Monday, December 23, 2013

Dominican Connect - Christmas 2013/January 2014


A special double issue of Dominican Connect - the newsletter of the vocations office of the Irish Dominican friars has just been published in time for Christmas.

In a packed edition, the main feature by Fergus Ryan OP considers how Saint Dominic in a rather indirect fashion saved our celebration of Christmas.

There is a review of the important vocation events of the past year - and an extensive look back at the 'happenings' of the friars and others during 2013.

Upcoming events in the vocations calendar are highlighted along with news of other significant happenings involving the Irish Dominicans early in 2014.

The very popular 'featured friar' slot in the newsletter introduces you to a Polish Dominican who is assigned to the Irish province. Fr Cezary Binkiewicz OP, head of the Polish chaplaincy at Saint Saviour's, Dublin writes about his vocation.

Follow this link to download an electronic copy:
http://www.dominicanfriars.ie/Dominican_Connect/volume02/Dominican_Connect_v02n05jan2014.pdf

Happy reading - and happy Christmas from Dominican Connect!

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Vocations Review 2013


The past year has been very busy for vocations ministry at the vocations office of the Irish Dominican friars. I am happy to report that the vocations office has received over forty new enquiries in the past twelve months. Those who make contact with us do so for a variety of reasons and these range from looking for basic information about the Order to wanting to enter a process of vocational discernment. All enquirers at met individually and during the year almost twenty people have entered into a period of accompaniment with the vocations director.

The promotion of vocations is central to the work of the vocations director. This is done in a variety of ways – from using internet, blogs and social media platforms to visiting third level educational institutions throughout Ireland. This promotion is important because the vast majority of enquiries still come from the digital sphere while many others come from personal contact as a result of spending time at various vocation fairs and engaging with students in their colleges and institutes.

Apart from the promotion and discernment aspects mentioned above, there have been some other notable events and happenings that took place in 2013 which are notable.

·         Our ongoing prayer initiative for Dominican vocations entered its second year. This initiative uses the specially commissioned icon of Saint Dominic as a focus for prayer has proved to be very successful. I am happy to report that there are now many new groups of people throughout Ireland praying for vocations to the Order. This prayer campaign will continue into 2014.
·         Dominican vocations to the Irish province featured worldwide as a result of an article in the New York Times and The International Herald Tribune in April. This coverage resulted in a surge of interest and enquiries.
·         Three of our student brothers were ordained deacons in February. Four brothers made first profession in September while eight other brothers renewed profession in the same month. Happily, two men began their novitiate with us during the year as well.
·         The vocations website www.dominicanfriars.ie was given a new look and continues to be the primary source of information for news and events in the Irish Dominican province as well as the location for the most up to date news on vocation matters.
·         In conjunction with the Dominican sisters, contemplative nuns and lay Dominicans in Ireland, we hosted the fifth annual Dominican family vocations day in Dublin last March. This annual event goes from strength to strength and is an important showcase for vocations to the Dominican family in Ireland.
·         Dominican Connect – the newsletter of the vocations office of the Dominican friars in Ireland began its second year of publication. The publication continues to grow in popularity.
·         The vocations director was invited to give some talks and presentations to diocesan groups, religious orders and other organisations concerned with vocation promotion in Ireland.
·         There were four vocation ‘live-in’ weekends organised for serious enquirers in the past 12 months.

This brief review gives me an opportunity to thank the many people involved in assisting the promotion of Dominican vocations in the past year. May you be blessed in abundance for so doing.

First published in the Christmas-January 2013-14 edition of 'Dominican Connect' - from the Vocations Office of the Irish Dominican friars.


Monday, December 9, 2013

Master of the Order visits Dominican nuns in Drogheda, Co Louth.

The community of Dominican nuns at Siena monastery in Drogheda with fr Bruno Cadore, fr Dominic Izzo and fr Gerard Dunne (vicar of the master of the Order for the monastery)

The Master of the Dominican Order (fr Bruno Cadore OP) is currently visiting the friars of the Irish Dominican province. This formal visit, called a 'canonical visitation' is an opportunity for the head of the Order to meet with all the communities and friars of the province and to discuss how our lives as friars are being lived at this time. Fr Bruno is accompanied by a socius, or assistant, fr Dominic Izzo OP ( a friar of the Saint Joseph Province in the United States).

