The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore in anticipation of World Meeting of Families hosted a very successful Diocesan Fun Day on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Mount Melleray Abbey. The purpose of the event was to celebrate family life…to reflect on the importance of family in our lives and to celebrate the Joy of Love. All family members attended – sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers & sisters, religious communities, Priests of the Diocese and many many more.
There was music, face painting, a bouncy castle & an obstacle course, kite making, treasure hunts, arts & crafts, tours of the Abbey, prayer services, Lightfever and much, much more. It was a free event and there was something for every one of all ages. People brought picnics or availed of the food from the beautiful little cafe at the Monastery.
The day was packed full of entertainment from the Dungarvan Brass Band, Comeragh Comhaltas, St. Mary’s Choir of Clonmel, Cahir to Sing, Nire Valley Voices and more. There was storytelling and drama for the children with Holy Family Mission. There are beautiful trails and walks all around the grounds at Mt. Melleray so many people brought walking shoes and availed of the beautiful weather.
Below are just a few pictures from the day. More photographs will follow during the week.
- Bishop Cullinan with Canon Willie Ryan & extended members of the O’Ryan family
- ‘Cahir to Sing’ choir
- Canon Willie Ryan, Fr. John Harris and Canon Billy Meehan
- Dom Richard Purcell with Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan
- Anne, Seamus & Jean Fenton
- Foley Family from Clashmore
- Fr. John Harris with David Cummins
- Fr. Pat Fitzgerald, Fr. Michael Hegarty & Fr. Jimmy Browne
- Fr. Pat Gear & Fr. Conor Kelly
- Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan with Holy Family Mission
- Holy Family Mission teaching Children action songs for Jesus
- Holy Family Mission Choir
- Maura Garriihy encouraging children to sing
- Nire Valley Singers
- Dom Richard Purcell with St. Mary’s Parish Choir, Clonmel
- Large group waiting for Abbey Tour with Dom Richard Purcell
- Abbey Tour no. 2
- Volunteers Sr. Teresa Fraser, Mary O’Sullivan pictured with Sr. Angela Kiely