The Hill Family Blog

AJ Goes Riding

2010-08-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Our Lady of the Round Table Marianist Retreat

2010-05-06T17:12:00.001-07:00

From Isabella R. Moyer:

“I belong to a ‘cyber’ Marianist Lay Community called Our Lady of the Round Table. The original members met online in May 2005, during the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) online course on Marianist Community, facilitated by Carol Ramey. We felt a strong bond of community through our online discussions and wanted to build on the experience…We wondered if this format would work for our new community. Well, almost five years later, we can say that it’s working rather well!

Tomorrow I’m travelling to Ireland for our first OLRT retreat! Some of us have met before, but this will be the first time we will all be together. (Pati is unable to be with us, but we’re planning to have a Skype call on Wednesday.) It’s going to be a grand reunion!

…What do you call the first ” in person” gathering of a community that has been meeting daily online for five years? Is it a reunion? But, technically, don’t we have to meet first to have a reunion? We already know each other face’s from photos, voices from phone calls, and spirits from the daily sharing of our prayers and life. But this was our first ‘in the flesh’ visit….an incarnational moment. And what a moment it was! Maybe one day I’ll be able to put this moment into words, but all I can do right now is savor it.

We were given an incredible welcome by the the Marianist Brothers of Ballybrack. They have wined us, and dined us, and even provided us with some local Irish talent, Sean Frayne, for an evening of song and laughter. Sean is an alumnus of St. Laurence school. And, thanks to Susan, our days are packed with sight-seeing and fun.”

International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities
- NEWS AND VIEWS by Isabella R. Moyer – MLC President

Lambing Season in Ireland

2010-03-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

It is March, which means it is lambing season in Ireland.

Bloody Sunday Memorial Lecture

2010-03-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

Bloody Sunday Memorial Lecture 2010

Human Rights Lawyer Gareth Peirce Delivered the Lecture

The Bloody Sunday Weekend Committee is honoured to host esteemed campaigner for justice and human rights, English Solicitor,Gareth Pierce to deliver this year’s Bloody Sunday Memorial Lecture.

Gareth was invited by the weekend committee to deliver this year’s lecture because of her long history of representing those who have been at the receiving end of human rights abuses and miscarriages of justice. Some of the many people she has represented down through the years include: the ‘Birmingham Six’, the ‘Guildford Four’, former Guantanamo Bay internee Moazzam Begg and more recently the family of Jean Charles da Menezes (the young Brazilian man who was shot dead by police officers in the London underground after they wrongly identified him of being a suicide bomber).

The Bloody Sunday Weekend Committee invites all those concerned for justice and human rights everywhere to come to the Guildhall in Derry city for 8pm on Saturday March 20th to here Gareth Peirce deliver this year’s Bloody Sunday Memorial Lecture, ‘Set the Truth Free’!

Venue: Guildhall, Derry City
Date: Saturday, March 20th 2010
Time: 8pm

Queen's University Lecture

2010-03-20T02:39:00.000-07:00

The MacDermott Lecture

Lady Hale, Justice of the UK's Supreme Court

The Great Hall
Lanyon Building
The School of Law
Queen's University
Belfast, Northern Ireland
18 March 2010
5.30pm

ISE Seminar

2010-03-20T01:34:00.000-07:00

This week was dominated by an international, ecumenical seminar on the future of Christianity, which was held at our campus in Belfast.

Phyllis Tickle

Beki Bateson (left)

Dave Tomlinson

Kester Brewin

Peter Rollins and Kester Brewin

Three Americans: one living in Germany, one living in England, and one living in Brooklyn (left to right)

The BBC was on-hand to interview participants!

The Long Way to Glencree

2010-03-19T01:57:00.001-07:00

I had a chance over the weekend to visit the The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, which is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that is devoted "to peacebuilding and reconciliation in Ireland, North and South, Britain and beyond. The programme work builds peace and fosters reconciliation by facilitating dialogues, creating peace education resources, and much more."

I went with my friend and fellow lay Marianst, Susan Mason Buckley, and we stopped at Glendalough, to visit the 6th century monastic site and round tower.

We also passed through the snowline in the Wicklow Mountain National Park.

But we did finally make it out to Glencree, and it was worth the long drive!

UCD Seminar

2010-03-19T00:52:00.004-07:00

Breaking the Patterns of Conflict: The Irish State, the British Dimension and the Northern Ireland Conflict

Institute for British-Irish Studies
School of Politics & International Relations
University College Dublin
Theatre R, Newman (Arts) Building
Belfield, Dublin 4

Friday, 12 March 2010

This conference was initiated to build on findings from the ‘Breaking Patterns’ research project, which aims to assess how British and Irish policy promoted and instigated change in the patterns of conflict in Northern Ireland.

The project documents key turning points in British and Irish relations and strategy towards Northern Ireland since the 1960s, through a series of 'witness seminars' and long interviews which are taped, transcribed and deposited in the UCD Archives department.

The conference was designed to situate the results in comparative perspective.
The project is funded by the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROGRAMME

I. The British-Irish Process

Negotiating Settlements (10:00 - 11:15)

(1) Developing intergovernmental approaches: evidence from the politicians
Susan McDermott, University College Dublin

(2) Institutional change and conflict regulation: the Anglo-Irish Agreement (1985) and the mechanisms of change in Northern Ireland
Jennifer Todd, University College Dublin

**********Tea/Coffee**********

Post Settlement (11:45 - 1:00)

(3) Adapting consociation to Northern Ireland
John Coakley, University College Dublin

(4) Sri Lanka after the end of the war
Stanley Samarasinghe, Tulane University

**********Lunch Break**********

II. After Peace: Parties, Paramilitaries and Populations - Northern Ireland in Comparative Perspective (2:00 - 4:30)

(5) Loyalists: Including the 'Awkwards'
Michael Anderson, University College Dublin

(6) Civil society in Northern Ireland changing the narrative in the interests of peace-building
Avila Kilmurray, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

**********Tea/Coffee**********

(7) The spectre of history: Northern nationalism and the peace process
Cillian McGrattan, University College Dublin

(8) New Sinn Fein and old ('dissident') republicanism: Ideological and demographic trends
Jonathan Tonge, University of Liverpool

A Visit to Corrymeela

2010-03-19T00:52:00.003-07:00

I had a chance to visit the Corrymeela Community on this trip, and learn about their work in reconciliation and peace-building.

