The resurrection of Christ is depicted in a mural in the sanctuary of Holy Family Church in the West Bank city of Ramallah. (OSV News photo/Debbie Hill) Dawn Masses are set to take place across the country this Easter Sunday, offering early risers a chance to mark the Resurrection.
Fr Paul Prior, PP of Mullagh & Cross, Co. Cavan, said the celebration, now in its second year locally, has already struck a chord with parishioners. “As the liturgy progresses, the sun rises and the light comes, and it’s a very tangible connection with the power of the Resurrection,” he said, describing it as “a very poignant liturgy” with strong community involvement.
Mass in Mullagh begins at 6am in St Mary’s Church, Cross, followed by a parish breakfast.
In the Diocese of Killaloe, Bishop Fintan Monahan will celebrate Dawn Mass at Clarecastle quay, one of several open-air liturgies held in recent years. Such gatherings offer “an attractive, meaningful open-air ceremony in a beautiful location… often attracting attendees who might not otherwise engage with the Holy Week liturgies.”
He added that this helps people reconnect with “the deeper meaning of Easter – the fact that Christ has risen from the dead.”