It was the Summer of 2003, that Michael Anthony Maguire jnr was in two minds as to whether or not he should go on his annual trip to Lourdes shrine, France. He was particularly reluctant to go on this specific pilgrimage as it would mean him travelling on his own. So he consulted the wisdom and counsel of his beloved "nanny noo" (as he called her and was the title of a song he once dedicated to her). She said "Go to Lourdes and put all your trust in Our Lady Michael. She will take care of you and send you friends"...
and so with courage' in his front pocket and faith' in his back pocket and his nanny's prayers for him, Michael set out. It was right there at a check-in queue in Belfast City Airport that his wee nanny noo's prophecy was fulfilled. He hadnt even boarded the plane yet! During this pilgrimage Michael myself and my twin sister Sabrina struck up a friendship that was to last for many years to come.
On his return from Lourdes Michael instantaneously took to the spirituality of the Catholic Youth prayer movement Youth2000 and his new-found friendships like a duck to water. From day one he used his talents for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. With courage and eloquence he embraced his fears and began to sing and play his guitar at prayer meetings and retreats and even gave talks for Youth Challenge in churches all over Ireland. Michael very soon became the heart and soul of not only our Youth2000 prayer meetings on Wednesday evenings in the Ormeau Road Belfast, but also our social lifes! No party was complete without Michael the socialite!! He always had a joke or a funny story to tell and sometimes had us crying with laughter with his sharp wit. He had a sense of humour beyond belief and possessed the ability to entertian a crowded room for hours.
We've had so many adventures over the years, from Tom Hennigan's heritage centre in Foxford to getting kicked out of a b and b on a youth retreat for making too much noise in the wee hours of the morning and once almost arriving in Galway instead of Knock cause Michael was talking that much he got distracted and missed his turn off.
A gift which I imagine came from his Grandmother "nanny noo" was his very strong devotion to Our Blessed Mother. Michael prayed the Holy Rosary faithfully and as I reflect on the hour that Michael passed to his eternal home being that of "Our Ladys Angelus" (12noon), I cannot help but see the parallel of the words he said so often in the Hail Mary "pray for us now and at the hour of our death" ... A consolation and indeed a beautiful sign for us all that the great sign which appeared in Heaven the woman clothed in the sun came to her little one and said "Thank you".
Michael, you were an extremely loyal friend with a child's heart, pure and humble. You were thoughful, gentle, kind, generous and devoted to God. A true Catholic gentleman who walked your journey of life with integrity and courage. May you forever enjoy your eternal reward for all you have endured and done. Keep the doors open for us Michael, and it wont be long before we hear you singing and playing the guitar again as this life is a blink! We'd like to request your favourites "the speed of the sound of loneliness", "that's Belfast" and "Forever" by Randy Travis. You were one in billion and we will all treasure our memories and friendship. Until we meet again rest in the sweet peace of Jesus and in the arms of Mary.
Monday 27 February 2023
Chridessa and Sabrina O' Hagan and all your Youth2000 golden oldies.