Thousands at St Mullins patron
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Tuesday July 27 2010
THOUSANDS descended on picturesque St Mullins for the annual patron last Sunday. Huge numbers of local parishioners were joined by visitors from many parts of Ireland and abroad to pay their respects to the deceased in St Mullins Cemetery. Following the blessing of the water at the holy well, Mass was celebrated at the penal altar by Fr Edward Aughney, parish priest of St Mullins.
Part of the historic pilgrimage consists of drinking water from the holy well. Many say that for generations hundreds of 'cures' have taken place at this hallowed spot and people still go there to pray for help in times of distress and ailment.
There is no doubt that the present pilgrimage is part of the ancient custom of wading in the waters of the mill-race, when the pilgrimage lasted for several weeks.
Some believe that the patron in St Mullins has been taking place for more than 1,300 years.
Afterwards there was great activity throughout the scenic village, with stalls, amusements and music, and the festivities continued long into the night with music in the local hostelries.
