Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, gives his Easter Message…
“Holy Week and Easter are close to the hearts of many people in all our parishes, thank God.
Lovely to see the large numbers who come to the Cathedral on Good Friday and Holy Saturday to quietly do “The Stations of the Cross”.
For many the Cross of Jesus gives them the strength to endure the Cross in their own lives. Some parishes have a well-attended dawn Mass on Easter Sunday morning.
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Witnessing the light of dawn on Easter Sunday morning symbolizes the Resurrection as the moment of proclamation of Jesus Christ as the “Light of the World”.
May Good Friday remind us of Christ’s victory over death and his gift to us all of eternal life. May Easter Sunday morning remind us that Christ is risen, Christ is alive, and He is present in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
We are reminded of the mystery of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Creator and Lord of us all.
This Holy Week we remember the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we worship him as our Savior and our Hope.
Every Easter blessing on all the people of all our parishes, and on our loved ones wherever they are in the world this Easter. Every blessing too on all for whom this is their first Easter in Ireland.” — Bishop Ray Browne
Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, has issued a Christmas Message for the Diocese of Kerry…
Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
that he may teach us his ways
so that we may walk in his paths;
let us walk in the light of the Lord. Is 2:1-5
Dia dhiabh. Nollaig Shona dhiabh. Christmas is a season of encouragement and hope. God, Creator and Lord of all creation, truly loves his creation. In Jesus God chose to be with us and to care for us, and to give hope to the whole human family.
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Christmas is a time to count our blessings and rejoice. I call to mind and give thanks for all that is good in all the communities and parishes of our diocese. Thank you to our clergy and religious and all in our parishes.
Thank you to all our school communities. Thank you to all the voluntary groups: in sport, in the arts and in social care.
There are so many wonderful things happening everywhere. Through local media, radio, print and online reporting, again and again we realize the wonderful number of voluntary bodies present in our communities. Long may it continue. Sincere thanks to all the volunteers involved.
“Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart” is a key sentence in the Gospel.
It refers to Mary’s reaction to all the significant moments in Jesus’ life. Through the days of Christmas let us treasure and ponder the birth of Jesus, the new-born child in the manger. He is God, God who loves us, and God who has come to be with us always.
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This year the cathedral crib in Killarney has brand-new scenery replacing the wooden stable that had come to the end of its lifespan.
The ‘freshness of the new’ has caused many to see new aspects of that night in Bethlehem. May children especially love our new crib.
The crib scene has many people: shepherds, kings, a woman at the village well, and of course Mary and Joseph. How deep was the faith of each that first Christmas night? How did they understand the excitement at the birth of Jesus?
Did they live to hear him preach when he began his public ministry? We, the people who will stand and gaze at the new cathedral crib, what of our faith, – our faith in Jesus Christ who is ‘with us always’?
Each year the crib scene speaks to what is happening in the world around us. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a ‘Son being born for us’ who would be ‘Mighty God and Prince of Peace’.
Every day of Christmas let us each pray to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, to bring peace where there is war, – the Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, Sudan and sadly so many other places.
Far from home for the census, Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph in a stable. He was born without any of the facilities of home, not even neighbours to help out!
If that simplicity and poverty was the lot of the Holy Family as Jesus entered the world, surely we, his disciples, ought to have a simple Christmas, the basics with no excess or extravagance?
All his life Jesus lived for others, again and again he reached out to help and share with people in need. I firmly believe that what we give to the various charities who seek funds at Christmas time is money well spent.
Give to charities, especially to Saint Vincent de Paul who do so much good work throughout the diocese.
There are so many among us who through some misfortune or other find themselves in need this Christmas. Let us open our hearts to them, ‘In giving we receive’.
The Holy Family on Christmas night was far from home and without a bed. Then, out of fear of King Herod, they fled to Egypt where they remained until Herod died.
The situation is not that different for the refugees and migrants and the Ukrainians fleeing war who are with us in Ireland this Christmas. As a people, as individuals, let us welcome them, and let us do what we can to support them.
Put the crib scene, the birth of Jesus, at the centre of your Christmas. Let it remind you of how God ‘so loves the world’, and that all of us have so much to be grateful for. May God’s goodness to us inspire our goodness to others.
