Mags Gargan
Newry couples celebrate with ACCORD
Bishop McAreavey and Canon Michael Hackett recently concelebrated a Mass of Commitment for Engaged Couples in the Cathedral of SS Patrick & Colman in Newry, which had a special significance for those preparing for marriage in the Diocese of Dromore.
Later, at a short reception held in the Newry Parish Centre, the couples had an opportunity to speak with Bishop McAreavey, Canon Michael Hackett, spiritual director of ACCORD Newry, Fr Brian Fitzpatrick CC, Lurgan and the facilitators and counsellors of Newry ACCORD who organised the event.
Armagh celebrates St Patrick’s Festival
Armagh town is preparing to celebrate this year’s St Patrick’s Festival with a number of events, starting this Friday (March 3–March 19) when all the churches and places of worship come together to symbolically celebrate our island’s patron saint by ringing their bells for a short time at 17:17 for the 17 days of the festival.
Cantabelles, a new vocal ensemble, will perform in St Patrick’s RC Cathedral on Friday, March 10 at 8pm. Toni Watts, a professional manuscript illuminator, will give a demonstration in the cathedral on Saturday, March 11 from 3–6pm.
On March 16 a vigil will commence at the Church of Ireland Cathedral at 9pm where Archbishop Clarke will lead a prayer. Visitors will then be led by both archbishops in torchlight to the Catholic Cathedral where Archbishop Eamon Martin will conclude with a prayer. A St Patrick’s Tea Party will then take place in The Synod Hall, St Patrick’s RC Cathedral on Friday, March 17 from 3–6pm. Free admission.
Ballinasloe conference on ‘Fatima the centenary’
The entire message of Fatima will be presented by some world-leading experts at the Fatima Centenary Conference to be held at the Shearwater Hotel, Marina Point, in Ballinasloe this coming May 19–20.
Fr Joseph M. Wolfe MFVA of EWTN will present and televise the conference and speakers include Colin B. Donovan, Vice President of Theology at EWTN; Dominicans Fr John Harris and Fr John Walsh; Msgr John Armitage, Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham; Prof. William A. Thomas of the Pontifical Marian Academy and Donal Anthony Foley.
Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh will celebrate the Mass of Our Lady of Fatima on Saturday, May 20, while the opening welcome will be given by Bishop John Kirby of Clonfert diocese.
For more information and pre-registration see www.fatimaJPII.org
Large numbers attend faith mission
Large numbers of young people and not so young have been turning out to the Enfield/Rathmolyon Parish Faith Mission to hear well-known speakers give their views on what role Christian faith can play in their lives.
The mission, which is taking place in Rathmolyon Church, Co. Meath over four Monday until March 6, is aimed at enhancing faith understanding and community spirit within the parish.
A guest speaker addresses the congregation on each of the four nights, each talking on a specific aspect of Christian faith.
The mission concludes next Monday night (March 6) with a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Smith, who will talk on the role Faith plays in establishing a parish community
