Photo was taken at Col√°iste Choilm, Ballincollig, Co.Cork (Irl)

These goats from Bóthar were recent VIP visitors to Coláiste Choilm. They really created a stir. This photo of Megan Heffernan captures the surprise and fun that was part of the hugely successful visit.

Thought on Saturday – December – 01/12/2012

‘Without my faith, God knows where I would be.’ ~John McAreavey

The death and murder of Michaela McAreavey in January last year while she was on honeymoon in Mauritius, was a massive shock to so many in Ireland and right across the world. Her killers have not been caught or charged after a lengthy trial and this has also added deeply to the pain of her family. Her husband John has talked about the support of family, friends, the local community and his faith in helping him come to terms with this terrible loss. He has since set up a charity in memory of Michaela to help young people celebrate and cherish their faith. Asked if the murder of his wife had led him to question his faith, John said: “Quite the opposite. My faith gave me great resolve. Thank God I have my faith. It has given me the heart to put all my strength into the Michaela foundation.”

He also said that his faith was crucial in helping him with the grieving process. “I was able to go to quiet places and visit Michaela’s grave and go into church and just sit there and try to make sense of everything. Sometimes, God would give me signs and I just have to take them for their value and I know that’s God and Michaela saying ‘We’re here, carry on, we’re going to get you through this’.” The Michaela Foundation was established so that the values which Michaela lived in her life should live on. These values can help young people to succeed in life fulfilment and happiness with faith and confidence. More details on the foundation can be found on www.themichaelafoundation.com