Come & See Inspirations

On this weeks podcast excerpt we take a spin around the world as we explore some news items that caught our eyes over the last few months which we would like to share with our listeners.  Some links to the news items covered on this weeks podcast:‘Both tumors are gone' — Did Solanus Casey work a Michigan miraclePope Francis Declares Korean War Army Chaplain Emil Kapaun ‘Venerable"What's happening at Egypt's St Catherine's Monastery?‘The monstrance is a monstrosity!' - NEC pilgrims face protestorsLisieux celebrates 100 years since the canonization of ‘The Little Flower'Irish students discover centuries-old relic of an early martyr!Failed attack near the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs on their commemoration day; two suicide bombers killed Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast we take a spin around the world as we explore some news items that caught our eyes over the last few months which we would like to share with our listeners. In part one we have our regular prayer space and liturgical odds and ends including saints for the coming week.In part three we have a very brief reflection on this weeks Sunday gospel which is for the feast of the Holy Trinity and invites us into deeper reflection on our openness to one of the mysteries of faith. Some links to the news items covered on this weeks podcast:‘Both tumors are gone' — Did Solanus Casey work a Michigan miraclePope Francis Declares Korean War Army Chaplain Emil Kapaun ‘Venerable"What's happening at Egypt's St Catherine's Monastery?‘The monstrance is a monstrosity!' - NEC pilgrims face protestorsLisieux celebrates 100 years since the canonization of ‘The Little Flower'Irish students discover centuries-old relic of an early martyr!Failed attack near the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs on their commemoration day; two suicide bombers killed Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

Summer is supposed to be here although you wouldn't know it from the weather, the national exams have started, local festivals are kicking off and parents are strategizing how to keep children occupied over the summer as they count down the days to the end of the school year. So as it is the start of the month of June in Limerick it must mean it is close to the annual celebration of faith which is Limerick's Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. In our podcast excerpt this week we are joined by Fr Laurence Gallagher who is the lead for the Redemptorist's parish missions in Ireland. He joins with John this week to shares the symbolism and meaning behind the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. He tells us  about the history of the familiar icon, the connection of the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to Limerick and also gives us details of this year's novena in Limerick from 13th to 21st June. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

Summer is supposed to be here although you wouldn't know it from the weather, the national exams have started, local festivals are kicking off and parents are strategizing how to keep children occupied over the summer as they count down the days to the end of the school year. So as it is the start of the month of June in Limerick it must mean it is close to the annual celebration of faith which is Limerick's Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. On part two of this weeks podcast we are joined by Fr Laurence Gallagher who is the lead for the Redemptorist's parish missions in Ireland. He joins with John this week to shares the symbolism and meaning behind the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. He tells us  about the history of the familiar icon, the connection of the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to Limerick and also gives us details of this year's novena in Limerick from 13th to 21st June. Part one is our regular liturgical odds and ends, with apologies from Shane as he is travelling with work at the minute so it is a bit briefer than usual.Part three is our space for the reading and reflecting on the Sunday gospel which of course is that of Pentecost - the great feast of the church - and which marks the end of the Easter Season. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks programme we welcome back Martina Lehane Sheehan to the podcast where Martina leads us through her years of study & training and work with her beloved husband Pat who died in 2022 and how she continues to share inspirational talks and retreats in person and online, both nationally and internationally.We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends in part one including up coming saints of the week and other notices including the upcoming dates and times for Limerick's Solemn Novena at the Redemptorists Church in Limerick from 13th - 21st June 2025. In part two, Martina Lehane Sheehan shares her journey  including with her late husband Pat including the set up Ruah Rest from their home. At Ruah Rest they are committed to living attentively to Divine Presence through the practice of stillness, a simple lifestyle and ongoing discernment. and sharing the fruits of our contemplative practices through creatively offering a variety of soul-nourishing programmes. Martina shares how Pat and herself combine their training and background in psychology and spirituality, and creatively interweave it with a Contemplative, Meditative Monasticism for today. ​More info at email - info@ruahrest.com.And finally in part three this week we have a brief sharing of the Sunday gospel of the Ascension of the Lord. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks C&SI we are entering into our Summer cycle of programming where every now and again over the Summer months we will be sharing reflections and homilies to provide some inspiration and prayer space for you. (Sharing these reflections also helps to the team to manage our availability as some of us have to travel with work as well! :) ). In part one we have our regular notices, liturgical odds and ends including our saints for the week and of course our weekly prayer space.In part two this week we are heading back to the summer of 2021 during the Covid lockdowns here in Ireland and we are sharing a reflection by Fr Laurence Gallagher from Mt St Alphonsus in Limerick from an online Summer Retreat which was provided by the Redemptorist Fathers. The topic of his reflection is a reminder to us that "Actions speak louder than words!".As always in part three we have our reflection on the Sunday Gospel and this week we have the final part of the priestly discourse from the Gospel of John and the promise of peace which Jesus bequeaths to all of his followers, a peace the world cannot give. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks C&SI we are entering into our Summer cycle of programming where every now and again over the Summer months we will be sharing reflections and homilies to provide some inspiration and prayer space for you. (Sharing these reflections also helps to the team to manage our availability as some of us have to travel with work as well! :) ).  In our podcast excerpt this week we are heading back to the summer of 2021 during the Covid lockdowns here in Ireland and we are sharing a reflection by Fr Laurence Gallagher from Mt St Alphonsus in Limerick from an online Summer Retreat which was provided by the Redemptorist Fathers. The topic of his reflection is a reminder to us that "Actions speak louder than words!".Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast, John and Shane meet up with Marcus from the Lough Derg pastoral team to discuss with him the on-going work taking place at one of Ireland's holiest pilgrimage spots - St Patrick's Purgatory on Lough Derg in Co Donegal. Faithful to a tradition inspired by Patrick, who himself found hope and new purpose in his time among the mountains, ​Lough Derg is here to offer opportunities for deep encounter with self ​and with God in these changing timesSt Patrick's Purgatory is an ancient pilgrimage site on Station Island in Lough Derg, County Donegal, Ireland. According to legend, the site dates from the fifth century, when Christ showed Saint Patrick a cave, sometimes referred to as a pit or a well, on Station Island that was an entrance to Purgatory. It is historical importance as a place of pilgrimage comes down to us to the present day. Listen in as John and Marcus take us through the traditional three day pilgrimage but also how the Sanctuary has expanded its ministry in one day retreats, residential retreats, and school retreats and a pilgrim walk. It is also one of the three national pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee 2025 and you can even pick up your own Jubilee 2025 passport!You can find out more about the Sanctuary HERE.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast, John and Shane meet up with Marcus from the Lough Derg pastoral team to discuss with him the on-going work taking place at one of Ireland's holiest pilgrimage spots - St Patrick's Purgatory on Lough Derg in Co Donegal. We have our regular run through the up coming liturgical odds and ends including saints of the week. We check in with Rome to see what Papa Leo has been up to and of course today was the Mass for the Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry in Rome where he was invested with the pallium and the ring of the fisherman. In part three we have  a brief reflection on the Sunday gospel which this weeks is taken from the Great Discourse in the Gospel of St John  with the presentation of the Great Commandment to Love.Invitation to Lough DergFaithful to a tradition inspired by Patrick, who himself found hope and new purpose in his time among the mountains, ​Lough Derg is here to offer opportunities for deep encounter with self ​and with God in these changing timesSt Patrick's Purgatory is an ancient pilgrimage site on Station Island in Lough Derg, County Donegal, Ireland. According to legend, the site dates from the fifth century, when Christ showed Saint Patrick a cave, sometimes referred to as a pit or a well, on Station Island that was an entrance to Purgatory. It is historical importance as a place of pilgrimage comes down to us to the present day. Listen in as John and Marcus take us through the traditional three day pilgrimage but also how the Sanctuary has expanded its ministry in one day retreats, residential retreats, and school retreats and a pilgrim walk. It is also one of the three national pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee 2025 and you can even pick up your own Jubilee 2025 passport!You can find out more about the Sanctuary HERE.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

