Bishop Paul Demspey celebrates Mass in Knock today to celebrate the centenary of the Legion or Mary. Here, we include the text of homily delivered.
It’s about 30 years ago, when I was a seminarian, that I worked for number of weeks in the Morning Star Hostel in Dublin, the hostel that serves the needs of homeless men. It was there that I saw the spirituality of the Legion of Mary in action. I participated in the daily tasks of serving meals, changing beds, mopping floors and cleaning toilets. The day was punctuated with moments of prayer, especially the rosary, reminding me that these menial tasks were all part of a bigger picture of service, directly in line with the Gospel call of Jesus to serve one another. But there was another critical part of my time in the Morning Star and that was meeting the residents. We hear of “the homeless” but we must never forget that “the homeless” is made up of individual people with life stories. During my time there I had the privilege of hearing many of those life stories. There were stories of pain, loss, loneliness, addiction, family breakup. As I look back on the time I spent there I realise that the Legion, through its service of those in the hostel, was not only providing for the residents’ physical needs such as food and shelter, symbolised in the Gospel today as giving of a cup of water, the Legion was also providing a space for the residents stories to be heard, affording them the dignity and respect we are all entitled to as persons made in the image and likeness of God. During my time there, I met members of the Legion who were committed to their faith and lived that faith in a profound way. Today, as we celebrate the Centenary here in Knock, I give thanks for their witness and fidelity.
It was in that context of faith that Frank Duff gathered that small group of people around him in Dublin one hundred years ago. He had a vision of lay participation in the life and mission of the Church. Their role was to evangelise and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the protection of Our Lady. They never could have realised on that first evening how that mission would grow and flourish over the following decades and reach the four corners of the globe. Faith and trust were placed in the Lord and rest followed. Frank Duff was laying the foundations and setting up a model for what was to become one of the central themes of the Second Vatican Council, that of lay participation in the life and mission of the Church, something we still have to fully realise in the life of the Church today.
As we celebrate the Centenary of the Legion of Mary, I’ve been reflecting on what Frank Duff can teach us today in the Church as we grapple with many challenges in a changed and changing society. What has emerged for me in this reflection are three central aspects of his life and ministry that offer us helpful pointers in the context we find ourselves today.
Firstly, Frank Duff was a man of discernment and in order to have a discerning heart, one must have a prayerful heart. I do not believe that Frank Duff came up with the idea of the Legion in the blink of an eye. He must have prayed and discerned where God was calling him. That takes time, that takes faith, that takes trust. Out of his prayerful discerning heart the idea emerged to gather that small group together and the seeds of the Legion were sown. Frank sowed the seeds, the Lord helped them to flourish. That sense of discernment is critical today. There’s a lot going on in the Church, it is easy to get somewhat lost in it all. It is critical for us to have prayerful, discerning hearts. This is central in Pope Francis’ ministry, and it will be central to the Synodal journey we are beginning in Ireland. It is not about what we want, it is about what the Lord wants for his Church. Frank Duff knew that. He has a lot to teach us about that today.
Secondly, Frank Duff saw himself simply as an instrument in the Lord’s mission. It was not his mission it was the Lord’s. Sometimes I wonder if we think the Church is totally dependent on us. We might find ourselves under the illusion that we are the ones in charge, we are not! The Lord is in charge, we are only instruments that fit into his plan. I hear a lot of pessimism about the Church at times, I am sure you have heard it too, maybe even participated in it; we hear constantly of how the numbers going to Mass have fallen, our connection with young people has weakened, the vocations crisis in Ireland is acute, the list goes on. We sometimes think we are in the worst place the Church has ever been. I am not naïve, I know we face major challenges, but so did Frank Duff. When you think about the Ireland he set up the Legion in. It was a divided nation, families were divided, the poverty was rife. In the midst of this he got on with the mission, he was the instrument in the Lord’s hands, the Lord did the rest. We have so much to learn from this. Yes, we have challenges, yes, we have problems, but let us remember as St. Oscar Romero put it so clearly; “we are workers, not master builders, ministers, not messiahs.” St. Mother Teresa echoed this when she said the Lord calls us, “not to be successful, but to be faithful.”
