stained glass

Two Poems by Brian Mulligan


The power of Prayer... by Brian Mulligan


Who can we turn to when the load seems too heavy to bear?

Who else but Jesus. He understands, He cares.

"Come to me all who are burdened and I will give you rest."

our trials and tribulations are all part of the test

Have complete faith and don't worry about things that may never be.

Enjoy the beauty of nature, the sun the land, the sea.

The Father will look after us as He does the birds of the air

and everything is made possible with the power of prayer.



Autumn Leaves... by Brian Mulligan


Autumn leaves, red yellow and brown,

Gradually carpeting the ground.

They are falling now like snowflakes

Gently scattering in the breeze.

It's my favourite time of year

How I love those autumn trees

If God creates such beauty

For the human eye to see,

What wonders Heaven will reveal

For you and me.



Brian Mulligan passed away in Brisbane on 16th June 2007. He was a member of Vinnies when he and wife Veronica lived here and worked at the Vinnies shop.




ROSE AT YOUR FEET

Mystical Lady veiled in white
Brilliant as the morning bright.
Single white rose, umblemished and fair
Heavens above help get me there.

Pristine and calm like a fresh spring day
Gentle waves wash over - I begin to pray.
Loving mother you guide as wolves lay in wait,
I am but a lamb and Jesus the gate.

Stay in my life and protect me from storms
When my heart is heavy, sad and forlorn.
Beautiful Lady I stumble towards
You and your Son, Good Shepherd and Lord.

Margaret Shaddock



FAITH AND HOPE

Finding a reason is never easy

Accepting life`s mysteries, even harder.

We can only trust and hope that our

experiences are part of a master plan.


It`s sad that our gaining of faith gets

it`s biggest increase when we face death.

Perhaps this is, in itself, a reason.


Physical strength cannot compare with

that of faith and love.

So hold on to your trust and hope.


Above all, hold on to each other

For it is here you will find

Relief from suffering.


Paul Malone




WHAT GOES ON IN GOD GOES ON HERE

Tibrogargan and friends rise today above the pineapples
while peoples long past beneath the clay are still.
But love, love unites all in bread and wine.
 
Remember the hot breeze through the trees and
careless waste that is no memorial to beauty, they,
those long trodden hills, carry our burdens.
 
Embrace them as a friend 
and feel the hard pain.
Climb the loose and dusty path and be at home.
 
Graham Gatehouse, Dublin, 27 November 1998