NEWSBOARD FOR THE PARISH OF FAUGHART
Our Priests: Fr. Vinod Kurian & Fr. Bernard Hughes
Email:info@faughartparish.ie
Tel: 9334410 & 9333235
WEEKLY ENVELOPES – Your contributions towards the upkeep of our Parish last week was: Castletown €136. Brid-a-Chrinn €197. Kilcurry €295 Faughart €125
Non envelope Collection €428. 00.
THANK YOU: As you know the new envelopes for your weekly contribution to your Parish are at present being distributed. We take the opportunity to say a “sincere Thank you” to all the volunteers who organised and distributed the envelopes. Many Thanks.
World Meeting of Families: Many thanks for your generosity in last weeks collection of €1060 which has been forwarded to the Dioceses.
CONFIRMATION: In our Parish on 10th March.
WELCOME TO OUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY: Caoilbh-Fiona Bird, Patrick Nathanial Martin, Damien Liam Mark Daly, Mark Gabriel Sean Daly, David Emmanuel Olofinyo, Mary-Ann Glory Olofinyo, Dorcos Olofinyo, Daniel Olojo, A.J. Clarke-Bothwell, Elise Clarke-Bothwell, who were Baptised in our Parish this past week.
Mass for Lent: Every Monday in Kilcurry Church at 9.00am. Please do your best to come to Mass for Lent.
Stations of the Cross: every Sunday of Lent at Faughart Shrine at 5pm.
Lenten Prayer Group: Create a space in your busy life by joining the LENTEN PRAYER GROUP to prepare for Easter. The Sunday readings will be discussed and reflected on. All welcome. Each Thursday at 7.00pm in St. Joseph’s Church Fatima.
TROCAIRE BOXES – are available in all Churches. Please take one home and give as generously as you can.
- VINCENT DE PAUL: Collection this weekend. Your continued support enables to help people in our own community. Contact St. Vincent de Paul on 087 252 0382.
- BRIDGET’S PRAYER MEETING: On Tuesday next at 7.00pm in the Parochial House. All welcome.
RALLY TO SAVE THE 8th – a massive pro-life rally will be held in Dublin on Saturday 10th March 2018. Join the thousands from across Ireland in support of the 8th Amendment of the Irish Constitution that protects unborn babies. Coaches will be travelling to the Rally from towns across Northern Ireland. For further details please contact Rally for Life Committee on 048 9027 8484 or click on www.rallyfor life.net
ROCHE EMMETS GFC – CUPAN TAE: will be on Tuesday 13th March 10.30am to 12Noon. All welcome to come along and join the craic……. QUIZ NIGHT is to be held on the 16th March in the clubrooms. Come along and test your wits against the rest. Last year was a great nights fun.
MASSES DURING THE WEEK BEGINNING 4TH MARCH
Kilcurry
Sunday 11.00am: Owen Joe Woods (M.M.) Moira Murphy (M.M.) Peter McKeown Kathleen Lynch (2nd Anniv) Josephine Murphy.
Monday 9.00am.
Thursday No Mass.
Saturday 10.30am Margaret Alderson.
Next Sunday 11.00am: Lord Ballyedmond. Owen & Patrick Muckian. George, Elizabeth and William Hamill.
Brid-a-Crinn
Sunday 10.00am: Peter Donnelly. Bridget Regan.
Friday 7.30pm: Betty Sands. D.F.M. of the Casey Family, Slieve. Madge Thornton (M.M)
Next Sunday: 11.00am: Paddy, Mary & Catherine McGowen & D.F.M.
Castletown
Saturday 6.00pm: Kitty & Paddy Gonnelly, sons Tom, Martin, Pat, Daughter Margaret, Son in law Tom Murphy, daughter in law Ailish.
Sunday 12.00Noon: Andy Smith (1st Anniv) Diarmuid Moynihan.
Monday 7.00pm: Daniel Martin. Kathleen Rooney (5th Anniv).
Tuesday 10.00am.
Wednesday 10.00am.
Thursday 10.00am: Alan McShane.
Friday 10.00am:
Next Saturday 6.00. Gerry Lambe (B.R.) Frank and Maura Martin. Patrick Maire & Brian (Bernard) Rafferty. Kathleen Kelly (2nd Anniv). Patsy Rogers (B.R.).
Next Sunday 12.00Noon James Baxter (M.M.): Paddy McNally. Gerry Cunningham, Tom & Joan Kinch, Marian Sheridan. Maureen Rajasingam. Arthur McArdle (2nd Anniv) Ellen & Michael Laverty.
Faughart
Saturday 7.30pm: Frank Mullen.
Next Saturday 7.30pm: D.F.M of the McCabe and Marmion families. John, Emily, Tom & Gerry Savage.
* * * * *
Faughart Social Group: Meet Monday at 7.30pm with Una Walsh, Story Teller with the “Tour of Armagh”. All welcome.
Parish of Clonea /Rathgormack
Your Priest: Fr. Bernard Hughes I.C : 051 646006
Masses during week at usual times.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesday in Rathgormack Church 10.00am until 3.00pm.
Financial Account for year ending 31st December 2013.
Income:
Sunday and Holyday Offertory Collection: €30,483. 00.
Shrines: €3,425. 00.
Total Income: for the year 2013: €33,908. 00.
Expenditure:
Church Requisites: €2153
Church Light and Heat €6982
Wages and allowances €6209
To Diocese 12.5% levy €3821
Office €1472
Repairs & Maintenance €2236
Property Insurance €7135
Donations €1580
Bank Charges €693
Other €1388
Total Expenditure €33,669. 00
We had a surplus of €239. 00
Renovation Fund income ending 31st Dec. 2013
Year ending 2012: €14,105. 00
Year 2013: Envelopes: €22,800. 00
Expenditure: €9,023
Balance €27,882. 00.
Dear Parishioners,
One thing a Priest and Finance Committee detests doing is talking about “money matters”, but I’m afraid it has to be done at some stage. This is your Parish, these are your churches, and you need to know the situation.
As our total expenditure comes completely from the Offertory Collection each Saturday/ Sunday, with a surplus of €239. 00 at the end of 2013, you can see that if we don’t have an increase in the collection, the Parish will fall into Debt – this we don’t want to happen.
The Renovation Fund appears to be healthy, for this we Thank You, but with ongoing maintenance – for example – The Bell Tower in Rathgormack Church is in drastic need of repair, with Birds nesting in tower, about 4ft of twigs, birds muck etc, has built up over the years, this has caused water to enter the tower walls – an estimate for the repair of this has been quoted as €4500. We are in the process of enquiring about doing renovations to the Altar Area in Rathgormack Church, the approx estimate of cost will be in the region of €12,000. 00. It is also hoped that the Church in Rathgormack will get a fresh coat of paint in the future. Also, the sound system in Clonea Church needs to be looked at. With this in mind our Renovation Fund will not cover the costs.
If our two Churches are not maintained on a regular bases, gradually they will fall into an un-repairable state.
We thank you for all your generosity in the past, but we also ask that if possible, an increase in the Offertory Collection would be very much appreciated and also the Renovation Fund. Thank You.
Fr. Bernard & Finance Committee.
__________________________________________________________________________
Offertory Collection last Weekend : €620. 00.
Clonea / Rathgormack Parish.
Surname…………………………………………………..
Christian Names………………………………………….
Date of Birth………………………………………………
Date of Baptism…………………………………………..
Parent…………………………………………………….
Parent……………………………………………………
Godparent………………………………………………
Godparent……………………………………………..
Church of Baptism…………………………………….
Signature……………………………………………….
Walk with Me
Lord God, our light and our salvation,
we praise you for your gifts of life and faith.
We thank you for the desire that you have
planted in our hearts,
our yearning to see your face.
Help us to meet you in prayer, to walk
in your ways, and to speak to others
of our joy and consolation
in your presence.
Give us faithfulness in this present
life so that we may come to know
and praise your beauty, with
all our brothers and sisters,
in the life to come.
We make this prayer through
Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Everyday events of our Pilgrimage…………
Morning Prayer – Hotel. Mass each day
Penitential Service (Sacrament of Confession)
Ceremony of Healing (during Mass for the Sick)
Stations of the Cross
Times and places will be announced. Check notice board
Other events everyday: Sacrament of Confession 10am – 11am & 2.30pm – 6.00pm in the Reconciliation Chapel – near Crown Virgin Statue
Baths: 9.00am – 11.00am & 2.30pm – 4.00pm
International Mass 9.30am Sunday in the underground Basilica of St. Pius
Blessed Sacrament Procession 5.00pm
Marion Torchlight Procession 9.00pm
We wish to say thank you to everyone who has helped in any way to make our Pilgrimage run smoothly and hope it has been a time of Blessing for all of us. God Bless. Breda and Fr. Bernard.
Our Lady of Lourdes – pray for us
St. Bernadette – pray for us.
Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
O Mary, our Mother, we come to this place, where you, who are sinless, appeared full of grace.
As Bernadette waited there came a great sight a radiant Lady surrounded by light.
You gave her a message “Let Penance be done” and pray that all sinners may turn to my Son.
Come here in procession to praise God and sing. To wash in these waters, and drink at the spring.
You asked for a chapel be built in this place that all be encouraged to pray for God’s grace.
Our Lady responded when asked for her name, “Conceived with out sin” is the title I claim.
O Mother of mercy our sorrows relieve. Sustain those who suffer console those who grieve.
O Bless us, Dear Lady, with blessings from Heaven; and to our petitions let answer be given. Amen.
1.
+ O God come to our aid.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
Hymn: (Spoken) The day is filled with splendour when God brings light from light, and all renewed creation rejoices in his sight.
The Father gives his children, the wonder of the world, in which his power and glory like banners are unfurled.
With every living creature, awaking with the day, we turn to God our Father, lift up our hearts and pray:
O Father, Son and Spirit, your grace and mercy send, that we may live to praise you today and to the end.
Response: Arise, come to your God, sing him your song of rejoicing.
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him singing for joy. R.
Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock. R.
Indeed how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love; he is faithful from age to age. R.
Glory be to the Father………………………
Reading.
Decade of the Rosary.
Morning Prayer to the Holy Spirit and Prayer of Intercession. (Page 8)
Prayer to Our Lady. (Page 1)
Hymn.
2.
Clonea/Rathgormack Parish.
Dear Parishioners,
Once again we distribute envelopes for your church offerings, and once again sincerely say “thank you” for your offerings in the past.
We have kept to the same system as other years, and ask you to use your envelope at all times during the year.
In your box of envelopes we have:
- Offertory envelope (for the offertory collection)
- Renovation/Project/Maintenance Envelope, which you can put on the collection plate during the month it is due.
- Other envelopes for various collections – Spring Stations, Autumn Stations, Christmas, Easter etc – all of which goes to the Diocese – not to the Parish, but is necessary for the Diocesan Common Fund, – which goes towards your priests wages…………
We ask you to contribute whatever you can. We also say that “your contributions” for your Parish are vital for the running of the Parish “cost wise”. Without this the Parish would go into “Debt”, and we don’t want that.
May God bless you and your families during the coming year, and also Mass will be offered Monday evenings in Quan & Brogan Church, Clonea at 7.00pm for the People of the Parish and our Benefactors.
Many Thanks,
Fr P.J. (Fegan), Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Financial Council.
Church News Board
Parish of Clonea and Rathgormack
Fr. Bernard and the Parish Pastoral Council
invite you to join us as we celebrate Holy Week and Easter in our Parish
Palm Sunday: Mass and Blessing of the Palm in Clonea Church,
7.30pm. Saturday Evening. 10.00am on Sunday Morning in
Rathgormack Church.
Monday: Penitential Service for Easter
( Sacrament of Confession) 7.30pm in Rathgormack Church.
(other priests will be in attendance).
No Mass in Clonea Church.
Tuesday: Mass in Rathgormack at 9.30am.
Wednesday: No Mass.
Holy Thursday: No Evening Mass in Clonea Church.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Procession to the Altar of Repose at 7.30pm. in Rathgormack Church followed by time for quiet prayer until 9..00pm.
Good Friday: Clonea Church 12.00 Noon – Stations of the Cross.
Good Friday: Rathgormack Church: 3.00pm Prayer around the Cross.
Reading of the Passion, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion.
Holy Saturday: Clonea Church, Blessing of the New Fire, Paschal Candle, 7.15pm. Renewal of Baptismal Promises and the First Mass
of Easter. 7.30pm.
Easter Sunday: Mass in Rathgormack Church at 10.00am.
We wish you every Blessing for Easter
The Way of the Cross
Introduction: The Way of the Cross is used by individuals or groups who pray, reflect and meditate about the journey of Jesus Christ on his way to Calvary. By doing this we accompany Jesus Christ through his passion, death and resurrection, and see our lives mirrored in his.
Praying the Stations
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to accompany you on your journey to Calvary. Allow me to see my life mirrored in your love. Take my eyes, my hands, my mind and above all my heart, and let me see what you did for love of all.
1st Station: Jesus is condemned to death.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you – Because by thy Holy Cross thou has redeemed the world.
Lord, as I come before you, I see you condemned. How often do I condemn others? Forgive me for the times when I reject others. Help me to forgive those who hurt me.
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Our Father.
2nd Station: Jesus carries His Cross:
We adore you………….
Lord as I come before you I see you carry your heavy cross. I thank you for carrying all my sins under the weight of this cross. Help me when I feel I cannot shoulder my own worries and anxieties.
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Hail Mary.
3rd Station: Jesus falls the first time:
We adore you…………
Lord, as I come before you, I see you falling under your heavy load. I feel the pain of your battered, bruised and broken body. Open my eyes, Lord, to those in need. Open my heart to those in need of friendship and let me offer the healing touch of kindness.
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Glory Be to………..
4th Station: Jesus meets His Mother.
We adore you…………….
Lord, as I come before you, I see your mother’s grief and sorrow as you suffer and struggle. In times of pain and sorrow, help me to be aware of your constant loving presence. Help all in their journey through life’s ups and downs.
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Our Father.
5th Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry His Cross.
We adore you……………….
Lord, as I come before you, I see your pain and suffering as you carry the cross. Help me to carry my own cross, to support others and to lighten their burdens.
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Hail Mary.
6th Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
We adore you…………….
Lord, as I come before you, I see the gentle act of kindness by Veronica as she wipes your tortured face. Help me to welcome kindness and gentleness into my life and may I always share this with others.
Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Glory be…..
7th Station: Jesus falls for the second time.
We adore you…………….
Lord, as I come before you I see you weakened and falling. As the years pass by, life can become more difficult for us. We sometimes feel drained, tired and dulled by the difficulties of everyday life. Lord, help me rise again and to continue with a new hope and energy.
Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”.
Our Father.
8th Station: Jesus meets the Women of Jerusalem.
We adore you………………..
Lord, as I come before you I see the courageous woman who helped and supported you on your journey to Calvary. They weren’t afraid to let you know that they cared. You accepted their care and returned it. May our own experience of suffering make us compassionate towards others who suffer.
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”.
Hail Mary.
9th Station: Jesus falls the third time.
We adore you……………..
Lord, as I come before you I see you fall again. I am reminded of the many times I fall and how sometimes I find it difficult to get up and keep going. I pray that when I fail I can always start again with your help and your grace.
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Glory Be to….
10th Station: Jesus is stripped of His garments.
We adore you……………
Lord as I came before you I see you stripped and humiliated. Jesus, clothe us with your care. Help all who suffer humiliation and isolation and those whose dignity is damaged at the hands of others.
“Lord Jesus, open our hearts, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Our Father.
11th Station: Jesus is nailed to the Cross.
We adore you………..
Lord, as I come before you, I am aware of your pain as the soldiers nail you to the wood of the cross. Give me courage to accept the pains that come my way, for you have gone before me and you will show me the path to take.
“Lord Jesus, open our hearts, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Hail Mary.
