From the Dean of Identity and Community
St Laurence O’Toole Feast Mass
On Thursday we celebrated the feast of our patron Saint Laurence O’Toole with a special mass led by Fr William Aupito Iuliano. The Mass highlights the significance of Saint Laurence to not just this community but also his impact in Ireland and rebuilding a broken church.
Laurence O’Toole was the Archbishop at the time of great war and famine in Ireland but he always put his people first, finding ways to feed them and becoming the person everyone looked to in order to keep peace between the English and the Irish. In the cathedral of Dublin lies the heart of St Laurence O’Tool where the people still come to see the relic of this person who strongly influenced the movement for freedom in Ireland and helped the homeless and poor.
Saint Laurence was born in Ireland to a royal family, that lost their power. He was imprisoned as a political prisoner at the age of 10, for two years. This only strengthened his desire the religious life. He became an Abbot at the age of 26 and the Archbishop of Dublin at the age of 32. He worked most of his life for the Church Reform Movement of the 12th Century. He was known for his profound sanctity and charity for those under his care.
While in Ireland I was lucky enough to visit Glendalough, the monastic village, where he was Abbott and found his faith formation. While in Glendalough, his care for the poor would shine through by opening houses and churches in the village to feed and house the poor during a time of great famine. He would also take in orphans and care for them until a family could take them in. His love and compassion for both friends and enemies are what he built his ministry and mission for the church on.
How many of us, when we do a good deed, look for a reward in one way or another? We were reminded that in following Jesus’ teaching to do what we can to help others, with no strings attached.
India Immersion 2025
We have recently placed out expressions of interest for the India Immersion. More information can be found in the links about the immersion. We have a limited amount of spots left. If you are interested please look over the information here and express your interest at this link. https://forms.office.com/r/B0y203YEhT
MR PAUL CORFIELD
Dean of Identity and Community