Mary's Dream: A thought for Christmas

'I had a dream Joseph! I don't understand it, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son.
The people in my dream had been preparing for about 6 weeks! They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They've gone shopping many times and bought lots of fancy gifts. It was strange though, because the presents weren't for our Son! They wrapped them in beautiful paper and put them under a tree covered in coloured lights. Yes Joseph they had a tree right in the middle of their homes!! They even had a figure of an Angel on top!
Everybody was laughing and happy. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, and not to our Son. To be honest, I don't think they even knew him. They never mentioned his name. I had the strangest feeling that, if Jesus had gone to this celebration, he would have been intruding. How sad for somebody not to be wanted at their own birthday party!!............. I am glad it was only a dream'

How will you prepare for Christmas?

Last weekend we were delighted to host and run a one day retreat for the CYC World Youth Day Group entitled 'Putting Christ back into Christmas'. It was a great day which included some input from Br's Martin and Liam, Workshops, an experience working in the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People, a visit to the Capuchin Mission Exhibition and Museum, Lectio Divina, Reflection Groups, Silent prayer and a candle lit Mass.

St. Francis of Assisi

explorefaith.org - St. Francis of Assisi

This is a great little piece written by a young man, who describes what St Francis means to him and how that has impacted his life, and in turn, can impact ours too.

For those called to follow Francis, we must develop and nurture a relationship with him. He was a real man: who, like us all, found things difficult at times but he was also somebody, who believed and trusted in the immense Goodness of God.

A lot of what is written in this article resonates with me and. by reading and meditating upon it, I pray it will resonate for you also.

Peace and Goodness to you all

Br Martin