The Corrymeela Community is a Christian community whose objective is the promotion of reconciliation and peace-building through the healing of social, religious, and political divisions in Northern Ireland. It runs programmes aimed at establishing a shared society defined by tolerance, where differences are resolved through dialogue in the public sphere and where there is equity, respect for diversity and recognition of interdependence.

Corrymeela
5 Drumaroan Road
Ballycastle BT54 6QU
United Kingdom‎
028 2076 2626‎

John M. Oses, Rest in Peace 2

2010-03-13T17:17:00.001-08:00

Embrace Life!

2010-03-13T02:29:00.000-08:00

http://www.embracethis.co.uk/

Democracy in Ireland

2010-02-17T13:06:00.000-08:00

Oireachtas Test Video from Open Interface on Vimeo.

Record Snow at the Farm

2010-02-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

The following photos are in pairs, with the first taken on Thursday, 11 Feb 10, and the next the following morning, when we were all snowed-in under a foot deep blanket.

Thursday was my mother's birthday and the single largest one-day snowfall in North Texas history. The paper says: "The 11.2 inches that fell Thursday shattered the record for snowfall in one day (7.8 inches in 1917 and 1964). The 12.5 inches that fell by 4 a.m. Friday also broke the 24-hour record of 12.1 inches on Jan. 15-16, 1964."

The wintry weather made for some beautiful scenes at the farm...

but this is where you wanted to be!

My mom...

2010-01-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

Mom, I love you!

Update on Marianists in Haiti

2010-01-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

Serious Earthquake Strikes Haiti
Many Feared Dead or Injured

Marianist Communities sustain heavy damage, but it seems all are safe

Via Latina 22
News From the General Administration - Society of Mary
Issue # 186 EXTRA -January 2010

By now you have undoubtedly heard that a strong earthquake rocked the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas yesterday evening. There is extensive damage, many injuries, and authorities are warning that there is “serious loss of life” expected.

Many have enquired as to the status of the members of the Society of Mary who are serving in Haiti, as well as those in formation and the lay people with whom they work. While it is very difficult to communicate, since most means of communication are inoperative, we did make contact earlier today with Bro. Hervé Guillo Du Bodan, SM, Master of Novices. We spoke to him from Rome by telephone at dawn, Haiti time. They still do not have complete information but here is what is known so far:

1. The earthquake occurred about 5:00 in the afternoon on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

2. There were no deaths or serious injuries among our brothers, novices or pre-novices. They were fortunate to escape, in some cases jumping off a balcony to get out of the building. They consider their safe evacuation nothing short of miraculous.

3. The novitiate building is totally crushed and the recently acquired prenovitiate has become inaccessible, but the “large building” remains standing.

4. Fr. Gustave Lamontagne, SM, who was visiting from Canada was away from the city at the time of the earthquake. There has been no word from him. While there still will be concern until we make contact with him, the area of the country where he is does not seem to have been seriously damaged. This is considered a second “miracle” since the room he was occupying in Port-au-Prince is currently between two concrete slabs.

5. All of the people are living in the streets since the buildings are not considered safe to enter.

6. We have made contact with some members of the local MLC and so far all are thought to have survived.

7. The center of the city of Port-au-Prince is, in great measure, destroyed. The Presidential Palace and the Cathedral were among those structures most damaged. Most schools have collapsed and, as one might imagine, transportation, communication and other vital services are in tatters.

We share this information with you because many have expressed concern and worry about the Marianists and the people of Haiti in General. We encourage your support and assistance in any way possible and, above all, ask for your prayers for the people who are so devastated by this latest tragedy.

******************************

WASHINGTON (AP) - The State Department has set up a telephone number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 struck the Caribbean nation Tuesday.

The toll-free number to call for information about family members in Haiti is 1-888-407-4747. The State Department advises that some callers may receive a recording because of heavy volume of calls.

Officials say the U.S. Embassy in the capital of Port-au-Prince is still in the early stages of contacting American citizens and notes that communications are difficult within Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Snow Closes Trinity College Dublin

2010-01-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

10 Jan 10, Sunday

Today's Weather for Ireland:

Outbreaks of sleet or snow, turning to rain in coastal districts, will extend slowly northwards from the southern half of the country early tonight. Later tonight, rain, sleet or snow will mostly die out in southern counties but will continue further north. Frost will occur in places overnight but will not be as severe as recently; lowest temperatures -3 to +2 degrees Celsius. Moderate, northeast to east winds will freshen at times on exposed coasts.

****************************************

In view of the deteriorating weather conditions and the expected snowfall in Dublin all examinations scheduled for Monday 11th January 2010 are postponed.

Further details will be published on http://www.tcd.ie as soon as possible.

We regret the inconvenience that this will cause but feel it is the best
course of action in the current circumstances.

Dr. Aileen Douglas
Senior Lecturer

****************************************

John M. Oses, Rest in Peace

2010-01-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Mary Lynne and John become Joshua's Godparents, July 2009

The Family Cemetery at the farm, December 2009

Just Playing!

2009-11-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

Just playing!

2009 Red Mass in Dallas

2009-11-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

The St. Thomas More Society of the Diocese of Dallas invited all members of the judiciary, the bar, law faculty, their families and staffs to attend the annual Red Mass to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the deliberations of the courts, the dispensing of justice, and to ask that all in the legal profession be blessed.

The Red Mass
Sunday, November 8, 2009
12:00 noon
Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe
2215 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75201

Jeff Turner, of the St. Thomas More Society

Dr. Richard Fossey (in red robes), of the University of North Texas

Bishop Farrell meets the worshipers after the Red Mass

Mark Cronenwett, President of the St. Thomas More Society

AJ & The Train Show!