12th Station: Jesus dies on the Cross.
We adore you……………
Lord, as I come before you, I see the acceptance of all you suffered for me. your love is more than I can ever imagine. Help me when I am filled with fear and doubt and to join my struggles with you and trust in your love.
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be………
13th Station: Jesus is taken down from the Cross.
We adore you………….
Lord, as I come before you I look at your broken and lifeless body and I am filled with love for you. Help me to embrace the trials and crosses that come my way. When my time to die comes I ask you to be by my side so that I may come to you with certain faith and trust in your love and compassion for all your people.
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Our Father.
14th Station: Jesus is laid in the Tomb.
We adore you…………
Lord, as I come before you, I see your broken body laid to rest and I am filled with sadness, yet I realise the price you paid was because of your love of all people. May I never take the sacrifices made for me and the love of others for granted..
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”
Hail Mary.
15th Station: Jesus is raised to New Life.
We adore you………..
Lord, as I come before you, it looks as if it is all over, but I know its not. This is how it feels sometimes, but because of your resurrection I am filled with hope and joy. May I always be aware of your loving presence in my life, at all times.
“Lord Jesus, open my heart, Lord Jesus, in your mercy hear me”.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, for the Holy Father’s Intentions
As I kneel before you, as I bow my head in prayer, take this day, make it yours and fill me with your love. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum, benedicta tu.
All I have I give you, ev’ry dream and wish are yours. Mother of Christ,
Mother of mine, present them to my Lord. Ave Maria………….
As I kneel before you, and I see your smiling face, ev’ry thought, ev’ry word is lost in your embrace. Ave Maria………
- Be still and know that I am God. (3)
I am the Lord that healeth thee. (3)
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust. (3)
- Bind us together, Lord, Bind us together with cords that cannot be broken. Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, Lord, bind us together in love.
There is only one God, there is only one King. There is only one body, that is why we sing. Bind us together……..
Fit for the glory of God, purchased by his precious Blood, born with the right to be free: Jesus the vict’ry has won. Bind us together…….
- Christ be beside me, Christ be before me, Christ be behind me, King of my heart. Christ be within me, Christ be below me, Christ be above me never to part.
Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand, Christ all around me, shield in the strife. Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting, Christ in my rising, light of my life.
Christ be in all hearts thinking about me. Christ be on all tongues telling of me. Christ be the vision in eyes that see me, in ears that hear me, Christ ever be.
- Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mould me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on “us”………………….
- Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all
these things shall be added unto you; allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, Alleluia, Allelu, Alleluia.
Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you; allelu, alleluia.. Alleluia……….
- Lay your hands gently upon us, let their touch render you peace, let them bring your forgiveness and healing, lay your hands, gently lay your hands.
You were sent to heal the broken hearted. You were sent to give sight to the blind. You desire to heal all our illness. Lay you hands, gently lay your hands. Lay your hands…………
Lord we come to you through one another, Lord we come to you in all our need. Lord we come to you seeking wholeness. Lay your hands, gently lay your hands. Lay your hands………………..
- Take our bread, we ask you, take our hearts, we love you, take our lives Oh Father, we are yours, we are yours.
Yours as we stand at the table you set, your as we eat the bread our hearts can’t forget. We are the signs of your life with us yet, we are yours, we are yours. Take our bread, we ask you………………………..
Your holy people stand washed in your blood. Spirit-filled, yet hungry, we await your food. Poor though we are, we have brought ourselves to you. We are yours, we are yours. Take our bread……
- All that I am, all that I do, all that I’ll ever have I offer now to you.
Take and sanctify these gifts for your honour, Lord. Knowing that I love and serve you is enough reward. All that I am, all that I do, all that I’ll ever have I offer now to you.
All that I dream, all that I pray, all that I’ll ever make, I give to you today. Take and sanctify…………………
- In bread we bring you, Lord, our bodies labour. In wine we offer you our spirits grief. We do not ask you, Lord, who is my neighbour? But stand united now, one in belief. Oh we have gladly heard your Word, your holy Word, and now in answer, Lord, our gifts we bring. Our selfish hearts make true, our failing faith renew, our lives belong to you, our Lord and King.
- Lord accept the gifts we offer at this Eucharistic Feast, bread and wine to be transformed now through the action of thy priest. Take us too, Lord, and transform us, be thy grace in us increased.
Take our gift, Almighty Father, living God, eternal true, which we give through Christ, our Saviour, pleading here for us anew. Grant salvation to all present, and our faith and love renew.
- Hail Queen of Heav’n, the ocean star, guide of the wand’rer here below; thrown on life’s surge, we claim thy care, save us from peril and from woe. Mother of Christ, star of the sea, pray for the wanderer, pray for me.
O gentle, chaste and spotless maid, we sinners make our prayers through thee; remind thy Son that he has paid the price of our iniquity. Virgin most pure, star of the sea, pray for the sinner, pray for me.
- Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come. ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me; his word my hope secures. He wll my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
- Sweet heart of Jesus, fount of love and mercy, today we come, thy blessing to implore; O touch our hearts, so cold and so ungrateful, and make them, Lord, thine own for evermore.
Sweet heart of Jesus, we implore, o make us love thee more and more.
Sweet heart of Jesus, make us know and love thee, unfold to us the treasures of thy grace; that so our hearts, from things of earth uplifted, may long alone to gaze upon face. Sweet heart of Jesus…
Sweet heart of Jesus, make us pure and gentle, and teach us how to do thy blessed will; to follow close the print of thy dear footsteps, and when we fall – sweet heart, oh love us still. Sweet heart of Jesus………….
- O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the works thy hand has made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee : How great thou art, how great thou art. (2)
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent his to die, I scarce can take it in that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, he bled and died to take away my sin. Then sings my soul……
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart; when I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim: my God, how great thou art. Then sings my soul……………….
- Soul of my Saviour, sanctify my breast; Body of Christ, be thou my saving guest; Blood of my Saviour, bathe me in thy tide, wash me in waters flowing from thy side.
Strength and protection may thy Passion be; O Blessed Jesus, hear and answer me; deep in thy wounds, Lord, hide and shelter me; so shall I never, never part from thee.
Guard and defend me form the foe malign; in death’s dread moments make me only thine; call me, and bid me come to thee on high, when I may praise thee with thy saints for aye.
- The Spirit lives to set us free, walk, walk in the light. He binds us all in unity, walk, walk in the light. Walk, in the light, (3) walk in the light of the Lord.
Jesus promised to life to all. Walk, walk in the light. The dead were wakened by his call. Walk, walk in the light. Walk, in the light…………………….
The Spirit lives in you and me. Walk, walk in the light. His light will shine for all to see. Walk, walk in the light. Walk, in the light………………..
- He is Lord, He is Lord, He is risen from the dead and He is Lord. Ev’ry knee shall bend, ev’ry tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
- When creation was begun, God had chosen you to be Mother of his precious Son, Holy Mary full of grace. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.
When creation was restored. You were there beside the Lord, whom you cherished and adored, Holy Mary full of grace. Ave…..
You are with us day by day, in our joys and our dismay. Make us joyful as we say, “Holy Mary full of grace”. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria.
- Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising, give me joy in my heart I pray. Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising, keep me praising till the end of day.
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna to the king of Kings. Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna to the King.
Give me peace in my heart, keep me resting………………….
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving…………………..
- God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name. I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name. And in Jesus’ name I Come to you to share his love as he told me to.
He said: “Freely, freely you have received; freely, freely give. Go in my name, and because you believe, others will know that I live.
All pow’r is giv’in in Jesus’ name, in earth and heav’n in Jesus’ name. And in Jesus’ name I come to you to share his pow’r as he told me to. He said: Freely………….
- The bells of the Angelus call us to pray in sweet tones announcing the sacred Ave. Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. Ave, Ave Ave Maria.
An angel of mercy led Bernadette’s feet where flows the deep torrent Our Lady to greet. Ave……………
Immaculate Mary your praises we sing, who reign now with Christ, our redeemer and king. Ave………..
- Bring flowers of the rarest, bring blossoms the fairest, from garden and woodland and hillside and dale; our full hearts are swelling, our glad voices telling the praise of the loveliest flower of the vale.
O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today. Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May. (2).
Their Lady they name thee, their mistress proclaim thee. Oh grant that thy children on earth be as true as long as the bowers are radiant with flowers as long as the azure shall keep its bright hue. O Mary we crown thee……………………….
- In your body, Lord, we are one, in your body, Lord, we are one. In your body, Lord, we are one. O Lord we are one.
In you body, Lord, we find strength. In your body, Lord, we find strength. In your body, Lord, we find strength. O Lord, we find strength.
Draw us closer, Lord, each to each. Draw us closer, Lord, each to each. Draw us closer, Lord, each to each. O Lord, each to each.
- Make me a channel of your peace where there is hatred let me bring your love. Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord, and where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace. Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness only light, and where there’s sadness ever joy.
O Master, grant that I may never seek so much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved, as to love, with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, in giving to all people we receive, and in dying that we’re born to eternal life.
- On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; and I loved that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down. I will cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it someday for a crown.
Oh that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me: for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary. So I’ll cherish.
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see. For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me. So I’ll cherish…………….
- Peace perfect peace, is the gift of Christ our Lord (2)
Thus, says the Lord, will the world know my friends. Peace, perfect peace is the gift of Christ our Lord.
Love, perfect love is the gift of Christ our Lord (2). Thus says the Lord, will the world know my friends. Love, perfect love is the gift of Christ our Lord.
- Peace is flowing like a river, flowing out through you and me, spreading out into the desert, setting all the captives free.
Love is flowing like a river, “ “
- This is my body, broken for you, bringing you wholeness, making you free. Take it and eat it, and when you do, do it in love for me.
This is my blood, poured out for you, bringing forgiveness, making you free. Take it and drink it, and when you do, do it in love for me.
- When we eat this bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again. Until you come again.
- (Bodley) Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna, in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Responses to the Psalms.
- Christ be our light! Shine in our hearts, shine through the darkness. Christ be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
- Be not afraid. I go before you always, come follow me, and I will give you rest.
- Here I am, Lord. It is I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
- The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.
- Sing a new song unto the Lord. Let your song be sung from mountains high. Sing a new song unto the Lord, singing Alleluia.
- Were you there when they crucified my Lord? (2) Oh sometimes is causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they pierced him in the side? (2) Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they pierced him in the side.
Were you there when the sun refused to shine? (2) Oh sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when the sun refused to shine.
Ask and Receive…………………………..
Call to presence: We recall your presence with us, merciful God.
Let us remember that the God of abundant blessings is with us and hears our prayer.
Come, God of faithful love, be with us as we gather.
Matthew 7: 7-8. All through the story of our salvation, we have called on you, God, and you have answered. Jesus tells us: “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives.”
As we gather now, we need your help, gracious God. We ask you in particular for guidance and peace. We also ask that our pilgrimage will give us many graces and blessings. And, in the silence of our heart, we each ask for what we need right now (pause). Hear us once again, our God.
We pray the 1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation: “Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you. You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. (Our Father, 10 Hail Mary’s, Glory Be).
Morning offering (page 8)
Prayer to Our Lady (page 1)
Hymn: Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; allelu, alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, allelu, alleluia.
3.
Love is the Key………………………………….
Call to presence: God, who is love, is now with us as we gather.
Come, fire of love and light to our life. Be with us now.
Let us remember that the God of love is present with us.
Matthew 9: 36. God of Compassionate love, may we follow Jesus’ example. The Gospel tells us that when Jesus “saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep with out a shepherd”. His compassion and mercy took the form of sharing the “Good News”, healing the people, and freeing them form bondage.
Send your spirit of compassion and mercy to us that we may deal charitably with one another and with all our sisters and brothers. Because we often feel harassed and helpless, too, we need your shepherding to be good shepherds ourselves.
We pray the 2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation: “Of all woman you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of My Lord”
Morning offering (page 8)
Prayer to Our Lady (page 1)
Hymn: Be still and know that I am God (3)
I am the Lord that healeth thee. (3)
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust (3)
4.
Make room for hope………………………….
Call to presence. God, our hope, you are present with us as we pray.
As we gather may we attend to your presence, source of all hope.
Let us place ourselves in the presence of God, who is the source of hope.
Hebrews 10: 23. God, you give us reasons to hope – that is, to see beyond the present with faith in your promise that all will finally be well. Over and over you have proven that you are the source of hope. So, as Paul told the Hebrews, “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for Christ who has promised is faithful”.
Many disappointments and disasters would rob us of hope, but you promise to be us in all our difficulties. We cling to this promise to be with us in all our difficulties. We cling to this promise as the reason for our hope. Strengthen us in all we do now, always-faithful God.
We pray the 3rd Joyful Mystery: The Birth of Our Lord. “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”.
Morning Offering (Page 8)
Prayer to Our Lady (page 1)
Hymn: As I kneel before you, as I bow my head in prayer, take this day, make it yours and fill me with your love.
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum, benedicta tu.
5.
Offer Thanks and Praise…………………………..
Call to presence. Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God. Let us recall that our bountiful God is with us today in this place.
Gracious God, here present, listen as we pray.
Philippians 1: 3-11. As we gather in your presence, our God, we thank you for the support and example of your holy people. We pray with St. Paul, “I thank my God every time I remember you……..because of your sharing in the gospel…….This is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more……….so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God”.
God, You called us into community. We do not follow Christ alone. May we praise and thank you by our overflowing love for one another and by our good life. This is our prayer to you, our God.
We pray the 4th Joyful Mystery: Simeon said to Mary, “This child is destined to be a sign that is rejected – a sword will pierce your own soul too”.
Morning Offering (page 8)
Prayer to Our Lady (page 1)
Hymn: Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me. Melt me, mould me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.
Repeat singing “fall afresh on us”.
6.
Take courage……………….
Call to Presence: All powerful and loving God, you dwell with in us. Hear our prayer.
In our weakness and strength, you are with us, Holy One.
Let us recall that the Creator of the universe comes among us now.
2 Corinthians 5: 1-17. Eternal God, may we always be moved to courage as we pray with St. Paul: “For we know that if this earthly tent we live in is destroyed we have a building from God, a house not made of with hands, eternal in the heavens………If anyone is in Christ, it will come to us, because you, God, want us to build your Reign. You are with us in minor scrapes and in tragic events, to strengthen and support us. May we be supported by that knowledge as we gather together now.
We pray the 5th Joyful Mystery: The finding in the Temple. “why were you looking for me? he replied “did you not know that I must be about my Father’s affairs”?
Morning Offering (page 8)
Prayer to Our Lady (page 1)
Hymn: Praise him, praise him, praise him in the morning, praise him in the noontime. Praise him, praise him, praise him when the sun goes down.
Love him, love him……………………..
7.
Morning Prayer to the Holy Spirit
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, present everywhere and filling all things; Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life come and abide in me.
As I look ahead to this new day, guide my plans, strengthen my resolutions, restrain me from evil, and inspire in me every good work, your will. As you once descended upon Jesus in the waters of the Jordan, descend now upon me like the dewfall, cleans me from every stain, and save my soul, O Gracious One. Amen
Intercessions and Lord’s Prayer.
Father of all, I pray to you especially for (Pause)……………………………………………….
I pray for my family and friends, those with whom I work and those who rely on me.
I pray for those in need:
For the sick, the lonely, and those who feel unloved.
I pray for those who are seeking work, those with no roof over their heads, and those who are forced to be refugees.
I pray for those in government, those who make and dispense laws, and those who serve you in public needs.
As I pray for your world, and for all that is dear to you, I join my prayers with those of your saints, and in the words of your Son I call upon you:
Our Father……………………
We make all our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
8.
Praying the Rosary with Bernadette
Bernadette’s Rosary was the instrument of her
Piety, of her grace, of her mission, of her personal sanctity and her apostolate, the “sign” of her spiritual destiny.
