St Michael’s Grotto in Castletown Finea.

Grotto to St Michael Archangel to be unveiled this weekend

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St Michael’s Grotto in Castletown Finea.

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Fr Bernardino Maria is a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal based in Limerick. He is an experienced preacher, guiding individuals who are searching for God towards a personal encounter with Him.

Published: Thu 25 Sep 2025, 2:00 PM

The retreat of prayer and renewal at St Michael's Church, Castletown Finea taking place this weekend will be led by Fr Bernardino Maria, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal.

The event opens on Friday evening with Rosary and Mass (6.30pm and 7pm) and continues till Sunday, when the new grotto to St Michael the Archangel will be unveiled after 9.30am Mass.

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.

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.