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Fathers of Saint Joseph – Meeting Notes [11th April 26, Cork City]

  • Writer: Marcelo Bastos
    Marcelo Bastos
  • Apr 16
  • 2 min read

Date: 11th April

Location: St. Mary’s Pope’s Quay, Cork, T23 P8ER


Context

We began our meeting with a time of adoration, placing ourselves in silence before the Lord. We were grateful to welcome new members, as well as fathers who had been away and have now returned. It was a simple and meaningful start, reminding us of the importance of being present together.


Reflection Reading


Book: LEAD: The Four Marks of Fatherly Greatness by Devin Schadt

Pillar 1: Listening to discern your mission (embrace silence)

Reflection #42: Overcoming the challenges of silence (p.121)


Salvi, G.B. (Sassoferrato) (17th century) Madonna and Child. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain). Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Giovanni_battista_salvi_called_sassoferrato_madonna_and_child_d6272789052951).jpg (Accessed: 16 April 2026).
Salvi, G.B. (Sassoferrato) (17th century) Madonna and Child. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain). Available at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Giovanni_battista_salvi_called_sassoferrato_madonna_and_child_d6272789052951).jpg (Accessed: 16 April 2026).


Notes

This reflection focused on the difficulty of entering into silence and remaining there. Silence is not just the absence of noise, but a space where we can listen more attentively to God. It requires effort and discipline, especially in a busy life. The reading reminds us that growth in prayer, like any skill, comes through steady and faithful practice.


Shared Thoughts from the Group

  • Small and consistent commitments help build a sustainable prayer life.

  • A practical suggestion from a priest: begin the day by making the Sign of the Cross as soon as you wake.

  • Creating a small prayer space at home, even something simple like a kneeler, can support daily prayer.

  • Discipline remains one of the biggest challenges in maintaining a life of prayer.

  • The example shared in the reading stayed with the group: a violinist said that missing one day of practice is noticeable to himself, but missing several days becomes noticeable to everyone. This highlights the importance of consistency.

  • The Sixth Mansion from St. Teresa of Ávila’s Interior Castle was also mentioned, reflecting how deeper prayer often comes with both greater intimacy with God and greater trials, calling for perseverance and trust.


Personal Reflections & Final Thought

One practice I began after joining this group was placing images of Our Lady and Christ around the house. One image in particular, of Mary holding the child Jesus, is placed just outside the bedroom. Each morning, it helps me begin the day with the Sign of the Cross and a simple act of reverence.

There is often a sense of uncertainty about whether I am “doing it right,” especially with so many different approaches to prayer. But I am reminded that a relationship with Jesus is not a formula to be perfected. It is a real relationship that grows over time. Like any relationship, it requires time, intention, and a sincere effort to be present.


References Shared During the Meeting


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