Everything in her life unravels to the rhythm of this Rosary which is recited.
Does the providential vocation of Bernadette not show us the perfect example of what happens to a soul which has only her Rosary for all knowledge, for all richness and for all treasures and a passionate love for the Virgin Mary?
Bernadette repeats “Holy Mary, Mother of God”. “Pray for me”, she continues as if she identified herself with her fellow sinners, “Poor Sinner…Poor Sinner…” “Now” for her is the hour of death. It is in heaven that the final “Ave” of Bernadette is achieved.
Here is a pattern for your living – your generous living –
that will bring you true and lasting happiness:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain heaven.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called
children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’
sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
First Mass. Holy Spirit.
Response: The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.
- Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders. His right hand and his holy arm have brought salvation R.
- The Lord has made known his salvation; has shown his justice to the nations. He has remembered his truth and love for the house of Israel. R.
- All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord all the earth, ring our your joy.
.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia
Queen of peace.
Response: Come before the Lord, singing for joy.
- Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him singing for joy. R.
- Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock. R.
- Go within his gates, giving thanks. Enter his courts with songs of praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name. R.
- Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. He is faithful from age to age. R.
Alleluia, Alleluia, There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Father who is Father of all. Alleluia
Mother of the church.
- Taste and see that the Lord is good.
- I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise always on my lips; in the Lord my soul shall make its boast. The humble shall hear and be glad. R.
- Glorify the Lord with me. Together let us praise his name. I sought the Lord and answered me; from all my terrors he set me free. R.
- Look towards him and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed. This poor man called; the Lord heard him and rescued him from all his distress. R.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Happy are the poor in spirit, the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Alleluia.
Health of the Sick.
- R. I thanks you, Lord, for your faithfulness and love.
- My soul give thanks to the Lord, all my being, bless his holy name. My soul give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings. R.
- It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion. R.
- The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults. R.
Alleluia, Alleluia, I thank you, Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard my Prayer. Alleluia.
Joy.
- Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
- O Lord, my heart is not proud nor haughty my eyes.
I have not gone after things too great nor marvels beyond me. R.
- Truly I have set my soul in silence and peace.
A weaned child on its mother’s breast, even so is my soul. R.
- O Israel, hope in the Lord both now and for ever. R.
Alleluia, alleluia, I give you a new commandment: love one another Just as I have loved you, says the Lord. Alleluia.
Mass of St Bernadette.
- The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is his name.
My soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my saviour. He looks on his servant in her nothingness; henceforth all ages will call me blessed. R.
The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy his name! His mercy is from age to age, on those who fear him. R.
He fills the hungry with good things, sends the rich away empty. He protects Israel, his servant, remembering his mercy, the mercy promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his sons for ever. R.
Alleluia, Alleluia, your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life: you have the message of eternal life. Alleluia!
Eucharistic Congress Hymn: Though We Are Many.
Chorus: Though we are many, we are one body, we who come to share this living bread; Cup of salvation, shared among all nations, nourishing us now and evermore.
- We gather in this place round the table of the Lord.
Christ’s presence is revealed in our communion and his Living Word. (Chorus)
- Now our communion recalls Christ’s death and resurrection. This living sacrifice is our salvation now and evermore. (Chorus)
- And through this shared Eucharist we are the living Church. We witness to Christ’s love His living body active in our world. (Chorus)
- This bread unites the baptised who are called to this great feast. The feast, a sign of God’s love, a great communion with the saints above. (Chorus)
- And when we leave here today with hearts renewed in joy, so nourished, we will embrace the challenge now to live the Christian call. (Chorus)
- As Patrick prophet of old trod the path we tread today, so we proclaim the Good News and share the living message with joy. (Chorus)
A few words from Fr. Bernard,
I welcome you all to our Pilgrimage. The “theme” in Lourdes this year is “The Almighty has done great things for me”. Mary said – He also does great things for each of us
For a moment I ask you to reflect on “what a pilgrimage is for, why do we come on pilgrimage” – the answer is different for all of us.
I pray that our time together in Lourdes will be a special time for all of us. A time of blessing for each of us. I hope all of us will take full advantage of the opportunities offered over these few days to grow in the holiness that St. Bernadette shared, and gave witness to in her life.
Please, do not over do things, if you are not able to go to everything you are not to worry.
Our Masses during the few days will be offered for your intentions, for those who are sick, and for all of our relatives and friends who have died.
I hope you find this little Mass Booklet is helpful.
Please don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Once again I thank everyone who has helped in any way in the running of our pilgrimage. But most of all I thank “You” our pilgrims for the support you have given. May you receive many graces and blessings.
Our Lady of Lourdes – pray for us. St. Bernadette – pray for us.
God Bless,
Fr. Bernard, Spiritual Director.
Just a few things for your interest about Lourdes……………
If you are knew to Lourdes you may of hear certain words or expressions and wonder what they mean. Here is a short glossary of some of the more frequently used ones:
The Domaine is the “real” Lourdes and is the spiritual centre containing the Basilicas, Grotto and Baths. There are three main entrances, St. Michael’s gate, St. Joseph’s gate and then a gate behind the Upper Basilica that is used during the night when the other two are closed. The whole area should be regarded as a Holy Place and treated respectfully I.E. no smoking, no mobile phones, and no loud talking. The guards may turn you away if, in their opinion, you are not dressed correctly.
The Grotto is the place where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette eighteen times in 1858. On the ground, to the left in front of the Grotto, is a stone plaque marking the exact place where Bernadette stood. At the back of the Grotto, to the left of the altar, is the flowing spring that Bernadette uncovered on the 25th February 1858. One interesting feature of the Grotto is that ir never receives direct sunlight.
The Prairie or Meadows is the open space over the River Gave from the Grotto where groups can gather for prayer and reflection and Masses for large numbers are celebrated.
The Accueil Notra-Dame is situated in the Dormain. It is not a hospital in the usual sense but it is where the sick pilgrims are cared for during their time in Lourdes. Literally, it means Our Lady Welcomes, and this is symbolised by the design of the building depicting welcoming open arms. It is situated on the far side of the River Gave near St. Bernadettes Church.
The Baths are situated past the Grotto and are visited by pilgrims in response to Our Lady’s invitation to Bernadette on the 25th February 1858 “Go drink of the spring and wash yourself”. Directly opposite the Baths across the Prairie is the Water Walk which gives the opportunity to reflect on the waters of Lourdes without going to the Baths.
The Crowned Virgin Statue is situated at the end of the pathway from St. Joseph’s gate and faces the Rosary Basilica. It is often used as a meeting point because of its prominent position.
The square in front of the statue is the Rosary Square which is dominated by three churches built on top of one another. The middle one is the Crypt which is directly over the Grotto and is the first church to be built.
The top one is the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception which is in the process
Of being refurbished. The bottom one is the Rosary Basilica, recently renovated. The walls of the side altars contain mosaic images of the 15 traditional mysteries, whilst the new mysteries of Light are represented on the front façade in the
mosaic.
Water Walk Crowned Virgin Statue
There are three main areas laid out for the Stations of the Cross; the first is the famous “Hillside” version which as you look towards the three basilicas is on the hill to the left. You reach it by going up the ramp and then cross the road near the Upper Basilica.
The second Way of the Cross is laid out for the use by those in wheelchairs and is on the prairie. From the Grotto area you cross the river and turn left and they are on the river bank. The most recent, and third “Way”, were erected in 2008 in time for the Jubilee and are just a little further on from these stations.
The Underground Basilica, dedicated to St. Pius X, is the basilica to the side of the Rosary Esplanade. It can hold 25,000 pilgrims and was consecrated on the 25th March 1958 to celebrate the centenary of the apparitions by Cardinal Rocalli, who later became Pope John 23rd. Each Sunday and Wednesday the International Mass is celebrated in spectacular style. The Blessed Sacrament procession ends here each afternoon. In recent years the heating, lighting, close circuit T.V. and public address systems have been restored and organ rebuilt.
Moving out of the Domaine there are various places associated with Bernadette and her family. The Cachot is situated near he town centre on the Rue des Petites Fosses and is the former prison where St. Bernadette’s family lived in impoverished conditions. The Parish Church of Lourdes just of the main square in the town is worth a visit. It replaced the building that Bernadette was familiar with but contains the font in which she was baptised. The Abbe Peyramale, parish priest of Lourdes at the time of the Apparitions is buried in the crypt.
There are other places associated with St. Bernadette. Bernadette was born in the Boly Mill just of the Boulevard de la Grotte, on 7th January 1844. She lived there until 1854. Her parents, Louise and Francois, were the tenants of this mill. Bernadette spent a happy childhood in this “mill of happiness”. The failure of Francois Soubirous obliged the family to leave this comfortable house in June 1854. Today the Boly Mill belongs to the Sanctuary and is looked after by the Daughters of the Church. There is also the Cachot mentioned above where she was living at the time of the Apparitions and the Hospice in the Municipal Hospital where she made her First Holy Communion. All these places are in easy walking distance of the Domaine and our Hotel. A walking tour of most of these places associated with St. Bernadette will be arranged during the pilgrimage.
“With Bernadette – we pray the Rosary”
History of the Rosary.
The traditional story of the rosary was that Mary herself appeared to Saint Dominic in the twelfth century. At that time, tradition says she gave him the rosary and promised Dominic that if he spread devotion to the rosary, his religious order would flourish. It is quite true that Dominic was quite devoted to the Blessed Mother, but no one knows for sure if our Lady herself gave Dominic the rosary. If she did, it is certain that she did not give him a rosary that looks like the one we have today.
Originally the rosary had 150 beads, the same number of psalms in the Bible. In the twelfth century, religious orders recited together the 150 Psalms as a way to mark the hours of the day and the days of the week. Those people who didn’t know how to read wanted to share in this practice, so praying on a string of beads or knots began as parallel to praying the psalms. It was a way that the illiterate could remember the Lord and his Mother throughout the day. The “Divine Office”, the official prayer of the church, is the recitation of the psalms over a four week period and is still prayed today.
This first rosary was prayed as we do today, a person would pass their fingers over each bead and say a prayer, usually the “Our Father”. The “Hail Mary” as we know it wasn’t even around at that time.
The Hail Mary owes its origin to the rosary. When people prayed the rosary in the twelfth century, Gabrielle’s greeting “Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with thee” was often said along with the Our Father. Later Elizabeth’s greeting “blessed are you among woman” was added. It was not until the sixteenth century that the words “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death” were added.
Various people have added other things to the rosary over the centuries. In the fifteenth century a Carthusian monk divided the rosary into fifteen decades and a Dominican assigned mysteries to each of the decades. These mysteries were events in the life of Jesus as written in the gospels. By meditating on these events even the illiterate could know the stories in the Bible. These decades were the same as ours except for the last two Glorious mysteries. In these two, the Coronation and the Assumption together made up the fourteenth decade and the fifteenth decade was the last Judgement.
On October 16th 2002, Pope John Paul 11 declared that the following year would be the “Year of the Rosary”. For the first time in centuries a change was made to the rosary. The Pope added and defined 5 new mysteries that concerned events in the public life of Jesus. These new mysteries were called the “Luminous Mysteries” or “Mysteries of Light.
Today’s complete rosary is now made up of twenty decades of the Hail Mary, separated by an Our Father and a Glory Be and sometimes the Fatima prayer. Evidence again that the rosary is a living prayer that grows with the church. We usually break the rosary into four sets – The joyful Mysteries, The Sorrowful Mysteries, The Glorious Mysteries and the Mysteries of Light. One set is prayed on a rosary that has five decades. Each set is prayed on designated days of the week. There are variations however, and in some countries the rosary may even have different mysteries.
Despite all the additions and changes, the important core of the rosary has always remained the same. It is a way for God’s people to make holy the day, and to remember the life of Jesus and his mother. May these humble origins always be with us each time we pray the rosary.
The Rosary is a meditation on events in the life of Christ which is sometimes called “the Gospel in miniature”. Jesus lived with his mother for thirty years in their home in Nazareth. During his public life, Mary was never far from him. It is reasonable to say that since she lived with her Son until he reached the age of thirty, Mary strove to be close to him as much as possible during his public life. The woman who accompanied Mary also sought to be near Jesus. Mary’s life with Christ as Mother of the Incarnate Word places her first in the order of grace after Christ. Mary gives to us the font of Christ’s graces to us in the rosary.
The meditation of the Rosary are reflected in Mary’s heart, for she “……kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19)
Candle……………..
Each Year Our Pilgrims leave a large candle at the side of the Grotto as a sign of prayer for our parishes and for those who asked us to pray for them and to light a candle.
A lighted candle is a reminder to all of us of God’s presence in our lives.
We bring the candle in procession on the day that will be arranged whilst in Lourdes.
A collection will be made to cover the cost of the candle.
Response: Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come follow me, and I will give you rest.
- You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst. You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way. You shall speak your words in foreign lands and they will understand. You shall see the face of God and live. R.
- If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall
not drown. If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed.
If you stand before the pow’r of hell and death is at your side, know that I am with you through it all. R.
- Blessed are you poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs. Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh. And if wicked ones insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you. R
Response: Holy Virgin Mary.
You are the honour, you are the glory of our people. R.
You are the glory of Jerusalem. R.
You are the greatest joy of Israel. R.
You are the highest honour of our race. R
You are the honour, you are the glory of our people. R
May you be blest by the Lord most high. R.
Now and for all ages with out end. R.
Give praise to God in the Church of Christ. R.
You are the honour, you are the glory of our people, Holy Virgin Mary.
- Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts, shine through the darkness. Christ be our light! Shine in your church gathered today.
- Longing for peace, our world is troubled. Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has power to save us. Make us your living voice. R.
- Longing for food, many are hungry. Longing for water, many still thirst. Make us your bread, broken for others, shared until all are fed. R.
- Many the gifts, many the people, many the hearts that yearn to belong. Let us be servants to one another, making your kingdom come. R.
- Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
- I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save. I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send. R.
- I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame. I will set a feast for them. My hand will save. Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied. I will give my life for them. Whom shall I send. R.
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- The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.
- The Lord is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. R.
- Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit. He guides me along the right path. He is true to his name. R.
- Surely his goodness and kindness shall follow me, all the days of my life. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell, for ever and ever. R.
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- Sing a new song unto the Lord, let your song be sung from mountains high. Sing a new song unto the Lord, singing Alleluia.
- Yahweh’s people dance for joy, oh come before the Lord and play for him on glad tambourines, and let you trumpet sound. R.
- Rise, O children, from your sleep, your
Saviour now has come, and he has turned your sorrow to joy, and filled your soul with song. R
- Glad my soul, for I have seen the glory of the Lord. The trumpets sounds, the dead shall be raised. I know my Saviour lives. R.
Everyday events of our Pilgrimage
Morning Prayer:. Hotel
Mass each day
Penitential Service (Sacrament of Confession)
Ceremony of Healing( during Mass for the sick)
Stations of the Cross ( Upper and Lower)
Times and places will be announced. Check notice board.
Other events everyday: Sacrament of Confession 10am – 11.00am & 2.30pm – 6.00pm. Reconciliation Chapel ( near Crown Virgin Statue)
Baths: 9.00am – 11.00am & 2.30pm – 4.00pm.
International Mass: 9.30am Sunday in the Underground Basilica of St. Pius at 9.30am:
Blessed Sacrament Procession and blessing of the sick in the underground Basilica of St. Pius X
9.00pm: Marion Torchlight Procession.
We wish to say thank you to everyone who has been involved in any way to make our Pilgrimage run smoothly, and we hope it has been a time of Blessing for all of us. God Bless. Breda and Fr. Bernard.
Our Lady of Lourdes: Pray for us.
St. Bernadette: Pray for us.
Prayer
Dear, Father, lover of humanity, you continue to believe in us even when we have lost faith in ourselves.
You continue to seek us and find us, no matter how lost we may be.
