Stations of the Cross, Longford, Ireland – a reflection

These beautiful modern Stations of the Cross were sculpted by Ken Thompson for St. Mel’s Cathedral in Longford, County Longford in Ireland, to replace the wooden ones burned in a fire at Christmas 2009. The Cathedral was badly damaged but the beautiful new sculptures are part of the resurrected Cathedral.… Continue reading

Prayers for Lent 2024

Lent is the time when we engage in a period of reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter. Central to this observance is prayer, which serve as a means of deepening one’s connection with God, seeking forgiveness for shortcomings, and strengthening faith. Through prayer, we seek to emulate… Continue reading

Lent Resources 2024

Pope Francis Lent message 2024 In his message for Lent 2024, Pope Francis invites the faithful to “pause” for prayer and to assist our brothers and sisters in need, in order to change our own lives and the lives of our communities. Cafod Lent resources 2024 CAFOD have a range… Continue reading

Personal Reflections on the Synod of Bishops with lay women and men in Rome October 2023

Many of us in our parishes in the Diocese of Leeds had an opportunity before the October Synod 2023 to discuss some of the issues facing the Catholic Church. Our feedback was sent to the Diocese to be considered, to go forward ultimately to the Synod. So, instead of being a… Continue reading

Happy Christmas from Growing Old Grace-fully

Our advent journey’s end – and a new beginning As we reach the end of Advent, we celebrate the joyous feast of Christmas. It is a moment when we contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation, the divine becoming human, and the immense love of God manifest in the humblest of… Continue reading

Advent: A Time of Challenge and Hope – A Reflection from Pippa Bonner

When I was a child I was on the verge of tears when I sang the words of the carol “In the Bleak Midwinter” written by Christina G Rossetti (1830-1864.) (1)  “In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;”   It sounded bleak, hard and… Continue reading

“Christians on Ageing” – Free Online Event

Annual Conference: 20th September 2023 Time: 10:00am – 4:15pm Format: Free online event Challenging Exclusion in a Harsh Environment This free online event involving speakers, groups and lunch-time interactive sessions, is now open for booking. Following one of COA’s ongoing issues of interest, ‘cherished, not forgotten’, the focus this year… Continue reading