Renata Steffens
Families from across Ireland gathered in Termonbacca for Catholic Mothers Ireland’s annual National Mass and Family Day, celebrated by Bishop Donal McKeown, with a talk from Patrick and Thérèse McCrystal. Photo: Catholic Mothers Ireland. The Catholic Mothers Ireland received families from across the island of Ireland at their annual National Mass and Family Day, which, this year, took place in Termonbacca, Co. Derry. As the organisation is composed of small groups in local parishes, the annual Mass is thought to be a moment for all members to come together in fellowship and prayer.
“Our Annual National Mass and Family Day is a beautiful opportunity for families from across the country to pause, pray together, and build lasting connections,” the organisation said in a statement. “In a busy world, this event provides parents and children alike with a supportive community environment to deepen their faith and find mutual encouragement.”
This year, the celebration was led by Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry, who commended the values the group seeks to promote. The bishop said that “unless you create communities where values are lived out, ideas mean nothing.”
Besides the celebration of Mass, there were also talks about marriage and family. The speakers were Patrick and Therese McCrystal, who spoke “about the beautiful, sacred, and sometimes challenging journey of Christian marriage and family life.”
Refreshments and activities for children also took place.