Photo was taken yesterday at Vernon (north of Paris) France

This unique house lies idle and what a pity! It’s so quaint and different. It lies over the River Seine and is so eye catching as you walk or drive past. Paris has had a lot of snow but after heavy rain yesterday morning beautiful sunshine burst through making for a lovely spring afternoon.

Thought on Monday – January – 28/01/2013

Yesterday marked the ordination of William Crean as Bishop of Cloyne Diocese. The following is an extract from his homily giving plenty food for thought

Few doubt that there is an air of desolation across the land. So much and so many things combine to dampen if not indeed crush the spirits of many. The discipline and demands of the “Troika” weigh heavily on us. Jesus was critical of those who placed excessive burdens on peoples’ shoulders. Is it not time that major financial institutions do more of the heavy lifting? – the people have done their share.

Beneath these economic woes there are issues of the spirit that need more of our attention. Our souls cry out for “calm from the storm”. Anxiety and depression reign in the hearts of so many. Family relationships are strained to the limit as they try to cope. Despite these challenges we journey in hope and with resilience. This year we celebrate a Year of Faith to mark 50 years since Vatican II which gave us a renewed vision of the Church’s mission in the world.

My friends when I speak of heart and the aspiration for a new vitality I speak not just of the Church but Society too. To nurture that spirit calls for a new positive engagement in public discourse. Cynicism serves no one and resolves nothing. There are those who believe that the mission of the Church belongs to history. I say it was never so relevant and contemporary in its wisdom and insight. The Church is duty bound to engage positively in the public discourse. I believe we can and will be a leaven in that dialogue. Change is a constant reality. The question for all is “Can we bring with us the vigour and truth of the Gospel as we together seek to rebuild the nation for a new generation?”