Reliquary of Catherine McAuley in WMOF Celebrations

Editor: An Opening Ceremony for World Meeting of Families 2018 took place simultaneously across all 26 Dioceses of Ireland on the evening of Tuesday, 21 August, typically in the local cathedral and with prayer services taking place in other parts of the diocese . Each celebration began by remembering that we walk in the footsteps of the saints and those who have handed on the faith to us. Elizabeth McNamee rsm describes what took place in the Diocese of Longford.

During the preparation for the inaugural liturgy of the WMOF in St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford,  it was decided to carry symbols of diocesan relevance to the altar during the ceremony.  Among the symbols to be carried were relics of saints associated with the diocese and of founders of congregations working in the diocese.

Angela Clarkson rsm carrying Catherine's relics in procession in St Mel's Cathedral, Longford

Following a request to Mary Reynold’s rsm, CEO Mercy International, Anna Nicholls rsm, Team Leader Heritage & Spirituality, prepared a reliquary of Catherine McAuley consisting of three relics - pieces of Catherine’s visitation cloak, coif and bed jacket. The beautiful reliquary in the form of a framed picture was formally presented to Elizabeth McNamee rsm who received it with deep gratitude on 17/08/2018 in Catherine’s Room in Baggot Street. She also received a copy of a prayer for Catherine’s canonisation and a candle which had been previously decorated by Anna.

Ann Nicholls rsm with Grant who mounted and framed the relics	Staff being shown the reliquary:  L-r: Anna Nicholls rsm, Mary Reynolds rsm, Margaret Roche, Emma Horgan, Angela Kane

Elizabeth McNamee rsm signing for receipt of the reliquary following the prayer ritual	Reliquary on display in Catherine's room

Longford Convent, August 18: The members of the cluster were invited to greet the relics in the convent. As the Sisters gathered for evening prayer at 5 pm the relics were enthroned before the altar by Evangelist Tiernan rsm and Kathleen Rogers rsm. Evening prayer followed the recital of the prayer for Catherine’s canonisation and in the spirit of Catherine all retired to a nice evening tea. The sisters received the relics with enthusiasm and many spent hours praying with them. The relics remained before the altar in the chapel until Tuesday, 21st.

St Mel’s Cathedral, August 21: During the solemn liturgy in the cathedral the relics were carried to the reserved place in the sanctuary by Angela Clarkson rsm.

Edgeworthstown, August 22: On the following morning Margaret McGinnity rsm brought the relics to Shalom, Edgeworthstown where the community was joined by other cluster members for a period of prayer and reflection. There was great joy expressed at the presence of the relics of our foundress in their own little oratory. Next morning the relics were taken to the Manor Nursing Home and placed before the altar during the Mass. As Mass ended Margaret said a few words to the assembled congregation, recited the prayer for Catherine’s canonisation and invited people to pray to Catherine. There was great joy expressed and one woman from the town told Margaret afterwards that she had been feeling very down that day but following prayer to Catherine she was feeling great. The relics were carried around the nursing home to all the sisters who were patients.

Ballymahon, August 23: The Ballymahon Sisters, who were grieving the recent death of their beloved Sr. Agnes Murray RIP, received the relics with joy and enthroned them in their oratory before evening prayer. They spent time in silent prayer both individually and as a group while the relics remained with them.

Athlone, 24 August: As in the other venues the Sisters had prepared a table with a lovely cloth for the reception of the relics followed by evening prayer and the community was delighted to have a relic of Catherine with them in their own space. The relics were a topic of enthusiastic conversation for the next few days and there was a renewal of interest in and devotion to Catherine.

Relics mounted and about to be framed

We are most grateful for the privilege of having Catherine’s relics with us and pray that her generosity of spirit and love of God’s poor may enthuse and energise us as we work towards a renewed Mercy (local and) Global Presence.

Messages to: Elizabeth McNamee rsm

Congregations and Institutes wishing to incorporate the reliquary into a ritual or prayer service are asked to contact Anna Nicholls rsm to make arrangements to borrow it.