Saturday 29 December 2012

Christmas dinner served to 500 homeless people at the Capuchin Day Centre


Christmas Dinner at the Capuchin Day Centre

 
Today saw the annual Christmas Dinner at the Capuchin Day Centre, Dublin 7.
 
Ann (Chef) and staff dish up traditional turkey and ham with all the trimmings or cous-cous and Stuffed tomatoes as a vegetatian option.
 

 
Sitting down to dinner and listening to the entertainment.

 
I'm getting advice about real beard growing!

 
Queueing outside. There are 3 or 4 sittings between 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m.
 

 
Theresa Dolan, Br. Kevin, and myself.

Monday 24 December 2012

Christmas Blessings....



Every blessing and good wish of this most precious time be with you and your families. 

Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour into this world. A moment in which the God of all Creation stoops down to meet us where we are....what a mystery, what a blessing, what a joy. 

As we come together to celebrate let us remember those who have nobody to celebrate with, those who are separated from their loved ones, those who are sick, those who are dying, those who are losing hope, those in darkness of whatever kind. Let us hold them gently and kindly in our hearts as Christ holds each of us.

Peace to you on this most Holy of nights and always

Br Martin

Friday 21 December 2012

A Day in the Life.....

...Come and join us for a 'Day in the Life' of a Capuchin Friar, vocation experience on Saturday 26th of January 2013 in our Raheny Friary.

This is an opportunity to spend some time reflecting on what God is calling you to do. An opportunity to meet and talk with the Friars. To join us for meals and prayer.

God called St Francis of Assisi to 'rebuild His Church' and he calls men to continue that work today as Capuchin Franciscan Friars. If you feel that you have heard this call and are not sure what to do next, then this experience is for you.

To book a place please contact our vocations Director Br Terence Harrington on 086 3230638 or at tharr@eircom.net.

If you would like to spend some time in one of our Friaries through the country, to experience what it's like to be a Capuchin Friary today, then you are most welcome to contact us.


Monday 17 December 2012

Dublin Gospel Choir in Church St.

The Capuchins in Church St have had a long association with the Dublin Gospel Choir. They sing at the Evening Mass on the first and third Sundays in each month. It has been a tradition each year to hold a special Mass in prepraton for Christmas on the third Sunday of Advent. An important part of the liturgy is the special Blessing for Children. This year was no exception and the Gospel Choir gave a concert after they sang at the Mass. The concert was free but people were asked to make a contribution to Br. Kevin's Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless, Dublin 7. As you can see from the pictures, there was standing room only and we had to open the gallery to provide further seating.
Along with their usual Gospel and Soul music, they also played Christmas Carols and Hymns. It was a nice way to celebrate Gaudete (Rejoicing) Sunday and continue our Advent Preparations for Christmas.
 
 
 
Full Church for Mass

 

Br. Richard preaching at the Mass

The Final Hymn of the Mass

The Concert

Pictures from the Gallery
 
Twitter @DubGC
 

Thursday 13 December 2012

From the Irish Franciscan website


Miriam and her producer Eileen Heron with the Poor Clares.
 
We invite you to listen to the Galway Poor Clares,
Sr Colette and  Sr Anthony,
talking with Miriam O'Callaghan
on the very popular radio programme, 'Miriam Meets'.
 
The programme goes out from 10-11am on RTE Radio 1
on Sunday, 16 December.
 
 
Since their book, Calm the Soul, became a best seller,
the Poor Clares in Galway have attracted a lot of media attention.
 
The sisters discussed what their response should be
and have agreed to cooperate with this interest.
 
They view it as a means of reaching many people
to renew their hope and deepen their faith in Christ.
 
 
Spread the word!

Wednesday 12 December 2012

World Day of Prayer for Vocations (2013) is launched...



Pope Benedict has launched World Day of Prayer for Vocations with this message....

"Vocations as a sign of hope founded in faith" is the theme of the 50th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, to be held on 21st April 2013. This worldwide day of prayer was instituted to ask God to continue to send workers for his Church.

A paragraph taken from the Pope's message for the
 50th World Day of Prayer for Vocations  ... 

"Just as he did during his earthly existence, so today the risen Jesus walks along the streets of our life and sees us immersed in our activities, with all our desires and our needs. 
In the midst of our everyday circumstances he continues to speak to us; he calls us to live our life with him, for only he is capable of satisfying our thirst for hope. He lives now among the community of disciples that is the Church, and still today calls people to follow him. 
The call can come at any moment. Today too, Jesus continues to say, "Come, follow me" (Mk 10:21). Accepting his invitation means no longer choosing our own path. Following him means immersing our own will in the will of Jesus, truly giving him priority, giving him pride of place in every area of our lives: in the family, at work, in our personal interests, in ourselves. 
It means handing over our very lives to Him, living in profound intimacy with Him, entering through Him into communion with the Father in the Holy Spirit, and consequently with our brothers and sisters".

