Dunleer erects new shrine to Our Lady

ON SUNDAY last, in the presence of a very big crowd, Right Rev. Monsignor J. F Stokes, P.P., V.G, Saint Peter’s, Drogheda, blessed the Marian Year Shrine at Main Street, Dunleer.

The Rosary was recited by Very Rev T. P. Conlon and the ceremony was brought to a close with the singing of the “Faith of Our Fathers.”

The shrine, situated between the Parochial House, and the Post Office, consists of a large size statue of the Immaculate Conception, by a French artist, and underneath then is a walnut and bronze crucifix erected by the people of the parish.

both statue and crucifix were supplied by P. J. Smyth and Co and the building work was tastefully carried out by Mr. Patrick Callan, local contractor. For Sunday’s ceremony, the shrine was decorated with flowers, and bunting was stretched across the street at several points. In a prominent position also was a scroll with the words “Ave Marie.”

Earlier, Monsignor Stokes presided at Mass in St. Brigid’s Church celebrated by Father Conlon, and a special sermon on Our Lady congratulated the people of Dunleer on their enterprise in erecting a shrine in honour of Our Blessed Mother.