Relics of St Oliver Plunkett to visit Kilmore diocese

Relics of St. Oliver Plunkett will visit the Conaty Chapel of the Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Cavan on Tuesday 23 May 2023. 

The relics will arrive at the Centre for a Liturgical Welcome celebrated by Bishop Martin Hayes at 10am and will be available for veneration until 10pm that evening.  

There will be a lunch-time Mass in the Chapel at 1:15pm celebrated by Fr. Dermot Prior, PP Virginia, for those doing examinations at this time. The homily will be given by Canon Benedict Fee P.P., Clonoe, Co. Tyrone  (Archdiocese of Armagh) and author of ‘Not Force Nor Might – The Gift of the Martyr’ and ‘In His Master’s  Footsteps – The Way of the Cross in the Company of St. Oliver Plunkett, Archbishop and Martyr’. 

Canon Fee will also celebrate Mass at 5:45pm and deliver the homily. This Mass is being offered for deceased members of the Knights of Saint Columbanus from across the Diocese of Kilmore. 

Bishop Martin Hayes will be the principal celebrant at the 8pm Mass and Canon Fee will again give the homily. The music for this Mass will be provided by the choir from St. Mary’s Church, Teemore, Co. Fermanagh. 

There will also be opportunities to avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the course of the day from 12  noon to 1pm; 4:30pm to 5:30pm; and 6:30pm to 7:30pm. 

Commenting on the forthcoming visit of the relics to the Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Seán Coll (Centre  Director) said, “This will be the eighth time for the Centre to host relics of St. Oliver Plunkett over the past decade. Unfortunately, we were unable to host the relics in 2020 and 2021 due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation.  So, it will be a very special day for us here in the Centre as we greet the relics once again and welcome people who come and seek the intercession of St. Oliver Plunkett for one reason or another. For some, it is an opportunity to ask St. Oliver's intercession as they face a particular difficulty or issue in their lives. For example, 

it may be health-related, financial or housing problems, difficulties in the family circle or relationship issues,  looking for suitable employment and the like. Others may wish to pray for those undertaking important examinations around this time or are doing exams themselves. Some or someone close to them may be facing a crossroads in their lives of one kind or another. Every person will have their own story and their own needs. It  is also a chance for people to thank the saint for his intercession in the past when their prayers were answered  and to ask for his continuing help.” 

All are welcome for this very special event which is being organised by the Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre with the assistance of the local Knights of Saint Columbanus. 

Petitions/Offerings may be sent to the Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre, The Conaty Centre, Cullies, Cavan H12  E5C7. All petitions received will be placed beside the relic during its visit. Please write “St. Oliver” on the top left-hand corner of the envelope.  

For further information, please ring the Centre on 049 4375004 or email pastoralcentre@kilmorediocese.ie .