The Master of the Order also has responsibility for the Dominican contemplative nuns throughout the world, including the Dominican nuns at the monastery of Saint Catherine of Siena in Drogheda, County Louth. Last Thursday I was privileged to accompany fr Bruno and fr Dominic as they visited the nuns. It was a wonderful meeting with lively discussion and brought home the closeness of the contemplative nuns to the friars of the Order. The friars are heavily dependent on the prayers of the nuns for the preaching mission of the Order. May that close bond of friendship and prayer sustain us.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Irish Dominican Family Calendar 2014

One of the many initiatives of the vocation promoters of the Dominican family in Ireland (nuns, friars, lay Dominicans and apostolic sisters) is the publication of a calendar each year to promote awareness of the Dominican vocation.

The 2014 calendar has been designed by our contemplative nuns at Siena monastery in Drogheda, County Louth and the chosen image for the front cover this year is the icon of Saint Dominic which has been used to promote prayerful support for vocations to all branches of the Dominican family in Ireland over the past two years.

Copies of this beautifully designed calendar (which are free) will be available in all our Dominican priory churches throughout Ireland in time for Christmas. They can also be had from the Dominican nuns, Monastery of Catherine of Siena, The Twenties, Drogheda, Co Louth. They will also be distributed by the various networks of the Dominican sisters and the lay Dominicans in Ireland.

Readers of this blog can also order a calendar by contacting me at: frgd@eircom.net or opvocationsdirector@gmail.com


Saturday, November 30, 2013

Dominican Connect - December 2013 issue published


The latest edition of Dominican Connect (December 2013) has just been published and is available from Dominican churches and centres throughout Ireland from this weekend - the first Sunday of Advent.

Looking forward to Christmas, the main feature is the famous 'Moving Crib' located in Saint Martin Apostolate in Dublin.

Looking back on the Year of Faith which has just concluded, we have some accounts from Belfast based lay Dominican Lisa Hanna and also we feature the president of the Dundalk Friary Youth Club - Niall Cunningham.

Notice of retreats and talks for Advent 2013 are also given.

The featured friar this month is fr Paschal Tiernan OP, who spent much of his life 'on the missions; in the West Indies.

Follow this link to download an electronic copy of the latest edition of Dominican Connnect:

http://dominicanfriars.ie/Dominican_Connect/volume02/Dominican_Connect_v02n04dec2013.pdf

Friday, November 29, 2013

Credo Video Series - nos, 10, 11 and 12



The ongoing series on the Creed - the initiative of the team at Dominicans Interactive, based at our studentate in Saint Saviour's, Dublin continues. In episode ten (above), Bro Luuk Dominiek Jansen OP discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in the words from the Creed : "I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets."



Episode eleven in the series on the Nicene Creed focuses on the Church. Here, fr John Harris OP discusses the phrase "The Church is One, Holy and Apostolic".



Episode twelve features Rosemary Swords on the article in the Creed: "I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins". She is speaking with fr Ciaran Dougherty OP at Saint Mary's Priory, Tallaght, Dublin - where the 'Credo' series was recorded.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Vocations prayer initiative moves to Tallaght, Dublin.

The prayer initiative for Dominican vocations using the specially commissioned icon of Saint Dominic has now reached our priory church of Saint Mary, Tallaght, County Dublin (pictured above) since this past weekend. The vocations director preached at all the weekend Masses in the suburban church and introduced the icon and prayer campaign.

The prayer campaign/initiative has now been two years 'on the road' visiting all our Dominican churches and centres throughout Ireland - and will complete the journey by the middle of 2014.

Reaction to this invitation to prayer to those people who attend the Dominican locations throughout Ireland has been very positive and we can happily report that the original objective of broadening the base of the numbers of people praying for vocations to the Dominican Order is being realised beyond our expectations.

The prayer accompanying the icon is below:

Lord Jesus,
as you once called
Saint Dominic to preach
the Gospel, so now send new
preachers into your harvest.

Give them courage, wisdom and
grace to make them witnesses
of your death, resurrection and
return in glory.

Through the intercession of
Mary, patroness of the Order,
may they bring true faith and
light to brighten the darkness.

You who live forever.

Amen.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Vocations video - Dominican friars in India



The brothers of the Dominican province of India have produced this video about the Dominican vocation. Congratulations to them on a job well done.

The Dominican province of India was established by the friars of the Irish province - and we are justifiably proud of the growth of the Order in that country.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Pro Orantibus Day - the contemplative vocation.

