Details of planned events surrounding the visitation of the sacred relics of St Kilian have been confirmed.
The major religious and civic event, organised in partnership between the Diocese of Kilmore, the Parish of Mullagh, and Cavan County Council will take place from next Thursday the 3rd of October.
For the first time, the sacred relics of renowned 7th century Irish martyr, Saint Kilian, will return to his home county of Cavan from Würzburg in Germany.
It marks the first time the relics will have left Germany in 1,300 years. A full programme of events is being held across locations in Mullagh and Cavan Town.
Chief Executive of Cavan County Council Eoin Doyle says this is a very much a homecoming of St Kilian to his home county of Cavan.
The Parish of Mullagh & Cross welcomes St Kilian home October 3 – 6 2024
Thursday 3rd October
At 8:00pm the people of the parish of Mullagh receive the sacred relics of St. Kilian at St Kilian’s Well and welcome pilgrims from the diocese of Würzburg. People are welcome to join in the procession from Mullagh Lake. Parking is available at St. Kilian’s Church, Mullagh. A shuttle will be available to bring people to the lake from 7:15pm. Liturgy to follow at the church. All-night vigil begins.
Friday 4th October
7:00am Mass at Dawn: St. Kilian’s Church, Mullagh. Church open during the day for veneration until 6:30pm. 8:00pm-9:00pm An Evening Concert and official launch of the new hymn for St. Kilian. St Kilian’s Church. All welcome. Free admission.
Saturday 5th October
10:45am Community Procession The sacred relics of St Kilian and his companions will be processed from Edwin Carolan Park to St Kilian’s Church by the clubs, groups and organisations of the parish. The public are invited to gather on Main St and Virginia Rd and follow the procession along to the Church. 12:00 noon Commemorative Mass. Mass hosted by the parish of Mullagh for invited guests and pilgrims from the diocese of Würzburg in St. Kilian’s Church Mullagh.
This Mass will be screened in a marquee beside the Church and outside screen as well as in Cross Church to enable everybody’s participation. Those in cars in Mullagh can tune in to 87.6FM to hear the broadcast or watch on devices. 1:30pm Hospitality in The Old School. 3:30pm Veneration of St Kilian’s relic in St. Mary’s Church, Cross. The reliquary will make its way to Cavan via Virginia, Lavey, & Killygarry. 5:30pm The sacred relics of Ss Kilian and his companions are officially welcomed by the people of Cavan Town and the Diocese of Kilmore at the Cathedral of Ss Patrick & Felim Cavan. All welcome.
7:30pm Sailing with St Kilian a diocesan youth celebration of Mass to commemorate the visit of St. Kilian’s relics to the diocese of Kilmore. All welcome. The cathedral will remain open for the veneration of the sacred relics until 10:00pm
Sunday 6th October
10.00am Mass of Thanksgiving at the conclusion of the visit of the sacred relics of Ss Kilian, Totnan and Kolonat and the safe return of pilgrims to Würzburg. All welcome.
