1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

LENT BEGINS
Ash Wednesday marks the
beginning of the season of
Lent. Lent lasts for forty
days. Sundays are not
counted in the forty days.
Lent ends on
Holy Thursday.
On Ash Wednesday
we go to Mass and
are marked with a
Sign of the Cross
made with ashes.
The ashes are made
from burning the
blessed palms used
on Palm Sunday last
year. The ashes are
then mixed with Holy
Water.
Ash Wednesday is a fast day.
Fasting means that we eat only
one full meal in a day, with no
food in between meals. We can
have two other small meals during
the day. We are also asked not to
eat meat as part of our meal on
this day. The fasting rule is for
those aged between eighteen and
fifty nine. Those aged fourteen
and above are asked not to eat
meat.
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ASH WEDNESDAY
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MAKING MORE SPACE FOR GOD THIS LENT
In Lent we are all asked to make more space for God in our lives. We can do this in different ways by:
• PRAY:
• DO:
• ACT:
Promising to spend more time with God in prayer
Showing how much we love God by doing something extra or giving
up something that we like
Thinking of ways to help children like Digna and the people of La
Confianza (Trócaire Campaign 2011) have a life of opportunity
DURING LENT I WILL MAKE MORE SPACE FOR GOD WHEN I
PRAY:______________________________________________________________
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DO:_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________________
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ACT:_______________________________________________________________
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PRAYER SERVICE FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
YOU WILL NEED:
A purple cloth as a base for your Lenten Sacred Space.
The following items will be placed on the purple cloth during the prayer service:
Candle, Bible, Trócaire Box, Picture of Digna from Trócaire Pack, Copy of scroll from
page 3 for each child, Ashes for distribution
OPENING SONG:
Wilderness
Gather Round
LEADER:
(Alive-O3 page 204; Alive-O8 page 336)
(Alive-O4 page 15; Alive-O8 page 288)
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The forty days of Lent give us time to get ready
for Easter and invite us to make more space for God in our lives. During our prayer today we will
be marked with a Sign of the Cross made with ashes. The mark on our forehead is a sign that we
are taking Lent seriously, that we are ready to live as Jesus asks us to. So let us pray:
Loving God, may this Lenten season bring us
the blessing of forgiveness and the gift of your light.
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen
CREATION OF LENTEN SACRED SPACE
CHILD 1:
We place a candle in our Lenten Sacred Space. Jesus is the light of the world. May we share that
light with everyone we meet on our Lenten journey!
CHILD 2:
We place the Bible in our Lenten Sacred Space. The Bible is God’s word for us. May we share
God’s word with everyone we meet on our Lenten Journey!
CHILD 3:
We place the Trócaire Box and a picture of Digna from Honduras in our Lenten Sacred Space.
May we find ways on our Lenten journey to help Digna and the people of La Confianza have a
better life.
CHILD 4:
We place our Lenten Scrolls in our Lenten Sacred Space. May we consider carefully the ways in
which we will make more space for God in our lives this Lent.
CHILD 5:
We place the ashes made from last year’s holy palm in our Lenten Sacred Space. May we wear
our ashes proudly as a sign that we want to live like Jesus during our Lenten journey.
READER:
MATTHEW 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off. If you do you won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven.
When you give to the poor, don’t blow a loud horn. That is what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the
street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
When you give to the poor don’t let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father
knows what is done in secret, and he will reward you.
When you pray, don’t be like the show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the
street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you they already have their reward.
When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done
in private and he will reward you.
When you go without eating, don’t try to look gloomy as those show-offs do when they go without eating. I can
assure you, they already have their reward. Instead comb your hair and wash your face. Then others won’t know
that you are going without eating. But your Father sees what is done in private and he will reward you.’
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DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES
LEADER:
As a sign that you will try to make more space for God in your life, this
Lent, and that you will try to live as Jesus wants you to, come forward
and be marked with the sign of the cross.
‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel’ is said as the ashes are distributed to each person.
SONG DURING DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES:
Whatsoever You Do
(Alive-O5 page 209)
LENTEN SCROLLS:
Distribute a copy of the Lenten Scrolls to each child and invite them to spend some quiet
time filling them in when they return to class.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Loving God, as we wear these ashes today, we know that you always love us. May we
remember our promise to try and make more space for you in our lives during this Lent.
Help us to be faithful to the Gospel and to always live as you want us to.
Amen
CLOSING SONG:
Christ Be our Light
Sign of the Cross Chant (Verse 2)
Christ Be Beside Me
(Alive-O8 page 273)
(Alive-O5 page 268)
(Alive-O3 page 169)
ASH WEDNESDAY WORD SEARCH
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JESUS
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LENT
PALMS
PROMISES
PURPLE
SEASON
5
FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
MT 4:1-11
Jesus is Tempted in the Desert
After Jesus had been baptised by his cousin, John, in the River Jordan, he knew that he would spend his life
doing God’s work. In order to prepare himself, Jesus went into the wilderness, away from the distractions and
noise of the busy world. For forty days and nights he lived in the wilderness, fasting and praying to God to help
him. We read about this time in Jesus’ life in the Gospel of Saint Matthew on the First Sunday of Lent. You can
also read about Jesus in the wilderness in Alive-O5, Alive-O6 and Alive-O7.
Use your class Bible to find out in what ways Jesus was tempted.
Then put the temptations in the correct order by numbering them 1-3.
To stop
worshipping
_______ and
rule over the
world himself.
(Matthew 4:8-10)
To turn
stones into
___________.
To jump off the
___________
and let the
angels catch him.
(Matthew 4:3)
(Matthew 4:6)
TRAFFIC LIGHT PRAYER
In the wilderness, Jesus was tempted to turn away from God.
We can also be tempted to turn away from God.
Lent is the time that helps us to turn back to God.
Use the traffic lights to help you to live like Jesus this Lent.
