Patrun Sunday off but local clergy bless graves

THE annual Patrun Sunday at St Patrick’s Cemetery may have been postponed due to the pandemic, but local clergy have recorded their ‘Blessing of the Graves’ to remember loved ones buried in the graveyard.

The annual patron in memory of deceased loved ones interred at the Dowdallshill cemetery traditionally takes place each July.

This year however saw St. Patrick’s Parish announcing that the event has been postponed due to the social distancing arrangements in place to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Fr Mark O’Hagan, ADM St. Patrick’s parish took to social media last week to confirm the event could not be held this year

‘Due to Covid 19 and the government restrictions set down in relation to outside gatherings sadly the Blessing of the Graves in St Patrick’s Cemetery’s Dundalk will be postponed to next year.’

However, he explained that along with a number of other local clergy, he had attended the Newry Road cemetery last week been, and blessed all of the graves in the absence of Patrun Sunday. ‘Father’s Michael Sheehan, Noel Kehoe, Cormac Mc Namera, David Barrins along with myself felt it would be important that your loved ones Grave would be blessed. We gathered in the cemetery and held a Ceremony of the Blessing of the Graves.’

A recording of the very unique ceremony and the Blessing of the Graves was posted and is available to view on Youtube.