Le gach dea-ghuí, í gcomhair na Nollag.
Every Christmas blessing on all in our communities.
Give Christ joyful welcome, love him and revere;
cherish one another with a love sincere.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for the whole world.
A 2021 Christmas Message for the Diocese of Kerry from Bishop Ray Browne…
No one has ever seen God;
it is the only Son, who is nearest the Father’s heart,
who has made him known. John 1:18
Dia dhiabh. Nollaig Shona dhiabh. The Son of God, the Almighty, the All-powerful, as helpless and dependent as a newborn baby.
The pure love of the new-born baby Jesus proclaiming God’s eternal unconditional love for the earth and all its peoples.
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Make time each day to turn to Jesus in prayer, “Emmanuel, God with us”. Ponder the mystery of his love and care for us all. Have a crib in your home. Join in worship with your parish community, either in church, via parish radio or streaming.
A word of thanks to all who through their work, their community and parish involvement, or their homes have responded so well to the great, great challenge presented by Covid.
Again and again in the pandemic, we have seen the great love and selflessness of so many people, – all ages and all situations. You have been an inspiration to us all.
This year of Covid and of Cop26, the infant Jesus in the crib points to two appropriate Christmas responses: love and care for each other; love and care for our planet.
The love Jesus had for everyone he met, the love of God for every human being, calls out to us to love one another, to love our neighbour. The earth is God’s gift to us, we need it for food, for water, for air, for everything.
Jesus in the crib gently calls on us to appreciate and take care of the world God has given to us and to hand it on with great care to the children of today.
This Christmas we can all rise above the negative effects of the Pandemic. Trust there will still be more than enough you and your loved ones can do to have a happy, meaningful Christmas.
Ensure that all children have a good Christmas. If you can afford it, give generously to St Vincent de Paul and other local voluntary organizations.
Le gach dea-ghuí, í gcomhair na Nollag. Every Christmas blessing on all in our communities.
BISHOP of Kerry Ray Browne is welcoming the relaxation of Level 5 Restrictions in a message to the people in the diocese at the beginning of Advent.
Bishop Ray also says it will be a quieter Christmas and children’s happiness should be a priority for all.
He wrote; “I welcome the Taoiseach’s announcement on Friday night concerning a relaxation of all the guidelines: congregations are permitted in church, shops are reopening and other activities can recommence.
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We will have greater freedom of movement these weeks and over the Christmas. People are struggling and therefore this news and the good news concerning vaccines will help us all.
Thank God for NPHET, all our public services, and our government and public representatives. They have served us well in the pandemic. Please give 100% in following the public health guidelines to keep all safe from the corona virus.
The move to Level 3 has given us all a great boost as we begin Advent. As we prepare for Christmas our spirits are lifted.
Amid all the material preparations, be sure to prepare to honour the birth of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Put the crib, the marvellous Good News of the incredible mystery of the baby born to Mary in a stable in Bethlehem, at the centre of your Christmas.
During the coming week we hope to have a clearer idea of how we will celebrate our Christmas faith in our churches and in our homes.
It will be a quieter Christmas, a simpler Christmas and it will still be a good Christmas. Give priority to the happiness of all children. Their happiness is most important.”
BISHOP of Kerry Ray Browne has asked parishioners to give 100% co-operation in adhering to the Level 5 restrictions.
In his pastoral message, he asks people to support and encourage each other through the next six weeks.
“I encourage each and every one of you, to hold your heads high, and in a spirit of unity and concern for one another give 100% cooperation regarding the requirements of Level 5 and the basic Public Health Guidelines: social distancing; face covering; washing/sanitising our hands,” said Bishop Ray.
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“This is key to getting the virus under control once more. As a united, loving, caring people let us give full cooperation to NPHET and our Government. Level 5 severely restricts our movements and most of our plans are cancelled. Being asked to stay in our own homes as much as possible is very difficult for some.”
“People also have great concerns about their employment or business. Together we face these six weeks, supporting and encouraging one another.”
“The 1st of December is when Level 5 restrictions are due to end, in time to allow us celebrate Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is a real and constant source of hope all year round. We draw on that especially now as we face the next six weeks.
