Life can be a funny business.
One minute you're one thing and the next you’re something else. And is it just me, or is time simply flying by?
I feel like it was only yesterday that I was expecting Abbie and yet, here we are, 10 months on. Where is the time going?
If I were to sit down and think about it too much, I would probably end up quite stressed and when I get like that, there’s only one place that can bring me peace – Clonard Monastery.
You will all be familiar with Clonard in west Belfast, primarily because of its yearly Novena in Honour of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Taking place every June, it draws tens of thousands of visitors over its nine days and is always a wonderful experience.
That said, every October, there is another exceptional event, which granted doesn’t draw as many faithful, but is equally as special.
The Novena in Honour of St Gerard Majella also takes place over nine days at Clonard.
Now, if you’re not familiar with St Gerard you probably don’t know that he is primarily known as the patron saint of expectant mothers, those praying for parenthood and also of babies and small children.
Born in the small Italian town of Muro in 1726, he joined the Redemptorists at the age of 23.
He was soon renowned for having outstanding powers of help and healing and as a result of miracles performed, became known primarily as the patron saint of expectant mothers.
His time with the Redemptorists was cut short, however, when he died of tuberculosis in 1755. He was canonised in December 1904 by Pope Pius X.
Since his death, it is said there has been a continuous flow of extraordinary favours granted by St Gerard to women both longing for a child and already expecting.
This time last year, myself and my husband Darren were taking part in this special Novena as we were expecting Abbie.
But to be honest, for as long as I can remember I have been visiting St Gerard’s beautiful shrine in Clonard to say a prayer and light a candle.
You see, I have great belief in St Gerard and for some reason, I find visiting him and talking to him and praying to him calms me.
I kept his prayer close throughout my pregnancy and even when I went in to have Abbie, Darren held the prayer for me. I know it gave me peace of mind.
Months later, when Abbie was ready to be transferred into her own room at home, and into her big cot, my mum - after a long search - found and bought us a beautiful photo of St Gerard, which hangs on the wall.
Now, a year on, I’m delighted that I once again got to take part in St Gerard’s Novena this week, with Darren and also Abbie.
Of course, we didn’t get to do the full nine days – with Abbie it would be difficult – but we did get in a few sessions and of course, got to the Blessing of the Babies event.
It was so lovely and Abbie even got her own St Gerard Majella medal - her second so far.
I can’t believe so much time has passed so quickly. There she was, taking it all in and having a good look around St Gerard's altar.
So, now, that's it over for another year. If you were also there, I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Here's looking forward to another year of favours from St Gerard. Who knows what little blessings he will send our way.
Competition: free bus travel up for grabs
How would you like to travel on the bus - for free?
Translink’s Belfast bus service Metro has teamed up with Decathlon to offer two Irish News readers the chance to win complimentary bus travel and a pair of Kalenji trainers, perfect for injecting activity into your daily travel routine.
Going by Metro is the smart move for several reasons.
Not only do you save on the costs and stress of taking the car into the city but your heart gets pumping as you walk to and from the bus stop in the fresh air, which is good news for your fitness levels and overall wellbeing.
And, remember, if you’re heading into Belfast tomorrow, don’t forget to make the most of the last day of Metro Saturdays - when day travel throughout Belfast costs just £2 with a Daylink card or £2.50 cash fare from the driver.
For information on Metro’s routes, fares and ticket options, visit http://www.translink.co.uk/Metro
Remember, Be a smart mover and win with Metro.
I have two `one week' Metro Travel Cards for unlimited travel on Metro, plus two pairs of Kalenji trainers to give away to two lucky readers.
If you fancy winning, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, October 20 at 12 Noon.
(Q) How many days are in October?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply.
The winners of the Dromona competition are Sandra Hutton, from Bangor; John Sharvin, from Ballynahinch; and Bobby McCambridge, from Belfast
What’s Hot and What's Not?
Hot
Team Daniel – I’m Team Daniel all the way on Strictly. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the Irish crooner sparkles his way to the final.
Talent - Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody will be performing a solo acoustic gig at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on December 22. Tickets go on sale today from the Waterfront and Ticketmaster.
Spooky Fun – Check out the Ghosts and Gourds event this Saturday and Sunday at National Trust property, Rowallane Garden in Saintfield. Families can enjoy a ghost trail, spooky stories, sinister characters, face painting and pumpkin carving.
So Not!
Not impressed – Ok, I gave her a chance but I have to say I am not impressed by Rita Ora on The X-Factor. She’s not very personable.
Disgusting – One of America’s sexiest women, Hunger Games actress, Jennifer Lawrence has revealed she doesn’t wash her hands after she uses the bathroom.
Delay - If you or your little one has been looking forward to seeing Toy Story 4, you'll be disappointed to learn that the release date has been delayed and it will now not hit cinemas until 2018.
Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Spicy Root & Lentil Casserole
You will need:
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion
2 crushed garlic cloves
800g peeled potatoes cut into chunks
4 sliced carrots
2 sliced parsnips
2 tbsp curry paste
1 litre vegetable stock
100g red lentils
To Make:
Pour the vegetable into a pan and cook onion and garlic until softened.
Add potatoes, carrots and parsnips and cook until golden brown.
Add curry paste and stock and bring to boil.
Reduce heat, add lentils and cook for 20 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender and sauce has thickened.
Serve with naan bread.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to m.mcconville@irishnews.com
