In a heartwarming conclusion to a two-week mission at the Parish Church in Cappa, the Rev Father Lynch and Rev Father Campbell of Mount St Alphonsus, Limerick, brought their efforts to a successful close. The mission, attended by enthusiastic parishioners and individuals from neighbouring districts, saw large numbers gathering for both morning and evening devotions. The eloquent exhortations on the fundamental rules of the Catholic faith delivered by the missioners resonated deeply with the attendees.
The parish of Cappa has a rich history dating back to times of persecution when ancestors would worship in caves and lonely valleys, risking their lives. However, those days of oppression have passed, and the current generation enjoys the freedom to practice their faith openly. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the parishioners during the mission were truly exceptional and unparalleled in the church’s history.
The devotion of the people is described vividly, with individuals from all walks of life coming together inside the church, humbly seeking atonement for their sins and striving to build a heavenly home through their prayers. The author mentions the congregants crossing hills, fording streams, and hurrying along various roads to reach the church during the delightful June evenings when the church bell rang. The arrival of the missioners on the altar steps, with their distinctive attire and prominent tonsures, created an atmosphere as if Moses himself were speaking thunderous words from Mount Sinai.
The masterful sermons delivered by Father Lynch and Father Campbell were described as plain and comprehensive, yet filled with flashes of heaven-born eloquence. Their messages instilled hope for a glorious resurrection and deeply resonated with the congregation. The author compares their names to those of other admired priests, such as Fathers Peiecherive, Harrison, and Bridgett, known and respected wherever Catholicism is practised in the English language.
During the mission, a solemn act of reparation was conducted, and the church was adorned on a grand scale, with flowers, plants, and numerous candles creating a picturesque scene. Father Lynch delivered a powerful and moving sermon on God’s mercy and love, emphasizing how the undying love of the Irish people for their Divine Savior had sustained their faith throughout the darkest days of sorrow and joy. He urged the parishioners to adhere to their good resolutions and to always find solace and hope in their Heavenly Father.
The closing ceremonies were marked by a significant turnout, with the church overflowing with attendees. Father Campbell delivered a poignant sermon, taking inspiration from the words of St. Matthew, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, the fulfilment of religious duties, and the constant battle against the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. The congregation was thanked for their zealous display of faith during the mission, setting an example for other parishes to follow. The choir members and all those who contributed to the mission’s success were also acknowledged.
As the missioners bid farewell, old men with silvery hair and bowed with age affectionately said goodbye, feeling that it was the last occasion on this side of the grave when they would hear a Redemptorist Father’s voice from the altar steps of their parish church. Young men and women destined for foreign lands sought the blessings of the missioners, valuing them more than life itself, to carry with them on their journeys. This spontaneous outpouring of love and respect demonstrated the deep-rooted connection between the Celtic people and their clergy—a bond that time can never erase.
Overall, the closing ceremonies of the mission at Cappa left a lasting impression, with the community united in their devotion and admiration for Father Lynch and Father Campbell. The success of the mission and the heartfelt farewell scene served as a testament to
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 05 July 1904
