While on pilgrimage at the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock in County Mayo, John Doherty, the father of 14 year old Michael Doherty approached me to ask for a blessing for himself and his grief-stricken family. Michael was stabbed to death in Ennis, County Clare on the night of 23 June 2007.
Later the same day, Michael's aunt asked me to bless her and to pray with her. She explained that the seventeen year old, who allegedly stabbed young Michael on the evening of 23 June, is the son of a garda. The Doherty family are settled Travellers.
I ask the readers of Vultus Christi to pray for the repose of Michael's soul and for the comfort of his family. One can send cards or write to Michael's father and mother:
Mr. and Mrs. John Doherty
Kilrush Road
Ennis, County Clare
EIRE
His Excellency, Bishop Edward J. Slattery of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma has given
Father Mark a special mandate to live under the Rule of Saint Benedict in adoration before the Eucharistic Face of Jesus, offering thanksgiving, intercession, and reparation for all his
brothers in Holy Orders. In this way, Father is preparing the foundation of the new Diocesan Benedictine Monastery of Our Lady of the Cenacle. Father Mark is available to the
priests and deacons of the Diocese for spiritual and sacramental support in their pursuit of holiness. He is also charged with the spiritual formation of women who desire to dedicate themselves to spiritual motherhood in favour of priests.
