That word 'Happy'

Take a look at the front cover of any women’s magazine, and you’ll find a host of headlines promising to transform readers’ lives for the better. Inside you’ll find articles about miracle diets, the most flattering make-up, the latest fashions to achieve the perfect look. This trend is particularly noticeable at this time of year when the focus is on new year resolutions – new year, new you!

We live in a culture obsessed with appearances. The ultimate message is that we need to constantly transform our outward image in order to feel fulfilled and happy. If we let this message filter in, we can be left feeling empty, frustrated and dissatisfied with our lot.

But today’s Gospel speaks of a different type of happiness. The word ‘happy’ appears nine times in the Beatitudes – it is sometimes translated as ‘blessed’.

Welcome to the new website for the Parish of Mitchelstown!

Built from scratch, the new website launched on Friday 30 January 2026 sports a new layout that should make it easier to find relevant information

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Mitchelstown Parish Newsletter

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Feast of St Brigid of Kildare

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Any new articles that are featured on the homepage of cloynediocese.ie will be compiled and sent to you in a single email no more than once a day.

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