Reflections
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Before the Count
Transparency in church governance begins long before the count—with open invitations, clear paths, and informed choice. Continue reading
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Finding Brigid in a Cork Park
A poem in Fitzgerald Park invites reflection on tradition, uncertainty, and the power of words. Continue reading
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Echoes from the Ancient Crypt
A thirty-year reflection on Ripon’s ancient crypt, daily cathedral prayer, and neurodivergent grace. Continue reading
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Listening to the Feathered World: October Big Day
Birdsong invites reflection and attention, inspiring creativity during the upcoming global October Big Day. Continue reading
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Beyond Targets and Charts
A prayer and reflection for the Diocesan Synod during the vacancy in Meath and Kildare. Exploring pastoral leadership beyond charts and plans, rooted in Saint Brigid, Saint Ciarán, and the quiet beauty of the Irish Midlands. Continue reading
Belonging, Boyne and Barrow, Celtic Spirituality, Christian Poetry, Church of Ireland, Diocesan Synod, Episcopal Leadership, Irish Midlands, Liturgical Verse, Meath and Kildare, NeuroDivine, pastoral care, Pilgrim Way, Prayer for a Bishop, Radical Hospitality, Relational Ministry, Saint Brigid, Saint Ciarán, Soft Infrastructure, Vacancy -
Stacking the Season: A Reflection on Preparing for Winter
Finding stillness in simple winter chores: turning stacked timber into a sanctuary of warmth and light. Continue reading
Autism, AutisticFaith, Celtic Christianity, Celtic Spirituality, Christianity, ContemplativePrayer, Faith, FaithInAction, FaithInTheEveryday, Irish Heritage, IrishReflection, Kildare, ModernMonasticism, NeuroDivine, OraEtLabora, Poetry, PoetryOfPlace, QuietMoments, RuleOfStBenedict, SmallMercies, Spirituality -
When the Hymns Belonged to Everyone
Seven original hymns came alive at Monasterevin’s harvest service through choir, musicians and congregational song. Continue reading
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A Harvest Reflection
At Monasterevin’s Harvest Songs of Praise, I reflected on human labour, God’s faithfulness, and welcome. Continue reading
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The Next Hour Is Enough
Sometimes hope is not a bright light on the horizon. Sometimes it is simply reaching the next hour—and allowing someone else to help us reach it. A thought for World Suicide Prevention Day. Continue reading
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When a Hymn Finds Its Way Home on St Ciarán’s Day
On St Ciarán’s Day, a hymn finds its way home to Clonmacnoise—and into other voices. Continue reading
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The Cloister on the Living-Room Floor
A weary night becomes a cloister: blankets, bears, angels, prayer, and the quiet presence of God. Continue reading
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Called, Transformed, and Sent
God calls, reshapes, and sends us out in genuine love, transforming lives through service and connection. Continue reading
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The View from the Platform
The poem contrasts classical musicians’ reliance on sheet music with the spontaneous joy of playing by ear. Continue reading
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“And Deliver Us from Evil… Not the Weasel”
A playful reflection on prayer, misheard words, neurodivergent perception, and the grace found in honest understanding. Continue reading
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Baptised in Bernard’s Shadow
St Bernard, the Cistercian inheritance of Ireland, and an unexpected baptismal anniversary Continue reading
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“Turn wandering hearts towards Your truth” – a reflection and hymn
Readings Reflection Where is My Heart Actually Turned? In these three readings, we meet people facing the uncomfortable gap between what they want and what God is actually asking of them. In 1 Kings, Solomon’s heart gradually turns away from God. It is not one dramatic rejection, but a slow drifting of loyalty. The king… Continue reading
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The Chair as Cloister: One Year On
One year after writing a Benedictine prayer in the dialysis chair, I return to what those words still mean. Continue reading
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Wondrous in Your Sight: A Gay Man’s Thanksgiving
A gay Christian’s thanksgiving for love, identity and the God who knows and affirms us wholly. Continue reading
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Lord of My Courage: When a Hymn Became My Prayer
A hospital morning turns an earlier Psalm 27 hymn into a needed prayer for courage. Continue reading
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Granny of God: A Pastoral Hymn & Reflection
This pastoral hymn honours St Anne, weaving Irish nature and faith across generations. Continue reading