Colour the traffic lights red, amber and green. Then write one
thing that you will try to stop doing in the red light, one thing
that you will get better at in the orange light and one thing
that you will do in the green light.
If you are tempted to do something that you shouldn’t, think red and
STOP! If you are trying to get better at something, keep trying and
DON’T GIVE UP! Every time you do something that you know is right,
CELEBRATE! You are living as Jesus wants you to this Lent.
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SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
MT 17:1-9
THE TRANSFIGURATION
The Gospel this Sunday is about Jesus bringing Peter, John and James up to the top of the
mountain. While they were there, something very special and strange happened.
Read the Gospel story in Matthew, chapter 17, verses 1-9 before Mass this Sunday to find out what happened.
“Agus tháinig daochlú air ós comhair a súl, shoiligh a
ghnúis ar nós na gréine
agus d’éirigh a chuid éadaigh chomh gléigeal leis an solas”
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MARCH 21ST
FEAST OF ST. ENDA
Enda was the son of Conall Dearg who ruled the kingdom of Oriel, modern day Louth and Monaghan. When his
father died, Enda became ruler. He soon decided to live a different life and this might have been because he was
very close to his sister, Faenche, who was a nun. She encouraged Enda to travel around Ireland, spreading the
good news of the Gospel. He founded monasteries around the Boyne Valley and then went to Scotland where
he studied with Saint Ninian who ordained him a priest. When he came back to Ireland, he went to the Aran
Islands, off the coast of Galway. There he founded one of his biggest monasteries at Cill Éanna, the ruins of
which can be seen today on Inis Mór Island. Among those who came to him to learn about the monastic way of
life were Ciarán of Clonmacnoise and Jarlath of Tuam. It is said that Brendan came to him for a blessing before
he set off on his voyage.
Find the places on the map associated with the following people:
St Enda, St Brigid, St Brendan, St Colmcille, St Patrick, Blessed Edmund Rice,
St Gobnait, St Canaire, St Kevin, St Lawrence O’Toole, St Ciarán, St Jarlath.
Colour code the map
by giving each saint a
different colour.
The map is divided into
the dioceses of Ireland.
Can you see how many
dioceses there are in
the country?
Highlight the diocese in
which you live.
Who is the patron saint
of your diocese? (There
might be more than
one)
Write a fact file on the
patron saint of your
diocese.
8
MARCH 25TH
FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION
Today we remember that the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that God had chosen her to be the mother of his
son, Jesus. Read the account in your Bible, Luke, chapter 1, verses 26-38. Then fill in the missing words to find
out what the angel said to Mary.
You are truly_ _ _ _ _ _ _! The Lord is with
you. Don’t be _ _ _ _ _ _! God is _ _ _ _ _ _ _
with you, and you will have a _ _ _. His
name will be _ _ _ _ _. He will be _ _ _ _ _
and will be called the Son of _ _ _ most
_ _ _ _. Then God will make him a _ _ _ _,
as his ancestor _ _ _ _ _ was. He will _ _ _ _
the people of _ _ _ _ _ _ forever, and his
_ _ _ _ _ _ _will never end.
I am the Lord’s
_ _ _ _ _ _ _.
Let it _ _ _ _ _ _ as you
have said.
These words will help you:
Son, servant, rule, pleased,
kingdom, King, Jesus, Israel, High,
happen, great, God, David, blessed,
afraid
The Annunciation is also the first of the Joyful Mysteries
(Alive-O3, 5,7& 8)
The Rosary is a special prayer given to us by Mary. When we pray the mysteries of the Rosary, we are
remembering important events in the life of Jesus and Mary. When we pray the first mystery of the
Joyful Mysteries, The Annunciation, we recall when Mary said “yes” to God’s will.
Can you unscramble the Joyful Mysteries?
1.
2.
3.
4.
The nonitiacunAn
The iaiointstV
The hBrit fo eht dLro
The eettnoiarnPs fo eth odLr
____________
__________
_____ __ ___ ____
____________ __ ___
____
5. The ninigdF fo eth dorL ni eth plemeT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
___ ______
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FEAST OF SAINT PATRICK
March 17th
On March 17th, people all over the world celebrate the Feast of Saint Patrick. Many towns and cities hold parades
in his honour, from California to Cork and Dublin to Dubai! In fact, the world’s oldest and largest parade is in
New York City. Despite this, some people still don’t know the real story of Saint Patrick. There are lots of tall
tales about him that are probably not even true, including the one about him banishing the snakes from Ireland.
INSTRUCTIONS:
In the boxes below, you will find the story of Saint Patrick’s life. Cut out each of the pieces
of the story and arrange them in the correct order. Then, take an A4 page and divide it into eight pieces by
folding it in half three times. On each section of the page, draw a picture to represent each part of the story.
When you are finished, cut your page into the eight sections, and shuffle your pictures around. Give them to
a friend to see if they can put them in the right order again! Finally, arrange your pictures in the shape of a
cross, so that everyone will know that Saint Patrick came to bring the Good News about God to Ireland.
One night Patrick had a dream in which he heard a voice telling
him to escape from Ireland and go home.
The raiders sold Patrick as a slave and he spent six years
working as a shepherd.
Patrick came back to Ireland in 432. He told the
people about God and God’s love for them.
Patrick was born in Britain. When he was sixteen years old, he was
taken prisoner by a group of raiders and brought to Ireland.
Sometime later, Patrick had another dream, this one telling
him to go back to Ireland and tell the people about God.
Patrick decided to become a priest and he was
later made a bishop.
Patrick walked a long way to the coast, and managed to
hide away on a boat that was going to Britain.
Patrick was very lonely during this time and he prayed to God
every day and every night.
