I took this photo last night in Ballingeary, West Cork. They have produced a superb show/musical called ‘Gobnait’ and it is running for 6 nights. It is already completely sold out due to its popularity. We don’t know everything about the story of Saint Gobnait but she was a young woman who came from the west of Ireland and settled in Ballyvourney in Co.Cork. She is a well known for her skills as a blacksmith and her work as a beekeeper. She is the Patron Saint of Beekeepers and her feast day takes place this coming Tuesday.
Quote for Today
‘You have within you, right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.’ ~ Brian Tracy
Video for the Week🎥
This is my latest video called ‘Celebrate Your Light’
Next Tuesday Feb 11th is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and is world day of healing and in particular we remember and pray for those who are sick. The video below very gently is a short mediation/prayer for healing
If you would like to see a selection of my other videos on YouTube you are welcome to have a look at some of them here: https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMcSweeneyFr/videos
This video I made last week and it is called ‘Finding quiet time even for a few minutes’.
Spiritual Thought For The Week
Saint Brigid has been described as a woman of faith, feminist, farmer, healer, convent founder and a miracle worker. She is the patroness of Ireland and the Bank Holiday weekend now in her honour at the start of February, has been so well received. Brigid was the forgotten saint but in the last few years there is a big momentum into reclaiming the recognition she deserves.
Brigid has inspired so many down through the ages. She cared for the poor, healed the sick and managed monastic settlements. Saint Brigid is credited with inventing the rosary beads, brewing ale and inspiring the first tiered wedding cake. Many holy wells, churches and schools have been named after her including many GAA football and hurling clubs.
The story of Saint Brigid is one of hope. The life of Saint Brigid has been inspirational. No one can deny how special she was. She was way ahead of her time with her outlook on life, her ideas and her vision for an inclusive church. Her energy and presence is very much alive today and awareness about her story and life continues to grow.
The following is ‘A prayer of Hope to Saint Brigid’ : Brigid you were a special person and an inspiration to so many. You stood up for those who needed a voice. You brought light and hope to so many. You were a woman of love and you were close to nature and the heartbeat of God. Your cross has become so symbolic. It is a sign of hope, a sign of strength and a sign that everything in our world and universe is connected. The centre of your cross is symbolic of the presence of God. Everything comes from the centre and everything is possible when our starting point is at the centre. May we recognise our centre. May we feel the blessings of light, hope, peace, courage and strength. May we grow each day into the person God has created us to be, both in mind, body and spirit. Amen
The Thought For The Week is updated each Monday
