The Italian composer Giacomo Puccini wrote La Boheme, Madama Butterfly and Tosca. It was during his battle with terminal cancer in 1922 that he began to write Turandot, which many now consider his best work. He worked on the score day and night, despite his friends’ advice to rest, and to save his energy. When his sickness worsened, Puccini said to his disciples, “‘If I don’t finish Turandot, I want you to finish it.” He died in 1924, leaving the work unfinished. His disciples gathered all that was written of Turandot, studied it in great detail, and then proceeded to write the remainder of the opera. The world premier was performed in La Scala Opera House in Milan in 1926, and Toscanini, Puccini’s favorite student, conducted it. The opera went beautifully, until Toscanini came to the end of the part written by Puccini. He stopped the music, put down the baton, turned to the audience, and announced, “Thus far the master wrote, but he died.” There was a long pause; no one moved. Then Toscanini picked up the baton, turned to the audience and, with tears in his eyes, announced, “But his disciples finished his work.” The opera closed to thunderous applause, and to a permanent place in the annals of great works. Jesus instructs us in his Ascension message to finish his work of saving mankind by proclaiming His good news by words and deeds.

Parish Articles
- Bereavement / Death
- Christian Living
- Every Day Prayers
- Our Diocese
- Pope / Bishops
- Prayers and Reflections
Parish Contacts
Parish Office
01 298 4642Emergency Mobile
087 240 2585Fr. Martin Cosgrove
495 4554 All Parish Contacts
Important Numbers & Helplines



Death Notices
Therese Wright, (née Edge) Rathfarnham - 27th January
John Cahill, Rathfarnham - 26th January
Steven Munnelly, Rathfarnham - 24th January
Mary Doyle, Meadow Villas, Churchtown - 18th January
Christina (Chris) MYLES (née Doyle) Rathfarnham, Dublin - 6th January
Peter Fagan, Carrickmount Avenue - 2nd January
Marie Mac Farlan, Churchtown - 2nd January
Gerard Gaffney Carrickmount Drive - 2nd January
Cora Skinner Meadow Park - 2nd January
John B. (Jack) Maguire, Churchtown, Dublin - 19th November
See Full List »
Parish News & Publications
Current Newsletter (PDF)
Parish Newsletter (Past Issues)
Quarterly Newsletter
Notices
Events
Parish Articles
Recent Baptisms and Marriages
Upcoming Events
Mass Readings
Dublin Archdiocese News
Quick Links
Accord – Marriage and Relationships
Citizens Information Centre
Cura – Pregnancy Support
Irish Bishops Website
Religious Practice Benefits
St Vincent de Paul
Trocaire – Overseas Aid & Development
Veritas – Christian Resources