We thank you for your patience and love.
This time of pilgrimage is yet another gift from you.
– A time to renew and refresh us.
– A time for us to set our lives in order,
– A time for us to taste and see that our God is with us,
Here we stand in confidence and through the intercession of Mary, our Mother and St. Bernadette,
We beg your grace for everyone who comes to this holy place and an extra grace for those who are sad or troubled, broken or lost. Amen.
The Feast of All Saints
Today’s feast celebrates the saints, holy men and woman of every time and place, who walked the way of faith. We give thanks to God for the example of their lives.
Prayer of the Faithful
Let us confidently present our prayers before God of all good gifts.
- That all members of the Church grow in the ways of holiness. Lord, hear us.
- That those who are persecuted because of their faith be strengthened by the message of the Gospel. Lord, hear us.
- That those who are plagued by doubt or despair may be supported by fellow pilgrims on the journey of faith. Lord, hear us.
- That our commemoration this week of all the faithful departed may inspire us to deeper faith, hope and love. Lord, hear us.
- That our devotion to the saints may bring us closer to Christ, the model of true holiness. Lord, hear us.
- That those who have gone before us on life’s journey may rejoice in the kingdom prepared for them. Lord, hear us.
O God you are the joy of all the saints. May the blessedness of your kingdom be established on earth, and may we rejoice in the knowledge that our prayers are heard. We make these and all our prayers through Jesus Christ, your Son, Our Lord. Amen.
All Saints – God’s work of art
We are all different, all unique, all God’s work of art.
We remember today all our saints, all the human race who have reached God.
Each person, man or woman, young or old, mirrors something of the face of God.
And there is a common thread which unites us all:
Our need for love and community, for home and acceptance, for love, respect, forgiveness.
And the need to love:
The desire to make this world a better place, to create with God a world of justice, love and peace.
Because the world is full of people, it is charged with the grandeur of God.
We look at everyone and listen to them, and see and hear in them the glory of God.
The feast of All Saints honours us all, living and dead. The feast celebrates those gone before us and proclaims with love that the finest common thread among us is that we are children of God, friends of Jesus Christ and the place where God’s glory dwells.
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Prayer to Our Lady
O Mary, our Mother, you gave Bernadette Soubirous the experience of your Sweet Presence, and made her responsible for a message, that echoes the Word of God which is entrusted to the Church.
The offering we make here today of ourselves before you, must be the personal work of each
one of us, of each pilgrim. Mary, you know our sufferings and our hopes. You understand, only
as a mother can, our trials between good and evil, between light and darkness, hear our prayer,
which we entrust entirely to your maternal love today.
May we never turn our backs on the teachings
of your Son, but may we always carry the Message of Lourdes, which is the Message of the Gospel, wherever we go. Amen.
1
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Dear Jesus, we are about to walk the Way of the Cross with you and your Mother Mary.
We firmly believe that all things written by the prophets concerning you will be accomplished. For our sake you will be delivered into the hands of the enemy, mocked, scourged, spat upon. Then you will be put to death and on the third day you will rise again.
The first station…………………….
We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee.
The Mysteries of the Rosary
The Sorrowful Mysteries
- The agony in the Garden.
“In his anguish he prayed with all the greater intensity, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke: 22: 44)
- The Scourging at the Pillar.
“Pilate released Barabbas to them. Jesus, however, he first had scourged then handed him over to be crucified” (Matthew: 27: 26)
- The Crowning with Thorns.
Weaving a crown of thorns, they fixed it on his head…..Then they began to mock him, saying “Hail king of the Jews” (Matthew: 27:29)
- The Carrying of the Cross.
“In the end, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. Jesus was led away, and carrying his cross by himself, he went out to what is called the place of the Skull” (Jn. 19: 16-17)
- The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.
There they crucified him….Jesus said, “it is finished” He bowed his head and delivered over his spirit. (Jn. 19: 18, 30)
The Glorious Mysteries
- The Resurrection.
Jesus rose from the dead early on the first day of the week. He first appeared to Mary Magdalene. (Mk:16 –9)
- The Ascension.
“Then Jesus led them out to Bethany, and with hands upraised, blessed them. As he blessed, he left them, and was taken up into heaven” (Lk:24: 50-51)
- The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
“Suddenly there came a noise like a strong, driving wind…Tongues of fire appeared, which parted and came to rest on them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit”. (Act:2 2-3)
- The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven.
“Christ was raised from the dead so we too might live a new life. If we have been united with him through likeness to his death, so shall we be, through his resurrection”. (Rom. 6:5)
- The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin as Queen of Heaven.
“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rev: 12:1)
The Joyful Mysteries.
- The Annunciation.
“The angel said to Mary: Do not fear; you have found favour with God. You shall conceive and bear a son, and give him the name Jesus” (Lk. 1:30-31
- The Visitation.
“Elizabeth cried out: Blessed are you among woman, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me. (Lk: 2:7)
- The Birth of Jesus.
“She gave birth to her first born and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn. (Lk: 2:7)
- The Presentation in the Temple.
“Simeon blessed God with these words: Now Master, you can let your servant go in peace. My eyes have witnessed your saving deed, a light to enlighten the gentiles, the glory of your people Israel. LK: 2: 28-31)
- The finding in the temple.
On the third day they came upon him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (LK: 2:46)
The Mysteries of Light.
- Jesus is baptised in the Jordan.
“Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised in the Jordan by John. A voice came from heaven “You are my beloved Son. My favour rests on you”. (Mk:1:9 – 11)
- The manifestation of Jesus at the wedding in Cana.
Jesus performed the first of his signs at Cana in Galilee. He revealed his glory and his disciples believed in him” (Jn.2-11)
- Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God, and calls us to conversion.
“Jesus appeared in Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The kingdom of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the Gospel”.
- The Transfiguration.
“Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain. He was transfigured before their eyes”. (Mk: 9:2)
- The Last Supper and the Institution of the Eucharist.
“During the meal Jesus took bread, blessed it broke it, and gave it to his disciples. “Take this and eat, this is my body” (Mt 26: 26)
The Family that Prays
Together stays Together
The Morning Offering
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I offer you my prayers, works and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Thy Sacred Heart, in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions
of all my friends and neighbours, and in particular for the following intention (pause and make intention). I make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hi Sinead, these are the psalms for the Masses etc.
- Holy Virgin Mary (I have asked Rosemary to learn this and she said she will)
- And holy is His name, through all generations. Everlasting is his mercy to the people he has chosen, and holy is his name. (365 Hymns Old & New. – you sang this a couple of years back). (Sinead)
- Sing a new song unto the Lord. (Sinead)
- Christ be our light. (Rosemary)
- Here I am, Lord. (Breda)
- And I will raise you up on Eagles Wings. (Rosemary)
Above for the masses – not in correct order…………….
Penitential: Only in God.
Healing Mass: The Lord will heal the broken Hearted.
Final Mass: May the road rise to meet you.
I have made out a separate hymn sheet with:
Set your Heart on the higher gifts.
A time to remember (Mass for the dead)
Down to the river to pray.
These can be sung at Communion time and also you bring a couple of your own choice.
Enclosed are the hymn sheets for each day. I have made up a file for you with Resp. Psalms and hymn sheet for each day, also Morning Prayer & Mass Booklets . It’s the same as other years, Sinead.
Antonio Rosmini (1797 – 1855)
Antonio Rosmini was born in 1797 at Rovereto, in northern Italy. His family was noble and wealthy. As a boy he gave early signs of the sanctity and learning that was to adorn his later life. He was ordained at the age of 24, and seven years later commenced the foundation of the Society of Charity – the Rosminians.
Pope Gregory XVI in the document approving the Rosminian congregation said of him: “A man of excellent and pre-eminent genius, adorned with extraordinary gifts of mind, illustrious in the highest degree for knowledge of things divine and human, but not less remarkable for his piety, religion, virtue, prudence and for his wonderful zeal for the Catholic religion and towards the Apostolic See”.
Rosmini was also a great philosopher. In his writings he endeavoured to lay down sound principles of thought; unsound philosophy has been the cause of many errors and is an obstacle to the faith and to good morals
He died on the feast of the Precious Blood, July 1st 1855, and is buried at Stresa.
The Maxims of Antonio Rosmini
- To desire only and without limit to please God, that is, to be just.
- To direct all our thoughts and actions to the increase, and to the glory, of the Church of Jesus Christ.
- To remain perfectly tranquil as to all that is Divinely ordained, in regard to ourselves, or even to the Church of Jesus Christ; and, in labouring for the Church, to follow the indication of the Divine will.
- To abandon ourselves wholly to Divine Providence.
- To acknowledge profoundly our own nothingness.
- To regulate all the occupations of our life with a spirit of intelligence.
Pope Paul VI in 1972 said: Rosmini was a great man, too little known today. He was a man of great learning and wisdom, and he wrote 93 books full of profound thought covering all fields of knowledge; philosophy, ethics, politics, sociology theology etc.
His thinking and spirit ought to be made known and imitated; and perhaps he himself should be invoked as a Protector in heaven.
We look forward to the day when that will happen………..
Order of Petitions
(How we should pray)
- For our Holy Father the Pope and the wants of the Universal Church, that God will send labourers into His harvest.
- For the Society of Charity and all Religious Orders.
- For our own and all other Civil Governments.
- For the Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese.
- For our parents, friends and benefactors.
- For those commended to our prayers.
- For our enemies and persecutors.
- For the conversion of infidels, heretics and sinners.
- For the sick, the tempted the afflicted, and the dying.
Lord, we pray that you look with favour on the cause of your servant, Antonio Rosmini.
Most holy Mother of Sorrows, to whom Rosmini consecrated his Institute of Charity, we beg you to intercede with your Son, our Lord, to hear our humble
Liturgy of the Water Way.
Hymn: Down to the river to pray.
As I went down to the river to pray, studying about that good old way. And who shall wear the starry crown, good Lord, show me the way.
Oh brother/ (sister/father/mother) lets go down, come on down, don’t you want to go down? Oh…………lets go down, down to the river to pray.
Hymn: Come to the water.
Come to the water! You who are thirsty! Though you have nothing I bid you come! And be filled with the good things I have to offer! Come! Listen! Live!
Why spend your money on what cannot fill the emptiness deep in your Heart? Listen to my word and you will enjoy, goodness and peace in your heart. Come to the water…
Just as the heavens are high above earth, my ways and thoughts beyond you! Call me your Father and know I am near! I will be Father to you! Come to the water…….
Just as the rain falls to water the earth; just as a seed becomes bread. My word upon you can never return until my longing is filled. Come to the water……..
Set your hearts on the higher gifts.
Set your heart on the higher gifts; on the things that come from your Maker in heaven. These three gifts are all that remain; faith, hope and love, and the greatest is love.
If I speak with the tongues of the living, and of angels, but speak without love, I am only brass without song, an empty noise on the wind. Set your heart…………………..
And if I understand ev’ry mystery, having wisdom, but think without love, had I faith to scatter the hills, I am nothing at all. Set your heart……………………….
And if I should renounce all my riches, feed the hungry, give over my life; without love my profit is loss, my caring finds no reward. Set your heart…………..
There is a place (A time to remember)
There is a time to remember, a time to recall the trials and the triumphs, the fears and the falls.
There is a time to be grateful for moments so blessed, the jewels of our memory where love is our guest.
There is gold that is gleaming in a past we once knew, in our tears and our laughter, ‘twas love brought us through.
There’s a road we have travelled where sunlight has kissed, that carries us onwards when loved ones are missed.
(Refrain) There is treasure in our fields, there is treasure in our skies, there is treasure in our dreaming from the soul to the eye. For wherever we gather in the light of God’s grace, and for all whom we remember there will ever be a place.
In the quiet of the evening, at the close of the day, we will rest from our journey to the Lord we will pray.
May we thank God for blessings for the moments we shared as we look for tomorrow, close by us they’ll stay.
Down to the river to pray.
As I went down to the river to pray, studying about that good old way. And who shall wear the starry crown, good Lord, show me the way.
Oh brother, lets go down, come on down, don’t you want to go down? Oh brother*, lets go down, down to the river to pray.
*Sister……………..
*Father………………………….
*Mother………………….
May the road rise to meet you (chorus)
May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rain fall softly on your fields and until we meet again, may you keep safe in the gentle, loving arms of God.
“Do this in Memory” Mass Dates.
Saturday 12th October: Enrolment Day. (Fatima School – in St. Josephs Church Fatima at 7.00pm Mass)
“Do this in Memory”
Sunday 3rd November: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Sunday 24th November: Feast of Christ the King.
Sunday 15th December: 3rd Sunday of Advent.
Sunday 26th January: 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Sunday 16th February: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Sunday 23rd March: 3rd Sunday of Lent. (Kilcurry Church)
Sunday 13th April: Palm Sunday.
Sunday, 4th May: 3rd Sunday of Easter.
Saturday 17thth May: First Holy Communion
Sunday 22nd June: Feast of Corpus Christi. (Body and Blood of Christ)
Dear Parents, these are the dates you are asked to bring your child to Mass as part of the “Do this in Memory programme”. This is part of the Preparation for First Holy Communion. Mass in St. Oliver’s Church on Saturday’s at 7.30pm.
Thank You.
Lourdes is among the most celebrated and well known Marion Shrines in the world and holds a unique interest for the Irish People. Each year millions travel there to pray at the Grotto where our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette and to experience the very special atmosphere of devotion and peace which is to be found there.
We have a full Spiritual Programme:
Spiritual Director is Fr. Bernard Hughes I. C.
Our programme in Lourdes includes visits to the historic sites associated with St. Bernadette and pilgrims take part in the official ceremonies of the Shrine – Eucharistic Procession, Blessing of the Sick and Marion Torchlight Procession.
Book now at Premier Travel, Cork,
Tel: 021 4277700
Or Mrs Breda Fleming,
Tel: 021 4776134
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today’s feast speaks to us of the powerful grace of God, by which Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was preserved free from all trace of sin from the first moment of her existence. We give praise to God, fount of all grace and source of Mary’s holiness, as we honour her on this day.
Prayer of the faithful
We bring our prayers with confidence before the God who favoured Mary, even before she was born. God wants to favour each of us this day, and those we remember.
- For the Pope and bishops of the Church, that they may be guided and inspired as they lead God’s people. Lord, hear us.
- For all the followers of Jesus, that they may seek the ways of holiness and give witness in their lives to the grace and goodness of God. Lord, hear us.
- For an end of violence and war in our world. Lord, hear us.
- For courage and strength for all who feel trapped in addiction, that they may walk in faith towards the freedom of the children of God. Lord, hear us.
- For the sick and those who care for them, that they may be blessed. Lord, hear us.
- For all who have died. Lord, hear us.
- For the needs of this community. Lord, hear us.
Loving God, you favoured Mary in a special way. For this we thank you and praise you. Let us experience your grace this day as we make our prayers in the name of Jesus, son of Mary, and your beloved Son, Our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Privileged at birth
Mary is praised with many titles, Immaculate Conception is one of them.
And often we don’t know their full meaning.
Her names of praise are remembered because she was the mother of Jesus,
and lived through her life the love and call of God in a way that was unusual.
A woman of faith who believed that her son was God when he was dying on the cross;
A woman of trust who believed in God’s promise to her even when Jesus seemed the weakest of human beings;
a woman of hope as she carried her dead Son’s body to the tomb.
And who was not surprised when he appeared to her later, for she believed that he would rise from death as God had promised and Jesus had said, though she might not have known how he would rise.
Mary, girl and woman
of faith which gave her roots,
of hope which gave her courage,
of love which made life worthwhile.
Because of the depth of her faith and hope,
and the brightness of love in her soul,
we know that at the moment of birth she was privileged with grace
and we can say Immaculate Conception
Mary, you are blessed
Blessed are you Mary, happy in your searching for and finding the truth and word of God within you.
