THESE weeks, many cemetery Masses take place in every parish across the country. I really like these occasions when family and communities unite in the brightest days of the year to remember loved ones gone before us.

TIME moves by too quickly. Soon we will arrive at the longest day of the year – 21 June. These long, bright days I pray will bring blessings of faith, hope and health for us all.

AS WE MOVE through life, we all can agree with the these words of wisdom: ‘our health is our wealth. ’ Health of body and peace of mind are important and valued gifts that perhaps are not fully appreciated until they are made feel vulnerable.

IN A QUAINT village nestled between the rolling hills and valleys of Mount Kilimanjaro, Thomas, a humble farmer, faced a severe drought that threatened his crops and livelihood. With each passing day, the parched fields seemed to mock his efforts.

FIRST Holy Communion continues to be a very special day, not just in the life of young people but for their entire families and their school communities.

THERE has been huge focus on the Catholic Church over the past number of weeks. Following the death of Pope Francis, media commentary intensified with the subsequent conclave which elected Pope Leo X1V.

AS I WRITE this article, the cardinal electors are currently in conclave. Their task: to select the 267th successor of Peter. I pray that the spirit of discernment and peace will descend upon them and their choice will reflect the heart of Jesus.

AS I WRITE this article looking out of my window, the month of May begins in splendid sunshine. Birds singing loudly and leaves on the trees suggest a new season, a new time. In this Easter season, Christ’s resurrection continues to inspire hope.

THE DEATH of Pope Francis fills me with a deep sadness as we mourn the loss of a kind, courageous and gentle pastor. I also have a sense of gratitude to God for the great leadership he has given to the Church over the course of his papacy.

ON Sunday 27 April, Carlo Acutis will be formally canonised and declared saint. This will take place at an open-air ceremony in St Peter’s Square, The Vatican. He will be the first saint born in this new millennium.

THESE DAYS of bright blue skies and spring blossoms make it easy to identify with the Easter message. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, Easter reminds us we belong to such a positive and wonderful reality.

THE month of April has begun with splendid sunshine and blue skies. This is a beautiful time of year as nature awakens within us all a time of hope and new beginning. On 13 April, Palm Sunday heralds the beginning of Holy Week.

AS I WRITE this article, taoiseach Micheál Martin is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House as part of the traditional St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

THERE IS a real sense here in Ireland that the vocation crisis to the priesthood is having real consequence in terms of ageing clergy and priest-less parishes. In the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, the average age of clergy is 70 years.

AS I WRITE this article, I'm very conscious that the health of Pope Francis seems to be seriously declining. Pope Francis has led the Catholic Church with a deep sense of integrity and humility.

OUR WORLD is indeed going through troubled times. In a time of turbulence, it is important to be reminded that Christian values such as faith, hope and love are deeply relevant. Kindness and compassion are qualities that will always prevail.

ADDICTION is lived reality for many good people. And the life story of one Irishman and his recovery is truly inspirational. Matt Talbot was born May 1856 in Dublin. He was one of 12 children, six of whom lived to adulthood.

THIS WEEK we celebrate St Valentine’s Day. Traditionally, this day is associated with romance and love. Historically, it is interesting to trace its evolvement.

WEATHER WISE, January has been dreadful. Because of heavy snow and dangerous pathways, it was reminiscent of lockdown. The recent Storm Éowyn caused devastating damage and inflicted hardship on so many households without water or electricity.

FEBRUARY is a time of growth and invitation for us all, when the light of spring slowly triumphs over winter darkness. The story and celebration of St Brigid remains deeply relevant in a turbulent world.