by Kathleen Mullane
A Lovely Weekend
Wasn’t it a lovely weekend? The dry weather was such a pleasant surprise, especially for St. Patrick’s Day, which is often wet and miserable. Parades were happening in all corners of our island—not just in the cities, but also in many smaller towns and villages. It’s lovely to see! Food for thought: perhaps next year, we could have our very own parade here in Athea. We have so many great organizations and clubs in our parish, all doing wonderful work throughout the year in both sports and other events.
It was incredible to witness so many outstanding parades across Ireland and to see the vast number of people who travelled here. Some came to take part in the bigger parades in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, while others came from all over the world just to experience our parades—all in memory of one man: St. Patrick.
Closer to home, we had our own “St. Patrick” at the Remembrance Mass on Sunday for the late Canon Patrick Kelly. Didn’t Pat Higgins do a great job and truly look the part? It was wonderful that Canon Kelly’s relatives were able to be present for the occasion. From start to finish, it was a beautiful event.
Fr. Tom Mangan celebrated the Mass, with Fr. Dan Lane and Fr. Brendan Duggan concelebrating alongside him. Thoughtful gifts that represented Canon Kelly’s life were brought to the altar, which was a lovely touch. Full marks go to the beautiful altar display for the weekend, arranged by Teresa and Hannah-Mai—it was truly Irish. The choir, led by Margaret Carroll and
Domhnall de Barra, was fabulous, and the schoolchildren playing their tin whistles were a delight. The teachers of Athea N.S. also contributed to the Mass, and indeed, everyone who helped in any way to make the Remembrance Mass such a memorable occasion deserves recognition—well done!
Damien Ahern, a brilliant organizer, concluded the Mass with a special touch: a video of Canon Kelly singing Faith of Our Fathers at the Mass Rock here in Athea many years ago. Special thanks also go to Siobhán Barrett, who recorded the Mass. Feedback from Athea people living in the USA, Australia, England, and beyond has been overwhelmingly positive. Many of them recognized themselves as young children in the video from the Mass Rock years ago. It was an emotional moment, especially for those who have since lost loved ones.
It’s great to have technology like our Church Webcam, which connects people to home even when they’re far away. Special thanks to those with Athea connections who have donated to the running of the Webcam—it means so much to be able to view funerals, weddings, and more from anywhere in the world.
Finally, sincere sympathy to Joe Lavin and his wife Mary of Dirreen on the recent passing of Joe’s mother, Mary Lavin, in Sligo over the weekend. May she rest in eternal peace.
Thought for the Week
Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like, and celebrating it for everything that it is.