Today’s feast of the Presentation of the Lord is very special in the life of Religious as World Day for Consecrated Life. I am very conscious of the enormous contribution the Religious have made and continue to make to the life of our diocese. I wish you every blessing and encouragement on this special day and I thank you for the care you show the aging and dying. I thank you for the example of community, of meitheal, an example so much needed in a time when too many live alone. I thank you for the work in healthcare, education, social justice and parish. I thank you for modelling holiness for all of us, for mastering and sharing the finely honed crafts of discernment, reflection and prayer.
You will be very conscious that Pope Francis has embarked on a synodal journey for the Universal Church. Here in Ireland the Bishops have launched the Irish Synodal pathway. Listening to voices and experiences is a crucial part of any synodal journey. I am very anxious to create a space to listen to the voice of our Religious.
With that intention, I invite you to an afternoon gathering in Mount St. Anne’s on Thursday, 31 March. Booking details will be announced later. I am simply asking you now to save the date. In the meantime blessings and good wishes on this day.
+Denis
02 February 2022