Carmel O’Neill sent us this latest update:
For a number of months now, we have been praying for an end to the war in Gaza at our daily and weekend masses and during our midweek Holy Hour of prayer. As the war drags on and there is no end in sight for innocent civilians, the Parish Pastoral Council decided to hold a special prayer vigil in Blessington church. It was our way of showing some form of solidarity in the face of feeling so powerless.
The two hour prayer service included Silent Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament with music and reflections on the psalms that offer solace and comfort in times of suffering. The music group Shared Spirit from Celbridge chose lines from Psalms 23, 34, and 46 which were gently spoken against a background of soft music. We also reflected on the Beatitudes and offered prayers of intercession for the children of Gaza, for parents striving to protect their families, for hostages, doctors, aid workers and peacemakers.
On the back of the Prayer Service sheet was a copy of a letter written by Fr David Neuhaus who lives in Jerusalem. In the letter he speaks of the struggle to find hope when all the lights have gone out one by one. He concludes the letter by saying that “Hope drives me to seek out others who are desperately trying to bring all this to an end, determined to do something together”.
That was the hope we shared as a parish, that by coming together in prayer we can have a hope that resists a growing despair.
On Sun July 13th a group of 27 parishioners from Blessington and neighbouring townlands travelled to Knock for a pilgrimage marking the Jubilee Year of Hope. We had planned to include meditation and a walk in the Creation Garden.
However the weather proved too hot for many of the parishioners. A small group reflected on the 30 steps that outline the evolution of our planet over 13 billion years. This walk continues to amaze and inform those who stop to reflect on the mystery of the universe. We belong to the Creation story, to the whole that is infinitely greater than ourselves. We must not desecrate it.
The 6th class in Lacken NS embarked on a novel art activity in the final weeks before graduating.
With the help of a parent who painted the mural for the school garden, they designed a flower, insect or plant that they would like to see in the garden. Their creations were painted on a black slate and varnished for the final finish. They are an attractive feature in the school garden.