Today's feast of the Presentation of Mary (November 21st) is also a day designated by the church to honour those men and women who live a cloistered and contemplative life and vocation - Pro Orantibus Day. As a church we are asked to offer spiritual and material support to those in religious life who have dedicated their lives to prayer and sacrifice.

In celebrating the feast today, Pope Francis visited cloistered nuns in Rome. In his address, the Holy Father explained that Mary understood that the will of God outlines a higher law and he reflected on Our Lady's unconditional love and trust and described her as a role model for all Christians. In a real sense, those who live the cloistered contemplative life conform their lives in imitation of our Blessed Mother.

The Dominican family in Ireland is blessed to have our own contemplative Dominican nuns at the monastery of Saint Catherine of Siena in Drogheda, County Louth. Today we pray for them in a special way and ask that their dedication to Mary, the Mother of God will give them abundant graces and blessings - and new vocations too. Visit their website www.dominicannuns.ie 

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Philippines Relief Appeal



The Catholic church in Ireland is making a special appeal for financial assistance to help with the devastation after the recent typhoon in the Philippines. In the video above, fr John Harris OP (regent of studies) speaks with Spiro Morana, one of our co-workers from the Philippines in our Dublin priory, about the aftermath of typhoon 'Haiyan' and the immediate needs of those affected by it. The Irish Dominicans encourage all who can afford to help in any way that they can this weekend.



The Catholic church throughout the world is also making similar appeals to help our brothers and sisters in the Philippines

Sunday, November 10, 2013

The New Evangelisation - Symposium at Dominican House of Studies, Dublin

 

The 'Saint Saviour's Symposium' is a monthly event organised by the Dominican friars at our house of studies in central Dublin. The discussion for the most recent symposium is the topical 'New Evangelisation'. The brief inputs come from fr Terence Crotty OP (above), Ms Rosemary Swords and fr Brian McKevitt OP.



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Dominican Connect - November 2013 edition published


The November 2013 edition of "Dominican Connect" has been issued from the Irish Dominican Friars' Vocations Office.

The November edition features the recent national Dominican pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, County Mayo, a report from an International Thomism Conference in Washinton DC during the summer.

Notice of Advent Retreats, the visit of the Master General of the Order and the Patronal Feast at the Irish Dominican church in Rome - San Clemente - are just some of the upcoming events which are mentioned.

The featured friar this month is Fr Maurice Colgan OP who, although originally from Dublin, now lives and works in Cork.

Follow this link to download an electronic copy of November 2013's "Dominican Connect":  http://dominicanfriars.ie/Dominican_Connect/volume02/Dominican_Connect_v02n03nov2013.pdf

Saint Dominic and the Dominican Vocation



An interesting excerpt from a talk on Saint Dominic and the Dominican vocation by Fr Dominic Legge OP to a group of men interested in joining the Order in the Dominican house of studies in Washington D.C. in 2009.

Fr Dominic is a member of the Eastern Dominican province in the United States.


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Vocations prayer initiative arrives in Athy, County Kildare.

Saint Dominic's church, Athy, Co Kildare
The ongoing prayer initiative for vocations to the Dominican Order in Ireland has reached the midland town of Athy in County Kildare. The vocations director preached at all Masses in the Dominican church dedicated to Saint Dominic over the weekend. The icon of Saint Dominic which is the focus for the prayer campaign was of particular interest to those who worship in the priory church because of the significant devotion to the saint in the town.

The first foundation of Dominicans in the small town date back to the mid thirteenth century and the current community have a busy devotional church along with a thriving lay Dominican presence. The friars act as chaplains to the local hospital and support the work of the local parish.

The vocations prayer initiative will move to Saint Mary's Dominican priory church, Tallaght, County Dublin at the end of November.

Paul Murray OP on Saint Thomas Aquinas - Talking to God



Irish Dominican friar Paul Murray OP gives a contribution on Saint Thomas Aquinas 'Talking to God' to the international gathering of Dominican friars conference on Thomism during the summer in Washington DC, USA.

Fr Paul currently lives in Rome and teaches at the Dominican University of Saint Thomas - "The Angelicum".

