WORSHIPPERS FROM across the country continue to flock to a Co Limerick town where hundreds of people have gathered to recite the rosary around a tree stump, which they believe depicts an image of the Blessed Virgin.
The west Limerick town of Rathkeale has been inundated with visitors since the discovery was made on the grounds of the 19th century St Mary’s Church earlier this week.
Locals have pledged to maintain a 24-hour vigil at the tree stump, which they insist must remain a permanent fixture in the town, which boasts a population of about 1,600 people from both the settled and Traveller communities.
Two men were seen praying at the site at 4am yesterday while close on 600 people gathered just hours earlier for a midnight recital of the Rosary.
Hundreds more people were expected at another candlelight service due to be held last night.
“My eyes are showing me what my heart wants to see,” said pensioner Annie O’Reilly who was leading prayers yesterday morning. “This has brought people from both the settled and Traveller community together for prayer and devotion and it’s wonderful to see young and old praying together,” she added.
Mother and daughter Carmel and Brigid Conway travelled from Lixnaw in Co Kerry to Rathkeale yesterday.
“I think it’s real but even if it isn’t it is making people pray, so whether it’s real or not doesn’t matter,” said 27-year-old Carmel.
Rathkeale sisters Mary and Nora Gammon have lived in Rathkeale all their lives and have been making daily visits to St Mary’s Church since workers made the discovery last Monday.
“Something draws you to it and brings you here to pray . . . I have been here for the last three nights to say the Rosary and it’s great for the town that it has brought people together to pray,” said Nora Gammon.
More than 2,000 have so far signed a petition to prevent the removal of the tree stump.