“…you are all sons of light and sons of the day: we do not belong to the night or to darkness. Never try to suppress the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5)
Between 3rd and 7th February 2025, the Provincial Assembly of the Mother of Divine Love Province was held in the important and historic house in Thurles, where the Pallottines were formed, both priests and brothers sent to the missions. In recent days, that house, which serves for various retreats and where the older priests can rest after years of apostolic work, also welcomed the various members, whether delegates or not, for days of work.
The Assembly was organised by Fr. Liam McClarey SAC and his council, and was led by Fr. Dan Baragry C.S.R., a Redemptorist priest. The members present came from the various delegatures and beyond, as elders were also able to participate with an active voice: communities from England, the United States, Italy, Argentina and Ireland itself were represented. The General Council was represented by Fr Daniel Rocchetti SAC and from the God of Infinite Love Region, which was already a delegature linked to the province, its superior, Fr John Onna SAC, was invited and participated.
The work was carried out and conducted in an atmosphere of great trust. Combining moments of prayer, exposition of the topics, and much conversation and sharing, each situation was well elaborated, thought through and reflected upon, to arrive at proposals that eventually became decrees and recommendations adopted by the entire provincial community.
We hope that this Provincial Assembly, for the coming years, will serve as a great apostolic stimulus to the community of Pallottine priests and brothers in the Irish Province.
Awake, my soul; awake, lyre and harp, I will awake the dawn. (Psalm 108)
Lord chose your children Alfredo, Pedro, Alfie, Salvador and Emilio from among the You men and women of our people, granting them the grace of sharing the same option for the Gospel. May we announce the message they proclaimed in the unity of their lives until their violent death, animated by that same spirit and with the strength of your love. We pray to you with a meek and humble heart that our Pallottine brothers may live in the light and peace that has no end. We seek repentance and conversion for those who cut short their lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord, source of all true peace. Amen.
“Let us not lose sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection…” (Hebrews 12)
“And my soul shall live for Him…” (Ps 22)
“It is good and pleasant for brothers to dwell in unity, because when they do so their association creates the assembly of the Church. The term “brothers” describes the bond of affection arising from their singleness of purpose.” (St. Hilary of Poitiers)
Prayer for Provincial Assembly
Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for this day and as we try to do your will, help us with your grace.
Grant us a clear vision of our sacred vocation.
Remove all anxiety from our hearts and help us to persevere in our call. Renew our love for our charism, given to us by St Vincent, to renew faith and rekindle love.
St Vincent said: As long as you are alive there is hope. You are still able to obtain everything, and I hope that you will obtain everything, and more than you desire. Pray, pray with confidence.
We pray for your Holy Spirit in these days, that we may recognise you in our brothers in community and know what to do for your Church in these times of challenges and of hope.