Monday 10 December 2012

Isn't this lovely ....

                                                   Just take a look (only 54 secs.)
                                                      St. Francis would approve.

                                     
                                                         

Saturday 8 December 2012

Carol Service in Dublin City

The Annual Carol Service and Collection for the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless took place on Saturday, December 8th 2012. A great tradition, so many Day Centre Volunteers, Friends, An Garda Siochána Community Policing, and Capuchin Friars join forces to help the homeless.

Three Choirs led the songs and Christmas Carols over the whole day from 9.00 a.m until 6.00 p.m. at the GPO in O'Connell St, Dublin and despite so many challenges people have to face, people once again were extraordinarily generous (watch this space for the final total contributed)

Br. Kevin and his staff and volunteers provide breakfasts for 200 people daily and dinner for up to 600 people, Mondays through Saturdays. On Wednesdays there are take-away groceries given out containing essentials such as cereals, perishables, fresh meats, bread, cheese and butter. There are counselling services and medical services available at the centre as well as shower and fresh clothes facilities. See www.homeless.ie for more...

Starting Early...

Crowds of shoppers passing the GPO

Later, Br. Kevin meets some collectors/volunteers who did trojan work

Br. Kevin leading the singing...

A selection of the Church Street Choir and friends

Wonderful spirit of volunteering among our young people

"So here it is...Merry Christmas..."

Br. Kevin, Anthony (Capuchin Postulant), and Br. Bryan at the GPO
 

Thursday 6 December 2012

Blessing of Crib at our Food Centre for the homeless


Brian Dunphy of "The High Kings" singing at the blessing of the Crib at the Capuchin Food Centre for the homeless in Church Street. With him is Br. Kevin and Fr. Bryan Shortall. Yesterday we distributed over 1,700 food parcels to those in need.

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Vigil for Life

 
 
 
 
Some of the friars joined thousands of people from all over the country outside Dáil Eireann in a candlelight 'Vigil for Life' on Tuesday evening Decemcer 4th.

Sunday 2 December 2012

Welcome to our Advent Blog!!!


Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of anticipation, a time of waiting in readiness for the celebration of the birth of our Lord. 

Advent is a time of reflection, a time to hit the pause button for a while and look back on the past year.
As the Sunday's of Advent pass the light from the Advent wreath will grow brighter and brighter as we approach Christmas.

It is also a busy time for many as they prepare to celebrate with family and friends. It can be a very difficult time for others who may have lost friends or family members through the year and prepare to spend Christmas with an empty chair at the table. For those with no home it can be a time of isolation and fear.

But in darkness the Advent light shines brightly. This light is the light of Christ who has come into this word, a light, as St John tells us that no darkness can quench. 

This Advent maybe a time for us to be bearers of that light to others who may have a lot of darkness in their lives..to open our hearts to those less fortunate than we are...remembering that what we do to the least of our Brothers and Sisters we do to Christ. So as St Francis said' Hold back nothing for yourself from the One who gave everything for you'.

A blessed Advent

Br Martin

Monday 26 November 2012

Good News from the Irish Franciscans

Franciscan Minister Provincial, Hugh McKenna, Blessing the New Centre.
On Saturday 24 November, the blessing of Riverbank
- Merchants Quay Ireland's
new centre for homeless and drug services -
 ........Best Wishes to all involved

Saturday 24 November 2012

Capuchin Vocation Experience..... Come and See!


Capuchin Franciscan Vocation Weekends 2012
Experience life as a Capuchin Franciscan Friar!


 December 7th – 9th
Capuchin Friary, Raheny, Dublin 5

  •           Live, pray and share meals with the Friars.
  •          Experience working with the poor in our Day Centre for Homeless People.
  •          Learn about our missionary work.
  •          Take time for personal contemplation and prayer in our garden, oratory or Church.
  •      Have an opportunity to meet and talk with a Friar about where God is calling you in life.

___________________________________________________________

These weekends are open to men from the ages of 18 – 40

If you feel called to attend one of these weekends or would like to arrange a visit to any of our Friaries, we would love to hear from you.

Contact: Br Terence Harrington OFM Cap, Vocations Direct
 E-Mail: tharr@eircom.net
Ph:             086 3230638      

Visit our vocations pages

 Blogger: www.capfrans.blogspot.ie          Facebook: www.facebook.com/Irish-Capuchin-Franciscans                         Twitter:   www.twitter.com/capfrans

                                                                      http://www.capuchinfranciscans.ie/

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Capuchin Saints and Blessed's Series





Peace to you all

John Paul the second once said of our order, that we are 'rich in Saints'...which is very true, some of them are even still alive today!!
Our Brothers who have been Altars come from all walks of life and encapsulate the diversity of our Fraternal charism and calling. We are going to reproduce a series of reflections on the lives of these men.written by Br Bernadine for the Korean Capuchin Website...today we begin with Seraphin of Montegranaro.

