This week, we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit isn’t something that just happened in the distant past but continues to be relevant and available for all our lives. The Spirit of Pentecost landed in a room full of fear and disappointment, to a frightened and bewildered people. Pentecost The post The Monkey Trap & Pentecost appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

There is a very beautiful stained-glass window, over the choir loft, in our parish church, here in Abbeyleix. The window depicts the glorious Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven. It tells the story of Jesus, now fulfilled in his ministry, returning home to his father in heaven and making that permanent pledge to The post Ascension. A Time for Going Home appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

Recently thousands of people walked the annual Darkness into Light memorial. It is a magnificent moment of solidarity emphasizing together we are stronger. Faith and spirituality enhance our well-being and mental health it gives us a wider lens, a bigger picture and anoints us with an inner confidence that “All will be Well.” It’s a rare occasion to visit a The post ‘Bring flowers of the Rarest’  appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

As we begin the month of May, we enter into a very sacred season, where nature rejoices in light and warmth. For ancient people this time of year was an occasion to hope and celebrate.  Bealtaine is the traditional Celtic festival marking the beginning of summer, typically observed on May 1. In ancient Celtic/Gaelic culture in The post May… a time to celebrate the ordinary appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

It is rare to visit the local parish church, here in Abbeyleix, without noticing candles lighting in front of Saint Joseph’s shrine. These days lots of candles are offered in prayer for students both in third and second level, facing exams over the coming weeks. Saint Joseph holds an iconic role in the life of The post St. Joseph Silence and Strength appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

Pope Leo has almost reached the first year of his papacy. I suggest this has been a remarkable year, in his witness for Jesus Christ and in his gentle yet fearless concern for the people of God throughout the world. Leo is very much his own man, fuelled with a deep spirituality and keen intellect. The post Pope Leo/ President Trump appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.