We are delighted to broadcast on Local Radio - West Limerick 102fm each Sunday evening at7pmText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

We have a BUMPER podcast this week for listeners!So in normal programming which had been planned for quite a number of weeks, John and Shane were delighted to speak to Mother Catherine, the prioress of the Cobh Priory of St Benedict of the Congregation of the Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmatre a.k.a. the Tyburn Benedictine Nuns. We learn about the sisters daily life, their history and also their role in honouring the 350 martyrs of Tyburn including St Oliver Plunkett.But obviously given the week that is in it we couldn't ignore the news from Rome and the election of Pope Leo XIV on Thursday so John and Shane had to very quickly get to grips with the information about the new man and rapidly change our plans for this weeks podcast on Friday morning!We do have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends including up coming saints of the weeks and our congratulations locally to (Fr - to be) Tim Collins who is to be ordained for our home diocese of Limerick on 11 May. Our gospel reflection this week is a tad shorter than usual but hopefully will give listeners some food for thought as we mark the 4th Sunday of Easter also knows as Good Shepherd Sunday or Vocations Sunday and in Ireland in particular we lift up our prayers for the Lord of the Harvest to send labourers into his vineyard. Habemus Papum!Well! Have you caught your breath yet with the speed of events? White smoke on Thursday evening around 5pm Irish time with the presentation of the new Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to the faithful about an hour later. We have a brief chat about what we know so far about the new Holy Father and share some thoughts and a little bit of C&SI speculation as to the days ahead.One thing for listeners is to have good, reliable sources of news information and here on C&SI when it comes to things Papal at the moment we have three solid recommendations:Vatican News (hear it from the horses mouth!The Pillar - the team have done an amazing job of covering the last few weeks, brilliant coverage, loads of digestible information with a solid Catholic understanding of what is going on. CruxNow - John Allen and Co provide excellent coverage and analysis as always.One article which caught our eye is the reportage from a press conference given by the American Cardinals - have a look and see what you think.Contemplative love at the heart of the ChurchOne of the things we like to do on the podcast is to help listeners explore the many facets of religious life in the church. On this weeks podcast we were delighted to chat to Mother Catherine of St Benedict's Priory in Cobh, Co Cork who shares with us the contemplative Benedictine life of the Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmatre. She shares with us their daily life, the history and foundation of the congregation in France, its exile to the UK and the fortuitous story of how they came to be custodians of the memory of the Reformation martyrs at Tyburn in London. Tyburn Nuns main web site in UKSt Benedict's Priory Cobh webpageText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

So in normal programming excerpt this week which had been planned for quite a number of weeks, John and Shane were delighted to speak to Mother Catherine, the prioress of the Cobh Priory of St Benedict of the Congregation of the Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmatre a.k.a. the Tyburn Benedictine Nuns. We learn about the sisters daily life, their history and also their role in honouring the 350 martyrs of Tyburn including St Oliver Plunkett.One of the things we like to do on the podcast is to help listeners explore the many facets of religious life in the church. On this weeks podcast we were delighted to chat to Mother Catherine of St Benedict's Priory in Cobh, Co Cork who shares with us the contemplative Benedictine life of the Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmatre. She shares with us their daily life, the history and foundation of the congregation in France, its exile to the UK and the fortuitous story of how they came to be custodians of the memory of the Reformation martyrs at Tyburn in London. Tyburn Nuns main web site in UKSt Benedict's Priory Cobh webpageText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

