Large crowds visit relics of Saint Bernadette in Ballaghaderreen

Large crowds visited the relics of St. Bernadette at St. Nathy’s Cathedral in Ballaghaderreen last weekend.

The relics of Bernadette Soubirous, who witnessed multiple apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France, in 1858, were on display at the cathedral over two days, Saturday and Sunday, October 5th and 6th.

The last time a similar occasion occurred at St. Nathy’s Cathedral was back in 2001 when the relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux visited Ireland.

Speaking to the Herald on Sunday afternoon at St. Nathy’s Cathedral, Fr John Maloney - who is Pilgrimage Director of the Diocese of Achonry along with Fr Paul Kivlehan - said it was a privilege for both of them to have the responsibility of supervising this part of the visit.

Fr Maloney said there had been a steady flow of people to the cathedral.

“Last night (Saturday) particularly, a lot of people came and said that they couldn’t go to Lourdes because they were ill, and with Sr. Bernadette coming to the diocese means that she is coming to them.

“The relics are drawing people but they are also drawing people who have had a relationship with Lourdes but who are no longer able to go there,” he said.

Fr Maloney said that the many people who visited the relics in the cathedral “found peace and calm, and when they walk in, they know that there is something special in the church.” A two month Irish tour of the relics, which started in September, will take in every diocese around the country, concluding with a farewell ceremony at the Church of the Risen Christ, Kiltoom, on November 4th and 5th.

The saint’s relics were entrusted to the Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran, on September 3rd at a special ceremony held at the Lourdes Grotto before they arrived in Knock Airport for the Irish visit.