Unique as the Irish

I came across an interesting site today while I was browsing other things on the internet. I thought I would share it with whoever still reads this ole thing (I keep trying to get back into the habit of writing down things in here, but tis so difficult, despite being such an essentially simple thing to do). In Co. Cork, Ireland, a reforestation effort has been launched with a unique twist. Ireland is one of the least forested of all European countries, so to help with the costs of planting a bit of Ireland back to forest, a group of people in Ireland have launched a memorial program that honors a deceased loved one with a tree and a plaque planted in this forest of remembrance.

I think that it is something very interesting and unique, and sounds like a great thing to do, especially for us Irish-Americans, who would otherwise not leave any mark on the old country. If you want to check it out, I have provided a link...it's pretty cool and worth checking out!!!

Advent is Coming

Found this on Youtube.com today...and just wanted to post something for the sake of posting something, as I have not posted anything in FOREVER!

The beginning is a little boring, but once the song begins it is lovely. The Choir is from the University of Notre Dame.

OH dear...

Let's just say that I have writer's block...that or just a lack of things to say (which is so not me...so it must be a lack of things to type).

I Bind My Heart This Tide

While browsing on Youtube.com I came across this video...I found it very moving and inspiring and thought I would pass along this treasure to you. Love the sound of this all men's choral group!

So..When is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day, as most everybody knows, is March 17th. This year, however, that date is smack dab in the middle of Holy Week. Since Holy Week takes precidence over all other feast days in the Liturgical Calendar, St. Patrick's Day (as well as St. Joseph's Day) needed to be moved to a time outside of Holy Week. So this year, St. Patrick's day as been moved to March 14th, or the Friday before Holy Week. All the usual dispensations in heavily Irish dioceses have been removed as regards abstaining and fasting on Fridays during Lent.

Now...the question is, when will you be celebrating St. Patrick's Day this year? Most secular festivities honoring the beloved Saint's feast are going on as usual on March 17th, and the Church reiterates that only the liturgical observence of the feast has been moved. But that begs the question when will I be celebrating? I have more than half a mind to celebrate both days (why not?) but the remaining percent makes me think that I should observe March 14th in a prayful spirit of Thanksgiving in honor of the Saint that brought the light of Christ to my ancestors, and avoid the usual trappings and brohaha of the day, saving that for March 17th...so I don't know...I think it will some mixture of my better feelings and my love of a good craic!

Anyway...just so you are all aware of the effects of an early Easter, and food for thought! Oh and here is an aticle from the Ireland.com talking about the change of date.

Dia dhuit!