Janet Twomey sent ECI this update: During the lockdown months, the only flowers that were available for the church and funerals were ones which were grown in the parish garden, which is always carefully tended to by Fran. In Laudato Si’, 40, we read that St. Francis asked that part of the friary garden always be left untouched, so that wildflowers and herbs could grow there, and those who saw them could raise their minds to God, the Creator of such beauty. As we start the Advent Season and raise our minds to God in a very special way, we lit the first candle of our Advent wreath at Mass. We prayed the Prayer of Hope from the ‘Cultivating Hope’ Resource booklet. As we wait in joyful hope at this time, we maintain hope too that we will continue to sow seeds of love and care for our precious earth and all of God’s children who benefit from its riches and beauty. The above photos show Fran in the parish garden and the Advent altar and wreath in our church.