There are lessons on Saint Patrick in Alive-O and Alive-O2 and Prayer Services
in his honour in Alive-O5 & 6
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March 19th
FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH
Note to Teachers: You may like to read the story of ‘Joseph and the Angel: A Good
Dream’ from the Alive-O5 Teacher’s Manual, page 137. Alternatively, you can read the
story from the Gospel of Saint Matthew 1:18-24.
Draw four pictures to tell the story of Joseph and the angel.
One night, when Joseph was asleep,
an angel came to him in a dream.
The angel said, ‘Do not be afraid to marry
Mary.’
Joseph was puzzled by the dream and he
thought about it for a while.
Then he decided to marry Mary. They
were very excited about having a baby.
Joseph looked after Jesus and helped Mary to mind him.
That is why Saint Joseph is the patron saint of fathers.
Say a prayer to Saint Joseph today.
Ask Saint Joseph to bless your Daddy, your granddad,
or whoever helps to mind you like Joseph helped Mary.
Make sure to say thank you to that person today.
Tell him that you asked Saint Joseph to bless him.
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THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
JN 4: 5-42
The Gospel this week tells us the story of Jesus’ meeting with the woman at the well. The
woman goes to the well at the hottest part of the day because she doesn’t want to meet anyone.
She knows that the people in her village are talking about her and that they do not think she
is living her life in the right way. When she gets to the well she meets Jesus who doesn’t judge
her. He talks to her and he tells all about herself. She realises that she wants to change. She
wants to live a better life. She runs back to her village and tells everyone about Jesus and the
way he made her feel. They came back to the well with her to meet this special man. This week we are given the
opportunity to think about the way we might change for the better. We, too, can meet Jesus in the Sacrament of
Reconciliation. We can tell him about the times we have not been as good as we might have been, we can say
sorry and we know that we will always be forgiven.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Begin with lighting a candle and with the Sign of the
Cross
PRIEST: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit. The Lord be with you all
ALL:
And also with you
PRIEST: This morning we come to prepare for Easter
in a special way. We remember the love that Jesus
has for each one of us as we celebrate the Sacrament
of Reconciliation. This morning we will prepare for
Easter by asking God to forgive us for the times when
we didn’t love as Jesus asked us to love, for the times
when we have not been fair to those at home, at
school, and at play. Our story tells of a meeting that
Jesus had with a woman at a well.
JN 4:1-42
READER:
Jesus and his disciples were leaving Judea after some
months in this southern country to go again into
Galilee. Their way was through Samaria, by Jacob's
well. This old well which Jacob dug was at the edge of
the beautiful meadow. Jesus was tired as he came to
the well about noon and he rested there while his
disciples went away to buy food. While he was sitting
by the well a Samaritan woman came to draw water.
She did this by letting down her jar by a long rope into
the deep well. Jesus asked her for a drink and she
was surprised that he spoke to her, because he was a
Jew and she was a Samaritan. The Lord talked with
her for a while and told her of a different kind of
water than the water in Jacob’s well – living water.
She thought that he was a prophet and when she
12
went back to her village, which was called Sychar, she
told the people that she had met someone who told
her all about herself. Then the people came to see
Jesus and he taught them. They begged him to stay
with them and Jesus stayed two days in the
village.
PRIEST: By meeting Jesus, this woman’s life was
changed so much that she told everyone about Jesus
when she went home to her village. Every time we
meet Jesus we are changed, as we say sorry and
Jesus forgives us for the time when we didn’t show
love. We begin by saying the Confiteor…
ALL: I confess to almighty God, and to you my
brothers and sisters…
PRIEST: We now look into our hearts and think of the
time when we didn’t show love.
PRIEST: God asks us to be generous. For the times
when we did not share with others. For the times we
did not take turns.
ALL:
We are sorry.
PRIEST: God asks us to be friendly. For the times we
have not let others join in our talk and in our games.
ALL:
We are sorry.
PRIEST: God asks us to be patient. For the times when
we gave up without really trying. For the times when
we did not wait patiently.
ALL:
We are sorry.
PRIEST: God asks us to be honest. For the times we
did not tell the truth. For the times when we took
things that didn’t belong to us.
ALL:
We are sorry.
PRIEST: God asks us to be helpful. For the times when
we did not do what we were asked. For the times we
did not help out at home and at school.
ALL:
We are sorry.
PRIEST: God asks us to be kind. For the times we
spoke words that hurt others. For the times when we
bullied others.
ALL:
We are sorry,
PRIEST: We are sorry and so we say the Act of Sorrow
together:
O my God, I thank you for loving me. I’m sorry for all
my sins, for not loving others and not loving you. Help
me to live like Jesus, and not sin again. Amen.
INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
PRIEST: At the end of the story, the woman at the
well went and told everyone about Jesus and all the
people came to see Jesus. When we leave the Church
today, we are asked to live as Jesus asks us to live and
in this way we are telling people about Jesus. And so
we pray…
God our Father, you have forgiven our sins and sent
us your peace. Help us to forgive each other and to
live as Jesus asks us. May we always remember the
love that you show us every day. We ask this prayer
through Christ our Lord. Amen
May Almighty God bless you, + the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go in peace to live like Jesus.
Thanks be to God
Colour the Picture
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
JN 9:1-41
In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. He never thought that he
would be able to see but Jesus puts spit and dirt on his eyes and tells him to go and wash
it off in the pool of Siloam. When the blind man did as Jesus asked, his eyes were opened
and he could see. You can read the whole story in your Bible.
Note to Teachers: You might like to show a video of this story to your class on your Interactive white board.
There are three versions available on www.kandle.ie/lentenresources
COLOUR THE PICTURES TO TELL THE STORY
WRITE THE STORY OF THE BLIND MAN IN YOUR OWN WORDS
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HIDDEN MESSAGE WORD SEARCH
THE MAN BORN BLIND
Find all the words connected to the story.
Then find the hidden message in the top line of the Word Search.
