Mary's Dream: A thought for Christmas

'I had a dream Joseph! I don't understand it, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son.
The people in my dream had been preparing for about 6 weeks! They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They've gone shopping many times and bought lots of fancy gifts. It was strange though, because the presents weren't for our Son! They wrapped them in beautiful paper and put them under a tree covered in coloured lights. Yes Joseph they had a tree right in the middle of their homes!! They even had a figure of an Angel on top!
Everybody was laughing and happy. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, and not to our Son. To be honest, I don't think they even knew him. They never mentioned his name. I had the strangest feeling that, if Jesus had gone to this celebration, he would have been intruding. How sad for somebody not to be wanted at their own birthday party!!............. I am glad it was only a dream'

How will you prepare for Christmas?

Last weekend we were delighted to host and run a one day retreat for the CYC World Youth Day Group entitled 'Putting Christ back into Christmas'. It was a great day which included some input from Br's Martin and Liam, Workshops, an experience working in the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People, a visit to the Capuchin Mission Exhibition and Museum, Lectio Divina, Reflection Groups, Silent prayer and a candle lit Mass.

St. Francis of Assisi

explorefaith.org - St. Francis of Assisi

This is a great little piece written by a young man, who describes what St Francis means to him and how that has impacted his life, and in turn, can impact ours too.

For those called to follow Francis, we must develop and nurture a relationship with him. He was a real man: who, like us all, found things difficult at times but he was also somebody, who believed and trusted in the immense Goodness of God.

A lot of what is written in this article resonates with me and. by reading and meditating upon it, I pray it will resonate for you also.

Peace and Goodness to you all

Br Martin

Capuchin Franciscan Vocation Experience (Dublin 9th - 11th Dec 2011)

Peace be with you all!!

The Friars of Church Street Capuchin Friary will host a Capuchin Vocation Experience from Friday 9th Dec to Sun 11 Dec 2011. Over the course of the weekend you will experience the life of a Capuchin Friar by:

• Joining in our community prayer
• Joining us for our community meals
• Working with the poor in our homeless centre
• Learning about our mission work in our Mission Museum
• Meeting and sharing with the Friars
• Taking time for personal prayer, contemplation and reflection

If you feel called to follow in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, working with the poor, living in Fraternity, as a Capuchin Franciscan Friar, then this experience is one you won't want to miss.

If you could like to attend, email capuchinvocation@gmail.com or contact Br Terence on 0863230638

Welcome to our Advent blog

Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. A time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Our Lord. Over the next four week we will have daily Advent reflections (thanks to www.catholicireland.net) as well as our own weekly Franciscan reflections centred around the theme of Brotherhood/Sisterhood; Prayer & contemplation; Mission and Justice, Peace & Ecology. So join us here as we journey together over the next four weeks....Peace to you all.

Capuchin Franciscans: Brothers in Mission

Capuchin Mission Video

Peace be with you all!

I have attached a video of our life and work as missionaries. As Capuchin Friars we are called to be Mission whether we are at home or abroad. We have Irish Friars on mission in Zambia, South Africa, New Zealand, South Korea and California.

If you feel that the Lord is calling you to join our mission to Brotherhood and a Gospel life, contact our Vocations Director, Br Terence Harrington, on 086 3230638 or email capuchinvocation@gmail.com

Pax, Br Martin

Capuchin Franciscans: Hearing (and responding to) the call

                                                         Hearing the Call...


Peace to you all!!
I have attached a video from our Province in Western America. A Province founded by Irish Capuchin Friars 100 years ago. In this video we hear of the vocations experiences of two of the young Friars

The Lord can call in unusual circumstances but if we are tuned in to listen then we will hear

Enjoy
Pax
Br Martin

John Paul 2 Awards, City Hall, 29th September 2011

Last evening, Br Liam and I attended the John Paul 2 awards ceremony in City Hall, Dublin. Over 50 young people from all over the Dublin Diocese received these awards marking their achievements in community / social awareness and Parish involvement. Similar to the Gaisce award, young people can choose Gold, Silver or Bronze levels. Achievements ranged from working with young children preparing for Confirmation to going on mission to Zambia. I was very struck by what one participant wrote of the experience ' This really does show that the spiritual journey begins at Baptism but doesn't end' Archbishop Martin presented the awards and said 'don't consider your certificate a leaving certificate from participation but rather a precious entry ticket'. It was a wonderfully live giving and enriching event. Congratulations to CYC. Last night also marked 32 years, to the day, since John Paul came to Ireland...very fitting!

