Photo was taken yesterday morning at Altamount, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

Daffodils in Altamount, Millstreet feeling somewhat hung over this week after unseasonal harsh frosts.

Thought on Thursday – March – 28/03/2013

A broken heart led Pope Francis to the priesthood. At least, that’s what a 76-year old Argentinian woman claims, according to Sky News. The old flame, Amalia Damonte, told Argentine TV that Jorge Bergoglio, as he was known then, declared his love for her in a letter: “He said that if I didn’t say yes [to his marriage proposal], he would have to become a priest. Luckily for him, I said no.” The future pope was 12 or 13, she recalled. The two grew up in the same neighbourhood in Buenos Aries, where Damonte still lives.


Today is Holy Thursday and the only Mass that will be celebrated in the morning will be a Chrism Mass, usually celebrated in the Cathedral of your Diocese. During this Mass the different oils to be used for Baptism, Confirmation and Anointing of the Sick will have been blessed. During this Mass the priests of your Diocese will renew their priestly vows. It’s not significant enough to make major headlines but significant enough to know that these men are good, honest, hard working faithful to the Gospel and who simply want to spread the good news about God in your community. They are a light of hope in our lives. Why not say a prayer for your local priest today? You can be sure he has already said one for you today.