2009-11-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, 07 Nov 09, we went to see the train show put on by a local club, the Texas Western Model Railroad Club.

The Feria Quinta Group

2009-11-03T13:48:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of my friends (left to right): Joe Milligan, Mike Mocek, Joe Rodriguez, Andrew Hill, Kevin Prevou, and Dan Luby (not pictured is Paul Combest). We meet once a week, on Thursday mornings, at the CRC on the grounds of Nolan Catholic High School.

Halloween at AJ's School

2009-11-03T09:55:00.001-08:00

Here are some photos from this year's Halloween party:

And a few photos from Valentine's Day 2008 - same kids! same cupcakes!

AJ Home and Feeling Better!

2009-10-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for your well-wishes and prayers! He still has some medicine to take, but AJ is home and feeling much better these days!

AJ at Cook Children's Medical Center

2009-10-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

We checked AJ into Cook Children's Medical Center, and he has been receiving great medical care for a viral infection in his lungs. His prognosis is good, and after a few days, he should be out of the hospital; we will keep you posted.

In the meantime, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Trinity College Dublin Rises to 43rd

2009-10-08T12:31:00.001-07:00

Oct 08, 2009 - Trinity College Dublin Rises to 43rd in the World by Times Higher Education - QS League Tables

Trinity College Dublin continues to climb the world university rankings, moving up to 43rd place in the Times Higher Education – QS World University Rankings just published. Having entered the top 50 worldwide for the first time in the 2008 THE-QS rankings, this year Trinity has not only consolidated its position but advanced six places on last year’s 49th place. It has also been ranked 13th place in Europe.

Commenting on the significance of the achievement, TCD Provost, Dr John Hegarty said: “Our stated ambition was to be at the front rank of world universities and among the top 50 globally. We have achieved that in a relatively short period of time and this year’s ranking of 43rd place has surpassed that original goal”.

“Such a high ranking is an outstanding achievement for Trinity and reflects the quality of our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and programmes, the high recognition by employers of our graduates across the world, and our reputation for excellence in research and scholarship by our international peers”.

“In the current economic climate it is very significant that in the international survey of over 3,200 employers, Trinity has moved up to 39th place. This is a strong endorsement by the global workplace of the university’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and the calibre of our students. Graduates are a university’s strongest asset. We must remember that the bulk of our graduates go on to employment in Ireland’s open economy, and our students are graduating not just with deep knowledge, but also as creative, clear-thinking and self-starting all-rounders. Trinity being ranked so highly by employers in this survey validates not only the long-standing values of this university, but bodes well for national economic recovery”.

“The challenge for Trinity will now be to sustain and improve its position in the rankings as a university of global consequence. Notwithstanding the challenges of an economic downturn and diminishing public finances, the College’s new Strategic Plan 2009-2014, will be launched next month and aims to further strengthen this performance. Rankings are only one indicator of performance and impact, and we rightly derive satisfaction from external peer validation. Overarching this is our goal that Trinity, by virtue of the strength and quality of our performance in education, research and training, will be a driver and source of creativity, wisdom and economic prosperity for Ireland and the wider world ”.

“Trinity’s achievement and that of our sister universities in Ireland in this year’s rankings has shown that the Government’s investment in education and research is paying off and that the university sector is delivering. Ireland came late to the table and is playing catch up in terms of research investment in comparison with other countries. It is critical that the State’s research programmes and policies such as the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) and Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) are maintained in order to sustain and build on what has been achieved in the past decade and to drive our future success.”

Four Seasons: Photos by Mom

2009-10-08T09:03:00.001-07:00

Summer

Fall

Winter

Spring

2009 Red Mass in Fort Worth

2009-10-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

The North Texas Catholic, 02 Oct 2009

Legal Professionals Mark Beginning of Judicial Year with Red Mass

By Mary Lynne Hill, Ph.D.
Special to The North Texas Catholic

FORT WORTH – Judges, law professors, attorneys and a wide range of legal practitioners joined Bishop Kevin Vann on Sept. 28 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral as he celebrated the annual Red Mass commemorating the opening of the judicial year.

"The Red Mass is a wonderful opportunity to open our hearts, minds, and law practices to the Holy Spirit's guidance and support. We had a great turnout this year, and I hope to see even more of Catholic and non-Catholic colleagues at next year's Mass," said Prof. John F. Murphy of Texas Wesleyan University School of Law.

Following the Red Mass, there was a reception in the Fort Worth Convention Center, which was organized by local attorney Robert Gieb and other volunteers.

During his homily, Bishop Vann recalled that when he came to Fort Worth in 2005, he spoke with Mr. Gieb about celebrating an annual Red Mass. Bishop Vann had studied Canon Law at the Angelicum in Rome, and for years was involved in the work of the Diocesan Tribunal of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, and the Tribunal of Second Instance in Chicago. As a legal practitioner himself, Bishop Vann had a special interest in the tradition of the Red Mass.

Mr. Gieb responded that he thought it would be great contribution to local legal community.

“It is always worthwhile to have an occasion when attorneys, judges and other public officials can come together in the public prayer of the Church to ask for wisdom and guidance from God, who is the source of all peace and justice. The Red Mass provides that opportunity,” said Mr. Gieb.

As a votive mass of the Holy Spirit, celebrants wear red to symbolize the tongues of fire that descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost. In the Mass, they request guidance for those involved in the conduct of the legal profession, including judges, prosecutors, attorneys, law school professors and students, along with government officials. The Mass provides the opportunity to honor the sacred role of the administration of justice in society, while encouraging these public servants to ponder what guides their decisions in their daily work.

Celebrated annually in the fall, the Red Mass generally coincides with the opening of the judicial year of the United States Supreme Court, which convenes the first Monday in October.