Br Victor speaks of his vocation journey

Br Victor Herrero joined us in Church Street this summer from Spain. He spent a month living in the friary, improving his English and working in our Homeless Centre. In this Podcast, Victor tells us of his very interesting and personal journey to become a Capuchin Friar...enjoy

Br Martin

Feast of Padre Pio Final Mass from Church Street, Dublin

Last week we celebrated the Triduum of prayer for the Feast of St Pio. We had great numbers every night. I have linked a video of the final mass, celebrated by Br Kieran, who preached over the nights of the Triduum.

Vocations Ireland at the Ploughing Championships

This week Br Liam and I were working with Vocations Ireland at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy. Over the last two days we met many wonderful people. The Vocations tent provided an opportunity for people to discuss a call to religious vocation, as well as a prayer space and an opportunity to make prayer requests (which will be sent to the Poor Clare Nuns). We handed out hundreds of rosary beads and Padre Pio relic cards and had a lot of good and interesting conversations.

Br Liam OFM Cap and Br Pat Lynch OFM 

How do you see yourself??

Prayer Space in the Vocations Tent

Vocation Literature, Prayer Cards and Rosaries proved very popular

Br Liam is interviewed for Newstalk 106FM (broadcast 22nd Sept at 8.45am)

Upcoming events in Church St, Dublin

Peace be with you!!

We have two very exciting events coming up in our Church Street Friary. You are all most welcome to come along. I have attached some details

Padre  Pio Triduum
20 / 21 /22 & 23rd of September. Keynote Speaker is Br Kieran Shorten. Mass is celebrated at 7.30pm each night, confessions available and blessing with the relic of St Pio. This is always a fantastic and uplifting Triduum and well worth attending.

The Call to Fatima - Triduum
7th, 8th & 9th of October. Keynote speakers include Dr Branca Paul (Physician to Sr Lucia), Fr Apostoli, Louise Irvine, Tom McCormack and Sr Angela Coelho. We are very pleased to be asked to host this event in Church Street and look forward to welcoming you along. Full details are available on the following blog:
http://thecalltofatima.wordpress.com/

Br Liam's Profession

On the Feast of St Clare (11 August 2011), Br Liam Quinn made his first profession of vows. Into the hands of Br Des (Provincial Minister), Liam professed the vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. The profession was witnessed by fellow Friars from all over Ireland and by Liam's family and friends.
Liam completed his Novitiate year in the United States and is now assigned to our Church Street Community.

Capuchin Vocation Experience Dublin 30 Sept - 02 Oct 2011

Peace be with you all!!

The Friars of Church Street Capuchin Friary will host a Capuchin Vocation Experience from Friday 30 Sept to Sun 02 Oct 2011. Over the course of the weekend you will experience the life of a Capuchin Friar by:

• Joining in our community prayer
• Joining us for our community meals
• Working with the poor in our homeless centre
• Learning about our mission work in our Mission Museum
• Meeting and sharing with the Friars
• Taking time for personal prayer, contemplation and reflection

If you feel called to follow in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, working with the poor, living in Fraternity, as a Capuchin Franciscan Friar, then this experience is one you won't want to miss.

If you could like to attend, email capuchinvocation@gmail.com or contact Br Terence on 0863230638

Capuchin Friars in California - centenary celebrations

Good Morning and Happy feast of Joachim and Anne!

This week 22 men from America, Australia and Great Britain were received as Novices into our Order in California. The California mission was established in 1910 by pioneering Irish Friars and this year plays host to this international Novitiate.
In 2010, the Western American Province celebrated it's 100 birthday!! The attached video highlights the mission and the celebrations as well as the, still very close, link to the mother Province of Ireland.

