PILGRIMS VISIT
still in use to the present day.
Now in his 90th year, Brendan has suffered a stroke and is confined to a wheelchair.
Another feature re-introduced to the pilgrimage was one in which areas and groups brought their own banners. Fr Cogley said this feature of earlier years adds more than a touch of colour but engenders a sense of pride in the various areas.
‘It is hoped that next year the creativity that exists in every parish will result in more banners being added to this beautiful occasion,’ he said.
At the beginning of the pilgrimage route, two Stations of the Cross in mosaic installed installed, the work of wellknown ecclesiastical mosaic artist Helen McLean.
The remaining stations have not yet been commissioned and await sponsorship. They provide a unique opportunity for anyone to have a loved one remembered or to contribute something that will touch countless thousands of lives for at least the next 100 years.
Fr Jim said a stunning new feature of the pilgrim return journey is a Resurrection Garden that amounts to the 15th Station. This is situated at the Pilgrim Well and depicts Christ meeting Mary Magdalene outside the empty tomb.
These life-size sculptures are from wood carved by Ciaran O’Brien who was also responsible for the statues in the Memorial Garden in Kilmore Quay and the two gardens in Oylegate.
For the many visitors who are curious and ask questions about the background to Our Lady’s Island and particularly how it became a centre of pilgrimage as far back as the 6th Century a new booklet has just been made available.
It was written and compiled by the Director Fr Cogley and is entitled ‘Carne, Our lady’s Island – History and Folklore’ and is a readable and fascinating book which explores a unique history that extends from 2000 BC to the present day.
Behind the scenes in Lady’s Island an army of local volunteers make the pilgrimage experience possible. Catering for such vast numbers is a formidable undertaking, especially with inadequate facilities, yet pilgrims are looked after and go home satisfied.
Staff in the Coffee Shop and Gift Shop were on duty throughout the season.