The Irish Chapters celebration of the Holy Hour and the Eucharist in the adoration Chapel in Ferns coincided with the election date of John Paul II as Pope on October 16th 1978. It was a great honor and privilege to celebrate through prayer, the Rosary and Eucharist for our now great Saint John Paul II, whose love and suffering and dignity for human life at every stage, sowed so many seeds of love, wisdom and truth in the hearts of so many people in Ireland and throughout the world.
The Holy Rosary was recited as always for all our families and not forgetting the wonderful work been carried out daily by the Chapters families to bring the good news of Hope and reconciliation among people. This was John Paul II legacy, he lived his life every day in love and suffering as an example to the world the love, respect and dignity of human life, and for the great love he had for Jesus and His Blessed Mother Mary and the Rosary.
The Holy Hour concluded with the Prayer of John Paul II. At the Homily of the Mass Fr. Billy Swan spoke lovingly about St John Paul II, and the influence he had on his life, how he had met with John Paul II in Rome. The great love John Paul had for Jesus and His Blessed Mother and how through his encyclicals and writings he illustrated great wisdom and truth. How this strengthened and influenced Fr. Billy through the years in his life and ministry as a priest. Mass concluded with the Blessing of all present and all families. On a personal note I would love to take this opportunity to thank everyone especially Fr. Krzysztof for all the prayers, masses offered for me as I journey through cancer. I know that Jesus and Mary are very close to me on this journey, watching over me and lovingly looking after my every need. Anyone who has had Cancer or going through it know that it is very much a roller coaster of many different symptoms and like I often say to people “each day has a life of its own” every day is different. Some days so sick and tired, good days and then back in for more treatment. But you know sometimes sickness can be a gift because for me personally it has brought me to a place in my life where it has made me look within my own heart. I was a little too much like Martha always doing and fussing, and not enough like Mary, pondering and in wonder at the beauty and love of Jesus all around me, most especially within.
I’m reminded constantly of how much our great St. John Paul 11 suffered, and how he just carried on his daily duties. How uncomfortable he must have felt and yet didn’t give in, offered it all up for the world to see that suffering is part and parcel of life and its how we surrender to it, like he did daily that we gain the gift and grace of feeling the true presence of the Heavenly Father, and His great love for us and all mankind. The love of His Son Jesus, and Mary, our Mother always interceding for us. Her great protection and love.
Sometimes it takes sickness and suffering to truly see the light of Jesus in our lives, I depend on its Light to bring me through each day. This Light be it through the Word, prayer, Holy Eucharist, or perhaps speaking with a friend or just a kindness shown. These all portray the light of Christ illuminating the darkness of sickness and suffering and giving us the strength to keep going and Trust. Trusting God is in charge and taking care of everything.
What a privilege to have had such a great Pope as we had in John Paul II, who in 2002 brought forth the Luminous Mysteries , Mysteries of Light, which focused on the public life of Jesus , the years he spent between His Baptism and His Death. How each mystery brings healing and new life into our hearts and souls.
Jesus is the Light and from the time we start our journey in life from our birth right up to death, Jesus is there beside us shining His light on us to guide and protect us. For some they experience it every day as they are open to it. Others are closed off; we must pray for them daily. Sometimes like me it’s takes sickness to realise how much I depend on this light, to keep going, through the dark days. The journey of life is both an ocean of joy and light, suffering and glory. this was how is was for Jesus and Mary and is also for each one of us in our lives also.
On this journey with Cancer, I cannot explain the depth of healing and loving presence I feel when I listen to John Paul 11 recite the Rosary on U Tube. To think that this wonderful Saint in Heaven is touching my mind and spirit in a language I don’t understand, yet I do. It’s a language of love for Jesus and Mary and it gets to the deepest recesses of my heart. This is what brings great calm and peace on nights when I can’t sleep because of the turmoil within my body due to the treatments, I fall asleep knowing His gentle voice speaks lovingly the mysteries of Jesus and Mary into my Spirit as I sleep. When He sings the Salve Regina, it is like been in Heaven.
I put together this little poem as we are all on this journey, it’s called Journey into Light
God has set us on a journey.
From our birth to the end
Shining His light and love to guide us
To follow Him “Our Friend”
But like all human stories,
We stray and go our own way,
Allowing darkness to befall us,
Needing guidance, needing to pray.
To turn back to Jesus,
Especially when sickness calls,
For it is only When we trust and surrender to Him,
Accept “He will take care of all “.
He’ll be waiting there beside us,
With His guiding Light and Love
But we must take time to be silent,
For to hear His every Word
For its only when we take on board,
The message loud and clear,
“Trust in me with all your Heart,
For I am always near”.
To bring you to this place of peace,
That only I can do
To look down deep within your heart
To refresh your life anew.
So put your hands in My Hands,
Like a trusting child, and Wait,
Till I give you My directions,
Be patient,
I am the Light.
Wishing everyone a very Happy and Holy Christmas and with great gratitude in my heart thank you once again for your prayers and masses offered. Keep me in your prayers in the weeks ahead as I promise to pray for you all.
Marian O Connor.
An Irish blessing for Christmas from Caroline President of the Irish Chapter and all its members
THE LIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR TO YOU
THE WARMTH OF HOME AND HEARTH TO YOU
THE CHEER AND GOODWILL OF FRIENDS TO YOU
THE HOPE OF A CHILD-LIKE HEART TO YOU
THE JOY OF A THOUSAND ANGELS TO YOU
THE LOVE OF THE SON AND GOD’S PEACE TO YOU.