New Book: 'How to Pray the Dominican Way'

A recently produced book from Paraclete Press will interest Dominicans and those interested in the Dominican vocation. Entitled 'How to Pray the Dominican Way' (ISBN: 978-1-61261-165-5) it is based on the nine ways of prayer of Saint Dominic. Those familiar with the 'nine ways' of prayer of Saint Dominic will know that the founder of the Order used the entire person - body and soul - in prayer.

This book then explores and helps readers understand prayer in some surprising new ways - and is a practical and profound introduction to Christian prayer. We know that Saint Dominic always spoke to God and about God and we are fortunate to have a record of the different ways that he prayed. The author of this book, Angelo Stagnaro, uncovers the richness of this spiritual tradition and shows how we can learn from Saint Dominic whose one desire and life mission was to speak of the love and mercy of God.

This is an easy read and is highly recommended. It is available from Amazon and Veritas in Ireland

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Dominican pilgrimage to Knock

Interior of basilica Knock shrine Co Mayo

Irish readers of this blog will be interested to know of the annual Dominican pilgrimage to Our Lady's shrine at Knock, Co Mayo. It takes place tomorrow Sunday October 13th.

You would be welcome to join us in the usual pilgrimage programme associated with the shrine. The rite of the anointing of the sick takes place at 2.30 pm followed by the celebration of the Eucharist. The homilist this year is Fr Larry Collins OP. The rosary procession follows the Mass.

This year, the Dominican province of Ireland will be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by the provincial of the Dominican friars - Fr Gregory Carroll OP. The consecration coincides with the consecration of the world by Pope Francis in Rome tomorrow.

Please pray for the Irish Dominican province as this act of consecration entrusts our life and ministry to Our Blessed Mother - patroness of the Order.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Video of recent vestitions and professions



The video above has been produced by the Dominican student brothers of the Irish province - www.dominicansinteractive.com - and it features the vestition and profession ceremonies in Cork recently and includes some of the testimonies of the brothers

The significant formation events which usually occur every year in mid-September are followed in the video.

Some of the newly professed brothers speak about how they see their lives as Dominicans.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Creating a Culture of Vocations - part one


Today, I will be giving a presentation to a meeting of diocesan clergy on the theme of vocations and creating a culture where vocations can be nurtured. The text below will introduce the theme of the talk and I will post the remainder of the contribution on this blog in the coming days.

There is a good bit of talk in our Church and in the secular media about a “Vocations Crisis”. There are growing numbers of Catholics and shrinking numbers of brothers, sisters, and priests. The reality of these numbers is true and it is a cause for concern, yet the reality of the crisis is not always well represented. The crisis is not that there are no vocations to the priesthood and religious life today, the crisis is that the vocations to the priesthood and religious life are not being nurtured and encouraged as well as they could be. The crisis is not just one of numbers; it is a crisis of culture. There are many who are being called, yet for a young person today it can be very daunting to acknowledge such a thing and pursue it.

The task of many who are working in the arena of vocation promotion is to help build up a “Culture of Vocations”. This is the work of encouraging all young and not so young Catholics to remain open to the possibility that they are called. It is also the work of encouraging all Catholics to invite and encourage those in whom they see a potential vocation to consider the religious life or priesthood. There are aspects of our popular culture that promote values and ideals that dissuade anyone who might consider getting actively involved in the Church, much less give their life to service of the Church. Such forces create an environment that causes young people to think that the religious life or priesthood will ask too much of them or will have them miss out on what normal people should experience. This then leads young people who have thought about the religious life or the priesthood to hesitate or avoid the reality that they may be called.

The good news is that much work has been done to begin to create a culture of vocations to point to the transcendent and profound good that comes to the individual and the world when an individual embraces his/her vocation. Some dioceses and parishes and colleges are developing vocation programs or youth programs to encourage young people in their faith, helping them to realize that a relationship with Christ is a beautiful and powerful thing that is worth developing despite what the popular culture may say. Parents and peers are opening up to the reality that their child or friend may have a vocation and support them in it. There is a growing sense that when an individual is called, it is not something strange or oddly different, but quite natural and fulfilling for that individual. This growing culture that is open to religious and priestly vocations is helping to create an environment in which young people can feel comfortable in acknowledging that they may have a vocation and will support them in their desire to find out if Christ is truly calling them to follow Him. Where this subtle shift in culture is happening there is a discernible growth in young people stepping forward to acknowledge their sense of call and pursue it. Part of the work to be done then is to continue to build up this culture of vocations, this culture that encourages all people to pursue their relationship with Christ and encourages individuals to remain open to the call to the religious life and priesthood. There is also work to be done on the part of religious communities and dioceses to encourage this cultural shift, share the joy and fulfillment that is to found in the consecrated life, and to provide solid and inviting programs for discernment and formation.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Dominican Connect - October 2013 issue.


