OraEtLabora
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A hymn for St Benedict’s Day — “In valleys where the soft rains fall” (86 86 86)
A new hymn for St Benedict’s Day and a reflection on writing: A Quiet Rule for the Road. Continue reading
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A hymn giving thanks for the Mothers Union — “O God who gathers us in love” (CM)
Celebrating 150 years of Mothers’ Union worldwide. A Mothering Sunday hymn of thanksgiving for faithful service, for Ireland’s witness, and for my own mother — and mothers everywhere. Continue reading
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Rule. Dawn. Praise.
This hymn and stained-glass image are inspired by Chapter 13 of the Rule of Our Holy Father Saint Benedict, in which he sets forth the reverent ordering of the Divine Office at Lauds on ordinary days. Rooted in the rhythm of psalmody, canticle, Gospel praise, and litany, the work reflects Saint Benedict’s vision of a… Continue reading
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River. Forest. Abbey.
The River Bann has long been a place of refuge for me. As a Venture Scout, I learned its rhythms from the seat of a canoe—the quiet pull of the current, the soft slap of water against the hull, the sense that the river always knew where it was going. I found the same calm… Continue reading
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Trust. Table. Calm.
A hymn of fear met with trust, bread shared in fellowship, and storms stilled by Christ. Continue reading
AnglicanTradition, Autism, AutisticFaith, Benedictine, BenedictineSpirituality, bible, Christianity, ChronicIllness, ChronicIllnessCommunity, ChurchOfIreland, ContemplativePrayer, Dialysis, DialysisLife, DialysisSpirituality, Faith, god, health, Hymnody, IrishSpirituality, jesus, life, LiturgicalLife, LiturgicalReflection, LiveWithADisability, ModernMonasticism, NeurodivergentFaith, NeuroDivine, NewSong, OraEtLabora, Prayer, QuietCourage, QuietMoments, ResillienceInIllness, Routine, RuleOfLife, RuleOfStBenedict, SacredRoutine, SacredSpaces, ScriptureAndStillness, SmallMercies, Spirituality, SpiritualJourney -
Seeds. Scars. Solidarity.
In the grain of wheat, in the dialysis chair, in the scars of memory — prayer becomes fruit. Continue reading
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Joy. Reverence. Presence.
On St Malachy’s Day, three scriptures whisper a quiet call: walk with joy, speak with reverence, feed with love. A reflection shaped by silence, rhythm, and the sacred art of tending souls. Continue reading
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Rain. Silence. Mercy.
When silence becomes praise and mercy meets the rain-soaked soil, even the overlooked find their place in the liturgy of being seen. This week’s reflection honours the quiet dignity of showing up—without performance, without apology. Continue reading
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Carried—Blessings for Those Who Hold and Are Held
In clinical spaces, care often moves quietly—through gestures, glances, and the steady presence of those who stay. Carried is a page of blessings and thanksgivings written for nurses, patients, chaplains, carers, and companions. It honours the unseen labour of tending, the grace of being tended to, and the sacred rhythm of mutual care. Whether offered… Continue reading
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Worship. Not Warfare.
Militarised Christianity undermines democracy. True discipleship forms citizens through worship, conscience and compassion—not drills, ranks or recruitment. The Church serves best without an army. Continue reading
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Heritage, Worship, and Shelter
Celebrating Celtic sites and launching a €1 brick appeal for Habitat Malawi—small gifts turning heritage into homes and hope. Continue reading
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Pilgrim, Platform, Synod
Early morning journey to diocesan synod—three trains, one tram, no agenda, but full heart. Autistic voice present in Church democracy. Continue reading
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The Dawn of Grace: Celebrating Mary’s Hidden Glory
The birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary marks the quiet unfolding of God’s plan—hidden, humble, and holy. In the Benedictine tradition, her nativity invites us to reflect on the sacredness of obscurity, the grace found in silence, and the glory that springs from lowliness. As we chant the Magnificat and ponder her hidden beginnings, we… Continue reading
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Oengus Mac Nisse: Bearing the Gospel and the Burden of Leadership
In the quiet hills of Antrim, where the wind whispers through ancient stone and story, we remember Oengus Mac Nisse—also known as Macanisius—the first bishop of Connor, whose life and legacy continue to echo through the Diocese of Connor and beyond. Born into the early Christian landscape of Dalriada, Oengus is thought to have lived… Continue reading
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Seven Whole Days: A Benedictine Reflection on Belfast’s Closed Churches
Belfast’s locked churches betray our Benedictine call to daily prayer. Worship isn’t just for Sundays—seven whole days we praise Thee. Open doors invite grace, rhythm, and a living Christian witness. Continue reading
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A Prayer in the Dialysis Chair, in the Spirit of St Benedict
In the quiet rhythm of treatment, I offer each breath as prayer, trusting that even this routine can be transformed into grace. Continue reading
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Shared Themes: Time, Discipline, and Sacred Routine
Whether shaped by dialysis, autism, or the Rule of St Benedict, life can become a tapestry of structured time, intentional living, and deep discipline. Continue reading
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