On this Third Sunday of Advent may I introduce you to our two newest Lough Derg angels.  They arrived only days ago.  Designed by Co Monaghan artist Nelius Flynn, they have taken their places in St Mary’s, to the right and to the left of where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved for veneration during the Three Day Pilgrimage season.  Each kneels with a candle, looking toward where the Sacred Host will be.  The medium of frosted glass leaves them bordering on the invisible, but their presence will support the prayerful devotion of pilgrims who spend some of their vigil time here in the Eucharistic presence of the Holy One.

Built originally by Franciscan Fr Anthony O’Doherty in 1763, this chapel is dedicated to St Mary of the Angels, recalling the basilica of that title outside Assisi.  The little angels that adorn the moulding over each of the windows offer an endearing architectural detail..

May Mary and the angels, who eternally behold the heavenly splendour of the Lord of all creation, draw us towards a worthy celebration of the Christmas mystery, in which the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Every blessing on your Advent journey.

Fr La Flynn

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