Thirdly, at the heart of Frank Duff’s ministry was a sense of unity. He wanted people in the Legion to be united in their call and mission. There was no room for division. This is critical and is critical in the Church today. We get a clear message from Jesus in the Gospel today about this. John sees someone whom he says is not one of them casting out devils and he wants to stop him. But Jesus sees it differently. Jesus says no, do not stop him for anyone who is not against us is for us. In other words, John was rigid in his outlook, he was not open, his mind was closed, he lacked tolerance and imagination. Jesus challenged this attitude, he encouraged a more open approach and encouraged John to see the situation differently. This is a very powerful message.
One worrying trend emerging in the Church today is a sense of disunity. There are polarised views. Some in the Church want us to go back to the way things were decades, and in some cases centuries ago. Others want the Church to change its Tradition and adapt its outlook in ways that it has never done before. Some in the Church are openly critical of the present Pope whereas they decried any criticism of previous popes. Pope Francis referred to this himself last week mentioning a large Television Network that constantly speaks ill of him. I think if Frank Duff was to appear today, he would be appalled at such attitudes in the Church. Frank Duff respected the rich Tradition of the Church, but he was not rigid about it, he was open to doing new and radical things in an imaginative way. In other words, he had a balanced approach that allowed him to involve people in the life of the Church in ways that were never done before.
We have much to learn from this. We have such a rich tradition in the life of the Church that is so beautiful, but we must also be open to doing things in new ways with discerning hearts to allow new possibilities to emerge that in the past seemed impossible. Pope Francis reminds us; “Tradition is not a museum, true religion is not a freezer, and doctrine is not static but grows and develops.” We need to be honest and examine our approach in the light of this. Are we rigid, are we closed, are we lacking in tolerance like John, or do we see the bigger picture and be open to new possibilities like Jesus? However, there is one encouraging aspect to all of this. Despite the different approaches and emphasises in the Church today under the broad headings of the conservative or liberal, the positive point is that we are unified in our love for the Church in its mission of proclaiming the Gospel. Surely this is something positive and is a good place to focus. We do not all have to agree, unity does not mean uniformity. There is room for us all in the family that is the Church, we are called into communion! So let us face these important questions together especially as we walk the synodal path.
As we celebrate the Centenary of the Legion of Mary here in Knock, we are aware of the closeness of Frank Duff to Our Lady. May Our Lady, that true disciple of Jesus, guide us to follow the example of Frank Duff. That example is one of prayerful discernment, awareness that we are ministers, not messiahs and that we are called to unity, not uniformity.
Bishop Paul will celebrate the Chrism Mass on this Wednesday evening, September 8th, at 7.00pm. The Mass will be in the Cathedral. During this Mass, Bishop Paul will consecrate the Oil of Chrism and bless the Oils of The Sick and Catechumens. These oils will be used throughout the diocese for the celebration of the sacraments.
Part of the Chrism Mass too, invites priests to renew their commitment to the ministry of priesthood within the diocese of Achonry.
With increased numbers permitted to attend ceremonies in churches now, people from around the diocese are invited to attend.
From the weekend of September 4th/5th a revised Mass Schedule has been introduced in the Parish of Ballaghaderreen. This will include Masses celebrated in The Cathedral, Monasteraden, Derrinacartha and Brusna.
The Season of Creation has a special significance for the Catholic Church, particularly since Pope Francis established 1 September as an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
The Season of Creation or Creation Time, is marked throughout the Christian world from 1 September to 4 October (Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi) and celebrates the joy of creation as well as encouraging awareness-raising initiatives to protect the natural environment.
Restoring Our Common Home
The theme for the Season of Creation 2021 is ‘Restoring Our Common Home’. During this season we are asked to join together to celebrate creation and protect our common home through prayer, reflection and action.
