by Gerard Bennett | Apr 28, 2023 | Homilies, Reflections from Fr Kieran
At Sunday Mass, we heard the familiar story of the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus in their struggle to recognise Jesus. This echoed the message of the previous Sunday’s liturgy when Thomas faced a similar challenge. So my Sunday homily, preached in Athlone friary,...
by Gerard Bennett | Apr 22, 2023 | Homilies
(Readings: Acts 4:32-37 & John 3:7-15) Nikos Kazantzakis, in his novel based on the life of St Francis, has Francis speak to an Almond Tree, “Almond Tree, Almond Tree, speak to me of God.” And the Almond Tree blossomed! Who has ever seen summer? You...
by Gerard Bennett | Apr 22, 2023 | History
Irish history in the year 1646 will always be remembered for the triumph in Ulster at Benburb in County Tyrone. This great victory came just in time to preserve Multyfarnham and other places from a deadly visitation. In Ulster, the “English and Scottish forces were...
by Gerard Bennett | Apr 21, 2023 | Reflections from Fr Kieran
First of all, I must apologise for the break in continuity of these reflections, due largely to the busy schedule we have been following in the friary, beginning even before Holy Week. If I may make bold to offer the comparison! I feel like the apostles coming down...
by Gerard Bennett | Apr 21, 2023 | Homilies
Jesus doesn’t “do” crowds. In the Gospels, when Jesus speaks, you get the impression that he sees each individual and cares for that person. He notices a woman who touches the hem of his garment; he stops to speak to a man up a tree; among all the noise he hears a...
