On Sunday, the first day of the Month of the Sacred Heart (1 June), Bishop Alan McGuckian welcomed the Pilgrim Statue of the Sacred Heart to the Diocese of Down and Connor during the annual Saul Sunday Mass on Slieve Patrick. The special statue was blessed for Ireland by our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, as a symbol of renewed devotion to the Sacred Heart
During the Mass, Bishop Alan led the faithful in a beautiful Consecration Prayer to the Sacred Heart, invoking blessings upon our parishes, homes, and country
The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Aidan Brankin PP, Fr Declan Kearney, and Fr Brendan Kelly, with Deacon Jackie Breen proclaiming the Gospel
Slieve Patrick, which overlooks the historic village of Saul where St Patrick built his first church and began his mission in Ireland, provided a sacred backdrop for this significant celebration. The site is also home to the world’s largest statue of St Patrick, standing proudly atop the hill. The original altar stone used by St Patrick is preserved in the parish church below
Evening Procession – Monday 2nd June
The celebrations continue today, Monday 2nd June, with a Sacred Heart Procession from St Patrick’s Church, Saul to Downpatrick
📍 Departure Time: 5:30 PM
📌 Location: St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Saul
🚗 Please park in the church car park by 5:00 PM
All are warmly invited to take part in this prayerful pilgrimage as we walk together in faith and unity
“O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You”
St Patrick, pray for us. Pray for Ireland