I hope you find these lives enriching as we continue to journey together through the year of faith.

Click Here -> St Seraphin of Montegranaro

Pax

Br Martin

Wednesday 31 October 2012

Explore A Way Vocations Discernment Programme 2012




It is with great pleasure that we support the Explore A Way Vocations Discernment Programme 2012.

This programme has been running for the past few years and is designed to support men and women who are discerning a vocation to Religious Life or Diocesan Priesthood.

Please follow the attached link for further details

Explore Away Discernment Programme 2012

Pax
Br Martin

Thursday 18 October 2012

Reminder: This is your invitation to.....


Capuchin Franciscan Vocation Weekends 2012
Experience life as a Capuchin Franciscan Friar!


 October 26th – 28th & December 7th – 9th
 Church St, Dublin 7

  •           Live, pray and share meals with the Friars.
  •          Experience working with the poor in our Day Centre for Homeless People.
  •          Learn about our missionary work.
  •          Take time for personal contemplation and prayer in our garden, oratory or Church.
  •      Have an opportunity to meet and talk with a Friar about where God is calling you in life.

___________________________________________________________

These weekends are open to men from the ages of 18 – 40

If you feel called to attend one of these weekends or would like to arrange a visit to any of our Friaries, we would love to hear from you.

Contact: Br Terence Harrington OFM Cap, Vocations Direct
 E-Mail: tharr@eircom.net
Ph: 086 3230638

Visit our vocations pages

 Blogger: www.capfrans.blogspot.ie          Facebook: www.facebook.com/Irish-Capuchin-Franciscans                         Twitter:   www.twitter.com/capfrans

                                                                      http://www.capuchinfranciscans.ie/

Wednesday 10 October 2012

World Homeless Day 2012..




Today, October 10th is designated as world homeless day. The last Irish census showed us that over 3,000 people were sleeping rough or in hostel accommodation on the 10th of April 2011. The survey gives us a snapshot of the homeless situation in the country stating that:

  •  84% were unemployed,
  • 294  homeless family units were accounted for
  •  12% of the homeless population are children, aged 14 and under
  • > 25% did not have education beyond primary level compared to 8% of the general population
  • 42% had a disability of some kind and their overall standard of health was rated much lower than the general population. 
But statistics, though helpful, only tell one side of the story. They cannot account for the human impact of homelessness on individuals, families and society as a whole. In the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People in Dublin, we encounter the human side of this tragic tale everyday. Over 700 meals are provided each day to people who have nothing and nowhere. 

St Francis took the radical step of embracing the Lepers who lived near Assisi. He re-orientated his life to facilitate them regaining their dignity as human beings. In many ways, sadly, our homeless can be considered the lepers of today. The call of a day like this is a call to awareness, it is a call to embrace the message of Justice and Peace that our Baptism calls us to, it calls us not to simply walk by, but to stop and embrace, in whatever way we can, those who cannot pay us back....to give and expect not return. It may just be a smile, a 'hello' or a few moments of your time. Each small act is a huge step towards restoring human dignity.

For more information on World Day of the Homesless visit www.worldhomelessday.org and for more information on the work of the Capuchin Day Centre please visit www.homeless.ie

Pax
Br Martin



Sunday 7 October 2012

Year of Faith 2012 - 2013



In three days time we begin the Year of Faith. This year has been designated to allow us to reignite the Spirit given to us at our Baptism, to reinvigorate our call to discipleship by deepening our understanding of and love for our Faith.

The attached link will prove a valuable resource as we journey together over the year. The website is packed with information, reflections and suggestions on how to fully enter into this time of Grace.


Our vocation as Christians has to be founded on faith and be sustained by faith. A faith centred on Christ, a faith that calls us to become fully human and fully alive. A faith that allows us to reach out to others and to go beyond the fears that hold us back from wholeheartedly following Christ, who came to give us 'life and life to the full' (John 10:10). We have been given a beautiful and precious gift, that of Faith, this year, if we open our hearts to it, can allow us to open that gift and fully appreciate it.


Let us consider the words of Mother Teresa,"The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace."
Pax and enjoy the journey!!
Br Martin




Wednesday 3 October 2012

Happy Feast of St Francis!!!





Today we celebrate the Feast of our founder St Francis of Assisi. Though he lived over 800 years ago, his spirit is thriving in the world as much today as it was then. Francis was a man of Peace, of Justice, of Integrity. Somebody who stood for those who had no voice. He heard God's call and had the courage to respond wholeheartedly.

Franciscans are found on every Continent, dedicating their lives to bringing the Good News message of Jesus Christ to a World racked by division, violence, injustice and secularism. As Capuchin Franciscans we have a particular call above and beyond all this to Fraternity.....to making our world more Fraternal, to welcoming with open arms those who are not welcomed elsewhere, to hearing the cry of the poor and to responding to it, as Christ and Francis would have done.



