by Michelle Conroy on August 19, 2022 at 8:53 am

A small number of public figures are instantly recognisable by their first name. One of them is Brother Kevin, the founder of the Capuchin Centre in Dublin’s Bow Street who this week retired at the age of 87. He founded the centre in 1969 – more than 50 years ago, and from small beginnings it The post Brother Kevin…. A Living Saint appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

by Michelle Conroy on August 11, 2022 at 11:50 pm

A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray. Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle, and the minister frowned as he saw the man hadn’t shaved in a while. His shirt was shabby, The post God Is With Us appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

by Michelle Conroy on August 4, 2022 at 10:13 pm

The following is a profound and yet very real story, told in relation to our human need in times of crisis as we turn to prayer. So often we can judge and be negative when we evaluate our communication to God. Perhaps the conversation seems one way. Perhaps words are inadequate or simply we do The post The Power of Prayer appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

by Michelle Conroy on July 28, 2022 at 8:49 pm

Time seems to be moving extremely quickly. It’s hard to believe that August has arrived. This is a wonderful time of year when harvest begins to be gathered, a time which evokes a deep sense of  gratitude, that what has being planted, now produce rich fruit. Recently, Pope Francis, highlighted the very important role, that The post Harvest Thanksgiving appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

by Michelle Conroy on July 20, 2022 at 10:01 pm

The following stories awaken a sense of hope and encouragement for us all. Well worth reflecting upon…. The Frog Race There was once a bunch of tiny frogs, who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower. A big crowd gathered around the tower to see the The post Stay Positive and Never Give Up appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

by Michelle Conroy on July 14, 2022 at 7:38 pm

In the secular world, mindfulness is much  embraced and practiced. Personally, I find it  difficult to differentiate between practicing mindfulness and prayer. Prayer and meditation similarly are extremely nourishing and beneficial to our mind, body and spirit. Prayer is the language of the soul, it’s often in the stillness of our contemplation that God’s Amazing The post A Guide To Prayer appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.