Over the coming week, parishioners throughout the Diocese of Limerick will have the chance to venerate relics of two saints deeply connected with the global promotion of devotion to the Sacred Heart
These 300-year-old relics of Saints Margaret Mary Alacoque and Saint Claude la Colombiere will be presented at St. John’s Cathedral, commencing with a 7 pm Mass on Friday evening and remaining available for veneration at designated times until Wednesday of the following week
Reflecting on the imminent arrival of the relics, Bishop Brendan Leahy commented, “This marks another significant moment for the Diocese of Limerick in what has become a year of considerable spiritual renewal. We experienced our diocesan pilgrimage to Rome as part of the late Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Hope, and our group from Limerick had the special privilege of being present for his first public appearance after his illness. We, of course, deeply mourned Pope Francis’ passing and, conversely, celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV.”
“Beyond this, we have also had our important faith observances of Lent, Easter, and much more. Consequently, this year has been one of profound spiritual engagement, and now, locally, we have the special opportunity to venerate the relics of these two saints so closely associated with devotion to the Sacred Heart. This will be another occasion for significant spiritual engagement for us—a time to pause, venerate, petition, and ultimately, to express gratitude for our faith and its sustaining power,” stated Bishop Leahy
Veneration of the relics begins with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Brendan Leahy on this Friday evening (May 23rd) in St. John’s Cathedral at 7 pm followed by veneration. After that veneration of the relics will be on Saturday 24th 5.15pm – 6.00pm Veneration of Relics (Mass at 6.00pm); Sunday 25th 11.15 am – 12.00 Noon Veneration of Relics (Mass at Noon); Monday 26th Veneration of Relics 4.45pm – 5.45pm (Mass at 5.45pm); Tuesday 27th Veneration of Relics 4.45pm – 5.45pm (Mass at 5.45pm); Wednesday 28th Veneration of Relics 4.45pm – 5.45pm (Mass at 5.45pm)