Today (Sep 25th) is the feast of St.Finbarr. Gougane Barra is located a few miles west of Ballingeary,in West Cork, situated in a picturesque setting and it was here that Finbarr built his monastery in the 6th century. Clearly Finbarr knew that the presence of God was very much present here particularly in the beauty of nature that is evident all year round. Against a backdrop of rugged hills, lakes, rivers and streams, Finbarr found great peace. The feast of St.Finbarr today reminds us all of the importance of appreciating so many important things around us. Life moves so fast we can miss them all. Today is a day of blessing and we ask the blessings of St.Finbarr on ourselves, our families, our schools, our communities, and those who need a special prayer today. May St Finbarr continue to guide and direct us each day.