In a remarkable display of reverence, the Third Order of St. Francis orchestrated their annual pilgrimage last Sunday, drawing members from the historic cities of Limerick, Galway, Clare, and Cork. Their destination: the venerable abbey of Askeaton. Over four thousand pilgrims undertook the journey, transforming the scene into an inspiring spectacle.
Solemn Mass and Benediction unfolded on the hallowed grounds of the Franciscan friars, reviving ancient memories. Notably, the event witnessed the presentation of a bell, unearthed in the cloisters during a recent interment, to Father Bernard, O.F., of Limerick. This bell, with its purported ties to the pre-demolition days of the Abbey centuries ago, invokes an era when Ireland’s fate hung in the balance, swaying between the forces of sword and fire.
Father Bernard, reflecting on the significance of the bell, spoke of the glorious memories of yesteryears. The bell, silent until this Sunday, now resonates in the hearts of the faithful, symbolizing a connection to a bygone era. In Father Bernard’s words, it may well be an omen heralding the resurrection of the grand old Franciscan Chapter in Askeaton. Perhaps, once again, amidst the scenic beauty of the surroundings, the stirring tones of matin and vespers will grace the breeze.
The pilgrimage was not merely a physical journey but a voyage through time, weaving together the threads of history and spirituality. Members of the Third Order of St. Francis, representing diverse regions, converged upon Askeaton, creating a tapestry of shared devotion and collective remembrance.
The historic site of Askeaton, steeped in the shadows of centuries, unfolded its splendours as the pilgrims explored the abbey’s remnants. The architecture, bearing witness to the ebb and flow of Irish history, provided a tangible link to a past where the Franciscan friars held sway. The pilgrimage became a vessel through which the present embraced the echoes of a bygone era.
The unearthing of the bell, concealed within the cloisters, added a mystical layer to the pilgrimage. The bell, now in the hands of Father Bernard, is not merely a relic but a living testament to the endurance of faith. Its dulcet tones, silenced for generations, have found a new audience in the hearts of those who gathered to pay homage.
The sheer number of pilgrims, over four thousand strong, underscored the enduring appeal of Askeaton as a sacred site. The convergence of devotees from Limerick, Galway, Clare, and Cork magnified the event’s significance, transforming it into a communal expression of faith and heritage.
Father Bernard’s optimistic speculation about the bell serving as an omen for the revival of the Franciscan Chapter in Askeaton opens a window to the future. The possibility of once again hearing the resonant tones of matin and vespers amidst the scenic beauty of Askeaton’s surroundings is a vision that breathes life into the aspirations of the faithful.
In conclusion, the Third Order of St. Francis pilgrimage to Askeaton stands as a testament to the enduring ties between the present and the past. The unearthed bell, with its mysterious connection to history, symbolizes the resilience of faith and the potential for revival. As the echoes of the pilgrimage linger in the air, one cannot help but feel the pulse of history beating in unison with the modern heart of Limerick, a city forever intertwined with the tales of its ancient ruins.
Evening Herald (Dublin) – Saturday 11 July 1914
