Magnificent Marian Grotto Beautifully Restored & Blessed

On Sunday afternoon, 2nd Oct. 2022, in the exquisite setting of St. Joseph’s Gardens, West End, Millstreet – formerly the location of Presentation Convent since 1840 – a truly historic occasion took place when Fr. Paddy O’Byrne blessed the magnificently restored Marian Grotto in the presence of a very impressed congregation.   Due to the inspirational dedication of an enthusiastic Group which included John Casey, Eugene Barrett, Hughie Dunne, Pauline Byrne and Tony McHugh – the hugely successful Project of the restoration of the original Grotto has been supremely realised with its new Statue of Our Lady (The original Statue was presented some years ago to the people of Sherkin Island in West Cork.), its marvellously creative landscaping with beautiful floral arrangements and its splendid Welcome Bench.  Sr. Kathleen Given representing the Presentation Sisters shares a central guiding role also (although prefers to be in the quiet background) and was most impressed as was Fr. Paddy O’Byrne when John and the inspiring Team of Volunteers first suggested the Project.   Tony also indicates that further development at the Marian Grotto is envisaged.   Sincere congratulations to All on such an amazing achievement.   In time to come a special “Nuns’ Walk” sign is to be put in place and it will then be indicated if public access is permitted.   Everyone present at Sunday’s event was very kindly presented with a delicious Ice Cream Cone!!   Here we share some 28 images from Sunday’s very special event at St. Joseph’s Gardens.  Tap on the pictures to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Exquisite autumn colours provided a glorious setting for the Blessing of the Marian Grotto by Fr. Paddy O’Byrne.

Fr. Paddy presents a beautiful Rosary Beads to John who places it on the Statue of Our Lady.

We recorded a special radio interview with members of the wonderfully dedicated Team. This will be featured on “Radio Treasures” in the not-too-distant future. We shall indicate in advance of the broadcast.

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Restored Marian Grotto at St. Joseph’s Gardens To Be Blessed at 2pm This Sunday

On Sunday, 2nd October 2022 the restored Marian Grotto at St. Joseph’s Gardens, West End, Millstreet is scheduled to be blessed at 2pm.   Everyone is most welcome.   We thank Eugene Barrett for this important alert to such a special event.   For quite some time, Eugene indicates, a dedicated group of enthusiastic Volunteers planned, organised and brought to reality the wonderful restoration of the Marian Grotto which for decades was the central focus of the beautiful Nuns’ Walk situated to the rear of Millstreet’s Presentation Convent which was established in 1840 under the spiritual guidance of the renowned Fr. Fitzpatrick.   Funding necessary for the uplifting project … such as the purchase of a new Statue of Our Lady … was received from sources which will be outlined on Sunday.   Here we share images from Millstreet Museum’s Pictorial Archive which evoke memories of a special era and location in Millstreet.   Tap on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

A Corpus Christi Procession in the 1920s passing the Presentation School buildings. Such Processions in May would take place also around the Nuns’ Walk where All paused to pray at the Marian Grotto.
It was such a special occasion for children attending Presentation N.S. such as this wonderful Group of the early 1960s – to participate in the May Procession around the Nuns’ Walk on an annual basis.
It was at this location beside the Presentation Convent that the annual Procession around the Nuns’ Walk began.

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