Life

Sermon Notes

Martina Pudy's joy in her faith "is truly infectious".
Martina Pudy's joy in her faith "is truly infectious". Martina Pudy's joy in her faith "is truly infectious".

LENTEN FOCUS WEEK: People whose lives have been touched miraculously by God are to share their stories during a seven day Lenten focus.

The Lenten Focus Week, hosted by St Mary's Parish in Bellaghy, will hear from speakers including John McAreavey, Sr Martina Purdy and Baroness Nuala O'Loan.

Masses will be celebrated each morning at 6:30am and 9:30am. Each evening at 7:30pm, following a period of prayerful reflection, an invited guest speaker will share their faith journey with the congregation.

Among the main speakers is Mary Murphy, a volunteer at Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre, who spoke highly of those who will speak after her during the week-long event.

"John is a young man who has experienced horrific tragedy. His Catholic faith is central to his life and has been central to his healing. Martina's joy in her faith is truly infectious," she said.

"In this year of mercy, we are invited to look into the eyes of our compassionate God and know that his his mercy will always take precedence over his judgement. With that knowledge informing us, let us open ourselves to the gifts of Lent."

The events begin on March 5 and run until March 11.

DEAR POPE FRANCIS: Archbishop Eamon Martin has this week been presented with a copy of the highly anticipated publication, Dear Pope Francis.

The book is an anthology of letters from children seeking answers from Pope Francis. Often children's questions on faith and the world can be overlooked but in return for their wonderfully individual and illustrated letters Pope Francis responded to each of the children with inspiring and meaningful answers.

Dear Pope Francis shows the Pope's profound love and respect for children by making time to listen, to see, and to respond from his heart.

It is the brainchild of Fr Antonio Spadaro, a priest and editor of the Italian Jesuit journal Civilta Cattolica.

"Some are fun. Some are serious. And some will quietly break your heart. But all of them are from children who deserve to know and feel God s unconditional love."