As a parish community, we prepare once again to gather in prayer at the resting places of our loved ones. The annual Blessing of the Graves is a deeply significant tradition in our faith — an act of love, remembrance, and hope.
The Church teaches us that praying for the dead is one of the spiritual works of mercy. It flows from our belief in the Resurrection and our hope that, through God’s mercy, those who have died may come to share fully in the joy of heaven. By offering Masses, prayers, and blessings, we assist the souls of the faithful departed, helping to purify them and hasten their entry into eternal life with God. This is a profound act of charity, reminding us that death does not break the bonds of love and prayer that unite the Church on earth with the Church in heaven.
It is also a vital opportunity to teach the younger generations about the sacredness of remembering the dead. Bringing children and young people to the blessings helps them to understand the importance of prayer, respect for the past, and the Christian hope of eternal life. These quiet acts of faith will shape their own journey of belief and help to keep our traditions alive.
This year, we especially remember those who have died in the past twelve months. Their passing is still very fresh in the hearts of many families, and we unite in prayer with all who mourn. May these blessings be a moment of comfort, and a reminder that our loved ones live on in Christ.
We encourage those attending the cemetery blessings to bring their own Holy Water. It is a beautiful tradition to sprinkle the graves of family and friends during the prayers, asking God to bless the place where their bodies rest in the hope of resurrection.
The schedule for the 2025 Blessings of the Graves is as follows:
- MULLERY Sunday 20th July – Mass at 12noon in Cemetery
- BALLYMAKENNY Sunday 27th July – Mass at 12noon in Cemetery
- MONASTERBOICE Sunday 3rd August – Mass at 12noon in Cemetery
We ask you to spread the word among family members, neighbours, and friends — especially those who may now live away from the parish — so that together, we may honour our dead and renew our trust in the Risen Christ.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them.” (Revelation 14:13).
Unfortunately we don’t have video from the Mullery Mass this year. Sincere apologies.
Here is the video from the Ballymakenny Mass (courtesy of Joe Finnegan Media)
The Blessings for Monasterboice after Mass in the Cemetery (courtesy of Joe Finnegan Media).
🌿 Blessings of Graves 2025 – Thank You
As our annual Blessings of Graves come to a close for 2025, I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make these sacred moments of prayer and remembrance so meaningful.
From those who prepared the cemeteries with care and reverence, to the volunteers who assisted with setup, traffic and movement of people and those who helped clean and tidy the grounds—your work speaks volumes of love and respect for our parish and its people. 💚🙏
To all who took part in the liturgies—readers, Eucharistic ministers, choirs and singers, those who provided recorded music, and our sound teams—thank you for sharing your gifts in service of the community.
A special word of thanks to our families, who came in faith to remember loved ones, and to those who quietly support these gatherings year after year, often behind the scenes.
🎶🕊️ Your presence and efforts make these blessings more than an event—they are a true act of faith, memory, and love.
This year we also give thanks for those stepping down from particular roles after many years of generous service. You leave a legacy of quiet faithfulness, and we are deeply grateful.
🌟 As we look ahead to 2026, we invite others to step up and get involved in this important part of parish life — whether through helping with liturgies, music, organisation, or simply lending a hand.
Together, we build a community of care, rooted in Christ and strengthened by one another.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL NOT BE MASS IN THE CEMETERIES NEXT YEAR (2026). THE PARISH MASSES IN THE CHURCHES WILL BE OFFERED FOR THE DECEASED IN OUR CEMETERIES, AND THEN THERE WILL BE A SHORT PRAYER SERVICE AND THE BLESSING OF THE GRAVES IN THE GRAVEYARDS.
MORE INFORMATION CLOSER TO THE DATES NEXT YEAR!
2026 BLESSINGS
MULLERY – MASS IN TENURE CHURCH @11.30AM.
BLESSINGS IN CEMETERY AT 12.30PM
BALLYMAKENNY – MASS IN FIELDSTOWN CHURCH @9.45AM
BLESSINGS IN CEMETERY AT 12noon
MONASTERBOICE – MASS IN TENURE CHURCH @11.30AM.
BLESSINGS IN CEMETERY AT 12.30PM
Monasterboice Parish 