Well! Have you caught your breath yet with the speed of events? White smoke on Thursday evening around 5pm Irish time with the presentation of the new Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to the faithful about an hour later. We have a brief chat about what we know so far about the new Holy Father and share some thoughts and a little bit of C&SI speculation as to the days ahead.One thing for listeners is to have good, reliable sources of news information and here on C&SI when it comes to things Papal at the moment we have three solid recommendations:Vatican News (hear it from the horses mouth!The Pillar - the team have done an amazing job of covering the last few weeks, brilliant coverage, loads of digestible information with a solid Catholic understanding of what is going on. CruxNow - John Allen and Co provide excellent coverage and analysis as always.One article which caught our eye is the reportage from a press conference given by the American Cardinals - have a look and see what you think.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast John and Shane delve into the world events coming from Rome after the death of Pope Francis. We reflect back on the funeral of Pope Francis and then look forward to the process of the Novemdiales, the General Congregations and then the Conclave itself.Conclave isn't just something where we are passive bystanders. In an interview with The Pillar  Bishop Varden reflects on praying in a papal interregnum: ‘We're never passive bystanders'.In terms of some websites for information which we would recommend as being solid and also covering the nuances of things Catholic:Vatican NewsThe Pillar (substack) -highly recommended!Before ‘habemus papam'A ‘sede vacante' lexicon: Know your congregations from your conclavesCruxEWTN Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast John and Shane delve into the world events coming from Rome after the death of Pope Francis. We reflect back on the funeral of Pope Francis and then look forward to the process of the Novemdiales, the General Congregations and then the Conclave itself.May is the beginning of the Summer in Ireland and May 1st is the historical Celtic festival of Bealtaine. But of course it is also the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary so over the month of May our music choices will have a very strong Marian focus :)We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends in part one including the saints of the week coming.We have our regular weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel which is from gospel of St John (21: 1-19) and reflects on Jesus dialogue with Peter asking him to "Feed my sheep". Conclave isn't just something where we are passive bystanders. In an interview with The Pillar  Bishop Varden reflects on praying in a papal interregnum: ‘We're never passive bystanders'.In terms of some websites for information which we would recommend as being solid and also covering the nuances of things Catholic:Vatican NewsThe Pillar (substack) -highly recommended!Before ‘habemus papam'A ‘sede vacante' lexicon: Know your congregations from your conclavesCruxEWTN Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this second Sunday of Easter, the Catholic church gathers to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord but with the sadness of Sede Vacante with the death of Pope Francis on Monday of Easter week.Our podcast is generally recorded mid week so ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday and then published on the Sunday. So on this weeks podcast excerpt we have an interview with Fr Eamon Conway reflecting on the contribution of Pope Francis to the Church.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this second Sunday of Easter, the Catholic church gathers to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord but with the sadness of Sede Vacante with the death of Pope Francis on Monday of Easter week.Our podcast is generally recorded mid week so ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday and then published on the Sunday. So on this weeks podcast we have an interview with Fr Eamon Conway reflecting on the contribution of Pope Francis to the Church.We will cover the papal funeral and discuss the up coming conclave in next weeks podcast.We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends for the coming week including the saints for the week. We also reflect on the Easter homilies of Pope Francis from Easter Vigil and the last Urbi et Orbi.In part three we have some brief reflections on the gospel telling us of Doubting Thomas from the gospel of St John. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA !!!! CHRISTUS RESURREXIT, RESURREXIT VERES ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!!!ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!!!! CHRIST IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA!On this Easter Day, from the all on the C&SI teams we wish you and yours every blessing of this Blessed Day!On this weeks podcast we are delighted to welcome back our old friend Noirin Lynch to share with us some thoughts on Easter, hope and resurrection. In part one we have some regular notices but no saints of the week this week as it is the Easter Octave which takes precedence over everything else!In part three Noirin joins John and Shane to reflect on Luke 24:1-12 which is Luke's account of the going of the Women to the Tomb on Easter morning. It recounts the experience of the group which have been given the title of the Myrrh Bearers - Joanna, Mary of Magdala, Salome, Mary & Martha, Mary the wife of Clophas and Susanna - the first witnesses to the great events we celebrate. Reflecting on Hope in EasterNoirin Lynch joins with us this week to share a reflection on Easter. Speaking from her experience of living with and getting treatment for cancer for the last 12 months it is from that experience she shares with our listeners how the language of life transforms our experience and understanding of Easter. But even more so at the moment we have a need for the language of Easter to pull us out of the doom spiral of despair in the world. It is a reminder to us that "Easter is a protect against despair", it is not enough for us to say that Jesus has risen from the dead but rather we live in a post Resurrection world and that should make a difference. Reflecting on Kim Rosen's poem "In impossible darkness" Noirin gives us some deeply moving and thoughtful words to reflect on for this Eastertide. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this Easter Day, from the all on the C&SI teams we wish you and yours every blessing of this Blessed Day!On this weeks podcast excerpt we are delighted to welcome back our old friend Noirin Lynch to share with us some thoughts on Easter, hope and resurrection. Speaking from her experience of living with and getting treatment for cancer for the last 12 months it is from that experience she shares with our listeners how the language of life transforms our experience and understanding of Easter. But even more so at the moment we have a need for the language of Easter to pull us out of the doom spiral of despair in the world. It is a reminder to us that "Easter is a protect against despair", it is not enough for us to say that Jesus has risen from the dead but rather we live in a post Resurrection world and that should make a difference. Reflecting on Kim Rosen's poem "In impossible darkness" Noirin gives us some deeply moving and thoughtful words to reflect on for this Eastertide. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

We have come towards the end of our Lenten journey this year and with the celebration of Palm Sunday we enter into Holy Week and begin to accompany Our Lord towards his Passion, Death and Resurrection. On the podcast this week we take a slightly different turn and in an extended part 2, starting with Luke's account of the entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday we have a reflection and some sharing about the days ahead and how the liturgies we participate in help us to navigate and enter into the great mysteries which we are about to commemorate. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

