Blessings and special prayers for victims of famine to take place countrywide this Sunday, 17 May
The Bishops of Ireland have welcomed the first National Commemoration Day for the Great Famine which will take place this Sunday, 17 May. In addition to issuing a statement remembering the past and reflecting on hunger and famine, Bishops and priests will bless Famine graves and lead the faithful in special prayers for the victims and generations of Irish emigrants who were displaced due to this national tragedy. These blessings and special prayers for the victims of the Famine will take place across the country on Sunday, 17 May.
The statement is available as part of a special feature on the homepage ofwww.catholicbishops.ie. Liturgy notes, information for parishes, and the 1995 pastoral letter Remembering the Irish Famine also forms part of this web-feature.
Bishop John Kirby, Bishop of Clonfert and Chairman of Trócaire, the overseas development agency of the Catholic Church in Ireland, is available for media interviews.
Further information:
Martin Long, Director of Communications 086 172 7678
Kathy Tynan, Communications Officer 086 817 5674
