Brigidine Mass

SPECIAL BI-CENTENARY BRIGIDINE MASS

In Ballyboden, the Brigidine Sisters help the Augustinians to run the Parish. This year, the Sisters celebrate the Bi- Centenary of the foundation of their Order. We celebrated this important event on Sunday, April,22nd with a beautiful mass. The church was specially decorated for the occasion.(DSC02396).

The Mass began with a very moving opening procession.

Opening procession
St Brigid's cross, which she used when teaching the truths ofthe Catholic faith is recognised around the globe. We have used the letters of her name to form the shape of the cross by which she is so well known. A lantern is brought to the altar symbolising the sacred flame from St. Brigid's lantern, a beacon of light and hope for the poor and rejected.

The flame also reminds us of the burning desire Bishop Daniel Delaney had to improve the quality of the lives of his people who were denied human and religious freedom at that time. He established the congregation of the sisters of St. Brigid to meet the spiritual and educational needs of his people.

A woman of peace, St. Brigid gave her fathers sword to a poor family so they could sell it for food, (pause while sword is held up). Thereby turning a symbol of hatred and death into a symbol of Christ's love and compassion. Brigidine sisters continue her work today with their involvement in the U. N. St. Brigid always remembered those in need. Once after a long journey she was given a basket of apples, upon meeting a group of people looking for food she promptly gave them the fmit saying that what was hers was also theirs, reminding us that in times of plenty we should remember those in need.

We bring a basket of apples to remind us of her compassion which is continued in countries throughout the world by Brigidine sisters today. We bring a cloak as a reminder of St. Brigid's cloak. Faoi bhrat Bhride sinn. May we all be protected under St. Brigid's cloak.

 

The choirs were at their best - see Special Mass Leaflet

Click on each below to open the 3 parts of the leaflet in Word

Front

Cente

Back

The Sisters were overwhelmed they are most appreciative of all the hard work that went into making the day special for them. Congratulations Sisters and thank you all, most sincerely, for the wonderful contribution you have made to the Parish.