Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Rome trip in footsteps of Vatican Pimpernel

As plans to erect a monument in Killarney to renowned humanitarian Mgr Hugh O’Flaherty progress, a trip to Rome is being organised for devotees of the war hero.

The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society will visit the Eternal City to celebrate the Second Word War feats of the priest known as the Vatican Pimpernel.

He helped saved the lives of thousands of Jews and Allied prisoners of war in Rome during the war and has been the subject of a number of books and films.

The Oct 8-12 trip will retrace Mgr O’Flaherty’s footsteps, taking in the Vatican, the Irish and German colleges, the Ardeatine Caves and other places associated with his life, as well as important events in wartime Rome. 

Also included will be other major sites in Rome, such as the Catacombs, basilicas, Roman Forum, Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.

The five-day trip, with four nights in Rome, will cost in the region of €685 per person sharing, including return flights with Aer Lingus from Cork, accommodation and breakfast in a three-star hotel

Meanwhile, it is hoped to have a monument to Mgr O’Flaherty, who was born near Kiskeam, Co Cork, but who grew up in Killarney, erected in the Kerry town before the end of next year.

A site has been chosen close to the town centre, at the junction of Beech Rd and Mission Rd.

The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society is raising funds for the memorial, which is the work of Valentia-based sculptor and artist Alan Ryan Hall.

The design features a priest in a flowing cassock, hat in hand, striding across the cobblestones of Rome.

Secretary Jerry O’Grady has appealed for more volunteers to become involved in the memorial project.

"The project is well advanced but we need extra volunteers, young and old, to give it fresh impetus," he said.

* www.hughoflaherty.com