Holy Cross, Ardoyne

We lost Brother Paschal in September. He had been in care in Nazareth House Care Village for some years where he had been very well looked after. Paschal was 88 and if he had lived to the first of November of this year he would have celebrated 60 years as a Passionist. Apart from two short terms in Dankeith and Tobar Mhuire he lived at Holy Cross where locally he was well known and much loved. Never blessed with good eyesight - he lost it completely in his final years - he still involved himself in house and church duties and took a particular interest in getting funds for our overseas missions. In this he was helped by some local people who became his friends, one of whom Sean McKeever visited him nearly every day while he was in care. Sean said to me: 'I became Paschal's friend when he came to Ardoyne as a young brother and I've remained his friend to the end.'

Many of our brethren and many others came to pay their respects to Paschal Ross. Bishop Walsh attended the removal of the remains to the church.

On the 6th September we laid him to rest in our community cemetery, very much home ground so to speak for Paschal. In his homily at the funeral mass Aidan gave us a summary of his religious life: 'Paschal never preached a parish mission, never gave a retreat or served in a parish district but he lived a life of prayer and humble service in fidelity to his commitment as a Passionist.' May he rest in peace.

About 2am on the 23rd July the kitchen area of the house was petrol bombed. Two of us were at home and were pulled out of bed by the shrill and penetrating noise of the fire alarm. It appears a kindly neighbour phoned for the fire brigade. We were soon surrounded by fire fighters and police as they thronged into the kitchen. They did excellent work in bringing things under control. Bishop Walsh paid us a visit to offer his sympathy and support.

The heavy task of getting funds for our restoration work continues. Aidan organised a Golf Classic, played at Portmarnock. This brings in a substantial sum. Gary with his group here is engaged in preparing for a mammoth draw and dinner dance in November. A number of cars of various kinds will be the main prizes in the draw. So keep all this good work in your prayers.

Brother Angelo is still in Nazareth House Care Village. Occasionally he comes to visit us and share a meal with us. Brendan O'Boyle is a patient in the Graan Abbey Nursing Home. He would like to transfer to Nazareth House in Belfast but the numbers seeking acceptance in this Care House are very large.