Author: Fr Joseph Ryan

We may have arrived home a day late due to flight delays but our pilgrimage was very special as it was the first time it truly was a combined Glasnevin grouping pilgrimage. And indeed our group was further enhanced by the Donabate ladies who joined in. Fr Richard provided us with insightful reflections as we went on our pilgrim way with daily Mass, rosary processions and blessed sacrament procession. We survived the baths as well!

Thanks is also due to Fr Cormac a Spiritan father, whom we met, who concelebrated Mass with Fr Richard. 

All the petitions were brought each day to our daily Mass and placed in front of the Altar and on the last day they were put into the petition box at the Grotto where Our Blessed Lady appeared to Bernadette in 1858. (All your petitions plus the names of all those doing leaving and junior cert exams were included. Fr J Ryan)

Above is a photo of the petitions in front of the beautiful altar in Bartres where St Bernadette lived for a while. We also lit a large candle on behalf of the Grouping and it is hopefully still burning bright.

Photo underneath shows the beautiful altar in Bartres.

Marie Falvey

On Sunday morning we left Ballygall to head for Knock the shrine where in 1879 Our Blessed Mother, with St Joseph and St John the Evangelist, appeared to a number of witnesses. We were heading for an over night stay at St. Mary’s which up to recently was under the care of the Daughters of Charity and is now in the care of Knock Shrine.

Having done this more than once it was a great chance to be with some people from the parish and to meet up with some of my own family.

We got there in plenty of time for the 3pm Mass in the refurbished Basilica and joined with the Franciscan pilgrimage. It was lovely to be with them for the Mass especially as we have the link through the Franciscan Penitential Service every Advent and Lent. As the weather was good (an unusual item for knock) we took part in the rosary procession after mass and finished with the blessing at the Apparition Chapel.

What better way to mix the Dubs with the Tipp people than food. Over supper there was a chance to “Break Bread” and afterwards pray rosary in the “Convent Chapel”. 

On Monday morning we celebrated Mass in the Apparition Chapel and afterwards headed to Ballintubber Abbey a site renowned for its faith journey for over 800 years. Unfortunately the weather caught up with us and most of the ladies were forced to stay in the abbey or go the the church shop. Perish the thought of women in a shop and it raining. There they watched a video on the history of the abbey. Some of us however braved the inclement weather and got out to see the “Rosary Way” and “the Way of the Cross” which was designed by Fr Frank Fahey P.P. of Ballintubber.

We will have to go again! Thanks to all who took part in the trip. It was a joy to be with ye.

Joseph Ryan.