Good Friday Retreat 2017

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The Good Friday Retreat has never lost its momentum. Although we die with increasing regularity sixty pastmen turn up every year, thanks in part to some undertaking their maiden voyage. One such this year was Stephen MacWhite, who writes:

I was really glad that I went on this wonderful adventure (first retreat since 6th year). Good to catch up with people I knew as well as people I had never met before. Great to bump into some of my brother's friends as well. Great to see the wonderful improvements and architectural changes to the college.

Most especially great to be involved in the retreat led by Fr Paul Lavelle.

Paddy Dore, who I had not seen for 45 years gave me a lift home!

Best Good Friday in a long time.

Fr Paul Lavelle, our leader on the day, had an amazing career in the slums and prisons of Dublin: ideally suited to all of us who only half know these exist. David Bell continues to be financial controller even though he is nearly 100 years old. There is never a penny to be accounted for – ever. The significant other leaders of the day are Des Healy and Tom McGauley, both teachers in the College. The musical period during the reconciliation service alone is extraordinary, it is worth spending the whole day just to be lulled by this peaceful hour. In addition Tom had the most theologically thought provoking period with video clips from John Moriarty and Richard Rohr.

The Vins are alive and well. Five of them participated in the day: Peter Slevin, Stan Brindley, Paschal Scallon, Fr Cornelius and Fr John Gallagher. Twenty-three pastmen participated in the liturgy throughout the day and Irene fed and watered the lot of us for the last time, she will be greatly missed.

Billy Gallagher