All welcome to Mass at Carraig an Aifreann
Mass will be celebrated at Carraig an Aifrinn, Mass rock, in Glenville on Friday evening, May 17 continuing a centuries old tradition, which dates back to the penal days.
Mass at the hallowed spot will be preceded by the Rosary and Divine Mercy prayers at 7.30pm. Prayers will be recited at this Mass for all those studying, preparing for exams and making lifetime choices at this time.
In Penal Days, Mass was offered in Carraig an Aifrinn from 1691 to 1829. People at that time who risked their lives for their faith came here in all kinds of weather. In 1920, when Mass was celebrated here again, people came from far and near in horses and carts, ponies and traps, donkeys and carts from as far away as Doneraile and Mallow to the north, Cork city and Midleton to the south and the general Fermoy area and many walked long distances in the pouring rain to continue the tradition.
Horses and donkeys were tethered by the roadside for about a mile in each direction from the Mass rock and the occasion is something which is still talked about today.
For the next Mass then in 1961, there was a big clean up done which opened the pathway that is now the main entrance to the Mass Rock. An tAthair Tadhg Ó Murchú from Carraig na bhFear gave the homily on the day and Mass was celebrated by Fr Diarmuid O'Connor, CC of Watergrasshill/Glenville parish, before a very large congregation.
During Covid when the churches were locked, the Rosary was recited here every night at 8 o’clock. A new Lourdes grotto was erected and this was blessed by Bishop Fintan Gavin on Sunday, September 5th, 2021. The Rosary continues every night at 8pm.
All are welcome to attend the celebration of Mass at the Carraig an Aifrinn Mass rock, Glenville on Friday, May 17 at 8pm.