The Portal Archive July 2012 | Page 10

Alfred and Loretta Hanley
Father Joseph Brilley and Father Tom Gilroy
THE P RTAL
International Eucharistic Congress Supplement Page ii

People we met at Congress In Dublin

Alfred and Loretta Hanley

Alfred and Loretta Hanley come from Delaware in the USA . They live just four miles from the Atlantic Ocean , and have six children ( five boys and one girl ) and eighteen grandchildren . Like the good Catholics they are , they were anxious to tell us that one of their sons is a priest , although they are proud of all their children .
Alfred is now retired from his job teaching speech and literature at Saint Charles Seminary in Philadelphia , while Loretta is a retired nurse . This was the first time they had attended a Eucharistic Congress . They told us that they were glad to be present , “ It is grace filled ”.
over subscription of many Workshops
“ We came on this pilgrimage because we have faith in pilgrimage . It always brings a blessing . It sanctifies one . The various presentations we have attended have been predictably good to very good , one was exceptional . Logistically there have been disappointments , and we are surprised at the over subscription of many Workshops . We have been turned away , I don ’ t know how many times . The exceptional one was Archbishop Hickey . His overarching observation on the state of our culture . He was humble , yet very bright . He spoke cordially and courageously . Many would disagree , but surely our focus should be on the Eucharistic Christ . We ought not to worry about true devotion . We must not fear to pay attention to the Eucharistic Christ . He will lead us to acts of charity and communal justice .”
“ There are two biblical references that have helped our perception here at the IEC ( International Eucharistic Congress ). The first is the raising of Lazarus . Martha and Mary both focus on Jesus . Mary sits at His feet and listens to Him , Martha fusses about the meal . Jesus says that Mary has chosen the ‘ better part ’. There is a lesson
here . Focus on Jesus and do not worry about issues like justice . Focus on Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and this will lead to issues of justice .”
concentrate on the vertical
“ The second biblical reference is John 12:3 . ‘ Mary therefore , having taken a pound of ointment of pure nard of great price , anointed the feet of Jesus , and wiped his feet with her hair , and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment .’ This would have been a year ’ s worth of wages ! Judas questions this , pointing to the fact that it could have fed many of the poor people . Jesus commends her devotion . Worship and devotion , when genuine , will always lead to justice . Therefore we are to concentrate on the vertical and the horizontal will follow .
Loretta mentioned “ the guy who talked about marriage . It is not like Hollywood , it has its ups and downs . That was a highlight . Dr O ’ Donnell was very good also .”
The Hanleys were impressed at the numbers attending the Service of Reconciliation . One dealt with the abuse of the young .“ There was an inordinate emphasis on that sin . It is an awful thing , but there has been a disproportionate emphasis on it at the IEC .”
“ Archbishop Martin told us he took Latin shorthand at Vatican II . He gave insights into the inside story of Vatican II . He was at Seminary , at the Irish College in Rome , at the time . His talk was marvellous . He talked of , “ a liberal liturgical approach , if there is such a thing !” Everything he said was laced with the orthodox .”

Father Joseph Brilley and Father Tom Gilroy

Father Joseph has been a priest for twenty six years . Prior to that he was a lorry driver , something of which he is very proud . He is now at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Drumraney , Athlone . We were privileged to share lunch with him and Fr Tom . There was much laughter and fun .
Fr Joseph gave us some insights into the Irish Church as well as some of the history of the political scene south of the border . Highly intelligent