We have come towards the end of our Lenten journey this year and with the celebration of Palm Sunday we enter into Holy Week and begin to accompany Our Lord towards his Passion, Death and Resurrection. On the podcast this week we take a slightly different turn and in an extended part 2, starting with Luke's account of the entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday we have a reflection and some sharing about the days ahead and how the liturgies we participate in help us to navigate and enter into the great mysteries which we are about to commemorate. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this week's podcast excerpt we begin to turn our attention to the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus by prayerfully reflecting on the Stations of the Cross. For our reflection we are using Mary's Way of the Cross by Richard G. Furey C.Ss.R. This Way of the Cross takes us through each station through the eyes and heart and mind of Our Blessed Mother - Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother too. As Richard says "Mary stood by her Son throughout His passion, and in her faith, experienced the joy of His resurrection". Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this week's podcast we begin to turn our attention to the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus by prayerfully reflecting on the Stations of the Cross. For our reflection we are using Mary's Way of the Cross by Richard G. Furey C.Ss.R. This Way of the Cross takes us through each station through the eyes and heart and mind of Our Blessed Mother - Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother too. As Richard says "Mary stood by her Son throughout His passion, and in her faith, experienced the joy of His resurrection. In part one we have our regular run through the up coming liturgical odds and ends. In part three we have our reflection on the Sunday gospel which is John's account of Jesus and the Woman caught in adultery which continues the theme of God's mercy from last Sunday's gospel of the Prodigal Son. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this Laetare Sunday we are delighted to have + Paul Dempsey, one of the auxiliary bishops of Dublin join John and Shane on the podcast to share his journey to priesthood and to becoming a bishop but also what he learnt on a visit to Kenya in January 2024 and what the people of the diocese of Marsabit in northern Kenya could teach the Irish church about sharing the faith. We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends including the upcoming saints of the week and prayer space in part one. In part three we have our weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel which this week is the great parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32).Rediscovering the ChurchBishop Paul Dempsey is one of the current auxiliary bishops of Dublin although he started out his episcopal service as the bishop of Achonry in the west of Ireland until Pope Francis decided to move him to assist Archbishop Farrell in Dublin as part of the reorganisation of the dioceses in the west of Ireland. He shares with us some of his vocation story and about what he ministers to now in Dublin. But he also shares with us his experience of visiting the diocese of Marsabit in January 2024 and what he learnt about being church in that vast space in northern Kenya. He takes us through the role of the catechist in the small Christian communities and how key they are where there are no priests, reflects on the basic nature of missionary work and what we can learn from that in Ireland where the assumed role of the faith in the fabric of society has come under so much strain and rupture. Taking the work of the theologian and missionary Fr Vincent Donovan, Bishop Paul reminds us that as a church we are called to work with people "not to call them back to where they were......not to try and call them to where you are, as beautiful as that place might seem to you. [We] must have the courage to go with them to a place neither you nor they have ever been before".  Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this Laetare Sunday we are delighted to have + Paul Dempsey, one of the auxiliary bishops of Dublin join John and Shane on the podcast to share his journey to priesthood and to becoming a bishop but also what he learnt on a visit to Kenya in January 2024 and what the people of the diocese of Marsabit in northern Kenya could teach the Irish church about sharing the faith. Bishop Paul Dempsey is one of the current auxiliary bishops of Dublin although he started out his episcopal service as the bishop of Achonry in the west of Ireland until Pope Francis decided to move him to assist Archbishop Farrell in Dublin as part of the reorganisation of the dioceses in the west of Ireland. He shares with us some of his vocation story and about what he ministers to now in Dublin. But he also shares with us his experience of visiting the diocese of Marsabit in January 2024 and what he learnt about being church in that vast space in northern Kenya. He takes us through the role of the catechist in the small Christian communities and how key they are where there are no priests, reflects on the basic nature of missionary work and what we can learn from that in Ireland where the assumed role of the faith in the fabric of society has come under so much strain and rupture. Taking the work of the theologian and missionary Fr Vincent Donovan, Bishop Paul reminds us that as a church we are called to work with people "not to call them back to where they were......not to try and call them to where you are, as beautiful as that place might seem to you. [We] must have the courage to go with them to a place neither you nor they have ever been before".Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast excerpt, John and Shane are delighted to catch up with Fr Columba McCann, the recently elected abbot of Glenstal Abbey, one of the oasis of prayer in the Limerick region.Fr Columba McCann joins with us to share how things have been going for him since his election as abbot of Glenstal and what it means both to be a monk but also the leader of that monastic community in Ireland today. He shares his journey from being a priest of the Dublin archdiocese as to what drew him to monastic life. He reflects on both the day to day challenges of the role but also with the reminder out before him in the chapter two of the Rule of St Benedict that that ultimately the abbot's primary role is to bring the monks towards God. You can also have a listen to Fr Columba's story of coming to Glenstal in more depth in a video that was made in a series from Glenstal back in 2021.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast, John and Shane are delighted to catch up with Fr Columba McCann, the recently elected abbot of Glenstal Abbey, one of the oasis of prayer in the Limerick region.We have our regular part one looking at the liturgical odds and ends for the coming week and prayer space to start things off. And in part three we have a brief reflection on what is an awkward enough gospel from Luke this week (Lk ) which is definitely one to sit and commune with to see what way the Lord is speaking to us as we enter into this third week of Lent. Elected and called to AbbotFr Columba McCann joins with us to share how things have been going for him since his election as abbot of Glenstal and what it means both to be a monk but also the leader of that monastic community in Ireland today. He shares his journey from being a priest of the Dublin archdiocese as to what drew him to monastic life. He reflects on both the day to day challenges of the role but also with the reminder out before him in the chapter two of the Rule of St Benedict that that ultimately the abbot's primary role is to bring the monks towards God. You can also have a listen to Fr Columba's story of coming to Glenstal in more depth in a video that was made in a series from Glenstal back in 2021.