Fr. Paddy’s Blog

Magnifica Humanitas (The Grandeur of Humanity)
May 28, 2026

Pope Leo XIV, recently published the first encyclical, major teaching letter, of his papacy.  The letter, Magnifica Humanitas (The Grandeur of Humanity) is aimed at safeguarding humanity at a time of...

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The Monkey Trap & Pentecost
May 20, 2026

This week, we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit isn't something that just happened in the distant past but continues to be relevant and...

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Ascension. A Time for Going Home
May 13, 2026

There is a very beautiful stained-glass window, over the choir loft, in our parish church, here in Abbeyleix. The window depicts the glorious Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into...

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‘Bring flowers of the Rarest’ 
May 7, 2026

Recently thousands of people walked the annual Darkness into Light memorial. It is a magnificent moment of solidarity emphasizing together we are stronger. Faith and spirituality enhance our well-being and mental health it gives...

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May… a time to celebrate the ordinary
May 1, 2026

As we begin the month of May, we enter into a very sacred season, where nature rejoices in light and warmth. For ancient people this time of year was an...

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St. Joseph Silence and Strength
April 23, 2026

It is rare to visit the local parish church, here in Abbeyleix, without noticing candles lighting in front of Saint Joseph's shrine. These days lots of candles are offered in...

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Pope Leo/ President Trump
April 16, 2026

Pope Leo has almost reached the first year of his papacy. I suggest this has been a remarkable year, in his witness for Jesus Christ and in his gentle yet...

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Man on the Moon!
April 8, 2026

Going to bed on April 7th, for many, brought with it tension and worry as the threat of global war made us all feel very vulnerable. Thankfully time has been...

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Easter 2026 A Time of Grace…..
April 2, 2026

Easter 2026 finds itself in the context of a troubling war in the Middle East. The sacred and holy city of Jerusalem has felt the consequences. Christians prohibited from public...

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Easter is much more than chocolate and lamb!
March 25, 2026

In recent times, there has been much commentary, regarding a gentle reawakening and appreciation of the Christian faith. In Paris, London and Dublin, record numbers of adults are being baptized...

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Spring Cleaning
March 20, 2026

Soon we will enter into the rich tradition of observing Holy Week. A week, that embraces every aspect of the human story. from joy to sorrow, despair to hope, from...

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St. Patrick’s Day 2026
March 12, 2026

This week we celebrate our national holiday Saint Patrick's Day. The origin of these festivities, belong to our rich Christian heritage which Patrick himself fanned into flame. The current volatile...

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