LIGHT THE FLAME AT SLANE ON AUGUST 6TH IN SPIRIT OF WORLD YOUTH DAY

Archbishop Eamon Martin is to celebrate mass on World Youth Day at Slane, in a Light the Fire of faith service featuring Sr Briege McKenna and Eurovision’s Dana.

In the Spirit of World Youth Day, pilgrims from across Ireland are invited to join Patrick’s successor, Archbishop Eamon Martin, at the Hill of Slane, County Meath on August 6th for rosary, mass, and healing service.

One of Ireland’s most famous singer songwriters Dana will sing her new song, Light the Fire, an anthem inspired by St Patrick, who famously lit the Easter fire at Slane in 433AD in defiance of King Laoire.

The Paschal candle will also be lit as part of the ceremony on the Feast of the Transfiguration as pilgrims pray for a renewal of faith in Ireland.

Archbishop Eamon Martin recalled St Patrick’s own experience as he prepared for this event: “Sometimes we forget that St Patrick came first to Ireland as a frightened teenager, forced into slavery. He knew he was a sinner, but he grew to know and love God through prayer and sacrifice. The light of faith will be kept alive and spread and renewed in Ireland in families that pray and from young person to young person - as Dana’s new song puts it: lighting the flame of faith in their own hearts and in the hearts of others!”

“I look forward very much to celebrating the Eucharist on the Hill of Slane on World Youth Day, and praying for the young people of Ireland - that they may kindle in their hearts a love for Jesus Christ and become ambassadors for Christ all around the island of Ireland.”

Poor Clare, Sr Briege McKenna,  who is famous for her ministry to priests and her healing ministry, will be accompanied by Fr Pablo Escriva de Romani. Fr Pablo has ministered in numerous countries, including pro-life and youth work and retreats in war zones.  He now also works with Sr Briege in their worldwide ministry of Intercession for Priests. They will speak and conduct the Eucharistic Healing service .

During their recent Parish Mission in St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, Sr Briege described Dana’s song, Light the Fire, as a gift of the Holy Spirit to light the flame of faith in everyone’s hearts. And Sr Briege added that one of the fastest ways to light that flame,  to learn how to pray and to grow holiness was through the Eucharist.

The initiative has been welcomed by parish priest at Slane, Fr Richard Matthews.

“The Hill of Slane is a significant and dare I say foundational place which we are so fortunate to have in our parish.”

Dana said: “Buses are already filling up  and I  hope every diocese in Ireland will send parishioners to pray for a blessing for Ireland and that the flame of faith, lit by St Patrick so long ago, will continue to burn brightly again in our hearts and minds.

“This new song, inspired by St Patrick, came about after encouragement from my brother-in-law Fr Kevin Scallon, who founded the Intercession for Priests in Ireland in the mid-1970s and who with Sr Briege McKenna ministered to priests t through the world for more than forty-five years, until his death in 2014.”

“This song reminds me, and I hope others, “The song was launched in Downpatrick on St Patrick’s Day but it is a song for all year round and for all people everywhere who yearn for God’s light, the light of faith in a darkness.”

Contact organisers via email on  hillofslaneaugust6@gmail.com if you wish to help organise a bus, put up a poster, or promote on social media or book an media interview.

MORE INFO MARTINA PURDY 07956 574234