BANTRY PARISH NEWSLETTER

The Most Holy body & blood of christ  

Sunday June 2nd 2013         Vol. 9. No. 23

Ministry of Parish Catechist

Under the auspices of the Pastoral Development Office it is proposed to begin the training programme for this ministry in January 2014 here in Cork. This is a two year training programme which will include four days of lectures each year and five hours personal study per week, with assignments to be submitted. The course will lead to a qualification of a Certificate or Diploma. Following the training the successful candidates will be commissioned by the Diocese to become the Parish Catechist – a voluntary ministry working alongside and with the direction of the parish clergy in sacramental preparation with families. Information sessions will be held in the Autumn prior to application and interview. Full details are available from your Parish Clergy.

Calendar: Mass Times and Intentions

Mon. 3^rd June: 9th week in Ordinary Time: St. Kevin was a native of Leinster & grew up in Kilnamanagh, where he received his early religious formation. Wishing to be a hermit, he crossed the mountains to Glendalough & settled in Disert Caoimhghin at the foot of the upper lake. But disciples began to gather round him. Gradually the great monastsic settlement grew, and spread through the glen after his death in 618.

                     Bantry:                    10am             Helen & Christy Crowley – The Square, Bantry

                    

Tues. 4^th June: 9^th Week in Ordinary Time: Ss Charles Lwanga & companions, Martyrs. 22 Ugandan youths martyred in 1886.

                     Bantry:                    10.00am,       Phillip Dix – Church Road

                    

Wed. 5^th June: 9^th Week in Ordinary Time: St. Boniface 673-754, was born at Crediton in Devonshire & educated in monastery schools in England. He went as a missionary to Germany. He founded monasteries in Bavaria, including Fulda in 735.

                     Bantry                     10.00am        John & Kitty Cadogan – Old Barrack Road

                     Hospital;                  5.30pm         Billy O’Donovan - Newtown

Thurs 6^th June: 9^th Week in Ordinary Time:.St. Jarlath is said to have been a disciple of St. Enda, & was taught also by St. Benignus. He became abbot-bishop of the monastery he founded at Tuam in the 6^th century.

Bantry:                    10am             Michael Moran - Ardnagaoithe

                    

Friday 7^th June: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bantry:                    10am             Paud O’Grady – Ardnagaoithe

Bantry:                   7.30pm         Joe Flynn – Durrus – 1^st Anniversary

Kealkil:                    7.30pm         William Kearney - Droumsullivan

                    

Sat. 8^th June: 9^th Week in Ordinary Time: The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary: St. Colman (Macholmoc) of Dromore, Co. Down spent most of his life in that area. Possibly he studied under Caetan of Nendrom, Co. Down & was persuaded by St. Mac Nissi to settle at Dromore c. 514.

                     

                     Hospital                   10am             Mathew Keane Caher.  Also Dan & Sheila O’Shea &  

                                                                          Jerome O’Shea Caher

                     Bantry:                    6.15pm         Peggy O’Sullivan & her brother Owen O’Sullivan –    

                                                                         Dromclough East

Sun.  9^th June: 10^th Sunday in Ordinary Time: St. Columba, also known as Columcille, was born in Gartan, Co. Donegal in 521 & was of royal lineage. He studied under St. Finnian of Moville & St. Finnian of Clonard. He founded monasteries in Derry, Durrow, Iona and possibly Kells.

                     Bantry:                         9am          Michael Coen - Bantry

                     Coomhola:                   10am        James & Mary Cronin - Traenamadree

                     Kealkil:                        11am         Jack & Bridie Murphy – Cahirmounteen

                     Bantry:                        12noon     People of the Parish

Recent Parish Baptisms:

Michael Paul Sheehan

(Chapel Hill Court, Kealkil)

We welcome him into our Christian Community

Corpus Christi

Last Sunday, we had a lovely procession in Coomhola – sincere thanks for the wonderful arrangements made there. With so few flowers blooming yet, they managed to brighten up the environs to an amazing degree.

This Sunday, we process after the 11.00am Mass in Kealkil & the 12 noon Mass in Bantry. As with Coomhola, the First Communion Children play a central role & we look forward to schools, families & all parishioners taking part.

This year there is another feature on the initiative of the Holy Father – A Holy Hour of Devotion before the Blessed Sacrament. We hope to link in with Rome with our Holy Hour from 4.00pm to 5.00pm in Bantry Church. So, after the Procession, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in Bantry Church until the end of Holy Hour. 

