A SEASON of Creation in the parish of Fossa, which saw a striking bog oak sculpture added to a flower and shrub laden Laudato Si Garden, was celebrated this Thursday with a special Mass and blessing at the Christ, Prince of Peace Church.
Meticulously carved from a magnificent piece of Bronze Age bog oak, the Joy of Love sculpture has become the centerpiece of the serene garden which was created in 2016 to mark the Kerry Diocese’s Earth Week project.
Specially commissioned to commemorate the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland, the sculpture, with a carved open heart at its centre, is designed to offer all married couples and sweethearts the traditional Celtic opportunity to touch hands through the open heart to commit to each other.
A glance through the open heart centerpiece also allows all-encompassing views of the spectacular lakes and mountains that surround Christ, Prince of Peace Church which is one of the most popular in the country for marriage ceremonies.
The precious bog oak piece, sourced by Kurt Ecker from Killarney and gifted to the parish by Denis Lynch of Dooneen, Killarney, was created by Kilcummin craftsman Pat Teahan and the project received great support from Sr Aileen Murphy of the Kerry Diocesan Justice and Peace Group.
The garden was designed by Fossa Pastoral Council member, Paudy O’Sullivan, and created by parishioner Mick Myers and his team who were thanked at this morning’s ceremony by Fossa Pastoral Council Chairman, Billy Mangan.
Following a special Mass this Thursday – the Feast of St Francis of Assisi – attended by pupils and teachers from Fossa National School, Fossa Parish Priest, Fr Tom Looney, blessed the new signage for the Laudato Si Garden which features the Path of Mercy and the Joy of Love sculpture.
Art work created by the Fossa National School pupils, to mark the Season of Creation, was also exhibited in the Church and it will remain on display for a number of weeks.
The Laudato Si Garden on the grounds of the Church was blessed in April 2016 by the then Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown.
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