This March it was fantastic to be able to resume our Network Gatherings. These are informal, social events that gather together members of brother’s communities and network friends, many of whom are long-standing! After 2 years of no social contact, it has been very important to be able to meet together once more.
In the past we have enjoyed musical evenings, poetry workshops and cultural events but this time we enjoyed a new experience and new host; Mr Neil Hutchinson, a former St Joseph’s College teacher and network friend who delivered a fantastic evening of ‘Christian Magic.’ Neil has a show that he has designed around his interest in conjuring and links the tricks to various theological ideas. We all enjoyed it immensely and were even shown a trick or two to be able to learn ourselves although I for one have not mattered them yet! Neil’s skill made the magic tricks look easy and we were totally flummoxed and left open-mouthed by many of the amazing things he entertained us with. I think he is a mind reader. Thanks for leading this wonderful evening Neil and getting the Gatherings up and running again.
O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.