Mags GarganDiocese celebrates 58th annual pilgrimage
From June 26-July 1, 450 pilgrims from the Diocese of Killaloe, led by Bishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA, 11 priests and newly-ordained Deacon Michael Geraghty from the parish of Birr, attended the Marian Shrine of Lourdes on the 58th diocesan pilgrimage. A group of 47 young helpers and their leaders also joined this pilgrimage.
During the five days 54 assisted pilgrims were cared for by Dr Fabian Akamnonu, Shannon, and a team of 20 nurses under the guidance of Michael Daly and Theresa Nash, while the hospitality team were led by Michael Mullally.
The family of the Killaloe diocese were saddened by the sudden death of Paul Moloney, a native of Shannon, who died unexpectedly while on the pilgrimage. Fr Tom Ryan, Pilgrimage Director recalled and prayed for former pilgrims and he offered prayers for the repose of Paul’s soul. The pilgrimage candle was blessed by Bishop O’Reilly and dedicated to Paul’s memory before being taken to the grotto by his friends, where it burned in the days following the pilgrimage.
