Last Friday (15 August) saw the opening of the pilgrimage season at Our Lady’s Island in south Co. Wexford. Thousands of people attended the open-air Mass, celebrated by Bishop Denis Brennan of Ferns, accompanied by a number of priests. This year’s weather was very autumnal – dull but dry with a cool breeze coming from the Irish Sea.
The new parish priest of Our Lady’s Island, Father Brendan Nolan, conducted the solemn and beautiful ceremony.
From the first moment there was a sense of quiet and respect.
In his inspiring homily he outlined the history of the doctrine of the Assumption, which tells us that Mary, when the course of her earthly was ended,was assumed into heaven – a doctrine that, in spite of the long tradition, was only officially declared in 1950.
For Communion about twenty priests went to different places, marked by local helpers with large blue and white umbrellas. Those who had to stay in their cars signalled that they wished to receive Communion by turning on the flashing lights on their cars.
After Mass, most of the congregation followed the processional cross around the island. Behind all the pilgrims the Blessed Sacrament was carried by the Bishop.
The various decades of the Rosary were recited over the loudspeakers and the choir sang a verse of different hymns at the end of each decade led by Fr Jim Butler.
The choir was made up of singers from the local parishes, who spent time together getting ready for the pilgrimage season.
When all had returned to their places, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament took place. Many then made their way to the Hospitality Centre for some refreshments.
Those who arrived early had the opportunity of receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation as there was a huge number of priests available in the Church.
During the rest of the pilgrimage season (until 8th September next) there will be Mass at 3.00 p.m. and 8.00p.m.each day. Pilgrims are invited to make their own way around the Island reflecting on the mysteries of the Rosary.
Every year people in ever growing numbers can be seen moving quietly round the Island in groups, large and small or just on their own, reciting the rosary and sharing with Jesus and Mary through the mysteries of this great prayer.
Ideally, a pilgrim carries out this exercise nine times during the season - some try to do all nine on the same day.
Although there is no record of Our Lady's pilgrimage until the coming of the Normans, a tradition has always existed in the Barony of Forth, that it was a place of pilgrimage in south Wexford from the earliest days of Christianity.
In 1941 a coin-like piece of metal was found on the Island with the inscription - 'This is a leaden Bula of Pope Martinus V (1417-1431). Martin V's Bula granted indulgences to pilgrims.'
Cromwell's persecutions did not stop the pilgrimage. Only 20 years after Cromwell's massacre, pilgrims were flocking to Our Lady's Island once more.
This year the closing ceremony will take place on Sunday evening, 7th September, with the Service of Light, followed by the torchlight procession around the Island. It concludes with Renewal of Christian Commitment and Blessing.
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