eg&utm_content=268713284&utm_source=hs_email

 

 

 

=================================

 

 

 

General O’Donovan

 

Durrushistory- Jul 30

 

   Death of General O’Donovan, Bawnlahan, Skibbereen, West Cork, 1829. ‘The late much regretted General O’Donovan was one of the very few proprietors of this County of the aboriginal Milesian Estate, held by his ancestors from time Immemorial. The General, was , we believe, the first of his family to drop the usual designation of an Irish Chieftain of being address as ‘The O’Donovan’ only. In Smith’s History of Cork 1750 he says ‘In this Parish of Miros (Myross) is Bawnlaghan the seat of O’Donovan, Chief of that Ancient Family, a worthy and courteous gentleman. The General was son of Daniel O’Donovan, of Bawnlahan by Jane daughter of Colonel John Becher of Hollybrook (near Skibbereen), grandson of Richard O’Donovan of Bawnlahanby the daughter of Fitz-Gerald, Knight of Kerry and great grandson of Daniel O’Donovan, MP for Baltimore, in 1689, by Elizabeth Tonson, only daughter of Major Richard Tonson, of Spanish Island (great grandfather of the present Lord Riversdale) by Elizabeth sister of Thomas Beecher Esq.

 

 

 

https://durrushistory.com/2023/07/30/general-odonovan/

 

 

 

========================

 

Weekly drops of wisdom from the banks of Mother Ganga

 

34m ago

 

By — Shyamal Sinha

 

“There is a wonderful story told of two monks who had renounced the world and taken vows of celibacy and simplicity. One monk was older and the other was relatively young. They were wandering in the forest one day and came upon a rushing river. On the edge of the river stood a beautiful young woman. Her face was marked by anxiety as she explained to the two monks that she needed to get across, but the river was rushing too fast and she was afraid. She humbly asked if one of the monks would be good enough to carry her across. The older monk immediately picked her up gallantly and carried her to the other side while the younger monk walked by his side. Upon reaching the other shore, the monk placed the woman safely on the ground, and they bid her farewell.One week later, the two monks were sitting under a tree for their morning meditations when the younger monk suddenly exclaimed, ‘Okay, I’ve been keeping this inside for the last week but I cannot keep it inside anymore.  I cannot believe the way you picked up that young, beautiful woman and carried her body so close to yours! After taking vows of celibacy before God, after promising to forsake the touch of a woman, how could you wrap your arms around her body and carry her tightly in your arms? I have had such respect, even reverence for you for so many years, and now I feel so betrayed. You are not a true monk! You are not a true celibate.  I must find another companion with whom I can tread a path of purity.’ The elder monk listened with a faint smile growing across his face. ‘My brother,’ he said when the younger monk had finished his tirade. ‘I carried that young woman in my arms for approximately two minutes and left her by the side of the river, after setting her down safely. She has not been with me since. You, on the other hand, have carried her in your heart for the last week. You have slept with her, eaten with her, breathed with her and even meditated with her because you cannot get her out of your mind. She is living permanently in your heart. It is your own heart you must seek to purify, not the actions of your traveling companions.’How many precious minutes of each day do we waste by judging others? Too many, I think. We barely even realize how much we do it. We analyze and judge each other’s actions, words, and even each other’s articles of clothing or choice of perfume. We assume, naturally, that if we were in their shoes we would do nearly everything better. But, like in the case of the two monks,

 

https://buddhisttimes.wordpress.com/2023/07/31/weekly-drops-of-wisdom-from-the-banks-of-mother-ganga-41/

 

 

 

===========================

 

Fires:

 

For the vast majority of the last 100 years, it has been illegal for anyone, Native American or otherwise, to burn in California. Only six states—Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Montana—have no laws on the books providing for civil or criminal liability for open fires in wildland without a permit. Karuk and Yurok tribes practiced burning for tens of thousands of years. Among other things, they made baskets out of the hazelnut trees, which can only be made from the burned branches of the trees; unburned branches are too inflexible. Baskets, Robbins said, are critical to their culture. The baskets are baby carriers, eating bowls, cooking pots, and used in prayer ceremonies. Girls wear basket hats. Fire under the oak trees also rids the acorns of weevils, preventing infestations. Without fire, firs grow and crowd out the oaks, preventing acorn growth.

 

 

 

Traditionally, the tribes burned a piece of land every three to ten years, as the land needs to rest before it can be burned again. But European colonizers made laws banning burning and suppressing every fire they saw. The very first session of the California Legislature in 1850 mandated fires be put out and not started.

 

https://www.vice.com/en/article/ak3kg5/these-tech-companies-think-they-can-solve-the-wildfire-crisis?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-en-GB

 

 

 

==============================

 

Canada: The Listowel Paranormal Society may have caused a bad scare at Mackenzie Hall, but it wasn't completely in vain. The group posted on Facebook that the Hall has invited them back to do further paranormal research, so there doesn't seem to be bad blood there. Plus, they still have the photo of George the ghost, so… worth it?

 

 

 

https://www.vice.com/en/article/qvx4bw/a-suspicious-ghost-hunting-device-triggered-a-massive-bomb-scare-vgtrn

 

 

 

=================

 

A finance manager from Ireland’s national railway network who turned whistleblower has said his work duties have been “hacked down to nothing” – meaning his main tasks are to eat lunch and read newspapers, while being paid €121,000 (£105,000; $126,000) a year.

 

 

 

Dermot Alastair Mills was talking at a hearing into his complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, in which he said that he had been relieved of most of his duties at Irish Rail, according to the Irish Independent.

 

https://www.vice.com/en/article/bvmakw/irish-rail-whistleblower-employee

 

---------------------------

Silence in Prayer

 

We can fear praying in silence when it does not feel fruitful. However, that silence humbles us and allows us to realize how transcendent God really is. Through silent prayer, we can experience the mystery of God in our souls.

 

 

 

Right Relationship with God

 

God begins the rules of the covenant in the context of a relationship. He reminds us that he has called us into intimacy with him. To be in a right relationship with God, we must follow the rules he has given us.

 

 

 

Covenants

 

In the ancient world, covenants create family relationships. This is the relationship God seeks out with the Israelites and now with you through the New Covenant.

 

-----------------------------------

 

Asking

 

Ask the Lord to give you the wisdom to know his will so you may follow it in every circumstance.

 

---------------------------------

 

God's Grace is Present

 

You must look beyond appearances to discern what true wisdom is. Be patient and allow for grace and wisdom to become apparent in time.

 

 

 

Adoration

 

Adoration is an opportunity for silence before the Lord. Standing before God in adoration cleanses your heart and renews your strength.

 

 

 

 

 

 ================================

PLANNING: Objections

 

The councillor, who is the current cathaoirleach (mayor) of the Listowel Municipal District, said that many of these types of planning applications are being objected to and appealed to An Bord Pleánala.

 

The objections are made on environmental grounds and relate to the EU Habitats Directive.

 

The councillor, who supports environmental legislation, said that farmers could be waiting up to 18 months for a decision from An Bord Pleánala on a planning appeal.

 

https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/call-for-planning-review-over-blanket-objections-to-slurry-tanks/

 

 

 

===========================

 

Grazing sheep under solar panels

 

 

 

Irish farmers have the opportunity to lease their land to BayWa r.e. on a long-term basis, usually for 35 years or even longer. For them, that means they can rely on a hassle-free investment, whilst securing a usage fee over the entire lease period.

