Mardyke House/Edmund Rice Centre Ceremony to honour Br. Matthew Feheney, Br.Stephen O’Gorman and Dr. F.J.Steele

The L.E.A.F. PROJECT was very privileged to host a very special ceremony here today to honour three legends of the Presentation Family. As we move on with living with Covid and safely re-open our Centre for L.E.A.F. and other ministries, we blessed the house and re-named our Conference Rooms in honour of Br. Matthew, Br. Stephen and Dr. Frank Steele.

Br. Simon Fernandes was MC for the day. Rev. Giacomo Gelardi MSC did the blessing (a friend of Simon’s. Giacomo is Italian but now a member of the Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, working as a deacon in the parish of Carrigaline).Simon and Giacomo led a beautiful Prayer Service. Br. Ray (Province Leader) warmly welcomed the guests and especially our three honorees.

As part of the prayer, Br. Bede, Br. Rupert and Br. Andrew led richly deserved tributes to Br. Matthew, Br. Stephen and Dr. Steele respectively, for their ministries in the Mardyke House over many years.

Following the Blessing Ceremony, all enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the ‘Br. Stephen O’Gorman Room’ of the Edmund Rice Centre. Br. Martin in very fulsome words of thanks(including some words in Italian!!) expressed gratitude to all who had helped to organise this very special event. After the singing of the Salve Regina in the Chapel, all retired to the ‘Br. Matthew Feheney Room’ where Br. Stephen, Br. Matthew and Frank & Mary Steele shared movingly of how the Lord had worked in their lives and the influence of Blessed Edmund Rice.

This was indeed a very special day in the Mardyke and an inspiration as we move on with a new chapter in the work of the L.E.A.F. PROJECT.

We could have filled the football field with the many people who would like to have been here to honour our three special guests, but in line with safety, we confined the invitation on this occasion to Community, staff, our honorees and their guests. However, we hope to see many more of you here in the coming months.

The Presentation Brothers are 100 years in the Mardyke House this year. This special day in our story here gives energy for a next chapter and a new future! Moladh go deo le Dia! Praise God for ever! May Mary of the Presentation guide our path!

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Br. Barry Noel (Vocations Director), has announced a new vocations initiative for the Presentation Brothers in Ireland. It was launched recently in the Mardyke House, Cork. Br. Joseph Mukasa, on a visit to Ireland for a Congregation Leadership Team meeting was present to offer encouragement and support. By our prayer and practical efforts let’s fully support Barry and Team in this initiative!

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See below recent presentation of cheque to Mercy Hospital Cancer Services to children and young people living with cancer. The presentation took place on Myrtleville Beach near Cork. Br. Simon represented the Presentation Family. Congratulations to all involved in a wonderful effort. Special thanks to all our generous sponsors and supporters!

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Every six years, a Religious Congregation holds an international meeting called a ‘Chapter’. The purpose of the meeting is to review the life and mission of the community, plan for the next six years and elect leadership. The Presentation Brothers Congregation Chapter has just been called for April 2023. It will take place in Rome and delegates will attend from the different countries where the Brothers are present. Please keep this meeting in your prayer. The Brothers appreciate your prayer and support.

This is the Christmas edition of the L.E.A.F PROJECT NEWSLETTER.

It’s packed full of good news stories of people, who through their lives and work, are offering hope in these challenging times!

You are welcome to share the Newsletter with family and friends. Spread the good news!

Wishing you and yours all the blessings of Christmas.

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