May 16, the feast of St Brendan, will fall on a Sunday this year. It will not be possible for parishes and groups to celebrate the feast by gathering in large numbers. However. there is a particular way in which all in the diocese can mark the feast and it is suggested that parishes, schools, clubs, businesses and households put out a flag during that weekend; from the evening of Friday May 14 to the morning of Monday May 17.
As the freedoms we have in our lives increase, the flags can be a mark of our gratitude to those who worked in front-line, emergency and essential services in the difficult early months of this year and also an expression of thanks to those who are currently administering the vaccines to us all.
While many may wish to put up a religious or Papal flag or emblem outside their home, a county, parish or any similar flag is perfectly sufficient. As we continue to limit our contacts, we do not need to go shopping for a flag, we can just fly one which we may already have available in our homes.
Like Saint Brendan how can I look beyond my horizons ? Be adventurous of spirit – begin an inward faith journey through prayer, reading and reflection. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and courage when setting new goals
Do the Stations of the Cross en route to Mount Brandon
Stand at the statue in Fenit and look out to sea – pray the courage and faith of this man as he set off out into the unknown
Visit one of the churches in the diocese named for our patron saint
-
- Carraig Church, Paroiste an Fheirtearaigh
- Our Lady and St Brendan’ s Church, Tralee
- St Brendan’s Church, Ardfert
- St Brendan’s Church, Cloghane
- St Brendan’s Church, Clogher, Ballymacelligott
- Brendan’s Church, Curraheen
- St Brendan’s Church, Tralee
Brendan was a navigator – look forward to the months ahead, now you can travel again. Remember St. Brendan’s travels as you travel yourself.
Prayer of St. Brendan the Navigator
‘Help me to journey beyond the familiar
and into the unknown.
Give me the faith to leave old ways
and break fresh ground with You.
Christ of the mysteries, I trust You
to be stronger than each storm within me.
I will trust in the darkness and know
that my times, even now, are in Your hand.
Tune my spirit to the music of heaven,
and somehow, make my obedience count for You.’