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15
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
MOTHER’S DAY
The fourth Sunday of Lent has a special name. It is ‘Laetare Sunday’. Laetare is the Latin word for ‘rejoice’ and so
this Sunday is a day of joy in the middle of Lent. Perhaps this is why we, in Ireland and in the United Kingdom,
also celebrate ‘Mother’s Day’ on this Sunday in Lent.
Why Do We Celebrate Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day used to be called Mothering Sunday and
we have celebrated this special day in Ireland for
hundreds of years. A long time ago, children from poor
families were sent to work as servants for the rich
people. They were allowed to go home once every
year, on the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The children were
given a day off to visit their 'Mother Church' or the
church in their home town. After visiting the church
they went to visit their mothers. Some children
brought presents of flowers that they had picked on
their journey home. Many girls baked a special cake
called a Simnel Cake and brought it home as a gift for
their mothers. This was a fruit cake decorated with
eleven marzipan balls to represent the eleven disciples,
Judas was not included. People were allowed to break
their Lenten fast to eat this cake.
How will you celebrate your mother this Mother’s Day?
• Write a poem
• Make a card
• Draw a picture
• Make a collage of all the ways you love your mum
• Give her a hug
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FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
JN 11:1-45
In this Sunday’s Gospel we hear the story of Lazarus. Jesus raised his friend, Lazarus, from the dead. You can
read the whole story in your Bible in John, chapter 11, verses 1-45. When you have read the story, fill in the
blanks in the sentences below.
Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead
Lazarus, Mary and _ _ _ _ _ _ were Jesus’ good _ _ _ _ _ _. When Lazarus got _ _ _ _
Mary and Martha sent for _ _ _ _ _. They believed that Jesus would _ _ _ _ their
brother. Jesus got the message but he _ _ _ _ _ _ for a couple of _ _ _ _ before going
to Bethany. The disciples did not want Jesus to go to _ _ _ _ _ _ _. They thought it was
too close to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the Jews who wanted to kill Jesus were in Jerusalem.
Jesus was not _ _ _ _ _ _. He knew that _ _ _ would protect him.
When Jesus and the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ arrived in Bethany, _ _ _ _ _ _ met them on the
road. She told them that they were too _ _ _ _. Lazarus was _ _ _ _. She was very _ _ _ _ _ and told Jesus that
she believed that her _ _ _ _ _ _ _ would not have _ _ _ _ if he had arrived earlier. She also said that she believed
that God would do anything Jesus asked. Jesus told her that Lazarus would_ _ _ _ again. Martha said that she
believed that he would rise again on the last _ _ _. Then Jesus said ‘I am the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the life.
Anyone who believes in me, even if they die, will _ _ _ _, and everyone who believes in me will never _ _ _.
Martha told Jesus that she believed he was the _ _ _ _ _ _ _. She had great _ _ _ _ _.
Then _ _ _ _came to Jesus and she said that she also believed that he could have saved her brother. Jesus was
very _ _ _.
He asked them to take him to the _ _ _ _ _ where Lazarus was buried. He told them to take
away the _ _ _ stone that lay in front of the tomb. Mary and Martha told Jesus that it was
too _ _ _ _. But, he insisted and so the stone was _ _ _ _ _ _ away. Then Jesus called out in a
_ _ _ _ voice ‘_ _ _ _ _ _ _, come out’. To everyone’s amazement, Lazarus _ _ _ _ _ _ out of
the _ _ _ _.
Use the Word Bank to help you
Tomb, walked, sad, afraid, Bethany, sick, Mary, loud, Martha, Jerusalem, upset, live, Messiah, friends,
disciples, place, God, late, resurrection, faith, brother, faith, heal, died, die, Jesus, rise, waited, Lazarus,
rolled, days, dead, day, live, big, late
Help Jesus Find Lazarus
17
Colour the Picture
18
SAINT STANISLAUS OF SZCZEPANÓW - BISHOP AND MARTYR
APRIL 11TH
St Stanislaus is the patron saint of Poland. We don’t know very much about his life. It
is believed that he was born on 26thJuly, 1030, at Szczepanów, a village in southern
Poland. He was educated at the cathedral school in Gniezno, which was then the
capital city of Poland. He also studied in France. When he returned from France, he
was ordained by Bishop Lambert Suła of Krakow. He became well known for his
preaching. People often came to him for spiritual advice. In 1072 he was ordained as
Bishop of Krakow.
He excommunicated King Boleslaus because of the king’s cruelty and violence. The
king then accused Stanislaus of treason and ordered his soldiers to kill him. The
soldiers were afraid to kill a bishop and so the king himself killed the bishop. It is said that Stanislaus was killed
while he was saying Mass outside the walls of Krakow. His body was cut into pieces and thrown into a pool
outside the church. Four eagles are said to have guarded this pool. The exact date of his death is not certain, but
it is said to be on April 11th 1079. This is why we celebrate his Feast-Day on April 11th. Stanisłaus was canonized
by Pope Innocent IV on September 17, 1253, at Assisi in Italy. He is patron of the city of Krakow and a patron of
Poland. Pictures of him normally include a sword, the weapon used by the king to murder him.
There is an anthem which was said to have been written for the saint’s beatification in 1253, which is part of
Polish culture and history and even today is still sung in Poland.
You can listen to it on www.kandle.ie/lentenresdources
Rejoice, oh Mother Poland
Rich in noble offspring,
Mighty works of the greatest King
Worship with incessant praise.
By whose beneficent grace
Bishop Stanislaw's
Marks of his passion
Shine with marvellous signs.
Here contending, for the sake of justice
He will not yield to the furore of a king:
He stands for the injustice of the people
Christian soldiers in their ranks.
His story is similar to that of St Thomas a Beckett who was martyred at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170,
in England, by supporters of King Henry II because the Archbishop had spoken out against the King.
