Thanksgiving in Lourdes

Posted on 29 September 2013

Among the great diaspora shouting for Clare this weekend were over two hundred pilgrims from the Killaloe Diocese who were in Lourdes for their Autumn Pilgrimage.

Finoula and Marc at the Agena Hotel set up a giant screen for their guests to enjoy all the action of the big game. While the official pilgrimage was suspended for 70 minutes everybody held tight to their rosary beads for the thrilling encounter.

On Sunday in thanksgiving the huge Pilgrimage Candle was decked out in saffron and blue and commemorated the great event. Canon Michael McLaughlin who is a native of Miltown Malbay and the only Clare born Canon of the Lourdes Sanctuary blessed the candle.

The candle was lit by Tony Carmody of Inagh/Kilnamona parish who was a member of the last Clare Team to reach an All Ireland Final in 2002. He spoke about his experience on All Ireland final day as well as the special place that Lourdes holds for him. Tony has been a part of the Killaloe Autumn Pilgrimage for a number of years and even the replay couldn’t keep him away this year – surely a sacrifice for a dedicated hurling man.

The candle was then carried in procession to the Grotto while the pilgrims sang “My Lovely Rose of Clare”. Placed in the Grotto, it will burn there long after the pilgrims return home. 5 million people visit the shrine at Lourdes every year and this year they will be reminded that they were there in the year that Clare won the All Ireland.

Check out Our Photos on our Facebook Page