"Céad Míle Fáilte (A hundred thousand welcomes)!" Ireland (Irish: Éire) is one of the world's most famous centers of Catholic Christianity. The “Emerald Isle”— or "the Island of Saints and Scholars," as it is also known— has been recognized worldwide as traditionally Catholic since its evangelization in the middle of the first millennium by its great patrons Patrick, Brigit, and Columba. Politically, it is separated into the two regions of Northern Ireland, which is a province of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, which has been an independent state since 1922. No matter where you are on the island, the people are known to be fiercely proud of its culture, language, and beauty. There are entire sections of the island that still speak the native Gaelic tongue and are marked by signs indicating the "Gaeltacht." The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are one of the world's most beautiful sights, whether viewing by boat from the waters belong or peering over the edge above. An essential part of its heritage is irrevocably linked to its centuries of passionate defense and devotion of the Catholic faith.
Today, the Republic of Ireland boasts 85% of its population as Catholic. Studies in the past years report that 81% of Catholics were attending Mass weekly in 2006; in 2011, weekly Mass attendance in Dublin was at a mere 18%, few of whom represent the younger generations. This nation is still held dear to Christ and His Church; the Irish people need only the spark of a renewal of faith to rekindle the brilliance with which it once blazed.
Ireland has been a Catholic nation from the days of St. Patrick, who evangelized the entire island in the early 5th century. By his ardent preaching, working of great miracles, and renowned catechizing, Ireland was won for Christ. In the Middle Ages, Irish religious communities were arguably one of the only reasons for the survival of Western culture; the thousands of monks and nuns spent tireless hours diligently transcribing and translating the Bible and many of the other major ancient texts which have survived to this day. These contemplative religious would, however, became the very preachers who re-evangelized Europe.
Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath, "town of the hurdled ford," or Duibhlinn, "black pool") is the capital of Ireland, and the largest city on the island. It is located somewhat centrally along the Eastern coast at mouth of the River Liffey, for which it receives the name of "black pool." It is Ireland's largest city, serving as both the political and economic center. Nearly directly west is Galway (Gaillimh), the city to which the mission ministers. Galway is one of Ireland’s other major cities and is home to one of the nation’s public universities, NUI Galway. The city center is Eyre Square where many of the bars and shops are located. It is famed as one of Europe’s greatest locales and a hotspot for Irish culture and activity, or as the locals say "craic ("fun" or "good times")." It is situated only a few hours bus ride from the capital in Dublin or to Shannon, Ireland’s second largest airport. Near to Galway are two of Ireland's more popular sites at the Cliffs of Moher and the Shrine in Knock. Tuam (Tuaim), a city just Northeast from Galway, is another site of our ministry. (See Map at bottom)
In County Mayo, the Blessed Virgin appeared to a group of 15 Irish locals in the town of Knock. The Lamb of God, standing upon the altar with a cross with angels in adoration, stands prominently in the center of the modern shrine. To the onlookers left stood Mary, the Mother of God, robed in white and hovering a few feet of the ground with St. Joseph, the father of Jesus, and St. John the Evangelist. Though the entire vision was silent, St. John's mouth was open and his arm extended as if to be preaching from the large, open book he held in his left hand. The appearance of the Lamb and the Queen was a comfort to the Irish people during a period of turmoil and distress. For this reason, the Irish people and the mission invoke her as patroness.
Today, the Republic of Ireland boasts 85% of its population as Catholic. Studies in the past years report that 81% of Catholics were attending Mass weekly in 2006; in 2011, weekly Mass attendance in Dublin was at a mere 18%, few of whom represent the younger generations. This nation is still held dear to Christ and His Church; the Irish people need only the spark of a renewal of faith to rekindle the brilliance with which it once blazed.
Ireland has been a Catholic nation from the days of St. Patrick, who evangelized the entire island in the early 5th century. By his ardent preaching, working of great miracles, and renowned catechizing, Ireland was won for Christ. In the Middle Ages, Irish religious communities were arguably one of the only reasons for the survival of Western culture; the thousands of monks and nuns spent tireless hours diligently transcribing and translating the Bible and many of the other major ancient texts which have survived to this day. These contemplative religious would, however, became the very preachers who re-evangelized Europe.
Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath, "town of the hurdled ford," or Duibhlinn, "black pool") is the capital of Ireland, and the largest city on the island. It is located somewhat centrally along the Eastern coast at mouth of the River Liffey, for which it receives the name of "black pool." It is Ireland's largest city, serving as both the political and economic center. Nearly directly west is Galway (Gaillimh), the city to which the mission ministers. Galway is one of Ireland’s other major cities and is home to one of the nation’s public universities, NUI Galway. The city center is Eyre Square where many of the bars and shops are located. It is famed as one of Europe’s greatest locales and a hotspot for Irish culture and activity, or as the locals say "craic ("fun" or "good times")." It is situated only a few hours bus ride from the capital in Dublin or to Shannon, Ireland’s second largest airport. Near to Galway are two of Ireland's more popular sites at the Cliffs of Moher and the Shrine in Knock. Tuam (Tuaim), a city just Northeast from Galway, is another site of our ministry. (See Map at bottom)
In County Mayo, the Blessed Virgin appeared to a group of 15 Irish locals in the town of Knock. The Lamb of God, standing upon the altar with a cross with angels in adoration, stands prominently in the center of the modern shrine. To the onlookers left stood Mary, the Mother of God, robed in white and hovering a few feet of the ground with St. Joseph, the father of Jesus, and St. John the Evangelist. Though the entire vision was silent, St. John's mouth was open and his arm extended as if to be preaching from the large, open book he held in his left hand. The appearance of the Lamb and the Queen was a comfort to the Irish people during a period of turmoil and distress. For this reason, the Irish people and the mission invoke her as patroness.