Christ Has No Body
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,
Yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
compassion on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours. (St Teresa of Avila – 1515-1582)
These words highlight clearly what I have experienced being a parishioner of St Eugene’s Cathedral Parish life. My name is Gráinne Nugent and I am the Co-ordinator of the Ministry of the Word in St. Eugene’s Cathedral. The Readers are totally committed to serving others through their Ministry. They are always available for every Mass, The Rosary, Divine Mercy and Night Prayers. Their enthusiasm is exceptional.
During lockdown the hard work of Bishop Donal, Fr Paul and Fr Patrick was exemplary. They kept the fire of faith going under stressful conditions. Their hope made us see light in the very dark tunnel of life during that time. The spiritual light of Fr Paddy McIntyre and Fr Tom Burke who sadly we lost last year is always remembered. Their faith, dedication and piety has impacted on all our lives. May they rest in peace.
The work of the present team Bishop Donal, Fr Paul, Fr Roni, Fr Colum and Fr Frank, since the return of our full congregation has helped people bond together again. They have all worked tirelessly to bring the message of Christ’s love. Thank you.
A big thank you also to everyone involved in the life of Saint Eugene’s Parish, the Music Ministry, the Sacristan Volunteers, the Lay Ministers, Flower Arrangers, Church Cleaners and Gardeners, the Catechetical Centre, Envelope Collectors, Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the Parochial/Bishop’s House Team. Each and everyone of you are making a big contribution to the life of our parish.
The 150th Anniversary Parish Mass was a wonderful experience where everyone got together as a family and were reunited in the loving arms of Christ. There was immense joy in seeing people who we hadn’t encountered over the last few years. Everyone there commented on how we had become a true community again and there was great happiness at a return to the Saint Eugene’s Cathedral family.
The Saint Thérèse Novena also drew people together from different parishes and all were welcomed there. The life experiences that the speakers brought and their fulfilment of Christ’s words made us realise how lucky we are to be a member of such a vibrant, loving, caring Church. The focus of each speaker was centred on loving one another and showing Christianity in action. There was a great enthusiasm for this Novena which attracted all ages and enhanced everyone’s faith and commitment. And a special “Thank You” to the congregation at Saint Eugene’s, who are generous, supportive, kind and a true example of the love of Christ.