The global Christian family is called to awaken to the urgent need to heal our relationships with creation and with each other and to encourage our parish communities to do the same, “for we know that things can change!” (Laudato Si’, 13).
This year we celebrate this season mindful of the fact that our world continues to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic as well as a devastating climate and biodiversity crisis. We look towards two UN Conferences in the Autumn, COP15 (on Biodiversity, due to take place in China) and COP24 (on climate change, Glasgow) in the hope that world leaders take the urgent action that is needed to Restore Our Common Home. Catholics are urged to sign the “Healthy Planet Healthy People” petition as a key action for this year’s Season of Creation. This petition has been endorsed by the Vatican Dicastery for Integral Human Development in the hope that millions of Catholics will raise their voices in the public sphere to help Restore Our Common Home in the run up to these vital UN Conferences.
Resources from the Laudato Si’ Working Group
The following resources are offered for use in dioceses, parishes and in the home, during the Season of Creation 2021:
Sunday Liturgy Notes for the Season of Creation 2021 – This resource includes homily notes for each Sunday, prayers of the faithful, music suggestions, reflections and mass parts which highlight the call to restore God’s creation.
A weekday Prayer Service for the Season of Creation 2021 – This ecumenical resource could be used to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Creation on 1 September in an ecumenical setting, or as a resource that could be used for the celebration of the Eucharist in parishes, or at any other time between 1st September and 4th October, feast of Saint, Francis of Assisi. We have prepared it for a formal church setting or for use out-of-doors.
An Earth Day Prayer Service – This beautiful service was compiled by Balally Parish, Dublin to celebrate Earth Day in 2021 but could be adapted and used as part of any Season of Creation event. It includes a reflection by Father Dermot Lane.
Tree Planting Resource for the Season of Creation 2021 – Restore Our Common Home this year by engaging your parish or diocese in Tree Planting initiatives. Thanks to ‘Easy Treesie’ we have all the tips you need and prayers for tree planting.
Acts of Love for the Season of Creation 2021 – PowerPoint with practical suggestions for each day of the Season. With many thanks to the Care for Creation team at Bonnybrook Parish Dublin for sharing this resource with us.
Season of Creation Prayer 2021 – A Video Reflection which can be used for meetings, prayers, on social media or in parishes with PowerPoint accessibility. (see below for video)
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Season of Creation Podcasts
This year we will be sharing a series of podcasts to highlight different themes relating to the Season of Creation and its theme Restoring Our Common Home, as well as looking at some of the science and theology behind climate change and climate justice.
These podcasts will be available from 1 September.
Resources from Pope Francis and the Vatican
Pope Francis on Caring for Our Common Home
“We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family.”“The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth. In many parts of the planet, the elderly lament that once beautiful landscapes are now covered with rubbish.” “Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last 200 years.” “We are not God. The Earth was here before us and was given to us.” “The idea of infinite or unlimited growth, which proves so attractive to economists, financiers and experts in technology … is based on the lie that there is an infinite supply of the earth’s goods, and this leads to the planet being squeezed dry at every limit.” “Yet all is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start. Click here for resources on the Care of Creation from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Creation Time Thought for the Day visuals
There are a selection of images available for use in parishes and dioceses for the Season of Creation. These can be downloaded for sharing on websites and social media. More visuals will be added over the course of the next few weeks so do check the album for the most recent visuals.
Prayers and Reflections for the Season of Creation
Audio: Click here to listen to ‘A Prayer for Our Earth’ from Laudato Si’.
A prayer for our earth from Laudato Si’ All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen.
A Christian prayer in union with creation Father, we praise you with all your creatures. They came forth from your all-powerful hand; they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love. Praise be to you! Son of God, Jesus, through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother, you became part of this earth, and you gazed upon this world with human eyes. Today you are alive in every creature in your risen glory. Praise be to you!
Holy Spirit, by your light You guide this world towards the Father’s love and accompany creation as it groans in travail. You also dwell in our hearts and you inspire us to do what is good. Praise be to you!
