E-mail: 3rproductions@tinet.ie

Tape Date: 18th February 1998

With the season of Lent fast approaching, we have a number of topical items on this tape. We also hear from Cardinal Basil Hume about 'Basil in Blunderland', and Don Mullan, author of 'Eyewitness Bloody Sunday: The Truth', about his reaction to the news of a new inquiry. We also get to hear about St. John of God, whose Feast Day is on March 8th.

1. Crossways: News in the Church and the World. Our main report this week covers "A Hand of Friendship" project, organised by Rev. Ruth Patterson, of Restoration Ministries. In the 1790's, many Presbyterians and Catholics shared a common vision for Ireland. To mark the 200th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion, a "A Hand of Friendship" aims to unite the two traditions again. The project will be launched on March 4th at Restoration House, Belfast. Tel: 08 01232 621 867. The news is read by Alan McGuckian, SJ and Elaine Comerford.

Time: 6.50

2. Lent: The Favourable Time: Many of us tend to think of Lent as a very dour and grim season. Yet the liturgy of Lent refers to it as "this joyful season", and the readings for Ash Wednesday refer to the sounding of trumpets and tell us that "now is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation". Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool explored the meaning and spirit of Lent with Martin Browne.

In: (Browne) "A lot of us are inclined......a gift of the Spirit." Out: (Kelly)

Time: 5.51

3. Lent and Abstinence: February 25th is Ash Wednesday, and marks the beginning of Lent. This time of year is seen as a time to make resolutions and be abstemious. But why do we do this, and what do we hope to achieve in doing so? Robbie Foy had these thoughts and put them to Fr. Pat Collins, CM, a lecturer in Spirituality and Psychology at All Hallows College, Dublin. Robbie started by asking Fr. Pat to explain some of the history behind Lent.

In: (Collins) "Well, it might be........isn't that beautiful." Out: (Collins)

Time: 6.14

4. Bloody Sunday: 30th January 1972 is a date that is embedded in many people's mind. 13 unarmed men were killed, many were injured, and another died later from injuries sustained while participating in a civil rights march in Derry. That day has become known as Bloody Sunday. The British Government has agreed to hold a new judicial inquiry into the events of that day. Don Mullan, author of "Eyewitness Bloody Sunday, The Truth", was 15 years old when he took part in the march. Elaine Comerford met with Don and spoke to him about the events of that fateful day. Elaine began by asking Don to give his reaction to the decision to hold a new inquiry.

In: (Mullan) "I think it was a very..........already burning fire." Out: (Mullan)

Time: 6.25

 Side 2

1. 'Basil in Blunderland': Cardinal Basil Hume, the Archbishop of Westminster, has described his own spiritual life as "much more a wandering in Blunderland than a relaxing in Wonderland". Many years ago he received new insights into prayer while playing Hide and Seek with two young children. He recounts that story and the insights he gained from the experience in a recent book called 'Basil in Blunderland'. A video dramatisation of the story is also available. Martin Browne spoke to Cardinal Hume about the story.

In: (Browne) "Just about the last............give up praying, ever." Out: (Hume)

Time: 5.23

2. St. John of God: Sunday, the 8th of March is the Feast of St. John of God. Most people have heard of the Order of St. John of God through their work with the mentally ill, but who was this man? How did he begin caring for the sick? Elaine Comerford spoke to Br. Michael Newman, who works as a Chaplain at Menni House, Dublin, a day-care centre for those with mental illness. Br. Michael began by telling us the kind of man John of God was.

In: (Newman) "I think I'd like ........wouldn't have conflict." Out: (Newman)

Time: 6.04

3. Ash Wednesday: Fr. Michael Drumm talked to Marie Stuart, RSM, about Ash Wednesday and the reason for doing penance. He suggests that we do without something so we become aware of the suffering in the world and are motivated to do something about it.

In: (Stuart) "Ash Wednesday, why ashes..........way of putting it." Out: (Drumm)

Time: 5.48

  4. No Hands But Yours: On February 5th Frederick Forsyth launched Fr. Kevin Doheny's book 'No Hands But Yours'. Kevin is a Laois man and a Holy Ghost priest. He was working in Biafra when the war broke out there in the 60's. His experience of becoming a refugee with his parishioners at that time had a profound effect on his life. Fredrick Forsyth worked for BBC World Service and knew Kevin Doheny in Biafra. In this interview Fredrick tells Marie Stuart, RSM, something of his experience of Biafra and Kevin Doheny. Kevin himself talks about the experience of being a refugee, his current work with International Refugee Trust. (We are enclosing an International Refugee Trust brochure for your own information.)

In: (Stuart) "When you think of........were assisted by others." Out: (Doheny)

Time: 5.52

5. Guided Prayer: In the next few minutes Carmel Mongey, a Columban Sister, and Colm Deegan will lead us in prayer for peace and healing. It is a simple method of prayer and available to all of us. Carmel starts by inviting us to sit comfortable and relax.

In: (Mongey) "In these few ......... for you're great love, (music)." Out: (MUSIC)

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