Flying with the shamrock

It's always a great thing to fly on an aircraft that has a saint emblazoned on the front of its hull! Most Aer Lingus aircraft are named for traditional Irish saints: Kevin, Patrick, Columcille, Brigid...

Today I head over to Ireland for what will be a very, very busy week. First comes a visit with the marvelous volunteers at the House of Brigid: Jessica Mannen, Molly Mattingly, Dan Masterton and Kurt Nowak. They're deep into sacramental preparation, musical rehearsals for Holy Week, and labors with the children at Kennedy Park and Scoil Mhuire.

These annual visits are a wonderful way to renew our collaboration with the pastoral staff of Clonard, in County Wexford. We'll be looking at the progress of the past year, talking with Monsignor Denis Lennon and his staff, and enjoying the camaraderie of our Wexford friends that we've made over the past years.

Teach Bhríde, the House of Brigid, is now heading into its fourth year of service to the people of Ireland, and specifically to the Diocese of Ferns (Wexford) and Clonard Parish. Hard to believe that what began as a dream with the Class of 2008 and a very earnest group of grads has now emerged as a vibrant community of witness to groups far beyond the parochial community.

But then again, it is named after a very special saint and advocate!

Here's a picture of the beloved tapestry of Saint Brigid that adorns the day Eucharist chapel in Clonard:

I'll be writing from Ireland for my next post.

A blessed spring break to all of you who are following my travels!