Ladyirelandblog_2We continued looking around the crypt area, but since there was a mass, we were somewhat limited in where we could visit. After the mass we went into the main crypt area where they have all the services. It was a beautiful place, especially all the various altars done in mosaic style. This made me feel like I was taken back to the early Church, especially in the Saints they chose, like St. Lucy, St. Cecilia, St. Agatha, St. Anastasia, etc.

The main crypt area also included Our Lady of Good Health (Vailankanni), an Indian shrine and Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Antipolo), a Philippine shrine. Both were beautiful and moving. We said prayers for all our sick friends and loved ones (there are a lot right now)Maryhelpblog_1 at the Our Lady of Good Health altar and an Indian woman handed us a holy card with a novena from her purse. Such a small act ministered to us in such a grand way!

Next, we moved upstairs, where another mass was finishing up. We first encountered Mary, Queen of Ireland, a beautiful shrine with a working fountain. We also encountered an African pilgrim who seemed to be caught up in the Spirit and was oblivious to us, other than giving us a smile. It was beautiful in so many ways.

We moved along to more of the side altars, including St. Vincent DePaul among others. We prayed all the prayers and were followed by the African woman. Her faith was inspiring.

One of the most poignant of the Upper Church side altars for me was the one dedicated to Mary, Help of Christians. This meant so much to me because I’ve really been struggling lately about several things, mainly about where God wants me to best serve him. I know that he has a plan and this altar really brought the reality of his grace and the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

One more segment to come…

Image on left of Mary, Queen of Ireland; image on right, Mary, Help of Christians.

All photos by Jonathan Bennett