This summer God put a call in my heart to go on pilgrimage to Medjugorje. At first I found the trip challenging. But I got solace from the fact that I was on pilgrimage and I felt Jesus and Mary definitely wanted me to be in Medjugorje. I was reminded of the opening line of the Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin “Above all, trust in the slow work of God.” It was into the second half of the pilgrimage when I felt lighter and I began to allow the sun to stream in.
If I could use one word to describe my time in the Isle of Man, it would be ‘renewing’. I’m getting to like it more and more for its relaxed pace of life, the friendliness of the people, the beautiful scenery, historic railways, sheltered harbours and sweeping stretches of long sandy beaches.There is something to explore in every corner of the island and the hospitality and welcome was second to none. In the Isle of Man I also had some time to reflect and pray…
Summer is a good time to take a break. We all need some holiday time to spend in rest and recreation, utilising the good weather and longer days to achieve some peace and restoration away from the busyness of ordinary day to day life. Recently I went on a summer road trip to Waterford in the southeast of Ireland. I have a particular grá or love for this part of the country affectionately known as the ‘Sunny South East’.
Holy Week is a symbolic and sacred time when Christians embark on the most solemn observance of the liturgical calendar. It reminds believers that through the earthly life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the gate between God and humanity, between heaven and earth, is opened for all.
In August 2021 I was diagnosed with a degenerate condition in my right foot which couldn’t be remedied through surgery. Getting the news from the Orthopedic Surgeon was deflating. As the surgeon himself remarked, ‘Patrick found it difficult to hear as he is very enthusiastic about his running’…I was recommended to replace some of my running time with swimming and cycling… I never learned to swim properly but my mind was made up to give it a go..