Cork priest Fr Donal home from Fiji to celebrate blessing at cemetery his parents are interred in
St Colman's church, Macroom
Fr Donal McIlraith will be the main celebrant of the annual cemetery mass and blessing of the graves at St Colman’s Cemetery in Macroom.
The celebration will start at 7pm on Friday, June 13, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Fr McIlraith is currently home from Fiji, and his parents and relatives are buried in the cemetery.
Fr Donal Roberts of Macroom parish said the annual blessings draws a “good crowd” each year.
“People love it, and they are delighted to have the opportunity to pray for their loved ones.
“We have a major amplification system so they can be at the graves of their loved ones, and we would bless the graves individually as well.
“There’s a good crowd going, both young and old, and it is a day of remembrance and people love it,” he said.
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People from neighbouring towns and villages are expected to attend the annual celebration, as well as people further afield from England.
“It is a big occasion because you would get people from all the parishes coming as well because people from Kilnamartyra and maybe Coachford and other neighbouring parishes are buried here.
“I know of people who come from England and other long distances.
“They would be ringing us well in advance to find out when there is a graveyard mass because they are delighted to be there.
“It will be a joyful occasion, and I hope the weather will be good,” he laughed.