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast we dip into the archive from 2018 where Michael Keating joins us to reflect on the celebration of St Patrick's Day when all the world decides it is Irish and turns green for a day. But who was St Patrick? Like so many Christian feasts, St Patrick's Day has been somewhat hijacked. St Patrick has about as much to do with a pint of Guinness as St Valentine has to do with a box of chocolates and a romantic meal for two. But what does this saint, so strong in missionary zeal and about whom we know very little, have to do with our modern day celebrations? While we have many legends about St Patrick, it is makes sense to look to see what writings the saint himself has left us which are regarded as some of the earliest literature from Ireland to discover who he was. The answer to the question comes from his Confessio itself. "My name is Patrick. I am a sinner, a simple country person, and the least of all believers. I am looked down upon by many. My father was Calpornius. He was a deacon; his father was Potitus, a priest, who lived at Bannavem Taburniae. His home was near there, and that is where I was taken prisoner. I was about sixteen at the time. At that time, I did not know the true God. I was taken into captivity in Ireland,along with thousands of others. We deserved this, because we had gone away from God,and did not keep his commandments. We would not listen to our priests, who advised us about how we could be saved. We have gone aside from your commandments … we have not listened to your servants the prophets".The Lord brought his strong anger upon us, and scattered us among many nations even to the ends of the earth. It was among foreigners that it was seen how little I was." We should enjoy the celebrations of St Patrick's Day, but also remember Christ's call to conversion in our lives; a call to conversion and change that St Patrick felt so strongly that he left behind everything he had and followed Jesus so that he might bring the gospel to others.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast we dip into the archive from 2018 where Michael Keating joins us to reflect on the celebration of St Patrick's Day when all the world decides it is Irish and turns green for a day. But who was St Patrick? In part one we have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends for the coming week and some notices including some up coming events at Knock. In part three we reflection on Luke's account of the Transfiguration and asks ourselves where do we have our "Tabor moments".Who was St Patrick?Like so many Christian feasts, St Patrick's Day has been somewhat hijacked. St Patrick has about as much to do with a pint of Guinness as St Valentine has to do with a box of chocolates and a romantic meal for two. But what does this saint, so strong in missionary zeal and about whom we know very little, have to do with our modern day celebrations? While we have many legends about St Patrick, it is makes sense to look to see what writings the saint himself has left us which are regarded as some of the earliest literature from Ireland to discover who he was. The answer to the question comes from his Confessio itself. "My name is Patrick. I am a sinner, a simple country person, and the least of all believers. I am looked down upon by many. My father was Calpornius. He was a deacon; his father was Potitus, a priest, who lived at Bannavem Taburniae. His home was near there, and that is where I was taken prisoner. I was about sixteen at the time. At that time, I did not know the true God. I was taken into captivity in Ireland,along with thousands of others. We deserved this, because we had gone away from God,and did not keep his commandments. We would not listen to our priests, who advised us about how we could be saved. We have gone aside from your commandments … we have not listened to your servants the prophets".The Lord brought his strong anger upon us, and scattered us among many nations even to the ends of the earth. It was among foreigners that it was seen how little I was." We should enjoy the celebrations of St Patrick's Day, but also remember Christ's call to conversion in our lives; a call to conversion and change that St Patrick felt so strongly that he left behind everything he had and followed Jesus so that he might bring the gospel to others.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this first Sunday of Lent podcast excerpt we are joined by  Fr Frank Duhig to reflect on our Lenten journey and looking at how the season provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal. Fr Frank Duhig reflects on our journey in Lent and then leads us into our reflection on the Sunday gospel which is Luke's account of the temptation in the wilderness (Lk 4:1-13). He begins by comparing our preparation for Christmas and Lent. Many people like the preparation for Christmas when we are almost encouraged to pamper ourselves, whereas not many people look forward to Lent which is about taking a more restrained approach to life. Fr Frank makes the point that Lent is not a 'spoiling-of-the-fun' season, its a meant to be a time of renewal in our lives. The idea is that we die with Christ, like the seed in the ground, and rise to abundant life. We die to sin and rise to integrity, we die to selfishness and rise to generosity.   The reason why we put ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday is as a sign of that death to the selfish self we are prepared to undergo and a reminder to ourselves as we set out on our Lenten journey.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this first Sunday of Lent we are joined by  Fr Frank Duhig to reflect on our Lenten journey and looking at how the season provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal. In part one we have our regular prayer space and also a brief run through the upcoming liturgical odds and ends while recognising that Lent takes liturgical precedence. Our Journey  in LentIn part two of this weeks podcast we are joined by Fr Frank Duhig who reflects on our journey in Lent and then leads us into our reflection on the Sunday gospel which is Luke's account of the temptation in the wilderness (Lk 4:1-13). He begins by comparing our preparation for Christmas and Lent. Many people like the preparation for Christmas when we are almost encouraged to pamper ourselves, whereas not many people look forward to Lent which is about taking a more restrained approach to life. Fr Frank makes the point that Lent is not a 'spoiling-of-the-fun' season, its a meant to be a time of renewal in our lives. The idea is that we die with Christ, like the seed in the ground, and rise to abundant life. We die to sin and rise to integrity, we die to selfishness and rise to generosity.   The reason why we put ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday is as a sign of that death to the selfish self we are prepared to undergo and a reminder to ourselves as we set out on our Lenten journey.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