The national Red Mass has been held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C., since 1953. Sponsored by the John Carroll Society, it is attended by Supreme Court justices, members of Congress, the Cabinet, diplomatic corps, other government departments, and often times the President of the United States. These participants, of varied religious traditions, attend only in their capacity as private citizens, rather than as civic officials. This year’s gathering is scheduled for Oct. 4, 2009.

The first recorded Red Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral in Paris in 1245. Within a hundred years, the tradition had spread throughout Europe, particularly to England, where all members of the Bench and Bar, who also wore red robes, attended the annual event. The first Red Mass in the United States was held at the Church of St. Andrew in New York City in 1928. Currently, the Red Mass is celebrated in more than half of the states of the U.S. The Catholic Diocese of Dallas will celebrate a Red Mass on November 8, 2009.

Shakespeare Dallas: Julius Caesar

2009-10-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare in the Park opens in Addison tonight!

Read what the crowds are saying about Julius Caesar!

“…as an observer of last night's production of "Julius Caesar" I came away saying … that it was one of the best productions (if not THE best) I have seen at this venue. All of the performances were believable some were extraordinary, loved the sets, costumes, lighting, music, the fights were the best I've seen in Dallas, and most of all the direction was GREAT. You should be very proud.”

Julius Caesar
presented by Target

Buy online today.
Advanced ticket holders receive early admission at 7:00pm.

Become a member.
Members receive the best seats in the house, unlimited free admission to Shakespeare in the Park performances year-round, and so much more.

Bring your group.
Groups of 10 or more receive a 20% discount on tickets, making a night out with family or friends just $8 per person. Groups that reserve early also enjoy early admission, reserved seating on the lawn, and recognition in the curtain speech.

Julius Caesar
Presented by Target
directed by Executive & Artistic Director Raphael Parry

"The evil that men do lives after them
The good oft interred with their bones..."
Playing for 2 weeks only at Addison Circle Park!
October 7-October 11 & October 14-October 18, 8:00pm
at Addison Circle Park
In cooperation with the Town of Addison

One of Shakespeare's greatest plays featuring tyranny, revolution, and civil war, Julius Caesar portrays the life-and-death struggle for power in Rome. A faction of politicians plots to assassinate Caesar, fearing that his growing strength and constitutional ambitions threaten the Republic. But when Caesar is killed, chaos engulfs Rome.

Admission for Addison Circle Park performances:
All performances: $10 adults/$7 seniors and students.
Children 12 and under are free.

Addison Circle Park
4970 Addison Circle
Addison, Texas 75001

St. Francis of Assisi Blessing

2009-10-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, our parish, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Aledo, sponsored a St. Francis of Assisi Blessing for Animals. Father Publius blessed the animals - from cats & dogs to chickens & horses!

"Sam the Lamb" needs blessing too...

The Terra Cotta Warriors!

2009-09-30T04:07:00.005-07:00

While in Houston, on Saturday, September 26, 2009, we made sure to see the Terra Cotta Warriors, who are on display at a special exhibition in the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Mary Lynne shows off the Yang Short Form from our Tai chi classes!

Professional Photos of the HMNS Exhibition, and the original location:

May 22, 2009 - October 18, 2009

The Houston Museum of Natural Science presents one of the most extraordinary archaeological finds of the 20th century, considered by many to be the Eighth Wonder of the World: terra cotta warriors from the tomb complex of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Intended to protect him throughout eternity, the warriors stood guard over a vast necropolis commissioned by the Emperor when he was only 13 years old.

Marvel at more than 100 amazing objects, the largest display of terra cotta figures and tomb artifacts to travel to the U.S.

After the Work, the Noodles!

2009-09-30T04:07:00.003-07:00

After Mary Lynne's presentation, we had a chance to visit with two old friends, Carol McDavid and Herman Kluge, at Jenni's Noodle House in Houston. Herman plays lead guitar for several Houston area bands including Cowjazz, The Hand Me Downs, and Moondance, and also sub guitar for Backbeat and the Rich Latimer Band!

Herman, the man, the myth:

Pictures of us with Carol, at her graduation in Cambridge:

Brazoria County Historical Museum

2009-09-30T04:07:00.001-07:00

On September 24, 2009, Mary Lynne and and Ginny Raska spoke at the Brazoria County Historical Museum about The Uncompromising Diary of Sallie McNeill, 1858-1867. They did a presentation on the diary, and signed copies of the book.

For service in the Texas Navy!

AJ's Birthday Party

2009-09-30T04:06:00.001-07:00

AJ turned four-years-old on September 18, 2009. We had a party at the farm for AJ and one of his classmates, Michael, who was also celebrating his birthday. Here are some photos from the party:

The pool house:

Swimming!

Bike riding!

The hay-ride!

Firing up the BBQ!

Let's eat!

Opening presents!

Happy Birthday AJ!

2009 Red Mass in Dallas

2009-09-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

The St. Thomas More Society of the Diocese of Dallas invites all members of the judiciary, the bar, law faculty, their families and staffs to attend the annual Red Mass to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the deliberations of the courts, the dispensing of justice, and to ask that all in the legal profession be blessed.

Sunday, November 8, 2009
Red Mass at 12:00 noon
Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe
2215 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75201

(Judges and academics are requested to wear their robes and gowns for the procession. Guests are requested to wear business attire and something red, e.g., a red tie.)

The Red Mass will be celebrated by
Kevin J. Farrell, M.A., S.T.L., Bishop of Dallas
Reception to follow (registration required)
Dallas Petroleum Club in the Chase Tower
2200 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75201

Speaker: Professor Charles Rice, University of Notre Dame Law School
Renowned expert on Constitutional Law

Speaking on “Natural Law: God’s Declaration of the Rights of Man”

For information on the St. Thomas More Society and the Red Mass, please direct inquiries to:

Mark Cronenwett
Higier Allen & Lautin, P.C.
5057 Keller Springs Road, Suite 600
Addison, Texas 75001
Telephone: 972-716-1888
Fax: 972-716-1899
email: mcronenwett@higierallen.com
www.stms

THE SOCIETY ST. THOMAS MORE

The St. Thomas More Society of the Diocese of Dallas (STMS) is an independent association of Catholic lawyers, judges, public servants, and officials active in the legal profession, and all Catholics who are interested in the relationship between the Catholic faith and the law.

