There was an air of celebration and excitement as we gathered in the County Library on Monday 16th April, on the occasion of the launch of Sr. Rose Moran’s book of poems.
Mary Reynolds, County Librarian, welcomed the group to the Book Launch. She welcomed the distinguished guests – Sr. Rose Moran, Bishop Colm O’Reilly, Frank Kilbride, Mayor of Longford County, Seamus Butler, Chamber of Commerce and Fr. Séan Casey who launched the book.
She welcomed Rose’s family, her sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, her Mercy community from the local area and her wide circle of friends. Mary brought to our attention Rose’s work as the Diocesan Advisor, visiting primary schools and working with children across the Diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnois. She noted that Rose’s other interest is her Literary world – she is one of the founding members of the Longford Writers group, and is also a member of the Lanesborough writers. Rose has written extensively over the years in various publications.
Mary then introduced Bishop Colm who wrote the foreword of the book. He said he was delighted to be a part of this launch as he has appreciated Rose’s great service to the Diocese for many years and was happy on this occasion to honour another significant dimension of her life. He stated that we would all benefit from the wisdom, beauty and sensitivity of this wonderful work
Margaret Horan, a friend of Rose’s treated us all to a rendition of “Ducklings on the Camlin” a poem she composed and set to the music of a German Folk Song, which is one of Rose’s favourite pieces.
Mary then invited Fr. Séan Casey P.P. Killoe, Co Longford, to launch the book. He told us he was delighted to respond to Sr. Rose’s very unexpected call to launch her book ‘From Dawn through Dark – Reflections for Different Occasions of the Celtic Liturgical Year’
Rose Moran rsm with Margaret Horan
He said, “poetry has been sometimes defined as an impulse of generosity” and he added that Rose had that in great measure. “Rose”, he said “catches something of the transcendent in the ordinary.” As a native of Carrickedmond parish, she was greatly influenced by the place where she grew up, her catholic upbringing and the happy home life that she had. She observed the work in her rural area, the spring sowing, the reaping and the harvesting and the quiet of winter. “All of these”, he said, “She observes in her poetry”. For example, ‘Spring Wells’ and the ‘Golden Gift of the Sun’
Rose has within her DNA a ‘celtic sensibility’, which she picks up in her poetry and reflection. He noted that the poem ‘The Bishops Well’ (page 103) was very much a celtic theme recalling the well to which people go for cures and healing, a custom that goes back to pagan times.
As he formally launched the book, Fr. Séan said that Sr. Rose has given us a work of healing and comfort and that he would highly recommend the book of poetry to all who “seek a deeper understanding of life, a deeper understanding of God, because the God of this book is a God of Compassion, a God who understands the rhythm of life”. Fr. Séan then read one of his favourite poems “Guests Tonight” (page 43)
Rose reading from her book
Rose then addressed the gathering and true to herself began with a story! She told us of a young boy who got a gift of a bow and arrow. He asked his Dad to come outside and play. His father told him it was a game for one person, but the young boy said to his father, “Dad, I need you there to say – Good Shot!” Rose went on to thank the various people who supported her along the way and all those who brought this night to fruition. Rose explained the picture on the cover of the book taken at the source of the Boyne in Co Meath.
Rose proceeded to read her first poem “Cherished Moments” and she went on to intertwine poem and story throughout the evening.
Like the dewdrops on the grass blades
Touch but gently and they’re gone
Or the raindrops on the clothesline
Upside down and hanging on
Or the first notes of the morning
At the chorus of the dawn
Non-repeating, their uniqueness
Savouring gently, passing on
We recall what we have been given:
A sense of presence from within
In the breathing, pause, pulsating
Come alive with roots deep down
In the garden of creation
Made one’s own in which to grow
Through the lives of all around us
Our disclosure, heart to know
Cherished Moments from Dawn through Dark (Page127)
A Glimpse of the evening
One beautiful poem “It happened at a Well” is read by Rose (below) and is based on the beautiful Scripture passage from St. John’s Gospel.
Rose finished her reading by dedicating a poem to all children in all classrooms, to all teachers and parents and to all of us who engage with children in any way and learn from them.
A tree of orange leaves
Among the reds, yellows
Pinks russets browns
A tree of light
A Moses bush ablaze
Like fires within the heart
Children bring its symbols
To their nature table
They sing of season change
Make links with their lives
Their call to be the very best
They can, use all their gifts.
Journey to their promised land
I leave their class behind
Walk among the trees
October sunlit-silence hears
The music in my heart
Sing thanks
October Silence from Dawn through Dark (Page 118)
Gerry Bohan and Una Purcell rsm
Afterwards all were treated to music and refreshments, while Rose signed copies of her book.
Book Details
‘From Dawn through Dark – Reflections for Different Occasions of the Celtic Liturgical Year’. Printed by: Turner’s Printing Company Ltd., Longford.
Breege Donohoe rsm
Communications Office
Western Province