Back in Springtime there were so many wonderful examples in the community of care for each other. Reach out in support to those in your community who need it. Love one another. Think of others.”
The coronavirus is forcing us to live quieter, simpler lives. United together, supporting one another, we have sufficient to live good and happy lives. Positive talk lifts our spirits.
Unite with all in the diocese in prayer, praising God and asking for all the graces we need.
“Thank God our churches are open for personal prayer. Please continue to sanitise your hands as you enter and exit the church. Join in offering the Mass in whatever way you can, whether by radio, television or online. Pray each day, alone and together and pray as a family. Pray with your children and talk to them of God’s love and care for us all.”
BISHOP Ray Browne has issued a pastoral message to parishioners to do what the country asks of them regarding the Public Health Guidelines, as Level 3 Restrictions result in public masses moving online again.
The impact of Level 3 restrictions on Parish activity and religious services is as follows:
• Public Mass is not permitted and moves online.
• Churches may remain open for private worship.
• In the case of funerals, a private funeral will take place due to Government advice regarding public gatherings. A maximum of 25 people may attend a funeral.
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• Weddings may take place but no more than 25 people may attend a wedding ceremony.
• Baptisms are not permitted and should be postponed until there is a return to Level 2 restrictions.
• First Holy Communion and Confirmation are not permitted and should be postponed until there is a return to Level 2 restrictions.
• In person meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council and other Parish Committees are not permitted. Consider holding such meetings by Zoom.
• Parish Offices may remain open but subject to strict compliance with all social distancing and hand sanitisation requirements. Face coverings must be worn by anyone visiting a Parish Office.
A pastoral letter to people in the Diocese from Bishop Browne reads as follows…
“All of us are saddened by the new restrictions in place in our region, the whole country being placed on Level Three. It makes things so difficult for so many.
It is upsetting that once more we do not have congregations at Mass. Thank God, we have streaming and parish radios in so many of our parishes, Mass on Sunday on Radio Kerry, and daily on television with RTE News Now.
Many people and priests feel that it would be good to allow congregations to gather, however small, in Level Three. A small congregation can represent all of us. Our hearts go out to families who are postponing baptisms or having funerals and weddings with very small numbers.
One great appeal I make to all in the diocese. This is the most important part of my message. Please, let us all give 100% cooperation with what our country asks of us regarding the Public Health Guidelines: social distancing; face covering; washing / sanitising our hands.
As a united, loving, caring people let us give full cooperation to NPHET and our Government. It is the key to controlling the virus.
We know how deeply any further deterioration in the current serious situation will affect the lives of all of us, young and old. Think of how important the hospitality and tourism industry are to employment in our region. Think of all front-line staff.”
Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, has issued a message of hope and encouragement to parishioners as a new month beckons…
This May turn to Our Lady, Queen of Peace for strength and peace.
With Covid-19 many people will find this May upsetting and distressing. Prayer to Our Lady each day can be a source of calm, hope and resilience. She will bring your prayer to the ear of the Lord Jesus.
Our glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest flower of the vale.
O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.
When Our Lady appeared in Knock in August 1879 poverty and disease was common in Ireland. In the years since, Knock has been a place of comfort and hope for Irish people in need.
Lourdes also, has been a special place of peace and hope for the sick. The sick, the bereaved and the troubled have consistently turned to Our Lady.
The Gospel speaks of ‘a sword piercing the soul of Mary’. Think of the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt. Think of Mary who stood by the cross as her Son was dying.
With Covid-19, the month of May will not be an easy month. Many people are beginning to feel trapped and frustrated. In their hearts they know that change can only come carefully and gradually. Pope Francis speaks of this time as ‘a time of trial’.
Devotion and prayer to Our Lady can replace panic and distress with calm and trust. Remember the tradition of the May altar with the first flowers of the summer honouring Our Lady. Also remember, the tradition of saying the Rosary throughout May.
Notice the many outdoor grottoes and shrines to Our Lady. Each day the Rosary, in full or just a decade, can open our hearts to the loving caring presence of God.
