St Oliver relics blessed by Pope

POPE Francis has blessed the relics of St Oliver Plunkett, adding to the list of Popes who have venerated the Drogheda saint.

The major relic (clavicle) was presented to the Papal Nuncio (Archbishop Okolo), for veneration by Pope Francis in a specially prepared private oratory at the Papal Nuncio’s residence in Dublin.

On returning the relics to Monsignor Carroll (custodian of the Shrine of St Oliver Plunkett), the Papal Nuncio (pictured) remarked that the Pope found the oratory to be a place of great spiritual nourishment, so much so, that Pope Francis eluded to the fact in his homily at Phoenix Park.

Pope Francis joins the list of Popes that have venerated St. Oliver. Pope Leo XIII, Pope Benedict XV and Pope Paul VI were all involved in St Oliver’s canonisation process while Pope John Paul II venerated his relics in Killineer during his visit.

Saturday next, 29th September, marks the 39th anniversary of the visit to Drogheda of Pope St. John Paul II and to mark this, there is a Prayer Service at the Papal Cross at 4:30pm. The prayer service will be followed by the Monthly Mass in honour of St. Oliver in St Peter’s Church, West Street, Drogheda at 6:15pm.