Pope John Paul II, 1920-2005 "I have sought you out ... now you have come to me, and I thank you" – John Paul II, the evening before he died, on being told that hundreds of thousands of young people were keeping vigil for him in St Peter's Square. "I have sought you out". Indeed, he has, 104 visits outside Italy, touching down in every corner of the earth, except Russia, China and Vietnam. And, of course, there is no doubt at all but that his famous rally in Krakow on his first visit back to his native Poland was the catalyst for the collapse of Communism and a new order in Europe. The funeral Mass said it all. What a tribute to this great man. They came from all over the world – ordinary people, leaders of nations, royalty, professed enemies yards apart. Imagine, the president of Israel speaking to the president of Syria! Every colour and creed. Four million of them. A wonderful television experience – a fitting tribute to this man from a far country, who radiated love, peace, and forgiveness – even to the man who tried to kill him. As he said in his last few words on this earth, "I have sought you out" – referring to the young people in St Peter's Square. But, the truth is, he touched all our hearts. We will never forget him. He was, of course, Christ's vicar on earth, and it seems to me he came very close to being a "clone" of Jesus himself. His hours of quiet prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, his devotion to Mary's Rosary brought heaven ever closer to him while he walked this earth. May we, in some small way, be influenced by his words and example. May leaders of nations solve their differences by dialogue, not by bombs and guns. In remembering John Paul II, I recall the words of John Henry Jowett, "The real measure of our wealth is how much we'd be worth if we lost all our money". – Eamonn Dermody |
World Youth Day Pilgrimage Notice to Young People of Galway Diocese At World Youth Day [WYD] 2005, in Cologne, young people [18-30] from all over the world will join the new Pope to celebrate the Catholic faith. Promising to be both physically and spiritually challenging and rewarding, WYD is a week-long festival, culminating in an all-night vigil and Mass with the Holy Father. WYD Cologne presents a unique opportunity close to home to expose young people to the shared faith of the Universal Church across all five continents. Interested? Enquiries to the Diocesan Office, Galway Cathedral. Telephone: [091]-563566. |
Galway Gospel Choir Concert A date to put in your diary – Thursday, 21 April, at 8:00 pm, in Clarinbridge Church, with visiting French choir. A night not to be missed. |
Parish Night-Out A Parish night-out will take place on Friday, 22 April, in the Oyster Manor Hotel, at 10:00 pm, with music by 'The Oyster Boys'. Photo display and raffle lined up, with proceeds towards Roveagh and Clarinbridge churches' funds. |
CCDA: Local Road-Safety and Speed-Sign Concerns A meeting will take place on Monday, 18 April, between Galway County Council [including our local representatives] and the Clarinbridge Community Development Association [traffic sub-committee]. CCDA's objective is to highlight local concerns regarding road-safety in the area, and to address long-standing as well as new concerns. The issue of road-safety has been particularly highlighted following the erection of the new speed signs – many, of which, local residents feel run counter to the safety of road users, e.g. new speed-signs of 80km/h erected directly behind signs asking people to slow down, 'children-at-play' signs, etc. The CCDA wishes to highlight as many issues as possible, and would appreciate written correspondence and any appropriate details of concern by Friday, 15 April, at the latest, to the Parish Office, or, by email, to: ccdaclarinbridge@eircom.net. These submissions will be incorporated into our presentation for Galway County Council. A report of our meeting will be issued at our earliest convenience. Many thanks for your co-operation. – Clarinbridge Community Development Association Traffic Sub-Committee |
Western Theological Institute "Family in Ireland: A Changing Reality?" This conference will examine the legal, psychological and theological/pastoral dimensions of family in Ireland. It is hoped to provide knowledge, raise awareness and promote discussion.
All are welcome. For further information and booking, please contact Marie, at [091]-581711, or email: theologywest@eircom.ie. |
Second Collection 16/17 April Next weekend, we celebrate "Vocations Sunday", and the second collection helps in the education of students preparing for the priesthood in the diocese of Galway. |
Seamount College's "The Big Breakfast" Please support Seamount College's "The Big Breakfast", on Saturday, 16 April, at the Pier Head in Kinvara. First breakfast from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Second breakfast from 10:30 am. Tickets [at €10] are available from the school, the Parents' Council, or from [091]-637362. |
Thank You Many thanks for your most generous response towards the church-"gate" collection for the West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation recently. The collection amounted to €624. The support and commitment we receive from people like you enable us to continue our efforts to provide information, care and respite for Alzheimer patients and their carers in Galway City and County. |
Clarinbridge GAA
Many thanks, again, for your continued support.
A Club meeting takes place on Tuesday, 12 April, at 9:00 pm, in the Clubhouse. All are welcome. |
Website created and maintained by Eric Bannon.
Venue: Menlo Park Hotel, Galway
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