KEEPING THE FAITH

OUR Lady’s Island basked in the glow of the warm August sun last Tuesday as the annual pilgrimage season was officially opened by Bishop Denis Brennan.

Thousands of people from throughout the county and country flocked to the island for days of religious observances and ceremonies underpinng their faith.

While the first day was blessed with good weather, the heavens opened on the second, but even a deluge of biblical proportions did nothing to dampen the spirits of the huge numbers at Lady’s Island.

Tomorrow ( Wednesday, August 23), the author Francesca Browne will give a talk on Whispering Angels at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, August 27, there is an invitation to groups and organisations to arrive with banners for Mass at 3 p.m. while a healing Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 30 at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, September 3, there is a special ceremony called Remembering the Little Ones for all those who have suffered the death of children.

An Ecumenical Service will be held at 8 p.m. on Monday, September 4.

Bishop Brennan will celebrate Mass on the Birthday of Our Lady on Friday, September 8 at 7 p.m. with a renewal of commitment followed by a torchlight procession.

At other times pilgrims are invited to walk quietly around the island to the shrine while reciting the Rosary.

Ciara and Aaron Nuttall with June McCoy. The large crowd attending Mass at the opening of the pilgrimage season at Our Lady’s Island last week. Amber Newport, Clara Sheehan, Sophie Lambert and Emily Nolan.

Jackie Byrne, Kay Roche and Laura Wilcox.

Bishop Denis Brennan saying Mass at Our Lady’s Island.

Michael and Johnny O’Connor.

Aoibheann and Annie Clarke.

Pat Roche and Joan Roche.