E-mail: 3rproductions@tinet.ie

Tape Date: 18th March 1998

Continuing our items on Lent, we have an interview with Fr. Frank Fahy speaking about Lent, Easter and Spring. We also hear from David F. Ford, author The Shape of Living, commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury for study during Lent. Fr. Paul Kenny explores the purpose of Palm Sunday with us. Mothers Day is Sunday 22nd March, and Mary Keaveney talks to Marie Stuart, RSM, about her experience of being a foster mother. All this and much more.

1. Crossways: News in the Church and the World. At their recent spring meeting, the Catholic Bishops said they want the Year 2000 to be an opportunity for renewal and reconciliation in the Church. The Bishops also hope that people will be able to tap into Ireland's Celtic Christian heritage during that year. The Director of the National Committee for the Celebration of Jubilee 2000 is Fr. Martin Tierney, and we hear from him in our main report. The news was read by Alan McGuckian, SJ, and Elaine Comerford.

Time: 6.08

2. Genetic Engineering: You have heard the term genetic engineering but what exactly does it mean. The Monsanto Company of America wants to grow genetically engineered sugar beet on a trial basis here. But is it safe or are there dangers attached. How can we find out more about it? How can we be sure we are not eating genetically engineered foods already? Marie Stuart, RSM, spoke to Sean McDonagh and asked him some of these questions. Sean is a Columban priest who worked in the Philippines for many years and is well known for his work on environmental issues.

In: (McDonagh) "What genetic engineering..........we want this." Out: (McDonagh)

Time: 5.41

 3. The Bible: It may be one of the biggest selling books in the world, but how many people understand the Bible? Why is the language so difficult in the Old Testament? What should we take literally from the Bible? How do we know where to look if we want to find guidance or comfort. Elaine Comerford put these questions to Rev. Ben Neill. Ben was born in Co. Wicklow and is currently Rector in Dalkey, Co. Dublin. He spent 12 years as Dean of Waterford and has also worked in 3 parishes in Northern Ireland.

In: (Neill) "I think the Bible.............enriching each other." Out: (Neill)

Time: 5.47

4. The Shape of Living: Each year the Archbishop of Canterbury commissions someone to write a book suitable for study during Lent. This year's Lent book is The Shape of Living, by David F. Ford. The book examines the many ways we can be 'overwhelmed' by the various facets of modern life and points at ways in which we might shape our lives accordingly. David Ford is a Dubliner, and one of the features of the book is his frequent use of the poetry of Mícheál Ó Siadhail. David is currently Regius Professor of Divinity in the University of Cambridge, the first layman to hold this prestigious position. He was back in Ireland recently and Martin Browne spoke to him.

In: (Ford) "I think we have to take..........way through the book." Out: (Ford)

Time: 4.43

5. Church of Ireland Library: The Representative Church Body Library is based in Braemor Park in Dublin. However, it is used by many people all over Ireland and the english speaking world. The library was recently renovated and relaunched by Dr. David Ford, Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. Robbie Foy met Dr. Ray Refaussè, curator of the library, to find out what the main functions of the library are. He began by asking how long it has been in existence.

In: (Refaussè) "Well the library...................than we do at present." Out: (Refaussè)

Time: 4.52

6. Supporting Someone in Difficulties: Christy Kenneally is well known for his work with people who are dying and the training he provides for people who work with people who are dying. He was a priest of Cork diocese and his books Maura's Boy and The New Curate were highly entertaining. Christy recently addressed Cura's Annual Conference and Marie Stuart, RSM, talked to him about the qualities needed to support or help another who is in difficulties. Marie talked to him first about the difficulties of seeking help.

In: (Kenneally) "The first personal ............. the real fact was." Out: (Kenneally)

Time: 5.56

1. Palm Sunday: Mention of Palm Sunday will often evoke groans about the long Gospel reading of the Passion. For some people it means carrying blessed palms from Church and placing them in the home. But for what purpose? It can be a confusing day. The liturgy of Palm Sunday moves from the story of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, to the story of his Passion and death. Martin Browne explored Palm Sunday with Fr. Paul Kenny. Fr. Paul is curate in a Dublin parish and teaches liturgy at the Mater Dei Institute of Education.

In: (Browne) "Simple question to start........special time in our lives." Out: (Kenny)

Time: 5.01

2. Foster Mother: March 22nd is Mothers Day. Many years ago Mary Keaveney's very young children arrived in her bedroom before 7.00a.m. with toast and cold beans for Tony and herself, it was Mothers Day.!! Now she has nine children in the house and has been foster mother for nearly thirty children in the last nine years. Marie Stuart, RSM, talked to Mary about why she started fostering and what it's like for herself and her family.

In: (Stuart) "How many children..........not a bad thing to do." Out: (Keaveney)

Time: 5.17

3. Lent, Easter and Spring: The natural season of spring and the church seasons of Lent and Easter seem to suit each other very well. The springtime tasks of ploughing new ground, and pruning the excess mirror the Lenten pilgrimage back to God. The birth of lambs and the emerging of chickens from their eggs seem the perfect Easter image of new life. That closeness between God and nature was always very important for our Celtic forbears. Martin Browne explored that relationship with Fr. Frank Fahy. Fr. Frank lives and ministers at Ballintubber Abbey, County Mayo - in the shadow of Croagh Patrick.

In: (Browne) "Is it a coincidence...........for the Easter happening." Out: (Fahy)

Time: 6.05

4. Sierra Leone: For nine months last year Sierra Leone was ravaged by a military coup. The situation has since been brought under control, but not before a great deal of damage was done. The people of this small African country are now struggling to restore their communities. Acting as their representative, the President of the Methodist Church in Sierra Leone, Christian Peacock, visited Ireland recently. He spoke to Maria O'Loughlin about the challenges facing his country. (If you would like to contact or support the Rev. Peacock, you can write to him at Wesley House, 4 George Street, P.O. Box 64, Freetown, Sierra Leone.)

In: (O'Loughlin) "Could you tell..........quite appreciated." Out: (Peacock)

Time: 5.32

 5. Intercom: When people speak of Intercom, it is more often than not described as "the priests' magazine". Indeed, many lay people never heard of it until the media controversy following the replacement of Fr. Kevin Hegarty as editor in 1994. Fr. Bernard Cotter, from Cork, recently took over as editor. The front cover now proclaims Intercom to be "a pastoral and liturgical resource for people in ministry". So what exactly is the magazine supposed to be and who is it for? Martin Browne spoke to Fr. Bernard. (Intercom is not widely available in shops. Postal subscriptions can be taken out by contacting the Intercom office at 7/8 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1. An annual subscription costs £22 for ten issues.)

In: (Browne) "It wouldn't be doing..........on in the Church today." Out: (Cotter)

Time: 5.45

6. Lectio Divina: More and more people are using Lectio Divina as a way of praying the scriptures. Cáit Mulligan, CHF, talked to Eltin Griffin, O.Carm., about the different steps of Lectio. She started by asking him what exactly Lectio Divina is. Eltin is a well-known Carmelite priest, preacher and liturgist.

In: (Griffin) "Well, Lectio Divina..........it's going nowhere." Out: (Griffin)

Time: 4.31

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