St Oliver remembered at annual open-air Mass

A large crowd turned out near Oldcastle last Sunday week for the annual St Oliver Plunkett Commemoration, where Fr Gerry Boyle, PP of Multyfarnham, remembered the saint and martyr who was born 385 years ago in Loughcrew. Fr Boyle said that St Oliver was one of many who had lived lives of dedication, service and faith. "He paid the ultimate sacrifice of giving his life and his attitude of forgiving all involved in his death merits special recognition," Fr Boyle said. St Oliver had led the Church at a time of great turmoil in both Church and state and his dedication and fortitude in the face of adversity made him a good model for the times we live in. Fr Boyle pointed out that St Oliver had stayed in the country with his people when it might have been wiser to leave. Leading the celebration of the Mass was the Bishoop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith, a native of Oldcastle. A new website has been launched in Drogheda, where the shrine to St Oliver Plunkett is in St Peter's Church. This website is dedicated to the life and times of St Oliver and follows his journey from youth to martyrdom. Connected to many places, the saint's legacy can be found today in many countries across Europe. See www.saintoliverplunkett.com