The build-up to the 2012 Eucharistic Congress for the Diocese of Limerick will begin in earnest on Monday evening next, November 7th, when the National Congress Bell arrives in the city.
The Bell, which has been brought on a pilgrimage since St. Patrick’s Day this year, from diocese to diocese, as part of the build-up to next year’s Eucharistic Congress, will finally cross into the Diocese of Limerick on Monday next from neighbouring diocese Cashel & Emly for a nine-day stay that finishes at Caherconlish Parish on Monday afternoon.
The Bell will be welcomed into the Diocese ahead of Mass in St. John’s at 7.30 p.m. by Diocesan Administrator Fr Tony Mullins and Ms Dolly O’Brien, from St. Patrick’s Parish in the City. Dolly, who attended the only other Eucharistic Congress held in Ireland, in 1932, will have the honour of ringing the Bell for the first time in the Diocese.
Why a Eucharistic Bell?
Speaking ahead of the Bell’s arrival, Fr Alphonsus Cullinan, Diocesan Delegate for the International Eucharistic Congress, which takes place next June in Dublin, said it is an ideal opportunity for the people of Limerick to begin preparations for and understanding of what the Eucharistic Congress means.
“The Bell is a key symbol for the Eucharistic Congress. It begins preparations and raises awareness for the Congress, which will be the biggest celebration of our faith on this island since Pope John Paul II visited here in 1979.
“The Congress will attract thousands from abroad and tens of thousands of Irish people so everyone in the Catholic Faith needs to understand the unique experience that’s ahead of us. The Eucharistic Congress Bell’s arrival here will help spread that message and understanding.
“As such the Bell’s stay here is an invitation to the Eucharistic Congress and we would urge as many people as possible to visit the Bell as it is taken around the diocese.”
Route around the Diocese
On Monday 7th November, the Bell will be welcomed into the Diocese ahead of Mass in St. John’s at 7.30 p.m. by Diocesan Administrator Fr Tony Mullins and Ms Dolly O’Brien, from St. Patrick’s Parish in the City. Dolly, who attended the only other Eucharistic Congress held in Ireland, in 1932, will have the honour of ringing the Bell for the first time in the Diocese.
Representatives of all parishes in the pastoral area will be involved in the liturgy - carrying the four icons & the bell itself, and leading us in prayer and scripture readings.
On the following morning, the Bell will travel north of the river to Christ the King parish Caherdavin, in time for 10am morning mass. It will spend Tuesday travelling around this Pastoral Area, including a visit to the Grotto in Cratloe, which was built to mark the Eucharistic Congress in Ireland in 1932.
The Bell will remain in the Diocese until it crosses over into the Kerry Diocese from Abbeyfeale Parish on Wednesday, November 16th.
Members of the Eucharistic Congress committee have prepared local resources for Pastoral Areas to consider (see 'preparation' section below for more details).
For further information and resources please see HERE.
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