The purpose of the STMS is to encourage Catholic lawyers within the diocese of Dallas to live a Christian vocation by sanctifying their daily work.

Its goals include:

to stimulate the practice of Christian precepts in the formulation and administration of the law;

to be a source of fellowship for members and other lawyers in the diocese;

to promote and foster high ethical principals in the legal profession generally and, in particular, in the community of Catholic lawyers, as exemplified by the life of St. Thomas More;

to encourage the study of the life and writings of St. Thomas More;

to promote the study of the Natural Law and its application to the legal profession;

to sponsor the annual Red Mass; and

to encourage interfaith understanding and brotherhood.

Together, we ask God to bless, strengthen, and enlighten all servants of the law and all people of faith, so that in solidarity and mutual trust we may achieve justice and freedom for society.

The STMS is named for the 16th century lawyer, judge, and diplomat who became the first layman to serve as Lord Chancellor of England, the crowns chief minister as well as its highest judicial officer. St. Thomas More (1478-1535) is the ideal of the Catholic lawyer. He was a man of scholarship and action; contemplative prayer and public life; dedication to family and service to his country in the highest offices of the land. But most importantly, he was a witness to God and the Catholic faith. After a celebrated career, the most distinguished lawyer in England was martyred under Henry VIII for a matter of conscience. In 1935 he was canonized on the 400th anniversary of his martyrdom and declared the patron saint of lawyers.

St. Thomas More Society of the Diocese of Dallas Catholic Lawyers Guild sponsors the annual Red Mass and reception, at which it presents the St. Thomas More Lifetime Achievement Award, St. John Fisher Award, or other honor to a person who exemplifies the ideals of service and sacrifice in the pursuit of justice so conspicuously reflected in the life and death of St. Thomas More.

The Red Mass is offered to invoke divine guidance and strength during the coming judicial term. It is celebrated in honor of the Holy Spirit as the source of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and fortitude, gifts that shine forth preeminently in the dispensing of justice in the courtroom as well as in the individual lawyers office. The Red Mass also offers prayers for all men and women in the legal profession, judiciary, and public life, asking that they be blessed with wisdom and understanding.

In England, the tradition of the Red Mass began in approximately 1310, during the reign of Edward I. The Mass was offered at Westminster Abbey at the opening of the Michaelmas term (September 29th). It received its name from the fact that the celebrant was vested in red and the Lord High justices were robed in scarlet. They were joined by the university professors who displayed red in their academic gowns. Today, in the U.K., the Catholic judges assemble at the Westminster Cathedral for the celebration of the Red Mass, and a short distance away in ancient Westminster Abbey, non-Catholic jurists likewise gather for worship.

The first recorded Red Mass was celebrated in Paris in 1245. In France, the inauguration of the judicial year was celebrated annually at the famous Sainte-Chapelle. Although this chapel was desecrated during the French Revolution, it was restored by Louis Phillipe and dedicated exclusively to the use of the Messe Rouge. In 1906, the French Parliament secularized the chapel, and the Red Mass was transferred to Saint-Germaine-l Auzerrois. The Red Mass has also been traditionally identified with the opening of the Sacred Roman Rota, the supreme judicial body of the Catholic Church.

The inauguration of the Red Mass in the United States occurred in New York City on October 6, 1928 at Old St. Andrew s. Now, several cities celebrate the Mass each year. In Washington, D.C., members of the Supreme Court, the President, and members of Congress often attend the Red Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. In the United States, not only Catholic, but also Protestant and Jewish members of the judiciary and legal profession attend the Mass.

RED MASS HONOREES

2008 Archbishop José H. Gomez, S.T.D., Archdiocese of San Antonio
2007 Greg Abbott, Texas Attorney General
2006 Judge Edith Brown Clement, 5th Cir.
2005 Bowie Kuhn, Esq.
2004 Rev. Paul Weinberger, KHS, Diocese of Dallas
2003 Henry Hyde, U.S. House of Reps., 6th Dist. Ill.
2002 Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., Fordham University
2001 Judge Robert C. McGuire, Chief Bankruptcy Judge (ret’d)
2000 Hal F. Tehan, Esq.
1999 Prof. Robert P. George, J.D., Dept. of Philosophy, Princeton
1998 Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., Archdiocese of Denver
1997 Rev. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.
1995 Justice Joseph R. Nolan, Mass. Supreme Court
1993 Judge Reynaldo Garza, 5th Cir.
1991 Justice Raul Gonzales, Texas Supreme Court
1990 Justice Antonin Scalia, U.S. Supreme Court
1989 Tom Unis, Esq.

ACTIVITIES

The STMS members benefit from educational and inspirational events. In furtherance of St. Thomas Mores heritage, the STMS offers monthly luncheon speakers who inform and guide the legal practitioner on ethical and moral issues, legal issues, Church history, world religions, the lives of the saints, and more.

The meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at the Belo Mansion in downtown Dallas. Also, the STMS offers continuing legal education (CLE).

Occasionally, CLE credit is offered for the STMS meetings. Approximately once a year, the STMS offers an all-day CLE conference. In addition, the STMS members meet at St. Judes Chapel in downtown Dallas to celebrate Mass and commemorate St. Thomas More s feast day (June 22nd) and the day of his martyrdom (July 6th).

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Mark D. Cronenwett, President
Vincent J. Hess, Immediate Past President
S. Cass Weiland, Vice President
Michael J. Uhl, Secretary
Barbara J. Panza, Treasurer
Rev. Paul Weinberger, K.H.S., Chaplain
Thomas P. Brandt Raymond E. LaDriere II
Ellen Eisenlohr Dorn Patrick J. McLain
Brian T. Gaddy Timothy E. Taylor
Charles R. Helms Jeffrey S. Turner

Cattle Invasion!