The latest edition (October 2013) of "Dominican Connect" focuses on vocations good news at the beginning of the academic year.

It features photos from the vestitions and professions in Cork during the month of September, the principal message is on the front page, also in the form of a picture, showing the large group of men in formation with the Irish Dominicans - 19 to be exact.

There is also news of a Franciscan profession, advance notice of the St Martin de Porres novenas in our churches and the 770th anniversary of the arrival of the Dominicans in Tralee
.
The featured friar is Fr Tom Lawson OP, a native of Dundalk and at present living in our mission in Trinidad.

Follow this link to download a copy of October 2013's Dominican Connect:
http://dominicanfriars.ie/Dominican_Connect/volume02/Dominican_Connect_v02n02oct2013.pdf

Monday, September 30, 2013

A new Dominican blog on the rosary


Readers of this vocations blog might be interested to hear of a new blog on the rosary. It is the work of the Irish Dominican province's promoter of the rosary fr John Walsh OP. As fr John states on the new blog the rosary is promoted zealously by the Dominican friars given the long tradition of devotion to the prayer of the Blessed Virgin by the Order.

Please add the rosary blog to your reading list and add your prayers for the success of the rosary apostolate of the Irish province.

Visit http://irishdominicanrosary.blogspot.ie

Friday, September 27, 2013

Master of the Order speaks about Saint Dominic



Thanks to our Dominican brothers of the Saint Joseph province in the United States for sharing this video on their 'Dominicana' blog. Here the Master of the Order, fr Bruno speaks about the grace and charism of the founder of the Order in the lives of Dominicans today.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Vocations Prayer Initiative in Sligo

 The prayer initiative for vocations to the Dominicans in Ireland is continuing apace. This weekend the vocations director had an opportunity to introduce and launch the campaign in the Dominican church at Holy Corss friary in Sligo town (pictured above). The Dominican friars have a continuous presence in the north west town for over 750 years - a town that has produced many vocations for the Order over the years.

In launching the prayer initiative in Sligo this weekend, the icon of Saint Dominic accompanying the appeal was again highlighted as a focus for people to join with the Dominicans in the region to pray for vocations to the friars, sisters, nuns and Dominican laity.


The icon of Saint Dominic - the focus of the vocations prayer initiative

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Master of the Order meets Pope Francis

fr Bruno Cadore OP with Pope Francis
 
From the international website of the Dominican Order - www.op.org:
 
 On Monday the 9th of September 2013 the Master of the Order, Brother Bruno Cadoré, had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. This was the first direct contact between Brother Bruno and Pope Francis who was elected as Bishop of Rome on the 13th of March 2013.
 
Brother Bruno was warmly welcome by the Holy Father with all the normal protocol of a papal audience. 

Earlier in the summer the Master had written to the Pope to tell him about the general chapter of Trogir and Pope Francis had replied, through the Secretary of State, offering his best wishes for the chapter. This meeting was a chance for Brother Bruno to thank the Pope for his good wishes and to thank him also for the apostolic blessing which he had imparted to the Chapter and to the whole Dominican Family. It was an opportunity for the Master to speak with the Pope about the discussions and decisions of the Trogir Chapter, and to present him with a copy of its Acts.

The Master spoke about the Order’s desire to place its charism at the service of the Church particularly in the work of evangelisation. He shared with the Holy Father his hopes for the formation of the brothers and for their availability for the mission of the Church. They shared thoughts about the place of religious in the local churches and of their freedom to move from established commitments to meet new needs. Other themes discussed were the Order’s commitment to the study of theology and the link between centres of study and research with the apostolic and pastoral mission of the Order.

Brother Bruno also spoke with him about the Jubilee celebrations of the Order centred on the year 2016 and Pope Francis assured the Master of his willingness to participate in some of the Jubilee celebrations taking place in that year.

The Pope and the Master took leave of each other looking forward to their next meeting which will be on Ash Wednesday 2014 at Santa Sabina.

