02 May 2020

Sunshine in pre-pandemic
carefree days in Valencia

Sunshine in January in Valencia … part of the three-page feature in the May 2020 edition of the ‘Church Review’ (Photographs: Patrick Comerford)

Patrick Comerford

Some weeks before the outbreak of Covid-19 or the Corona Virus pandemic, before Italy and Spain went into ‘lockdown’ and virtual isolation, I spent a few carefree days in Valencia, on the east coast of Spain.

I was conscious that week that back in Ireland there was snow, ice and freezing temperatures. But in Valencia, the oranges were ripening on the trees, the skies were blue, and the temperatures were in the high teens.

Little did I know, even in the weeks immediately after I returned, that Spain would go into lockdown, and that Ireland follow in quick succession.

Now, those carefree days seem a distant memory, overtaken by today’s sad circumstances. But I recall them in a three-page feature, illustrated with colourful photographs, in the current (May 2020) edition of the Church Review, the Dublin and Glendalough diocesan magazine edited by the Revd Nigel Waugh, Rector of Delgany.

But, more about Valencia and those carefree, pre-Covid 19 days tomorrow afternoon.

Praying in Easter with USPG:
21, Saturday 2 May 2020

‘Give thanks for CNI’s church leaders’ … Dr John Perumbalath, a theologian from the Church of North India and a former member of USPG Council, has been Bishop of Bradwell since 2018

Patrick Comerford

I am continuing to use the USPG Prayer Diary, Pray with the World Church, for my morning prayers and reflections throughout this Season of Easter. USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel) is the Anglican mission agency that partners churches and communities worldwide in God’s mission to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential, and champion justice. It was founded in 1701.

Throughout this week (26 to 2 May 2020), the USPG Prayer Diary is focussing on the Church of North India’s Year of Jubilee. This theme was introduced in the Prayer Diary on Sunday.

Saturday 2 May 2020:

Give thanks for CNI’s church leaders and pray that they might know God’s wisdom as they seek to encourage their congregations to live as true disciples.

The Readings: Acts 9: 31-42; Psalm 116: 10-15; John 6: 60-69.

The Collect of the Day (Easter III):

Almighty Father,
who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples
with the sight of the risen Lord:
Give us such knowledge of his presence with us,
that we may be strengthened
and sustained by his risen life
and serve you continually in righteousness and truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Yesterday’s reflection

Continued tomorrow