2009-09-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

I hate it when the cows come into the convenience store!

Political Belfast

2009-09-13T15:49:00.001-07:00

Relatives for Justice

Modern Belfast

2009-09-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

The Beacon of Hope

The Apple Store

The Belfast Wheel

The Port of Belfast

The Odyssey, Entertainment Center

Victoria Square

For more information about Belfast, see:

Welcome to the official site of the Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Belfast Welcome Centre and Belfast Tourist Information Centres winners of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board 2009 Tourist Information Centres of the Year. Whether you are visiting as a business traveller, a family group or a day tripper here for the shopping, we have something to tempt you.

Historic Belfast

2009-09-13T13:38:00.001-07:00

City Hall, Seat of Government for Belfast

Stormont, Seat of Government for Northern Ireland

The Crown Bar

St. Anne's Church

Queen's University

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, Ireland

2009-09-13T04:08:00.000-07:00

The history of Kilmainham Gaol dates back to 1787, but the infamous jail that sits on the site today as a museum was opened in 1796, four years before the Act of Union abolished the Irish Parliament in Dublin (and thus making Ireland a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain). "It closed in 1924, two years after the signing of a Treaty that restored a measure of independence to the south of Ireland, a step that led ultimately to the declaration of a Republic in 1949.

Thus, the opening and closing of the Jail more or less coincided with the making and breaking of the Union between Great Britain and Ireland. During the intervening years the Jail held a mirror to the turbulent history of the troubled relations between the two countries. These years saw Rebellion, Famine, Revolution, and Civil War. At the heart of these troubles lay Irish attempts at varying degrees of self-determination which came to a terrible climax in the years 1916-23."

"The Jail is now a National Monument, and has been opened to the public as a Museum. The Museum tells the story of Ireland's troubled path to independence and of the Jail's role in that story."

Many of Ireland's most important historical figures spent time in the jail, and some of them died there by firing squad or by the hangman's noose. The leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held and executed here.

"There can be no doubt that the response of the British government to the Rising contributed measurably to the further alienation of Irish public opinion. On 26th April 1916, it had introduced martial law and next day appointed Major-General Sir John Maxwell as Commander-in-Chief of troops, Ireland. He had full authority to restore order, put down the rebellion, and punish its participants. Maxwell never doubted that its leaders should be court-martialled and those most prominent executed... In 90 cases the court’s verdict was ‘Death by being shot’. Maxwell confirmed this judgement on 15 defendants, and these were executed between 3-12 May 1916."

There can be few places, therefore, that more intensely focus the forces that shaped modern Irish history than Kilmainham Jail.

Thanks to the following:

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol (Irish: Príosún Chill Mhaighneann)

The Executions of the Leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising

A Little Friend is With Me...

2009-09-07T00:37:00.000-07:00

Before I left, AJ slipped one of his toys into my suitcase...

It's Luigi!

As always, my thanks to the Brothers of Mary of the St. Columba's Marianist Community for their hospitality.

Visiting with Catherine in London

2009-09-04T02:56:00.000-07:00

I am on the way to Dublin for the start of the academic year, but stopped in London to visit with my sister Catherine. She is a long-time rower, going back to her college days when she and her team won the Henley.

Shakespeare!

2009-09-03T11:12:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed the play with our friend and colleague, Prof. Dominic Janes.

I also had a chance to see Shakespeare Found: A Life Portrait, and attend a conference - Reviewing Shakespearian Theatre: The State of the Art.

This last photo is of Prof. Peter Holland (left), the McMeel Family Professor in Shakespeare Studies at the University of Notre Dame.

Construction on the Farm

2009-08-27T08:50:00.001-07:00

Work continues on the construction project:

The real supervisor:

First Day of School Photos!

2009-08-22T15:57:00.001-07:00

School begins for AJ!

Art from AJ

2009-08-22T15:55:00.001-07:00

The Young Adult Council of Fort Worth

2009-08-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

I recently had the chance to do some more consulting for the Young Adult Council of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth. The group is part of the Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese.

Last year, on 15 May 08, I traveled out to Most Blessed Sacrament Parish to work with the group on their mission statement and visioning the future. Yesterday, 13 August 09, I had a chance to follow-up with them as they met at the Catholic Renewal Center, and help them with their discernment process for new leadership.

The purpose of the Young Adult Council is "to provide the leadership and guidance for gathering young adult groups in community within the diocese of fort worth and supporting them in our common goal of growing closer to Jesus, the Catholic Church and our peers. We offer opportunities to build community, serve others, grow spiritually, develop leadership, learn about our faith and discern vocations."

They are an outstanding group, and it was my great pleasure to work with them again.

Catherine at Oxford

2009-08-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

My sister Catherine is a lawyer here in the USA, admitted in Texas, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. She is currently studying to take the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test, which is a conversion exam which enables foreign lawyers to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales. So, for the past few weeks she has been at Oxford University taking the course which prepares you for the QLTT. She recently took some photos of the campus where she is studying.

Family Vacation 2009

2009-08-10T14:57:00.001-07:00

Our family travels to Florida for an annual summer vacation.

Summer Means: Riding Horses I

2009-07-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

AJ Takes a Ride with His Uncle

Uncle Peter Visits Too

Summer Means: Riding Horses II

2009-07-27T13:35:00.001-07:00

Summer Means: Bailing Hay

2009-07-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

Colonel Richard J. Muraski, Jr.

2009-07-20T07:42:00.003-07:00

An old friend from college, Richard "R.J." Muraski, Jr. was recently named as the Commander of the Fort Worth District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is a big job with serious responsibilities, but he is a smart guy with excellent experience (see below).

He graciously invited me to the "Change of Command Ceremony," and it was an honor to see him officially installed as the commanding officer. One fun note: the out-going commander, Colonel Christopher W. Martin, invited another friend of mine to give the opening invocation! This was well done by Michael J. Mocek, Deputy District Engineer (Ret.), who is now a deacon at Holy Family Catholic Church.

