THE bells rang out on Tuesday evening at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry to mark the opening of the World Meeting of Families (WMOF).
Bells also rang out in Armagh and Dublin which is preparing to host the biggest outdoor event in Europe this year.
The very talented Jack McGinn sang at the opening ceremony in St Eugene’s for the world meeting of Families in the Derry Diocese which started at 7 pm with Bishop of Derry the Most Reverend Donal McKeown leading with evening prayer.
Last-minute preparations are being made for the arrival of Pope Francis this weekend for the international event, held every three years for families all over the world to celebrate, pray and reflect together.
All of Ireland’s 26 dioceses this evening opened the ninth WMOF simultaneously with a special liturgical ceremony and the ringing of bells in each of the diocesan cathedrals across the island.
It is almost 40 years since the last papal visit to Ireland, with Pope Francis set to arrive in Dublin on Saturday for the conclusion of the WMOF.
His first official engagement will be meeting President Michael Higgins before he visits St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral and then the Capuchin Day Centre, which provides around 1,000 hot meals a day, clothing and showers for some of Dublin’s homeless population.
Pope Francis will end his first day by presiding over the Festival of Families at Croke Park, with around 70,000 people expected at the two-hour event.
Among the stars set to perform are Italian tenor Andrew Botcelli, country music singers Daniel O’Donnell and Nathan Carter as well as Riverdance and The Priests, before the pontiff addresses the crowds.
On Sunday, the pope will fly to Co Mayo, travelling to the Knock Shrine where he will spend time in silent prayer before delivering a short address and leading around 45,000 pilgrims in the Angelus Prayer.
The WMOF will then culminate with a closing Mass in Phoenix Park in Dublin where a choir of 3,000 people and more than 2,000 eucharistic ministers will be involved in proceedings.
An estimated 500,000 people are expected to watch Pope Francis close the event from around 3pm.
In a video message this evening, Pope Francis said he was “excited” to be the Pontiff coming to Ireland this weekend.
The last Papal visit was in 1979 by Pope John Paul II.
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