Brother Vivian Boland, OP
On Monday the 9th of September 2013 the Master of the Order, Brother Bruno Cadoré, had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. This was the first direct contact between Brother Bruno and Pope Francis who was elected as Bishop of Rome on the 13th of March 2013.
Brother Bruno was warmly welcome by the Holy Father with all the normal protocol of a papal audience. Earlier in the summer the Master had written to the Pope to tell him about the general chapter of Trogir and Pope Francis had replied, through the Secretary of State, offering his best wishes for the chapter. This meeting was a chance for Brother Bruno to thank the Pope for his good wishes and to thank him also for the apostolic blessing which he had imparted to the Chapter and to the whole Dominican Family. It was an opportunity for the Master to speak with the Pope about the discussions and decisions of the Trogir Chapter, and to present him with a copy of its Acts.
The Master spoke about the Order’s desire to place its charism at the service of the Church particularly in the work of evangelisation. He shared with the Holy Father his hopes for the formation of the brothers and for their availability for the mission of the Church. They shared thoughts about the place of religious in the local churches and of their freedom to move from established commitments to meet new needs. Other themes discussed were the Order’s commitment to the study of theology and the link between centres of study and research with the apostolic and pastoral mission of the Order.
Brother Bruno also spoke with him about the Jubilee celebrations of the Order centred on the year 2016 and Pope Francis assured the Master of his willingness to participate in some of the Jubilee celebrations taking place in that year.
The Pope and the Master took leave of each other looking forward to their next meeting which will be on Ash Wednesday 2014 at Santa Sabina.
Brother Vivian Boland, OP
- See more at: http://www.op.org/en/content/holy-father-receives-master-order-0#sthash.3DRHrrju.dpuf
On Monday the 9th of September 2013 the Master of the Order, Brother Bruno Cadoré, had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. This was the first direct contact between Brother Bruno and Pope Francis who was elected as Bishop of Rome on the 13th of March 2013.
Brother Bruno was warmly welcome by the Holy Father with all the normal protocol of a papal audience. Earlier in the summer the Master had written to the Pope to tell him about the general chapter of Trogir and Pope Francis had replied, through the Secretary of State, offering his best wishes for the chapter. This meeting was a chance for Brother Bruno to thank the Pope for his good wishes and to thank him also for the apostolic blessing which he had imparted to the Chapter and to the whole Dominican Family. It was an opportunity for the Master to speak with the Pope about the discussions and decisions of the Trogir Chapter, and to present him with a copy of its Acts.
The Master spoke about the Order’s desire to place its charism at the service of the Church particularly in the work of evangelisation. He shared with the Holy Father his hopes for the formation of the brothers and for their availability for the mission of the Church. They shared thoughts about the place of religious in the local churches and of their freedom to move from established commitments to meet new needs. Other themes discussed were the Order’s commitment to the study of theology and the link between centres of study and research with the apostolic and pastoral mission of the Order.
Brother Bruno also spoke with him about the Jubilee celebrations of the Order centred on the year 2016 and Pope Francis assured the Master of his willingness to participate in some of the Jubilee celebrations taking place in that year.
The Pope and the Master took leave of each other looking forward to their next meeting which will be on Ash Wednesday 2014 at Santa Sabina.
Brother Vivian Boland, OP
- See more at: http://www.op.org/en/content/holy-father-receives-master-order-0#sthash.3DRHrrju.dpuf
 
 
 
