A Civic Reception fit for a saint in Cavan
“A truly profound and spiritual experience,” is how Cathaoirleach T.P. O'Reilly described the experience of being part of the welcome of St Kilian's relics to Mullagh days earlier.
Speaking at a Civic Reception held in honour of St Kilian and dear friends from Germany on Saturday, Cllr O'Reilly noted that Cavan is a county with a long history of emigration, “so the return of one of our own always carries a special resonance”.
To share that moment with friends from Würzburg and Kürnach made the occasion all the more “special” he said.
The reception at the Hotel Kilmore was attended by the Bishop of Würzburg, Franz Jung; Bishop of Kilmore, Martin Hayes; Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Eoin Doyle; Vicar General, Jurgen Vorndran; Würzburg District Administrator, Tomas Eberth; Mayor of Kürnach, Rene Wohlfart; fellow councillors, Oireachtas members and guests from Germany including Colette Herrmann (nee Duggan).
The latter, from Ballyhaise but who has made Kürnach home and over the years has helped foster better relations between her new home and Cavan, was the recipient of a special presentation on the night - a painting of the three arched bridge in her native village.
The painting was done by Virginia artist Jim McPartlin.
“It is truly remarkable the actions of one man could echo down through the ages to such a degree, but Kilian was no ordinary man. His journey of faith, endurance, and bravery is one that continues to inspire all of us,” said Cllr O'Reilly.
“Kilian gave his life for his beliefs, and he continues to give to us even today. He has gifted us a special friendship with the people of Würzburg and Kürnach, and he has given us an example of a life well lived.”
Before the reception took place, a diocesan youth celebration of Mass titled 'Sailing with St Kilian' was held at the Cathedral of Ss Patrick & Felim where Bishop Hayes said in his Homily that legacy of faith left by St Kilian and his martyred colleagues Kolanat and Totnan is “evident” and especially among the people of Würzburg.
“Our opportunity to venerate the Relics here in Kilmore, back here in their homeland, enables us to reflect upon their witness to Jesus Christ, their response to the love of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit – the wind in our sails,” said the bishop.
The Bishop said the relics and the story behind them “inspire” people today and challenge them also to “live out our faith today”.
He added: “Their impact has no doubt been long-lasting in that we are gathering in these days, after so many years, as communities of hope and participating in this pilgrimage of joy.”
Speakers at the Kilmore reception included Chief Executive Mr Doyle, and Bishops Jung and Hayes.
MC on the night was Director of Services, Lynda McGavigan.
Indeed, Cllr TP O'Reilly, in addressing the reception of close to 200 people, said that St Kilian “could have chosen an easy life”, but he instead chose a path to stand for his beliefs, no matter the cost.
“That cost was great, but the impact he had on countless thousands of people in Franconia and here in Ireland is enormous.”
The county's first citizen thanked Bishop Jung and Mons Vorndran for their assistance, Matthias Fleckenstein of the German Irish Society, and closer to home Madeleine Uí Mhéalóid as well as council colleague Cllr Shane P O’Reilly, who he said “all played an enormous role in building and sustaining this powerful friendship” between their respective communities in Mullagh and Germany.
“I want to thank the many pilgrims who have travelled to Mullagh over the years, and those from Cavan who have made the trip to Würzburg to venerate Kilian in his adopted home. A friendship this strong cannot be sustained by just a few people, and the fact that both communities have taken the other into their hearts, is what has led us to this day.”