WMOF 2018
Glen Phillips
The six parishes in the West Belfast Pastoral Area decided to come together and organise something for local families on June 24 in the run up to the World meeting of Families in August Dublin.
The day started with a prayer service and blessing of families in St Michael’s Church.
Welcome
All the parish priests and the chairs of the pastoral councils were on the altar to welcome people. One member of each family was asked to come forward to the altar with a candle and get it blessed and lit, before returning to their seats.
After the prayers and hymns there was a buffet for all who had attended and an opportunity for people from the different local parishes to meet each other and spend time together.
Meanwhile at the adjoining school of St John the Baptist, the bouncy castles and amusements had started to open up for everyone. Dozens more families arrived to take advantage of the good weather, games, barbeque and ice cream.
Fr Aidan Brankin, from St Oliver Plunkett Parish in Lenadoon, was delighted with the whole event, particularly the Blessing of Families which he described as the highlight of the day.
Glen Phillips is the Parish Manager of St Oliver Plunkett Parish