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Dear Madam Editor
For the record John Henry Newman was born in 1801, he went to Oxford at age 14 where his tutors recognized him as a genius. He was an author, musician, poet, composer, mathematician, historian, University Tutor and amazingly was top drawer in all these subjects and in some the leading authority of the day. He was at the time the best known person in the UK and his views on most topics were widely sought. Newman also had a deep love for Ireland, he was an Anglican Clergyman, who shocked Britain when he converted to Catholicism, studied for Holy Orders and became an Oratorian Priest. He moved to Birmingham to serve the community there, a very neglected and poor part of England. His attachment to Ireland came about when he was invited to set up a Catholic university in Dublin. The university was needed, but it was generally felt that after three hundred years of Irish Catholics being unable to obtain a degree under penal laws, with the possibility of a return of the said laws, that it would be unwise to put so many resources into founding a Catholic University. It was a struggle all the way with the British Parliament refusing to fund the University so the money came from the hard pressed people of Ireland. We owe all these people our thanks because this small university grew to become known today as UCD. Enough said about Cardinal Newman and back to the poem. Gerontius tells the story of the soul of a man who has just died and the soul's journey for a first glimpse of God. It has feelings of unworthiness and the loving help of its protecting Angel on its journey. John Dunne has created a great work in capturing the scenes of the poem. Newman said the poem was an inspiration, it just entered his mind and he wrote it down in one complete work. Looking at John's paintings and
his narration of the scenes from
the poem, and the emotion he put
into the narration of how the soul
of Gerontius finds perfect peace
is very moving. Thanks again to
John for an inspiring night, and
his lovely wife for all the hospitality.
John Dunne is originally from
Bath Avenue, part of the 'News-
Four' catchment area, another local
talent to be proud of. Dear Madam Editor
I don't know if the name on
the pew is him and if so who put
it there so if any of your readers
would know about this I would be
very grateful to find out. Dear Madam Editor
Rome is unbelievable, the birth of European civilization, the first civilization to condemn and outlaw child sacrifice continuously for nearly nine hundred years, and give us most of the civil laws we still use today. To see the buildings that survive and are up to two thousand years old is really incredible. All this wonder, and in the middle a tiny area the Vatican, the centre of the Catholic religion, the place St. Peter chose, of all the ancient world, to be Bishop. We visited the Vatican on the day the Pope announced that Archbishop Brady was to be made a Cardinal, which was very special. Rome is amazing and I can understand the saying 'See Rome and Die'. We then went by coach to Assisi the home of St Francis. Assisi is perched on the top of a mountain and I mean mountain– the views over the valley are spectacular. It seems all medieval villages were built high up on mountains to prevent attacks. We enjoyed two great days there in the home town of the great saint. Why go on a pilgrimage? I suppose
the difference between a holiday
and a pilgrimage is that on a
pilgrimage you designate some of
your holiday to see something of
particular interest, and having done
so, like all Irish holidays you have
your few drinks and a good old sing
song. Thanks to Fr. O'Connor for
a massive input, and to the twenty
nine pilgrims who gave me good
company, laughs and memories.
Dear Madam Editor
Mum, Anne Doyle, (Byrne that was, lived above what is now the Pharmacy in Thorncastle Street and was the daughter of Sonny Byrne, one time Lock Keeper on the Grand Canal), said that Mrs. Annie Doyle, for whatever reason, had a dread of being laid to rest in the little side Chapel of Rest. So she stipulated to the then Parish Priest (I wonder if he was the one who cleaned the sanctuary lamp?) that when her time came, and after all her hard work in the church, that she should receive the special honour of lying before the high altar. And in due course, so she did! Best wishes as always. This edition of 'NewsFour' is now winging its way back across the ocean to my sister Anne Gorman in Port Sunlight, Cheshire, where it will then be taken to show Mum, now 94, where she is being well cared for in a Nursing Home. Thank you again for the pleasure
you give to all of us away from
home.
Dear Madam Editor
I love the proximity of the beach, the city centre, the RDS etc. I have also enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. Having recently begun to worship in Star of the Sea Church I am impressed by its welcoming atmosphere and indeed by its floral decoration and maintenance second to none. So what is it that has invaded my otherwise happy existence? Parking or should I say the lack of? I am living on Tritonville road and do not have vehicular access (through I note so many residents have planning permission up for this). I cannot find parking anywhere near my home and often find myself having to park a road or two away or spend up to ten minutes circling the block until I spot a free space. It would seem that many people
park and then walk to Dart Stations
or to their place of work. It would
seem that we as residents have little
or no authority here.
Can this be addressed? Are others
as frustrated as I am? There
will soon be no gardens left as
more and more resort to drive-ins
Yours Sincerely |
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