Next Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent so on this weeks podcast we are joined by Jane Mellet from Trocaire who shares with us about the upcoming 2025 Lenten Campaign - the 52nd annual Lenten campaign by Trocaire since it was set up as the development agency of the Irish church. This years campaign focuses on Guatamala and links in with the Jubilee year and its theme of hope as well as the 10th anniversary of the publication of Laudatio Si.Link to the campaign including all of the online resources.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

Next Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent so on this weeks podcast we are joined by Jane Mellet from Trocaire who shares with us about the upcoming 2025 Lenten Campaign - the 52nd annual Lenten campaign by Trocaire since it was set up as the development agency of the Irish church. We have our regular run through the up coming liturgical odds and ends for the coming week noting of course that Wednesday is a day of fast & abstinence (but not a Holy Day of Obligation!). We also go through Pope Francis message for Lent 2025 and some suggestions for resources to help you "make a good Lent" this year. Just to note that next week Fr Frank Duhig will join us for a reflection on Lent and also during Lent we will do a podcast of the Stations of the Cross. In part three we have our weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel which this week is a challenging series of the sayings of Jesus which form part of the discourse of the Sermon on the Plain from the  gospel of Luke. Trocaire Lenten Campaign 2005  This years campaign focuses on Guatamala and links in with the Jubilee year and its theme of hope as well as the 10th anniversary of the publication of Laudatio Si.Link to the campaign including all of the online resources.Lent 2025 linksMessage of the Holy Father Francis for Lent 2025Vatican News - Pope Francis: Lent calls us to journey together in hopeSacredSpace.ie Lenten Retreat 2025Loyola Press - Resources for LentAn Ignatian Prayer AdventurePray As You GoText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this week's podcast, Geraldine Creaton from the Irish branch of the Emmanuel Community introduces us to Pierre Goursat (1914-1991), the founder of the Emmanuel Community.  On 18 December 2024, Pope Francis approved the publishing of a decree recognising the “heroic virtues” of Pierre Goursat and declaring him venerable as part of the process of canonisation.We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends of the coming week in part one including some notices and also our weekly prayer space. In part three we have our weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel which continues Luke's Sermon on the Plain with Jesus setting out the challenge of the "golden rule". Venerable Pierre Goursat Pierre Goursat has been described as a humble lay person, both contemplative and a man of action. After his conversion at 19 years old, he was on fire with love for Christ, compassion for the poor, and zeal for evangelisation which led to the foundation of the Emmanuel Community. He retired from managing the Community in 1985, and spent his final years in silence and adoration. He died 25th March 1991. You can watch a video about Pierre called "Pierre et L'Emmanuel" (in French with English subtitles).A book setting out his story called "Words of Pierre Goursat" written by Martine Catta, and originally published in 2013 by the Emmanuel Community is a book which shows Pierre as  ‘a man of prayer… his teachings and the advice he gave were words of fire. His words reveal his strong character and the way in which he introduced people to a Christian life of evangelization lived out in the real world." You can discover more about Pierre Goursat at “Pierre Goursat and his Brothers & Sisters” which is a website specially dedicated to sharing about his personal journey and teachingText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this week's podcast excerpt, Geraldine Creaton from the Irish branch of the Emmanuel Community introduces us to Pierre Goursat (1914-1991), the founder of the Emmanuel Community.  On 18 December 2024, Pope Francis approved the publishing of a decree recognising the “heroic virtues” of Pierre Goursat and declaring him venerable as part of the process of canonisation.Pierre Goursat has been described as a humble lay person, both contemplative and a man of action. After his conversion at 19 years old, he was on fire with love for Christ, compassion for the poor, and zeal for evangelisation which led to the foundation of the Emmanuel Community. He retired from managing the Community in 1985, and spent his final years in silence and adoration. He died 25th March 1991. You can watch a video about Pierre called "Pierre et L'Emmanuel" (in French with English subtitles).A book setting out his story called "Words of Pierre Goursat" written by Martine Catta, and originally published in 2013 by the Emmanuel Community is a book which shows Pierre as  ‘a man of prayer… his teachings and the advice he gave were words of fire. His words reveal his strong character and the way in which he introduced people to a Christian life of evangelization lived out in the real world." You can discover more about Pierre Goursat at “Pierre Goursat and his Brothers & Sisters” which is a website specially dedicated to sharing about his personal journey and teaching.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast excerpt we are joined by Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick who chats to John and Shane about various things including the Synod on Synodality in Rome and finding christian hope during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. The Bishop delves into the experience of the Synod and briefly discusses some of the areas raised in the final document coming from the synod participants. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast we are joined by Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick who chats to John and Shane about various things including the Synod on Synodality in Rome and finding christian hope during the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. The Bishop delves into the experience of the Synod and briefly discusses some of the areas raised in the final document coming from the synod participants. We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends in part one of the podcast as well as some notices. In part three we have our weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel which this week is Luke's Sermon on the Plain with his account of the Beatitudes and the challenges the pose to the established order. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast we share a discussion with Fr Michael Liston who recounts his experience of establishing Muintearas Iosa in Limerick diocese 1974. Muintearas Iosa is the main vehicle for youth ministry in the diocese. Inspired by the community of Taize, Fr Michael established this group which has been marked by over 50 years with a depth of spirituality, fun and friendship.At celebrations in 2014 marking the 40th anniversary Fr. Liston reminded those in attendance at the celebration that Muintearas is Irish for the spirit of extended family and friendship and that's exactly what they have developed over the years. “The Muintearas achieved a way of doing things that gave evidence on our weekends to this great idea that being a Christian is about being part of a family. Muintearas is an extended family. Our Muintearas is accessible to everyone and our gatherings enables us celebrate the joy and friendship we have had in a glorious mixture of our ordinary humanity and the work of the Holy Spirit.”Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast we share a discussion with Fr Michael Liston who recounts his experience of establishing Muintearas Iosa in Limerick diocese in 1974. Muintearas Iosa is the main vehicle for youth ministry in the diocese. Inspired by the community of Taize, Fr Michael established this group which has been marked by over 50 years with a depth of spirituality, fun and friendship.We have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends for the coming week in part 1 including the upcoming saints.In part three we have our reflection on the Sunday gospel which this week is Lukes account of the calling of the apostles.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

So one of the things we try  to do on the podcast is bring you talks and reflections which we think might be of interest. And this week we bring you a talk by Fr Mike Smitz given at the SEEK conference held recently in Salt Lake City, Utah and Washington in the USA whose reflection was "You get what you ask for".The SEEK conferences are organised annually by by Fellowship of Catholic University Students in the USA and is said to be one of the largest regular gatherings of Catholics in the world. This years event was held between Salt Lake City in Utah and Washington DC from January 1 - 5 and had over 21,000 people in attendance including 46 bishops. Among the guest speakers was Fr Mike Schmitz, whose talk we feature on our podcast today entitled – ‘You get what you ask for'Fr Smitz is an American Catholic priest, speaker, author, and podcaster. The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries in the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, and is most notable for his social media presence, which mainly consist of his YouTube videos and The Bible in a Year podcast, both of which are produced by the Catholic publisher Ascension Press.CNA articles covering the conference hereText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

