Third Sunday of Easter
We see the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, walking away from Jerusalem and the place of their pain.
In the face of their crushing disappointments, their words to the stranger they met, ‘We had hoped…’ express how their hopes had been dashed by the crucifixion. They are downcast and devastated and we can all identify with times when we have experienced overwhelming disappointments. In this bleak scenario, they do not recognise Jesus and that he is walking with them. However he invites them to articulate what is burdening them. He does not bypass the pain they are experiencing but listens as they share it. As they open up and share with him, they begin a journey and an encounter that ultimately brings healing and true hope. As our former bishop Martin Drennan wrote: ‘The impact is very noticeable in how the disciples allow the past to bless them. Their ‘hopes’ had been crucified by being brought in under the shadow of the Cross and they are now reshaped in the light of new wisdom. Their illusions yielded to reality and hope that was authentic emerged. Forgiving themselves for their blindness to God’s ways and their unrealistic expectations of him became reality. Jesus has turned their wounds into wisdom. When a story ends in reconciliation and peace then it can be told with joy. Re-energised by their meeting with the risen Lord, renewed by his word and by the bread of life, the joy-filled disciples returned to Jerusalem as convinced and convincing witnesses.’ (From ‘Turning wounds into wisdom’). Poor Clares, Galway
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Anniversaries This Weekend 19th April 2026
Borris-in-Ossory Sunday Mass 11.00 a.m.
Sean Egan,
Tom Bergin,
Mary Grant Bergin, Rathdowney formerly Skeirke,
Patrick and Alice Phelan,
Seamus Walsh and the deceased members of the Walsh Family
Anniversaries Next Weekend 26th April 2026
Borris-in-Ossory Sunday Mass 11.00 a.m.
Annie Thompson,
Rody Campion,
Micheál Dooley,
Catherine and Joseph Doheny
Months Mind Mass
Borris-in-Ossory Sunday Mass 11.00 a.m.
Marion Dooley
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Easter Offerings
Many thanks for your Easter Offering envelopes – If you forgot to send it in please do so during the week or bring it to Mass next weekend.
A gentle reminder for those of you who have not returned your CHY Certificates (eligible tax) please do so as soon as possible.
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Good Shepherd Sunday - Vocations Sunday –
Sunday, 26th April 2026
Bishop Phonsie Cullinan, Chair of the Council for Vocations, will celebrate Mass in St. Canice’s Catholic Church, Dean Street, Kilkenny, on Vocations Sunday, April 26th, at 11.00 am.
The Mass will be broadcast live on RTÉ One and streamed online.
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Cathedral Draw
APRIL St Mary’s Cathedral Draw will take place on WEDNESDAY 29th APRIL. Promoters please bring your money and cards to the Sacristy on FRIDAY 24th April.
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Eucharistic Ministers Next Weekend 26th April
Borris-in-Ossory SUNDAY 11.00 a.m.
Sr. Regina,
Mary Sheeran,
Margaret Breen,
Margaret Bourke
Knockaroo SUNDAY 9.30 a.m.
Geraldine Kealy and Ann Coss
Church Readers Next Weekend 26th April
Borris-in-Ossory SUNDAY 11.00 a.m.
First Communion Mass
Knockaroo SUNDAY 9.30 a.m.
Marie Fitzpatrick
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Thought for the Day
Jesus’ encounter with the two disciples of Emmaus is a fleeting one. But the entire destiny of the Church is contained within it. It tells us that the Christian community is not enclosed within a fortified citadel, but rather journeys along its most essential environment, which is the road. And there, it encounters people with their hopes and disappointments, burdensome at times. The Church listens to everyone’s stories as they emerge from the treasure chest of personal conscience, in order to then offer the Word of Life, the witness of love, a love that is faithful until the end. And thus, the hearts of people reignite with hope. Pope Francis 2017
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