The Oblates

08/06/2026

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today by Joe O'Connell, a member of the Friends of Saint Eugene in Crewe.
Good morning. I'm Joe O'Connell.Friends and I’m a Friend of Saint Eugene in Crewe.Our reading is taken from Matthew 5: 1 to 12. Jesus did three things on mountains;He fed the 5000, the Beatitudes were preached at today's reading and the crucifixion.Jesus said, who and if and light and how blessed we are if we're hungry for peace, if we mourn, if we believe in peacemaking. Saint Thomas Aquinas said “The Beatitudes are the perfect standard for the Christ life.”As we come to the end of today's prayer May your day, be full of peace and joy and love. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.Amen.

07/06/2026

Today the Oblate Parish Community in Our Lady Immaculate Parish Darndale-Belcamp celebrated a community day in the parish. Fr Leo thanked all the groups in the church. Some of the First Holy Communion and Confirmation children came to the celebration to celebrate the Crowning of Our Lady.

07/06/2026

07/06/2026

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today by Padraig Corcoran, a member of the Oblate Mission with Youth Team.
On this Feast of Corpus Christi, we celebrate the wonderful gift of the Eucharist—the Body and Blood of Christ. In today's Gospel, Jesus declares: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever."
These words remind us that the Eucharist is not simply a symbol or a remembrance. It is Jesus Himself, given to us as spiritual food for our journey of faith. In every Mass, Christ offers His Body and Blood so that we may share in His life, draw strength from His love, and be united more closely with Him and with one another.
The Eucharist is God's greatest gift of self-giving love. A book was published a number of years ago and it was titled “You Are What you Eat”. As we receive the Bread of Life, we are called to become what we receive—to be Christ's presence in the world through acts of kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and service.
Today, as we honour the Body and Blood of Christ, let us give thanks for this sacred gift that nourishes our souls and sustains us on our pilgrimage to eternal life.
May every Holy Communion draw us closer to You and help us become witnesses of Your love in the world. Amen.

06/06/2026

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today by Padraig Corcoran, a member of the Oblate Mission with Youth Team.
Jesus contrasts the behaviour of the scribes with that of a poor widow. The scribes seek honour, recognition, and places of importance, while the widow quietly places two small coins into the Temple, everything she has to live on.
To human eyes, her gift seems insignificant. Yet Jesus sees what others do not. He recognises the generosity, trust, and love behind her offering. While others gave from their abundance, she gave from her poverty, holding nothing back from God.
God measures not the size of our gift but the depth of our love. Whether it is our time, our talents, our resources, or our care for others, what matters is the generosity of heart with which we give.
The widow teaches us to trust God completely and to offer ourselves without counting the cost. In a world that often values status and appearances, Jesus points us instead to humility, sincerity, and selfless love.
Help us to trust in You and to offer our lives to You with humility, gratitude, and love. Amen.

05/06/2026

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today by Padraig Corcoran, a member of the Oblate Mission with Youth Team.
Jesus asks a question that challenges the crowd's understanding of the Messiah: "How can the scribes say that Christ is the son of David?" He then points to David's own words in Scripture, where David calls the Messiah "Lord."
Jesus is helping the people see that the Messiah is far greater than they imagined. He is not simply a human descendant of David or a political leader who will solve earthly problems. He is the Son of God, the Lord who comes to bring salvation to all people.
We are invited to reflect on who Jesus truly is in our lives. It is easy to see Him as a teacher, a guide, or someone we turn to in times of need. But Jesus asks us to recognise Him as Lord—the one who deserves our trust, our obedience, and our wholehearted faith.
The crowds listened to Him with delight because His words opened their minds and hearts to a deeper understanding of God. We too are called to listen attentively, allowing Christ to challenge our assumptions and draw us into a deeper relationship with Him.
Lord Jesus, help us to recognise You not only as our Saviour but as the Lord of our lives. May we listen to Your voice and follow You with faith and love each day. Amen.

04/06/2026

Read Fr Brian's Sunday Gospel Reflection for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. https://oblates.ie/gospel-reflection-sunday-7th-june-2026-the-most-holy-body-and-blood-of-christ/

04/06/2026

Good morning and welcome to the Oblate time of prayer and reflection today by Padraig Corcoran, a member of the Oblate Mission with Youth Team.
In today's Gospel, a scribe asks Jesus, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus answers by placing love at the very centre of faith: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength," and "You shall love your neighbour as yourself."
These commandments are inseparable. Our love for God is expressed in the way we treat others, and our care for others flows from our relationship with God. Jesus teaches us that faith is not simply about religious observance; it is about allowing God's love to shape every aspect of our lives.
The scribe recognizes the truth of Jesus' words, and Jesus tells him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." The Kingdom is not merely a future promise; it is already present whenever people choose love over selfishness, mercy over judgment, and service over self-interest.
Today, on this 4th day of June, we are invited to examine our hearts. Are we growing in love for God through prayer and trust? Are we showing love to our neighbours through kindness, patience, and compassion?
Lord, teach us to love You with our whole being and to love others as You love us. May our words and actions today bring us closer to Your Kingdom. Amen.

03/06/2026

Congratulations Fr Ilango!

Congratulations to Fr Ilango on passing his driving test! 🎉🚗

We give thanks to God for this achievement and for the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that made it possible.

May this new milestone be a blessing in your ministry, giving you even greater freedom to serve God's people wherever He calls you. We wish you many safe and happy journeys ahead.

Well done, Fr Ilango! May God continue to guide you every step of the way. 🙏

03/06/2026

Today, thousands of students across Ireland begin their examinations. We remember them, their families, teachers, and school communities in our prayers.

At this important time, we turn to St. Joseph of Cupertino, patron saint of students and those sitting examinations. His own journey was marked by difficulties in learning and study. He often struggled academically and faced many challenges, yet through perseverance, humility, and trust in God, he found his path and fulfilled his vocation.

His life offers an encouraging reminder that success is not measured solely by results, but also by courage, determination, and faith in the face of challenges.

May St. Joseph of Cupertino intercede for all students in the days and weeks ahead. May they be blessed with calm minds, confidence in their preparation, and peace throughout their examinations.

We wish every student the very best as they begin this important chapter.

St. Joseph of Cupertino, pray for us.