Pilgrims flock to Our Lady’s Island
THOUSANDS of people are expected to visit Our Lady’s Island in the coming three weeks during the annual pilgrimage season which will be officially opened by the Bishop of Ferns Denis Brennan with a Mass and outdoor procession today (Tuesday), August 15 at 3 pm.
The village which has been a place of worship since pre-Christian times, is set to draw pilgrims from all over the south east region to walk and recite the Rosary around the historic island path, to attend daily Mass, participate in healing ceremonies and listen to various talks until the closing date of Friday, September 8.
Mass will be celebrated twice daily at 3 pm, followed by a healing blessing woth oils, and at 8 pm followed by a Sacrament of Reconciliation.
On Saturday, August 19, a talk on the effects of bullying in the home, school and workplace will be given at 3 pm Mass by Charlie Wyn, founder of the ‘I’m a Friend’ Movement.
A Mass of Healing with a blessing of the sick will be held on Sunday, August 20 at 3 pm.
On Wednesday, August 23, the author Francesca Browne will give a talk on Whispering Angels at 8pm.
On Sunday, August, there is an invitation to groups and organisations to arrive with banners for Mass at 3 pm while a healing Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 30 at 8 pm.
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 pm on Monday, September 4.
Bishop Brennan will celebrate Mass on the Birthday of Our Lady on Friday, September 8 at 7 pm 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. Many people perform this exercise nine times during the season while hardier souls try to do all nine on the same day.
The annual pilgrimage is held every year thanks to the work of a small army of volunteers including groundsmen, stewards and cross bearers who look after car parks, flags and bunting to ensure that the age-old tradition continues.
The custom of the public pilgrimage procession on August 15 was established in 1897 by the local parish priest Fr. Whitty and the pilgrimage has grown since then. Parish priest Fr. Jim Cogley will welcome pilgrims to Our Lady’s Island this year.