And you are blessed because you knew you were helpless and only God could give you the life your soul looked for.
And blessed are you, for your life was poor in spirit, gentle; blessed are you for you could mourn and laugh, and make peace among people.
And you are blessed in your pain of giving your son back to God.
Blessed are you when you heard the grief of Jesus’ disciples; and blessed are you when you heard their joys. Blessed are you when you taught them to pray;
Blessed are you in meeting your risen Son, face to face, and within the community of the disciples he left in your care.
Blessed are you, and we praise you, Mary, mother of God, pray for us, sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
The feast of the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
Today we celebrate the Assumption of Mary. Mary’s “yes” to God’s call provides a wonderful example for all of us to follow. “The Almighty has done great things for her” and we join our praise to the generations who call her blessed.
God has done great things for us in Christ his Son. Let us bring our needs before him with great trust and confidence.
- That all who believe in Jesus may grow in faith through the prayers of Mary. Lord, hear us.
- That all in positions of authority may seek to serve as Mary served. Lord, hear us.
- That all mothers may experience the power of Mary’s intercession. Lord, hear us.
- That like Mary, we may hear the word of God and do it. Lord, hear us.
- That are own special needs may win God’s favour. Lord, hear us.
Lord, you looked on the lowliness of Mary, and raised her up in glory. Raise us up also to share with her the fullness of that redemption won for us by your Son. We ask this through the same Christ, our Lord.
“Mary was someone who knew death close at hand”
She turned to God for help as all of do in bereavement, when her husband died.
She knew the death of mother and father, and the support of cousins and relations at a time of mourning.
She would pray often as we pray ourselves at times of loss, “He has come to my help, mindful of his mercy”.
Did she not ponder the mystery of life and death, seeking consolation and comfort in loneliness like any woman and man, like ourselves?
One of us in life, she is now alive with God, as we shall be in eternity.
At the cross she heard the words of Jesus, giving her as mother to another. She seemed to lose her son totally on the cross; she lost him to violence and to pain as he died for the life of the world.
She believed that he would rise; but she did not know how or when. Her faith was her comfort, as Jesus gave up his spirit.
She was no stranger to death; and she was blessed, graced by God, in her mourning.
She knew that death was not final, and lived her life in the air of eternity, having welcomed the Son of Heaven into her womb.
In Mary eternity joined earth in the closest possible bond; in Mary earth has joined eternity, as she now enjoys the presence of God, body and soul in the life of God.
As she was on earth, we are called to be: carriers of God in our lives; as she is in heaven, we one day shall be, as God carries us in his arms, welcoming us home into our eternal home.
Prayer to Mary, Mother of Jesus
Mary,
I have always imagined you to be young with serene beauty
Sun-kissed face that searched the heavens
With questions only answered deep within your heart.
With great love you carried your child
Watching him grow ‘neath the moon of Israel and under Egypt’s stars.
You took the splinters from His dusty hands turning wood on Joseph’s bench
And held Him close when he spoke of things
You could only carry in your heart.
Did you know what lay ahead? How he would heal the sick, raise the dead. Find the lost and see the hungry fed?
Little children would be well again. The blind would see
Lazarus would rise and the lame run free.
Did you know that your heart would break? When he was bound and beaten – hung upon a tree
For all the world to see – the sin of humanity.
Did your heart almost burst – when you heard the tomb was empty?
Did you run to see and cry again so many tears of joy?
In Heaven you do not age and you are forever young you are beautiful because you love. May we know that love in protection
In affection, in direction – Just as you watched over your own Son
Watch over us
Help us to find that pure place in our heart
Beyond cynicism – beyond hate – beyond fear
Turn your gentle face towards us that we might listen to your Cana words – “Do as he tells you”
May we walk one day when life is done
Through the fields of Paradise
Forever young
Enfolded in your mystery O woman clothed in the sun.
Jubilee Holy Year of Mercy
“Be merciful just as your Father is Merciful”
On the 8th December, 2015, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door which became a Door of Mercy, inviting everyone in to experience the love of God who consoles, pardons and gives hope.
Jesus our Saviour, leads us on our pilgrimage of “Grace and Mercy” by how he lived his life. Jesus tells us:
“Judge not, and you will not be Judged;
Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Give and it will be given unto you……………..
For the measure you give will be the measure you get back” (Lk 6: 37-38).
Our pilgrimage during the “Holy Jubilee Year” should be lived more intensely as a time to celebrate and experience God’s mercy.
THE PILGRIM’S COMMANDMENTS
+ Do not feel obliged to attend everything that is on offer each day in Lourdes.
+ Conserve your strength, there is no merit in tiring yourself out.
+ Make the Mass the central activity of your day.
+ If possible try to celebrate Morning Prayer with your fellow-pilgrims.
+ Always double-check each day about times and venues for your pilgrimage
events.
+ Try not to be late for meals in the hotel.
+ Even of others ignore it, observe the silence around the Domain and in the churches and chapels.
+ Wherever possible, keep the spirit of the pilgrimage by joining in with others rather than doing things alone.
+ Don’t be afraid to participate fully, to pray fervently and to sing from the heart.
+ Enjoy the social occasions with your fellow pilgrims.
+ Resist the temptation to kill time, it is too precious.
+ Cultivate a “pilgrim mentality” which accepts the minor
inconveniences that go with accommodating so many pilgrims.
+ Consider visiting some of the shrines at off-peak times.
+ Remember that no question is silly if you need to ask it.
The Feast of The Epiphany of the Lord.
On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the journey of the Magi – a journey that is the pattern of our Christian living. The light of Christ shines beyond boundaries. The gift of salvation is for all.
Prayer of the Faithful
Just as the star led the Magi to find the Infant Jesus and pay him homage, so will God guide us in all we do. Let us pray for his guidance in our lives and let us remember the needs of our world.
- That the church may be a guiding light, leading all people to salvation in Christ. Lord, hear us.
- That Christians may grow in appreciation of the guidance of God’s Spirit in their daily living. Lord, hear us.
- That all church leaders may be gifted with the discernment and courage they need as they serve God’s people. Lord, hear us.
- That all our plans and projects, all our work and leisure, all our relationships and concerns at the beginning of this New Year may be guided and blessed as we place them in God’s hands. Lord, hear us.
- That those who suffer from illness, pain or sorrow may find healing and support. Lord, hear us.
- That all who have died may have everlasting life and peace. Lord, hear us.
Great and wonderful God, you are worthy of all homage. Hear the prayers we make in the name of Jesus, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Thanksgiving Prayer
Thank you, God for everything – the big things and the small –
for every good gift comes from You, the Giver of them all.
And all too often we accept without any thanks or praise, the gifts you send as blessings each day in many ways.
And so at this Thanksgiving time we offer up a prayer
to thank You, God, for giving us a lot more than our share.
First, thank You for the little things that often come our way –
the things we take for granted and don’t mention when we pray –
The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful, kindly deed,
a hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need.
Oh, make us more aware, dear God, of little daily graces
that come to us with sweet surprise from never-dreamed-of places.
Then thank You for the miracles we are much to blind to see,
and give us new awareness of our many gifts from Thee.
And help us to remember that the key to life and living
is to make each prayer a prayer of thanks and every day
Thanksgiving.
Feast of St. Patrick
On this feast-day of Saint Patrick, Patron of Ireland, we gather to worship the Triune God as Patrick did some centuries ago with Ireland’s early Christians. With gratitude in our heart for the gift of faith we bring our petitions before God, confident that our prayers will be heard.
- That Ireland and its people may always treasure their Christian heritage. Lord, hear us.
- That young people, inspired by the example of Patrick, may take up the missionary challenges of our time as joyful witnesses to the gospel. Lord, hear us.
- That parishes and communities may reach out in welcome to those who have come from other lands, and be enriched with their presence and their gifts. Lord, hear us.
- That Irish people all over the world may enjoy God’s favour. Lord, hear us.
- That those in need, at home and abroad, may experience care and compassion. Lord, hear us.
- That those who have died may enter into their heavenly inheritance. We remember all our brothers and sisters who have died far from their homeland. Lord, hear us.
God of our Fathers, we thank you for the gift of faith and for the life and example of St. Patrick. Hear our prayers we make in the name of Jesus, your Son, who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
Breastplate
Christ be with me, Christ about me
Christ beside me as I go
Christ be in me Christ around me
Christ within, above, below.
Christ encircle every heart
Christ encircle every part
Christ be with me
Christ surround me
Christ be near and never far.
Christ to guide me on my journey
Christ to shield me from the night
Christ to lead me on each journey
Christ my hope, my life, my light.
Christ to save me from all sin
Christ to call me deep within
Christ to guide me on each journey
Christ my heart to ever fill.
Symbols and Gestures used in Baptism
Water
Water symbolizes the gift of new life. We must continue to nurture and take care of that new life.
Sign of the Cross
The sign of the Cross which is made on your child’s forehead, claims him/her for Christ.
Oils
Oils suggest strength, energy, power. It is used in Baptism as a symbol of Christ, who will be with your Child.
Baptismal Robe
Clothing with the white garment, symbolizes his/her new Christian dignity.
Lighted Candles
The Paschal Candle represents the Risen Christ the light of the world. Your small candle lighted from the Paschal candle, is a sign that Christ shares his life and love with your child.
What do I need to bring to the Church on the day of my child’s Baptism?
- Baptismal Candle.
- White Shawl.
- Baptismal Registration Form (filled in exactly as it is on the Birth Certificate).
Living the Eucharist
In this prayer, we pause over different moments and words from the Mass, to remind ourselves of how much is contained in what is so familiar to us.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.
Grace, love fellowship – that each of us may carry this Blessed Trinity in our hearts and minds.
Christ have mercy.
May all who call on the Lord have a deep realisation that their lives and existence are bathed in inexhaustible compassion.
This is the Word of the Lord.
That our hearts may be rich soil, ready and receptive, where the gospel grows strong roots and bears rich fruit.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation.
For the goodness of life, for the wonder of the world, for the miracle of love, for the beauty of the seasons, for the renewal of hope, we bless you Lord.
Pray that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God the almighty Father.
May our lives be a spiritual sacrifice to God, offered in Jesus’ own spirit, with single-minded trust.
Lift up your hearts.
May the celebration of the Eucharist be an uplifting experience for all; may it give us new heart for living.
Do this in memory of me.
As we obey the Lord’s command, may our remembering keep us in touch with who he is and what we are.
Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
O Ever Immaculate Virgin Mother of Jesus, mother of mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comfort of the afflicted. You know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; please cast on me a look of pity.
By appearing at the Grotto of Lourdes, you made
it a privileged sanctuary, in which you
give your favours. Already many sufferers
have obtained the cure of their infirmities,
both spiritual and corporal.
I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence,
to ask your maternal intercession.
Obtain, O loving Mother the grant of my requests.
Through gratitude of your favours, I will try
to imitate your virtues, that I may one day
see your glory. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Mother of Mercy – pray for us.
St. Bernadette – pray for us.
1.
+ O God come to our aid.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without
end. Amen.
Hymn: (spoken) Mary, crowned with living light, temple of the Lord, place of peace and holiness, shelter of the Word.
Mystery of sinless life in our fallen race. Free from shadow you reflect, plenitude of grace.
Virgin-mother of our God, lift us when we fall. Who were named upon the Cross, Mother of us all.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Heaven sings your praise; Mary magnifies your name, through eternal days.
Response: Arise, come to your God, sing him your song of rejoicing.
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing for joy. R.
Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock. R.
Indeed how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love; he is faithful from age to age. R.
Glory be to the Father…………………………
Scripture Reading
Decade of the Rosary.
Prayer to our Lady. Page 1
Morning Offering and Prayer of Intercession. Page 8.
Hymn.
2
The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation.
Scripture Reading: The angel Gabriel said to Mary< “Hail, full of grace, the Lord us with you. You will conceive in your womb and will bear a son. The Holy Spirit will come upon you. Therefore the child to be born will be called Son of God”. Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to you word”. Then the angel left her. (Luke 1: 26-38)
(together we pray) We worship you, Eternal Word of God, present in the weakness of our flesh. Open our hearts to your hidden presence in our lives
Decade of the Rosary.
Prayer to Our Lady (page 1)
(Sing) As I kneel before you, as I bow my head in prayer, take this day, make it yours, and fill me with your love. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus, tecum, benedicta tu.
3.
The Third Joyful Mystery: The Birth of Our Lord.
Scripture Reading. Joseph went up form Nazareth to Bethlehem, with his wife Mary who was with child. While they were there, she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. In the night, the angels said to the shepherds, “A saviour has been born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. And this will be the sign for you: you will find a baby lying in a manger”.
(together we pray) We adore you, O Jesus, born in poverty of a crib and in the weakness of our flesh. We entrust you with all the babies born in our world today.
Decade of the Rosary.
Prayer to Our Lady (page 1)
(Sing) All I have I give you, ev’ry dream and wish are yours. Mother of Christ, Mother of mine, present them to my Lord. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus, tecum, benedicta tu.
4.
The 4th Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus carries the Cross.
Scripture Reading: Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified. And carrying the cross himself he went out to what was called “the Place of the Skull,” in Hebrew Golgatha. There, they crucified him, and with two others, on either side. (John 10: 16-18)
(together we pray) O Jesus, your way of the cross was also a way of service and love. Give us our daily strength in our daily crosses.
Decade of the Rosary.
Prayer of Our Lady (page 1)
(Sing) Hail queen of heav’n, the ocean star, guide of the wand’rer here below; thrown on life’s surge, we claim thy care; save us from peril and from woe. Mother of Christ, star of the sea, pray for the wanderer, pray for me.
5.
The 1st Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection of the Lord.
Scripture Reading: On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the woman came to the tomb. When they entered the tomb, they didn’t find the Lord Jesus’ body. But two men in dazzling clothes stood there and told them, “Why are you looking for He Who Lives among us is dead? He isn’t here – he has risen, as he had foretold”. When they returned from the tomb they told all these things to the others. (Luke 24: 1-9)
(together we pray) Glory to you, Jesus, the Living one. Stay with us when darkness comes and stir up in us a lively faith.
Decade of the Rosary.
Prayer to Our Lady (page 1)
(Sing) As I kneel before you, and I see your smiling face, ev’ry thought, ev’ry word is lost in your embrace. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum, benedicta tu/
6.
The 5th Glorious Mystery: The Crowning of Mary in Heaven.
Scripture Reading: I, John, your brother and partner in the suffering, had a vision. A great sign was seen in the sky – a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “Rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them!”. (Revelation 1: 9; 12: 1, 12).
(Together we pray) Praise to you, Mary: God has crowned you with his tenderness. Come and reign in our families, in our Church, and in our world.
Decade of the Rosary.
Prayer to our Lody. (page 1)
(Sing) Be still and know that I am God (3) I am the Lord that healeth thee (3) In thee, O Lord, I put my trust (3).
7.
7.
Rathgormack / Clonea Parish
November list of your Deceased
“The Souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God”
Dear Father, please include the following in the Novena of Masses.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name:…………………………………Church…………………………………
Offering enclosed:……………………………………..
Please return to Parochial House or Churches before the 1st November.
Emmanuel: God is with us!
The promise made to Mary in her youth: the Son born of you will be called Emmanuel, which means “God is with us”.
She could look back in her old age at the mystery of God being with her, throughout her life.
In pregnancy, as she awaited the birth of Jesus, she was graced with the support of Joseph and Elizabeth; in birth, when her Son was born in poverty, she saw that some rejected, some received him, even at that early age.
And she experienced the death of Joseph and God was with her then, as Jesus and friends consoled her.
And she let Jesus go, the Son whom she loved, to his work for God which involved her in a hidden way.
She watched him die, and he gave her then to his disciples and to the church; “Be their mother”, he said; “This is your Son” as he gave her to John, and she gave him back to God.
And in old age, like all of us, she looked back, and recognised that God was faithful, God was always with her.
