The above is from the front page of last weekend’s Parish Bulletin in Kilmovee. We were all mindful of the fact that Pope Francis, on his journey from Ireland West Airport to Knock Shrine, would be passing through our parish on the N17. I gather that many people were out to see him and I received a few photos of him passing the road, near Glann.
My brother sent me a photo of buses parked on the N17 at Knock and it was an impressive sight. Among them, one bus that had travelled from Kilmovee with 57 passengers on board! They took their place with the rest.
Yesterday, I wrote these few lines that I’d like to include here – almost a week down the line from the preparations and hopes of last weekend.
early morning
skies grey
many thousands
on their way
dampness of spirit
in them not found
happy to be
on Sacred Ground
a man to meet
words to hear
magical silence
heartfelt prayer
Peter’s successor
the Church’s rock
at gable wall
in hallowed Knock