The 14th edition of New Dawn, the magazine of the Archdiocese of Tuam, was launched by Galway football legend Joe Bergin in the pastoral centre in Mountbellew on Thursday 26 May. A large crowd attended and a lovely evening was had by all with lots of musical accompaniment and refreshments.
The 14th issue of New Dawn takes a look at a significant piece of art which evaded the Cromwellian conquest, found sanctuary in an old oak chest, and was later stolen by a priest who walked out of the National Museum with the priceless work of art tucked under his cassock. It is of course the Cross of Cong, and the history of its creation and journey to the National Museum is recalled in this issue.
The account of the ornate Cross is just one of many fresh, fascinating
features, stories, articles, and records, in the new issue, garnered from
communities throughout the parishes.
You can read of the new pictorial history of the Irish Church The Land of Saints and Scholars. It is aimed primarily at young readers and represents the Church in all its richness and diversity over the entire span of its 1500 years of existence.
The Summer issue of New Dawn also includes accounts of an enduring Polish tradition of baskets containing samples of Easter food brought to church to be blessed on Holy Saturday; the visit to Tuam of the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of St Colman’s College, Claremorris.
There are pictures of Confirmations, and landmark occasions of
members of the clergy throughout the diocese and many other events.
There’s an invitation to become a volunteer at Knock Shrine; the story of a priest’s love for his community in Mountbellew-Moylough, the featured parish in this edition of the magazine.
Poignant tributes are paid to the late Father James Nestor and Father Micheál Mannion.
As ever, it’s an issue filled with all the latest news from around the
parishes, and it’s on sale now at churches throughout the Archdiocese of Tuam.
ENDS
Note: Photos from the launch are by kind courtesy of Father Stephen Farragher, PP, Ballyhaunis.