She was dying slowly in her father’s house, forbidden to leave—until a poet’s letter changed everything and she risked it all for a love that would become immortal. Elizabeth Barrett was born in 1806 into wealth built on Jamaican sugar plantations. She was brilliant from the start—reading Homer in Greek at eight, writing epic poetry The post Elizabeth Barrett A Life of Love & Hope appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

A prophet has the ability to read the signs of the times mingling the relevance of the Gospel, in a courageous and faith filled manner. I have no doubt that Ireland’s beloved Sr. Stan, fulfilled her prophetic ministry, fuelled with the Spirit of Jesus Christ. A fearless campaigner for those who found themselves on the The post Sister Stanislaus Kennedy appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

November for many is a challenging month. Winter darkness brings a change of mood, winter makes us all somewhat vulnerable. Nature seems to have fallen asleep, November mirrors our human mortality and in this regard traditionally in November we remember loved ones gone before us. However, it is important that we nourish our hope and The post Amazing Grace appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

This week we begin the new month of November. Traditionally this is the time of year, in the Christian liturgical calendar, when we remember the souls of the faithful departed. The season, begins with the Feast of All Saints, Women and Men over countless generations who inspired, engaged, and personified the Christian values, of faith, The post Remembering Loved Ones Gone Before Us appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

  In all our communities, often silently and heroically, are people who voluntarily care for a vulnerable loved one. For me personally, those who care for a vulnerable loved one are truly inspirational. In the context of a vibrant rich economy, most carers receive abysmal remuneration regarding the contribution they make to enhance a loved The post Those who care for the vulnerable appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

It is utterly distressing to watch news reports of the war in Gaza and the West Bank. Like so many others, the feelings of outrage coupled with powerlessness and sometimes despair are overwhelming as I watch footage of emaciated, starving children with distended stomachs and bones protruding. They are being held by their despairing mothers The post Pray for Palestine appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.