Graciousness

I am blessed with people around me who put up with me with graciousness. They accept my gifts but also my flaws, frustrations and weaknesses. Not only that, but most days they make no difference between each one of my moods or tendencies. These people absorb me they don't seem to prefer the 'quiet, calm

Stay connected to love

The Gospel readings for this week and last are two parts of the same reading on the Vine from John's Gospel. Last week we were encouraged to stay connected to Jesus and this week we are invited to hold fast to the love of God. We need this, we need to hold on to God's

Living as a pilgrim

In Easter week I had the privilege of going on pilgrimage to Lindisfarne, a Holy Island off the north east coast of England, with a group of young people. It was a wonderful, deep, fun, prayerful experience. It was a walking pilgrimage - 15miles per day through open countryside, so we had opportunity to enjoy

Holding on to hope

The Gospel readings for Mass ever since Easter Sunday have carried a remarkable story of hope against all the odds, a story of life in the midst of death. We really need to hold on to those glimpses of light in these troubled days. Such hope informs my prayer for peace in our world, even

Easter 2024 – Being the light

In this world, shrouded by so much darkness we surely need the light of the Risen Christ more than ever. My experience of Holy Week and Easter this year has been marked by a certain sober humility in the recognition that many people are suffering so dreadfully at this time. Several days ago I was

FCJ 1000 Pledges for the Earth

In preparation for Laudato Si Week 19th – 26th May 2024 we aim to gather 1000+ pledges of actions (small or large) that people will take in caring for our common home. Each person will be able to make their pledge online or via a small card which we have produced for our parishes and schools.

Listening to the cry of the poor

This year FCJs around the world are taking action in response to the second goal of the Laudato Si Platform: "Responding to The Cry of the Poor." Here in Yogyakarta, amongst various responses, we are trying to really listen to those who are poor by spending time with them and building relationships with them. This

Times of Discernment – Clarity

There are moments in our lives when we are faced with a choice and we simply KNOW what we must do. There is a great clarity about what God is asking and we are freely able to respond because regardless of the consequences our path is clear. St Paul's conversion is a good biblical example

A ministry of encouragement

I have spent much of this year so far working with young adults as they make a retreat in daily life. It is so wonderful to see how God works so differently with each person, guiding, loving and challenging them. Introducing the young people to different ways of prayer, and helping them to discern as

Meita FCJ, gentle apostle to the differently-abled.

The day was bright on Saturday March 2nd and in Sarasvita FCJ Centre the atmosphere was even brighter. Meita FCJ and a large group of volunteers welcomed a group of children and young people with cerebral palsy and their families to Sarasvita. Each person was greeted by Meita in a personal and gentle way. The