A PRAYER TO ST STANISLAUS
Father, to honour You, Saint Stanislaus faced martyrdom with courage. Keep us
strong and loyal in our faith until death. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and
ever. Amen
St Stanislaus, pray for us
Świętego Stanisława módl się za nami
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SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS
16TH APRIL
TEN FACTS:
1. She was born in Lourdes on 7th January, 1844, into a poor family.
2. In 1858, she was out walking with her sister and a friend near
Massabielle. Bernadette was unable to keep up with them and had
removed her socks and shoes to cross the stream and follow when
she heard a gust of wind. Looking up, she saw a 'lady dressed in white
with a blue belt and a yellow rose on each foot'. This was the first of
the eighteen apparitions she was to receive until the last one on July
16th.
3. During the apparitions, she prayed the Rosary with 'the lady' and talked to her.
4. On February 19th, Bernadette lit a candle at the grotto, a tradition that continues to this
day. Many millions of candles are lit each year.
5. Her eighth visit with the lady was on Wednesday 24th February. This was the first time
she was given a message by the lady: The message was: "Penance! Penance! Penance!
Pray to God for sinners. Kiss the ground as an act of penance for sinners!"
6. The following day, the lady told her to drink from the spring. She pointed out a spot,
which, to Bernadette, was only a muddy area. A small spring began to flow from the spot
and a local girl, a friend of Bernadette's, plunged her dislocated arm into the spring. It was
miraculously healed, the first of many healings to take place in those early days and so
many since.
7. On Tuesday 2nd March, the lady gave Bernadette a message for the Parish Priest, Abbé
Peyramale. She told him to build a chapel at the grotto.
8. On Thursday 25th March, the Feast of the Annunciation, the lady told Bernadette, "I am
the Immaculate Conception".
9. In 1866, Bernadette joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Nevers and
received the name, Sister Marie-Bernard.
10. She died in the convent at 35 years of age on April 16th, 1879, and was canonised by
Pope Pius XI on 8th December, 1933.
Solve the Puzzle and Find Mary’s Message to Bernadette
20
HOLY WEEK
PALM SUNDAY
MT 26: 14-27:66
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a very special week in the Church.
On Palm Sunday, we remember how Jesus was welcomed into the city of Jerusalem
before the feast of Passover. The large crowd welcomed him by waving palms,
shouting hosanna and praising his name. This is why palms are blessed and distributed
at Mass on Palm Sunday.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The blessed palms that are left
over on Palm Sunday are burnt and
the ashes used the following year
on Ash Wednesday.
The priest will wear red vestments
today because red is the colour of
blood. This reminds us of Jesus’
death on the cross.
Did you know?
We hear two Gospels today. First
the story of Jesus’ entry into
Jerusalem. The second is the story
of how Jesus was crucified
(the Passion) which we will hear
again on Good Friday.
HOSANNA WORD SEARCH
I
S
S
B
C
A
H
V
O
P
A
R
D
P
F
B
P
A
W
E
S
B
D
D
N
K
J
E
H
Z
B
C
A
I
T
K
L
I
N
Y
D
O
A
X
C
K
J
T
S
C
E
S
A
F
F
P
P
S
J
B
E
N
N
H
S
C
S
Y
P
L
O
L
J
Y
A
U
G
F
X
I
O
N
B
E
I
N
Y
A
Q
J
M
X
A
P
H
T
V
D
A
V
I
D
K
Y
E
F
S
L
L
M
Z
I
E
Z
P
I
N
V
K
R
K
E
N
E
L
I
U
C
R
R
G
O
J
S
U
S
H
J
W
A
I
B
B
R
A
N
C
H
E
S
M
T
J
K
P
H
V
F
H
I
D
N
L
W
A
C
O
Y
E
K
N
O
D
B
S
J
F
K
V
L
Y
L
S
K
S
D
A
O
R
E
D
H
G
G
E
Y
C
Q
L
A
U
C
Q
C
O
U
W
C
O
M
Y
K
S
B
R
S
S
R
S
I
L
C
J
D
N
Back
Branches
Clothes
David
Disciples
Donkey
God
Hosanna
Jeruslaem
Jesus
Lord
Palm
Passover
People
Praise
Road
Untie
Village
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THE TRIDUUM
The last three days of Holy Week are called The Triduum. The Easter Triduum is the most important celebration
in our Church year. Triduum means “three” and begins on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
Note to Teachers: See Alive-0, Term 2, Lesson 10; Alive-03/4 Term 2 Lessons 9 & 10.
Alive-05 Term 2, Lesson 10, Alive-06 Term 2, Lesson 9; Alive-07 Term 2, Lesson 12, Alive-08 Term 2, Lesson 8 for
more information and lessons on Holy Week and The Triduum: See Teachers Book Alive-O3 Page 257, Alive-04
Pages 289, 299, Alive-05 Page 258, Alive-06 Page 383 for prayer services and rituals on The Stations of the Cross
HOLY THURSDAY
The day before Good Friday is called Holy Thursday. Jesus knew that the time was near
from him to leave his friends. He shared one last meal with them, the Last Supper. During
the time of Jesus, it was a custom that the servants would wipe the dust of their guests'
feet before they started their meal. As they sat down to eat, Jesus started to wash his
friend’s feet. Peter was upset as he did not want Jesus to act as a servant on this special
night. Jesus said “I am washing your feet as an example of the way you should treat one
another”.
As Jesus began the meal, he felt great sadness as he knew one of his closest friends would betray him. At the
supper, he took a piece of bread, blessed it and broke it saying “Take this and eat it, This is my body.” He then
took some wine and gave thanks to God saying “Take this and drink it, this is my blood” . Then he said “Do this
in memory of me”. Soon after, Judas left the table and betrayed Jesus. In many churches, the priest washes the
feet of a small number of people just the way that Jesus did.
Did You Know?
