40 years on, the Marian shrine in Melleray, near Cappoquin, continues to be a place of pilgrimage. The site came to national prominence in 1985, when a number of local people claimed to have seen the statue of the Blessed Virgin move, the phenomenon was also reported at other locations, during what became known as the ‘summer of the moving statues’.
While many remain sceptical about exactly what happened 4 decades ago, the Melleray grotto continues to be a place of worship, with hundreds visiting each year. To mark the anniversary of ‘the apparitions’, a series of events took place this week – all drawing significant crowds to what is a very well maintained grotto.
On Sunday last, Bishop of Waterford & Lismore, Alphonsus Cullinan, joined worshippers for prayers at the grotto. All of those we spoke to said that they found Melleray grotto to be an inspiring place, where they found peace and tranquility.
Full story in this week’s Print & Digital Edition.
