These photos were taken during a recent trip I made into the interior. I had several masses marked for the month of September and after almost three months at home in Ireland it was great to get back to these people and spend a few days with them in each of the vllages in the remote interior . I went a certain distance on the my bike and after that I met up with another priest and from there on we used his car. I spent a few days in one of the villages and together with the two lay missionaries we visited the school morning and evening, and we had a great time with both the smaller children and the young people. They enjoyed the break from regular class work also. We took the kids out for ecological walks and picnics and it was the students that taught us the names of the trees the shrubs the birds and the animals. Brasil has come a long way at a certain level on the question of Ecological Awareness……if that could only be lived out in practise and in government projects it would be great !

It was sad to see how much forest devastation has taken place even over over a period of eight or nine months. One huge estate which they say has an area of sixty five thousand hectares, Fazenda Tropical, has been almost completely flattened of all trees and forestation, not to speak of the number of small land owners who were either bought out or driven out to make way for mega projects of Soya Bean, Maze or Eucalypte trees. And all that occurs so that Brasil can increase its exportatation levels especially to India and China. It reminds us of our own history in Ireland in pre-famine days !. The most frustating thing for us here is that there so little we can do revert this situation.

I would like to take the opportunity to tell all the people at home around that these more challenging adventures that I take on here from time to time are made possible because of the generosity of those who contibute to Mission Walk, which has been organised over the last number of years by a group of people from Templederry. I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who are helping me in my work out here. Greeting from an extremely warm Maranhão in Brasil – its almost 40 degrees out there today. Matt

Having a chat with the locals!

Making their way through the forest

The ‘big’ Fr Matt with a few ‘smaller’ women! 

"Santa Ponsa or Bust" Tickets for our fundraiser in the Ragg Lounge next Saturday the 15th of October are still available from committee members or on the door on the night. Show starts at 8:30p.m. SHARP!

Borrisoleigh: Carmel O’Brien, Niamh McGrath, Louise Fahy, Michelle Ryan, Carol Treacy, Julies Kelly, Michelle Stapleton (Cpt), Moira Dooley, Noirin Treacy, Sarah Cowan, Deirdre Corcoran 1-7 3F, Nora O’Brien, Joanne Cowan, Noirin Stapleton 0-2, Cliodhna Bourke. Subs Emma Treacy for Cliodhna Bourke.

Fethard: Brenda Burke, Jean Morrissey, Edel Fitzgerald,Norah O’Meara, Fiona Conway, Sandra Spillane, Imelda Spillane,Karen Barry, Aimee Moloney, Kay Spillane (Cpt), Emily Noonan 0-1, Lylah Condon, Majella Croke, Sharon O’Meara 0-1, Audrey Conway 1-4 1-4F. Subs Marie Houlihan 1-0 for Majella Croke

Ref Savian Jones, Moneygall

Well done to St Joseph’s College Camogie sevens on qualifying for the all Ireland sevens in Dublin Cloda Scanlan was representing our club on this panel.

The Camogie club is holding a fundraising night in the Ragg on Sat 15th October @ 8.30 p.m. tickets €20 or two for €30. Contact any committee member for tickets. Don’t miss this opportunity to see "Santa Ponsa or Bust". Santa Ponsa or Bust is the stage show that took the Dragons fiery breath away. For the first time ever in the Irish version of The Dragons Den all five dragons invested in what is already being talked about as the smash hit comedy of the year. Santa Ponsa or Bust is the first part of the Santa Ponsa trilogy and it has captivated audiences wherever it has played.
Junior Training 8 pm Wednesday night.

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