"In these days of cynicism and self-interest, it is heart-warming to come across a Good Samaritan". That was how Lisnaskea-born, Fr Brendan McManus SJ reacted to an experience on his way from a recent wedding in Pomeroy when his car broke down and he was rescued by a local farmer, Seamus Goodfellow, who also happens to be a mechanic.

"He came out at 9pm on a Bank Holiday Monday, bringing me a replacement battery to get me to the wedding. Then, he took my old battery and recharged it overnight, and wouldn't take a penny!". The wedding was that of Brenda Kelly and Jonathan (Jonty) Lacey who are both members of the Jesuit Volunteer Community.

Brenda works with the Peter McVerry Trust in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, and Jonty is

studying for a PHd in Ethics at Trinity College, having studied Philosophy at the Milltown Institute. They were joined by many friends from Sliabh Eile, the Jesuit-run organisation based in Dublin's Gardiner Street. It provides an outlet for young people to share in the liturgy, particularly through Gardiner Street Parish Church (also known as St Francis Xavier's) is holding a special Mass to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the first Mass held in the church.

The parish priest, Donal Neary SJ, has invited Archbishop Diarmuid Martin to be the principal celebrant.

The foundation stone was laid on 9 July 1829, the year of Catholic Emancipation and, the first Mass was celebrated there by Dr. Daniel Murray, the then Archbishop of Dublin, on 3 May, 1832.

Since then, St. Francis Xavier's has been part of the life of Dublin, especially through the Novena of Grace which takes place every year in March.