A Dream Come True

 I have been involved in the Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of Mother Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory, O.Carm., since July of 1992. So often I have seen photos of and read about the birthplace of Mother in 1893 in Northern Ireland, in a town then called Mountjoy. Finally, last September 13^th, 2015, I got the opportunity to visit and it was a marvelous moment. We left Our Lady’s Manor in Dalkey, Dublin with Sister Maria Therese, O.Carm., at the wheel, accompanied by Sister Margaret Edward, O.Carm., and Sister Theresa Marie, O.Carm. We drove up into Northern Ireland to County Tyrone in the Archdiocese of Armagh, and were warmly greeted by the Parish Priest of Clonoe Parish, Father Benedict Fee. Father is an indefatigable proponent of Mother’s Cause. The Sisters and I joined in the parish Mass at Clonoe, and wouldn’t you know that one of the altar servers, a girl, bore the same name as Mother Angeline’s own mother, Brigid Taggart! A small shrine for Mother is set up in the Church. During the homily, I emphasized Mother Angeline’s hospitality and care for people, particularly the Aged and Infirm. After Mass and greeting the many people present, the Sisters and I were interviewed for the newspaper the Irish Independent.

After a lovely lunch in the Presbytery and my meeting privately with some parishioners, we all went to the Brocagh Parish Church where Mother Angeline was baptized and, where again, there is a small shrine near the baptismal font. Despite the rain, many people were present for the rosary and my talk. I spoke about Mother Angeline’s total giving of herself to the Lord and to the work of the Church and care of the elderly. It was touching and so moving to be there where so many early events of Mother’s life unfolded, and to see the faith and character of the people, while in a sense, exploring Mother Angeline’s roots. I will never forget this experience, and will always treasure visiting the Venerable’s home, a dream come true, and gaining a still deeper insight into Mother’s character.

Father Mario Esposito, O.Carm.

Vice-Postulator