 

 

 

With BayWa r.e. they also have a reliable partner that takes care of all services and maintenance during the entire project lifecycle.

 

 

 

As the solar panel foundations only cover around 5% of the land, the land can be used for grazing. After the lease, BayWa r.e. will decommission the solar farm and return the land to the farmer in its original condition.

 

 

 

Usually, this means that the land will have better soil quality than before, as it has not been impacted by intensive farming practices or treated with pesticides or fertilisers for several decades.

 

 

 

https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/solar-panels-and-sheep-a-perfect-combination/

 

=============================

Back in 2016, geologists from the University of Toronto announced they had discovered water at the bottom of an old mine in Canada that was 2 billion years old. The claim was based on the presence of dissolved salts and noble gases, which suggests how long the water had been isolated.

 

 

 

However, the water itself must be at least 2 billion years old but this work did not reveal when it formed. So how old is this water or indeed, any of the stuff we drink?

 

 

 

Today we get an answer thanks to Cecilia Ceccarelli at the Université Grenoble Alpes in France and Fujun Du at the Purple Mountain Observatory in China, who have studied the way water forms and where most of it on Earth is likely to have come from.

 

 

 

Their conclusion is that most of the water we drink formed during the early formation of the Solar System some 4.5 billion years ago. In other words, it is older than Earth itself.

 

https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/how-old-is-the-water-we-drink?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=catholic_news_i_feel_i_have_arrived_home_former_anglican_bishop_discusses_his_journey_to_the_catholic_church&utm_term=2023-07-20

 

===========================

Mary Keogh Inspirational Volunteer. In 2023 reached 100 years

 

“It was a different time when I was growing up.”

 

To mark Daffodil Day (Support Daffodil Day 2020), this month’s Listowel Character is Mary Keogh. Mary has lived all of her 96 years in the town. She is a breast cancer survivor and has been a Daffodil Day volunteer for 30 years. It is hard to find someone as community oriented as Mary, her years of volunteering for numerous groups are an inspiration!

 

https://www.listowel.ie/person/mary-keogh/

 

==========================

 

NOISE; How loud is too loud?

 

Sound is often measured on a scale of decibels, or dB, in which near total silence is zero dB and a firecracker exploding within a meter of the listener is about 140 dB.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/09/health/noise-exposure-health-impacts.html

 

 

 

===================

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read the 2022 annual report (.pdf)

 

See below for previous years’ annual reports and supporting materials.

 

Did you know that for each dollar donated to World Vision, more than a dollar’s worth of help gets to kids and families?

 

We’re always working to keep our overhead low. In 2022, we used 89% of our total operating expenses for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need.

 

 

 

https://www.worldvision.org/about-us/financial-accountability-2

 

 

 

An estimated 108.4 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes, according to a 2022 analysis from the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR). This figure includes refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, and other individuals in need of international protection.

 

 

 

The war in Ukraine, which triggered Europe’s largest displacement crisis since World War II, has played a significant role in the rise. At the end of 2022, 52% of the world’s refugee population came from Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.

 

 

 

https://www.worldvision.org/news-stories

 

 

 

=====================

 

An estimated 108.4 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes, according to a 2022 analysis from the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR). This figure includes refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, and other individuals in need of international protection.

 

 

 

The war in Ukraine, which triggered Europe’s largest displacement crisis since World War II, has played a significant role in the rise. At the end of 2022, 52% of the world’s refugee population came from Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.

 

 

 

https://www.worldvision.org/news-stories

 

 

 

=================================

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

===================================

 

 

 

With a frontloaded caveat or two about suffering, sacrifice, deprivation, or thrift. Underneath which, pulled taut, are the steel cables of our will, our right, and our obligation to travel. And an obligation to use travel as a font and showcase for vitality. This is, at least, how I often have felt about travel: here is evidence for myself, maybe others, that I am fully alive, vigorous, curious.

 

 

 

If vacation travel is cultural currency, professional travel is career currency, career necessity in some cases. Globalization has made travel often mandatory for the management class: Americans alone make “over 405 million long-distance business trips per year” and US business trip expenditure is set to rise from 3.28 billion pre-pandemic to 500 billion in 2022.

 

https://lithub.com/snapshots-of-the-end-of-travel-on-trying-to-enter-a-personal-no-fly-zone/?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-en-GB

 

 

 

=========================

 

All Ireland Fleadh 6th to 14th August at Mullingar.

 

https://treoir.comhaltas.ie/read/2023/1/#page/n1/mode/2up

 

 

 

-----------------------------

 

Langan Family; https://windlefamilycolimerick.wordpress.com/?wref=bif

 

 

 

 

 

====================================

 

Alberta News

 

https://youtu.be/xtKt_QgV_vg

 

========================

 

 

 

 

 

Paddy Waldron

 

spnooSdertfu 1la0 cc29fPt8u0J3l3gt21 2186ifhty3mf9Muu:5u luu 

 

Those of you who will be in parts of the world with access to BBC One television on 13 July next and who are interested in County Clare genealogy might like to put this date in your diary:

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001nqhd

 

... Dev [Griffin] travels to Kilkee on the west coast of Ireland to learn about his Irish grandfather’s dad, his great-grandfather James Griffin, who was known by his Gaelic name, Séamus Mór Ó Gríobhtha. As he uncovers Séamus’s involvement in the Gaelic League, Dev learns about the battle to preserve Irish culture and language during this period. Dev is astonished by what he learns about Ireland’s history and reveals how proud he is of his Irish ancestors ...

 

 

 

============================

ATIE HAFNER: You've been listening to Lost Women of Science Shorts. Barbara Howard was the Senior Producer on this episode, Lucy Evans was Producer, and our Associate Producer was Dominique Janee. Our Sound Engineer was Hansdale Hsu. Thanks to my Co-Executive Producer Amy Scharf to Jeff DelViscio, and to Thom Burns and Lisa Bravada at the Harvard Astronomical Photographic Glass Plate Collection. Lost Women of Science is funded in part by Schmidt Futures and by The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/this-astronomer-discovered-what-the-stars-were-made-of-and-few-believed-her-discovery/?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-en-GB

=================================

 

By Carrig Side-13/06/2023

By Tom Aherne

 

FUNDRAISING WALK: David Egan a native of Carrigkerry now lives in Amsterdam and he  is currently nearing the end of his third fundraising walk which he calls 1K by Father’s Day. The idea is to walk from his present home to his native parish and Ardagh a distance of 1,104km from February 1 to Father’s Day on June 18 and he will contribute a Euro per km walked and hopefully other people will donate as well. In previous years David has raised money for the Mid West Simon Community in Limerick and the Blood Bike South in Cork. This year the money raised will go towards the St. Kieran’s GAA Club new pitch project: gofund.me/d0f4f06e David attended Carrigkerry national school, St Ita’s Newcastle West and UL.

 

He left Ireland in 1991 and attended graduate school in the US, for 12 years in New York and San Diego. David moved to Amsterdam in 2003 where he now runs a software company. His family members have been involved with the parish hurling and football club in the past.  Travelling around different locations as part of his work his recent update from San Diego has him close to his target  walk from Amsterdam to Ardagh. He has raised €1,803 to date and hopes to break the €2,000 barrier. David has 229km to go and is currently in Boston where he hopes to continue his walking. We wish David well in the final days of his walk and fundraising endeavours for his native club.

https://www.athea.ie/category/by-carrig-side/

------------------------------

he Way I See It

 

By Domhnall de Barra

 

First of all I want to apologize to all you crossword enthusiasts who missed out on the crossword for the past two weeks. I had the wrong grid inserted which meant that the clues could not possibly fit. Thanks to Mairéad Langan for pointing it out to me.  I have no excuse except that I may be “doting” in my old age. Anyway, back to normal this week –  enjoy.

