THE LIMERICK candlelight procession to mark Our Lady’s birthday and to commemorate those who have lost their lives to suicide will take place for the thirteenth year on September 8.
Organiser, Philip Scanlon – who is also responsible for bringing relics of St Padre Pio to Limerick – was moved to start the procession after a visit to Lourdes, prompted by carers for his mother, who was in Milford Hospice at the time.
“They were running a trip to Lourdes and the hospice nun, Sr. Fidelma asked me if I would like to go with my daughter Kayleigh,” Phillip told the Limerick Post.
“While we were in Lourdes they were doing a nightly candlelit procession for the sick. I immediately was drawn and thought to myself ‘wouldn’t this be beautiful to do at home. That’s when I first met the Monks of Moyross and they are a part of it ever since,”
The procession has gathered hundreds of followers since its inception and this year, it will begin with Mass in the Dominican church St. Saviours Limerick at 7pm.
Just before Mass, two white doves will be released into the sky in memory of all those who have lost their lives to suicide.
After Mass the procession will head down Henry Street, pass Arthur’s Quay, out through Mary Street. There will be a stop at King John’s castle where a lone bagpipe player will lead the procession on across Thomond Bridge.
The walkers will be joined by Limerick Suicide Watch, Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention and Limerick Marine Search and Rescue to place a wreath of flowers into the river in memory of all those who have lost their lives.
There will be refreshments and music afterwards and participants are asked to bring their own candles.
