The martyrdom of Fr Thaddeus (Tadhg) Moriarty OP, former Prior of Holy Cross, was commemorated last Sunday at the annual Mass at Poll an Aifrinn.
Last Sunday’s celebration of Holy Mass at Poll an Aifrinn by Fr Paul Lawlor OP brought with it glorious sunshine as people made their way through Killaclohane Wood to descend to the somewhat sheltered and secluded site of the Mass Rock. The sun’s warmth endured for the Rosary, the glorious Dominican Magnificat and into the Liturgy of the Word.
But as if the sun knew when to retreat, the wood fell cold and still as Fr Paul began to speak of modern-day martyrdom. So powerful was his description, and so historically detailed his account, that by the time he had journeyed back through the martyrs, the arrest of Fr Thaddeus, at that erratic rock altar, was no longer a point in history.
More than just touching the past, it was as though it could have happened, there, in the stillness last Sunday. The self-sacrifice was felt. It was understood.
Fr Paul’s portrayal of a scattering people, and their Prior rooted to the spot, inadvertently raised a question for all present. It moved people, in the gentle way that Fr Paul always manages to do so.
Fr Paul also delivered the homily the following evening at the celebration of Monthly Mass in honour of St. Carlo Actuis. It was a joy to witness his examination of O Sacrum Convivium, and the manner in which he related this to Saint Carlo's devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
We express our gratitude to Fr Paul for his contribution during his short stay at Holy Cross, and we look forward to a return visit in the future.