By Father David O’Connor
Father David O’Connor, pastor at St. Mary Basilica and Assumption Church, Natchez, will lead a ten-day group trip to Ireland in June. The group – limited to 35 people – will depart from Jackson on Monday, June 25, and will return on Thursday, July 5. “The trip will be a guided tour of many of Ireland’s historic and scenic places,” said Father O’Connor.
The trip will include nine nights in Ireland. Each day will begin with a full Irish breakfast. Five dinners are included in the tour as well as a medieval banquet in a castle.
Highlights will include a sight-seeing tour of Dublin, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral which was founded in 1191, and Trinity College which houses the Book of Kells, as well as a visit to the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular archaeological sites featuring the ruins of a monastic settlement from the 13th century.
Father O’Connor himself will lead a tour of his hometown where he will celebrate Mass his home church. Another spiritual stop will be a visit to the village of Knock, where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1870.
“I will be with the group throughout their visit to Ireland, and will offer a tour of my home city of Limerick, where I will introduce the group members to the history and culture and myths of my native country. Our initial plan is for a group of approximately 30 people. This is my fifth time to lead a tour of my home country. My hope is that those who decide to make this tour will enjoy the natural beauty and history of Ireland and will return home with life-long memories and countless moments to savor from the land of saints and scholars,” Father O’Connor said.

(The package price, including airfare from Jackson, is $3,884.00 per person. Further information on the tour is available on the St. Mary website (www.stmarybasilica.org) or by contacting Cara Travel Services at info@caragrouptravel.com or 617-639-0273)

Irish flag fluttering in front of the tower of an Old St Mary Cathedral, Limerick, Ireland (Photo bigstock)