So one of the things we try  to do on the podcast is bring you talks and reflections which we think might be of interest. And this week we bring you a talk by Fr Mike Smitz given at the SEEK conference held recently in Salt Lake City, Utah and Washington in the USA whose reflection was "You get what you ask for".In part 1 we have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends for the coming week including a small chat about today's feast day - The Presentation of the Lord a.k.a. Candlemas. Part 3 is our weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel which is from Luke's account of the presentation in the Temple and encounter with Simeon and Anna, representatives to the quiet faithful of Israel. Seek 2025 - You are what you ask forThe SEEK conferences are organised annually by by Fellowship of Catholic University Students in the USA and is said to be one of the largest regular gatherings of Catholics in the world. This years event was held between Salt Lake City in Utah and Washington DC from January 1 - 5 and had over 21,000 people in attendance including 46 bishops. Among the guest speakers was Fr Mike Schmitz, whose talk we feature on our podcast today entitled – ‘You get what you ask for'Fr Smitz is an American Catholic priest, speaker, author, and podcaster. The Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries in the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota, and is most notable for his social media presence, which mainly consist of his YouTube videos and The Bible in a Year podcast, both of which are produced by the Catholic publisher Ascension Press.CNA articles covering the conference hereText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast we share a reflection from USCCB by Bishop Barron about Dei Verbum to mark the 6th Sunday of the Word of God.We have our regular liturgical odds and ends in part one and in part three we have our reflection on the Sunday gospel as we enter into the liturgical years ordinary time with Luke's gospel (Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21)Sunday of the Word of God 2025In his Apostolic Letter of 30 September 2019, Aperuit illis Pope Francis established that the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be the Sunday of the Word of God. It is a day to be devoted to the celebration, study, and spreading of the Word of God. Pope Francis is clear from the very first paragraph of this letter that the relationship between the Risen Lord, a community of believers, and sacred Scripture is essential to who we are as Christians.The reflection we are sharing is from Bishop Barron speaking about Dei Verbum which is the dogmatic constitution on Revelation from the second Vatican Council which sets out the Catholic understanding and role of scripture in Revelation. Resources for Sunday of the Word of God:Resources from the Irish Conference of BishopsResources from the USCCBUSCCB Video - Dei Verbum: the Word of God - Bishop Robert Barron2025 Liturgical handbook from Dicastery for Evangelisation for 6th Sunday of the Word of God during the Jubilee 2025Vatican News - Pope to celebrate Mass on Sunday of Word of God Vatican News - 30/09/2019 - Pope establishes Sunday of the Word of GodText us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast excerpt we welcome back Martina Lehane Sheehan to this weeks podcast where Martina leads us through her years of study & training and work with her beloved husband Pat who died in 2022 and how she continues to share inspirational talks and retreats in person and online, both nationally and internationally.Martina Lehane Sheehan who shares her journey  including with her late husband Pat including the set up Ruah Rest from their home. At Ruah Rest they are committed to living attentively to Divine Presence through the practice of stillness, a simple lifestyle and ongoing discernment. and sharing the fruits of our contemplative practices through creatively offering a variety of soul-nourishing programmes. Martina shares how Pat and herself combine their training and background in psychology and spirituality, and creatively interweave it with a Contemplative, Meditative Monasticism for today. ​More info at email - info@ruahrest.com.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

On this weeks podcast we welcome back Martina Lehane Sheehan to this weeks podcast where Martina leads us through her years of study & training and work with her beloved husband Pat who died in 2022 and how she continues to share inspirational talks and retreats in person and online, both nationally and internationally. In part one of the podcast we have our regular run through the liturgical odds and ends including the upcoming saints of the week during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.In part two of the podcast we have a chat with Martina Lehane Sheehan who shares her journey  including with her late husband Pat including the set up Ruah Rest from their home. At Ruah Rest they are committed to living attentively to Divine Presence through the practice of stillness, a simple lifestyle and ongoing discernment. and sharing the fruits of our contemplative practices through creatively offering a variety of soul-nourishing programmes. Martina shares how Pat and herself combine their training and background in psychology and spirituality, and creatively interweave it with a Contemplative, Meditative Monasticism for today. ​More info at email - info@ruahrest.com.In part three we have our weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel. This week we reflect on the miracle at the Wedding at Cana from the gospel of John.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

So on this weeks podcast excerpt John and Shane take a look back at the events church-related in 2024. We have been trying to do this annual review for the last few years so hopefully it works (LOL) and we then see what the pundits have predicted for 2025 as areas to watch and things to unfold.Things looked at during 2024:Reopening of Notre Dame in ParisDecember Consistory in RomePreparations for the Jubilee Joint Lectionary project – Ireland/Oz/NZChanges to the papal funeralsAnnouncement of canonisation of Carlo AcutisSynod on Synodality and the Pope's confirmation of the final documentVisit of St Bernadette's Relics to IrelandNew encyclical on the 350th anniversary of Sacred Heart visionsDeath of + Donal Murray, bishop emeritus of LimerickBishops of Ireland published a new pastoral letter on welcoming immigrants, entitled: A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?Various papal trips in 2024thodox Church in union with MoscowPapal letter on role of literature in formationUS Eucharistic Revival and Congress in IndianapolisNew norms published by DDF on Marian apparitionsNew church document on human dignity - Dignitas Infinita: a document that says abortion, sex change and surrogacy are grave violations of human dignity.Announcement of the closure of Veritas Books by the Irish Bishops conference.Credit for information to:Vatican NewsRome ReportsThe PillarCruxCatholic News AgencyNational Catholic ReporterNational Catholic RegisterThe Irish CatholicIrishcatholicnews.ie Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

