Laura Lenihan and Shonagh Lenihan with Margaret O’Connor at the relics of St Bernadette of Lourdes in the Church of the Risen Christ, Ballybay, Kiltoom, yesterday (Monday). Photo Paul Molloy.

PHOTOS: Irish visit of St Bernadette's relics ends in South Roscommon

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The relics of St Bernadette were brought to Kiltoom in South Roscommon this week for events yesterday and today (Tuesday) to mark the conclusion of their two-month visit to Ireland.

From Saturday until Monday, the relics were displayed in Athlone's Church of Saints Peter and Paul, with large crowds turning out for special ceremonies held over the weekend.

"During the weekend the numbers that visited were impossible to count," Fr John Deignan, parish priest in St Peter and Paul's, told the Westmeath Independent.

"The relics were on display for public veneration for 26 hours over the weekend and at no time was the church without people. We were delighted with the turnout, the mix of young and old, families and individuals.

"I want to acknowledge those who worked so hard over the weekend stewarding and looking after the pilgrims and helping with the church services."

Yesterday, the relics were taken the short distance to the Church of the Risen Christ in Ballybay, Kiltoom, for events marking the final two days of their Irish visit.

Edward McGuirk, Isobelle Warby, Kristen Francis, Deacon Willie Gacquin, Sean Henry, Fr Michael McManus, Caoimhe Henry, Jason Kenny and Jill Currid at the visit of the relics of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes to Church of the Risen Christ, Ballybay, on Monday. Photos: Paul Molloy.

A farewell ceremony is taking place in Kiltoom at 1pm today, and at 2pm the relics will leave the parish for their return journey to Lourdes.

Pat Leonard, Gay Healy, Anne Newcomen, Phil Gavin, Val O'Connor, Carmel Muldoon, Margaret O'Connor, Breda Geraghty, Padraig Muldoon, Ann Foxe, Carmel Gacquin, Tony Gavin and Nancy Scally on duty at the relics of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes in the Church of the Risen Christ, Ballybay, on Monday.
Leo Kelly at the relics of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes in the Church of the Risen Christ, Ballybay, Kiltoom.
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