On Monday the 9th of September 2013 the Master of the Order, Brother Bruno Cadoré, had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. This was the first direct contact between Brother Bruno and Pope Francis who was elected as Bishop of Rome on the 13th of March 2013.
Brother Bruno was warmly welcome by the Holy Father with all the normal protocol of a papal audience. Earlier in the summer the Master had written to the Pope to tell him about the general chapter of Trogir and Pope Francis had replied, through the Secretary of State, offering his best wishes for the chapter. This meeting was a chance for Brother Bruno to thank the Pope for his good wishes and to thank him also for the apostolic blessing which he had imparted to the Chapter and to the whole Dominican Family. It was an opportunity for the Master to speak with the Pope about the discussions and decisions of the Trogir Chapter, and to present him with a copy of its Acts.
The Master spoke about the Order’s desire to place its charism at the service of the Church particularly in the work of evangelisation. He shared with the Holy Father his hopes for the formation of the brothers and for their availability for the mission of the Church. They shared thoughts about the place of religious in the local churches and of their freedom to move from established commitments to meet new needs. Other themes discussed were the Order’s commitment to the study of theology and the link between centres of study and research with the apostolic and pastoral mission of the Order.
Brother Bruno also spoke with him about the Jubilee celebrations of the Order centred on the year 2016 and Pope Francis assured the Master of his willingness to participate in some of the Jubilee celebrations taking place in that year.
The Pope and the Master took leave of each other looking forward to their next meeting which will be on Ash Wednesday 2014 at Santa Sabina.
Brother Vivian Boland, OP
- See more at: http://www.op.org/en/content/holy-father-receives-master-order-0#sthash.3DRHrrju.dpuf
On Monday the 9th of September 2013 the Master of the Order, Brother Bruno Cadoré, had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. This was the first direct contact between Brother Bruno and Pope Francis who was elected as Bishop of Rome on the 13th of March 2013.
Brother Bruno was warmly welcome by the Holy Father with all the normal protocol of a papal audience. Earlier in the summer the Master had written to the Pope to tell him about the general chapter of Trogir and Pope Francis had replied, through the Secretary of State, offering his best wishes for the chapter. This meeting was a chance for Brother Bruno to thank the Pope for his good wishes and to thank him also for the apostolic blessing which he had imparted to the Chapter and to the whole Dominican Family. It was an opportunity for the Master to speak with the Pope about the discussions and decisions of the Trogir Chapter, and to present him with a copy of its Acts.
The Master spoke about the Order’s desire to place its charism at the service of the Church particularly in the work of evangelisation. He shared with the Holy Father his hopes for the formation of the brothers and for their availability for the mission of the Church. They shared thoughts about the place of religious in the local churches and of their freedom to move from established commitments to meet new needs. Other themes discussed were the Order’s commitment to the study of theology and the link between centres of study and research with the apostolic and pastoral mission of the Order.
Brother Bruno also spoke with him about the Jubilee celebrations of the Order centred on the year 2016 and Pope Francis assured the Master of his willingness to participate in some of the Jubilee celebrations taking place in that year.
The Pope and the Master took leave of each other looking forward to their next meeting which will be on Ash Wednesday 2014 at Santa Sabina.
Brother Vivian Boland, OP
- See more at: http://www.op.org/en/content/holy-father-receives-master-order-0#sthash.3DRHrrju.dpuf
 
On Monday the 9th of September 2013 the Master of the Order, Brother Bruno Cadoré, had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. This was the first direct contact between Brother Bruno and Pope Francis who was elected as Bishop of Rome on the 13th of March 2013.
Brother Bruno was warmly welcome by the Holy Father with all the normal protocol of a papal audience. Earlier in the summer the Master had written to the Pope to tell him about the general chapter of Trogir and Pope Francis had replied, through the Secretary of State, offering his best wishes for the chapter. This meeting was a chance for Brother Bruno to thank the Pope for his good wishes and to thank him also for the apostolic blessing which he had imparted to the Chapter and to the whole Dominican Family. It was an opportunity for the Master to speak with the Pope about the discussions and decisions of the Trogir Chapter, and to present him with a copy of its Acts.
The Master spoke about the Order’s desire to place its charism at the service of the Church particularly in the work of evangelisation. He shared with the Holy Father his hopes for the formation of the brothers and for their availability for the mission of the Church. They shared thoughts about the place of religious in the local churches and of their freedom to move from established commitments to meet new needs. Other themes discussed were the Order’s commitment to the study of theology and the link between centres of study and research with the apostolic and pastoral mission of the Order.
Brother Bruno also spoke with him about the Jubilee celebrations of the Order centred on the year 2016 and Pope Francis assured the Master of his willingness to participate in some of the Jubilee celebrations taking place in that year.
The Pope and the Master took leave of each other looking forward to their next meeting which will be on Ash Wednesday 2014 at Santa Sabina.
Brother Vivian Boland, OP
- See more at: http://www.op.org/en/content/holy-father-receives-master-order-0#sthash.3DRHrrju.dpuf
On Monday the 9th of September 2013 the Master of the Order, Brother Bruno Cadoré, had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. This was the first direct contact between Brother Bruno and Pope Francis who was elected as Bishop of Rome on the 13th of March 2013.
Brother Bruno was warmly welcome by the Holy Father with all the normal protocol of a papal audience. Earlier in the summer the Master had written to the Pope to tell him about the general chapter of Trogir and Pope Francis had replied, through the Secretary of State, offering his best wishes for the chapter. This meeting was a chance for Brother Bruno to thank the Pope for his good wishes and to thank him also for the apostolic blessing which he had imparted to the Chapter and to the whole Dominican Family. It was an opportunity for the Master to speak with the Pope about the discussions and decisions of the Trogir Chapter, and to present him with a copy of its Acts.
The Master spoke about the Order’s desire to place its charism at the service of the Church particularly in the work of evangelisation. He shared with the Holy Father his hopes for the formation of the brothers and for their availability for the mission of the Church. They shared thoughts about the place of religious in the local churches and of their freedom to move from established commitments to meet new needs. Other themes discussed were the Order’s commitment to the study of theology and the link between centres of study and research with the apostolic and pastoral mission of the Order.
Brother Bruno also spoke with him about the Jubilee celebrations of the Order centred on the year 2016 and Pope Francis assured the Master of his willingness to participate in some of the Jubilee celebrations taking place in that year.
The Pope and the Master took leave of each other looking forward to their next meeting which will be on Ash Wednesday 2014 at Santa Sabina.
Brother Vivian Boland, OP
- See more at: http://www.op.org/en/content/holy-father-receives-master-order-0#sthash.3DRHrrju.dpuf

