Thousands of worshippers are set to descend on a tiny East Galway village during the month of May when the annual Festival of Faith takes place in Clonfert.
They come to pray at the Shrine of Our Lady of Clonfert which dates back to the 14th century, in an annual festival that has been taking place for over 50 years.
Masses take place at 8pm each evening but half an hour beforehand it is standing room with many of those in attendance standing outside and on the lawns surrounding the church.
Local PP Fr Declan McInerney told The Connacht Tribune that not alone does it attract local parishioners but people flock to Clonfert from surrounding counties.
“The congregations are made up of all age groups which is terrific to see,” he said.
But even apart from the evening Masses, the church is occupied throughout each day from the time it opens at 7.30am to 11pm at night when the doors eventually close. “Put it like this, you will never be alone in the church no matter what time of the day it is,” Fr Declan added.
The Madonna and Child of Clonfert is a 14th century hand-carved wooden figure. It is of native craftsmanship and one of a number of examples from a school of woodcarving, which flourished in the Shannon area from the 13th to the 17th century.
The statue highlights Mary as the mother of the human race, standing within reach of all. There is little doubt that this statue originated in one of the two religious houses nearby at that time – St Brendan’s Monastery or the famous Clonfert Cathedral.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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