From Fr. John:

This week I read in my newspaper that "Heinz" are making the original tomato soup that was originally marketed in 1910. They have put the 1910 wrapper on the can which is very similar to the ones in recent years. It just goes to show that a good product stands the test of time.

I've just returned from Ireland where I've had work done on the old home stead. I did manage a walk everyday on the beach which is only a few minutes away. The weather was wonderful for Ireland, only one wet day in August in the sunny South East. It made a change from last year.

Apart from doing a Baptism for my nephew near Tullamore, I had only a fleeting contact with the local clergy and church. It goes without saying that the church in Ireland is going through difficult times. Mass attendances have dropped dramatically, not only among the young but older people as well which is disturbing. The clergy, and there are so many good and faithful servants among them, are demoralised. It would be nice if they could alter the packaging and start again from scratch but that isn't possible. They must start believing in themselves and recognise the church is the best product there is. We won't need to change the label but we must get back to the basic ingredients. After all the church has been in existence since its foundation by Christ and it has stood the test of time. And it is here to stay.

I hope you had a good break whether it was home or abroad.