Photo was taken earlier in the summer at Ennismore Retreat House, Mayfield, Cork (Irl)

This flower really stood out in lovely sunshine with an impressive display of colour.

Thought on Monday – September – 09/09/2013

‘Every time we celebrate the birth of Mary we can confidently hope for an increase of peace in our hearts and in the world at large.’ ~Leonard Foley

A birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of you to the world. Yesterday (Sep 8th) was the feast day of the birthday of Mary. It is a day to celebrate Mary and all the contributions she made as the cornerstone of God’s story. Her parents Anna and Joachim were infertile and they prayed for a child. When their daughter Mary was born there was much to celebrate but little did they know the impact she would make. Mary was a woman who was brave, courageous and strong. Her life was far from straightforward but she kept going despite not understanding everything that was happening around her. Mary’s birthday gives us a chance to celebrate her life but importantly it gives us the chance to pray to her today. It is a day of blessing and hope. Mary brings us these and so much more besides.