Sometime during the early days of Holy Week, the bishop of each diocese celebrates a very special Mass
called the Chrism Mass. In the past, this Mass was celebrated only on Holy Thursday, but many dioceses now
celebrate the Chrism Mass on one of the days earlier in Holy Week to allow more people to attend. During
this Mass, which normally involves members from each parish of the diocese, the bishop consecrates the Oil
of Chrism and blesses the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick. All the oils are then brought back to
the parish churches of the diocese. Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, a sweet-smelling perfume.
The Chrism Oil is used for the anointing ceremonies of Baptisms, Confirmation and Holy Orders. “Christ”
means the “anointed one”: the Spirit of Christ is given through this Oil of Chrism.
For You To Do:
What is the name of your diocese?
_______________________
What is the name of your bishop?
_______________________
Where is the cathedral in your diocese?
_______________________
Find out when the Chrism Mass is celebrated in your diocese.
______________________________________________________________
You can watch this ceremony on the Alive-O 8 DVD.
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GOOD FRIDAY
Many people ask why such a sad day is called “good”. We all know that Jesus died on the cross on Good
Friday. It is exactly this that we celebrate and remember on this day. We must also realise that it was
Jesus’ triumph over death and so, out of something sad, comes something “good”.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY:
Visit your local church and pray the Stations of the Cross.
Learn the response to each Station prayer:
Leader:
“We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you”
Response:
“Because, by your Holy cross, you have redeemed the world”
HOLY SATURDAY
EASTER VIGIL
The Triduum continues on Holy Saturday night when we celebrate the Easter Vigil. The paschal fire is lit
outside many churches. It is from the paschal fire that the new Paschal Candle will be lit during the
Easter Vigil. This candle will be a sign to all of us for the coming year of Jesus’ resurrection. The candle
will have the year 2011 inscribed onto it. Five ornate incense pins, which will symbolise the five
wounds of Jesus on the cross, are placed in the candle. This candle will be lit throughout the Sundays of
the Easter season until Pentecost Sunday. It is also lit during Baptisms as a sign of hope and light for
the world. During funerals, the Paschal candle is lit and placed near the coffin as a sign of the hope of
the resurrection into which the person was baptised.
During the Easter Vigil, water is blessed and distributed to the community. There may be a new member of
the community baptised during the Mass. In some churches, you might even see adults being baptised.
These adults have decided that they want to belong to the Catholic Church, and so, after some time of praying,
reflecting and being guided, they are ready to become members of our Christian community.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Paschal Candle also contains two Greek letters the Alpha and the Omega, which, in English
translation, means the beginning and the end. Have a closer look when you visit the church, to
see these features on the Paschal candle.
DID YOU KNOW?
The word "Paschal" comes from the word Pesach, which, in Hebrew, means Passover. This is the
feast that Jesus was celebrating with his friends when they ate their Last Supper together. Find
out more about the Passover by reading Exodus, chapter 12.
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HOLY WEEK QUIZ
1:
On which day of the week did Jesus die? _______________________
2:
What was the meal that Jesus shared with his apostles? ______________________
3:
What is the name we give to Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday? ___________________
4:
On which day of the week did Jesus enter the city of Jerusalem?_____________________________
5:
When Jesus broke and blessed the bread, and he blessed the cup filled with wine. He said “Do this
___ _______________ ____ ____”
6:
What colour vestments does the priest wear on Palm Sunday? __________________
7:
What was the name of Jesus’ friend who betrayed him? __________________
9:
Can you name three sacraments in which Chrism is used? _________________
10:
How many Stations of the Cross are there? ____________
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BEATIFICATION OF JOHN PAUL II
MAY 1ST
On May 1st, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI will beatify John Paul II during a ceremony in
St Peter’s Square, Vatican City. It is thought that more than two million people will
travel to Rome for this historic occasion.
THE ROAD TO SAINTHOOD
It is not easy to become a saint in the Catholic Church. Usually, a person must be dead for five years
before they can begin the path to sainthood. Pope Benedict XVI decided that John Paul II was such a
special person that he need not wait and that his cause for sainthood could begin immediately.
STEP 1:
VENERABLE SERVANT OF GOD
This title is given once the decision to begin the cause for sainthood is made. An investigation is made
into the life of the person to make sure that they are ready for sainthood.
STEP 2:
BEATIFICATION
In order to be beatified someone must claim to be cured of a disease by praying to the person whose
cause is being investigated. This clam is then investigated by the Vatican. A miracle was claimed by a
French nun, Sr Marie Simon Pierre, who says that she was cured of Parkinson’s disease after praying to
John Paul II. It is because of this miracle that John Paul II will be beatified on May 1st. This means that
he will then be called Blessed.
STEP 3:
CANONISATION
The third and final step is called canonisation. This step needs another miracle. There are already other
miracles being investigated by the Vatican for John Paul II’s cause. We will have to wait and see when
he will be made a saint.
Teacher’s Note: The following video might be useful to you and your class:
http://www.howcast.com/videos/8178-How-To-Become-a-Saint
Did You Know?
• 78 popes have been made saints
• 10 are blessed
• This is the first time in more than a thousand years that any pope has beatified the pope who
came immediately before him.
• During John Paul II’s funeral the crowds on the streets and in St Peter’s Square shouted
‘Santo subito’. This means that they wanted him made a saint immediately.
st
• We will find out when John Paul’s feast day will be during the ceremony on May 1 .
26
MAY – THE MONTH OF MARY
May is the month of the year in which we honour Mary, the mother of God, in a special
way. You might like to set up a May Altar in your home, school or classroom to help you to
remember to pray to Mary in a special way at this time.
The Rosary is a prayer that we often associate with Mary. The Rosary is divided into five decades (or sets of ten).
Each decade represents a mystery or event in the life of Jesus. We remember each of these events as we say one
Our Father, ten Hail Marys and one Glory be to the Father.
