17 Dawn
I did Lough Derg twice. It is a penitential three
days in Ireland which involves going to a remote island associated
with St Patrick. The main components are prayer and fasting. The
prayer was largely accomplished barefoot over stony ground, the fast
consisted of one ‘meal’ a day of black tea and dry toast.
The participants were a motley collection; the
elderly, some quietly bowed down, others seemingly in their element
amidst the privation; young people too with petition in their eyes and
gratitude in the way they smiled.
The all night vigil is my abiding recollection.
As some of us gathered outside, it was cold and dark and damp. I will
never forget the first light of dawn. Our huddled group was
transformed by the sight of it. We had known darkness, maybe in ways
we had chosen darkness, but ultimately darkness does not hold sway.
"In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon
us." (Lk 1:78)
Welcome
to the site of the TransCanada Province of the Spiritans. We are a
Roman Catholic Religious Congregation of over three thousand members,
founded in 1703. Our missions are spread worldwide. While we may be
found involved in many diverse ministries, we have dedicated
ourselves to working with the poor and in those situations where the
Church has difficulty in finding ministers. We hope you enjoy your
visit to our site and that while browsing you will keep us in your
prayers. May God bless you.
