Dundalk set to honour Fatima 100th anniversary

THE global celebrations set to mark 100 years since the Fatima apparition will be marked in Dundalk with a procession from Market Square to the Friary Church.

Leading the procession is a young priest, Fr. Eoin Casey (29) who had first trained as an accountant before joining the priesthood.

‘ The procession will take place as part of the nine day Novena in honour of Fatima,’ said Fr. Casey.

In what is an extremely important date in the church’s calendar, this year is all the more significant as it marks 100 years since the apparition at Fatima.

On the very same day Pope Francis will be in Fatima to mark the 100th year anniversary of the apparition.

He will canonize the young visionaries Francisco and Jacinta Marto, who are at the heart of the Fatima story.

‘Here, in Dundalk the procession will be a very special event, and will the young people from the Friary as well as many parishioners.’

Fr. Casey’s own extraordinary story is life transform from the beginning of a career at the accountancy firm Price Waterhouse Cooper to his ordination into the priesthood in the summer of last year.

‘For me, it was always something quite natural. Since I was very young I always wanted to be a priest. My uncle was a priest, and he was always a very positive influence my life.’

Completing his degree in accountancy at UCC, and starting his work life, he recalls a time of ‘ trying to figure out what my purpose was in life’ before making the decision to become a priest. Now also working part time as a teacher in Newbridge College, he added that he is looking forward to the Dundalk celebrations.

Fr. Casey will lead the procession from Market Square at 2pm, making its way to the Friary, in Anne Street for 3pm Mass. All are welcome to take part in the celebration. THE Dundalk late night cafe continues its successful run with the next event being held this evening, Tuesday May 2nd, in the An Tain Arts centre in Dundalk Town hall from 8pm -12.

The late night events include a range of activities from games to lively discussions and table tennis, all with a background of low -moderate volume music. Refreshments also served including cakes, buns and crisps.

This is as always a non alcoholic event. All are welcome to go along on the night and enjoy a night out with a difference.