 

Voice recognition technology is now part of many of the phones, tablets, PCs and televisions we use every day. It is no longer necessary to type in a request, we can talk to “Siri” or “Alexa” or whatever and our wish is their command.  It is very useful when composing a long text message or saving having to scroll through program listings to get the desired channel on TV. Young people have no problem but older folk, like myself, run into difficulties due to the way we talk. We grew up with a language that is very different to what is used today. It comes from the fact that for years we were speaking a mixture of Irish and English and based our pronunciations on the Irish “blas”. We also speak very quickly and don’t leave spaces between words which is fine when we are talking to each other but not good when we try to communicate with people from outside our own area or voice recognition. When I was going to school we were only a couple of generations away from an Irish speaking society so it is understandable that our grasp of  a language that was strange to us would take some time. The fact that we use broad vowels, like we have in Irish, means we pronounce things in a different way. We don’t  say mean, we say “mane”; cream is “crame ( as in “the cramery”). We also put in “h”  after “s” in many words so that we have the Easht, Wesht, besht., mosht etc.  We also tend to drop g at the end of words ending in ing.  Morning becomes “mornin”, evening “evenin”  etc.  We sometimes drop Y from the start of words like “you” which becomes “oo”. And we also have a problem with words that start with wh. We tend to replace it with an f sound. What becomes “fhat” and where becomes “fhere”. Add to that the fact that we run our words together and shorten some of them means we have phrases like this; “What do you mean” sounds like “fhat d’u mane” “am I not telling you” becomes “amen’t I tellinu”.   When you go up, go in and tell him to go out becomes “fhen you gup, goin an tell him gout”. There was a story about a tourist in Kerry who was watching fishing boats leaving a harbour in the morning. He asked a local man how long the Japanese had been fishing in the area. He explained that one captain was shouting to another in Japanese. “What did he say”, asked the local. He replied, “he shouted   hi ohara, ohara uhuru howeru”. The local got a fit of laughing because he knew that what the man was really saying was, “Hi O’Hara, O’Hara you whore you, how are you”.  In some areas they have also a problem with Vs and Ys. It is not uncommon to hear somebody order a “wodka and fiite” at a bar. There was a man in Kerry, long ago, who had been in the IRA during the War of Independence. He was running for local government and his chances of success were being discussed in the local pub. Some said it would be difficult for him but one pundit put forward the suggestion that “he will get elected on the wotes of the wolenteers”. Another problem is the use of I instead of  E.  Somebody approaching a group of men might say “hower d’min” (how are the men).  It looks bad when it is written like that but when it is said we don’t take any notice of it because it is just the way we used to communicate. There is actually nothing wrong with it as the main reason for language is to communicate and as long as we understand each other, that’s fine. The problem is that Siri or Alexa weren’t living around here and have no knowledge of our colourful way of talking to each other. I have tried, for the fun of it, just talking normally, in the local dialect into the phone. What I was saying and the text it produced were poles apart and quite unintelligible  so I had to go back to the drawing board, speak as properly and distinctly as I could and try again. It was better this time but it wasn’t 100% correct and I could never depend on it. We are not unique in this. People from all over the country have the same problem so we will all have to brush up on our pronunciation and diction if we want to get the best out of a technology that might be very useful to us.. In the meantime I will probably still salute with something like: “howeru gettinon”.

 

https://www.athea.ie/category/news/

===================================

======================

HEATWAVE:   

But this isn’t the first heatwave the country has experienced, and they are becoming more frequent, intense and lasting longer, according to Met Éireann, which said it is being driven by human-caused climate change.

A heatwave in Ireland is defined as five consecutive days with a maximum temperature in excess of 25 degrees.

[ Heatwave reaches Ireland as public warned about risk of heat stress ]

 

July 2021

Met Éireann issued its first ever Status Orange high temperature warning for six counties, with the mercury topping 30 degrees in some areas.

The warning was issued for Cavan, Monaghan, south Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, and Westmeath, while a status yellow heat warning was applied countrywide for the week.

 

2018

The summer of this year was one of the warmest and driest on record for Ireland and most of northwestern Europe, during which time heatwaves were recorded at 15 stations.

Oak Park weather station in Co Carlow notched up an 11-day heatwave in late June, the longest heatwave in the last 20 years. Absolute and partial drought conditions prevailed for much of June and July.

 

2006

The hottest spell in Ireland was in mid-July, with the highest temperature, 32.3 degrees, recorded at Elphin, Co Roscommon on July 19th of that year.

Kilkenny had 29 consecutive days in July when temperatures exceeded 20 degrees, nine of which were 25 degrees or higher.

 

2003

Ireland experienced sweltering heat in August, particularly between the 4th and 8th, when temperatures topped 25 degrees in many places during the day and remained above 15 degrees at night.

August 8th was the hottest day of the year when the Mayo weather stations of Belmullet and Claremorris recorded values of 27.7 degrees and 29.5 degrees respectively.

 

1995

The summer of 1995 is one of the warmest on record. Kilkenny had 27 days where temperatures exceed 25 degrees, and recorded the highest temperature of the summer at 30.8 degrees on August 2nd.

 

1983

Two heatwaves were experienced in Ireland this year. The first was between July 10th and July 16th, while the second occurred between August 15th and 26th.

The July heatwave saw water shortages emerge as the extreme heat caused drought conditions.

 

1976

By the time it ended, the three-month heatwave during the summer of this year had caused the worst drought in 150 years.

 

Boora, Co Offaly recorded a temperature of 32.5 degrees on June 29th, and was the fifth day in a row when the mercury had breached 32 degrees.

https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2022/08/08/heatwaves-in-ireland-when-did-they-happen-and-where/

=========================

Edible Flowers

https://www.thespruce.com/edible-flowers-1403398

=======================

"Courts deferring routinely to regulators' interpretation of the law encourages them to aggregate power to themselves while depriving harmed parties of effective judicial remedies," commented Iain Murray, a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. "Natural justice and due process require a judiciary that is more involved in determining what the law says. Chevron deference should be overturned as a matter of regulatory hygiene."

 

 

 

Adler thinks the Court will not overturn the Chevron doctrine but is likely to narrow it, making "clear that statutory silences and ambiguities should not be construed as grants of agency authority."

 

 

 

"This is of a piece with …the elevation of the Major Questions doctrine," he points out. "This is a way to curtail the ability of agencies to aggrandize their power, but without destabilizing judicial review of agency action."

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGsmNWwHMfrNVMNlXnVmnFvZvrM

=====================================

What's Behind the Decline in Teen Mental Health?

And could a lack of independence really be to blame?

https://www.parentdata.org/p/whats-behind-the-decline-in-teen?utm_medium=email

=================================

The First Famous Football Team Behind Bars

 

Sing Sing’s football team, The Black Sheep, ascended to fame even though its players were incarcerated. One player was so good, he signed with the Eagles.

https://daily.jstor.org/the-first-famous-football-team-behind-bars/?utm_term=Read%20More&utm_campaign=jstordaily_02092023&utm_content=email&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_medium=email

 

===================================

Reflections broadcast on Radio Kerry’s Just a Thought slot.

https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/our-diocese/communications/listen-now/

 

Reflection

 

 

Honor and Glory

How do we explain that the Son of God can be lower than the angels? Even in his humanity, he is crowned with honor and glory, subjecting all things to him. This makes the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection visible.

