The sun is shining in Dublin and summer is here! Last Sunday we hosted parish tea and biscuits. The courtyard was filled with excitement as everyone chatted about the election of Pope Leo XIV. I remember when Pope Francis was elected, I was in 6th grade and my class watched the chimney livestream on the Smartboard all day! Three years later, Pope Francis visited Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families. My parents, sister and I stood along the Parkway as he passed on his way to mass. Fast forward nine years later, I was studying abroad in Rome, living just a few minutes from Vatican City and attended his audience where I had the opportunity to say hello and have my Rosaries blessed. I attended Easter Sunday mass in St. Peter’s Square that year as well. Pope Francis was the Pope of my childhood and a strong model of service and faith. I will always remember the kindness and generosity he showed to others and use this as a model of service for the remainder of my time in House of Brigid and beyond. There are so many exciting things happening around NDNC over the next few weeks. Rehearsals are in full swing for the annual Heart Speaks to Heart summer concert and I am so excited to share that the Loreto College Junior School choir is going to sing a few of their own pieces at the concert as well! The students are working hard and are really excited for the performance. Working with Loreto has been such a fulfilling aspect of my two years here in Dublin. It is so special to have the choir sing in the concert and a fantastic experience for the students to sing with Vocare. Time is moving so fast but I am making an extra effort to slow down and enjoy the next few weeks at NDNC.
