Polish community celebrate season of remembrance
Every year, in the run-up to All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day and the National Independence Day on 11th November, representatives of the November 11 Initiative visited the graves of Polish pilots at cemeteries in Newtownards, Kircubbin, Ballywalter, Ballycranbeg, Glenavy, Armagh and the Carnmoney Jewish Cemetery; as well as monuments to Polish pilots in Newtownards and Lisburn. The organisers encourage all compatriots to visit Polish graves and memorials on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
“From the graves of our soldiers, fallen in the fields of the world, Great Poland will rise.” – Prayer of the National Armed Forces.
Tributes pour in for veteran at 100
Friends in his parish and in the Wicklow Branch of the RBL Ireland celebrated the centenary of a very special member, John Headley.
John, a survivor of WW2 ‘Operation Harpoon’ to relieve beleaguered Malta in 1942, has been a stalwart contributor to his community and veterans. Sadly, due to L5 COVID restrictions John had to celebrate quietly at home with his son Nick and extended family via Zoom. Visits are prohibited so the Legion prepared a virtual “Tribute” with some very important well wishers.
Belfast Harbour’s Victorian heritage online
The Harbour Commissioner’s Office is one of the oldest buildings in Belfast, which might give you the spooks this time of year! Take a look at their visual guide filled with artefacts from Belfast Harbour’s Victorian heritage:
[ https://belfast-harbour.co.uk/documents/down ]
St. Canice’s Cathedral fundraiser for healthcare for former Dean
Sadly Very Rev Norman Lynas had a severe accident in Bermuda where he was ministering. He had to be taken to the USA for complicated medical treatment and care. He has been moved to a facility in Florida which is more accessible to his family circle.
A parish post from St Canice’s states – “Parishioners Fund Raiser in aid of constant care and rehabilitation for Norman Lynas following his debilitating accident in Bermuda. Many of us remember with fondness his time here with us from December 1991-2009, for his pastoral care or blowing a whistle on a rugby pitch in Kilkenny and beyond.
“Sponsorship cards are available to download on Newsletter page of St. Canice’s Cathedral website or at front desk in the Cathedral. All donations will be collected at the Cathedral and sent on to the fund for Norman. Hoping for great support from the community of Kilkenny. You don’t have to take part, if you just wish to donate. Thanks to all those who have already donated through the Lynas family page.
“The Cathedral is open on Saturdays and Sundays 10-4 closed for lunch 1-2.”
From the D Day Landings to VE Day – the role of NI in WW2
The Rural Community Network is hosting a talk on the American Troops in NI during WW2. The speaker is Mr David Martin. This will be held via zoom, Monday 9th November at 7pm.
The role Northern Ireland played in WW2 is quite often played down and rarely mentioned, but the words of Eisenhower when he was the 36th President of The USA tell us how important and vital a contribution this province made in WW2.
David Martin’s talk will also highlight the role of the American Troops in Northern Ireland when over 302,000 US Troops were stationed here and their contribution to the war effort. The talk will also focus on the D Day Landings and VE Day.
The talk will be accompanied by a Power point presentation with some short videos and photos of the time.
To register email [ teresa@ruralcommunitynetwork.org ] or ring 028 8676 6670.
This talk has been funded by the ABC Council Financial Assistance Programme
Well said
Pointers for Prayer
When rations were halved at refugee camps last November, people started returning to Kajo Keji. Now, due to the C-19 lockdown, Bishop Emmanuel reports that many are “crying out in starvation”. Pray for relief for those who don’t have enough food.
Today we pray for areas of the world affected by extreme weather. Thunderstorms and flash flooding are affecting eastern Australia after a surge in wildfires worldwide this year. We pray for safety for residents and action on the climate crisis from governments.
Please pray for Church Army key workers who are involved in distributing food and supplies; that they will have new opportunities to make connections with the people who visit.
Today we pray for children in west and central Africa. Unicef has warned that the closure of schools during the pandemic has led to millions being unable to access education, leaving children at risk of child marriage, early pregnancy and recruitment by local armed groups.
Homelessness – Today we give thanks for charities working to support rough sleepers and other homeless people during the pandemic. Homeless Sunday past stressed that a difficult winter lies ahead for those without a home or facing homelessness.
God in creation
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