Shakespeare in the Park - Dallas

2009-07-20T07:42:00.001-07:00

I went to see "The Taming of the Shrew" with my sister Teresa Flannery, two of her children (Megan and Conor), niece Allison Stanley, and nephew Sam Womack. This version was set in the American Old West, with cowboys and cowgirls!

Jellyfish in the car!

2009-07-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

Last night, we get in the car to drive home from Dave and Jen's house, and it is dark outside. Their house is next door out here on the farm, so AJ is sitting on my lap in the car. I turn the headlights on to high-beam, and the little blue indicator light comes on (see the photo below).

AJ says: "Look, it's a jellyfish!"

Summer Time - Swimming at the Farm

2009-06-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Summer Time Swimming

Summer Time - Playing at the Farm

2009-06-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

Summer Time Playing

Summer Time - Cowboys at the Farm

2009-06-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

Summer Time Cowboys

Alex Beever Visits the Farm

2009-06-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

We had a recent visit from Alexandra Beever, an old friend of Catherine from her rowing days. "Alex" won a gold medal at the 1997 Rowing World Championships in Aiguebelette, France (coxless four), and rowed for Great Britain in Australia at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney (eight with coxswain).

Catherine (right) with her friend, Olympian Alex Beever

You can see Catherine and Alex had their hands full!

It was a nice dinner for everyone!

Civil War-era Diary Reveals Life of Texas Woman

2009-06-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Gloria Gallardo / KETK News
June 12, 2009 - 5:01pm

Author, Mary Lynne Gasaway Hill, talks on East Texas Live about the diary of a Texas young woman who lived during the civil war.

The Uncompromising Diary of Sallie McNeill: 1858-1867

Available: bn.com, amazon.com

More on Mary Lynne Gasaway Hill at:

http://web.mac.com/marylynnehill

Shakespeare Dallas 2009

2009-06-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare Dallas Presents:

The Taming of the Shrew
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Executive & Artistic Director Raphael Parry

Previews: June 17-18
Opening: June 19
Continuing June 20 through July 25
on Sundays, Tuesdays and Saturdays
With additional performances on June 20 & 21

Performances begin at 8:15 p.m. at the Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre
"Who wooed in haste and means to wed at leisure."
In this hilarious tale of the battle of the sexes, Baptista Minola, a rich gentleman of Padua, has two daughters - Bianca and Katherine. Sharp-tongued and willful, Katherine seems to terrify men and no one wants to marry her, despite her fortune. Enter Petruchio, a headstrong, obdurate man. It's love at first sight — but can the two reconcile their wild natures and live happily ever after?

Fri. & Sat.: $10 adults/$7 seniors and students.
Tues. – Thurs. & Sun.: $10 donation requested.
Children 12 and under are free.

Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre
1500 Tenison Parkway
Dallas, Texas 75223

Learning about Tai chi chuan

2009-06-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Mary Lynne and I took a summer course to learn about Tai chi chuan at our local YMCA with instructor Pat Russell.

*******

tai chi

Want to find your Chi?!

In this six week session, we will briefly discuss the history of the exercise as we learn a fitness-approach to the age-old Yang Short Form. The Yang Short Form is a link of 24 unchanging Tai Chi movements that have been passed down through centuries of tradition.

Tai Chi is one of the oldest forms of exercise on the planet. In fact, some written traditions of Tai Chi date back to over 8,000 years ago.

Special attire is not required.

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes.

You will learn to feel invigorated, energized, and balanced from this natural, choreographed flow of wellness.

The exercises are done standing, but they can be readily adapted for any participant wishing to sit.

May 5th-June 11th

6 weeks/ 12 sessions

Tuesdays and Thursdays

6:45-7:45pm

* Group Exercise room B *

Instructor: Pat Russell

$40 for Members

$60 for Future Members

Includes Tai Chi T-shirt!

Building Time on the Farm, Spring 2009

2009-06-11T14:23:00.001-07:00

This is what we are doing these days!

Old Friends from St. Mary's University

2009-06-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

Graduation 2009
St. Mary's University
San Antonio, Texas

Scot-Irish History: Part II in Texas

2009-06-05T16:05:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games.

The skirl of the Pipes, the cheers of encouragement for the Athletic events, and the swirling of the Highland Dancers reminds all Scots of our rich and glorious heritage. We gladly share this heritage with our friends this weekend at our 23rd annual festival.

We are proud that our event is one of the largest Scottish gatherings in the United States and known as the preeminent Scottish Entertainment Festival in North America. I know you will enjoy our featured musical groups as well as all the other great Scottish entertainers. A very special welcome to our visitors from across the nation and especially those members of Clan MacLellan and Clan Cumming who are holding their National Meetings in conjunction with our event.

I bid you all CEUD MILE FAILTE, a 100,000 welcomes.

Ray McDonald
Executive Director

Scot-Irish History: Part I in Scotland

2009-06-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

About The Gathering 2009

The Gathering 2009 is a celebration of the culture and history of Scotland.

The two-day event on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July will be the greatest international clan gathering the world has ever seen, and the largest Highland Games to have been held in Scotland.

This unique event is a chance for Scots everywhere to celebrate their roots and one of Scotland's greatest traditions, Highland Games, as well as an opportunity to thank the clan associations and Scottish societies from around the world for their role in keeping these traditions alive.

The Gathering 2009 Ltd was setup in February 2007 and has received public funding from EventScotland, City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian. This was granted on the basis that the event would provide a 18:1 return on investment to Scotland as a whole.

The Gathering 2009 is a signature event of Homecoming Scotland 2009, a year-long government initiative aimed at encouraging those with a passion or connection with Scotland to come home.

For many years Scotland has witnessed a decline in the popularity of Highland Games and a near extinction of clan activity. However, the opposite is true in some countries, especially in North America, where clan membership exceeds 100,000 and over 300 Highland Games and festivals are held annually.

