Sick and those lacking in Faith prayed for during Raphoe icon visit

The Icon of the Holy Family was received at the Cathedral of Ss Eunan and Columba, Letterkenny on June 7 by Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, which led to visits and events attended by proactive parishioners.

The bishop was assisted by the parish clergy and a large gathering of the faithful.

The doors of the sacred image were solemnly opened by the servers of the parish and two families then took a light from the Paschal Candle and lit the candles before the icon, which was then incensed by Bishop McGuckian.

First Vespers of the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus followed, presided by Bishop McGuckian.

Over the following days, many people came to venerate the icon and to pray for their families.

On Friday afternoon, June 8, a group of parishioners visited the places associated with St Colmcille in nearby Gartan.

After evening Mass of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, families and parish groups held an all-night vigil of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament exposed, praying for the needs of families.

Vigil

The vigil concluded on Saturday June 9 with Lauds and Benediction, followed by Mass for the Feast of St Colmcille, principal patron of the diocese of Raphoe and of the cathedral.

On Saturday evening, the Dominican Fathers began the parish mission for the WMOF, which ran until Sunday, June 17. Many took the opportunity to pray before the icon for their families and loved ones, especially those with sickness and those lacking in Faith.

It proved to be an occasion of great prayer and devotion, with many petitions being placed in the petition box. The icon departed on Monday, June 11 after the celebration of Mass and the recitation of the Rosary.

The presence of the original icon allowed the faithful to be drawn into the beauty and significance of the image they have been venerating in their homes and in the Cathedral since last year, and to make their contemplation a real opportunity of prayer for their own families.