Brand New Day

Far From the Shallow Now I enjoy watching my movies at a safe distance.   Normally I can enjoy the story without becoming too emotionally involved.  (Not so for my wife- that’s a whole other story!)  So you can imagine my surprise when I found myself watching a movie that drew me in emotionally and really got to me.   The movie in question was, 'A Star is Born'- starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.  I was particularly moved by the song, ‘Shallow’ which has since gained significant airplay as well as winning numerous awards.    The song is a duet between the aging rock star- played by Cooper and the up and coming singer and songwriter- played by Lady Gaga.  It expresses a desire to go beyond the shallows in life and dive to the depths.  The singers find this depth in their love for one another.  “The track is about jumping headfirst into love and not looking back.” 1   And yet the song, like the film is about so much more.  It refuses to be shallow! Follo

NEW IRELAND: FREEDOM FROM RELIGION The past few years have seen a new Ireland emerge.   Two referenda and one papal visit have all been revealing.  "Ireland has shown it’s face." 1 What has emerged is a strong desire to be free from the past shame and suffering caused by religion and to move on. TD Kate O Connell strikingly claimed, “Ireland’s most Catholic times were it’s least Christian” She spoke strongly of women and children suffering under those in power wielding authority. 2   When Pope Francis was welcomed by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar he was reminded of Ireland’s past.  “In place of Christian charity, forgiveness and compassion, far too often there was judgement, severity and cruelty, in particular, towards women and children and those on the margins.” 3 A country known for being Christian had been shown to be anything but.  The past weighs heavily.  No wonder there is the desire to move on.  A desire which not only showed itsel