As we enter August (Lúnasa), we come to a turning point in the year.

In the old Irish tradition, Lúnasa marked the beginning of the harvest—a season of gathering, thanksgiving and remembrance.

It is fitting that these weeks also bring one of Ireland's most cherished traditions: the Blessing of the Graves.

• Kilronan - after 11am Mass in Gainstown

• Marlinstown - 12.15pm

• Ballyglass - 2pm

The Parish cemeteries are special places for bereaved families and for Christians, they are held as sacred grounds, as they hold the earthly remains of our brothers and sisters in Christ, awaiting the call to resurrection.

People are encouraged to walk to Ballyglass and to park in the Cathedral grounds and town car parks. Parking outside the cemetery will be restricted. Parking will be available in the grounds of St Finian’s College.

We welcome all who visit our parish this weekend as we pray for those interred in cemeteries in our parish. Thank you all who prepared the cemeteries, those who maintain them on an ongoing basis, and families who maintain the resting place of their loved ones, making the cemeteries a place of solace and comfort for families.

St Paul’s Church only:

Please note there will be no 9:15 a.m. Mass during August.

It will resume on Monday, 31st August after the summer break.

On Sunday 9 August, Anointing of the Sick at 2:30 pm in the Basilica followed by Mass celebrated by Bishop Deenihan at 3 pm and the Rosary Procession.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Basilica at Knock. Alongside the Apparition Chapel, it has become a focal point for pilgrims, who gather to be nourished and strengthened through the Word of God and the Sacraments.

Beneath the magnificent mosaic depicting the Marian Apparition of 1879, pilgrims are reminded of the Lamb of God, “on the altar glorified”, a powerful symbol of the Eucharist, which remains at the heart of every pilgrimage to Knock.

• Bus will leave the Cathedral grounds at 10am on Sunday 9th August.

• If you would like to book a seat on the bus, please contact the parish office 044-9348338.

• The fare is €20 per person which can be paid by card over the phone or in the parish office during office hours, Monday— Friday 9am-4pm

We honor Mary, who received [God's] Word in her Immaculate Heart and "found worthy to conceive [Jesus] in her virgin’s womb and, giving birth to the Creator, she nurtured the beginnings of the Church". Standing beside the Cross, Mary "received the testament of divine love and took to herself as sons and daughters".

Throughout August, the Church celebrates a number of beautiful Marian feasts.

• 15 August - The Solemnity of the Assumption proclaims our Christian hope that where Mary has gone, we are called to follow.

• 17 August - Here in Ireland, we also celebrate Our Lady of Knock remembering Mary's silent but powerful apparition at Knock, where she continues to draw countless pilgrims to prayer and hope.

• 22 August - we celebrate the Queenship of Mary

Pope Leo XIV's Prayer Intention for August: For Evangelization in the City.

He invites us to pray: "Let us pray that in large cities, often marked by anonymity and loneliness, we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, dis covering creative paths to build community".

While we may think first of the world's great cities, the same challenge exists in our own town of Mullingar and other urban centres across Ireland.