She brought God to us in the Word made flesh; and now God welcomes her home, fully alive in his presence.
As she now is, we one day shall be.
Thanks be to God.
Mary’s Dream
I had a dream, Joseph, I don’t understand it. Not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for it for about six weeks. They
had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They’d gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because
the presents weren’t for our Son.
They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows
and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree Joseph, right in their house.
They’d decorated the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls
and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on top of the tree. It
looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful. Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. They gave
the gifts to each other Joseph, not to our Son. I don’t think they even
new Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn’t it seem odd for
people to go to all the trouble to celebrate someone’s birthday if they
don’t know Him. I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to
this celebration He would have been intruding.
Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone was so happy,
but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus – not to be wanted
at His own birthday party.
I’m glad it was only a dream. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.
Author unknown.
THE STORY OF BERNADETTE
She was born in the Boly Mill in Lourdes on the 7th January 1844. Her father’s name was Francois Soubirous and her mother’s was Louise Casterot. She was baptised two days later and called Marie-Bernarde. At the time of her birth, her parents owned the Boly Mill. Her mother sent the young child to be fostered in Bartres, where she lived for about sixteen months. Bernadette later loved to return to Bartres, to visit with Marie Aravant-Lagues, who regarded her as one of the family.
Misfortune after misfortune came down on the Soubirous family. The mill was sold over their heads in 1852 and they were driven out of it in 1854. They then went to live in the Laborde home. In 1855 there was a cholera epidemic in Lourdes and poor little Bernadette caught the disease. She got better, but the disease left its traces with her all her life – tuberculosis and asthma.
Her poor father’s affairs went from bad to worse and the family ended up in 1857 living in the Cachot, a one-roomed hovel that had once been the town jail and referred to later as “a foul, sombre hovel” by the Prosecutor Dutour.
Bernadette was now thirteen years of age and couldn’t read or write; this was due to the fact of her ill-health and also because the poor child couldn’t go to school or catechism as she had to stay at home and look after her brother while her mother went out to work. She had not yet made her First Holy Communion. But, poor and ill as she was, she had learned from her parents a deep spirit of faith
Bernadette was reared in grinding poverty, but her home was a very Christian home. Despite the poverty, it was a cheerful home, because the presence of God enlightened it. Although her family had known better times, the trial of poverty was accepted without bitterness. And God, who himself had been poor, picked a child from this poor family as the one who would see His Mother
We can easily understand why Bernadette was chosen. She was very truthful, very frank and notably modest. The grace of God was with her. God loved her for her shining innocence. So it was no accident that God chose her. Nor was it an accident that he chose the obscure village of Lourdes as the scene of the Apparitions. As far back as 1062, Bernard the Count, who ruled these lands, vowed himself and his domain to the ancient shrine of Puy, where Our Lady was honoured as the “holy and immaculate Virgin”. And every 50 years, as a sign of this pledge, the Counts would go over to the Fortress of Lourdes for a day to the Bishop of Puy so that for one day and night the banner of the immaculate Virgin would fly upon its towers. So it doesn’t seem so strange that it was here in Lourdes that the Mother of God revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception.
In September 1857 Bernadette went to Bartres to Marie Lagues to help look after her sheep and returned to the misery of the Cachot in January 1858. Here at least, she could go to the school of the Sisters of Nevers and prepare for her Holy Communion.
It was from this miserable hovel in February 1858 that Bernadette went to gather firewood at the grotto of Massabielle and saw Our Lady there.
THE APPARITIONS
- Thursday, 11th February, 1858.
Bernadette came to grotto with her sister Toinette and her friend Jeanne Abbadie. They were looking for firewood. To cross over to the grotto they had to take off their shoes; Bernadette was hesitant in doing this in case it would aggravate her asthma. She decided to do so and as she was taken of her first stocking, a violent wind arose. It was about noon. Bernadette looked back and saw that the trees behind her were not moving. She took off her second stocking and, looking towards the grotto, she saw, in an opening in the rock there, a Lady in white. Bernadette, fearing that she was imagining it, blinked her eyes. But no, the lady was still there.
So Bernadette took out her rosary and tried to bless herself, but couldn’t. The Lady took her own rosary and made the sign of the cross. The Lady did not speak, as Bernadette said her Rosary, but let her own beads pass through her fingers.
And just as suddenly she had appeared, the Lady vanished.
- Sunday, 14th February, 1858.
Bernadette set out for the grotto with some companions, went on her knees and started the rosary. After the first decade, she saw the same Lady. The child sprinkled holy water at the Lady, who smiled at her.
- Thursday, 18th February, 1858.
Bernadette arrived at the grotto with two ladies to accompany her. One of the ladies was carrying a blessed candle. On this day the Lady spoke for the first time. Speaking in the local dialect, as she did when speaking to the child, the Lady asked Bernadette, “Will you be gracious enough to come here every day for fifteen days?” Bernadette said she would, if her parents allowed her. Then the Lady said, “I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the next”.
- Friday, 19th February, 1858.
The Lady appeared and said nothing.
- Saturday, 20th February, 1858.
The Lady appeared and had a secret conversation with Bernadette and taught her word by word, a prayer for herself, to be said every day of her life.
- Sunday, 21st February, 1858.
The Lady appeared to told Bernadette, “You will pray to God for sinners”.
- Tuesday, 23rd February.
The Lady appeared again and entrusted the child with one or more of three secrets, which were for herself alone.
- Wednesday, 24th February, 1858.
The Lady said to Bernadette, “Pray to God for the conversion of sinners” and asked her to kiss the ground as a penance for sinners. Bernadette did so and turned to the crowed, sobbing, “Penance! Penance! Penance!”
-
- Thursday 25th February.
The lady said to Bernadette, “Go, drink at the spring and wash yourself in it”. The Lady pointed to a spot under the rock. Bernadette went there and scraped at the dirty, muddy ground with her hands and tried to drink and wash, as she had been told. Her face was covered with the mud, and those who witnessed this thought she had gone mad. The place where she scraped, and which now can be seen under a plate glass cover, is the source of the miraculous spring which has never since run dry.
- Saturday, 27th February, 1858.
The Lady spoke to Bernadette and asked her to kiss the ground as a penance for sinners. Bernadette promptly did so. She was also told by the Lady, “You will tell the priests to have a chapel built here”. The child went and saw Abbe Peyramale, the Parish Priest, who told her to say to the Lady that if she had a right to a chapel, prove it by making the rose bush in the grotto flower immediately.
- Sunday, 28th February, 1858.
The Lady appeared, but gave no message.
- Monday, 1st March, 1858.
The Lady appeared again and, noticing that Bernadette was using a friends rosary, asked her to use her own.
- Tuesday, 2nd March, 1858.
On this day Bernadette got a double commission from the Lady – “Go and tell the priests that people are to come here in procession and to build a chapel here”. The poor, frightened child took the message to the Parish Priest, who requested that Lady should identify herself.
- Wednesday, 3rd March, 1858.
The Lady repeated the request for a chapel to be built. Bernadette went once again and told the Parish Priest.
Thursday, 4th March, 1858.
The Lady appeared again on this, the last of the fifteen days, but gave no message and only smiled when Bernadette asked her for her name.
- Thursday, 25th March, 1858.
It was three weeks later when the Lady appeared again. Bernadette asked the Lady three times for her name. When asked a forth time the Lady said “Que soy era Immaculada Councepciou” – “I am the Immaculate Conception” On this occasion the Lady asked Bernadette to leave her candle at the Grotto. This request of the Lady started the custom of leaving candles to burn at the Grotto.
- Wednesday, 7th April, 1858.
The apparition lasted over an hour, with many hundred people present – it was the Wednesday of Easter Week. And all these people saw that, while in ecstasy, the flame of Bernadette’s candle was playing on her hand for many minutes and left no trace of a burn. This same “miracle” also happened during the third apparition.
- Friday 18th July, 1858.
In the evening, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Lady appeared to Bernadette again. As the grotto had been barricaded by the authorities, Bernadette went to the field opposite the grotto. Never again did Bernadette see the Lady in this life.
AFTER THE APPARITIONS
The civil authorities were bitterly opposed to the visions and did their utmost to stop the enthusiasm of the crowds until the Emperor himself, Napoleon 111, ordered the barriers removed and gave people free access to the grotto. Bernadette was one of the first to come and pray at the grotto when the barriers were removed from it.
In 1860 she went to stay with the Sisters of Nevers in their Lourdes Hospice and studied there. The priests and bishops remained prudently reserved and cautious concerning the happenings at the grotto and did just what the Abbe Peyramale, the Parish Priest, told them to do – not to go to the grotto but to “pray and wait”. Soon he was convinced and approached the Bishop, Msgr. Laurence, who, on the 8th February, 1862, after a long and detailed canonical enquiry, declared that the Mother of God had really appeared eighteen times to Bernadette at the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes.
On the 7th April, 1864, the Statue at the Grotto was blessed. Bernadette was unable to be there – she was too ill. But on that day she asked to be allowed to join the Sisters of Nevers. She was accepted but told that she would have to wait until her health had improved. She was present when the Crypt (the first church) was inaugurated on the 19th May, 1866, and at the first Mass at the Grotto, two days later, on the 21st May.
On the 3rd July 1866, she went for her last visit to the Grotto with her Mother Superior. When Mother signified that it was time to go, Bernadette appealed to her, “Let me stay just another little while, it’s my last time” She kissed the rock fervently and tearfully said, “The grotto was my heaven, I will never be back again”. She left Lourdes on the 4th July, 1866, arrived in Nevers on the 7th July and received her veil on the 29th July. In religion she was given her Baptismal name – Sr. Marie-Bernard.
She lived her life as a nun in the Convent of St. Gildard in Nevers. She conscientiously did all the Virgin asked her to do – to pray, to do penance, to mortify herself, to suffer for sinners. She described herself as “happier on my bed of suffering than a queen on a throne”. She fell so ill that she had a death-bed profession on the 25th October, 1866. She was so ill she could not say the formula. A weak “Amen” was all she could say. She made her religious profession on the 30th October, 1867.
She worked in the infirmary in the Convent up to 1873 and was a wonderful infirmarian. In 1874 she became sacristan but only for a short period. She became so seriously ill that she was confined to the infirmary. Here her holiness showed itself clearly by the way she bore her suffering so calmly. Her life was a life of humble simplicity and religious trust and she died, aged thirty five, in an armchair, propped up by pillows to ease her pain. Her body can be seen in Nevers in a glass coffin, perfect and incorrupt.
Through all her suffering, Bernadette loved. She is not a saint in heaven today because she had the apparitions at Lourdes, but because she loved. As she herself would say, “to love is enough”. She died on the 16th April, 1879, was beatified on the 14th June 1925, and on the 8th December, was canonised by Pope Pius XI. Her feast day is the 18th February.
Out of our battered and scarred existence God’s touch can still
entice a beautiful enchanting melody:
THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND
“It was battered and scarred, and the auctioneer thought it scarcely worth
his while to waste much time on the old violin but held it up with a smile.
“What am I bidding, good folks,” he cried, “Who’ll start the bidding for me?”
“A dollar, a dollar”; then, “two!” only two? Two dollars, and who’ll make it
three?
“Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice; Going for three –“ But no, from
the room, far back, a grey haired man came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin, and tightening the loose string, he played a melody pure and sweet as a carolling angel sings.
The music ceased, and the auctioneer, with a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, “What am I bid for the old violin?” and he held it up with the bow.
“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two? Two thousand! And who’ll
make it three? Three thousand once, three thousand twice and going, and gone”, said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried: “We do not quite understand
what changed its worth.”
Swift came the reply:
“The touch of the master’s hand”
(Myra B. Welch)
.
Welcome from Fr. Bernard………………
I welcome you all to our Pilgrimage here in Lourdes. The question I would like
to put too you is “Why do we come on Pilgrimage?” . So I ask you, please,
to take time and reflect, on what “a pilgrimage is for” and at the end of the six
days, hopefully, through prayer, through silence, through each others company,
you, will come up with the answer –“we come on pilgrimage to become closer to
God, and to receive the many blessings of this pilgrimage, so we can take them
home with us, as a foundation on which we can build our lives in the future”.
Through our celebrations this week we ask that the grace of God will give us
all “New hope” and “Renew our hearts with Christian Joy” .
As we come together, my prayer for each of you is, “that our faith in Jesus,
and his mother Mary, will be increased and that we will be blessed with love
and peace”.
I take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to all who have helped with the
organization of our pilgrimage, especially to Breda Fleming of the Parish of Innishannon and Nora Reidy of Premier Travel. Our readers, singers, to Breda for leading us in the singing, and anyone else involved in our liturgies. To our guide here in Lourdes, and all the staff of the Agena Hotel.
Our Masses during the few days will be offered for your intentions, for those
who are sick, and for all our relatives and friends who have died.
I ask you to enjoy your time here. To take “time to pray, to relax, to reflect and
not over do things”.
God Bless.
Prayer at the Beginning of the Pilgrimage.
O Mary, Mother of Jesus, we thank God through you, and ask for a safe and happy pilgrimage while here at Lourdes. Please help us to spend these few days in prayer and reflection in close union with you.
Teach us to love God and my neighbour more and more. Help us to do what you would like us to do whilst we are here. Help us to pray. Obtain for us, and for those we have promised to pray for, all the graces and favours which you know will be for our good and their good.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The 18 Apparitions: Thursday 11/2/1858 – 16/7/1858
During the 6th Apparition, Sunday 21/2/1858, the Lady asked Bernadette to pray for sinners. During the 9th Apparition the Lady directed her under the rock of the grotto where she was to wash and cleanse herself and drink of the water, later (13th Apparition) the Lady instructed her to have a chapel built there for people to come in procession.
Message of Lourdes
Humility/Poverty: Bernadette nourished and served others with humility throughout her short life. Our Lady’s requests through Bernadette is realised today in Lourdes in the way the poor, sick, displaced and disabled are cared for. The challenge of poverty beckons us to name our true wealth.
Prayer: Prayer is simply offering ourselves to God in our everyday activities, words and thoughts. It is a dedication of heart and who we are to God. Lourdes is calling us to be conscious of how we can be in touch with God’s will for us as Bernadette communed with Our Lady. Our challenge is to make our daily actions an offering of prayer to God.
Penance: We all do penance, through sickness, loneliness, bereavement, depression, rejection and in many other quiet ways. Bernadette’s penance was of mind and body, a conversion of heart, and was offered to God in reparation for sin. She believed Our Lady’s promise, “I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the next”. Our Lady’s call to Bernadette to wash and drink form the fresh spring was a call to Bernadette and ourselves to be renewed and cleansed by the message of the gospel.
A Vibrant Church: During the 13th apparition, Tuesday 2nd March 1858, Our Lady asked that the priests should lead the people in procession to the grotto and that a chapel should be built there. As we move around the Domain in torchlight procession or follow the Blessed Sacrament in the underground basilica, we are acknowledging in communion with others, that Jesus Christ is our Saviour. So we move from the call of Lourdes to the call of the gospels that we participate in the mission and life of the Church in spreading the “Good News”.
Our Pilgrimage takes place from the 6th – 11th July 2008. It is expected that it will be an extraordinary year as regards to people who will go on pilgrimage there. For this reason we ask you to book your place as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment. You can book with Premier Travel, Cork, Tel: 021 4277700 or with the Pilgrimage Leader, Breda Fleming, 021 4776134. We have a limited number of places. So book now.
Liturgy of the Water Walk
Hymn: Lets go down to the river to pray.
+ the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
I welcome you all to our Liturgy this afternoon. We can call it “A Liturgy for the Water Walk”. In 2002 as water was the pastoral theme for the pilgrimage season, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes created on this the prairie a “Water Walk”. It is a real pastoral tool which invites pilgrims to walk in Bernadette’s footsteps.
