This October, for the first time, the sacred relics of renowned 7th century Irish martyr, Saint Kilian, will return to his home county of Cavan from Würzburg in Germany.
This major religious and civic event is being organised in partnership between the Diocese of Kilmore, the Parish of Mullagh, and Cavan County Council. The historic pilgrimage will involve the visit of Saint Kilian’s relics, along with those of his martyred colleagues, Saints Totnan and Kolonat. The relics will be transported from their resting place in the Altar of Würzburg Cathedral, for five days from 2 to 6 October next. The relics consist of three skulls, inlaid with precious stones, contained in a specially preserved glass case and it will be the first time that they will have left Germany. During the course of the relics’ visit to Co Cavan, there will be a number of religious ceremonies taking place both in Saint Kilian’s Church, Mullagh, and in the Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Felim in Cavan Town. A full schedule of events will be announced in due course.
Looking forward to the visit, Bishop Martin Hayes said, “We anticipate – with great excitement in the parish of Mullagh and Kilmore Diocese – receiving the relics of Saint Kilian who left Mullagh fourteen centuries ago. Along with people from across the diocese, I look forward to welcoming Bishop Franz Jung of the Diocese of Wurzburg in October, who will lead a pilgrimage from Germany of parishioners, Church and civic delegates. This is a significant visit that will consolidate the faith and friendship between us which has grown over the years. The visit will also be a wonderful opportunity for prayer and celebration in Mullagh and throughout our diocese. The planning is the culmination of more than ten years of work to secure the necessary permission to bring these sacred relics overseas for the first time, and it represents a historic moment for the Christian faithful in both Germany and Ireland.”
Bishop Martin Hayes addresses those attending recent media briefing in relation to the visit of the relics
In the background are Eoin Doyle, Chief Executive Officer with Cavan County Council; Mrs. Patricia Sheridan, Member of the Visitation Steering Committee; and Cllr Shane P. O’Reilly, Chairperson of the Relics Visitation Committee
Pictured with Bishop Martin Hayes recent media briefing in relation to the visit of the relics are Mrs. Madeleine Mellett, Board Member of the St Kilian’s Trust and Mrs. Patricia Sheridan, Member of the Visitation Steering Committee
Pictured at recent media briefing in relation to the visit of the relics which took place in St. Kilian’s Heritage Centre in Mullagh are (from left to right): Cllr Philip Brady, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council; Mrs. Madeleine Mellett, Board Member of the St Kilian’s Trust; Fr. Paul Prior, PP Mullagh; Bishop Martin Hayes; Eoin Doyle, Chief Executive Officer with Cavan County Council; Mrs. Patricia Sheridan, Member of the Visitation Steering Committee; and Cllr Shane P. O’Reilly, Chairperson of the Relics Visitation Committee
