“Another Outing”
Last week I shared our experience of a visit to see Elizabeth Robinson, which was a great moment of grace amidst all the adversities of life. She was a blessing and a joy to visit. Reminiscing on moments from the past, and the special contributions of Peter and Sophie from confirmation preparation, plus treasured memories from our past.
This week I am about to set out on a much longer venture, when we will visit Fr Jerry Twomey in York. He was ordained with me at Thurles in June, fifty years ago. We joined the seminary together, six years earlier. I look forward to sharing with him treasured moments from that time. We were very blessed with aspects of our experiences, and one of the professors was a true treasure that can never be taken away. Other aspects were fit for purpose, and we looked forward to a rewarding time of ministry in the church.
I am afraid that was not sadly how it turned out and continues to be echoed in the times we are living. The seminaries are closed (a sign of not fit for purpose) some will not be pleased by the reminder. Fr Jerry’s health has let him down, so he has made the decision to retire. I am really looking forward to our time of sharing. I am hoping and praying that this visit will be equally rewarding as the one with Elizabeth. In fact I am sure it will be a great help and I am looking forward to it. Please God, it will help to open my eyes to see the beam in my own eyes before attempting to take out the splinters in other peoples eyes. Also, help me as I look forward to our future following on the moderated plans in Fr Kevins letter, laying out the focus for our future. Please continue to give the letter the care and attention that it requires.