“Go and drink at the spring and wash yourself in it” Such was the invitation of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette during the Apparition on the 25th February 1858. And again today Mary invites us with the same words “Go and drink at the spring and wash yourself in it”. This same water which gushes forth recalls our baptism, a sign of life abundantly given to that we may always be alive in the eyes of God
Hymn. Come to the water.
Let us listen together to what happened to Bernadette one morning in February….
Reader 1.
Reader 2.
Liturgy of the Word.
Like the Prophets who made water gush forth from the soil of the Promised Land, Bernadette, on Mary’s indication, made water spring forth from the ground, ordinary water similar to the water which has been flowing on earth since the creation of the world. But the water
which we shall drink later on, or with which we shall wash our faces, must help to discover Jesus Christ, source of all life.
Let us listen to the Prophet Isaiah as he tells us about the promise of God to his people.
Reading Isaiah 41: 17-20.
Resp. Psalm – sung.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John. 4: 7-14.
When a Samaritan woman came to the well where Jesus was, Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink”. His disciples had gone to a town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said, “What? You are a Jew, and you ask me, a Samaritan, for a drink? Jews in fact do not associate with Samaritans. Jesus replied, “If only you knew what God is offering and who it is that is saying to you: Give me a drink, you would have been the one to ask, and he would have given you living water. Whoever drinks this water will get thirsty again; but anyone who drinks the water that I shall give, will never be thirsty again. The water that I shall give will turn into a spring inside them, welling up to eternal life”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection:
Who is the woman at the well? She is the confused person, young or old, looking for meaning in life, and wondering where to find it.
Who is the woman at the well? She is the lonely person, young, middle-aged, old who is looking for love, who has looked for it in the wrong place or tasted its pleasures but not its joys.
Who is the woman at the well? You and me, when we fail, when we hate ourselves, when we want freedom from guilt, when we want light not darkness in or lives, when we want to know that love can last, that compassion can heal, that life is forever.
The truth that Jesus is God and he is a friend, the truth that love is a mystery and is around us, the truth that God’s love reaches deeply into us and is a wellspring for ever.
This is the promise of Jesus “I will give you living water”.
Prayer of Intercession
We have listened to the Word of God. We know that we are not always in tune with this Word. We do not always acknowledge that the Lord is first to love us and wishes us to hold our heads high. Let us not be afraid to ask Him humbly for His living water, and let us not forget to thank Him for what he has always given us.
- Because, in your love you gave us living water which quenches all thirst, Lord we praise you. Lord, hear us.
- So that people may thirst for your Word which will become in them a source of life. Lord, Hear us.
- Because from the heart of your Crucified Son you made the Spring of grace gush forth, Lord we praise you. Lord, hear us.
- So that we may know how to set aside time to pray and to deepen our faith. Lord, hear us.
Lord, we know you grant your children what they ask for with a sincere heart. We ask you to show them your inexhaustible goodness. Place on their lips words of thanksgiving, and in their hearts the desire to serve you better through all those you may entrust to them. We praise you Eternal Wisdom of the Father, Jesus Christ and Lord forever. Amen.
Ceremony of the Water and Prayer to Mary.
Water has always been the symbol of life. The many pilgrims who come to Lourdes know that they are responding to an invitation of love. Let us rejoice and prepare our hearts to celebrate this meeting with the infinite loving tenderness of the Father. Let us go to the spring and wash in it.
Now, each one of us will go to the water points in his or her time, to perform, humbly and with faith, this gesture of taking the water.
Let us now put our hands forward as a sign of acceptance of this water, and as a gift of ourselves. In performing this gesture we open ourselves to a deeper truth. In this way, when we drink this water or wash our faces with it, we will be able to say in the depths of our heart: Lord, You are the source of life. Purify me, change my heart, that I May be reborn in You. (Ask people to repeat).
(Go to water points to wash or drink, and return to say our final prayer and blessing)
It is Mary, mother of God and Mother of Mankind, filled with the spirit of love, who gathers us around her like her beloved children. She is the one who presents us to Jesus, her Son. She is the one who invites us to tell Him again of our trust in Him. She is the one who wishers to say with us: “Let us open our eyes, let us open our hands, and let us open our hearts”.
As we turn to Mary with open hands, let us say together with Bernadette: Hail Mary, full of grace……………
Final Blessing: God our Father has given us new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, so that we may become his children: May He keep us faithful to His love. Amen.
Final Hymn: Set your heart on the higher gifts.
Message of Lourdes.
The message of Lourdes comes from all the events, words and gestures that surround the Apparitions. Bernadette could never have invented a message in
such depth, a message that draws all its strength and coherence from the
Gospels. The message can be summarised in four words that evoke and
amplify the Good News of the Gospels: Poverty, Prayer, Penance, Church.
Poverty. We come before Our Lady in all our poorness, with all our misery,
our cares and concerns, our hopes, our joys, our own personal story. We come
before Our Lady with the details of our lives; we want to share them with
her and to enlighten them in the light of the Gospels.
With Bernadette, we can move from a “suffering put up with” to a Gospel
poverty “that is chosen and loved”.
The choice of Bernadette, poor from the Cachot to the “pigsty” is not a
question of mere choice. Here we see the preference of God himself for
the poor. “He who is rich made himself poor” (2 Cor:8-9). He came among
us in the person of Jesus, poor amongst the poor (stable at Bethlehem).
“What is poor in the world, what is little, this is what God has chosen”
(1 Cor: 27). “Blessed are the poor,,,,,,(Mt:5: 3-12).
Here is a message so relevant for our age, for a consumer society. It has
much to say to a society in which there is so much waste, injustice and
inequality. It is a call to a simple life – to be attentive to the reality and
needs of the poor, the sick and the handicapped, the outcast; it is an
appeal to sharing what we have with each other. To being committed
to social justice, to working for peace and respect of life…………
Prayer. Only prayer, the true meeting with the Lord, can make our lives
true and real; only in prayer can we truly see ourselves and others; only
in prayer can we be moved to share, to enter into dialogue, to see what
true poverty is. Often at the beginning of our pilgrimage we realise
“we no longer know how to pray”.
With Bernadette we progress from prayers to a real and deeper prayer.
Bernadette, a traditional Catholic, who prayed according to the popular
pious devotions at the time (Rosary etc), discovered in the first 7
apparitions a deeper prayer: she entered a prayer that was real “heart
to heart” the prayer of silence and of dialogue.
Jesus said: ”when you pray don’t babble like the pagans” (Mt:6:7) He sends us his spirit who makes us cry our “Abba Father” – who helps us when we don’t know how
to pray. (Gal:4:6). True prayer reveals to each of us the tenderness by which we
are loved by God.
“I do not promise to make you happy in this world but in the other” said Our Lady
to Bernadette. And she says the same to us. This “other world” is not a flight
from this world, but a hope for the world to come.
“Would you be so kind to come….? Our Lady asks. In responding to this invitation, the pilgrim, often suffocated by the materialism of “this world” has to learn again how to pray. Personal. silent, intimate prayer has to find its place again as well as shared, community prayer, that of the liturgy of the church. Places of recollection and time for silent personal prayer must be encompassed within the many
pilgrimage activities.
Penance. This is one of the most important aspects of the message of Lourdes.
If we allow prayer to be part of our lives, it will not lead to escape from life
but to a new clarity about ourselves and about the world in which we live. This clarity will lead us with Bernadette, into true penance, that is to conversion and compassion.
Here we come to the deeper meaning of the water that flows from the spring of Massabielle. When we come to drink or bathe in the water of the Grotto, we first have to recall its origin and its deep significance. The spring of water at the
Grotto existed before the apparitions. Bernadette did not make the water
come. The spring was already there. But it is true that on February 25th 1858, following the instruction of the Lady, Bernadette discovered this spring that was covered over by earth and rocks.
It is all the words and gestures that go with this discovery that give meaning to
this 9th apparition. Our Lady said to Bernadette: “Would you be kind enough as
to kiss the ground, crawl on your knees and eat grass “for sinners”. Go drink at
the spring and wash yourself there”.
She did these acts painfully; it shocked, scandalised and revolted the onlookers. She was slapped, scolded, insulted and brought before the Procurator General. On this day Bernadette discovered the world of sinners that made the Lady sad, as she said to Bernadette: “Penance! Penance! Penance! Pray for the conversion of sinners.
Here we are at the heart of the message of Lourdes. In doing the
penitential acts asked for by Our Lady, Bernadette is in a sense
reminds us of Good Friday and Jesus’ passion “for sinners”
Bernadette leads us to see the true meaning of penance in union with Jesus, the Lamb of God who “tasted bitter herbs” and took upon himself the “sin of the world”.
Here then is the deeper meaning of the water of Lourdes: Water, which recalls the love of Christ who gave his life for sinners. Water, which reminds us of our baptism that gave us life as children of God. Water, which points us to the Sacrament of Penance in which God offers forgiveness, purification and reconciliation.
We need to be reborn, forgiven, purified and reconciled….. and this is why we come to this water remembering the words of Jesus “if anyone is thirsty, let he/she come to me and drink”.
This means that the water of Lourdes is strongly linked to the Way of the Cross and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, two essential practices of the pilgrimage.
Thinking of Bernadette and this deeper meaning of the water the pilgrim is asked simply to drink a little water and wash his/her face; while doing so they should pray for there own conversion and that of others.
The taking home of Lourdes water should never be considered as taking home some kind of “lucky charm”. The reason for taking home water has to be seen in the light of the true meaning of the water and should be as a gesture of Christian renewal and conversion.
Church. To believe in the church and to be committed with the church, with Bernadette we take up our responsibility for building up the church. At the 13th apparition, Bernadette, a young lay person is sent to the Institutional Church: “Go tell the priests to build a church here and to have people come on pilgrimage”.
The chapel asked for reminds us that “on earth there is no permanent dwelling”. The true building that Mary calls for is not so much the construction of Basilicas but the church as People of God. And we are called to be “living stones” of this church. (1 Peter 2: 5).
The pilgrimage (the exact meaning of the word procession in Lourdes dialect) does not have its objective to satisfy a “religious need”; it takes place rather
to enable the Christian to discover herself/himself as Member of the People of God on a journey through life carrying the light of Christ to the nations.
We have to ask ourselves what the church means to us, and what is our commitment to the church. We cannot just remain curious spectators. We have an important role to play and God waits for us to act in our families, in our neighbourhood, in our parish, where we work etc…
The after-Lourdes experience will test the honesty and sincerity of pilgrimage. To each of us is addressed the words “Go and tell”…….. Bernadette gave us the message of Lourdes with words, but she also gave it to us more important by a Christian life lived in holiness.
“Build, build your Church, dear Lord; each souls a living stone, cemented by your saving grace into its proper place”.
Everyday events of our Pilgrimage
Morning Prayer – Hotel
Group Mass each day – place will be announced.
Penitential Service (Sacrament of Confession)
Ceremony of Healing
Stations of the Cross
Time and place will be announced. Check notice board
Candle……………
Each year Our Pilgrims leave a large candle at the side of the Grotto as a sign of prayer for our parishes and for those who asked us to pray for them and to light a candle.
A lighted candle is a reminder to all of us of God’s presence in our lives.
We bring the candle in procession on the day that will be arranged whilst in Lourdes.
A collection will be made to cover the cost of the candle.
“Praying the Rosary with Bernadette”
Bernadette’s Rosary was the instrument of her piety, of her grace, of her mission, of her personal sanctity and of her apostolate, the “sign” of her Spiritual Destiny.
Everything in her life unravels to the rhythm of this rosary which is recited. Does the providential vocation of Bernadette not show us the perfect example of what happens to a soul which has only her rosary for all knowledge, for all richness and for all treasures, and a passionate love for the Virgin Mary?
Bernadette repeats “Holy Mary, Mother of God”. “Pray for me”. She continues as if she identified herself with her fellow sinners, “Poor Sinner……Poor Sinner”…. “Now” for her, is the hour of death.
It is in Heaven that the final “Ave” of Bernadette is achieved.
Premier Travel Pilgrimages
Pilgrimage to LOURDES
2015
Mass Booklet
“ Let us pray with Bernadette”
Our Lady of Lourdes – Pray for us
St. Bernadette – Pray for us
Candle…………………..
Each year our Pilgrims leave a
large candle at the side of the Grotto
as a sign of prayer for our parishes
and for those who asked us to pray for them
and to light a candle.
A lighted candle is a reminder to all of us of God’s
presence in our lives.
We bring the candle in procession on the day that will be arranged
whilst in Lourdes.
A collection will be made to cover the cost of the candle.
Mass of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace
Entrance Antiphon: A child is born to us, and his name will be “Prince
of peace”
Opening Prayer: Lord our God, you sent your only Son to bring peace to our world. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, hear our prayer:
that our times may be tranquil, so that we may live in peace as one family,
united in love for one another. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
The Word of God.
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians. 4: 1-6.
I, the prisoner in the Lord, implore you to lead a life worthy of your vocation. Bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience. Do all you can to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together. There is one Body, one Spirit, just as you were called into one and the same hope when you were called. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God who is Father of all, through all and within all.
The Word of the Lord.
Response to the Psalm: if not sung: Come before the Lord, singing for joy.
Alleluia, alleluia! There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Father who is Father of all. Alleluia
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5; 1-12.
Seeing the crowds, he went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
“How happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy the gentle; they shall have the earth for their heritage. Happy those who mourn; they shall be comforted. Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right; they shall be satisfied. Happy the merciful; they shall mercy shown them. Happy the pure in heart; they shall see God. Happy the peacemakers; they shall be called sons and daughters of God. Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right; theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Prayer over the gifts: Lord, as we lovingly venerate Blessed Mary, as Queen of Peace, we offer you this sacrifice of reconciliation; be pleased with our offering, and grant us your gifts of unity and peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Preface of The Mother of Christ and Queen of peace.
Holy Holy (Sung)
Acclamation (Sung).
Rite of Communion
Our Father
Sign of Peace
Lamb of God
Prayer after Holy Communion: Lord, in this memorial of Blessed Mary, Queen of peace, you have nourished us with the Body and Blood of your only Son; send upon us the spirit of love, that we may build up in our world the peace which he himself left to us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Final Blessing. Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.
May God the Father of light bless you and give you the gift of peace for ever.
May he strengthen your faith and fulfil your hope to see him face to face.
May Almighty God bless you the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
Go in the peace of Christ. Amen.
.
Mass of the Holy Spirit.
Entrance Ant: The love of God has been poured into our hearts by his Spirit living in us, alleluia
Opening Prayer: Let us pray: God our Father, let the Spirit you sent on your church to begin the teaching of the gospel continue to work in the world through the heart of all who believe. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
The Word of God.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 2: 1-4
When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest in the head of each of them.
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech.
The Word of the Lord.
Response to the Psalm: (if not sung): The Lord has shown his salvation to the nations.
Alleluia, alleluia, Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 14:16, 26, 16, 23
Jesus said: “I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever. The Advocate, the Holt Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you. When the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth
The Gospel of the Lord.
Prayer over the gifts: Lord, may the Spirit you promised lead us into all truth and reveal to us the full meaning of this sacrifice. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Preface
Holy, Holy (sung)
Acclamation (sung)
Rite of Communion
Our Father. Sign of Peace. Lamb of God.
Communion Ant: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, ands spoke of the great things God had done, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion: Father, may the food we receive in the Eucharist help our eternal redemption. Keep within us the vigour of your Spirit and protect the gifts you have given to your church
Solemn Blessing: Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing: Lord, send your light upon your family. May they continue to enjoy your favour and devote themselves to doing good.
May Almighty God bless you + the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Go in the peace of Christ.
Mass of Mary, Mother of the Church.
Entrance Ant: Simeon said to Mary: This child is destined to be a sign which people will reject; he is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and your own soul a sword shall pierce.
