Latest news with #EasterWeek
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Hope Cancer Support Centre rings in 25 years with Wexford community
The centre was originally established on Easter Week 1999, when a small group of people affected by cancer, decided to meet up weekly in a local hotel for a chat. After word of mouth spread amongst the community, the group grew significantly, as did the need for a permanent structure to the meetings. The use of a building in Church Street Enniscorthy was acquired, though following an increased need for space, the centre moved into its current location on Weafer Street. And although General Manager Paul Brown only took up his position in 2023, he was drawn to the centre after hearing nothing but good words about the work they do for people in the community. Speaking on the evolvement of the centre, he explained that the charity has strived to expand further by providing more services for their clients. "Originally it was just counselling, but now we also have reflexology, creative therapies and more. We would be very much developed.' Community is at the core of the centre, with many organisations and groups choosing to raise funds for the services throughout the year. "Community is huge – both from the point of view that we help, but also the amount of fundraising that is done. We get approximately 20 per cent from the Government, but the rest is fundraised and so there would be nearly half a million raised by all the people of County Wexford,' he said. One of their biggest fundraisers is the annual Hope and Dream 10 run, which attracted around 1200 participants this year. A fantastic showing of support, he said that although they have not confirmed the final amount raised, they hope to have raised more than last year - which was an incredible €143,681. He added that they were very thankful to Enniscorthy Credit Union who sponsor the run. However, the running of the centre has had its fair share of challenges including the Covid-19 Pandemic, ensuring they have enough funds, and convincing men to come into the centre. "I think the continued challenge is to get the funds in and in encouraging men to come into the centre. I think overall in the country, in terms of men getting support, it is improving and we have in the last six months experienced some men coming in here,' he said. In terms of staff, the centre has three members in the shop, with eight within the premises and three client service coordinators. He said they recognise greatly how demanding the job can be in their day to day tasks. "It is very difficult and even people who do not have a diagnosis will be affected by it. It is challenging, but we have a clients service manager who would manage the three coordinators. It is a challenging enough role to work in this environment.' Big plans are also in store for the centre as they set about to relocate and build a state of the art facility to address the needs of their growing clientele. As laid out in the ambitious proposal, they had initially considered expanding into neighbouring properties, but this option would have forced them to cease operations while building. "We would have had to move out because of the noise, so hopefully the new building will get finished and people could move into it and be a bit more seamless.' To mark the milestone, a crowd of 120 people turned up at the centre last weekend to chat and reminisce – with some of the founding members remarking in awe over how far the centre has come. "I was talking to the founding members the other day and they were thrilled. It is another phase even though everyone loves this building. They would very much say it is the sanctuary behind the blue door, but things change and we will have a much more modern building.' He added that it was great to see such a big crowd on the day, with some clients bringing their family members with them. The festivities were held out in their garden as they wanted to highlight the progress there as well during the good weather. Most of all, on behalf of everybody in the centre and those who have benefited from it, he extended thanks to everyone who supported them over the last 25 years. "A heartfelt thanks to everyone in Wexford who has really helped to make sure that the services continue, both by fundraising and volunteering. Also the staff, who have made a conscious decision to come in and work in the centre.' 'And also thanks to the clients, I know it might seem a bit strange, but thanks to the clients who have come to us for the support and who are incredibly positive. They also help to create a wonderful and positive atmosphere and energy because of their attitude. It is great to have people attend the support group while encouraging others to reach out,' he said.
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Donal Fallon: What the Israeli ambassador got wrong about Ireland's wartime neutrality
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Éamon de Valera, an era-defining politician and figure in public life. It was a political career of extraordinary longevity, taking him from the occupied Bolands Mills of Easter Week to the Ireland visited by John Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1963. Sitting beside the young American, De Valera looked like a relic of an earlier time. JFK, an aide noted, asked the Irish leader about the Rising, and then 'listened, spellbound'.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Leitrim Priest in Rome describes sense of ‘mixed emotions' following ‘bittersweet' death of Pope Francis
Father Gerry Comiskey, who a priest in the Diocese of Kilmore and a native of County Leitrim, has been in Rome since January on a study programme at the Pontifical North American College. Fr Comiskey participated in the Easter ceremonies at St Peter's Basilica over the weekend and was in the city when the news emerged that Pope Francis had passed away. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook The death of Pope Francis was announced on Easter Monday morning and The pontiff's funeral will take place at the Vatican on Saturday morning. The Vatican said he died following a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure at 7.35am on Monday. Fr Comiskey is staying in Rome until Tuesday and will attend the Pope Lying in State on Thursday and Friday, while he will also attend the funeral on Saturday. The Pope will lie in state inside the church until his burial at St Mary Major in Rome, also on Saturday. Speaking of Pope Francis' last appearance on Sunday, Fr Comiskey said there was great excitement but also a sense of sympathy as he appeared to be in a frail state. 'He did attend Easter Sunday Mass – the most important day in the Church's calendar and there was a crowd of around 35,000-40,000 people in St Peter's Square. 'There was great jubilation when he appeared, the moment he spoke the few words, we all recognised that his voice was very weak and he himself was frail. 'There was actually sympathy for the man. 'I think there is a profound message for us – he was there for the great Alleluia– he wanted to hear the resurrection becoming proclaimed again for one last time. 'Then quietly God called him to the Father's house on Monday morning. 