|
Greetings from the new Superior at Clonard Monastery:
Fr Michael Murtagh CSsR
. 
I come from Newtowncashel, Co Longford.
I joined the Redemptorists in 1989 having pursued an accountancy qualification over a number of years.Ordained in 1997, I have been based mainly in Belfast and Dublin working in the ministries of parish missions, solemn novenas and retreats as well as spending a number of years in training young men to be Redemptorist priests.
I came back to Belfast as Rector of Clonard in 2008. Having worked over many years on the Clonard Solemn Novena I have become acutely aware of its importance in the faith lives of the people of Belfast and beyond. From 6.30 AM until midnight, people come in their thousands to pray and to offer their petitions.
What it means to people is probably very personal in one way but most communal in another way, as the sense of celebration of one’s faith is palpable throughout the nine days. Many people have found refuge and solace here over the many troubled years in our recent history and, if anything, the sense of devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help has increased.
Our Lady’s Shrine is a very special place in Clonard Church and is most lively to remain so in the faith life of the people of Belfast and beyond for many years to come.
|