The mysteries of the Rosary are divided into four parts: The Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Glorious
Mysteries and the Mysteries of Light. You can read more about the Rosary in Alive-O3, Alive-O4, Alive-O6 and AliveO7.
When we pray the Joyful Mysteries, we remember the happy things that happened to Mary during her life. Below
are the pictures of the five Joyful Mysteries. Number them, one to five, in order of when they happened in Mary’s
life. Then write the name of the mystery under each picture. Finally, colour the pictures.
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
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FEAST OF BLESSED EDMUND RICE
May 5th
Edmund Ignatius Rice was born on June 1st, 1762, in Callan, County Kilkenny. At
that time in Ireland, life was very hard for a lot of people, especially Catholics.
Catholics were not allowed to go to school, and many were very, very poor.
When Edmund was seventeen, he moved to Waterford to work for his uncle. He
worked hard and soon set up his own business. He was a good man, and always
tried to help those who were poor by giving them a job and a fair wage.
In 1787, Edmund married Mary Elliot. Life for Edmund and Mary was good and
they were very happy together. Three years later, however, tragedy struck. One
day, while Mary was out on a trip in her horse and carriage, she was involved in
an accident and she died. Edmund was devastated. Brokenhearted, he sold his
business and decided to change his life totally. He started a school for a few poor
boys in a converted stable, with a room for himself above the classrooms. Most of his friends thought that he
was going mad! The boys that he worked with had never been to school before, and many of them behaved
badly. In fact, Edmund couldn’t even get teachers to help him. People didn’t want to work with the children that
Edmund was trying to help.
In 1802, two of Edmund’s oldest friends, Thomas Grosvenor and Patrick Finn, came to support him. They had
heard about what Edmund was doing and wanted to be a part of it. They agreed to live together in the rooms
above the stable, and they worked hard to teach as many boys as they could. Soon, people came to hear about
the good work that Edmund, Thomas and Patrick were doing, and they wanted to join them. One day, the
Bishop of Cork came to see Edmund’s School. The Bishop was so impressed by what he saw that he decided to
start a school just like it in Cork. Edmund agreed to help. Many men wanted to follow Edmund’s good example,
and lots more schools were set up just like the one in Waterford. The men who worked in the schools lived
together like a family and so they became known as the Christian Brothers. In total, the Christian Brothers set up
almost one hundred schools in the Republic of Ireland. Today, these schools are part of the Edmund Rice Schools
Trust (ERST).
On October 6th 1996, Edmund Rice was declared ‘Blessed’. This means that he is in the process of being named a
saint.
TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE
Write five questions about Edmund Rice’s life based on what you have read.
Give them to a friend and see how much they can remember.
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
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THE NAME GAME!
How many words can you make using the letters in the name
Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice?
Write them in the box below:
CRACK THE CODE!
Which pope named Edmund Ignatius Rice ‘Blessed’?
To find out, write the letter that comes before each of the letters written below!
Q P
Q
F
K
P
I
O
Q
B
V M
U
I
F
T F
D
P
O E
LIVE LIKE EDMUND!
Although many things have improved since Edmund Rice died in 1844,
there are still many children who do not have schools to go to,
especially in the developing world. You could live like Edmund by
helping these children.
The Irish charity, Trócaire, is especially appealing for help for children
in Somalia, a country in Africa. Somalia is a very dangerous place for
children to live. Many children are taken from their homes and forced
to fight in the army as child soldiers. Only three in every ten children
get to go to school.
Could your class raise €80? If you could, you can help keep 15 primary
schools open for a year! This would allow 3,500 children to go to
school. If you and your class are preparing for First Holy Communion
or Confirmation, perhaps you might donate some of the money that
you get to help children who are not as lucky as you are. Check out
www.trocaire.org/globalgift for more information.
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FEAST OF SAINT BRENDAN
MAY 16TH
Saint Brendan was born around 488AD near Tralee in County Kerry. He is best remembered as the monk who
sailed all around northwest Europe, spreading the Christian faith and founding monasteries. His many sea
voyages brought him to Wales, Scotland, France and other parts of mainland Europe. The largest monastery that
Saint Brendan founded was in Clonfert, County Galway. He was buried there in 577AD. Saint Brendan is the
patron saint of boatmen, sailors, travellers and whales.
Brendan’s most famous voyage was to the west. According to tradition, he was about seventy years old when he
and seventeen other monks set out on a voyage in a currach, a wood-framed boat covered in sewn ox-hides.
They were seeking the ‘Promised Land of the Saints’, which was said to lie far to the west of Ireland. Saint
Brendan decided to set sail to see if he could find this land. He and his crew loaded enough supplies to last for
forty days and, after many farewells, they set sail on their great adventure. The voyage lasted much longer than
they thought, however: They were away from home for seven years!
Saint Brendan and his brother monks often sailed for days and weeks without ever seeing anyone. Sometimes,
when they reached land, friendly locals gave them food for their journey. They reported seeing some strange
sights while at sea: There were mountains which blew out smoke and fire and white pillars floating in the sea!
The monks had never seen anything like it!
One strange tale tells us that the monks landed on a small island where nothing grew. They tied the boat up and
stepped onto a stony beach where they collected a small pile of driftwood and began to cook lunch. As the fire
burned hotter, however, the earth began to move! The monks shook in fear. The land began to shake and sink
into the water. The monks had scarcely got back to their boat when their ‘island’ headed off into the ocean! In
fact, it wasn’t an island that they landed on at all! Can you guess what it was?
You can read more about Brendan’s Voyage in Alive-O5: Term 3,
Lesson 8.
You can also find a link for an illustrated story-poem about Saint
Brendan’s Voyage at http://iisresource.org/resources_ph.aspx
Clonfert, where Saint Brendan is buried, is an important diocese in
Ireland today. Answer True or False to the following questions to
reveal the name of the current Bishop of Clonfert. You can find out
more about your own diocese at www.catholicbishops.ie or check
and see if your own diocese has a website.
