Our Pilgrimage to St Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium was a great success.  It commemorated the Episcopal Ordination of St Oliver Plunkett in Ghent on the First Sunday of Advent 1669.
Concelebrating the Sunday Mass in the Crypt of St Bavo’s were Bishop Van Looy, Bishop of Ghent -  Bishop Gerard Clifford, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh -  Canon Jim Carroll, Custodian of the Shrine of St Oliver Plunkett, St Peter’s Drogheda -  Monsignor Hanley who was Postulator of the Cause, and priests from the Diocese of Armagh, Meath, and Ghent.  Leading the singing was the St Peter’s Male Voice Choir from Drogheda, directed by Edward  Holly.  Also present were members of the Knights of Columbanus and St Oliver Prayer Group for Peace and Reconciliation and pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Armagh and elsewhere.

While in Ghent, Bishop Clifford launched a new booklet by Tommy Burns entitled “St Oliver Plunkett – Episcopal Ordination and Journey to Ireland”.  This is available from the secretary of St Peter’s Parish at No 9 Fair Street, Drogheda, Co Louth.  Cost €3.00 or two for €5.00.