Giving thanks for Illumination



Illumination, A Sacred Opus





Heartfelt thanks on behalf of the congregation of Holy Trinity Church, Westport (Westport-Dugort Union of Parishes) and the Aughaval Group of COI Parishes, to everyone who came along on Friday evening, 30 May, to this stunning concert, held in support of HTW repairs.

The congregation of Holy Trinity have been out of their usual place of worship since 27 January for reasons of safety following damage internally, to the ceiling, as a result of Storm Éowyn. In the meantime St Mary's Church Westport and Fr John Kenny have welcomed the Holy Trinity congregation warmly and with remarkable hospitality, and we continue to be deeply grateful to them for providing a safe and friendly sacred space, including for this fundraiser concert.

Enormous thanks are due, then, to Kathy Fahey for getting in touch way before the storm and offering to bring 'Illumination', inspired by the Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis, to Westport for the purpose of raising funds and sharing the joy of her Sacred Opus, a wonderful gesture and gift. Thank you to mezzo-soprano Anne Marie Gibbons (Castlebar) and tenor Andrew Gavin (Naval), to Mayo County Orchestra and the ladies choir Vocalessence. The music was divine and the whole event which was truly uplifting, memorable and inspiring.

Sincere thanks to all the organisers and helpers who worked hard in the background to bring all the 'chords' and threads together.

Last but not least, our gratitude to sponsors Portwest for their kindness and generosity.

Thank you and bless you +








Holy Trinity, Westport




Johanna Barrett, Castlebar








Mary Farr and Shirley Kittrick

Popular posts from this blog

In memoriam: Linda Bourke

Image
  "Safe in the arms of Jesus." It is with great sadness that we share with you the news of the death of our friend and sister in Christ, Linda Bourke, faithful Westport parishioner (Holy Trinity Church), on Sunday 9th March, peacefully in Mayo University Hospital.  May she rest in peace and rise in glory.  Notice and arrangements can also be found here:   https://rip.ie/death-notice/linda-bourke-mayo-westport-587759 The death has occurred of Linda Bourke, Riverside, Clogher, Westport – peacefully.   Predeceased by her parents Alex & Frances & infant sister Elizabeth.   Deeply regretted by her sister Iris, extended family, relatives, neighbours, friends & her Westport Country Market Community.   AT REST   Reposing at McGing's Funeral Home (F28 RX58) on Tuesday (Mar 11th) from 11:30am until 12:30pm. THE PUBLIC QUEUE FOR ENTRY INTO THE FUNERAL HOME WILL NOW BE FROM THE SHOP STREET DIRECTION.   Funeral arriving to Holy Trinity Cemeter...
Read more

Eastertide Confirmations in Castlebar, 27 April 2025

Image
  Alleluia! Christ is risen! Three people from the Aughaval Parishes were confirmed by the Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, the Rt Revd Michael Burrows, on Sunday 27 April in Christ Church, Castlebar. The Confirmands taking up their baptismal promises were Susan (Susie) Fry, Grace Bourke (Westport) and James Bourke (Westport). The first and second lessons in the service were ably read by Grace and James. These are the questions which the bishop addressed for the Confirmands in his sermon: 1) What more can we in the Church of Ireland do in the face of the Biodiversity and Climate crisis? 2) Does everyone get into heaven? 3) What training do you have to go through to be a bishop? 4) What made you want to be a priest? 5) Has the bishop anything to say to help those who are serious both about their commitment to church and Christian discipleship and to their sports activities? Our gratitude to Bishop Michael for serving us and building us up in faith and love in the parishes, wit...
Read more

Return to Inishbiggle, Sat 15 February 2025

Image
  It was especially joyful for a few of us from mainland Mayo to step foot again on Inishbiggle on 15th February, having been prevented by the weather from sailing on our last attempt at the end of November 2024. While on this occasion it was lashing in Limerick, wet in Westport, and raining cats and dogs in Castlebar, the sun was splitting the clouds gloriously on the approach to beautiful Biggle. Also uplifting was to arrive at the church and on entering to find it looking, if not transfigured, transformed - for example, with its newly-stripped and repolished pews, clean floors, doors, harmonica and walls, and a close-to-spotless vestry into the bargain. Hats off and enormous thanks to the church wardens for the hours of painstaking work - truly a labour of love for this precious and important place of gathering and worship, emanating from a sincere love for God and his people, of all faiths and persuasions. Holy Trinity Inishbiggle conveys the message “Come on in! There’s plenty...
Read more