In the last week, we’ve been able to enjoy many aspects of Irish culture (and I don’t just mean listening to Nick practice the whistle). Nicole didn’t mention that she and her brother Adam came to Irish dance class with me last week when we returned from the Mournes. It has long been a joke, running back to last year, that when I leave for dance class on Tuesday nights, I call, “Anybody want to come to dance class with me? It’ll be fun!” And the reply comes back, from various rooms, “Um… maybe next week!” So, you can imagine how excited I was that Nicole and Adam came with me! On this particular night, a lot of people were there, so they got to learn the first few steps in a big group. They picked it up really quickly! Here is video evidence to prove it:

We also had the opportunity to sing with the Folk Group for a wedding on Saturday! There was a brass choir and a violinist, too. It was beautiful how all the different styles of music added to the ceremony. We had a little supper at Fr. Denis’, and then it was on to the Saturday Vigil Mass, where Emily’s dad served as deacon and preached the homily. Everyone loved his homily, in which he related the Ascension to saying goodbye to one’s children as they grow up. People were impressed by the fact that he was a deacon AND a father. While common in the States, it’s unusual here to have a deacon who is not in seminary studying for the priesthood. After Mass, we had a get-together for some friends at the Teach. (After all, it was the Puscas family’s last night in Wexford!) The Folk Group led a little prayer service in the living room in memory of Lupita, and we talked about how welcoming and supportive our community at Clonard has been. Then, after some delicious food prepared by the Puscases, a sing-song ensued! I sure am going to miss Irish parties.

A sunny evening on Merrion Square

Look, Wexford colors!

On another note, last Friday we celebrated our last ACE Fellowship Mass in O’Connell House. I’ve developed a ritual of visiting Starbucks every time I’ve been up to Dublin for ACE Mass this year, and it has become a time to stop and reflect. Every month, when I get my coffee, I think about what we were doing a month ago, and how we have grown and changed as a community since then. There could be a time-lapse photography project of the House of Brigid members getting coffee on Grafton Street. The reflections and conversations usually continued at dinner after Mass, and sometimes on the drive home with our friend Fr. John-Paul. It’s hard to believe this was our last ACE Mass, but that doesn’t mean we’re done growing! Just as the ACE community commissioned its two new students to start their studies at Notre Dame, it also sent each of us forth with a decorative St. Brigid’s cross to take with us wherever we go next year. It will be a constant reminder of the wonderful community we are part of in Dublin!

With some of our ACE Mass friends: Joe, Fr. John-Paul, Elaine, and John

Oh yeah, AND it was Nick’s birthday yesterday, as well as the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima! Nicole made cake, Emily decorated it, and we had a few friends from Folk Group over to celebrate. Little Gabriel provided the entertainment, much to everyone’s delight! Happy birthday, Nick!

Nick’s birthday party

Nick’s birthday cake