The Avondhu

MEDJUGORJE FAITHFUL GATHER IN KILWORTH

- JOHN AHERN

Events from 40 years ago were recalled at a special anniversar­y Mass held in St Martin's Church,

Kilworth on Thursday of last week.

Four decades have passed since 6 children reported seeing an apparition close to their home town of Medjugorje in the former Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovin­a). Numerous reports have been carried out in relation to the apparition, with the conclusion being there was 'no good reason' not to believe the eye witness testimony.

Mainly because of the strength of these accounts, Medjugorje has become a place of pilgrimage for people from around the world. Even those not entirely convinced are prepared to concede that visiting the site is a moving and potentiall­y life changing experience. Since 1981, thousands of Irish people have made the trip to the Balkans - while Covid-19 travel restrictio­ns continue to curtail foreign travel, nearly all intend returning as soon as it's safe to do so.

The shrine has strong devotion locally and this was reflected in the attendance at last Thursday's Mass, where the celebrant was parish priest of Kilworth and Araglin, Canon Donal Leahy. Canon Leahy told worshipper­s that in these challengin­g times, devotion to Our Lady was now more important than ever.

 ?? John Ahern) ?? LEFT: Tim Hegarty (Carraig na bhFear), Esther O’Flynn (Mayfield) and Josie Wheeler (Kilworth) who attended last Thursday’s Medjugorje 40th anniversar­y Mass in St. Martin’s Church, Kilworth.
John Ahern) LEFT: Tim Hegarty (Carraig na bhFear), Esther O’Flynn (Mayfield) and Josie Wheeler (Kilworth) who attended last Thursday’s Medjugorje 40th anniversar­y Mass in St. Martin’s Church, Kilworth.
 ?? (Pic: John Ahern) ?? Seamus O’Sullivan (Castlelyon­s) and John Twomey (Fermoy) who attended a special Mass in Kilworth last Thursday evening, marking the 40th anniversar­y of an apparition in Medjugorje.
(Pic: John Ahern) Seamus O’Sullivan (Castlelyon­s) and John Twomey (Fermoy) who attended a special Mass in Kilworth last Thursday evening, marking the 40th anniversar­y of an apparition in Medjugorje.
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