Photo from the archive was taken 10 years ago outside the English Market, Cork (Irl)
With Queen Elizabeth turning 95 during the week, I thought it was appropriate to share this photo from the archive of her visit to Cork 10 years ago.
They say a smile is worth a thousand words. Queen Elizabeth was in great form yesterday as she smiled in response to the warm reception she received from the Cork public on the last day of her offical state visit to Ireland. She stopped to visit the historic English Market and afterwards made time to chat to the public who had gathered.
Many of these were young people from different schools across Cork, including those from Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig. It was a great to be part of such a special day. It seems Cork saved the best for the last day of her visit, with the reception the city gave to Queen Elizabeth. Well done to everyone involved.
Thought on Saturday – May – 24/04/2021
Thought For The Week
To lift up the hands in prayer gives God glory, but a man with a dung-fork in his hands or a woman with a slop basin give God glory too. God is so great that all things give glory to God if you mean they should.’ ~Gerard Manley Hopkins
Hopkins (1844-1889) was considered an early modern poet ahead of his time. His poetry is notable for his use of sprung rhythm and intricate use of language and rhyme. He was also a Jesuit priest and was very much in touch with the presence of God in everything around him.
We have so many beautiful churches, cathedrals and places of worship. Many find it easier to make a connection with God when they gather to pray in such places. During the latest lockdown many people have found comfort in being able to visit their local church for private prayer or to just sit in silence. There will be a great welcome if public Masses resume next month after so many months of just online Masses.
But connecting with God in church is never exclusive or the best way or the only way. Gerard Manley Hopkins felt that we can connect with God no matter who we are, wherever we are and whenever we want. If this means it is in the middle of a dirty job or maybe not the nicest job in the world then so be it. God doesn’t mind. It is we who have created the obstacles and the barriers.
Today is a good day to know that we can find God whenever and wherever we want. God is most certainly not into perfection or a perfect prayer. It is good to start where you are and with what you are doing. Throughout these weeks of Easter we are reminded of the incredible love that God has for each of us. These weeks are good to get a sense of this love. It is foundation on which many of our lives depend. Sometimes we take it for granted but certainly not so during the season of Easter.