Over the past few years there has been an overall strengthening of national identity within Scotland. This has provided an ideal environment in which to celebrate the contribution that the clans and their descendants have made to maintaining national traditions.

Trinity Shakespeare Festival 2009

2009-06-03T12:55:00.001-07:00

Trinity Shakespeare Festival
This summer is the inaugural season of the festival at TCU.

Romeo & Juliet
June 12 - 28, 2009

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is among the most enduring love stories in the Western canon. The play follows “a pair of star-crossed lovers” from their first shy glances, to an unquenchable love, to their final heartrending kiss.

Twelfth Night
June 11 - 28, 2009

Twelfth Night: or What You Will is Shakespeare’s comic masterpiece of unexpected love and mistaken identity. This comedy begins with shipwrecked twins off the coast of the kingdom of Illyria. It ends with love, reconciliation, reunion and marriage.

Trinity Shakespeare Festival

About Us
Festival Staff
Season Staff
Board of Advisors
News

Our Mission

Our hope is to produce the work of Shakespeare with clarity, creativity and conscience. To allow the stories of Shakespeare to play out on the stage with a joy in the story telling, a beauty in the execution and a respect for the tradition of Shakespeare’s enduring plays.

The Actors:

The Preparation:

Educators in AJ's Life

2009-06-01T13:29:00.001-07:00

The school yard!

Stacey Stewart M.S., CCC-SLP

European Union Wide Elections in June

2009-06-01T04:15:00.000-07:00

European Union wide elections are due in June and the final session of the current European Parliament is underway in Strasbourg.

Dominic Hughes looks at how the 700-plus MEPs from 27 countries will work together.

What does an EU commissioner do?

2009-06-01T04:08:00.000-07:00

As the European elections get closer, BBC News has been to parliament to find out more about who works there and what they do.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner is an EU Commissioner who spends most of her time in Brussels and Strasbourg attending meetings, briefings and press conferences.

AJ Rides the Train!

2009-06-01T02:39:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 30 May 2009

Big Ben Anniversary

2009-05-28T11:37:00.003-07:00

Big Ben Turns 150 years-old.

Historian Dan Cruickshank , who has made a programme celebrating the neo-gothic splendours of the Palace of Westminster, joins the Record Review's Alicia McCarthy in the studio to discuss the clocktower that houses Big Ben as it nears its 150th birthday.

The European Court of Justice

2009-05-28T11:37:00.001-07:00

“Survivors of Torture – the Irish Response”

2009-05-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

On the occasion of the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture,

Fr. Michael Begley CSSp., Director of SPIRASI, and Prof. Linda Hogan, Head of School, Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin cordially invite to the public seminar and discussion on:

“Survivors of Torture – the Irish Response”

with opening address by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, at the Swift Lecture Theatre, Trinity College, Dublin 2, at 5.45pm on Thursday 25th June 2009.

Programme:

(1) Opening Address – President Mary McAleese

(2) "International Human Rights Standards on Torture & Ireland’s Response" by Professor Helen O’Neill – Member of the Irish Human Rights Commission

(3) "The Centre for the Care of Survivors of Torture (CCST) – The Past, Present and Future" by Dr. Eileen Keane – Coordinating Physician of the CCST at SPIRASI

(4) "Waves of Insanity" by Laith – An Irish survivor of torture, originally from Iraq

R.S.V.P. (by 10th June 2009):
Maura Connolly
SPIRASI, 213 North Circular Road, Dublin 7.
01 838 9664
seminar@spirasi.ie

AJ and Eddie at the Farm!

2009-05-16T14:55:00.001-07:00

AJ at the Aquarium in Dallas

2009-05-11T11:54:00.001-07:00

Mary Lynne and Nikki Take AJ to the Aquarium in Dallas

Dad in California with the Flannery's!

2009-05-03T05:38:00.001-07:00

Yes, the whole clan went to Legoland!

Dinner with the Kids

2009-04-30T05:58:00.001-07:00

Life on the farm!

From Wales to England

2009-04-28T03:24:00.002-07:00

At the end of my trip, I stopped in London to visit Dr. Rajini Pani, at the Foundation for International Education.

The Foundation Building is located near the corner of Cromwell and Gloucester Roads, and is across the street from the Glouster Road Tube Station. This was our "home" stop when we spent the fall teaching in London as part of the study abroad program for St. Mary's University.

Here are some scenes from around London during my stay:

And, finally, here are a few of my favorite photos of London, taken by professional photographers:

From Ireland to Wales

2009-04-28T03:24:00.001-07:00

I left Dublin and flew into Cardiff, and stayed at St. Michael's Theological College. The college is in the historic town of Llandaff, just outside Cariff on the River Taff.

Here are some recent photos of St. Michael's Theological College.

This was my last visit to the School of Law at Cardiff University; I'll miss Wales.

From Scotland to Northern Ireland

2009-04-28T03:22:00.003-07:00

The ferry service across the Irish Sea from Stranraer to Belfast is run Stena.

I arrived in Belfast on Monday morning, 20 April 2009, just in time to head to my meetings at the campus of the Irish School of Ecumenics on Antrim Road.

The Campus Building

The Campus Grounds

The Campus Views

From England to Scotland

2009-04-28T03:22:00.001-07:00

After the ILA conference ended in Hull, I took the train up northern England and across Scotland to catch the ferry to Belfast in Northern Ireland. The Irish School of Ecumenics maintains a campus in both Dublin and Belfast, and I was on my way to meet my advisor, Dr. David Tombs, at the ISE house in Belfast. So, as you can see on the black line on the map, I needed to travel from Hull to York to Newcastle to Edinburgh to Glasgow to Stranraer, which is where the ferry departs for Belfast.

York, England

The North Sea

Berwick-upon-Tweed, England

The University of Glasgow

The Scottish countryside on the way to Stranraer, Scotland

Stranraer, Scotland

From Stranraer, Scotland I was able to catch the ferry to Belfast, Northern Ireland.