 

Unafraid of Death

The Son of God took on flesh and blood so that through death, he might destroy death. In this, he atones for our sins and frees us from our fear of death—because Christ has redeemed us. 

 -----------------------

Just a Thought

Don’t Worry

If only people who worry about their misfortunes, would think about the riches they have, they would stop worrying. Would you sell both of your eyes for a million euros. Or your hands? Or your hearing? Add up what you have, and you will not sell them for all the gold in the world. The best things in life are yours, if you can appreciate yourself. That’s the way to stop worrying and start living. (Dale Carnegie)

 

---------------------

 

 

Reflection

Baptism was not over and done with

the day we were taken to the font.

We are baptised by all that happens to us in life.

We are baptised by hardship : in its turbulent waters

we are purified of all that is false and useless.

We are baptised by suffering : in its murky waters

we grow in humility and compassion.

We are baptised by joy : in its gurgling waters

we experience the goodness of life.

We are baptised by love : in its singing waters

we blossom like flowers in the sun.

Baptism is like the planting of a seed.

It will take a lifetime for this seed to grow and ripen.

------------------------

 

 

===============================

The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197)

abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie

1st January, 2023. Solemnity of Mary.

Dear Parishioner,

Do you recall anything I said in my Christmas homily? Is

that a fair question to ask a week later! You might remember that I start-

ed by referring to the editorial in the Irish Times of the 24th December.

Among the bits of information that I gave you was that the Christmas song,

Santa Claus is coming to Town, composed and recorded in 1934, is accept-

ed as the most popular Christmas song. The editorial went to say that a

hymn composed 60 years later in 1994 by Bernadette Farrrell, an English

hymn-writer, ‘Christ be our Light’ is one of the hymns being sung by choirs

at parish Masses. The greater part of the editorial was given to reflecting

on some of the thoughts in that hymn.

On St. Stephen’s Day, I read the Irish Independent and the editorial that

day caught my eye, like the Irish Times did on Saturday. The editorial head-

ing was ‘This Special Day Gives Us All A Chance For Reflection’. The first

few sentences were about folklore associated St. Stephen, the first martyr,

followed by some comment on the Wrenboy tradition in Ireland. This day

is also dubbed ‘Lá an Dreoilín’, or Wren Day, and it is a time for partying,

with plenty of music, song and dance.’ A little bit more of the editorial told

about the different things people might do on St. Stephen’s Day before go-

ing on to say ‘Whether in active or passive mode, this time of year does

offer a golden opportunity for a little quiet reflection on the things that

matter. It is best to take that opportunity for quiet thinking. It is time to

look at the year which is fast dying. It’s also a time to consider looking at

the upcoming new year and what opportunities that will bring .

We get a chance to connect with family members and old friends and also

openings to make some new friendships. It is a time to think of those ex-

iled from our country, to think about those who are less fortunate than

ourselves, and perhaps stricken by illness or other forms of distress. Ex-

tending a helping hand in such cases can help the giver as much as the re-

ceiver. The prayer of St. Francis, “For it is in giving that we receive” is more

apt than ever at times such as these. We wish everyone joy, rest and

peace on this special day. Even though St. Stephens Day was a few days

ago, I think the advice given in what I have written above is valid at all

times.

------------------------------

Musical Interlude.....with Con O’Sullivan (1922-2003).

Towards the end of 1967, some months before our ordination to the

priesthood, Captain Con O’Sullivan, hit the scene! Yes, everything about

Con was dramatic. An army man, with a difference. He was coming to go

on the seminary staff, not as drill master, but as a tutor in speech training.

It didn’t take long for us to appreciate the gifts he had to bring. However,

it seemed for us in the final year, a bit late in the day. Our minds were set

on ordination and mission postings only a few months away. From then

on, he came from his home in Newbridge, near the Curragh of Kildare,

once a week, and, in later years, more often. In a matter of months , our

class of twenty three was ordained and dispersed to different African coun-

tries and to South America. Con himself continued however, as a visiting

staff member for many years, teaching generations of Kiltegan students.

Seventeen years later, after a bout of illness, I found myself on temporary

assignment back in Kiltegan. This time, I was a colleague of Con’s on the

teaching staff. He was by now, a Lt. Colonel and retired from the army.

With his wife, Marie, an accomplished musician, he had set up the Leinster

School of Communication, at their home where they offered courses in

drama, speech training and music. Between them, they directed many mu-

sicals and plays in Newbridge and many other venues. These included the

annual musicals of our own First Year students. In addition, Con prepared

his students for the examinations, set and conducted by the London Guild-

hall School of Music and Drama (LGSM). At one stage, one of our seasoned

missionaries, Fr. Oliver Leavy, in Grenada, West Indies, mentored a youth

group, called ‘Spice Island Youthquake’, which he took on a concert tour

of Ireland. Con and Marie were very taken by them, seeing a lot of poten-

tial, so much so, they suggested coming on a holiday to Grenada, and

spending time there, honing the group’s stagecraft, and upping the quality

of their performance. However, shortly before they were due to leave for

home, Marie took ill suddenly and, sadly, died in Grenada. Con, bereft at

this great loss, yet undaunted, returned alone to Grenada the following

year, honouring his beloved Marie’s memory by completing what both of

them had begun together.

Points to

In the course of his work in Kiltegan, Con made a huge impact on many

students, giving them confidence in themselves and helping many to dis-

cover talents and abilities they had difficulty in recognising and owning. In

some

instances, through his patient encouragement, and use of techniques, he

helped many of them overcome a stammer and become competent speak-

ers. In many cases, they achieved the highest grades in their exams. I

learned a lot from Con, during our short few years together in Kiltegan, as

we worked on two musicals together.

There are, as you would imagine, many stories of Con. The one I like best

recalling had its own measure of drama and comedy. Before I left to return

to Africa, he invited me out for dinner. Knowing how he liked to take a

drink, I insisted on driving and persuaded him to stay the night in Kiltegan.

After a very enjoyable outing, we arrived back in Kiltegan about 1.30 a.m.

We started to climb the steps to the main entrance, as quietly as possible.

It was a frosty night. Suddenly, I fell forward on the steps, grazing my

shins. ‘My God almighty,’ roared Con, “I’m the one who’s supposed to be

drunk. I hope none of your religious superiors are looking out the window

at this spectacle.” Whether this hastened my departure for Africa the fol-

lowing year, I will never really know at this stage, I suppose. Thanks, Con,

for all those memories.

(Nicholas Motherway, in Africa, January/February 2023. Fr. Motherway , a

member Saint Patricks Missionary Society, worked in Nigeria and Kenya and

is now living in his native city of Cork. He has contributed articles to Africa

magazine, under the heading ‘A Musical Interlude, since January 2022.)

