Author: Patrick Muldoon

Earlier this year American singer Katie Nichole released a new song Learning How To Love Myself. As I learned the lyrics they became more ingrained in my mind and soothed my heart, helping me to accept myself in the light of the unconditional love which Jesus has for each of us. Learning Katy Nichole’s song reminded me that I need to love and care for myself first, before I can love others.

The unprecedented busyness and pace of modern life is well documented by authors, commentators and mental health practitioners alike. I believe that religion and sport have a very important role to play in countering the demands and expectations of today’s culture. When I have been able to cultivate quiet moments in my day through prayer and exercise, it has helped me immensely in the art of slowing down.

I recently went on a four day pilgrimage to Lourdes. 19 years after my last visit, it was such a joy for me to go to the grotto, worship with international pilgrims, participate in the candlelight procession, and immerse myself in the miraculous waters of Lourdes at the piscines [baths], where I experienced the interior peace of God.

The words “Put out into the deep” [Latin translation “Duc in Altum”] resonate with me as I like to spend a lot of time around water. Since making a ‘Duc in Altum’ in my own life, God has led me on some amazing adventures.

I recently spent three days in Waterford and Wexford, two coastal counties that are among the most scenic in Ireland. I was all set for running the Waterford half marathon and cycling the greenway, until an unfortunate fall I had after training in the run up to the race changed my plans. However my trip to the “Sunny South East” helped me to press the reset button and I feel I gained a lot as a result.