Saturday June 24th 2017
From St. Laserian’s Cathedral, Old Leighlin
to the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow town
via the Barrow Way
Join Bishop Burrows, Bishop of Leighlin and Bishop Nulty, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin as the Relic of St. Willibrord, Patron Saint of Luxembourg is walked between Carlow’s two cathedrals via the Barrow Way. The Relic has been specially presented by the people of Echternach, Luxembourg. In AD 690 Willibrord led a mission from Co. Carlow to the continent.
Procession starts in Old Leighlin at 9.45am. Arrives to the Cathedral of the Assumption at 6.15pm.
All welcome. Walk Safely.
St Willibrord, Patron Saint of Luxembourg, is one of the most important Saints in Europe. He spent twelve years at Rath Melsigi (Rathmelsh), Co Carlow. During the 7th and 8th centuries this site was the most important Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical settlement in Ireland. In AD 690 Willibrord led a successful mission from Carlow. He built the Cathedral in Utrecht before establishing a major monastery in Echternach, Luxembourg. He is the only saint buried in Luxembourg. An UNESCO World Heritage Status annual ‘hopping procession’ takes place in his honour in Echternach. On June 6th last, in the Basilica of St Willibrord, Echternach, Bishop Nulty in the presence of Bishop Burrows and Cllr. John Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council; Cllr. Fergal Browne, Chair of Carlow County Museum; H.E. Mr Peadar Carpenter, Ambassador of Ireland to Luxembourg and the Irish pilgrim group accepted a beautiful Relic of St Willibrord. This was the first known Irish pilgrimage to partake in the hopping procession. On Saturday June 24th this Relic will be walked between St. Laserian’s Cathedral, Old Leighlin to the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow town via the beautiful Barrow Way, a National Way Marked Trail.
Schedule/Timings for Saturday June 24th:
Times are approximate – except for start and finish. The walk is approximately 13km in length from start to finish but as outlined below you can join of leave the walk at different points.
9.45am Meet at the Holy Well and St. Laserian’s Cathedral, Old Leighlin for ‘Eucharist of the Saints’ service.
11.15am Walk Part 1: St. Laserian’s Cathedral to Leighlinbridge Parish Centre.
12.00pm Arrive at the Leighlinbridge Parish Centre – break for tea/ coffee and toilets. Prayers and Reflection.
12.30pm Walk Part 2:
At Leighlinbridge enter onto the Barrow Way and walk to Milford.
1.45pm Milford Carpark – break for tea/ coffee refreshments and toilets. Prayers and Reflection.
2.15pm Walk Part 3:
Walk from Milford to Clogrennan/ Lanigan’s Lock;
3.15pm Clogrennane – break for tea/ coffee & refreshments and toilets. Prayers and Reflection.
3.45pm Walk Part 4:
Walk from Clogrennan/ Lanigan’s Lock to St. Clare’s Church, Graiguecullen;
4.45pm Walk Part 5:
Relic received into St Clare’s Church, Graiguecullen. Prayers and Reflection.
St Clare’s Parish Hall – tea/ coffee & refreshments and toilets.
5.20pm Walk Part 6:
St Clare’s Church, Graiguecullen to St Mary’s Church, for prayers and reflection and then proceed to the Cathedral of the Assumption.
6.15pm The Relic arrives for Mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption.
Tea/ coffee & refreshments are at participants own expense.
Mini bus will be operating to return participants to start of each section, e.g. Leighlinbridge Parish centre to St. Laserian’s Cathedral car park.
Booking bus link:
People from Carlow town area wishing to participate in the full walk can book a seat on a free bus link from Carlow town to Old Leighlin. Departs Carlow town at 9.15am. Pre booking required by contacting the Cathedral Parish Centre, 059-9164087. Bus will only operate subject to demand.
People from Leighlinbridge/ Old Leighlin area to participate in the full walk can book a seat on a free bus link from Carlow town to Leighlinbridge/ Old Leighlin. Departs from Carlow town at 7.15pm. Pre booking required by contacting the Leighlinbridge Parish Centre, 059-9722607. Bus will only operate subject to demand.
Walking Safety:
This walk is approximate 13km from start to finish. Please ensure you can walk at a reasonable pace along the section you chose.
Participants walk at their own risk and must wear a hi-vis vest.
Follow all instructions and safety guidelines given by the Gardai, Civil Defence, stewards and security.
Parents/Guardians are requested to supervise their children.
On the public roads stay on the left side of the road and do not cross the white lines.
On the Barrow Way, a National Way Marked Trail, walk only on the designated grass path and do not walk close to the water or drains.
Decide how long you wish to walk for, use the above timings as a guide for each section.
Walk no more than two people abreast.
Be prepared for the weather – there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.
Wear appropriate footwear. Depending on the weather roads and grass may be wet.
Parking – take care when parking and only park in appropriate areas. Do not leave valuables in your car.
Litter: please bring your litter home with you.