If the people of Ardoyne have a special virtue it has to be generosity. Time and time again they have been asked for money for various appeals and always they have responded in a most generous way. This was shown very clearly in recent months when they were asked to support the restoration of the church, the SVP conference and the victims of the Tsunami disaster. To each of these causes and others they contributed thousand of pounds, without the slightest complaint. Most generous were pensioners and less well off people who gave from their scant resources.

In February, 144 boys and girls turned out for the reception of confirmation. Bishop Donal McKeown was the principal celebrant. He is very good with young people and is able to create an atmosphere that is relaxed and friendly. The numbers look high but the teachers tell us that each year they are going down in North Belfast. It appears that families are getting smaller and many couples are moving out to towns and centres outside the city.

Also in February the Flax Trust held their annual cross-community Dinner Dance in the Europa Hotel. It was a very successful event, the place was full. Normally the proceeds go to good causes or charities. This year they were given to the University of Ulster to help research in to the causes of suicide.

The official community here is seven but the resident community is four. Paschal and Angelo so busy with us in past times are in care in Nazareth House. We visit them frequently. Brendan at the time of writing is in the Mater Hospital. He had a couple of falls so it was decided that he needed some hospital care. Brendan would prefer to be in Nazareth house or Beechmount Nursing home but that depends on vacancies.

We will just have to keep trying. Please pray for the three of them. Aidan is on rest down in Co Wicklow. He is availing of the break to do some writing. We hope to have him with us again in Holy Week.

May the blessings of Easter be with us all. Salvian CP