New grotto dedicated to St Michael the Archangel

Archangel Michael and the Irish Connection. The Irish People have long had a devotion to St Michael the Archangel. The evidence is in the number of churches and schools that are dedicated to him, and is it any wonder? Among his many titles, he is known as Guardian, Protector, Warrior, and Advocate.

The title of Advocate highlights his closeness to the dying and the Holy Souls. The Irish are renowned for their profound respect for those who are dying and for the faithful departed. Therefore, it is not surprising to see the strong devotion the Irish hold for this mighty Archangel.

In the parish of Castletown (Finea), a grotto dedicated to St Michael the Archangel has recently been constructed, local residents and businesses having contributed their time and materials to honour their patron saint.

The design of the limestone grotto is inspired by the beehive huts found on Skellig Michael, which serves as the starting point of a significant ley-line known as the Sword of St Michael.

The ley-line connects a series of monastic sites extending from Ireland to the Holy Land.

The Sword of St Michael includes notable sites such as Skellig Michael (Kerry), Saint Michael’s Mount (Cornwall, UK), Mont-Saint-Michel (Normandy, France), Sacra di San Michele (Turin, Italy), Sanctuary of Monte Sant’ Angelo (Mount Gargano, Italy), and Stella Maris Monastery (Haifa, Israel).

The limestone used for the Castletown Finea grotto was sourced from a local quarry and constructed by stoneworker.ie, with many helping hands.

A weekend of prayer and renewal from Friday September 26 to Sunday September 28 features the unveiling of the grotto at St Michael’s Church in Castletown (Finea).

The retreat will be led by Fr Bernardino Maria, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal.

The event is open to all who seek God and healing through the sacraments of the Church.

For more, see stmichaels_prayer_and_renewal_retreat.eventbrite.ie.