Pilgrims describe ‘out of this world’ impact of the Holy Relics of Saint Bernadette

Thousands of people flocked to St Eugene's Cathedral, Derry over recent days to venerate the saints earthly remains encased in a reliquary visiting every diocese on the island of Ireland this autumn.

But the highpoint of a day and a half's sacred ceremonies appeared to be Monday evening when large numbers of pilgrims descended on and around St Eugene's Cathedral for Mass of the Immaculate Conception and Anointing of the Sick.

Concelebrating Mass with several priests of the diocese, Bishop Donal McKeown welcomed a swell of people of all ages, many of them seeking healing in mind, body and soul.

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Such were the crowds that under the bright moonlight, Holy Communion was distributed outside the cathedral to those who couldn't get in. By the end of Mass a long queue were still waiting patiently to venerate the relics.

"We thought we had a packed church last night but people are back again this evening in even greater numbers, thanks be to God," the bishop said.

"People have been going to Lourdes since shortly before this cathedral was opened," he continued.

"The apparitions took place in 1858. Now the world has changed so much since the second half of the 19^th century.But some things have not changed.

"In every generation people have hungered for healing of mind and body: for healed relationships, for personal crisis. That applies just as much to our young people now as generations ago.

"All of us have the experience at different stages of life of frailty, mistakes, frailty before illness, disability, advancing years. We are not masters of all that we have to cope with.

"But those of you who have been to Lourdes will know that even though it's packed with those who are obviously or quietly suffering – and there are many of you are here this evening - Lourdes is never a depressed place. There's fun and laughter and music and people skipping about.

"Unlike most of our societies where those who are sick or have disabilities are often invisible, hidden, they don't match the model that everybody is supposed to be seeking…In Lourdes the sick take pride of place. And people are struck by the presence of so many young people from all over the world. Service of others puts a smile on everybody's face.

"We are gathered before the relics of little Saint Bernadette tonight seeking not the body beautiful. But the grace of peace in the face of all that life can throw at us.

"Tonight we pray for healing for so many people in our lonely and broken world, not forgetting that many of those who are hurting are our young people.

I was here on Sunday, back again at 8:00am this morning and at Mass tonight (Monday). It has been an absolute privilege to be here.

Cupcake Ipsum, 2015

Delivering prayers carried on speakers into the grounds as veneration drew to a close, Fr Paul Farren, Administrator of St Eugene's Cathedral, said like Mary our Blessed Mother, Bernadette's focus was not on herself: "Mary points us to Jesus - our healing and our salvation. She points us to the peace of Heaven. In and through these relics St Bernadette leads us to focus on Jesus."

Leaving the church after 9:00pm, parishioner Carmel Moore summed up the atmosphere: "Just sitting in the presence of the relics was incredible, even the sense of peacefulness in the queue tonight. When you look at the way people queue to see their favourite stars, or the fuss over Oasis tickets – that's not important. God is the only real superstar. I felt the presence of God very powerfully in the big crowds at Mass here tonight. People who tell you there's no faith, and no prayer anymore – they are wrong. I can't explain it. All I can say is – it was out-of-this-world. This is God here in our world and he is everywhere."

Sheena McKeever also from Derry added: "I was here on Sunday, back again at 8:00am this morning and at Mass tonight (Monday). It has been an absolute privilege to be here."

Therese McFlynn from Ballinderry Bridge took a train from Antrim and stayed two nights in a local hotel so that she could attend the relic ceremonies. Receiving ongoing treatment for cancer, Theresa said she wanted to share "the hope and peace of tonight" with others on a similar journey.

Sitting on a bench beside the Lourdes Grotto in the grounds of St Eugene's, she said: "I experienced the whole thing, the welcome ceremony, the rosaries, the candlelight procession, the Angelus and the Healing Mass tonight.

Lorraine from Armagh said she hadn't intended to go until a friend in Rasharkin asked her to: "Everyone is here for different reasons. This is a unique experience for everybody – young and old. It's great to see so many youth taking part in the Mass. It gave me a great sense of hope and that's what the Pope's theme is next year, 2025. As the bishop said tonight, we are called to be pilgrims of hope. I'm so glad I came."

The relics of St Bernadette left the cathedral early on Tuesday morning to travel to Belfast.

Candle Light Procession at St Eugene's Cathedral, Sunday, 13th October 2024

As part of the ceremonies marking the visit of the Holy Relics of Saint Bernadette to the Diocese of Derry, a candlelight procession was held in the ground of St Eugene's Cathedral, Derry at 9:00pm on Sunday, 13th October 2024.
Acknowledgment of music: Performed by Anne Marie Hickey and St Eugene's Cathedral Choir. Hymns: Holy Is His Name, Hail Mary: Gentle Woman