St. Paul's Retreat, Mount Argus

The post-Easter period in Mount Argus, as always, was partly taken up with preparations for the Novena of Hope. This year it was conducted by two American Passionists, Edward Beck, writer and broadcaster, and Robert Joerger, well known to us as General Consultor. The Novena was well attended and our two preachers were wonderful, as was well attested to in the feedback of those who attended.

As the Novena came to a close we welcomed Fr. General on his pre-Chapter visit to the community. During his time with us he acted as principal celebrant in the Mass to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of priesthood of Fr. Nicholas.

In the weeks after the Novena a year-long parish process involving meetings, surveys, assemblies, and much consultation and prayer, resulted in the election of a new group of lay leaders to work alongside the lay pastoral worker and the parish team in what is hoped will develop into a genuine collaborative model of parish leadership in Mount Argus. It's a step forward, in this the 30d' Anniversary year of the parish, and we commend it to your prayers for the future.

The Mount Argus community was well represented at our Provincial Chapter in June, perhaps reflecting the real interest and concern in what the future holds for Mount Argus at this crucial juncture in its history. At the end of June Frank travelled to Bordeaux with Martin to officiate for the last time, after 10 years, as secretary to the North European Conference of Passionists. From there he took the train to Lourdes to link up with the parish pilgrimage. Fr. Andrew and our nurse, Teresa, were meant to be among the pilgrims, but unfortunately Andrew had a fall in his room the night before, breaking his shoulder, and has only just returned to the community after two months spent in St. James Hospital; Clontarf Orthopaedic Hospital; and the Orwell House Convalescent Home.

The Irish Missionary Union (IMU) made their previously publicised move to the student wing in July and have quite literally transformed the place. The transition has gone reasonably smoothly with just a few teething problems that can be sorted out as we go along. We hope that their move to Mount Argus will be a fruitful one and we welcome them warmly. While the IMU's arrival has greatly limited our capacity to receive visitors, the summer months have seen the usual influx of Passionists from other Provinces to study English or just to pay a visit on a vocational trip.

This year we welcomed them from Poland, Spain, Italy, America, Australia and Africa. At no time did we have to say we were unable to welcome a Passionist confrere, something we are always delighted to do. We were also delighted to accomodate members of our own Province Vicariates, Dermot Carroll and Cathal Butler, and our prayers are very much with Cathal at this time. Our prayers are also with Paulinus Healy who has returned from St. James Hospital after undergoing investigative treatment. Recently arrived is Diedericks Selemela who begins the course at Dalgan Park on 20'' September.

Finally, as the new appointments are published in the Province, we look forward to welcoming those who will come to Mount Argus, we bid fond farewell to those who will move on, and we wish every blessing on all those taking up or renewing positions of leadership throughout the Province, and on all our communities for a very fruitful and faithful four years ahead. Frank CP