On a walk into Macroom during the week from the west side of the town, I spotted the beautiful hidden treasure of the old St. Colman’s Church. It belonged to the Church of Ireland and it dates from 1825. It sits within an enclosed graveyard overlooking the castle and bridge at Castle Street. It was gifted to the town by the Church of Ireland in 1992. Standing on one of the most prominent sites in the town, the plan is to refurbish the old church, which has been disused for some years now, so it can be used as a community asset. During the summer months the church is hidden when the trees are in full leaf but at this time of year its hidden beauty is revealed.

On This Day

On December 7th 1941 the Japanese Navy with 353 planes launched a surprise attack on the US fleet at their Pearl Harbour Naval Base, in Hawaii, killing 2,403 people. The United States declared war on Japan and became part of World War 2 creating headline news all over the world.

On December 7th 2006 NASA released images which indicate the presence of water on Mars

On December 7th 2022 After widespread public protests China announces a major loosening of COVID-19 restrictions for the whole country, effectively ending China’s zero-COVID policy

Birthdays Today

Charlie McGettigan (Singer Songwriter and Eurovision winner in 1994) is 72

Luke Donald (Pro Golfer) is 45

John Terry (Former Chelsea Footballer) is 43

Saint For Today

The Saint for today is Saint Ambrose

Significance Of Today

Today is sometimes referred to as Pearl Harbor Day and is a yearly day of remembrance for those who lost their lives on the 7th of December in 1941 at Pearl Harbor.

Today is also International Civil Aviation Day and it celebrates the science, art, and sport of aviation.

Interesting Quote For Today

“Nature is pleased with simplicity.” –Sir Isaac Newton

Did You Know

The attack on Pearl Harbour lasted for only one hour and fifteen minutes

Video for the week🎥 (Updated every Wednesday🎥)

This weeks video is called ‘Saint Nicholas – the real Santa of love’

Thought For The Week

Advent increases our hope, a hope which does not disappoint.’ ~Pope Francis

This weekend just gone marked the beginning of our journey through Advent. The season of Advent can be a lovely time to think and reflect about the important things in life. For me it is such a beautiful time of year. Everyone agrees that Christmas can be busy and stressful. But Advent can allow us to pause and reflect, if we can make the time for this. It can also be a time to celebrate the little and important things in life. It allows us to express our love for each other in meaningful ways.

We know the world we live in today can best be described as fragile, frantic and often seems to have no anchor. The same can sometimes be described of our own lives too. No matter how busy we are, there is an in-built need to mind ourselves, to relax, to be ourselves, to recharge and to prioritise what is important. The only way this can happen is when we slow down enough, but as we all know so well, doing this is always a challenge.

Advent 2023 has a powerful message that no matter how dark things may get there will always be light and hope. The prayers of Advent touch in on each person walking in some darkness and yet awaiting and anticipating a great light. The prayers also include prayers for peace. These prayers are not wishful thinking but genuine heartfelt prayers that can and will find results. Even if these results come in whispers we will gladly embrace them. Advent is a time for us to hear those other quiet whispers in our lives of a God gently calling us from darkness to light. I hope and pray that the coming weeks of Advent will have some meaning for you.

The Thought For The Week is updated each Monday