Newsletter
18 February 2001

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

No, not Ripleys TV presentation. There are many things in life we put down to coincidence or chance. How about the following that relates to two former US Presidents – John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.
Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.
The names Lincoln and Kennedy each contain seven letters.
Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.
Both wives lost children while living in the White House.
Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
Both were shot in the head.
Lincoln’s Secretary was named Kennedy.
Kennedy’s Secretary was named Lincoln.
Both were assassinated by Southerners.
Both were succeeded by Southerners.
Both successors were named Johnson.
Andrew Johnson who succeeded Lincoln was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson who succeeded Kennedy was born in 1908.
John Wilkes Booth who assassinated Lincoln was born in 1839.
Lee Harvey Oswald who assassinated Kennedy was born in 1939.
Both assassins were known by their three names.
Both names are comprised of fifteen letters.
Lincoln was shot at the theatre named “Kennedy”.
Kennedy was shot in a car called “Lincoln”.
Booth ran from the theatre and was caught in a warehouse.
Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theatre.
Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.

...... So as they TV show says “Believe it or not!”

DID YOU KNOW

More than 300,000 children under the age of eighteen are 
currently fighting in conflicts around the world. Hundreds 
of thousands more have been recruited into armed forces 
and could be sent into combat at any moment. Although 
most children soldiers are teenagers some are as young 
as seven years old. Because of their emotional and physical 
immaturity children are easily manipulated and can be drawn 
into violence that they are too young to resist or understand. 
Both boys and girls may be sent to the front lines of combat 
or into minefields ahead of other troops. Some have been 
used for suicide missions or forced to commit atrocities 
against their own family and neighbours. Robbed of their
childhood and education and often left psychologically 
scarred or physically disabled the future for those who 
survive is desperately bleak.

ARKLOW HISTORICAL SOCIETY

There will be an illustrated lecture by historian Pat Power on “The History of Glenart and its families” in the Royal Hotel on Monday 19th February at 8p.m. Admission Ł1. All Welcome.

TEMPLERAINEY YOUTH FUN

We are happy at this early stage to announce the proposed dates for Youth Fun 2001. Our Annual fortnight will be held from Monday 9th to Friday 20th July. Enrolment Forms will be available after Easter. So keep these dates free and watch this space.

LOURDES SOME STATISTICS

In 1999 the authorities in Lourdes believe that 870,423 pilgrims travelled to Lourdes, of whom 579,225 travelled with organised pilgrimages. The figure includes 62,346 pilgrims with illness or disabilities, 11,263 priests, 437 archbishops and bishops, 9 cardinals. 126 abbots. 73,767 hospitaliers (helpers) who all came as part of other groups and registered with the Domaine. 84,609 young people travelled: 54,887 young people in organised youth pilgrimages, 1,990 scouts and 36,471 young people between the ages of 19 and 30. A total of 536 special trains brought 366,379 pilgrims to Lourdes not accounting for those who went by air and car or coach. There were 340 employees working alongside 100,000 volunteers during the high season. 1,304 beds are available in the hospitals and 700,000 meals served. 800 tons of candles are used each year. On average 52 masses are celebrated each day. The overall figure of pilgrims is amazing. About 5 million people from all over the world visit Lourdes each year. Lourdes has the second largest number of hotel beds in France, fewer than Paris but more than Nice and other well known resort.

THIS WEEK IN ROME

Over these few days many priests from the Diocese are joining the Archbishop, Auxiliaries and Bishops from around the country for a week in Rome. (Its well for some!) Yes, they are there for the Consistory and elevation of Archbishop Desmond Connell among others to the College of Cardinals. The public consistory takes place in the Paul VI Audience Hall at 10.30a.m. on Wednesday 21st February. The Sistine Choir will provide the music. During the ceremony each cardinal ascends the stairs and kneels before the Pope. Each receives the red biretta and zucchetto, or silk skull cap. They will also be given the title of their church in Rome to which they are given a special link as a sign of their link with the Bishop of that city namely the Pope. On the following day the new Cardinals will concelebrate Mass with the Pope. It will be the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, a feast dating to the fourth century. During the mass the Cardinals will receive a special ring from the Pope. The College of Cardinals was constituted in 1150 by Pope Eugenius III. Originally the cardinals represented the clergy of the city and since 1378 no Pope has been elected from outside their number. The elevation of Archbishop Connell to the Cardinalate will be celebrated at a special Mass in the Pro-Cathedral on Sunday 4th March to be televised on RTE. There will also be a State Reception in Dublin Castle to mark the occasion.

PILGRIMAGES 2001

Thanks and apologies to those who expressed an interest in the Shrines of France. It has however been decided in consultation with the tour operator not to proceed due to the small numbers interested at this stage. I know some will say ‘but we were thinking about it’ and indeed enquiries have been received since cancellation. Our proposed pilgrimages to Lourdes and Fatima are outlined below. Places on both are limited and if you are even ‘thinking about it’, early as it may be NOW is the time to book your place and avoid disappointment. I know that Lourdes in particular will be filled very quickly, so don’t delay. Please note for both pilgrimages places will ONLY be reserved with a deposit of Ł60 (refundable) per person. So this year ‘don’t give me your name without a deposit’. Those who wish can make payment by instalments during the months ahead.

LOURDES 13th – 18th AUGUST

5 nights in the Hotel Solitude full board. This takes in the Feast of the Assumption and the French National Pilgrimage. This hotel has been used every year by our group, is convenient to the Grotto and most comfortable and satisfactory. Day Flights. Total Price Ł425. Single Room supplement extra and only if available. Deposit Ł60 to secure a place.

FATIMA 13th – 20th OCTOBER

This will be our first Pilgrimage to Fatima and a good interest has been expressed. Fling to Lisbon a 90 minute coach trip takes you to Fatima. The 7 night stay allows free time for excursions to other places while not neglecting the spiritual. Staying at the Hotel Santo Amaro full board the total price is only Ł432. Single Room supplement extra only if available. Deposit of Ł60 to secure a place.

PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY

Our Prayers and Sympathy are extended to the family of the late Una Dennehy, Seaview Avenue who died recently. May she rest in peace.

CHURCH CLEANERS

Church Cleaners this week are Group F.

IN REMEMBRANCE

Our Masses next weekend 24th/25th February will be offered in remembrance of:

Saturday 7p.m. - Dora Dempsey Anniv.

Sunday 9a.m. - Owen Moore Anniv.

Sunday 11.30a.m. - Pauline Maher Anniv.

ROME REUNION

Thanks to all who attended our ‘reunion’ last week. A good night was had by all including those who travelled all the way from Dublin.

Sincere thanks for the assistance with the erection of our Shrine to SS. Claire and Francis of Assisi given by Billy & Jimmy Burke and Ned Sweeney.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

To Three ‘New Teenagers’ Claire De Courcy on 16th February, Sinead Kelly on 22nd February and Gareth Steenson also on 22nd February. Love from your families and friends.

To Clare Murray who was 14 on 16th February. Love from Mam & Dad.

Continued here .......