Thurles Information

Littleton & Two-Mile-Borris Correspondent Mr Gerry Bowe Reports:-

As has been the tradition for many years; members of the local Roman Catholic Community joined with members of the Church of Ireland Community to give thanks, once again, for a rich and bountiful harvest.

There is always something special about a faith celebration in Littleton’s oldest Church building, which recalls many ancient memories for local village residents.

This year’s celebrant was Mr Thomas Cooke, latter a Church of Ireland Diocesan lay reader.
Mr Cooke warmly welcomed local Roman Catholic Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Tom Fogarty, together with members of both congregations, as well as members of the GAA Men’s Shed, latter who incorporated the history of Saint Mary’s Church into their recent Pride of Place event.

Mr Cooke congratulated the Ladies Committee on the beautiful arrangement of flowers, vegetables, fruit, herbs, turf and hurleys; all visible signs of a 2025 bountiful harvest.

Two yellow pumpkins drew attention to the two pulpits, which are very rarely found in Church buildings.
In his sermon, Mr Cooke told those assembled that St Matthew’s Gospel, (Ch 6. v 25-35), is one of the most comforting passages that we can read, quote; “Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life what you shall eat or drink…Is not life more than food?…

As a farmer, he gave thanks for this year’s good harvest and for all retailers involved in the food processing business, including restaurants and coffee shops. “Rarely do we pause in order to give thanks”, he stated.

He noted that the Lord’s prayer is common to all our Christian Churches and that being forgiven depends on our willingness to forgive others, which can be challenging due to our own and others imperfections.
Using a spirit level; he said that we need to be straight with God and straight with others and profess our faith in Jesus Christ, who came as Saviour to all the world.
Mr Cooke remains hopeful that we can continue to celebrate the richness and diversity of both our common faiths.

He stated that we must ask for forgiveness due to our waste of food and the world’s resources and we must give thanks to all farmers and agricultural workers, for packers, distributors, for company boards and all engaged in research who safeguard crops against disease and support life among the hungry. We must prosper the work of their hands and the searching of their minds that their labour may be to the benefit of all.

All in attendance prayed for the sick and all those confined to hospitals and nursing homes.

The final 1782 hymn, written by poet and journalist Matthias Claudius (174-1815), “We plough the fields and scatter the good seeds on the land, but it is fed and watered by Gods almighty hand”, (Based on Psalm 144), brought the thanksgiving service to a close.

One of the most comforting and enjoyable moments was the sharing of tea and delightful homemade pastries, which gave us time to chat and renew old acquaintances. In our modern, runaway culture today we rarely get time to see or meet our neighbours.

A final thanks to St Mary’s church committee who hosted the event.