Charles de Gaulle was President of France.He had a daughter,Anne,who was born with intellectual disability.She lived twenty years.The day of her funeral,at the graveside,Charles spoke softly to his wife.He said ‘Don’t weep for Anne,dear.Now she is like any other little child.Dubliner,Luke Kelly,in his heart riven voice sings ...’’Scorn not her/his simplicity,but try to love..all the more’’.The song captures similar moments oflife.Our weaknesses,our wounds,are transformed in Gods Plan of love,through Jesus Christ .This is a joyful Mystery of Truth,beyond our minds to unravel.Yet,there are hints.A simple flower petal,if asked to tell its story,might say ...Well I am part earth,part cloud,part sunshine,part wind,part dark,but now I am transformed.Life is changed but not ended.Mass is a powerful healer,that puts us ‘in touch’with our dear departed.They are absent,but somehow present to us .They are leaning over the banisters of Heaven encouraging us.Somehow ,I think that we add to their joy ,when we try to do the good that they have shown us.My doctor is always in good humour.I asked him ...Whats the secret.He said ‘Its my father ...his shadow.

Liam Hickey, St.Ciarans, Hartstown, Dublin 15.