A celebration to mark the return of the relics of the true cross took place in the Abbey on Sunday last at the parish 11.00 o clock Mass. Parishoners were joined with many visitors and well wishers to the Abbey to mark this historic and joyful event. Archbishop Dermot Clifford was the main celebrant and was joined by Dom. Richard Purcell, Abbot of Mt. St. Joseph, Roscrea, Fr. Tom Breen, Fr. Christy O Dwyer, Fr. Donal Cunningham, Fr. Celsus Tierney, Fr. Stephen O Mahony and Fr. Michael Mullaney. The relics were brought to the Abbey by P.J. Fogarty who raised the alarm when the relics were stolen and Pat McGrath caretaker of Holycross Abbey. Fr. Tom Breen preached at the celebration recording the history and importance of the relics in Holycross Abbey. After Mass the relics were carried to their new secure location in the North Trancept, where as Archbishop Clifford remarked an Atomic bomb would not remove them. After the celebration in the Abbey an invitation was issued to all who attended to enjoy some refreshments in the Community Centre provided by a wonderful group of local women. All agreed that it was a most wonderful day and even the sun obliged to shine down on all of us.
The Relic of the True Cross
ArchBishop Dermot Clifford in the Abbey
Fr Breen with the Relics in the North Trancept