The first Mass will be in Séipeal Réalt na Mara, na Forbacha next Tuesday at 10 a.m. The second Mass will be in the Church of Mary Immaculate Queen,Barna next Thursday at 10 a.m.

Within the Christian context we are first of all asked to focus on the Season of Advent. The Advent wreath symbolically reminds us that this season is a type of doorway inviting us to embark on a journey stretching over four weeks.

Having a dignified funeral and burial for departed members of any community is a natural and precious means of honouring the life of the person and sharing in the grief of the stricken family.

As we honour the memory of Fr. Michael Joseph Griffin this week, let us be mindful of the precious gift of Life, and cherish our Freedom. May his star continue to shine on us across Galway Bay from his heavenly abode.

We come to the end of a series of special liturgical celebrations extending back to Palm Sunday.