Loving God
be with me now,
as I prepare for my exams.

Thank you for the many talents and gifts you have
given me and for the opportunity of education.

Calm my nerves and anxiety, help me
to remember all that I have studied,
to express it clearly and to answer the questions
the very best that I can.

Holy Spirit, sit with me in my exam
- and always.

In Jesus' name

Amen

Good Luck & Best Wishes to all Leaving & Junior Certificate Students who begin their exams on Wednesday next.

May the Holy Spirit bless and guide them.

National Vigil for Life – Saturday 8^th June 2013-05-27 Merrion Square, Dublin from 3pm to 4pm. 

Please pull out all the stops – come yourself & spread the word!

The Government intends to legalise abortion in July. In June the legislation will be debated in the Dail & Seanad, so early June is a crucial time to show that a huge number of pro-life people all over Ireland oppose this. The vigil will send a clear, positive message about safeguarding the lives of mothers and babies in pregnancy.

What can I do?

Pray. Come to the Vigil (posters will be provided on the day). Spread the Word to family, friends and anyone you know. Organise a bus yourself or ask someone to organise one – and let the Pro-Life Campaign now at the number below:

More Information: On facebook: National Vigil for Life page

On Twitter: @NatVigil4Life By Email: nationalvigilforlife@gmail.com By phone: (087) 2668702 (about buses going or other information)

A bus will be organised to go to the Pro-Life Vigil in Dublin on Saturday next June 8th if enough people from Beara and environs are interested in going.  If  can go to Dublin on that day and you are interested in travelling by bus, please ring 086 8473997 before Wednesday of this week.  The bus will be travelling through Glengarriff and turning off at Ballylickey to take the Cousane Road and can pick people up en route.  The cost of the bus will depend on numbers.

Blessing of St Anthony’s Lillies on 13^th June

Thursday June 13^th is the feast day of St.Anthony. We encourage everyone to bring Lillies to be blessed at the 10.00 o’clock Mass on that day.

BANTRY GAA Cúl Camp

For Boys and Girls aged 6 – 13 years. Takes place Monday July 8^th to Friday July 12^th. Coaches taking part – Laura O’Sullivan, Rory Deane, Donagh O’Sullivan, Tom Clancy, Damian Cahalane, Eamon Ryan, Noel O’Leary & Terry O’Neill.

Bantry Defibilrillator Group

The Community Hall in the Mealagh Valley will be the venue for the Group's next monthly practice session. This will be going ahead on Wednesday evening June 5^th at 8pm so do come along and watch trained members perform CPR and use a defibrillator. Have a go yourself and learn at your own pace. Members are happy to give a step by step guide to learning this life saving technique.

Please bring along any old mobile phones you may have as we can trade these in for a new defibrillator for the Bantry area. Hope to see you there.

Blood Pressure Clinic

There will be a Blood Pressure Clinic held at the Bantry Primary Care Health Centre, Maritime Hotel, Bantry on Wednesday, 5th June 2013 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  All welcome to attend this free, confidential service offered by the HSE and your local Public Health Nurse.  It’s important for people of all ages to have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis

West Cork Wheelers

West Cork Wheelers is holding a family fun day in aid of Bantry Hospice on Fathers Day Sunday 16^th June at Bridge House, Pearson’s Bridge @ 3pm.  Barbecue, bouncing castle, music and entertainment.  Everybody welcome.  The West Cork Wheelers are undertaking a gruelling 3 day cycle from Malin Head to Mizen Head July 2013 to raise much needed funds for Bantry Hospice.

Plant and Cake Sale in Glengarriff Hall on Sunday 16^th June at 12.00pm. All proceeds go to Derrycreha National School.

BANTRY PARISH NEWSLETTER

The Most Holy Trinity 

Sunday May 26th 2013                                             Vol. 9. No. 22

THE DEEP END – TRINITY SUNDAY

Elizabeth Johnson describes the Trinity as a flowering plant with its deep invisible root (God), its green stem reaching into the world from that root (Son) and its flower (Spirit) which opens to spread beauty and fragrance and to fructify the earth with fruit and seed.

And it is all the one living plant. We are invited into community with God, to take our place at the table and embrace the relationship that is offered to us. God is community, a community built on love in all its forms. As we bless ourselves today, remember that we are symbolising that great mystery of God that community of persons, the relationships of love that we are invited into, relationships of giving and receiving, relationships of community and life.                           