So on this weeks podcast John and Shane take a look back at the events church-related in 2024. We have been trying to do this annual review for the last few years so hopefully it works (LOL) and we then see what the pundits have predicted for 2025 as areas to watch and things to unfold.Things looked at during 2024:Reopening of Notre Dame in ParisDecember Consistory in RomePreparations for the Jubilee Joint Lectionary project – Ireland/Oz/NZChanges to the papal funeralsAnnouncement of canonisation of Carlo AcutisSynod on Synodality and the Pope's confirmation of the final documentVisit of St Bernadette's Relics to IrelandNew encyclical on the 350th anniversary of Sacred Heart visionsDeath of + Donal Murray, bishop emeritus of LimerickBishops of Ireland published a new pastoral letter on welcoming immigrants, entitled: A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?Various papal trips in 2024thodox Church in union with MoscowPapal letter on role of literature in formationUS Eucharistic Revival and Congress in IndianapolisNew norms published by DDF on Marian apparitionsNew church document on human dignity - Dignitas Infinita: a document that says abortion, sex change and surrogacy are grave violations of human dignity.Announcement of the closure of Veritas Books by the Irish Bishops conference.Part 1 of the podcast of course is our usual liturgical odds and ends as today being the feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season (under the current liturgical calendar, under the pre-1969 one Christmas season ran until Feb 2nd - Candlemas). As well as the weekly saints coming up we also have our pick an annual patron saint! So for 2025:John - St Bernard of ClairvauxAnne - St Ivo of KermartinShane - Bl Miguel Pro SJPodcast - St Francis of SalesIf you would like to pick a patron saint for the  year ahead check out the Jen Fulwiler's saints name generator!Part three as always is our reflection on the Sunday gospel which this week is Luke's account of the Baptism of the Lord. A question for you to ponder on, through the Incarnation of Christ and baptism we are all adopted children of God, so how would you pray and respond to the line of this weeks Gospel -  "You are my [child], the Beloved; my favour rests on you" as if it applies to you as a beloved child of God?Credit for information to:Vatican NewsRome ReportsThe PillarCruxCatholic News AgencyNational Catholic ReporterNational Catholic RegisterThe Irish CatholicIrishcatholicnews.ie Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

We are sharing individual excerpts from our Christmas Season podcasts over the days of the Christmas Season to provide a pause moment for listeners throughout the days of this special time.On today's reflection, Fr Raphael shares with us the reminder that Christmas has Christ at its centre. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

Happy New Year and Happy Christmas! We are still in the Christmas Season until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord so it is still appropriate to wish everyone a blessed Christmastide from the team here on C&SI! So this weeks podcast is a little light, both taking into account the Christmas season and also the spate of flus that are doing the rounds and decimating the podcasting team!So on this weeks podcast excerpt we have a run through the events marking Christmas and the beginning of the Jubilee 2025 - Year of Hope - in Rome with links below.Links:24 Dec - Pope Francis opens Holy Door inaugurating 2025 Jubilee (Vatican News)Christmas message from Bishop Brendan Leahy 202425 Dec - Urbi et Orbi - Pope at Christmas Urbi et Orbi: May we become pilgrims of hope, peace, and unity (Vatican News)25 Dec - Complete Urbi et Orbi blessing (Rome Reports (video))26 Dec - Pope opens Holy Door at a prison for first time ever (Vatican News) 26 Dec - The Pope's visit to the Roman prison to start the Jubilee (Rome Reports (video))26 Dec - Popes Angelus - Pope on St. Stephen's Day: 'God forgives always and everything' (Vatican News)29 Dec - Cardinal Vicar of Rome opens Holy Door of Saint John Lateran Basilica (Vatican News)29 Dec - Dioceses across the world celebrate opening of Jubilee Year (Vatican News)31 Dec - Vespers and Te Deum - Pope Francis: The hope of a fraternal world is Jesus (Vatican News)1 Jan - Saint Mary Major's Holy Door is open (Vatican News)Jubilee 2025Jubilee 2025 websiteCountdown to '2025 Jubilee Year of Hope' in Ireland, Rome and around the worldBishop Brendan Leahy (Limerick) Speaks on the Jubilee Year 2025Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

Happy New Year and Happy Christmas! We are still in the Christmas Season until the feast of the Baptism of the Lord so it is still appropriate to wish everyone a blessed Christmastide from the team here on C&SI! So this weeks podcast is a little light, both taking into account the Christmas season and also the spate of flus that are doing the rounds and decimating the podcasting team!So on this weeks podcast we have our regular run through the upcoming liturgical odds and ends, noting the fact that in Ireland we still mark the Epiphany on January 6th.In part 2 we have a run through the events marking Christmas and the beginning of the Jubilee 2025 - Year of Hope - in Rome with links below.And we as always we have a reflection on the gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Christmas, the prologue to gospel of St John in part three. Links:24 Dec - Pope Francis opens Holy Door inaugurating 2025 Jubilee (Vatican News)Christmas message from Bishop Brendan Leahy 202425 Dec - Urbi et Orbi - Pope at Christmas Urbi et Orbi: May we become pilgrims of hope, peace, and unity (Vatican News)25 Dec - Complete Urbi et Orbi blessing (Rome Reports (video))26 Dec - Pope opens Holy Door at a prison for first time ever (Vatican News) 26 Dec - The Pope's visit to the Roman prison to start the Jubilee (Rome Reports (video))26 Dec - Popes Angelus - Pope on St. Stephen's Day: 'God forgives always and everything' (Vatican News)29 Dec - Cardinal Vicar of Rome opens Holy Door of Saint John Lateran Basilica (Vatican News)29 Dec - Dioceses across the world celebrate opening of Jubilee Year (Vatican News)31 Dec - Vespers and Te Deum - Pope Francis: The hope of a fraternal world is Jesus (Vatican News)1 Jan - Saint Mary Major's Holy Door is open (Vatican News)Jubilee 2025Jubilee 2025 websiteCountdown to '2025 Jubilee Year of Hope' in Ireland, Rome and around the worldBishop Brendan Leahy (Limerick) Speaks on the Jubilee Year 2025Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

We are sharing individual excerpts from our Christmas Season podcasts over the days of the Christmas Season to provide a pause moment for listeners throughout the days of this special time.On today's reflection, Mary-Aoife and Seamus from Carlo Acutis Youth Ireland who share with us their family Christmas and the importance of keeping the celebration simple so as to keep Jesus at the centre. Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com

We are sharing individual excerpts from our Christmas Season podcasts over the days of the Christmas Season to provide a pause moment for listeners throughout the days of this special time.On today's reflection, Fr Eamon Kelly shares the story of his sister Nellie who died on Christmas Day and how we have the hope of meeting again due to the coming of Jesus at Christmas.Text us at +353 874668950 or email at comeandseeinspirtaions@gmail.com