St Anne’s Shrine

St Anne’s Shrine was established in Mayobridge in 1948 by Mother Gabriel Breen of the Poor Clare Sisters and Mrs McGivern (the late Tommy McGivern’s mother). The Shrine was constructed by Carvilles of Warrenpoint who were assisted by two local men, John Mackin and Paddy Rooney. The money was raised by generous donations from local people and further afield.

St Anne’s Shrine is a place of healing and prayer and it had been central to the ministry of the Sisters of Saint Clare whilst they were resident in Mayobridge. On the departure of the Sisters on 12^th February 2010, the care of the Shrine was transferred to the people of Mayobridge.

People visit the Shrine, light candles and pray to St Anne for their own personal intentions. A group of community volunteers open and close the Shrine and the Church on a daily basis. The Shrine is open 7 days a week from 8.00am until 10.00pm.

If you have any queries in relation to St Anne’s relic please contact Mgr Hugh Connolly 07946 668860 or email mayobridgeparish@dromorediocese.org or Daniel Morgan 07929 568 392 or email danielmorgan876@gmail.com St Anne’s oil and cord may be obtained from Mrs Lily Gribben, 5 Newry Road, Mayobridge, telephone 028 3085 1424.

A local man’s memories

“I remember being told by my mother to visit the Shrine while walking to school in the morning. Nearly every morning I met Mother Gabriel and I recall her telling me how hard it was to get donations to pay the workmen who were building the Shrine at the time.

Annie McGivern, mother of the late Tommy McGivern, organised a number of ladies to collect around the district which raised some of the money needed. An anonymous donor generously paid the balance.

When Mother Gabriel died some years later I remember her remains were reposed in the Convent Chapel on the Feast of St Anne. Mayobridge parishoners asked the Poor Clare Sisters to have her remains buried in Mayobridge but due to religious regulations and the fact there was no burial plot for the Sisters in Mayobridge at that time, this was not permitted.

Mother Gabriel is buried in the Poor Clare cemetery in Newry.

Also, I believe St Anne’s relic came from a family member of Mother Gabriel who was based in Rome”.

MAYOBRIDGE PARISH 2022

Tridium of Prayer in Honour of the Feast of St Anne

On Grandparents Day Sunday 24^th July, we have Rosary and Benediction at the Shrine at 7pm, weather permitting, if not it will be in St Patrick’s Church.

On Monday 25^th and Tuesday 26^th, the Feast of St Anne, we have Mass at 7.30pm in the Church