Jane Mellet (Email: janemellett@yahoo.com)

Recent Parish Baptisms:

Darragh Patrick Cronin  

(Raheen, Bantry),

Benjamin Graham Kennedy-O’Donoghue

(Cúl na Gréine,

Newtown East, Bantry)

We welcome them into our Christian Community

You are invited to an illustrated presentation on the work of Cork Cancer Research Centre, given by Dr. Declan Soden, Manager of the Centre, on Thursday next May 30^th in the Bantry Bay Hotel at 8.30pm. This will be followed by the presentation of the proceeds of the annual fundraiser for this very worth cause. Refreshments  served, admission is free & all are very welcome.

Died Recently

We extend our prayers & sympathy to the families, relatives & friends of Carmel Connolly (nee Sugrue) (Newtown East, Bantry)  who died on 22^nd May, 2013. 

May she rest in peace

Kealkill Tidy Towns Cake Sale

June 2nd in Collins Pub after Mass.. Anyone that would like to donate baking to this Sale is very welcome to do so. Baking can be dropped off at Collins Pub before Mass.

Let’s talk Mental Health discussion with topic being “Is mental Health everyone’s business?” Monday 27^th May 12-1pm on Cumasú Bus atop the Square, Bantry (By fire station). Free event. Opened by Minister Kathleen Lynch. See Posters in Church Porches for timetable of events.

Transition Year Swim with Steve Redmond:

Coláiste Phobail Bheanntraí Transition Year Students have organised a swim from Bantry Pier on Sunday 26^th May at 12.30pm in Aid of Co-Action.  Special guests Steve Redmond & Damien O’ Donovan will be swimming with the students. Tea and Coffee served after.  We would welcome your support.

                                                  

45 Progressive Card Drive will take place in the Mealagh Valley Community Centre on Saturday 1st of June at 9.30pm sharp. Adm. €10 including tea/refreshments. All welcome.

Calling all boys and girls.... Under age Quiz and Disco at St Colums hall on May 31st from 6.30 to 9.30. €5 a head, everyone gets a prize, families welcome, teas and coffee served. A fun filled family night out.

€1000 prize Bingo in Boys’ Club in  aid of Our Lady of Mercy NS on Sunday 2 June at 8.30 p.m. Great fun night for all the family – Bank holiday weekend!  Great prizes!

Recent Weddings

We congratulate Martina Collins (Scart, Bantry) & Anthony Auffret (Pontrieux, France) who were married in St. Joseph’s   Church, Coomhola on Friday, 17^th May, 2013.

We wish Martina & Anthony

long and happy lives together.

Our congratulations also go to Lorraine Swanton (Moulakeve, Bantry) & Brian Wilmot

(Bandon, Co. Cork) who were married in St. Finbarr’s Church, Bantry on Saturday 18^th May, 2013. 

We wish Lorraine & Brian long & happy lives together.

€1000 prize Bingo in Boys’ Club in  aid of Our Lady of Mercy NS on Sunday 2 June at 8.30 p.m. Great fun night for all the family – Bank holiday weekend!  Great prizes!

Bantry and District Cardiac Support Group:  Monthly meeting will take place on Tues 28^th May at 8 pm at The Family Resource Centre Main Street Bantry. A talk and demonstration will be given by a member of the Bantry Defibrillator Group. This will be followed by an informal chat and refreshments. Details contact: Catherine Cahalane (Cardiovascular RHN)    0867871552 or John (Group Secretary)    0864048821

TOWN AREA MASSES &

SPRING STATIONS—Spring 2013

Mass for TOWN AREAS will be held on Monday, 27th May in  Bantry Church @ 7.30pm

Mass for outstanding BANTRY STATION AREAS will be held on Tuesday, 28th May in Bantry Church at 7.30pm.

Seskin Lw/Caherdaniel West, Dromclough, Glencreagh, Cahernecrin, Drombroe Derrincaolig,  Parkanna, Scart, Gortacloona, Ardra South,  Coomanore, Glenbanoo, Clooneygorman, Shandrum, Gortroe, Baurgorm, Milleeney, Gurteenroe, Ard na Gaoithe, Whiddy, Ardra North, Derrygrenagh South, Cahergullane, Raheen, Caherdaniel, Derrygrenaugh M & E, Ardnagaoithe Beg.

 

Outstanding Station Areas in Coomhola—

Mass in Coomhola Church on Wednesday 29^th May at 7.30pm.

