Visit of the relics of St Bernadette an overwhelming success

By Rebecca Crockett

ONE of the main organisers of last weekend’s visit of the relics of St Bernadette to St. Eunan’s Cathedral has thanked everyone who played their part in what was a memorable and historic weekend for the dioceses.

Large crowds of people visited the cathedral over Friday, Saturday and Sunday with many traveling some distances to see the relics and take part in the many ceremonies held over the three days.

Fr Stephen Gorman, the Director of the Raphoe Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, said: “It was overwhelming to see the thousands of pilgrims who came to join in the ceremonies and to venerate the relics of Saint Bernadette over the weekend.

“I hope you and your families all receive many graces and blessings from the very special time of prayer that we all shared in the presence of the relics of Saint Bernadette.”

Members of the congregation in prayer during the Liturgy of Welcome ceremony on Friday.

The cathedral stayed open through the night and while an official number has not yet been tallied, organisers spoke of the thousands that attended proceedings over the weekend.

Fr Gorman thanked all who played a part in organising the visit, including Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Administrator of St Eunan’s Cathedral.

“Thank you to the organising committee who worked alongside me, for their help, time and dedication in the weeks of preparation – Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Paschal Blake, Mary Maguire, Brenda Barrett, Marie Sweeney, Donal Bonner and Hugh Mc Cauley.”

He also acknowledged his fellow priests of the diocese who helped with the liturgies over the weekend, as well as the Most Reverend, Bishop Philip Boyce, OCD who led ceremonies during the relics’ welcome and departure.

Several schools were present to welcome the relics, Fr Gorman said: “Thank you to the children of StBernadette’s Special School for their participation in the Liturgy of Welcome on Friday and to the other various schools who accompanied their pupils to the Welcome Ceremony.”

Members of the Letterkenny Senior Accordian Band who played during the arrival of the relics of St. Bernadette to St. Eunan’s Cathedral on Friday.

He continued by thanking everyone who answered the call for volunteers:

“To Marian Mc Menamin who designed, created and erected the wonderful Lourdes Grotto Replica on the Sanctuary, it was beautiful.

“To Mary-Ellen Harley for all her help with the administration. To Donal Bonner and his team of the Knights of Columbanus for their help with stewarding, car parking etc.

“To Mary Maguire, Adrienne McGlinchey and all who helped in the catering tent over the weekend, your hospitality was greatly appreciated by all who called in for refreshments, day and night.”

Fr Gorman also thanked all the local businesses who provided supplies and support to the catering tent, as well as thanking the Lourdes Pilgrimage staff who helped in various positions.

“Thank you to the various parish groups who celebrated holy hours during the night vigils. To the youth groups for their beautiful Youth Prayer Holy Hour on Saturday evening. Without all our volunteers it would have been impossible for this very special spiritual celebration to be the success that it was in our diocese.”

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