Photo was taken at Gougane Barra, West Cork (Irl)

Students from Col√°iste Choilm who were on a retreat day gather outside the pituresque oratory of St.Finbarr, in Gougane Barra.

Thought on Saturday – September – 25/09/2010

‘There is nothing more peaceful than to hold a sleeping baby in your arms. The baby’s body totally relaxes into you. The baby gives you their total trust to hold and support them. Their breath pulls you in as they breathe with their whole body, rising and falling, it mesmerises you.’ ~Niamh Bruce

A baby has that amazing ability to pull us into the present moment. Nothing else matters only their little world. They teach us about the importance of being present in the moment. Life so often can quickly pass us by. The moments race past us and yet we rarely allow ourselves appreciate their huge significance. Today (Sep 25th) is the feast of St.Finbarr. Gougane Barra is located a few miles west of Ballingeary, in West Cork, situated in a picturesque setting and it was here that Finbarr built his monastery in the 6th century. Clearly Finbarr knew that the presence of God was very much present here particularly in the beauty of nature that is evident all year round. Against a backdrop of rugged hills, lakes, rivers and streams, Finbarr found great peace. It was here that he cherished the richness and beauty of the present moment. His feast day today reminds us all of the importance of appreciating the special moments that make up each day especially the present moment. It is God’s most precious gift to us.