Points to Ponder

If John in his Gospel speaks of Mary, the mother of Jesus’, St. Paul, in to-

day’s second reading says even less – ‘When the fullness of time had come,

God sent his Son, born of a woman .....’ Mary’s name is not even men-

tioned. It has been suggested that this is in the spirit of the New Testa-

ment, where there is no privilege of class or individuals. People are distin-

guished by one thing only – by their service to the community, in the name

of Jesus the Lord. This applies to Mary as much as to any of the apostles,

as to any other Christian disciple. Today’s feast, however, is called ‘Mary,

Mother of God’, and not just ‘Mother of Jesus’. For both Jews and Mus-

lims, who have the deepest respect for God and even for his name, the

idea that God could have a human being for his mother is blasphemous. It

is a contradiction in terms for the Creator of all things to be mothered by a

teacher. Mary gave birth to the human child that is Jesus, but that child is

the second Person of the Blessed Trinity. (Continued on back page)

(Continued from third page) Jesus is both human and divine: two natures,

as they say, but only one Person. Mary, as the Mother of Jesus, is also the

Mother of that Person and that Person is God, one with the Father and the

Holy Spirit. Clearly, we are not expected to be able to understand or ex-

plain this any further. The nature of God is quite beyond us. We need the

simple and trusting faith of the shepherds. (living space.sacredspace.ie)

Seeing Your Life Through The Lens of The Gospel

John Byrne OSA, Intercom, December 2022/January 2023

1. The story tells us that the shepherds helped Mary to realise the

significance of the child born to her. She treasured their words and

pondered their meaning. Who have been the people, who have

helped you to understand the meaning of significant events in your

life? Remember them gratefully.

2. We are told that ‘Mary pondered these things in her heart’. What

part has faithful reflection on life played for you? How has it been

helpful to you in deepening your appreciation for the gift of life?

3. When the shepherds realised that they had been witnesses to a

wonderful manifestation of God’s love for his people, they glorified

and praised God? Recall ways in which you have been made aware

of God’s love for you. How have you expressed your gratitude?

The Irish Wake: The death of a person is a community event. It affects us

all. The Irish tradition of the wake and big funeral were wise community

events, recognising the need for support in the work of grieving, the need

for all to wrestle with our understanding of death, suffering and grieving.

Indeed, we and many other ancient cultural traditions, have much wisdoim

that we need to hold on to in the twenty first century. (Jeremy Corley et al

(eds.) Maynooth College Reflects on Facing Life’s End in Furrow Magazine,

December 2022.

Three wise women would have ....................asked directions, arrived on

time, help deliver the baby , cleaned the stable, made a casserole,

brought practical gifts and there would be peace on Earth.

(Reality magazine, December 2022.

===========================================

From Fr Jim Lenihan

Dear Parishioners, firstly I’d like to thank you sincerely for the incredible

financial contributions you made to the Parish and to me personally over the year

and in particular the Christmas contributions. I’m very grateful. I’d also like to

thank everyone who worked so hard distributing the boxes of envelopes over the

past week. At present the Parish Pastoral Council have taken up the responsibility

of distribution be it for the bazaar or parish envelopes deliveries and for that I

thank them sincerely.

My hope for the future however is to have a team of contact people from each

area which would share the work of the distribution. These contact people would

also be people who I could turn to for guidance and advice around the happenings

of each station area. At this time also I’m looking for volunteers to be part of the

funeral team. Funeral teams will be an essential group in our parish going forward.

As the number of priests become less and less, support from the local community

in funeral preparation will be vital. The funeral team will support and assist the

priest to ensure that funeral liturgies will continue to be celebrated with dignity

and where the memory of our loved ones will be honoured in best manner possible.

So if you’d like to be a contact person for your area or a member of the Parish

Funeral team please let me know. Or if you’d know someone with the personality

suitable for either role please let me know your recommendations. May the Lord

Jesus continue blessing this tight knit community of ours and let each of us play

our own part in building up the community.

REFLECTION

The baptism of Jesus is considered a revelation of God. This is another

“epiphany.” On this, the last day of the Christmas season, our Gospel reveals to us

Jesus' relationship to God: Jesus is the son of Mary and Joseph. Jesus is

proclaimed as God's own Son with whom God is well pleased. As beloved of God, in

our Baptism, we claim our identity as members of the family of God. On the feast

of the Baptism of the Lord, the scriptures read during liturgy the move from the

Birth of Jesus to Jesus’ public Mission. Love is the soul of

Jesus’ mission. Without love, there can be no meaning or

purpose in life. Without love, there can be no mission. Jesus

came to save us by showing God's love for us. God’s love is

shown in our love for one another. Jesus comes into the world

to save us from ourselves. He came to show us what it means

to be human. At His Baptism, Jesus was revealed to the world

as the Beloved Son of God. In this, we are also reminded that

at our baptism, together with Christ, we are confirmed as

God’s beloved. What can we do during this week to remind

ourselves that we are God’s beloved?

 

--------------------------------------------------------

May our Mission be;

A time of grace for all,

A time of growth for the young,

A time of refreshment for the old,

A time of renewal for families,

A time of healing for the broken,

A time of joy for the sorrowing,

A time of forgiveness for the sinner,

A time of strength for the weak,

A time of welcome for everyone

 

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==========================

 

Every week, The Van Maren Show will try to get a handle on what is really going on in our culture today. It can be difficult to find news sources and storytellers that accurately reflect a Christian, socially conservative, pro-life, pro-family worldview. Join me on Wednesdays as we head to the front lines of the culture war. Hosted on Acast.

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YzE3YmU1MmRkOGVkYmU1N2EzMmNiMDg

=======================

------------------------------

QUEEN: The queen was also an internationally renowned figure. It is easy to forget that she visited some 117 countries as monarch, meeting countless leaders, statesmen and diplomats. She acted as head of state to 15 British prime ministers and met no fewer than 13 American presidents. Indeed, her reign lasted more than one quarter of the entire history of the United States. She was the first British monarch to travel to a communist country when she toured Yugoslavia in 1972. She was a symbol of the reconciliation with Japan, receiving the emperor in the United Kingdom, while her visits to China and Russia in the 1980s and 1990s were equally significant.

https://www.jta.org/2022/09/09/opinion/what-queen-elizabeth-meant-to-a-british-jew-like-me?utm_source=JTA_Maropost&utm_campaign=JTA_DB&utm_medium=email&mpweb=1161-48234-35794

 

========================

 

 

By Jonah McKeown

 

St. Louis, Mo., Sep 10, 2022 / 09:00 am

 

Dolores Mission grade school in Los Angeles didn’t always have the reputation it has today. A few decades ago, the area surrounding the church and school had one of the highest concentrations of gang activity in an already dangerous metropolis.

 

“We didn’t always have the reputation of being a stellar school. In fact, we had a lot of issues. The gangs very much control our surroundings,” Karina Moreno-Corgan, the school’s president of nine years, told CNA.

 

But in recent years, thanks in part to a Catholic organization that supports Latino leadership, the school — which draws the majority of its students from the surrounding low-income area east of downtown — is sending many of its graduates on to college rather than into the arms of the local gangs.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/252253/los-angeles-catholic-school-thrives-area-marked-gang-violence?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=225637499&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--ooermaPO9UDSS6dKnen2OT1PydV95jy5hhyOmOeniA7Js3e4w0VpdsQXoUwxcRuVNxsNab-TyaL1Yc-V4S1yCfAFcrQ&utm_content=225637499&utm_source=hs_email

============================

1843-1970 West Cork Agricultural Societies and Shows

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yoNjmDNQKT_pk3nvlCsT72YWYoDENcs--uaJxh2ber8/edit

 

-------------------------------

July 2022, Abbeydorney Parish

Good news for Irish Autism Association and Sightsavers. I am happy to let

parishioners know that, during the coming week, I will send the amount of

€1,300 to each of the organisations mentioned above. That is happening

because of the generosity of many people who responded to my invitation

in this newsletter, on the occasion of the celebration of my Golden Jubilee,

to help both organisations in the good work they do. I wish to thank those

who gave a personal donation to me, in addition to giving to the two

charities. (Fr. Denis O’Mahony)

==========================

 

=========================

 

Despite its English name, the peanut, or Arachis hypogaea, is not a nut in the botanical sense. Rather, it is a leguminous plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. The plant’s specific epithet hypogaea (“under the earth”) references how it adapted to produce bright yellow flowers above ground and fruit below ground. This form of reproduction, known as geocarpy, evolved to protect plant offspring from harsh conditions.

