Carmel O’Neill sent us this latest news:
Sonrise Easter Sunday Ecumenical Prayer Service
On Easter Sunday, parishioners from Blessington and neighbouring townlands assembled on the picturesque setting of Blackhill mountain in Lacken at 6.30 to mark Sonrise. The Ecumenical Prayer Service was led by Rev Niall Stratford and Fr Gerry Kane. The celebration of Sonrise is very symbolic as it recalls how the moment the darkness of death was overcome by the light of Christ’s resurrection. Gathering at dawn mirrors the actions of Mary Magdalene who discovered the empty tomb. The freezing temperatures on the mountain did not deter the gathering who were uplifted on seeing the first chink of light make it’s way down the valley to the shores of Blessington lake. This prayer service which was initiated by Rev Niall last year will now become an annual event in our parish.
Blessing of Easter Food baskets
The annual blessing of food baskets for the Polish community was held in the church of Our lady Blessington on Easter Saturday. The blessing ceremony symbolizes gratitude for the gift of our food , the end of the Lenten fast and the Resurrection. The baskets are adorned with white lace symbolizing purity and filled with specific foods, bread, cake, eggs, sausage and salt. Each item of food has a traditional and sacred meaning. The ceremony concludes with blessing the baskets with holy water before the food is consumed on Easter Sunday.
In Memory of our Children
Some years ago, an indoor garden was created in the sanctuary of Blessington church dedicated to the memory of children who died early in life. The project was the work of a former parish priest who was touched by the profound sense of loss among mothers who continued to grieve for their children lost through miscarriage, stillbirth and cot deaths.
Recently some alterations have been made to the sanctuary area which resulted in the garden being moved to the outside of the church. The small plot of shrubs and flowers stands at the base of the statue of our Lady who intercedes for all mothers in their hour of need.