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love, teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of the universe, for all things speak of you. Awaken our praise and thankfulness for every being that you have made. Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth, for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak, and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty. Praise be to you! Amen.
Meadow Meaning – A Reflection by Brother Richard Hendrick OFM Cap
Shhhhh… Look… Listen… Even the blades of grass Even the flowers you dare to call weeds Even the light fast lives of tiny buzzing beings hear the call of Divine love and give them selves totally to grow towards the light. And what of you?
Forest Faith – a reflection by Brother Richard Hendrick Ofm Cap
When the edges of my mind fray, and the golden sacred thread seems pulled, gathered, caught upon the briar of my broken being, and my hearthome holds too much behind its ancient doors so there is no breathing space at all, I take myself to the woods. For there I become not young, but small again and feel the rising ocean tides of sap lull me at last into the deep greening rest of soul only the old tall ones know the sky touchers, earth drinkers we call in our dull infant speech, simply Trees. So I place my foot upon the winding path and dew the way with tears and sometimes even blood, until their windleaf song sounds soul deep, and slows and halts me long enough to feel their verdant canopy of calm, and I greet them then, as the keepers of the way they are; the blessed Beech and noble Holly, the Oak and Ash and Thorn, grey brown brothers and sisters of the branching dance of being. Their familiar oldness a reminder of my passing place in all this; they leaflean down to teach me once again the way of prayer as being and being as prayer, allowing the holy breath to play along my spine as within their trunked tallness while standing through the shifting seasons they grow slowly, imperceptibly, always, until flower and fruiting follow in their turn, then the seeming fall, asleep asunder for awhile, as my life now flutters, cast upon the winds lost in wildness, a wintered leaf, dry and brittle, but here in their stately shadows daring to read the scripture of their state, and hear their prophecy proclaimed in stillness; that old roots dig deep and deeper still, that branches bend so not to break and that there is a joy in storms when yielded to. So for a while I breathe the sylvan air and greet the great and green, these guardians of natural grace, and then when I have walked long enough to become reminded, rewilded and rehomed in heart, I bow in thanks and leave the woods to plant their sainted seeds throughout my world and life; to feel a forest grow within and make the faith feathered one a home.
ENDS
These resources have been prepared by the Catholic Communications Office, the Bishops’ Council for Justice and Peace, the Laudato Si’ Working Group, Trócaire, and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. We are also grateful to Brother Richard Hendrick OFm Cap for his beautiful reflections on the natural world. Please note that the resources will be updated regularly so do please check back in with this page from time to time.
First Holy Communion and Confirmation – Autumn 2021
During the past number of days, a number of bishops have issued statements in relation to the celebration of the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation in their dioceses. I have been contacted by some media organisations asking for clarification around the celebration of the Sacraments in the Diocese of Achonry. On the 24thFebruary this year I issued a statement saying:
‘In consultation with the Priests’ Council, I have decided to postpone the celebration of the Sacraments of Confirmation, First Penance and First Holy Communion in Achonry Diocese until the Autumn. My hope is that this will give our schools and families more time for the preparation of the children and it will enable families to gather in a safer way to celebrate the Sacraments when the majority of us are vaccinated and restrictions have eased.
I emphasise the reason for this decision is to bring clarity at this early stage for all concerned and to enable the children have a meaningful and memorable celebration with their families, friends, and parish community when it is safer to do so. I thank the families, teachers, parishioners, and priests for all they are doing to prepare the children for the Sacraments during this difficult year. All of the above is, of course, subject to public health advice.’
Following on from this, Confirmations are due to start in the diocese on the 12th of September 2021. As I understand parishes have postponed First Communion Ceremonies until September also, therefore the celebration of these Sacraments in August was never planned for our diocese. As the vaccination programme continues, we look forward to celebrating the Sacraments with our children and their families in a safe and meaningful way from mid-September onwards.
In the meantime, may we continue to keep vigilant around the virus so that we can emerge out of this difficult time safe and well.
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