 

 

 

The peanut, a natural hybrid of two wild species, originated in Bolivia. Andean civilizations domesticated the plant through natural selection over millennia, spreading its cultivation to other regions of central South America.

 

 

 

https://daily.jstor.org/plant-of-the-month-peanut/?utm_term=Plant%20of%20the%20Month%3A%20Peanut&utm_campaign=jstordaily_05192022&utm_content=email&utm_source=Act-On+Software&utm_medium=email

 

 

 

========================

 

Elderberries and elderflowers have long been used by Indigenous healers for treating fevers and swelling and to induce sweating. The berries, which feature prominently in some Indigenous folklore, are also often dried and stored for the winter for later consumption.

 

 

 

The recent entrance of elderberry into mainstream popularity and market success is marked not only by an increasing popular desire to engage with traditional, “natural” remedies but also the impact of scientific “confirmation” of elderberry’s advantageous bioactive components and potential for drug development.

 

https://daily.jstor.org/plant-of-the-month-elderberry/

 

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Tribute from Asdee Notes in Kerryman May 2022

 

ASDEE

 

 

 

Death of Margie Rice (Walsh)

 

 

 

Another member of the old stock of the local community passed on to her eternal reward during the week with the unexpected death of Margaret Margie Rice, (nee Walsh) of Blanemore, Ballylongford and Dromtrasna Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick.

 

 

 

A member of a very well - known and highly respected family she had been in good health and passed away after a brief illness.

 

 

 

Known to everyone is Margie she was a very popular member of the local farming community and was a lady of kind and genial nature who was held in the highest regard by everyone who know her.

 

 

 

A native of Abbeyfeale she moved to Blanemore when she married her husband John and they ran the small family farm.

 

 

 

While she entered into a new environment when she moved to Ballylongford it was an easy transition as because of her gregarious nature she made new friends quickly and she knitted in snugly into this small rural community.

 

 

 

She loved all the old traditions in life and was very straight and upfront with people in her everyday life.

 

 

 

She was a great conversationalist and she loved to call to her neighbours on a regular basis for a chat and catch up on the local news.

 

 

 

A diligent worker on the family farm she was a jack of all trades regarding farming chores and was up bright and early every morning and turned in a greats day’s work seven days a week.

 

 

 

While she stepped back from the laborious side of farming in more recent year’s she could offer plenty of advice and support to her daughter Kathleen.

 

 

 

She reared a lot of chickens and hens and provided free range eggs for her neighbours and friends.

 

 

 

She had a great love for the land and the freedom of rural life and rural family suited her to perferction.

 

 

 

She had a big cross to bear in life when her husband John passed away suddenly at the age of 50 and she was left to look after her two daughters Kathleen and Patricia.

 

 

 

With the help of her family, friends and neighbours she got on with life as best she could and continued to run the family farm.

 

 

 

Widely admired for her caring qualities she looked after her father in law Mick Rice who lived into his 90’s

 

 

 

She was a great cook and anyone who called to the house was given the very best of hospitality and were given lashings of home cooked food.

 

 

 

She had a great zest for life and she was a prolific storyteller who had great tales to tell about her younger years.

 

 

 

She never had much interest on television and she would rather meet local people for a chat.

 

 

 

The Pandemic affected her hugely as she was unable to make her house visits due to the lockdown..

 

 

 

While she was very happy where she was living she made regular trips to her native parish back in Abbeyfeale to catch up with family members neighbours and friends.

 

 

 

Although she was advancing in years she still had a great interest in the farm and she shared her vast knowledge of farming methods with her daughter Kathleen who took over from her to keep the family tradition alive.

 

 

 

She really loved her 3 grand - children Sophie, Cillian and John and she passed on all of the tricks of her trade to them regarding how to rear chickens and hens and they have their own little oasis of a garden where the fowl roam around freely every day.

 

 

 

Her untimely passing came as a great shock to her family, friends and neighbours and her passing with create a void in the district that will be difficult to overcome.

 

 

 

However Margie has left a legacy of fond and cherished memories behind which will be around for many generations to come.

 

 

 

She lived a long and fulfilled lifetime and made a huge contribution to the community she lived in.

 

 

 

No one had a bad word to say about Margie because she was a great neighbour to everyone around Blanemore and surrounding area and if she needed any kind assistance she had people would only be to glad to help her out in any way they could.

 

 

 

She lived her life in a God fearing fashion who respected everyone she knew, practiced her faith religiously was kind and generous to everyone she met in her daily life and had a kind word with everyone she met along the path of life.

 

 

 

A woman with a big heart she was fair and honest with her dealings with people and showed warmth and kindness to those who were fortunate to have known her.

 

 

 

She lived by the old traditions in life who was and practiced them through her long life time.

 

 

 

The esteem in which Margie and he family are held locally was reflected in the very large and widely representative congregations that turned out on Thursday evening to sympathise with the family at Lynch’s Funeral home in Ballylongford.

 

 

 

A big crowd turned out on Friday morning at her family home from where her remains were taken to St. Theresa’s Church Ballydonoghue.

 

 

 

Neighbours and friends of the family formed a guard of honour as the cortege left the family home and people stood out in front of their houses in respect along the journey for her Requiem Mass.

 

 

 

The celebrant at her Requiem Mass was Fr Martin Hegarty and in his homily he described Margie as a wonderful woman who made an enormous contribution to the local community.

 

 

 

He said he looked forward to celebration stations at her house where he said she had a big welcome for everyone who attended.

 

 

 

He said she had a strong faith and had a great devotion to Our Lady visiting Fatima, Lourdes and Knock many times during her long lifetime.

 

 

 

Her rosary beads meant a lot to her and she recited the rosary at here every night.

 

 

 

He said she lived a life who was friendly with everyone and had kind words to say about everyone she met.

 

 

 

He said she done an excellent job running the farm when her husband John at a young age and neighbours were only glad to be able to lend her a hand whenever she needed it.

 

 

 

She is survived by her daughters Patricia and Kathleen and Patricia her sister Helen and Extended family

 

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerryman/north-west-kerry-news/local-notes/around-the-districts-abbeydorney-to-asdee-41658610.html

 

 

 

================================

 

Spirit

 

 

 

Priestly Intercession

 

 

 

On Good Friday, Jesus, the true High Priest, offers himself to the Father on the Cross for the salvation of sinners. Today, the Church’s liturgy uniquely emphasizes intercessory prayer, interceding as Christ did. Following Christ’s and the Church's example, spend time praying for others and their needs.

 

 

 

From Silence to Celebration

 

 

 

Today, there is silence in heaven, for the Son of God has been put to death. Reflecting the silence of the tomb, the Church’s only liturgy today is the Easter Vigil. In this vigil Mass, the silence is broken as the Church celebrates Christ’s glorious Resurrection!