Snave, Ardnagashel, Ardnatrush, Dromgarbh, Drograne, Esknafeelna, Derrycreha, Ardnatrush Beag, Ardnacloughy, Corrycomade, Cooryleary, Dromduv, Millbeg, Baurnagearagh, Reendesert, Dromcaol, Kealanine, Derrynakilla, Corran, Inchinagown, Farranfadda, Coorloum, Rangeroo Derryduve, Cooleenlemane, Cappadyourdil

 

Outstanding Station Areas in Kealkil—

Mass at Kealkil Church on Thursday 30^th May at 7.30pm

Ahil, Ardra, Ards, Ballinamought, Breenybeg, Breenymore,  Cahermounteen, Cahermuckee, Cappabui N & S, Cappanaboul, Carriganass, Coomleigh, Cousane, Cullinagh, Curryglass, Derryarkane, Derryfada, Dromaneasa, Dromlicacrue, Dromsullivan, Geragh, Glounycarney, Gortlachra, Gortnacowley, Inchaclough, Incharoe, Kealkil, Kielnacnappogue, Lacavane, Lahernsheermeen, Leachareigh, Maugha, Maughnaclee,  Moularaha, Moulavanig, Moulakieve, Skehana.

The Parish dues may be

returned on the night

 

 

Bealtaine at Bantry Library

As part of the Bealtaine festival, the Bantry Branch of Comhaltas Ceolteorí Eireann will perform traditional music just outside the entrance to Bantry Library (weather permitting!) on Saturday, May 25th at 2.30pm. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Jane Austen performance which was due to take place at 11am on that day has had to be cancelled. Further details - Bantry Library at 027-50460.

Sponsored Cycle/Walk

 

Bantry Blues GAA Club are holding a sponsored Cycle/Walk on Sunday 26th May at 1pm.  Cycle leaves the Park for Glengarriff.   Walk from Wolfe Tone Park to Donemark.   Registration from 12.30.  A Family Fun Day will be held in the Park, following the Cycle/walk. Lots of fun and games for all the family.  Please come along & support.  Sponsorship cards available from Kate O'Sullivan 0868182202 or Paddy Clifford 0872215705. 

BANTRY PARISH NEWSLETTER - 7th APRIL

Died Recently

We extend our prayers & sympathy to the families, relatives & friends of

Margaret (Moira) Glazebrook (nee Murphy) (Market Street, Bantry),

Nigel Kingston (Lisheens, Kealkil & Enniskeane)

Paudy Daly (Maughnaclea, Kealkil) &

Kathleen O’Shea (Ahilbeg, Kealkil).

May they rest in peace

~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Spring Stations

 Weds. 10^th April @ 11am – Jack & Helen Matson – Seskin

Tues. 16^th April @ 11am – Kathleen O’Sullivan (Seaview) – Ballylickey, Lahern, Gortagaree, Reendonegan, Goreemore, Dromloughlin, Dromdaniel, Crossoge, Dromaclarig.

Sat. 20^th April @ 11am – Finian & Anne O’Sullivan – Beach, Cappanaloha, Dromreig, Dunbittern, Shanavalla, Dromacusane, Gorteen, Dromcloch, ardihoulihan Aghahogeen

We ask those parishioners who are thinking of hosting the Spring Stations this year to please contact the parish office (56398) or one of the priests. Thank you.

 

 

Recent Parish Baptisms:

Aoife Doirín McCarthy (Cahermuckee, Kealkil),

Finbarr Timothy O’Donovan (Reendesert,Ballylickey),

Davin Maitiú Collins (Dromleigh South, Bantry),

Annie Kate Hourihan (Kealkil Village)

We welcome them into our Christian Community.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Mealagh Valley Community Centre Car Boot Sale & Coffee Afternoon - Sunday 7th April 2.00pm - 5.00pm at the Mealagh Valley Community Centre. Charge €10.00 per car. Must be set up before 2.00pm. Great chance to get rid of unwanted clutter or if you are looking to get a bargain. All proceeds go towards renovation of the Community hall.

Derrycreha National School is having an open day on Tuesday 16^th April, 2pm-4pm for all children who wish to enrol in 2013/14. For further information contact the school on 027-63143.

A talk on the History of Kealkil Creamery and the Coop Movement will be given on this Monday 8th April @ 8pm in Mobile Community Facility, Drinagh Co-op Kealkil .  The Talk will include information on the rural and farming life of the locality from early 1920 onwards. Limited places, Booking recommended. Tel. (086)2385611. Free entry. All welcome.

Bantry Tidy Towns

Local "Spring Clean" will take place on Monday 8th.April 7pm at the fountain in the square.New members would be especially welcome.Refreshments will be kindly provided by O'Keeffes Super Valu.