Help Saint Brendan find the way
back to his crew!
31
Who is the Bishop of Clonfert Today?
Find Out by Solving the Puzzle
1. Saint Brendan was born in County Kerry
If this is true, put J in box number one below; If it’s false, put B in the box
2. Saint Brendan is best known for founding hospitals
If this is true, put D in box number two below; If it’s false, put O in the box
3. Saint Brendan sailed east in search of the Promised Land of the Saints
If this is true, put F in box number three below; If it’s false, put H in the box
4. Eighteen monks went on the voyage
If this is true, put N in box number four below; If it’s false, put H in the box
5. They brought enough food for forty days
If this is true, put K in box number four below; If it’s false, put H in the box
6. Their voyage took them seven months
If this is true, put J in box number five below; If it’s false, put I in the box
7. Saint Brendan and the monks saw dinosaurs on their journey
If this is true, put L in box number six below; If it’s false, put R in the box
8. Saint Brendan died in 577AD
If this is true, put B in box number one below; If it’s false, put N in the box
9. He is buried in America
If this is true, put E in box number one below; If it’s false, put Y in the box
1
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4
5
6
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FEAST OF THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
MAY 31ST
On May 31st we remember the day that Mary went to see her cousin, Elizabeth.
Both Mary and Elizabeth were expecting babies. Do you remember what Elizabeth
called her baby? You can read about Mary’s visit to Elizabeth in the Gospel of Saint
Luke 1:39-56.
Do you know any Mummies who are going to have a baby soon? You will see a
blessing for them in the box below. Cut it out, colour it in and give it to them. Say a special prayer
asking God to bless all mothers who are expecting babies.
33
FEAST OF THE ASCENSION
MATTHEW 28:16-20
In this week’s Gospel, we are told one version of the story of Jesus’ last appearance to the
apostles. This story happened forty days after Jesus rose from the dead and so we celebrate
the Feast of the Ascension on the Sunday nearest the fortieth day.
After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared many times to his disciples and friends. His
friends were happy that he was still with them and they listened very carefully to all he had
to tell them. On the fortieth day after his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples to meet him at
one of his favourite places, the mountain where he used to pray. He told them to go and
spread the good news all over the world and to baptise people in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. He also told them to teach people to keep the commandments.
He promised them that he would be with them always.
In other versions of the same story (Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-11), we are told that after Jesus
spoke to the disciples he was lifted up into the clouds and taken up into heaven to be with God. As the disciples
stood there watching, two angels appeared to them and told them Jesus had returned to his Father in heaven
and that he would come again one day.
ASCENSION DAY PUZZLE
ACROSS
2. The feast we celebrate (9)
4. The number of books in the Bible
where we can read this story (4)
6. Jesus went to heaven to be with
_____ (3)
9. 'I will be with you _________' (6)
10. Jesus ascended into this place (6)
11. What Jesus told the disciples to
do (7)
DOWN
1. What Jesus told the disciples to share (4,4)
3. Jesus was lifted up in these (6)
4. The number of days after the resurrection that this happened (5)
5. Where Jesus met his disciples (8)
7. The number of disciples that went to the mountain (6)
8. He appeared to the disciples (5)
12. The number of angels who appeared to the disciples (3)
34
FEAST OF PENTECOST
ACTS 2:1-11
The Feast of Pentecost happens on the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday. ‘Pente’ means fifty. On this day, we
celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples and friends of Jesus who were gathered in the upper
room of a house in Jerusalem. You can read about this in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, verses 1-11.
Write the Gifts of the Spirit around the Picture
35
Every four years, an International Eucharistic
Congress is held somewhere in the world. The
next one will be held in Dublin in June, 2012.
What is a Eucharistic Congress and why
do we have one?
• A Eucharistic Congress is a big gathering of
people from all over the world
• It reminds us of how important it is for us
to gather together to celebrate Mass as
members of God’s family
• It helps us to understand better what
happens every time we come to mass
• It reminds us that every time we come to
Mass we are asked to go and live like Jesus
and share the good news with everyone we
meet
Did You Know?
The last time the Eucharistic Congress was held in
Ireland was in 1932.
You can read about it in the box on this page.
Find Out:
Do you know what the words in red in the box
mean? If not, ask your teacher to help you find
out.
Talk to your priest about Benediction and what it
means.
Who is the Archbishop of Dublin today?
Who is the Papal Nuncio today?
Where will the Mass be held this time?
http://www.iec2012.ie/ will help you find the answer.
Does anyone in your family or your community
remember the 1932 Congress?
Who do you think might sing at the Congress in
2012?
36
Eucharistic Congress 1932
In 1932, the Congress was celebrated all over
Ireland, but the main events took place in Dublin.
The Congress took place from the 21st to the
26th of June. There were altars built all over the
country. Thousands of people attended Mass
and Benediction during the week. There were
Eucharistic Processions on the streets of villages,
towns and cities. People decorated the streets
with flowers.
All the public buildings in Dublin were lit up at
night during the Congress. The Congress
opened with Mass in the Pro Cathedral. This
Mass was attended by The Archbishop of Dublin,
the Most Reverend Edward Byrne, the Papal
Nuncio, the Most Reverend Pascal Robinson,
OFM., and Cardinals and Bishops from Europe,
Africa, America, China and India. It was attended
also by Government Ministers and dignitaries.
All during the week churches were full of people
going to Mass, Benediction or just saying a
quiet prayer.
On Sunday, the 26th June, the ceremonies
came to an end with an open-air Mass in the
Phoenix Park. It is estimated that nearly one
million people attended this Mass. Those who
could not be there listened to the mass on the
radio. There were bands and choirs to provide
the music for the Mass. Ireland’s most famous
singer of the time, Count John McCormack,
sang Panis Angelicus (Bread of Life).