This Lent has been a wonderful time in our Parish and a lot of things have happened. The renovated stations of the cross were unveiled on Ash Wednesday. On the first Sunday of Lent the “Alleluias” were buried in the secret space2 under the altar.
We also had the anointing of the sick and during the last two weeks of lent a special prayer space was created around Rembrandt’s painting of the Prodigal Son. This same painting was the inspiration for the liturgy of reconciliation, shared with Sandyford with the presence of seven priests.
On Holy Thursday parish representatives went to the Pro Cathedral and received the Holy Oils which will be used for the baptisms, confirmations and anointing of the sick during the next year.
Thursday evening’s Celebration of the Last Supper with the washing of the feet the breaking and distribution of the one bread was crowned with a beautiful “Watch and Pray” lasting until midnight.
Good Friday began with the stations of the Cross starting from Our Lady of the Wayside and ending in St. Patricks Glencullen. It was a very meaningful experience for the many who participated.
In the afternoon our Church was packed for the solemn celebration of the Passion of the Lord.
As is tradition in Balally Holy Saturday begins with the “Harrowing of Hell” a most striking liturgy with explanations of the meaning of the day, it’s icons as well as the praying the morning prayer of the church. At 8.30 p.m. the great liturgy of the Easter Vigil began; it was a most powerful finish to our shared Lenten journey.
Of course all this happened in tandem with the ordinary life of the Parish and on-going projects like Earth Day and Garda Vetting Sunday among others.
Over the next months the parish will continue to be very engaging and busy. In May we will have the first communions for four schools as well as confirmations. In June the Mother and Father of all Parish parties will celebrate our parish community Fr. Lane’s golden jubilee of ordination, the 25th anniversary of his stewardship of the parish and the imminent forwarding of his letter of resignation (which we hope will be rejected) ..
In July we will await the coming of the 15 American students to help us ignite the youth ministry in the Parish; a huge moment of hope.
All these events and liturgies take place because of the commitment of so many people in our parish. It is impossible to list the individuals and groups who contribute their talents and time to keep this parish community alive and active.
Everything that happens in our Church is made possible through their generosity. The Parish Team wishes to thank each and every one of you.
