Caring for the carers
Posted: Tue, 05 Jan 2021 08:45
Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB urges us to look after our pastoral leaders and ministers who are stretching themselves to their limits to care for us.
Many years ago I was leading a residential in-service course for primary school leaders. As now, these good people were at the sharp end of education, wanting the very best for their students and their parishes—the fact that they gave up their weekend... Read More »
'An open heart and a deep level of forgiveness'
Posted: Sat, 02 Jan 2021 08:06
In his reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Christmas, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB reflects on the part the incarnation plays in our everyday lives and our relationships. Gospel: John 1: 1-18
Today, once again, we are reminded of those exciting words in the deep poetry of the evangelist, John. The Prologue, that we last heard on Christmas Day morning, reflects the opening chapter of the book of Genesis.... Read More »
Feast of Mary Mother of God: a new year resolution
Posted: Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:02
On 1 January, we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB offers a reflection on how she can help us towards a closer encounter with her son in a new year. Image: Icon of Mary, Mother of God, Carmel Baltimore
May I take this opportunity to wish you all every blessing and peace for this new year of 2021. This past year has brought us so many difficulties and problems, and... Read More »
Holy Family: the wisdom of our elders and our children
Posted: Sat, 26 Dec 2020 08:06
On Sunday 27 December, as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB looks at it message for our own family relationships, which have faced tremendous challenges in recent months. Image: Unknown Georgian artist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
As we continue our celebration of this Christmas season in our strange times, we are given a time today to celebrate the gift... Read More »
Christmas Day reflection: The baby of Bethlehem calls us to live in the light
Posted: Thu, 24 Dec 2020 07:00
Reflecting on the Mass of Christmas Day, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB highlights the message of hope brought by the birth of Jesus to all of us, even in the darkest of times. (Image: Ivan Grohar, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
I wish you, your family and your loved ones, a very happy and holy Christmas. Today our pilgrimage through Advent is over and we have entered the season of Christmas-though... Read More »
Shrigley Old Boy's Reunion 2021 dates confirmed
Posted: Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:00
The dates for the Shrigley Old Boy's Reunion 2021 have now been confirmed.
The reunion will take place from Friday 10th September to Sunday 12th September 2021 at the Shrigley Hotel.
This will be a special reunion as it marks the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Past Pupils organisation, of which the Shrigley Old Boys is a part of.
Booking form and proposed programme will be coming soon.... Read More »
Introducing Br Jacques
Posted: Thu, 17 Dec 2020 10:00
Introducing Br Jacques, from Ivory Coast. He is continuing his formation in the Thornleigh Community Bolton, doing practical training and English studies.
Each year, our Province welcomes Salesians in formation from other Provinces, who will carry out part of their practical experience, or who come here to study Theology. Salesians from our own Province will become guests in other countries as part... Read More »
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Faith & trust - the best Christmas gifts we can give
Posted: Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:56
On the last Sunday of Advent, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB encourages us to be inspired by the faith and trust of Mary and of Joseph, in what will be a very different Christmas season. (Image: Fra Angelico, Annunciation, via Wikimedia Commons Creative Commons)
Well here we are, ready to light the fourth candle. Only last year, this day would have been that opportunity to complete that needed last minute... Read More »
The Hands of the Father
Posted: Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:09
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike reflects on Duetronomy 1:3, and explores how it has helped him cope with what has been a very tough year.
Recently I attended a retreat—it was over the October break—due to the restrictions it was conducted via Zoom. My retreat master was a wise Jesuit. On our first session, this saintly soul asked me how I was feeling. My reply was, ''I am angry!... Read More »
Family & Friends at Christmas
Posted: Tue, 15 Dec 2020 11:26
As we approach a very different Christmas, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB thinks about those who are closest to us, although we may not be able to be with them.
The family - that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to.Dodie Smith, 'Dear Octopus', 1943
It is said that Dodie Smith was moved to write her popular children's novel 'One Hundred and... Read More »