It is good to look beyond ourselves. Are there people worse off than us? I think of all those with loved ones who have died; I think of those working long hours under great pressure on the front line and I think of Leaving Cert students preparing as best they can. Are there people we can offer support and practical help to at this time?
Pope Francis issued a letter to the world for the month of May. He writes:
“I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May. . . . .
I keep all of you in my prayers, especially those suffering most greatly, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. I thank you, and with great affection, I send you my blessing”.
If you would like to join with others praying the Rosary. Boherbue parish and St. John’s, Tralee, are streaming the Rosary daily.
Radio Maria, an Irish Radio Station also prays the Rosary nightly at 9pm. This can easily be found side by side with your Saorview television channels. When you are on RTE1, if you go forward one you have RTE2, if you go back one you have Radio Maria.
Pope Francis has written a prayer that he invites us to pray at the end of the Rosary. He will pray it daily during the month of May ‘in spiritual union with all of you’.
Prayer
O Mary,
You shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who, at the foot of the cross,
were united with Jesus’ suffering,
and persevered in your faith.
“Protectress of the Roman people”,
you know our needs,
and we know that you will provide,
so that, as at Cana in Galilee,
joy and celebration may return
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the will of the Father
and to do what Jesus tells us.
For he took upon himself our suffering,
and burdened himself with our sorrows
to bring us, through the cross,
to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God;
Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always
from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, has issued a A Holy Week Message of Hope to parishioners in the diocese…
This Holy Week and Easter the ceremonies will be celebrated, without a congregation, at the traditional times in the parishes throughout the diocese.
Priests will be celebrating on behalf of all in the parish. I invite you to take a few moments at that time each day to unite with them in prayer.
Although Holy Week is different this year, we can all still celebrate it fully in our hearts. God bless you all in all your needs. The Pandemic has brought dark times, but the light of Easter, Christ our Light, is our HOPE.
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This Holy Week I ask you to pray to God especially for strength, courage and endurance for all amid Covid-19:
• for ourselves and our loved ones
• for those we know who are a great age or have already serious health issues
• for those who have died in recent days and their grieving loved ones
• and especially for doctors, nurses, and all frontline workers who are performing so heroically; many have their own worrying situations within their own families.
Ponder the courage, selflessness and steadfastness of Jesus
As Jesus showed courage, selflessness and steadfastness during his journey to Jerusalem, and in his suffering along the Way of the Cross to his Crucifixion, so may God help us do the same in the days and weeks ahead. Think of Jesus:
• “the Agony in the Garden”, his ultimate prayer to the Father was, “not my will but thine be done”
• as he carried his Cross think of his words to the women of Jerusalem, “weep not for me, but for yourselves and for your children”
• think of his meeting with Mary his mother, how heart-breaking for both of them
• on the Cross think of his kindness to the thief crucified with him, “this day you will be with me in paradise”
This Holy Week may God give to all of us the virtues of courage, selflessness and endurance whatever the pandemic may bring to our communities.
God’s mercy and forgiveness is available for all
In Holy Week we remember the Last Supper. “this is the cup of my blood . . . shed for YOU and for MANY so that sins might be forgiven”. Christ died for our sinfulness.
God’s mercy and forgiveness are always there for us, we only must ask with sorrow in our hearts. This Holy Week it is not possible to make Confessions available in the diocese. Words spoken by Pope Francis at his daily Mass on Friday 20th March give reassurance to us all:
“I know that many of you go to confession before Easter… Many will say to me: ‘But Father…I can’t leave the house and I want to make my peace with the Lord. I want Him to embrace me… How can I do that unless I find a priest?’.
Do what the catechism says. It’s very clear. If you don’t find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He’s your Father. Tell Him the truth: ‘Lord. I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your heart with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘afterward I will go to confession.’
You will return to God’s grace immediately. You yourself can draw near, as the catechism teaches us, to God’s forgiveness, without having a priest at hand.”
Faithfully we distance ourselves from one another. Faithfully let us unite as one with Jesus in prayer as we remember and honour his Death and Resurrection.
Every Easter Sunday is special. This Easter Sunday light a candle at the family dinner table to symbolise your love and trust in Jesus Christ in all things. He is our strength through these difficult weeks of the Pandemic.
