by Vincent | Nov 9, 2015 | General Interest, Religion, Holidays
Today we celebrate the Feast of The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. Have to confess in years past it wasnt’ a Feast that much engaged or inspired me. I am not sure when that changed but it did somewhere along the line through, I imagine, visits made to Rome and to the Irish College which is very near the Basilica. Some years ago I celebrated the Wedding Mass of two friends in the Baptistery Chapel next to the Basilica. Maybe that brought it to life for me. Not just a big building anymore but a place where good friends said a prayer, made a life choice and celebrated a Sacrament. Last year I was back in Rome for another wedding – this time in the Irish Franciscans Church but I paid a visit to St John Lateran. I put these words on the blog around those days and thought it might be a good day to re-visit them.
In any case I got on the Metro and a few stops later was beside St John Lateran Basilica – regarded as the major church in Rome, even ahead of St Peter’s. It’s a very impressive building.
Basilica of St John Lateran
Interior View
Though I didn’t think to take photos of them, one of the things I love about this Basilica is that around the walls of it are twelve life size statues of the Twelve Apostles. It is as if they are still keeping a watchful eye on the Church. A consoling thought for sure.
(Sunday 7th September: Update! I went back there today and was able to attend Evening Mass. It was powerful to see this Basilica in its role as a place for the Faithful to gather in prayer. I noticed Confessions were also taking place but not in English so I had to give that one a miss! Could have been my chance to go to someone who didn’t understand me:) I stayed on for Mass and was happy to do so. The priest sounded very like Pope Francis in his tone and delivery. After Mass I took photos of the twelve. Only then did I notice that Judas’ place is taken by Paul – the Apostle called from the Road to Damascus.)
by Vincent | Jun 28, 2014 | General Interest, Reflections, Weddings
On Friday June 27th, I had the happy duty of celebrating the Wedding Mass of Sinéad Gray and Bob Coggins. I’ve known Sinéad since she was a young child during my five years in Collooney Parish and have, through the years, kept in contact with her parents Brendan and Sheila, herself, brother and sister. Always a welcoming home, I was happy to be part of this celebration – the first of their family weddings. They live in a lovely part of Collooney parish, immersed in what is known as Union Wood. Appropriately, Sinéad’s father is in the “wood” industry and a gifted tradesman.
The Wedding Mass was in Collooney Church, a favourite of mine and the reception afterwards at the back of Sinéad’s home. Well the “back” is a bit of an understatement!! The entire area around their home was turned into a venue – including the construction of a “honeymoon” suite by her father. It was an amazing and beautifully local setting. Full credit to all involved. And there were many involved!
I came home after a lovely meal and left, what I have no doubt, was a wonderful and musical celebration of a memorable day. Took a few photos along the way so sharing ….
by Vincent | Jun 8, 2014 | General Interest, Photography, Weddings
Recently had the pleasure of celebrating a Wedding Mass in West Point, NY. This is the Cadet School for the US Army and the groom, James Malinda, graduated from there in recent weeks. His bride, Dominique Robbins, is a cousin of my cousins – if that makes sense! In recent years, I celebrated the marriages of two of her first cousins in Rockvile Centre. I met Dominque and her parents at both weddings and they kindly asked me to officiate at Dominuque’s Wedding. I was happy to do so.
It was good to catch up with my cousins again, to meet some old friends and, hopefully, make a few new ones. The setting at West Point was very special and the Church, beautiful. I’m told it’s the only Catholic Parish attached to a Military Base anywhere in the world. The Catholic Community at West Point has its own parish and clergy. The town of West Point is a separate parish and is actually in another diocese.
There was a great dignity to the celebration and it was a refreshing experience. One I am very glad to have been part of.
God bless this newly married couples and, for that matter, all married people.
And a short moment from their First Dance. The song “Jersey Girl” sung by Bruce Springsteen is obviously chosen since Dominique’s childhood years were spent in Jersey.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/TugxnviAg70?rel=0]
by Vincent | May 6, 2012 | General Interest, Weddings
I attended a wedding ceremony today. It was in Ballyhaunis. The couple, Seamus Kenny and Claire Healy were married by Fr Stephen Farragher. It was a lovely and uplifting ceremony and great to see people so obviously happy. Séamus is from Urlaur and Claire from Ballyhaunis. I wish them every happiness and blessing throughout their married life.
