Bearing the Cross

Tonight, we bring you the last post of our ‘Pause and Ponder in November’ series during which we have remembered and prayed for our deceased relatives and friends, and all who have died. The crosses on the island remind us of the cross of the crucifixion and the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us. They remind us too of the crosses we bear in life. Josh Treacy prays in a special way tonight for all the bereaved who bear the heavy cross of sadness and loneliness.

The Lough Derg pilgrim cannot but notice the many crosses on the Island. St Patrick’s Cross, where every station on the Three Day Pilgrimage begins and ends, is the oldest artefact on the island dating from the 9th century. Pilgrims pray at St Brigid’s Cross, at the crosses in the centre of the beds and before the great Sanctuary Cross in the Basilica. Many have had the privilege of carrying the pilgrim cross in procession  at Mass or during the Way of the Cross. The cross of the crucifixion reminds us of the sacrifice that Jesus made for each of us. It reminds us too of the crosses that each of us bear in our own lives.

During this month of November we remember all our dead and pray that they now rest in perfect eternal peace in their heavenly home. However, tonight we especially pray for those left behind; those who now bear the heavy cross of bereavement, of sadness and of loneliness. May they find comfort in the loving arms of Jesus, for the Lord is close to the broken-hearted.
​Amen.