Enjoy and keep the new Novices in your Prayers

100th birthday celebrations in California

Pax
Br Martin

Franciscan Family Events at WYD2011

Hi All

Under four weeks left to WYD2011 in Madrid. I have linked the official site for the Franciscan Village events at WYD. If you are attending WYD, do come along and join in the events.

http://familiafranciscana-eng.blogspot.com/2011/01/festival-of-joy.html

Pax

Br Martin

Would you like to come and see life in a Capuchin Friary?

If you feel that coming to see what life is like in one of our Friaries could help you discern God's call, then you are most welcome!I have listed the Friaries in Ireland, their addresses, phone number and contact person

Dublin
St Mary of the Angels, Church St, Dublin 7
Ph: 01 8730599 Contact: Br Terence Harrington

Capuchin Friary, Raheny Road, Raheny, Dublin 5
Ph: 01 8313886  Contact: Br John Wright

St Francis of Assisi Parish, Priorswood, Clonsaugh Road, Coolock
Ph: 01 8474469 Contact: Br Sean Kelly

Cork
Holy Trinity, Father Matthew Quay, Cork City
Ph: 021 4270827 Contact: Br Sean Donohue

Rochestown, Cork
Ph: 021 4896244 Contact: Br Dermot Lynch

Carlow
Capuchin Friary, Dublin Street, Carlow
Ph: 059 9142543  Contact: Br John Manley

Kilkenny
Capuchin Friary, Friary Road, Kilkenny City
Ph: 056 7721439 Contact: Br Donal Sweeney

Donegal
Ard Mhuire, Creeslough, Co Donegal
Ph: 074 9138005 Contact: Br Kieran Shortan

Vocations Director
Br Terence Harrington, Capuchin Friary Church St
Ph: 086 3230638  email: capuchinvocation@gmail.com

Irish Capuchins welcome two brothers

Good Morning
This month we welcome back Br Liam Quinn from the USA where he has successfully completed his Novitiate year. Liam, in his early thirties, hails from Kilkeel, Co Down. Before joining the Capuchins, Liam worked in the UK with the National Immigration Agency. Liam will profess his first vows in our Raheny Friary on the 11th of August next and will be assigned to our Church Street Friary, Dublin following his profession.

Also joining the family, as a Postulant, is Sean Oberc. Sean comes all the way from Detroit but has lived in Ireland and worked for the L'Arche Community in Kilkenny and Cork for the last number of years. Sean is an excellent traditional Irish musician and multi-instrumentalist. We are delighted the Lord has asked him to join our number and wish him every success. He will begin his Postulancy in Raheny, Dublin in September.


Blessed John Paul the Second said at the Vigil Mass of World Youth Day 2000 and also at his inaugural Mass as Pope :

'Have no fear of entrusting yourself to Christ. He will guide you, He will grant you the strength to follow

Him every day and in every situation'

If you feel the Lord is asking you to follow St Francis, Liam and Sean, take courage in the words of John Paul and make the first step towards a life that makes a big difference in the lives of so many, especially those most in need. 

Pax Br Martin

'Explore A Way' discernment programme from Vocations Ireland

Good Morning

Vocations Ireland, the national office for vocations promotion, have developed an excellent programme to assist anybody wishing to discern a religious vocation. It is called 'Explore A Way' and all the details are available on their website http://www.exploreaway.net/

The programme aims to help you search a vocation and help you discern what type of vocation you may be called to whether as a Brother, Priest, Nun, Sister or what religious charism suits your call best (Franciscan, Dominican, Carmelite, Diocesan etc).

It is well worth a look and a great resource

Pax Br Martin

Capuchin vocation to the poor in action!

This weekend a charity cycle is taking place to help fund our outreach to the Homeless of Dublin. Attached is the article carried in the Irish Times (18/06/2011)

THERE IS a “worrying increase” in levels of depression and anxiety among the homeless and poor in Dublin, one of the foremost advocates for the sector has said.

Br Kevin Crowley, who runs the Capuchin Day Centre in Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin, said it was particularly acute among the “new poor, people who have lost their jobs and are really desperate, who are on the verge of losing everything.

“People are very worried and it’s the not knowing, the worry. It’s increasing and is very much a new thing. It’s very worrying.”

