Remembering Br Michael at Belfast Pastoral Centre

It is with great fondness that we at Belfast Pastoral Centre remember Br Michael Loran on the month’s mind of his death, God rest him.

Here at the Pastoral Centre, we enjoyed 13 years of his company in the Glanaulin community. He was always so interested in the work of the pastoral centre, asking about the young people and making sure the grounds were safe for them. Between himself and Br Ailbe, the grounds were kept manicured and beautiful with planting flowers, cutting the lawn, pruning trees and cutting them up for firewood which I gratefully benefitted from.

Br Michael was always to be found outside. He was also an active member of the local SVP and volunteered in a food bank. Before Kilmore House in the Glens of Antrim was sold, he took responsibility for its upkeep, welcoming groups who used the house and linking with the local community there.

It was a pleasure to have him around and he is greatly missed. God rest his soul.

What is a retreat?

According to the Year 14 students (17/18 year olds) from St Joseph’s College, Belfast a retreat is:

Taking time out, listening to each other’s opinions and thoughts, meditation, religious, respectful, tranquil, beneficial, peaceful, mindful, reflective, enjoyable, fun, chilling out, engaging, calming, and useful.

We are delighted that these young people experienced what we believe to be a retreat. We are always in awe of the spirituality we meet in the young people who arrive at our centre. We remind ourselves that we don’t bring God to these young people, God is already there, our job is to guide and create opportunities for them to discover God within themselves and to have a glimpse of God’s great love for them. We can never do this on our own, as De La Salle says, “You carry out a work that requires you to touch hearts, but this you cannot do except by the Holy Spirit of God.”