A trip to Ireland...

The formation community of the London Province recently visited our confreres of the Dublin Province, as well as our Redemptoristine Sisters. The two Provinces often work closely on retreats, parish missions and novenas, as well as in formation, so this was a very welcome opportunity to renew old friendships and to make new ones.

Afternoon spent with the Redemptoristine Sisters in Dublin

Br. Dan Weston, Fr Charles Corrigan C.Ss.R., Br. Charles Randall C.Ss.R, Sr Magdalena O.Ss.R.,

Sr. Monica O.Ss.R., Sr Maura O.Ss.R., Br Peter Morris C.Ss.R., and Sr. Alena O.Ss.R.

Our tour started at Marianella in Dublin, where we received a most warm welcome, and from which we were thrilled to also visit the community at Clonard, Belfast, and see the newly renovated church.

After Sunday mass in the newly refurbished church at Clonard, Belfast, lunch with the community.

We then headed down south (via stops at Glendalough and Bray) to Limerick, where again the community could not have been more hospitable, especially given that they are currently de-camped as the monastery there undergoes refurbishment.

Glendalough, Wicklow: Site of 6th century monastic settlement founded by St Kevin

The beautiful St Gerard's Chapel, Mount St Alphonsus, Limerick.

Tomb of Fr Matthew Hickey CSsR, at Mount St Alphonsus, Limerick.

Jesus Mary Joseph Alphonsus

Rev Matthaeus Hickey C.Ss.R.,

Born Dublin 2 Jan 1896

Professed 2 Feb 1919

Ordained 22 Sept 1922

Died 16 Sept 1969

Rest in Peace - Requiescat in pace.

Fr Hickey was one of the three founders of the Bangalore Province of the Redemptorists in India, whose work was to begin a new chapter in the history of the Redemptorists in Asia.

Having spent some quality time with the confreres, and having been shown the sites, we then headed down to Cork, where we were received by the team at Scala, the centre for Redemptorist youth ministry in Ireland. As well as telling us about the retreat, leadership and volunteering programmes for young people they offer, we enjoyed a day-trip to the port of Cobh, Titanic's last port of call before her ill-fated Atlantic voyage, as well as a wonderful evening of sharing with the community over (yet another!) delicious meal.

Br Peter Morris helps Fr Dan Baragry in the kitchen at Scala, Cork

(head chef Veronika is out of shot!)

With the team at Scala, Cork.

The new hall / chapel at Scala, Cork, to cater for the some 3,000 young people who visit Scala each year for retreats, leadership and volunteer training.

Frs Dan Baragry and Charlie Corrigan, CSsR, formators of the Dublin and London Provinces respectively, Cobh, County Cork.

With grateful thanks to all

the confreres and the Redemptoristine sisters,

who made our stay so enjoyable!