Ss. Peter & Paul's Parish Athlone

07/09/2026

05/09/2026

Newsletter September 6th 2026

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Speaking the Truth in Love

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to scroll past someone’s mistake, or bite your tongue to avoid an awkward conversation, than it is to lovingly correct a brother or sister?

· In this Sunday’s readings, God challenges us to step out of our comfort zones. He reminds us that true Christian community isn’t built on passive silence or avoiding conflict; it is built on active, courageous, and tender love.

· In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel is given a stark warning: if he fails to speak up and warn the wicked, he shares in their fate. While this sounds heavy, it speaks to our fundamental interconnectedness. We are our keeper’s keeper. Fast forward to the Gospel, and Jesus gives us a masterclass in conflict resolution. He doesn’t suggest gossip, public shaming, or cutting people off. Instead, He outlines a path of dignity: go to the person privately. Speak the truth face-to-face.

· Why? Because the goal of Christian correction is never to win an argument; it is to win back a soul.

· St. Paul ties this all together in our second reading with his famous reminder: “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another.” Love, Paul tells us, is the fulfilment of the law. But true love isn’t just a warm feeling—it is a commitment to the ultimate well-being of the other person. Sometimes, loving someone means having the hard conversation. It means risking temporary discomfort for the sake of eternal reconciliation.

This week, let us ask the Holy Spirit for two things: the courage to speak up when we need to correct with love, and the humility to listen when others offer us correction. After all, wherever two or three are gathered—whether in harmony or in the messy process of healing—Christ is right there in the midst of us.

https://sspeterandpaulsparishathlone.com/newsletter-september-6th-2026-23rd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/

03/09/2026

More Disruption on The Market Square: Lack of Council Communication

Frustration is once again on the agenda in the heart of town as local businesses, residents and churchgoers face yet another wave of unannounced disruption on The Market Square.

Unanounced Roadworks outside the gates of Ss. Peter and Paul’s Church, highlight a glaring lack of communication and correspondence from Westmeath County Council.

In the absence of official updates, we are left relying on social media to learn about significant obstructions that will directly impact daily life, local traffic, and solemn community traditions.

While acknowledging that the junction could benefit from improvements, I am baffled by the council's plans to reduce the area to a single lane.

Current traffic conditions already see vehicles heavily backed up past the front of the church, with the existing two-lane setup providing a vital escape route down Elliott Road.

I believe the proposed changes will only exacerbate town-centre congestion, amplifying travel frustration for everyone who lives, works, and commutes through the area.

Beyond traffic bottlenecks, the redesign brings deeply concerning practical and emotional implications.

Most notably, the current plans completely eliminate the only suitable parking point for a hearse arriving at or departing from Ss. Peter and Paul’s Church for funerals—an oversight that demonstrates a concerning disconnect from the community’s most sensitive needs.

This adds to ongoing grievances regarding the Market Square, where half the space has already been co-opted for workers' vans during castle renovations, leaving the cordoned-off area sitting empty and unused during nights and weekends.

I wish to clarify that this is not an argument against progress, beautification, or town development. Rather, it is a passionate plea to Westmeath County Council planners for basic courtesy: meaningful dialogue, proper advance notice, and fundamental respect for the people who must navigate, live, and work in the town every single day.

Fr. John Deignan PP
Ss. Peter and Paul's Parish.

02/09/2026

Well that's a wrap for the 2026 Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Flying shortly.

Huge gratitude to the helpers, carers leaders and youth for their huge generosity of time, gifts and spirit.

Over the past few days we have experienced unity, fellowship and friendship in a spirit of shared faith and practice.

We have carried in our hearts and our prayers the needs of all we had left at home.

May the humble openess of Bernadette and the Maternal care of Our Lady guide us all in our lives.

St. Bernadette pray for us.

Our Lady of Lourdes pray for us.

01/09/2026

This evening we had our closing ceremony for the 2026 pilgrimage.
In the ceremony we blessed the hands of the helpers and blessed and lit the Pilgrimage Candle, which will continue to burn after we arrive home tomorrow.

01/09/2026

The tradition of a party in the hospital during the pilgrimage continued this year. Attached a short video taken by Bishop Kevin

01/09/2026

At 8.30am, 7.30am Ireland
We celebrate Mass at the Grotto of Lourdes.

The mass will be live-streamed.

Google Lourdes grotto live camera.

31/08/2026

Just in from the Blessed Sacrament Procession.
Such a beautiful and spiritual experience, the crowd was about 10,000 people, young and old.

Sorry no photos,