The 2013 National Spring Clean- Cork section-will this year be launched in Bantry on Thursday 11th. April 11am. also at the fountain. Do come along and show your support.

 

Bantry ICA are holding a coffee morning in aid of Suicide Awareness in the Christian Fellowship Hall (near Cinemax) on Friday 12^th April next. 10am-12.30pm. Please support.

Preparations are underway for St Colums Drama Group’s latest production! This spring is a comedy - ‘The Same Old Moon’ by Geraldine Aron - a sometimes raucous, but very entertaining play. It features the story of Brenda Barnes, Who can’t wait to leave her dysfunctional family behind in the West of Ireland, and forge ahead with her writing career in the glamour of London. The diverse and eccentric charcters that are her family and friends make for an interesting story spanning 40 years - with Mother Superior giving 9 year old Brenda the key to the wonderous knowledge of procreation! The play will run for 2 nights at St SColum’s hall at Pearsons Bridge, Ballylickey, on the 19^th and 20^th April – tickets are available on the door, or at Burkes Gala, Kealkil, Cronins Supermarket, Ballylickey and other outlets to be announced. May not be suitable for young children.

 

Host Carers sought for CoAction’s Homelink Service

After the success of our new respite venture  - Homelink, CoAction are looking for individuals or families that are interested in sharing their homes, their lives and their friendships with a child or adult with an intellectual disability and/or autism to expand this service. Homelink involves having a child or adult visit your home for short breaks & caring for the guest as a member of your family. CoAction provides training & on-going support to Host Carers therefore no previous experience is necessary. If you would like more info. please contact Emma O’Sullivan on (023) 8855505, 086 0278982 or Homelink@coaction.ie

Family Friends and Carers of those in Mental distress (In conjunction with the West Cork Mental Health Co-Operative Leadership group).If you care about someone in mental distress and would like the chance for a small group discussion regarding: Taking Care of the Carer & The importance of Peers for advice & Emotional Support

Come join us in Dromleigh Resource Centre, Bantry on Monday 8^th April at 7pm Speakers – Sally from West Cork Carers & Joe Daly Carer. For further information contact Catherine 087 2288303 or Theresa 0879874650

 

 

 

 

 

Easter

 Adapted below is a prayer path from Donal Neary SJ.

 Easter Time

 

 

 

Gospel

His is not here, he is risen (Mt 28:6)

 Prayer for the Week

Jesus, in death you become like us to the end,

and in the resurrection you point the way to what we will be.

In bad times give us confidence and faith,

in good times give us hope and joy,

and in all times give us love,

because you are love and hope from God. Amen.

Reflection for the Day

Everyone who met Jesus after the resurrection knew him

well by sight. They had walked with him, talked with him, gone through some of the passion with him. But they did not recognise him. Even his closest friends.

Something about him – or everything – was different, In

the risen Lord is something totally new. Knowledge of Jesus now is by faith, and it is the same for ourselves.

We half recognise him and then he passes us by. We hear rumours of Jesus, or echoes of his voice. Faith, while it is sure, needs light. Should we be surprised that we don’t recognise him any more easily than his friends did? We live happily in the love of faith which needs light and invites our openness to let that light in.

Action for the First 10 Days of Easter Time from Easter Week

Think of Easter on rising, at noon and on retiring, and say the Glory Be.

And if you like continue this then for the following 40 days.

 

 

 

EASTER REFLECTION

 When we ask for a wake up call from a family member or in a Guest House or a hotel, we hope and trust it will happen. Wake up call… a phrase we often use. It means a new way of looking on something.

 Wake Up Call

Easter is a wake up call – to a beautiful day and a wonderful way of life. Christ is Risen… He is Risen indeed.

You can bury truth but it will always rise again. The truth of our faith – we come from God and we go to God. Jesus found that too at Easter. Nothing not even death could keep him from returning in Glory to God.

But in between…that’s where we are now. And today is the new wake up call. Remember waking up – to a big day. Graduation, ordination, wedding, holiday, falling in love, your child’s birthday, going to a new school,– these are awakenings to a new day.

Or to a bad day, a funeral, redundancy, illness. We know some day we will waken for the last time. The last time this side anyway.

Celebrating Easter – wakening up to a big new world in and around us, and Easter really is every day.

New Friendship

Every day is a discovery of the friendship of Jesus…always there, always new. To the call to partnership with him in his saving work for the world. To joy in all times, even bad.