 

 

 

He Is Risen Indeed

 

 

 

Christ is risen! Jesus, once entombed, has risen from the dead, conquering sin and death. With his Resurrection, the New Creation has been ushered in. Rejoice today, celebrating Jesus’ victory over death and the new life he is offering you.

 

 

 

===============================

 

The report was written by Emer Smyth and Helen Russell, both adjunct professors at Trinity College, and draws on the substantial data base compiled under the Growing Up in Ireland survey. The report is based on research among fathers of children of the 2008 cohort who were aged 9 in 2017.

 

Both the authors and Minister O’Gorman have emphasised the need for greater state and employer support for parents, and, in particular, for fathers, to enable them to take more time off work to be with their young children. O’Gorman referred, in this context, to the government’s decision to extend paid parental leave from 2 to 7 weeks from 2022.

 

Of the original 8,032 families initially interviewed, the focus group was narrowed down to families where both parents were part of the household. However, of that cohort just 5,997 had both a father and a mother who were part of the household at all stages of the interview process. Which means that just over 25% of the households surveyed were headed by just one parent for all or a part of the process (p11.)

 

That closely matches the findings of the 2016 Census which enumerated 218,817 one parent families – 24.4% of all family units. Over 86% of these were headed by a mother. And yet the report devotes almost none of its more than 100 pages to discussing this issue – despite it being one of the key areas of family studies in most western societies.

 

In particular, the absence of a father has been identified as a key factor in the likelihood that the children of a single parent household, particularly boys, will engage in harmful or even criminal behaviour. A comprehensive 2020 review of the literature on this area was conducted by a team of leading Dutch academics.

 

https://gript.ie/esri-report-on-families-ignores-elephant-in-the-corner/

 

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===============================

 

he Way I See It

 

 

 

By Domhnall de Barra

 

 

 

There’s an old joke that goes like this: “how do you know politicians are telling lies?   their lips are moving?”.  The sad part of that is the fact that it is not a joke at all but the truth. Politicians may start out with the best of intentions but they are soon dragged into the party system where survival is the name of the game and they have to toe the line. A politician’s loyalties are firstly, to themselves getting re-elected, secondly, to the party and lastly, to the country.  This makes them do and say things that are not strictly honest and they have no problem in telling us what they want us to hear, even if it has no relationship to the truth. Governments have been lying to their citizens from the dawn of civilization and sometimes they will tell you it is necessary for the greater good. Whatever about yesterday’s politicians, some of the present day ones have brought the profession to a new low. The mould was broken when Trump ran for office in America. The truth to him is whatever he deems it to be and anything contrary is fobbed off as “fake news”. He told potential voters what they wanted to hear and gave credence to white racists and other malcontents who ended up attacking the seat of government. He fabricated theories about election fraud despite court after court throwing out cases because there wasn’t one bit of evidence of vote rigging. Still, a great many people actually believe that the election was “stolen” and consider him to be the legitimate president. The whole purpose of American politics is for republicans to defeat democrats and vice versa. Many good laws, that would improve the lives of ordinary citizens, are not passed because one side or the other has a majority in one of the houses of legislation and would rather kill the bill than give a “victory” to the other side. The government also makes decisions on foreign policy that are not communicated to the general public, in fact they may be told something quite different.

 

 

 

The art of lying has always been used but has been brought to a new level by Boris Johnson. This was obvious during the lead-up to the Brexit referendum when, ably assisted by Dominic Cummings, when he told blatant lies about the amount of money it was costing to stay in Europe and how much it would mean to the NHS. They even put it on the side of a bus. The public swallowed it and the rest is history. He got away with it and has continued in his deceitful way ever since. At last he has told one too many and is hanging on to power by his fingertips. The dogs in the street know he was at a party at 10 Downing Street in contravention of the  Covid restrictions that he was forcing on the general public. Despite this, he continued to deny that there was a party, and when that was found out he said he did stumble into it but did not know it was a party. Now, this is his home and, if there is a party in your home, surely you have to know about it. His race is almost run and, if the Tory party has any bit of decency left, he will be thrown out sooner rather than later and good riddance.

 

 

 

We have not covered ourselves in glory on this side of the water either. Simon Coveney, in a jobs for the boys scenario (or should that be jobs for the girls?), appointed Catherine Zappone to a cushy position in Europe when she failed to hold her seat. When challenged about it he should have apologised immediately and admitted that he should have gone through the proper procedure but, instead he tried to justify it. Then there was a party in his department offices that he did not attend but, once again, it left a sour taste with those who had obeyed the rules. Had he come out and condemned it at once it might not have appeared so bad but he didn’t. Now, I like Simon Coveney and I think he is by far the best politician we have but he did himself no favours by taking us all for mugs.  People resigned and were forced out of their jobs for attending a golf dinner in Galway which, to my mind, didn’t break any of the rules because the dinner party was divided into two groups in different rooms where they were within the limits. There was a baying for blood after this so I presume the same fate will await the civil servants who attended the retirement party. Hang on though, Leo Varadkar said on radio the other day that the government had no power to put sanctions on civil servants so it will probably all finish up in a bottle of smoke. Since he made that statement, a law expert has contradicted him. While the minister has no power over the civil service, the government as a whole has but I doubt if that power will be exercised. The whole thing gives the impression that there is one law for us, the little people, and another for those who govern us. If you don’t believe me, ask a politician!

 

 

 

And what about the government’s latest plan to pay €100 off the electricity bill for every householder in the country?  Now, I don’t mind helping those who find themselves in financial difficulties at this time but to give it to everyone is just a waste of money we don’t have. I don’t need it, thank God, and there are many more like me out there not to mention the thousands of well paid civil servants, captains of industry, wealthy business people, millionaires and billionaires. I think this has more to do with government popularity and the threat of Sinn Féin than  a genuine attempt to help people. There is also the proposal to give €1,000 as a bonus to workers who were on the front line during the  height of the pandemic. A nice idea in theory but who qualifies? Already we have many groups putting up there hand  saying they were in danger and also deserve a bonus. Not enough thought went into this. Of course those who worked in wards full of Covid patients should be rewarded but wouldn’t it be much better if their pay and conditions were permanently improved. We already see an exodus of medical staff from this country because they are much better off working abroad. We need more professionals in the HSE and more capacity  in our hospitals. Only when that is achieved will we have a service that will be attractive to work in but one where there will be no more patients on trolleys in corridors waiting for admission to a ward. The pandemic may be coming to an end but the waiting lists are not.

 

 

 

What has happened to the news on RTE?  For almost a week before the announcement, the heading of every bulletin was about the possible easing of Covid restrictions and each option discussed in detail. Numerous pub, restaurant and night club owners were interviewed, day after day, letting us know what they wanted and expected to happen. By the time Micheál Martin made his announcement on Friday everybody knew exactly what he was going to say so where did RTE get its information? Was there a leak in NEPHET or was it a government ploy to tip off businesses so that they would be ready to open. I leave it to your own imagination. There was also the OTT reporting of the sad murder of Aisling Murphy. For the guts of a week, the RTE news crew broadcast from Tullamore again interviewing everyone and anyone who would answer a question. Their attention bordered on the ghoulish and intruded on the privacy of the family who were grieving. It continued with coverage of the funeral Mass and burial. To my mind funeral processions should never be filmed as they capture the immediate family when their emotions are at their most extreme  and not for public scrutiny. The cameras have now gone and the country’s attention has turned to other matters but Aisling’s family have to live with the horror of her brutal murder, something that will have changed their lives forever. May God give them the strength they need to get through this horrible time.

