Dear Friends,
Today is The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saint of the Week –St. Bridget of Sweden – Thursday 23rd July
Born in Sweden around 1303. This Bridget (Birgitta) is often called ‘of Sweden’ though she was never a queen or a royal princess. About 1317, she married a nobleman at the age of thirteen and they had eight children. In 1335, Bridget was appointed principal lady-in-waiting at the royal court. Her husband died in 1344 and, thereafter, Bridget applied herself to the founding of a religious order (the ‘Bridgettines’) which still exists today. She spent much time in Rome looking after the poor and sick. She gave very outspoken advice to the popes about the serious church and political problems of the time. Bridget helped ST. Catherine of Siena in preparing the way for the return of Pope Gregory XI from Avignon to Rome. Bridget died in Rome in 1373 on returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. St. Bridget’s daughter, Catherine of Vadstena is also venerated as a saint, though never formally canonized. She finished her mother’s work by obtaining official approval for the Bridgettine Order at Rome. St. Bridget of Sweden is one of the patrons of Europe.
Proposed Course in the Autumn
I propose to offer an introductory course on the The Early Years of Christian Theology and Spirituality (33 –1,000 AD ) in the autumn. You do not have to have any prior knowledge of this subject. I would hope to make the talks as accessible as possible. These talks will take place on Saturday mornings from 10.00 am. to 12 noon in the John Sullivan Room. You might give it some thought over the summer. Further details later.
Volunteers to read at Mass and forthe Choir
Margaret (our soloist) and Seamus(our organist) always welcome new members to join the choir. Rehearsals are on a Sunday morningat 10.30am in the John Sullivan Room, before the 11.00am Mass.
Reading Club
We are taking a break for the summer months and will return on Monday, 28th September.
Fr. Brendan
CHURCH COLLECTIONS
For Church: € 892. Share: € 158. Card reader: €350
All contributions are gratefully accepted, and the donors are remembered in our prayers.
AUTUMN COURSE
Interestedin the Early Years of Christian Theology and Spirituality course? Please let usknow online (gardinerstchurch.ie/upcoming events), by email (sfx@jesuit.ie) or by phone (8363411).
SUMMER FRONT OFFICE HOURS
From Tuesday 4th to Monday 17th August, the front office will open Monday to Friday, 11 am–1 pm. The front office will be closed on Sat. 8th, Sunday 9t and Monday 10ThAugust
MANRESA Jesuit Centre of Spirituality
September 2026 Retreat Offerings
· Individually Directed Retreat, Mon-Fri,7-11 Sep (4-day) / Tue-Thu, 15-24 Sep (8-day). A directed retreat offers time for personal prayer, silence, and reflection, with daily guidance from aspiritual director – a chance to deepen your relationship with God and discover His personal call to you.
· The Reign of God (Residential Retreat). Sun,27 Sep-Wed, 30 Sep. Facilitator: Fr Bernard Mc Guckian SJ. The concept of kingdom features frequently in both the Old and New Testaments. Come and find out its importance and how its meaning changed over the course of salvation history.
Formore information, check our website at www.manresa.ie or contact us at reception@manresa.ie / 01 5529 448.
POPE LEO XIV’s PRAYERINTENTION FOR JULY
For respect for human life
Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.