If you feel a similar call to a heroic life spent in the service of Christ and his most vulnerable people, then take time to consider that Christ himself, may be asking you for come follow Him as a Capuchin Franciscan Friar.

Contact us for more information on our Order, way of life, service to the poor or if even if you would like to talk about how you feel God is calling you to service. Our vocation Director is Br Terence and he would love to hear from you. You can make contact by emailing tharr@eircom.net or phoning 086 3230638.

Peace and Goodness to you all on this great day and always

Br Martin


Wednesday 19 September 2012

Triduum in Honour of St Pio, Church St, Dublin

The annual Triduum in honour of St Pio will commence in Church Street, Dublin tomorrow evening. 




Mass times are as follows:
Thursday 7.30pm on Thurs (20th),
Friday (21st) at 7.30pm
Saturday 22nd at 7.30 pm  
Sunday (23rd) for the Feast Day at 7.00 pm

 A reconciliation service and blessing
 of the Sick will be held.Br Richard Hendrick as the preacher for the Triduum

This is always a wonderfully prayerful few days conducted in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary of the Angels Church St. You are very welcome along to join with us in these days of prayer in honour of our Capuchin brother, St Pio.

You can view the full movie 'Miracle Man' on the life of St Pio by following the link below...

Miracle Man Full Movie: CLICK HERE !!




Monday 10 September 2012

The Capuchin Vocation.....it could be you?

From Br Bryan Shortall's blog 'tired of all the bad news'




A Plug for Vocations

In 1528, Br. Matthew of Bascia had a dream to reform the Franciscan Order with a view to trying to re-discover the original vision of St. Francis of Assisi.

He found himself and a few Franciscan followers trying to live the gospel again in great simplicity and poverty.  When the friars were seen on the streets in their habits with long hoods, and wearing long beards, the people called them ‘Scappuccini’ or hermits.  Eventually, the name was refined to Cappuccini and the name became synonymous with the Capuchin Friars.  Soon, this new Franciscan reform spread throughout the world and the friars came toIreland in the seventeenth century.
 
One of the more famous Irish Capuchins was Fr. Theobald Mathew (1790-1856). He ministered at a time of great deprivation in Ireland and introduced a campaign of Temperance in the mid 1800’s.  Between 1838 and 1843, Fr. Mathew criss-crossed Ireland and enrolled 6 million members in his Temperance Association.  He was hailed in the U.S.A. in 1849 by the Mayor of New York and by the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C.   His statue stands at the top of St. Patrick’s Street in Cork and near the top of O’Connell Street in Dublin as a tribute by the people of Ireland to his Temperance Association which is still in existence today.  
 
After Fr. Mathew’s death in 1856, Ireland was in the throes of the Great Famine and during those years there was a mass exodus of Irish people to Great BritainAustralia, and the U.S.A.  Tragically, the population was cut in half during that time and the Capuchin Province of Ireland was suppressed and then re-established in 1885 by Fr. Seraphin Van Damme ofBruges.  The Order established a Secondary School for Boys hoping to join the Order at Rochestown in Cork.  Soon the ‘Seraphic Seminary’ was going from strength to strength and many boys joined the order from the School.
 
Today, in Ireland, we are to be found in Donegal, Dublin, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Cork. We work in a variety of ministries; schools, hospitals, industrial chaplaincies, sea- farers, third-level, homeless, parish, justice and peace.
 
We are all part of the Family of God and God calls us to do something great for him in life.  It may be to marriage and family life, it may be to serve him as a single person.  However, some are called to serve God and his people in Religious life.  This is not something we hear about every day and particularly in our world of today which hits us with so many other messages competing for our attention.  
 
If you are someone who has been wondering what it might be like to join the Capuchin Order, you may have heard of us or seen us dressed in brown habits and sandals.  A vocation to religious life begins in normal ways.  It is an attraction or a curiosity to find out more about the priesthood or religious life.  There are no apparitions or claps of thunder.  There are ways in which you can find out more about this.  You can contact us at any of our friaries.  There is a Vocations Director attached to every friary and he can be contacted there. You can also gain the support of family and close friends, and though this may be daunting at first, it is important to feel supported as you discern what it is God wants you to as a first step, pray to be shown you what it is God wants you to do.  Also; have a look at our blog or website for more information about what it is we do.
 
If you feel that you may be more than curious about our Capuchin Franciscan way of life, as a brother or as a priest, and you would like to have a chat about this you are welcome to contact;
 
Br. Terence Harrington, ofm.cap. Vocations Director
Ph:             086 323 0638      
International Ph:             +353 86 323 0638       

P.S. See the website/blog for the next Vocations Discernment Weekends in Dublin...