28-3-26
OUR SHRINE
Our Shrine to the Blessed Mother is seventy-two years old this year, having been the first to appear in what was termed the Holy Year, 1954. Other parishes followed soon after. A few years ago Seán Curtin compiled a wonderful book, together with some excellent pictures on the history of the various shrines eo the Blessed Mother in the city and county.Throughout the years, our shrine has stood the test of time and for the most part was tended to by local volunteers. It was erected on what was originally a dump. This unique patch has never been tampered with, a testimony to the respect people have had for it and they have passed that respect down to their children. Standing at the entrance to the Island Field, it was renamed St. Mary's Park by the then Parish priest, Canon PJ Lee., who was much-respected legend in our parish for many decades. There is a housing estate named in his memory on the Island Road. Recently the pedestal on which the statue of the Blessed Mother stands has received a thorough, power-hosing etc and it looks just great.
CLERGY CONTACTS
Fr Richie Davern 0872977500. Salesian Sisters 061 348510
SACRAMENTS
This year First Holy Communion will be on May 9th and Confirmation will be on Friday, June 12th.
HOLY BAPTISM
Baptisms are held in St. Nicholas Church on the 4th Saturday of the month. Baptisms are held in St. Mary's Church on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at at 4pm and on 1st and 3rd Sundays at 12.30pm Contact the Parish Office for more information and a Baptismal enrolment form. 061 416300.
WHOLESOME HOT DINNERS
St. Mary's Community Centre are ready to deliver dinners, making a definite effort that no local senior goes hungry. Situated at the beginning of the Island Bank on the Verdant Place end. All dinners €6, Take Aways €6.50. They are simply delicious! Contact 061 318106.
NEW PRAYER ROOM
A life size carved statue of the Sleeping St. Joseph has been gifted to St Mary’s Parish, and will first be seen in our church on this Thursday, March 19th. We are invited to make a visit in our own time to discover this beautiful devotion. The Sleeping St. Joseph devotion involves placing written prayers or struggles under a statue of a Sleeping St. Joseph, inspired by Scripture where God guided him through dreams. Popularised by Pope Francis, who kept a statue of the Sleeping St. Joseph on his desk, this practice signifies trusting God during rest and seeking Joseph’s intercession. .He is depicted in the form of wood by the sculptor, quite a large figure, and arrived from Lisdoonvarna.
CHRISM MASS 2026
2026 Bishop Brendan Leahy invites you to attend the Mass of Chrism on Wednesday, 1st April at 7:30 pm in St. John’s Cathedral, Limerick. This is an important diocesan celebration and a lovely experience especially for those who may not have previously experienced the Mass of Chrism. During the Mass, Bishop Brendan will bless and consecrate the oils used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the Sick. The priests of the diocese will renew their commitment to their priestly ministry. The Diocesan Choir will sing at the Chrism Mass.
SPRING FORWARD
Just the notion that the clocks will go forward at the end of March would put a spring in anyones step!
CATHEDRAL CONCERT
As part of the Music Festival 2026, a concert will take place at St. Mary's Cathedral on Friday, March 20th. Soprano, Emma English and Sarah-Ellen Murphy will forrm part of a stunning line-up, including the highly-rated Ancór Choir and the much-revered choir of St. Mary's Cathedral on this evening of pure musical delight. Joining these performers will be LEMF Chamber Orchestra.
WISE WORDS
Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.
You can't feel good if you are feeling anger and resentment towards others.
When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.
You can't feel good if you are feeling anger and resentment towards others.
When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.
A lie travels around the world while truth is putting her boots on.
A throne is only a bench covered with velvet.
ANN BREEN RETIRES
This week was a poignant week in St Mary's National School as they celebrated the fantastic service of Mrs Ann Breen. Ann has been teaching in St Mary's Parish since September 1989. Ann has been a wonderful teacher, colleague and friend. Her love and enthusiasm for the job is still evident. She has been the driving force behind literacy initiatives in the school and its success is a testament to her commitment and perseverance. We wish Ann a happy and healthy retirement ?ﾟﾒﾙ?
NOVELIST KATE O'BRIEN
Novelist, Kate O'Brien, (1897 – 1974) our much-celebrated writer is usually honoured in her native city during the month of February, and this year has been no different. One of my prized possessions is a First Edition (1931) and in perfect condition, of her wonderful novel entitled, 'Without My Cloak' the one publication that is actually set in Limerick. In this book we become acquainted with two 'rival' families, the Hennessy's and the Considines. Kate possessed what I term, a quiet wit and in the following quotation such becomes evident, 'But when she drove in to King Street to do her shopping, there was the story, some of it anyway, all over the town before her. The fact was that the paving stones had ears in these parts'.
SPORTY SIXTH CLASS
The pupils in St Mary's National School are delighted with their new set of jerseys from O'Neills Sportswear. Sixth class children used their IT skills to design and create their very own kit. Big thanks to Limerick City Partnership for their funding for the project as part of their invaluable Empowering Communities programme. We are so lucky to have the wonderful Mary Hughes working in our community #EmpoweringCommunities #LimerickCityPartnership #Creativity.