The day centre serves about 200 breakfasts and 500 hot lunches a day and hands out about 1,000 food parcels of basic groceries, such as butter, tea, canned foods, sugar, bread once a week, on Wednesday mornings.

Br Crowley was speaking yesterday morning as a group of about 30 gardaí and prison officers set off on a two-day cycle across the State to raise money for the centre. The cyclists rode to Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, yesterday and are due to complete the journey to Belmullet, Co Mayo, today.

He said he hoped the venture would “raise awareness about the increasing issues of homelessness and poverty”.

People tended to contribute donations after the cycle, he added, and it was hoped that about €10,000 would be raised.

Running costs for the centre are increasing and stand at about €1.3 million a year at present. A grant of €450,000 comes from the HSE annually, with the rest raised though fundraising.

www.homeless.ie

Pax 

Br Martin

What's Pentecost all about?

What is Pentecost? Video - Click here

Good Morning

Tomorrow we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, a very big day in the liturgical year. This excellent 2 minute video gives the background

My your lives, hearts and homes be filled with the Spirit of God and all His abundant gifts!!

Pax
Br Martin

What's Pentecost all about?

What is Pentecost? Video - Click here

Good Morning

Tomorrow we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, a very big day in the liturgical year. This excellent 2 minute video gives the background

My your lives, hearts and homes be filled with the Spirit of God and all His abundant gifts!!

Pax
Br Martin

21 young men join the Capuchin Pre-Novitiate in America

Peace be with you all on Ascension Sunday! 

So some good news! 21 young men have joined our Inter-Provincial Pre-Novitiate Programme in the US. There is a lot of jargon there, so let me explain.

Inter- Provinical means that different Provinces (Territories) have come together to pool resources and work in solidarity as Brothers to provide this programme.

Pre-Novitiate is a time, after their first year (called Postulancy), for these young men to get to know each other before they enter the Novitiate year. The Novitiate is a time of deeper living of our life in prayer, simplicity and fraternity. It lasts a year and a day!

We send our congratulations, prayers and best wishes to all in the programme and we thank them for having the courage to listen to and respond to the Lord.

Pax

Br Martin

In the footsteps of St Clare

St Clare of Assisi, along with St Francis, was a founding member of our way of life. Together they embodied the uniqueness of the Franciscan Vocation. St Clare was a revolutionary and inspirational woman, the first woman to write, and have approved, a rule of life for religious women. She founded the order now known as the Poor Clares, an enclosed order of nuns. They are known for the simple, austere and very prayerful way of life. In Ireland they have monasteries in Galway, Clare, Carlow, Leitrim, Belfast, Cork and Dublin. Their vocation is a very beautiful one of community, prayer and service, hidden from the gaze of the world. They keep up to date with happenings in the world and bring these intentions to the many hours they spend in prayer and Adoration. They are truly a powerhouse of prayer in the Church and we are very grateful for their presence and witness.

I have attached links to a website for all the Monasteries in Ireland as well as two videos, one on their way of life and on on Adoration. If you feel that God may be calling you to a Vocation to follow St Clare, each website has plenty of information and contact details.

Pax Br Martin

Poor Clare Website - click here

Vocation Sunday Homily, Holy Trinity Capuchin Church, Cork

Vocations Sunday Podcast

Peace be with you all

I was asked to preach at the Masses last weekend for Vocation Sunday in Holy Trinity, Cork. I have attached a podcast of the homily in which I tell about my own vocation journey, look at what a vocation is and offer some advice on how to respond if you feel called.

Pax
Br Martin

Capuchin Franciscan Vocations Experience

We are hosting two vocations experiences in Dublin on 10 - 12th of June and a one day event in Cork on the 25th of June 2011. This is a great opportunity to experience what life is like as a Capuchin Franciscan Friar.


Experience our life of Brotherhood, Prayer, work with the Poor, what it's like on our overseas mission. A chance to hear, from Friars, what life is like and to talk to them about your vocation.

Friday 10th of June to Sunday 12th of June - Church Street, Dublin
Saturday 25th of June - Holy Trinity, Father Matthew Quay, Cork
Contact: Br Terence on 086 3230638

Open to young men aged 18 to 35

Capuchin Franciscans: Live the Dream, Make the Difference!

