‘We must reflect on the simple blessings...’

FR BRENDAN Walsh of Causeway/Ballyduff parish described celebrating Mass before an empty church as ‘surreal’ but that there has never been a better time for technology to play a part in connecting people.

“It’s strange and surreal to be on one’s own celebrating Mass in an empty church. But we’re lucky as three-years ago we installed a web-cam system,” Fr Brendan said.

“This has been brilliant as it’s getting the Mass out into the homes. We’re getting very positive feedback from this. I miss the Communion calls terribly. Last week was the first of the month and not being able to call to people in Ballyduff, Causeway and Ballyheigue - and the sense of contact with people who are housebound - was hard to take. It’s been so surreal.”

Fr Brendan praised the parishioners for making heavy sacrifices in these uneasy times.

“I communicate with a lot of people on the phone and it’s all positive. Some are feeling down but that is perfectly understandable. A bit of Faith and prayer together and it makes them feel better.”

Fr Brendan’s Easter message is one of hope and that even though we live in dark times, we will come through it.

“At night I like to reflect on the day and write down the positive things, such as little blessings,” he said.

“This might be something as simple as a phone call from a friend, a book, or a walk that I enjoyed. It’s just a reminder that these little blessings are still there. Good Friday was the darkest day and it seemed hopeless. Yet the joy of Easter Sunday followed. We’re going through our ‘Good Friday’ now but let’s remember there was also an Easter Sunday. We can either smell the roses or touch the thorns,” Fr Brendan said.

Fr Brendan Walsh