 

 

 

It was nice to be able to sit down with a group of musicians for a session at the Top of the Town last Saturday night. There was a kind of a carnival atmosphere about the place as people tasted freedom from restrictions for the first time in ages. It just goes to show how important it is for us to socialise. Our mental health will be all the better for it and we hope that it will continue. We dare to look forward to better days ahead and a return to normality. It has been a long, hard slog and many of us have suffered throughout the long periods of confinement. Some people will have lost loved ones during this time and it was especially heartbreaking not to be able to visit hospitals or attend funerals. With any luck that is all behind us but I urge you all to continue to take precautions such as wearing masks in indoor settings and avoiding close contact where possible. Anyway, I am looking forward to a few more sessions of music and, who knows, we may have the Fleadh here in June. Wouldn’t that be a nice boost for the area.

 

https://www.athea.ie/category/news/

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Aherne notes Jan 2022

 

Damien O’Reilly, presenter of Countrywide on RTE Radio 1 on Saturday morning last, interviewed Ardagh native Jim Woulfe who recently retired as CEO of Dairygold. It was a very interesting piece of radio between the two who covered many past and present farming topics. Jim was recently honoured with the Cork Chamber ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business Award’ which recognises a lifelong career in the agri-food industry. Jim was also appointed onto the Board of Enterprise Ireland. Jim is involved in a lot of activities and projects and does some hobby farming at present. In retirement he will still be busy, but he  is looking forward to spending more family time with wife Ann and family and  pursuing his sporting interests.

 

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The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich

 

By William L. Shirer

 

“One of the most important works of history of our time” (The New York Times): This National Book Award winner offers a chilling account of the rise of Nazi Germany. “Monumental” (Pulitzer Prize–winning author Theodore H. White).

 

 

 

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The Extraordinary Life and Momentous Times of J. M. W. Turner

 

By Franny Moyle

 

Though J. M. W. Turner ranks among Britain’s most celebrated painters, the details of his tumultuous private life are less well-known. This “monumental” work (Booklist starred review) reveals the man behind the remarkable artistic achievements. “A thorough, balanced, and wonderfully fluent account” (The Times).

 

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Disease and History

 

By Frederick F. Cartwright and Michael Biddiss

 

How did the bubonic plague influence medieval civilization? How did syphilis affect the reign of King Henry VIII? And did hemophilia play a role in bringing down Russia’s tsars? This comprehensive look at the ways diseases have shaped history is “fascinating and highly recommended” (Library Journal).

 

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Poetry

 

Ireland Associates Reflection – The Sacrament of Letting Go

 

by Máire Nic Gráinne, Secretary Carrickmacross Associates

 

 

 

 

 

“The Sacrament of Letting Go” by Macrina Wiederkehr

 

 

 

 Slowly she celebrated the sacrament of

 

 

 

Letting Go.

 

 

 

First she surrendered her Green

 

 

 

Then the Orange, Yellow and Red

 

 

 

Finally she let go of her Brown.

 

 

 

Shedding her last leaf

 

 

 

She stood empty and silent, stripped bare

 

 

 

Leaning against the sky she began her vigil of trust.

 

 

 

Shedding her last leaf

 

 

 

She watched its journey to the ground.

 

 

 

She stood in silence,

 

 

 

Wearing the colour of emptiness

 

 

 

Her branches wondering:

 

 

 

How do you give shade, with so much gone?

 

 

 

And then, the sacrament of waiting began

 

 

 

The sunrise and sunset watched with

 

 

 

Tenderness, clothing her with silhouttes

 

 

 

They kept her hope alive.

 

 

 

They helped her understand that

 

 

 

Her vulnerability

 

 

 

Her dependence and need

 

 

 

Her emptiness

 

 

 

Her readiness to receive

 

 

 

Were giving her a new kind of beauty.

 

 

 

Every morning and every evening she stood in silence and celebrated

 

 

 

The sacrament of waiting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above poem really resonates with us here in the Carrickmacross Branch of the Associates, as we enter the season of Advent. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began to wreak havoc, we are acutely aware of all that has been lost. However, when we compare our losses to those who have watched loved ones die, in isolation, become impoverished, or have had their lives turned upside down, we have little to complain about. What do we miss here? We feel more fragile and, stripped of all certainties, we are more aware of how vulnerable we are. We have learned too, much about our dependence and need, and feel thankful for the guidance from the experts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are also in the middle of a climate crisis, with dire predictions of deluges and terrible fires. The English mystic, Julian of Norwich, lived during the plague known as the Black Death. The city suffered the devastating effects of the plague and Julian, from the seclusion of her cell, retained hope and optimism. She could still say, “All shall be well and all manner of things shall be well.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fear can paralyze us, and we must still ourselves and be in the present moment. St John of the Cross likened human suffering to the clouds crossing the moon. He noted that we tend to follow the clouds instead of keeping our eyes firmly fixed on the moon. Therefore, the desert periods of life can easily obscure our vision of God, given to us that we would live joyfully. Like the tree, we must wait in hopeful expectation that greener days are ahead.

 

 

 

https://sistersofstlouis.newsweaver.com/Newsletter/1k6yikajis3dxav81nwt7w?email=true&lang=en&a=1&p=60998230&t=19890245

 

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New coal plant generating electricity in Japan

 

This plant alone will emit more than seven million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

 

Japanese government decided to build 22 new coal-fired power stations, to run on cheap coal imported from Australia.

 

 

 

So why the coal? The answer is the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

 

 

 

In 2010 about one third of Japan's electricity came from nuclear power, and there were plans to build a lot more. But then the 2011 disaster hit, and all Japan's nuclear power plants were shut down. Ten years later most remain closed - and there is a lot of resistance to restarting them.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59525480

 

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Triclosan is used in thousands of different consumer products. Although the FDA banned triclosan in hand soaps and body washes in 2016, citing safety concerns and skepticism that triclosan worked any better than regular soap and water, it’s still very widely used in other products. Naturally, it finds its way into the human body—especially through everyday toothpaste use—with the research team pointing out that a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found traces of TCA in 75 percent of urine samples in American individuals. It’s among the top 10 biggest pollutants of U.S rivers.

 

 

 

https://www.popsci.com/triclosan-gut-inflammation/

 

 

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According to the United Nations, 78% of Lebanese now live below the poverty line, as compared to less than 30% before the onset of the crisis in late 2019, widely blamed on decades of corruption among Lebanon’s ruling class.

 

 

 

Since that time, the Lebanese pound has lost some 90% of its value against the dollar, leaving many people unable to afford basic necessities. Between October 2019 and September 2021, food prices increased by 1,870%, according to figures from Lebanon’s Central Administration of Statistics.

 

 

 

https://www.ncregister.com/features/relics-of-blessed-carlo-acutis-are-reminder-of-a-light-that-shines-the-way-in-the-darkness-in-lebanon?utm_campaign=NCR%202019&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=189383510&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8DI6CBzGX64H30IPXS253eZXcvw1SygGoRYV0_NxEptqfmfgxOaCxYJfBgGQnp5-y6DPB8VynV-BUrLZX5uTId70DY7Q&utm_content=189383510&utm_source=hs_email

 

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