In July 2002 our provincial, Martin Coffey, C.P. initiated a 'Get-together' Prayer/Social for senior and retired religious from surrounding religious communities to Mount Argus. He circulated the provincials of the various clerical Religious Orders, Brothers and Sisters in the city outlining his concern about the lack of religious and social interaction among elderly religious of the various congregations. He felt that the lack of opportunity to meet, share and pray together was regrettable and should be addressed. The prayers and sufferings of these golden years could be of immense value to the whole Church and the 'get-together' was an opportunity of support and encouragement to promote this. The initiative was a simple invitation to senior / retired Sisters, priests and Brothers to Mount Argus for morning tea/coffee, a chat and prayer. It was hoped that the gathering could become a monthly event and evolve according to the suggestions of those attending.
The response was very positive. All were grateful for the initiative. They found the occasion a good opportunity to fraternise with senior members from other Congregations. Many, like the Franciscan Missionaries and the Cross and Passion Sisters acknowledged the real need and others like the La Retraite Sisters, the Dominicans, the Loreto Sisters and the Jesuits were grateful for the imaginative and creative hospitality. Others again like the Little Sisters of the Assumption, the Holy Ghost fathers felt it was difficult to motivate some but they would still be encouraged to participate. The Marist Sisters from Sundrive praised the initiative as particularly welcome for the winter months. St. Clare's, Harold's Cross were delighted to meet many priest friends from Mount Argus. The Dominicans from Cabra praised the provincial and local community for the welcome and generous elevenses. The Sion Hill Dominicans took a Marian Prayer from the service and are spreading it through their new notelets. Our own Cross and Passion Sisters from Marino see the gathering as an opportunity to pray together for a Church purification in these distressful times.
The first meeting took place on Friday 20th September at 11.00. Altogether sixty-five Religious attended from as far away as Sutton in the north city and Blackrock in the south. The prayer service on the theme of On Our Journey was followed by tea or coffee and cakes. Many stories were exchanged and the suggestion to repeat the experience was widely expressed. The following month as many again attended from fifteen different Congregations. It appears the 'get together' is fully justified. Many suggestions and recommendations were made, which included sharing expenses and preparation of the service, a request for a short input or entertainment, sponsorship of a charity and exposition.
The next 'get-together' which will consist of an Advent Reconciliation Service will be on 13th December '02 in Mount Argus at 11.00 am
December 2002 - Index
Synod of Congregation in Korea
Meeting Lay Passionist Association
St. Paul of the Cross - Man of Prayer by Fr. Frank Keevins
First meeting of Former Passionists
Senior/Retired Religious Initiative
Obituary:
Bro. Malachy Daly C.P. 1916-2002
Fr. Patrick Wilson C.P. 1907-2002
Fr. Celestine Butterly C.P. 1916-2002