'I think that is profound and mysterious. It teaches us a lesson. The Pope wanted us to believe more definitely in Jesus Christ. He wanted us to be enthusiastic and committed. 'His passing on Easter Monday is just a mystery that we should ponder,' said Fr Comiskey. Fr Comiskey said due to the Pope's ill health, there is mixed emotions in Rome following his passing. 'I think there is very mixed emotions. 'There is great sadness because he was a much loved Pope and much loved Holy Father. But, there is a quiet acceptance that death had to come to him at some stage. 'The Catholic Church is like a great big family and when there is a death in the family, there is of course great sadness but if a grandparent or great grandparent is very elderly or feeble, finding it hard to breath, there is certain relief that their sufferings are over and in the case of the Pope that he does not have to suffer anymore. 'It is bittersweet. 'It is the most beautiful season – these 50 days of Easter. 'At home in the Northwest of Ireland, my ancestors loved to hear of someone dying in the days of Easter Week - they felt that paradise was surely a place of welcomes,' said Fr Comiskey. Fr Comiskey met Pope Francis in 2017 and seen him earlier this year when he first arrived in Rome. Fr Comiskey said the Pope was known for his humble and kind nature, which he displayed right until the end of his life. Reflecting on Holy Thursday, Fr Comiskey said, 'On Holy Thursday, there was 1,800 priests concelebrating the Chrism Mass and we quietly were hoping that the Pope would come and see us that day, but instead he went to the prison to visit the prisoners and that was an amazing gesture for an old sick man. 'It really was the measure of the man,' said Fr Comiskey. Fr Comiskey has heard many stories of Pope Francis and said he was 'a wonderful example of humility.' 'Even when he came into St Peter's Square, he came in on a small car, he never wanted to be driven in a Merc. 'One day during my studies here, I went to visit a Contemplative Order of Nuns – an enclosed order – there is 27 of them in the community. 'They told us that the Pope had visited them three times – once he came announced, but the other two times he came back unannounced. 'His secretary and himself just arrived and said we have come to pray, say Mass and to have a meal with you. 'He did not stand on ceremony or sending messengers out saying prepare the way, he would just drop in like any parish priest,' said Fr Comiskey.
Gulf News
23-04-2025
- General
- Gulf News
UAE churches announce details of special mass in honour of Pope Francis
Dubai/ Abu Dhabi: Catholic churches in the UAE have announced details of a requiem mass in honour of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday. Several churches have said they will hold the requiem mass on Saturday, the day the Pope's Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the churchyard of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. A requiem mass is a Mass for the repose of the souls of the dead. Thousands of UAE residents are expected to attend the Mass at different churches. Dubai churches In Dubai, St Mary's Catholic Church said all are welcome to attend the Mass scheduled at 7.30pm. It will be presided over by Bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia – the Catholic Church in the UAE, Oman, and Yemen. The bishop had earlier instructed all parishes in the vicariate to offer Holy Mass in honour of the late pontiff. The clergy and parishioners of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Jebel Ali, Dubai, have announced a requiem mass at 8.30am on Saturday. Remembrance corner Meanwhile, St Joseph's Cathedral in Abu Dhabi has set up a 'remembrance corner' in the church to honour the memory of the beloved Pope. 'During this Easter Week, we continue to offer prayers for his eternal rest,' the church has said. The church had held a heartfelt Mass on the day of the Pope's passing. It was presided over by Bishop Martinelli. Several faithful joined in prayer for the repose of the soul of the beloved Pope.
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Pope's heartbreaking eight word health update days before his death
The late Pope Francis claimed he was 'living it as best' as he could just days before his death. The pontiff died today aged 88 after spending his final weeks in hospital with an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs. A day before his death, the Pope emerged on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St Peter's Square. His appearance had been highly anticipated after he was discharged from hospital following five weeks of treatment last month. It was hoped that, following months of medical issues, the Pope's health had turned a corner. He performed one official engagement in Easter Week, visiting a jail in Rome, delegating other duties to his cardinals. He also made a brief appearance inside the basilica on Saturday, where he prayed and gave candies to some children among the visitors. After about how he felt in his current condition, he told a reporter last week: 'I am living it as best I can.' Despite several previous health issues and reduced mobility caused in part by his advancing years and expanding waistline, the pontiff had kept up a busy schedule until his final weeks. In September 2024, he carried out a 12-day tour across south-east Asia and Oceania that included visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. When he was discharged from hospital, his doctors had said he would need at least two months of rest at his residence. The pontiff had presented 'two very critical episodes' where his 'life was in danger' while in hospital, according to one of the doctors who took care of him. But he appeared keen not to be confined to his rooms at the Casa Santa Maria. The late figure made surprise appearances at the end of Masses and visits to St Peter's Basilica amid hope that his condition was improving. In the last week of his life, he appeared in public twice without the nasal cannula through which he has been receiving oxygen. Yesterday he met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance – a Catholic convert who was received into the church in 2019. 'The meeting, which lasted a few minutes, gave the opportunity to exchange greetings on Easter Sunday', the Vatican said. His Easter blessing was delivered by a clergy member as the pontiff sat alongside him. Given his delicate health, it had not been certain whether the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics would be presen at all. It said: 'There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others. 'What a great thirst for death, for killing we see in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world.' He also remembered the people of Gaza, particularly its Christian population, as the conflict 'causes death and destruction' and creates a 'deplorable humanitarian situation'. The message added: 'I express my closeness to the sufferings... for all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people. 'Call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.' 35,000 people gathered yesterday in front of St Peter's Basilica in the hope of catching a glimpse of Pope Francis.