Monday, September 16, 2013

Our brothers in formation

Front row left to right: Bro Matthew Martinez, Bro Daragh McNally, fr Gregory Carroll (provincial), Bro Paul Hughes, Bro Philip Mulryne
Back row left to right: Bro Greg Daly, Bro Eoin Casey, Bro Colm Mannion, Bro Patrick Desmond, Bro David McGovern, Bro Jesse Maingot, Bro Matthew Farrell, Bro Luuk Jansen, Bro Ronan Connolly, Bro Damian Polly, Bro Michael Ronan O' Dubhghaill, Bro Kevin O' Reilly, Bro Conor McDonough, Bro Neil Fox

The Irish Dominican friars have 19 men in initial formation at the beginning of the academic year 2013-14. 18 of them are pictured above. One of the brothers in formation, Stephen Cummins OP, was unavoidably absent due to a prior preaching commitment.

The above picture was taken at Saint Mary's priory in Cork this past weekend after we had celebrated the reception of two men into our novitiate and the first profession of four of our brothers.

Our brothers come from a variety of different backgrounds and professions. Among our brothers in formation are a pharmacist, teacher, publican, nurse, engineer, accountant, lecturer and a historian - to name but a few!

If you are interested in joining these 19 men who have a deep passion for the Dominican mission of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then why not make contact with us?

or email the vocations director fr Gerard Dunne OP at frgd@eircom.net

Sunday, September 15, 2013

First professions for Irish Dominicans

Four of our brothers who have completed their novitiate made first profession in Saint Mary's Dominican priory church in Pope's Quay, Cork today (September 15th, 2013). The brothers Matthew Farrell, Philip Mulryne, Jesse Maingot and Michael (Ronan) O Dubhghaill joined the novitiate last year and are now taking their first steps as professed Dominicans.

It is a day of great joy for the Irish Dominicans as these men take this important step in their lives and rounds off a happy weekend for the Irish Dominican province. These brothers will soon move on to our studentate in Saint Saviour's Dublin to begin their studies in philosophy and theology.

Fr Gregory Carroll OP (prior provincial) presided at the profession ceremony during the 11.00 am conventual Mass and in his homily reminded the newly professed brothers of their task of becoming preachers depended on their life of prayer, study and living in community. As always, you are asked to keep these brothers of ours in your prayers.

Below are some of the images from the profession ceremony today:
The four brothers lie prostrate seeking God's mercy and that of the Order prior to making profession.
The prior provincial fr Gregory preaches the homily during the rite of profession

Bro Matthew Farrell makes profession
The provincial fr Gregory Caroll OP receives the first profession of Bro Philip Mulryne
Bro Jesse Maingot recites the formula of profession in the hands of the prior provincial
Bro Michael Ronan O Dubhghaill makes profession

The scapulars of the newly professed brothers are blessed.
The offertory procession
The Saint Mary's choir in full voice!
Left to right: Bro Philip Mulryne OP, Bro Matthew Farrell OP, fr Gregory Carroll OP (provincial), Bro Jesse Maingot OP and Bro Michael Ronan O' Dubhghaill OP