‘It’s a privilege to offer Mass each day in the Presbytery Oratory’

FR Tom Looney of Fossa Parish is currently ‘cocooning’ yet he describes it as a privilege being able to offer Mass in the Presbytery Oratory each day, praying for all parishioners - at home and afar - during these testing times. He said being able to publish the weekly Parish Newsletter is ‘a great effort’ and he thanked Foley’s Spar Supermarket for making it available. Fr Tom feels inspired by the courage and strength shown by so many people at this time.

“I have been reflecting on how the people of Kerry have put over hard times in the past: Black ’47 and the multiple evictions of some 1,600 East Kerry Families in the 1880’s,” Fr Tom said.

“During the 20th Century the people have endured the Spanish Flu of 1918, the Troubles and T.B, which devastated our community and indeed my own family. Looking back we recognise the resilience of our people and the way they all get on with life.

“I believe myself that the Faith we have inherited from our ancestors has always been a strengthening pillar in the face of such adversity. During my Peru Mission days a teacher friend of mine from Cusco named Malena shared with me a beautiful local proverb: “The last thing we lose is hope”.

Fr Tom said Christ is our greatest hope at Easter time and parts with the last verse of a poem (Gaudia Paschalia or ‘Easter Joys’) composed by the late Fr Donal O’Connor of Fossa: ‘My joy to be in Kerry this Irish Easter morn/To see the glory of my God Upon His Crown of Thorn.’

“With this Easter reflection I salute all the people of Fossa and Kerry at home and afar,” Fr Tom concluded.

Fr Tom Looney, Fossa Parish