Chai Brady
WMOF 2018
The country celebrates
Thousands of families gathered as the sound of church bells filled the air on the evening of August 21 as people attended events marking the beginning of the World Meeting of Families this year.
All 26 of Ireland’s dioceses simultaneously celebrated the opening ceremony – with the lead ceremony taking place in the RDS, Dublin.
The Opening Liturgy was a full celebration of Evening Prayer entitled ‘Le chéile le Críost’ (together with Christ) and set the theme for the duration of the WMOF. Many international delegates and speakers at the pastoral congress in the RDS were given the opportunity to join in the curtain raiser.
Some dioceses went a step further, organising street parties and concerts; pictured are some of the moments captured during the opening ceremonies across Ireland which helped boost spirits and energise people before the WMOF.
Generally the opening ceremonies were held in the cathedral of each diocese.