John Paul: A Saint for our Times (click here!!)

Greetings on this beautiful day!

I have linked a wonderful video on the life of Blessed John Paul II. John Paul was always a great inspiration for me, especially when it came to following a Religious vocation. I pray that he will now water the seed of vocation in the hearts of many man and women.

Cast into the deep.......

Blessed John Paul II and the Capuchins

Dearest [Capuchin Brothers], have the true and prophetic impetus to help the people of our time who with regards to the moral values quite often grope in the dark. 

Animate the youth, promote biblical groups and prayer communities. Bring Christ to the world, especially through the custom of popular contact which countersigns you. Be missionaries! 

The need to bring the Gospel to those who do not know about it is becoming more pressing because the masses of people who have not yet met the Lord Jesus is growing.(...)

 The pastoral needs of the environment where we have been brought up do not constitute a sufficient reason not to leave one’s own country and go where God will show us. (...) According to the teaching and the example of Saint Francis you have a rich inheritance to guard: it will make you well prepared for the new 

evangelisation (Rome 1.7.1994)

Br John Corriveau, our former Minister General wrote of John Paul :

 'John Paul II continuously showed us the proper way how to live the charism which Francis had accepted, lived and transmitted to his followers so that it would continue to live. And that magisterial way is the poor love lived in and from the fraternity because the “way of living in fraternity” allows the Kingdom of God to be visible and to grow among the men and women of all times. In his untiring effort to propose to us the figures of saints and blesseds who had grown up and lived the Franciscan-Capuchin charism, John Paul II has done nothing else but to tell us that it is 

possible to live it even today, in this modern and technological era'. 

We thank the Lord for Blessed John Paul, for his life, his ministry, his humanity, his witness, his joy, his peace and his compassion.

We pray that today many will be inspired and encouraged by John Paul, to experience the Lord in their lives,
 that many will be inspired to seek the voice of the Lord in their hearts and that many will be inspired to live a life of service to God, His Church and People through discerning and following their vocation. 


We remember the words of John Paul:

'do not be afraid......cast out into the deep .... 


open wide the doors of your heart to Christ .... 


there you will find true life'

The Magic of Ards

Peace be with you all!!

Last week I was on retreat with my Capuchin Brothers in our retreat centre in Ards, Co Donegal. On the first day of the retreat Brother Kieran, our Retreat Master, said ' allow Ards work it's magic this week'. I have attached some images of Ards to allow you to experience some of that magic.

Pax
Br Martin

Brazilian Retreat - More Images

Brazilian Community Retreat Church Street (Click this link) 

Palm Sunday in Church Street

Hi All

We had a wonderful weekend here in Church Street. Firstly, we had the pleasure of the Dublin Brazilian Catholic Community, who were here for retreat on Saturday and Sunday. They meet every second week in our Church in Halston Street but twice a year, over 50 young adults come together for two days of prayer, fellowship, sharing, reflection and adoration here in Church Street. Powerful, powerful stuff. I have attached some photos and a video of their adoration time.

We also had the Gospel Mass yesterday evening with our very own Dublin Gospel Choir. Again over 50 young people involved in the choir now bring Gospel music to the country and beyond.

It was truly a joyous weekend for us all here and we pray that the Lord will grace us with many more of them

Pax

Br Martin

A moment of Adoration (Video Clip)

You ARE Special

You are special

Attached is a reflection which had a deep effect on a lot of people who heard it at a recent Parish Mission. It also has great relevance for Vocation

Tomb of St Francis of Assisi - Webcam

Live Webcam

The tomb of our founder, St Francis of Assisi, has reopened following renovation. Above is a link to a live webcam which allows us to visit the tomb and spend a moment in prayer at any time. During the day you will see the thousands of pilgrims, many of them young people, who come to visit St Francis' tomb.

Lord, Light the darkness of my heart and give me

a correct faith, certain hope and perfect charity.

Sense and knowledge Lord, that I may carry out your Holy and True command

(St Francis Prayer for Enlightenment)

Pax Br Martin