Visit of Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to the Diocese of Kilmore

Blessed Pope Pius IX presented the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to the Redemptorists for veneration in their newly-built Church of Sant’Alfonso, Rome in December 1865. It was in need of restoration so it was April 26th 1866 before it was solemnly installed there. The Holy Father gave the Redemptorists a mandate: they were to promote devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help throughout the world. Just over a year later, the first copy arrived in Ireland.

To celebrate the 150 years since the reception of the gift of the Icon, and to promote devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Redemptorist congregation are bringing the icon to every diocese in the country, visiting each cathedral from 4th April to 15th May.

On the evening of Wednesday 4th May the Icon was welcomed to The Cathedral of SS Patrick and Felim, Cavan. 

Following Mass, celebrated by Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore, there was opportunity for private veneration of the Icon, writing of petitions and Confession, before concluding prayers around the Icon at 10.30. pm.

Wednesday evening.

Thursday Morning.

Throughout the morning of Thursday 5th May ceremonies continued with 7.00 am Mass, reciting of the Rosary, Parish Prayer service for Primary Schools of the parish and concluded with a ceremony of healing and anointing.