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(A talk given by Fr. Derek Laverty, sscc to our SSCC Lay associates at their meeting in November 2014)

CONFIDENCE IN A LOVING GOD - IN AND FOR THE CHURCH

Sometimes things happen in our lives that appear to be more than coincidence.  Sometimes we do or say things that appear to be on a whim – seemingly for no reason.  But it can happen that these seemingly moments of chance are more than what they seem. With a little reflection we may discover that behind these moments is God – acting providentially.  God acting providentially can be understood as God caring for us.  I think some people struggle or are hesitant to see God’s hand in everything, or to read God in everything.  But why should it be so difficult?   If God is serious about loving us, if we are that precious to God, then why wouldn’t God look for ways to help us, to encourage us, to keep us going, to take care of us?  The Good Mother was very conscious of the providence of God, of God taking care of things, of God taking care of us.  She wrote:  “We are in His hands; what God guards is well cared for.  Have courage and patience because everything has a solution.  God is with us.  Let’s not be downcast”.  She went on to say how much the Good Father wishes that brothers and sisters be animated by confidence and a great faith in the loving care of God.

In the book of Exodus we hear of the account of the people of Israel (God’s chosen people) who are in captivity in Egypt and who are suffering (Ex. 2:23-25).  We are then told of God’s reaction to this situation:   God sees, hears and feels the misery, the suffering, the pain, the oppression and the injustices done to his people and is moved to act – in this case through Moses (Ex. 3:7-10).

That was then.  These days are no different.  In the world of today there is much pain and suffering for many people.  Thanks to the internet, to TV and to the papers it is impossible not to be affected by what we see and hear. For this reason I think we have to work hard to avoid being overwhelmed by a world so full of violence, injustice, unfairness, discrimination and at the same time work hard to not become immune to it.  As men and women called to share in the charism of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary perhaps these times invite us to reflect more on the presence of God in such a world and what might our response be.  Adoration is a wonderful place and opportunity to do both – be in solidarity with God and be in solidarity with people who are suffering.  From this privileged time may come not just empathy but also wisdom as to what to do and confidence to do it.   

As SSCC, to grow in empathy, to grow in compassion for the family is a gift we can make to the Church and the world at whose service we are. Pope Francis in his talks and writings has given us some fresh images of the Church.  He is making it very clear that what the world needs now (our vocation if you like) is a Church that goes forth with an open heart all the time keeping its doors open.  We can do that.  What the world needs now is a church that understands itself as a field hospital after battle– ready to heal and restore wounded people. We can do that.  What the world needs now is a church that is more friendly, humble and inclusive,   a church of communion, harmony, welcome, a church that is a house of the poor and for the poor.  We can be all those things as well.  There is great need in the church and the world.  We can help. 

IN MEMORIAL

FR. GEORGE FRANCIS FOLEY SSCC (1937-2014)
IRELAND-ENGLAND PROVINCE

Fr. George F. Foley was called home to the Lord on Saturday 19th July 2014 at The Mater Hospital, Dublin aged 76.

George was born on 4th December 1937 to Patrick Foley and Kathleen Nagle of Couleen, Clounalour, Oakpark, Tralee, Co Kerry. He was educated by the Cistercians in Mount Melleray, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. After entering the Novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Cootehill, Co Cavan, George made his first Profession on 15th August 1957 and was ordained on 23rd June 1963.

His first assignment was to teach at Bishop Amat High School, Glendora, California, USA. In June 1965 he was appointed Associate Pastor of Holy Name of Mary Church, La Verne, San Dimas. In June 1968 he was appointed Chaplain of the California Youth Authority Center, Norwalk, USA. From 1973 he was resident at Damien Residence, La Verne, California before joining the Ireland-England Province in 1975.

From 1975 until 1980 George was curate at St. Augustine’s Church, Daventry, Northamptonshire, England. After this he was appointed curate in the parish of Great Missenden, Buckinhamshire, England until 1986. From 1986 -1995 George was Chaplain in Cabinteely Community School.

In 1994 George was diagnosed with leukaemia which eventually resulted in his semi-retirement, though he was able to help out in the local parish of Tralee, County Kerry. In his later years George lived in Coudrin House, 27 Northbrook Road, Ranelagh, Dublin.  He will be deeply missed by his own family, his religious family and his many friends.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis”

CONGRATULATIONS

The members of the Ireland England Province (Brothers, Sisters and Lay associates) gathered in Emmaus House, Swords for their annual assembly from June 9th to 13th 2014.  The gathering included the Celebration of a number of Jublilees, seven in all.   Starting at the last photo on this page we have Fr. Fintan Crotty, sscc (60 yrs of Profession), Fr. Fergal Maguire sscc (25 yrs of Profession), Fr Andy Wafer sscc (50 yrs of Profession), Sr. Bridget Falahee sscc (50 yrs of Profession), Sr Aurora sscc (25 yrs of Profession), Fr Philip Murphy sscc (50 yrs of Profession), Fr. Jerry White, sscc (50 yrs of Ordination).  The other pictures feature the Jubilarians with their families and friends, the celebration of the Eucharist, Bishop Brendan Comiskey, sscc, Fr. Walooyou our visitor from Japan and Indonesia, with Fr. Michael Foley, sscc and two of our lay associates Yvonne Downey and Mike Curtis.