Bishop to bless new mural of Our Lady of Waterford at city cathedral
The recently completed mural next to the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity.
The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore is inviting the public to join Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan for a blessing of a new mural at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford City.
The blessing will take place on Saturday, July 12, at 12:30pm after midday mass.
The diocese said in a post on social media that the recently completed mural of Our Lady of Waterford represents a rich history.
"The image of Our Lady of Waterford has a remarkable and storied history, dating back to the Dominican Abbey founded in 1226. Even through the darkness of persecution, the people of Waterford held fast to their devotion to the Blessed Virgin.
"In 1541, as the Abbey of St Saviour’s was surrendered to Henry VIII, a miraculous image of Mary in the Lady Chapel was specially noted.
"Despite religious suppression, Waterford’s faithful continued to honour her — to such a degree that the Anglican bishop complained in 1580 about people praying the Rosary and placing decorated images of Our Lady in their doorways.
"Though hidden and repainted over the centuries to protect her from destruction, the statue survived — restored, re-crowned, and finally returned to Waterford in 1876, where she continues to be venerated today in St. Saviour’s Church.
"The new mural at the Cathedral, commissioned by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan and painted by artist Marie-Jeanne Jacob, stands as a testament to centuries of enduring devotion — a reminder that Our Lady of Waterford continues to watch over her people.
"The mural has been painted on the side of the former PTSB bank building, which is next door to the Cathedral," said the diocese in its post.
