Carmel O’Neill, one of the parishioners sent ECI this report:
The annual mass of Harvest Thanksgiving was held on Saturday October 27th in the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Lacken, Blessington. This event in Lacken Church attracted a large attendance from the farming community and neighbouring parishes.
The children from the local school brought up harvest gifts in the opening procession, read the prayer of the faithful and sang in the choir. Fr Richard Behan gave a special blessing to the farming community while Deacon Gerry Malone blessed the congregation with holy water. The need to offer thanksgiving was made all the more relevant after a very difficult growing season. The much needed rain in September provided a second cut of silage. Parishioners donated cakes, preserves and plants which were sold after mass with the proceeds going towards the maintenance of Lacken Church.
Blessing Prayer:
Bless all here present as we gather to celebrate this mass of thanksgiving. Bless all who work the land and all who receive a livlilhood in our community. Bless all the faith initiatives of our community. May all our work enrich the lives of all they touch. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.