Let us pray for each other. Our Lady help of the sick, pray for us. — Bishop Ray Browne, Diocese of Kerry
Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne has issued a message of encouragement to all going through the Coronavirus crisis…
“We are in week three of a most difficult journey. In all our parishes we journey one day at a time, supporting and encouraging one another. This journey will end, our ordinary lives will return. We trust in God’s presence, and his love and care for us. “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth”.
• It is lovely to hear stories of children of all ages in their homes, stories of good deeds and beautiful moments.
• It is lovely the quality of the services the HSE and the County Council and so many others are providing in our communities.
• It is lovely to hear how neighbour is helping neighbour.
• It is lovely to see essential workers everywhere attend to their work with a smile.
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We have gratitude in our hearts for the goodness of so many all around us, those in health care, in the public service, in the community, in the neighbourhood and in our homes.
Prayer keeps us close to God
We cannot come together to pray, but we can unite in prayer through Jesus. You can join in the Mass from home on parish radio, on internet streaming, on Radio Kerry, on RTE News Now daily or on Radio Maria. You can join in offering the bread and wine, join in the Holy Sacrifice and be part of that Mass. I invite you to take time each day to talk to God about your hopes and fears. And let us pray for each other.
Holy Week and Easter
Next week, Holy Week, we recall and honour another journey of two thousand years ago, the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem and to his death and Resurrection. It is a journey that assures us of the victory of good over evil, of love over selfishness and of life over death. It is a journey that reminds us that Christ our God is Risen and with us always. He is our strength and courage.
Sunday is Palm Sunday
Cut a piece of palm for your own home or choose a piece of whatever evergreen tree is in your garden. Then on Sunday, in all the Masses celebrated without a congregation in the diocese, the priests will pray a blessing on the piece of palm in every home. The original palm signalled the ordinary people honouring Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. Let your palm express your faith and hope in God amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The words of Jesus, “Come to me all you who labour and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest”. Let us pray for each other. Our Lady help of the sick, pray for us.
— Bishop Ray Browne, Diocese of Kerry, 31 March 2020.
MASSES in the Diocese of Kerry will not be celebrated until further notice.
Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne has issued a statement this afternoon, updating last week’s information issued when the Government issued guidelines on mass gatherings.
The statement reads as follows: “As promised last Friday I now issue ongoing guidelines for the diocese. These guidelines will endure until the Government indicate they are no longer necessary.
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• Regarding Masses (daily and weekend) and other liturgies in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic: no public Masses with a congregation will be celebrated until further notice.
• Churches will be open each day for private prayer. In attending church people are asked to follow all guidelines, including hand –washing before coming to churchand on return home, keeping their distance from any person they meet, and also minimising their touching of hard surfaces.
• Adoration groups have asked for some guidance. Any who wish to spend a period in prayer can do so from any seat in the church with their focus on the tabernacle. Exposition is not to take place as it would draw people to sit in the seats immediately in front of the monstrance and thus increase the risk of the virus being contacted.
The continuance of ringing the church bell at 11am on Sunday morning is recommended. Any who hear it will be reminded that we are never alone, Christ is with us, our strength and guide. At 11am each Sunday it is a call to us all to pause and spend a few minutes with God in prayer, uniting with all in our diocese. Many have remarked that doing this is a positive experience.
Last weekend was a difficult weekend for us all, – the initial adjustment mental and physical to ‘social distancing’. Now people are adjusting well and feel more at ease. We realise that we must give full cooperation to our government and the HSE. So many people have shown great personal qualities and great wisdom.
There are so many examples of the ‘good neighbour’ and it does all our hearts good. I have in mind all the people putting the word out in their community, by phone or on-line, that they are available to help anyone in need.
Also many people have expressed their appreciation of their parish for prayer and for Masses. Many have joined in the Mass on-line or via parish radio. Now there is 10.30am daily Mass on the RTE News Now channel.”
Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, hopes people give thanks for the goodness in their lives in his Christmas message here…
So the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem
and found Mary and Joseph and the baby
Jesus lying in the manger.
It was exactly as they had been told. Luke 2:16
The heart of Christmas is amazing: that the baby born to Mary and Joseph, was God coming to be with all people on earth.
