January 12, 2007
When John was told the friars were opening a house in Ireland, he was so elated you would have though he had won a prize. Yet, when he heard the new friary would be located in his native city of Limerick, he reacted as if he had won the jackpot! Although originally from the Emerald Isle, John now lives in America’s heartland where I recently met him assisting at a Youth 2000 retreat in Des Moines, Iowa. John left Limerick some years ago and settled in the States where he eventually married and raised a family. He keeps in close contact by frequent calls and an annual visit, and, like every person from Ireland, will tell you with a bit of sadness, “ Ireland has changed.”
The popular image of “the ‘ol sod,” the Catholic farm family, which was as large and devout as it was poor, is almost extinct. So too the extraordinary number of nursing sisters, teaching brothers, and youthful seminarians. The fact is, today many of the convents are quietly becoming retirement homes for the sisters, the brothers now more manage than teach in their schools, and many seminaries have closed since the number of those studying is very lean indeed. From what I have been told, the poor state of spiritual affairs is a bit better in the north where a lingering prejudice against Catholics acts as a sort of social and spiritual stimulus. Yet the fact remains, and today every Irishman will say the same thing, some with a smile and others with a frown: “’tis a different country, tings are verry different.”
Ireland has been dubbed the “Celtic Tiger” because the country has made some aggressive economic strides in under twenty years. I’ve been told this is due to Ireland’s agility and ability to spring into the computer industry together with its entrance into the European Union. Being a member of the E.U. has not only changed the face of Ireland economically, but also socially as Eastern Europeans, especially from Poland, are pouring into Ireland. Why contend with the long distance and legal hurdles of America when Ireland not only promises much less red tape, but also a lot of “green”—and I don’t mean clover!
As you might imagine, financial prosperity often brings both a blessing and a curse. Certain fundamental pillars of society, like family life and faith, are often negatively affected. Like a playground see-saw, wealth lifts one side up, yet brings the other side down very low. We are well aware that the weight of poverty can often bring down the quality of healthcare and education, but it can also raise up an appreciation of family, friends, and faith. The old saying, “the best things in life are free,” is true only for those who regard the value of immaterial possessions. Those who value life only by what can be worn and weighed have become infected by a socio-spiritual disease called “materialism.”
When we speak to the older Irish, they certainly remember the poverty of the past. Life was hard, the challenges were many and the frills few; yet they are also quick to add that in certain respects life was better. The pleasures of life were more natural and long-lasting and often centered around the family homestead and parish. Entertainment was unplugged and made possible only through the combined efforts of all who contributed their talents and imagination. When resources were slim, both ends readily met by both generosity and sharing. Recycling is nothing new to today’s seniors who remember the excitement of receiving “hand-me-downs” from older siblings or family members. Today their grandchildren are happy to recycle coke cans. But recycled clothing? Never!
In both Ireland and America certain people are asking a quiet question: “Where is everything going?” We are certainly living longer lives. But are they better lives? Both the American eagle and the Celtic Tiger are suffering from materialism, and both have a friend Who is a physician Who can bring them a cure. John is more than happy the friars are heading for his homeland because he knows the treasure we will bring is the same the sons of Saint Francis brought to these shores centuries ago. Pray friends, that John’s joy may not be in vain and we will do mighty things in His holy name. Ireland! In the name of Jesus—ARISE!!
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Most Blessed Sacrament Friary, Newark, New Jersey
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Dear Friends,
Fr. Glenn has requested that we temporarily discontinue the email account for "from the friars." Those wishing to contact the individual friars or sisters regarding the e-letters may write to them at their residence. A listing of friaries and convents can be found on our "contacts" page.
Thank you!
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