Life

Sermon notes

The Novena at Galway Cathedral.
The Novena at Galway Cathedral. The Novena at Galway Cathedral.

GALWAY NOVENA: More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the Galway Solemn Novena, which began on Monday and runs until February 23.

The novena this year is asking What's the Point? through its theme Stories of God, Stories of You.

Ireland is a nation of storytellers and the loves nothing more than a good tale, so this year the novena is centred around stories, focusing on nine specific parables told by Jesus in the bible, which are simply stories with a point.

The mindful messages in these parables range from the importance of people's relationship with God, living in the moment, being present, gratitude, kindness, second chances, fresh starts, new beginnings, how greed can creep into all of our lives and how we can find grace to offer positive and fulfilling life gifts to others and ourselves.

This year's novena is unusual in that it takes place during Lent and it is hoped people will make it part of their Lenten observance.

For more information, follow Galway Cathedral on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.galwaycathedral.ie.

PRINCE MEETS FAITH LEADERS: The Prince of Wales has held discussions with faith leaders and celebrated the work of a suburban church promoting community unity.

Charles joined a group of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians for talks before meeting some of the congregation from St John's Church in Southall, west London.

The Reverend Mark Poulson, who was the vicar at St John's for 12 years until his wife the Rev Anna Poulson took over the parish, chaired the private meeting at the place of worship.

Mr Poulson, who is now the Archbishop of Canterbury's adviser for inter-religious affairs, said afterwards: "They talked about their own experiences, their own backgrounds and encouraged him (Charles) and thanked him for contributing to the debate."

He said the faith leaders, who met regularly as the Southall Faiths Forum, had their differences which they discussed but worked for the "common good".

During the visit Charles chatted to local residents involved in community projects supported or run by St John's including a group of women from countries as diverse as Poland and Afghanistan, learning English through a "craft and conversation" project.