Machaire Rois – The blessing of Graves 2020

The Blessing of Graves 2020

The annual Blessing of Graves, has grown significantly in popularity over the last number of years. It has become commonplace for large numbers of family members, relatives, friends and neighbours to assemble in the cemetery on a given Sunday when all who have gone before us are remembered and prayed for. It has become a most beautiful and moving ceremony, and regardless of the weather conditions people get a chance to meet and recall their loved ones in an atmosphere of prayer respect and reverence .Covid-19 has restricted congregations assembling either indoors or outdoors  as to ensure the wellbeing of the people, and so for 2020 we are prevented from having the traditional ceremony with the faithful in attendance.

During the first week of November, when we pay special attention to our faithful departed, Fr Sean and I celebrated a simple liturgy of prayer in each of the graveyards, followed by the blessing of the individual graves therein. We had arranged for Peter Byrne to record the Services so that they could be put up on the various media  platforms,  so that parishioners and those away from home could follow from the comfort of their own sitting rooms the journey of the blessings of their graves. Many people comment on how well the cemeteries are attended to all the year round, and I think you will agree that the drone footage shows them resplendent in their autumnal hues on the recordings. May I take this opportunity on your behalf to thank all the volunteers and CES/TUS scheme individuals for their dedicated attention to the resting places of our loved ones. May I thank too the Byrne family for providing these recordings. As we remember our dead may I finish with this prayer.

 

Lord God, whose days are without end, and whose mercies are beyond counting, keep us mindful, that life is short and the hour of death unknown. Let your Spirit guide our days on earth, in the ways of holiness and justice, that we may serve you in union with the whole Church, sure in faith, strong in hope and perfect in love. And when our earthly journey is ended, lead us rejoicing into your kingdom, where you live forever and ever. Amen.

 

The Blessing of the Graves can be viewed on the following media platforms:  Our Website www.carrickmacrossparish.ie ( on the bottom of the home page under  Quick links ) St Josephs Church Facebook page ; Corduff/ Raferagh  Facebook page  and Machaire Rois Utube Channel  .