Opening Prayer: Let us pray: Father, as your Son was raised on the cross, his mother Mary stood by him, sharing his sufferings. May your church be united with Christ in his suffering and death and so come to share in his rising to new life, where he lives and reigns forever and ever.
The Word of God.
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah: 7: 10-14. 8:10
The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said< “Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol of the from the heights above”. “No” Ahaz answered, “I will not put the Lord to the test”.
Then Isaiah said: Listen now, House of David: are you not satisfied with trying the patience of people with out trying the patience of my God, too?
The Lord himself, therefore will give you a sign.
It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will Emmanuel, a name which means, “God is with us”
The Word of the Lord
Response to the Psalm. (if not sung) Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Alleluia, alleluia, Happy the poor in spirit, the kingdom of heaven is theirs, Alleluia
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 1: 26-38
The Angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, “Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you. You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High”. Mary said to the angel, “But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?” “The Holy Spirit will come upon you” The angel answered, “and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.” “I am the handmaid of the Lord” said Mary “let what you have said be done to me”. And the angel left her.
The Gospel of the Lord
Prayer over the gifts: God of mercy, receive the prayers and gifts we offer in praise of your name, as we honour the Virgin Mary. While she stood beside the cross of Jesus you gave her to us as our loving mother. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Preface of Mary, Mother of the Church.
Holy, holy (Sung
Acclamation (Sung)
Rite of Communion
Our Father. Lamb of God.
Communion Ant: Blessed are you, Mother, full of grace, you are a shining example of faith, hope and love to the church.
Prayer after Communion: Lord, hear the prayers of those who receive the sacraments of eternal salvation. As we honour the compassionate love of the Virgin Mary, may we make up in our own lives what ever is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the good of the church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Final Blessing: Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.
Lord, help your people to seek you with all their hearts and to deserve what you promise. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
And May Almighty God bless you, Father + Son and Holy Spirit.
Go in the peace of Christ.
Mass of St. Bernadette.
Entrance Ant: Blessed are the gentle for they shall inherit the land
Opening Prayer: Let us pray: From among the weak and lowly, Lord, whom you love and glorify, you chose St. Bernadette, giving her the joy of seeing the Virgin Mary and speaking with her. Grant that by her prayer and example, we may confidently follow her along the ways which lead to your promised happiness.
We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
.
The Word of God
A reading from.the Letter of St. Paul to the Galations. 2: 19-20.
Through the Law I am dead to the Law, so that now I can live for God. I have been crucified with Christ, and I live now not with my own life but with the life of Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in this body I live in faith: faith in the Son of God who loved me and who sacrificed himself for my sake.
The Word of the Lord.
Response to the Psalm: (if not sung) The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy is his name!
Alleluia, alleluia:
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 2 1-20
Joseph travelled up to Bethlehem to be registered together with Mary, he betrothed who was with child. While they were there the time came to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.
The angel of the Lord appeared to some shepherds close by, and said, “Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”. The shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us”. So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger, and they went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen
The Gospel of the Lord.
Prayer over the gifts: Lord, accept these gifts we humbly give to you. May they enable us to follow the example of St. Bernadette in prayer and sacrifice. This we ask through Christ our Lord Amen.
Preface of St. Bernadette.
Holy, holy
Acclamation
Rite of Communion
Our Father, Lamb of God.
Communion Ant: Happy are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer after Communion: Lord, by the power of this Sacrament, give us the grace of self-control, the gift to be gentle. Give us the power which strengthened St. Bernadette in her quest for holiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Final Blessing. Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.
May the God of all consolation bless you in every way and grant you peace all the days of your life.
May Almighty God bless you + the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Go in the peace of Christ.
Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Health of the Sick.
Entrance Ant: I am the salvation of my people: when they call to me in any trouble I will listen to their cry.
Opening Prayer: Lord our God, in answer to the prayers of the ever-Virgin Mary in her glory, grant to us, your servants, unfailing health in body, mind and spirit, freedom from sorrow in this life, and everlasting joy in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
The Word of God
A reading from the letter of St. James. 5: 13-16.
If any one of you is in trouble, you should pray; if any one is feeling happy, you should sing a psalm. If any one of you is ill, you should send for the elders of the church, and they must anoint you with oil in the name of the Lord and pray over you. The prayer of faith will save the sick person and the Lord will raise them up again; and if they have committed any sins, they will be forgiven. So confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, and this will cure you; the heartfelt prayer of a good person works very powerfully.
The Word of the Lord.
Response to the Psalm: (if not sung) I thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and love.
Alleluia, alleluia, I thank you, Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard my prayer. Alleluai.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 8: 14-17.
Going into Peter’s house Jesus found Peter’s mother –in-law in bed with fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on them.
That evening they brought him many who were possessed by devils. He cast out the spirits with a word and cured all who were sick. This was to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah: “He took our sicknesses away and carried our diseases for us”
The Gospel of the Lord.
ist our Lord. Amen
Prayer over the gifts: God our Father, your love guides every moment of our lives. Accept the prayers and gifts we offer for our sick brothers and sisters; restore them to health and turn our anxiety for them into joy. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Preface of Mary, health of the sick
Holy, holy (sung)
Acclamation (sung)
Rite of Communion
Our Father
Sign of peace
Lamb of God
Communion Ant: I will make up in my own body what is lacking in the suffering of Christ, for the sake of his body, the Church.
Prayer after Communion: Lord our God, as we honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, we have received with Joyful hearts the healing sacrament of the Body and Blood of your only Son; may this sacrament bring us blessings in this life and in the world to come. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Final Blessing: Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.
Lord, have mercy on your people. Grant us in this life the good things that lead to the everlasting life you prepare for us.
May Almighty God bless us + the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Go in the peace of Christ.
Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cause of our Joy.
Entrance Ant: Virgin Mother of God, he whom the whole world cannot
contain enclosed himself as a child within your womb.
Opening Prayer: Lord our God, you sent your Son from heaven into the
womb of the Blessed Virgin to be your saving word and our bread of life:
grant that like Mary we may welcome Christ, by treasuring his words in
our hearts and celebrating in faith the deep mysteries of our redemption.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
The Word of God.
A reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians 3: 1-4
Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God.
But when Christ is revealed – and he is your life – you to will be revealed in all your glory with him.
The Word of the Lord.
Response to the Psalm: (if not sung) Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia, I give you a new commandment: love one another just as I have loved you, says the Lord. Alleluia.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John. 20: 1-9
It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb” she said, “and we don’t know where they have put him”.
So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching if scripture, that he must rise from the dead.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Prayer over the Gifts: Lord, may the gifts which your people offer as we remember the Blessed Virgin Mary be acceptable to you, for she pleased you
and in humility conceived your Son, our Lord, who lives for ever and ever
Preface of the Virgin Mary
Holy Holy (Sung)
Acclamation
Rite of Communion Our Father, Sign of Peace, Lamb of God.
Communion Ant: Blessed is the womb of the Virgin Mary, who bore the Son of the eternal Father.
Prayer after Communion: Lord, you have nourished us with food from heaven; grant, we pray, that as we have received in this sacrament you Son, born of the Virgin Mary, we may praise him with our lips and be faithful to him in our deeds, for he lives for ever and ever.
Final Blessing.
“RENEW Prayer to Mary”
Mary, you are a woman
wrapped in silence
and yet the Word born of your “yes”
continues to bring life to all creation.
Mary, help us to say “yes” –
to be bearers of good news
to a world waiting
Mary, you are a virgin and a mother
empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Help us to open ourselves
to that same life-bringing Spirit.
Mary, help us to say our “yes”
Mary, you are a gift of Jesus to us,
Mother of the Church.
Look upon our world and our lives.
Pray for us, to your Son,
that we may be renewed.
And that we might help renew
the face of the earth
Mary, help us to say “yes”. Amen.
Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cause of our Joy.
Response: Lord, teach me your statutes.
How shall the young remain sinless?
by obeying your word.
I have sought you with all my heart;
let me not stray from your commands R.
I treasure your promise in my heart
lest I sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes. R.
With my tongue I have recounted
the decrees of your lips.
I rejoiced to do your will
as though riches were mine. R.
Alleluia, alleluia, The Word became flesh and lived among us: to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God. Alleluia.
Mass of Our Lady, Health of the sick (Anointing)
Response : My soul, bless the Lord, who heals all your ills.
My soul give thanks to the Lord, all my being bless his holy name. My soul give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings. R.
It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals everyone of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love
and compassion. R.
The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults. R.
Alleluia, alleluia; Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, for your firm believing that the promises of the Lord would be fulfilled. Alleluia.
Mass of the Holy Spirit.
Response: Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.
Bless the Lord, my soul!
Lord God, how great you are,
How many are your works, O Lord!
The earth is full of your riches. R.
You take back your spirit, they die,
Returning to the dust from which they came.
You send forth your spirit, they are created;
And you renew the face of the earth. R.
May the glory of the Lord last for ever!
May the Lord rejoice in his works!
May my thoughts be pleasing to him.
I find my joy in the Lord. R.
Alleluia, alleluia, Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Alleluia.
Mass of Mary, Mother of the Church.
Response: Save me, O Lord, in your love.
In you, O Lord, I take refuge.
Let me never be put to shame.
In your justice, set me free,
Hear me and speedily rescue me. R.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
A mighty stronghold to save me,
For you are my rock, my stronghold,
For your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. R.
Release me from the snares they have hidden
For you are my refuge, Lord.
Into your hands I commend my spirit.
It is you who will redeem me, Lord. R.
Alleluia, alleluia, I am the light of the world, anyone who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia.
Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.
Response: My Soul rejoices in my God.
My Soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my saviour.
He looks on his servant in her nothingness;
Henceforth all ages will call me blessed. R.
The Almighty works marvels for me.
Holy is his name!
His mercy is from age to age,
on those who fear him. R.
He fills the starving with good things, send the
rich away empty.
He protects Israel, his servant,
remembering his mercy,
the mercy promised to our fathers,
to Abraham and his Children for ever. R.
Alleluia, alleluia, Hail , holy Mary, joy of humankind, remaining a virgin, you gave birth and brought for us salvation and joy. Alleluia.
Requirements for
the preparation
of
Marriage
Welcome
You have asked to be married in the Parish of Faughart. The priests of the parish welcome you and wish you every blessing in your preparation for marriage and in your life together afterwards. These days of preparation can be a special time in which you come to know each other better and lay the foundation for a happy future life. We hope your wedding will be a joyful occasion for both of you. The priest who is to officiate will be happy to assist you in every way to answer any queries. For your guidance, we list the following:
Arrangements
At least three months notice must be given for all marriages to the state.
The arrangements for your marriage may be made with any of the priests of the parish. Tel: 042 9334410.
Those to be married are expected to attend a Pre- Marriage Course.
Requirements
Pre-Nuptial Enquiry form completed with priest of your parish (where you reside)
A recent Baptismal Certificate and Confirmation Cert.
Letter of consent from your parents, if you are under twenty one years of age.
In some cases, Letter(s) of Freedom.
N.B. Notification of marriage (at least 3 months) to local Registrar.
Readers
You might ask some of your guests to read at your wedding. The priest will help you choose suitable readings. The readings you choose can help you think of what is important to you. Readings are available from the priest. The readers will need to practice the piece so that they understand what they are reading. There are also the Prayers of the Faithful. The priest will have some general prayer that you can choose from or adopt. You may if you wish, compose the intentions yourself, with the priests help.
Music
Your choice of music can add much to the marriage ceremony, especially if it encourages everyone to join in. Discuss beforehand with the priest your choice of music. Remember hymns and melodies should blend with the meaning of the marriage ceremony and the Mass. The fact that a song has the word “love” in it doesn’t automatically make it suitable for a wedding ceremony. Popular love songs have no place in the marriage liturgy.
Booklets
If you are preparing a booklet for the wedding, please do so in consultation with the priest of the parish.
Flowers
Flowers can enhance the setting for a wedding but they should be used in moderation. They should not obscure in any way the Altar or the Ambo. Please contact the Sacristan of church when arrangements of bringing flowers will occur.
Photography / Videos
There is an official directive about taking of photographs in Church: “Great care should be taken to ensure that liturgical celebrations, especially the Mass, are not disturbed or interrupted by the taking of photographs. Where there is good reason for them, the greatest discretion should be used……”
Marriage is a liturgical celebration. It is an act of worship. A photographer moving from one place to another can be a distraction to participants and can destroy the spirit of prayer and reverence that should be part of the celebration of marriage. Please discuss the matter of photographs and videos in the church with the priest beforehand.
Non-Parishioners
Those who are not parishioners of Faughart must have their completed Marriage Papers sent to one of the priests of this parish not later than 4 weeks before the wedding is due to take place. For non-parishioners the hire of the church is €100. 00.
Punctuality
Out of courtesy to those who have come in good time, please arrive at the Church at the appointed time. The priest may have another appointment.
Confetti
Not allowed in any area of the Church or Church grounds.
Papal Blessing (optional)
Some couples like to have the Holy Father’s blessing on the occasion of their marriage. This can be arranged through Veritas & Co. 7/8 lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 01 6772559. You will need a letter of recommendation from your Priest.
Rehearsal
A rehearsal makes for a more relaxed and effective celebration. It is the “unknown” that causes anxiety and nerves. Arrange with the priest in advance for a rehearsal to take place some days before the wedding.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
As you are about to enter a new way of life in marriage, it is very desirable that you pray together and at a suitable time before the wedding celebrate the Sacrament of Confession.
Financial Arrangements & Contributions
You are expected to give a donation for:
- The priest who celebrates the wedding mass.
- The Parish Sacristan (€45.00)
- Altar Servers
- Choir / Musicians
Priest Officiating
Priests of the parish available if free to officiate at your wedding, prior arrangement necessary.
You may also organise your own priest from outside the parish if you wish. Delegation is required for the visiting priest from the priest of Faughart.
Reception afterwards
With the number of priests in our parish now reduced to just two it may not be possible at times to attend wedding receptions afterwards, due to other commitments E.G evening Masses, and other duties the priest may have to attend.
Hoping your wedding day will be filled with God’s grace and love for you and your family and friends.
Wishing you every blessing for the future.
There is a place.
There’s a time for remembering, a time to recall the trials and the triumphs, the fears and the falls; there’s a time to be grateful for moments so blest, the jewels of our memory where love is our guest.
There is gold that is gleaming in a past we once knew, in our tears and our laughter, ‘twas love brought us through. There’s a road we have travelled where sunlight has kissed, that carries us onwards when loved ones are missed.
Refrain: There is treasure in our fields, there is treasure in our skies, there is treasure in our dreaming from the soul to the eye, for wherever we gather in the light of God’s grace, and for all whom we remember there will ever be a place.
There’s a promise of God that is written in the stars, for all who may travel no matter how far. God will be your companion each journey you make in the shadow of loved ones to lighten your way. Refrain……………
In the quiet of the evening, at the close of the day, we will rest on the journey to the Lord we shall pray. May we thank God for blessings for the moments we’ve shared, as we seek for tomorrow, close by us you’ll stay. Refrain…………….
God gives his people.
God give his people strength, of we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay all those who bear the burden of the day. God gives his people strength.
God give his people hope, if we but trust in his word, our prayers are always heard, he warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred. God gives his people hope.
God gives his people love, if we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do his part, He’s always the first to make a start. God gives His people love.
God gives his people peace, when sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim, He lays to rest our restlessness in Him. God gives his people peace.
May the road rise to meet you.
Chorus: May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rain fall softly on your fields and until we meet again, may you keep safe in the gentle, loving arms of God.
- For everything there is a season, a time for meeting, a time to say goodbye, In all things God is near, always guiding your way. Chorus……
- For everything there is a season, a time for laughter, a time for tears and pain. In all things God is near, always guiding your way. Chorus..
- For everything there is a season, a time for living, a time for going home. In all things God is near, always guiding your way. Chorus…..
