Pope Leo XIV is nearly a year in office. He is currently in Africa visiting four countries: Algeria, Angola, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. His message of unity and peace has echoed clearly around the world, especially his call for dialogue to end the Middle East war. We pray that it will bear fruit in peace and unity in the world. On Tuesday last he visited Hippo, the area in Northern Africa where St Augustine (354-430) was bishop. He planted an olive tree in Hippo, a sign of peace. And of course Pope Leo was a member of the Augustinian Order.

Mass Intentions

The tradition of having Mass for a loved one on the occasion of an anniversary or month’s mind is a cherished part of our ways of coping with grief and keeping in touch with our departed loved ones. I’m sure most people are aware of how difficult it is to reserve a Mass on the day of our choice. This is becoming more acute with one Mass on Sundays. Following discussions with the Parish Assembly and Finance Committee we suggest taking on the custom which is widespread in many other parishes. This is the practice of allowing more than one intention for a particular Mass. What we see in other parishes is that there can be a few intentions for each Mass. It is our intention to introduce this adjustment to booking a Mass for days that have not yet been booked. The sacristans will advise accordingly.

Who’s Who? Parishioners sometimes ask who are the members of the different groups in the parish. We begin today by naming those who make up the Parish Finance Committee (in alphabetical order): Margaret Bermingham, John Collins, Ephie Fitzgerald, Ger Manning, Revd Frank McKevitt, Fr Noel O’Sullivan and Ian Wolfe. We thank the members of this committee for their wisdom, commitment and generous response to the financial running of the parish. 

Boiler Fund The amount received to date is €28,500. Thanks to all who took responsibility for this challenging financial burden. Three months after taking on the challenge of raising €29,300 to pay for the new boiler we are nearly there.

Recent Deaths The death has occurred of Charlie McCarthy, Doyle Rd; Anna Crowley, Connolly Rd. May they rest in peace. We offer our sympathies to their families and friends.

Recessional Hymn: Hail Redeemer, King divine!