A Blessing

I bless the source of the happening

That brought awareness and form

To my existence.

That awoke aspect and relationship

In my being.

You are always

On the inside and out.

In the darkness and light.

Between the tension and ease.

In the knowing and the unknowing.

In my longing You guide me.

In my living You teach me.

In my loving You are revealed in me.

Between Minds

We are wiser than we know.

Intellect - not only in the head.

Brain - thoughtful, knowledgeable,

Through connection

Instructs our being and our doing.




Heart – creative, centred,

Embraces our concerns,

Fleshes our needs

And, when open, issues

The flame of love in our lives.




Gut – secret and responsive,

Seat of wisdom,

Grounds what the brain thinks

And the heart desires.




Three wise centres, conjunct,

Enrich our lives.

Listen to each,

They unify and complete.   

We Came To Visit Knock

We pitched our tent on the outskirts

And walked in the dark of night,

Stride for stride, hand in hand, well clad.

Like Sumos wrestling against the wind.

Warm in the laughter between us.

A trickle of light at dawn

Brought us hope

And closer to the holy place.




Entering the mystery

By the narrow gate.

Barely standing room at the sacred wall.

A stone hollowed by touch,

Inviting connection, motherly love.

White robes billow in the wind,

Humble Pope in silence prays.

He came to visit Knock




A gathering of people

Destined to be here,

Like others a century or more ago.

What miracles will manifest today?

What wounds laid bare to the lamb?

What joy found in communion?

What love hiding in discovery?

We came to see the Pope,

We came to visit Knock.

Floral Creations

A bunch of flowers

Waiting to be transformed.

Each one known, named and picked

Just for the occasion by you –

Sweet pea, Blue Veronica, Jasmine,

Snapdragon, Dalia, Baby’s Breath.

Fragrant blooms, cut with care,

Shaped and intertwined.

Carefully crafted by skilful hands.

Created to send their soft scent

And deliver their message of love,

Friendship, thanks or remembrance,

Always from the heart of the giver.

For Daniel (O’Leary)

Your being here,

The sharing of your life

Enriches us.

Inspired thoughts

Reflected by your words,

Resound and echo

In our hearts.

From here, let's trust.

Let spirit grow

And wisdom guide our way.

When I Die

When I die

I want to be

In the sights and sounds

Of a forest green.

There with a faithful friend

Who makes me smile!

Close upon my heels.

With purple heather in full bloom,

Air with the scent of pine

And thrush and blackbird singing sweet.

I want to be bathed

In the rays of a warm embrace.

Carried by the flow of love.

When I die,

I want to be home in the familiar –

The true centre of me.

I want to live

Within the beauty and goodness

My heart has sometimes known

And often ached for.

When I die,

I want to be with

The essence of all I have loved

Once embodied in this world

And long imprinted on my soul.

Training For Ministry

A light beckoned,

An invitation

Given free as gift.

Received with open

Heart and hands.




With space and time

To ponder and discern.

Together in faith

We engage and explore

Catechism of church,

Challenge of change

Events of past,

Possibilities for future.




Listening to the Word,

Sharing wisdom of life,

Gaining insight

And knowledge.

Seeking balance,

Preparing ground,

Making space

For Spirit to flow.