We look at Mary of Magdala after Jesus death as recounted in the gospel. All seemed lost when she last went to sleep on a dark night. Now all is new because of Jesus. Her life has changed; his wakening after death means we can all wake up now – to love, call, joy.

 We can be new – He is Risen.

 The Church can be new – He is Risen.

The world can be new – He is Risen.

 Adapted from an Easter Reflection by Donal Neary SJ

HOLY WEEK - BANTRY PARISH 2013

                                              

Holy Week in Bantry Parish 2013

Monday 25^th March: Bantry: 10am & 7.30pm

Tuesday 26^th March: Bantry: 10am & 7.30pm

Wed. 27^th March:     

                                                Bantry: 10am Mass

                                                Hospital: 5.30pm Mass

Easter Triduum (3 day preparation for Easter)

Holy Thursday, 28^th March:            Mass of the Lord’s Supper

                              Bantry:                 No 10am Morning Mass

                                                            N.B. 6.15pm – Mass

                                                            Holy Hour – 10pm-11pm (Eucharistic Adoration)

                              Coomhola:           7.30pm – Mass

                              Kealkil:                 8.00pm – Mass                       Trocaire Boxes can be returned

 

 

Good Friday, 29^th March—Day of Fast & Abstinence – (Devotion to the Passion of Christ)

There will be a Special Collection on Good Friday to support & maintain Holy Places.

                              Bantry:     12 noon — Stations of the Cross

                                                3.00pm — Solemn Liturgy of the Passion

                              Kealkil:     3.00pm — Stations of the Cross & Solemn Liturgy

                              Coomhola;           7.30pm — Stations of the Cross & Solemn Liturgy

Confessions before Ceremonies on Good Friday in Kealkil Church            

Holy Saturday, 30^th March: Easter Vigil:

(Services of Light, Word, Baptismal Water & Eucharist)

                              Bantry Hospital: 10.00am – Morning Prayer

                              Coomhola: 8.00pm Easter Vigil

                              Bantry:     9pm Easter Vigil

                              Kealkil:     9.30pm Easter Vigil

 

Confessions on Holy Saturday: Bantry Church: 12noon

Easter Sunday: 31^st March:             The Lord has Risen 

                              Hospital:               8.00am (please note extra Mass)     

                              Bantry:                 9.00am & 12.00 noon

                              Coomhola:           10.00am

                              Kealkil:                 11.00am

Church cannot 'walk without the Cross,' Pope Francis says in first homily as Pontiff

Celebrating Mass with the cardinals who had elected him, Pope Francis described the essence of the Church’s mission simply: “To walk, to build, to witness.” The new Pope celebrated the Mass Pro Ecclesia with the cardinal-electors on Thursday afternoon in the Sistine Chapel. In his brief homily, delivered in Italian, he reflected on the three aspects of the Church’s work. “Our life is a path,” the Pope said. “When we stop walking there is something that isn’t right.” “To build is to construct the Church,” he continued, adding that the Church is built of “living stones, stones that are anointed by the Holy Spirit.” Regarding witness, Pope Francis said: “We can walk when we want to, we can build many things, but if we do not witness to Jesus Christ then it doesn't matter. We might become a philanthropic NGO but we wouldn't be the Church, the Bride of the Lord.” The path of the Church always entails difficulties, the Pope said, and Church leaders should be prepared to embrace them. He explained that “when we walk without the Cross, when we build without the Cross, when we profess a Christ without the Cross… we aren't disciples of the Lord.” The Pontiff warned the cardinals that in this case: “We are worldly. We are bishops, priests, cardinals, popes, but not disciples of the Lord.” Pope Francis concluded the first homily of his pontificate by saying: “I wish that all of us, after these grace-filled days, might have the courage, yes, the courage to walk in the Lord's presence with the Cross of the Lord.” He asked for the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God, to assist the prelates in carrying out their duties. In the Prayers of the Faithful, the cardinals prayed for the new Pope and also for Benedict XVI, “that he may serve the Church while hidden to the world, in a life dedicated to prayer and meditation.”

Quote for Friday 15th March

"And now let us begin this journey, [together] as bishop and people. This journey of the Church of Rome, which is to preside over all the Churches in charity. It is a journey of fraternity, of love, of trust between us. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the world, so that a great brotherhood may be created. I hope that this journey of the Church, which we begin today and in which my Cardinal Vicar who is present here will assist me, will be fruitful for the Evangelization of this beautiful city."

- His Holiness, Pope Francis