1). On Sunday, March 18, 2018, at 2:30 pm we will gather at our MASS ROCKS to pray the rosary for the preservation of life and faith in Ireland
From the Papal Cross in Phoenix Park Dublin, Pope John Paul II spoke of Ireland’s devotion to the Mass and Holy Eucharist recalling “Mass rocks in the glens and forests” where Mass was celebrated “by hunted priests…..for the Irish, it was always the Mass that mattered. How many have found in it the spiritual strength to live, even through the times of greatest hardship and poverty, through days of persecution and vexations” On returning to Rome, he said, ‚I will never forget that place (Clonmacnoise) .. These ruins are still charged with a great mission. They still constitute a challenge.’
Our Mass Rocks and monastic ruins tell an important story of commitment to life and faith that we must never forget. They remind us that life and faith are treasures worth the greatest sacrifice.
With the Rosary on the Coasts for Life and Faith on the Feast of Christ the King, 2017, we sought the help of Jesus Christ the King and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, His Queen in the battle for the protection of Life and the Faith. With Our Lady’s Miraculous Medal we planted a “hedge of protection” around Ireland. In the next phase, the Rosary at the Mass Rocks for Life and Faith we remember and appeal to the Irish saints, who went to mass at these locations, to help us in the effort for Life and Faith. We will, with our saints, ask Jesus once again to be King of Ireland.
We turn this Lent to the requests of Our Lady of Fatima for repentance, reparation, prayer and sacrifice for the conversion of sinners and the daily rosary. With these in our hearts, we humbly gather at the Mass Rocks, Mass Houses, monastic ruins and at the Papal Cross in Phoenix Park in honour of Jesus Christ Our King crowned with thorns, to His most Sacred Heart pierced, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Mercy, Queen of Ireland, to St Joseph Protector and Patron of the Family and of the Universal Church and to St Patrick, Protector and Patron of Ireland, and the saints of Ireland, especially our own ancestors, who drew strength from the rosary as they risked their lives to attend Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist at the hands of hunted priests at Mass Rocks and Mass Houses, and to the monks who preserved the faith through centuries of darkness.
„When the Irish will repent they will repent with a vengeance – it will come and
Ireland will be renewed. To encourage the Sacrament of Confession every step of the way is most, most important!” Fr Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R.
Why Sunday March 18, 2018? This Sunday….
…bridges the feasts of our two great saints: March 17th, St Patrick, the Patron and Protector of Ireland and March 19th, St Joseph, the Patron and Protector of the Family and of the Universal Church who visited the Irish in Knock in a special manifestation of his care.
…is the Fifth Sunday of Lent (in the extraordinary form known as Passion Sunday) when we through the liturgy begin the ascent to Calvary.
…is the 145th Anniversary of the Consecration of Ireland to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Passion Sunday 1873
…is the feast of Our Lady of Mercy (Savona) where Our Lady called for fasting and conversion of life so that we will be shown „Mercy not Justice”. This devotion was especially highlighted by Pope Benedict XVI.
…is the feast of Bl Christian O’Conarchy, the first Cistercian abbot in Ireland 1100s Bishop of Lismore and a model of Irish monastic devotion.
…precedes a series of referenda which seek to legalise abortion (Article 40.3.3), blasphemy (Article 40.6.1.1), no fault divorce (Article 41.3) and to remove recognition from the home carer (Article 41.2.1)
We also ask St John Paul II and Rosary Priest Venerable Patrick Peyton to bless the Rosary at the Mass Rocks for Life and Faith and all who take part.
“For where there are two or three gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.” Mt 18:20.
How to Prepare….
We ask people who want to help with this prayer effort…
….to find their local Mass Rock, Mass house, ancient monastic site, etc, the holy places where our ancestors gathered for Mass and prayer, sacrificing comfort, safety and even life for love of God.
…..check that the chosen location is accessible and safe for a prayer gathering, also that it is permissible to gather there.
…. register it as a prayer location at www.coastalrosaryireland.ie, or contact us by email at coastalrosarireland@gmail.com, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Rosary-on-the-Coast-for-Life-and-Faith-Ireland-388750808212828/ or by text anytime or phone after 3pm 0872786552
…. if you have any information or links to information about your prayer location share it in the registration form on the website.
…..spread the word locally and beyond
…..encourage clergy to lead the Rosary at the Mass Rock Prayer Programme (some may even want to celebrate Mass at the Mass Rock)
Spiritual Preparation: .Lent 2018
Prayer especially the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, Fasting,…..and especially CONFESSION for Life and Faith
Activity on Sunday March 18
Prayer Programme for Life and Faith starting at 2:30 pm available on www.coastalrosaryireland.com
Thank you
God bless
