Diocesan News
Plough Service in Kenmare
The annual Plough Service was held in St Patrick’s Church, Kenmare, on the first Sunday after Epiphany. A plough was brought into church and decorated; the whole congregation stood together, asking for God’s Blessing on all those who work in agriculture in the year to come.
This traditional service, with its wonderful poetic liturgy, is the ‘Please’ that balances the ‘Thank You’ of the Autumnal Harvest Celebrations. We remember that food doesn’t just arrive in SuperValu of its own accord – if a farmer doesn’t grow it, we don’t eat it.
This year, we also asked a special blessing on those who ‘plough, plant, feed and nurture’ our children – in a time when it seems that the world seems more interested in being clothed with self rather than clothed with Christ, we have a grave responsibility to keep Jesus’ little ones from being choked with the weeds of consumerism and prejudice, so that they will blossom as a harvest that knows justice, service and love.
Throughout the year, we shall pray a special collect to remind us of that responsibility:
Heavenly Father, you have created and nurtured us, forgiven our wilfulness and healed our hurt, loving us as only a parent can love their child, allowing us to grow to be your body on earth; give us now the strength and commitment to use the gifts you have given us to show that love in turn to the children of the world. Amen.
Communications Officer, Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe
089 448 9353
Stephen Fletcher
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