The Almighty, the All-Powerful came into our world as a gentle loving new-born baby. Such is “the loving kindness of the heart of our God”. He came to stay, He is with us always. He is present with your family. Ponder deeply on this incredible mystery.
A happy and a blessed Christmas to one and all. Enjoy the presence of children. Have time for family, neighbours and friends. Let no neighbour’s Christmas day be long and lonely because no one comes to visit.
Be generous to needy causes, give what you can. Have time for God. Have time to say a prayer and count your blessings. Especially give thanks for the goodness of the people in your life. Let us all gather together in church to joyfully give praise and thanks to God.
This Christmas, mindful of the World Meeting of Families in 2018 (WMF 2018), let us remember the story of our own families over the past two or three generations, the joys and the sorrow, the births and the deaths.
Maybe even look through old photographs. In families, periods of enormous loss or pain are so often followed by genuine healing and new hope and happiness. Recalling the past, see the wonderful loyalty, care and love of your own family through the decades.
Pray that worldwide all families will one day have the opportunities that we take for granted in Ireland. WMF2018 asks us to see all people on earth as one family under God Our loving Father.
It will call on the whole world to appreciate and give priority to family life. Remember especially families in Ireland with no hope of a place to call home. Home, family and marriage are God’s greatest gifts to humanity. God bless all our homes and families.
Thanks to everyone for your contribution to the life of your parish community through the year. Thanks to all the volunteers whose dedication to local organisations and charities so enrich our communities be it through culture, sport or assistance for people in need.
My Christmas prayer is to give praise to God asking that He fill all the homes, families and communities of our diocese with his Grace and Peace.
THE Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, has announced that there will be no more funerals on Sundays from September 1 this year.
The announcement was made at Masses this weekend. No funerals will take place on Sundays in all parishes in the diocese of Kerry i.e. Mass Funeral Service or burial.
“Some people will have reservations about this decision. However, it has not been taken lightly but after extensive consultation laity and clergy throughout the diocese,” reads the statement printed on the Our Lady and St Brendan’s Parish weekly newsletter.
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“After September 1, 2017, Removals to the church can take place on either Saturday or Sunday evening. Mass on Monday. This change is necessary for many reasons including the primary focus of Sunday Mass is the celebration of the parish Mass; and Sunday funerals will no longer be sustainable in every parish since five parishes no longer have a resident priest.”
“As regards Holy Days of Obligation, the rule will apply to Christmas Day and St Patrick’s day. On the other Holy Days of Obligation, the decision is left to the local parish,” concludes the statement.
The statement printed on the Our Lady and St Brendan’s Parish weekly newsletter this weekend.
ORGANISERS estimate that up to 5,000 people went to the annual Rath Cemetery Mass on Wednesday night.
Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, was joined by 17 other clergymen to celebrate the annual Mass at the People’s Altar.
“The Bishop was thrilled with the Mass and the turnout,” said Chairman of the Rathass Cemetery Committee, Billy Locke. “To think, when we started years ago with an altar just outside the cemetery and about 50 people showed up. Even though there was a muggy mist last night, the people stayed throughout and everything went off perfectly,” said Billy.
This year the committee set 9,500 plants around the People’s Altar, which looked amazing on the night. All this is possible thanks to Joe Moynihan and his CE group as well as the generosity of the people of Tralee and beyond who support the fundraising efforts of the committee.
“There isn’t enough I can say about the generosity of the general public. They come up trumps every year,” said Billy.
Scroll for photos by John Cleary…
The Bishop of Kerry Fr. Ray Browne (seated fourth from right), celebrated the annual Mass at Rath cemetery on Wednesday evening, pictured with clergy and members of the Rathass Cemetery Committee. Photo by John Cleary.St. John’s Choir pictured at Rath cemetery Mass for the Holy Souls on Wednesday evening. Photo by John Cleary.Crowds arriving for the Mass for the Holy Souls at Rath cemetery on Wednesday evening by the Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne. Photo by John Cleary.Attending the annual Mass for the Holy Souls at Rath cemetery on Wednesday evening by the Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne. Photo by John Cleary.
