The head Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, will celebrate mass on the Hill of Slane on August 6th. This is a special event for World Youth Day will complement the celebrations in Lisbon with Pope Francis. In the Spirit of World Youth Day, pilgrims from across Ireland are invited to join St Patrick’s successor, Archbishop Eamon Martin, at the Hill of Slane, County Meath on August 6th for rosary, mass, and a healing service. The Paschal candle will also be lit as part of the ceremony on the Feast of the Transfiguration as pilgrims pray for a renewal of faith, hope and love in Ireland.
Many young pilgrims from around Ireland will join the mass and prayers. Archbishop Eamon Martin recalled St Patrick’s own experience as he prepared for this event:
“Sometimes we forget that St Patrick came first to Ireland as a frightened teenager, forced into slavery. He knew he was a sinner, but he grew to know and love God through prayer and sacrifice. The light of faith will be kept alive, spread and renewed in Ireland in families that pray and from young person to young person – as Dana’s new song puts it: lighting the flame of faith in their own hearts and in the hearts of others!”
The famous Irish singer will perform her new song ‘Light the Fire’. Her song is inspired by St Patrick, who lit a holy fire at Slane long ago in 433 AD. Everyone will light candles to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration. They will pray for stronger faith among young people in Ireland. Dana says her song is inspired by “St Patrick to light the flame of faith in people’s hearts”. She hopes people from every parish in Ireland will come and pray for blessings and stronger faith. There will be representatives from our parish at both Slane and Lisbon.
They will be joined by Sr Briege McKenna who will speak and lead healing prayers and Fr Pablo Escriva de Romani who has worked with youth and in war zones. Archbishop Martin who is just back from a pilgrimage in Fatima will lead the service and says,
“I look forward very much to celebrating the Eucharist on the Hill of Slane on World Youth Day, and praying for the young people of Ireland – that they may kindle in their hearts a love for Jesus Christ and become ambassadors for Christ all around the island of Ireland.”
The Priests and Parishioners of Newry Cathedral Parish wish Father Callum Young well in his new appointment as curate at St. Patrick’s, Holy Redeemer and Holy Family, Dundalk. We thank him for his spiritual and pastoral contribution to our parish. Father Callum will also continue his work as Assistant to the Rector of Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary, Dundalk.