| Publication of the following information on the Funeral Liturgy of Thomas Reilly RIP, Brigid Reilly RIP and their grandson Tom Reilly RIP, is embargoed until 2.00pm today, when their Funeral Mass will take place at Saint John the Baptist Church, Cashel, Co Tipperary, in the Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly. The principal celebrant will be Father Enda Brady, Parish Priest of Cashel & Rosegreen. Father Patrick Burns AP (Apostolic Pastor ie retired parish priest), along with other clergy, will concelebrate the Mass. Father Pat Coffey, Parish Priest of Golden and Kilfeacle, will be chaplain to President Michael D Higgins. Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA, Archbishop of Cashel & Emly, will preside at the Mass.
The Church of Ireland will be represented by the Dean of Cashel, Rev James Mulhall.
Two of Tom Reilly’s sisters, Margaret and Ellen, will light the candles that were lit during the prayer vigil on 31 August last.
The Mass will be livestreamed on https://www.churchcamlive.ie/cashel-parish-stream/
Music during the Mass
Choral Ensemble
Cashel Community School Choir.
Director
Ms Patrice Davern.
Accompanist
Mr John Murray, Deputy Principal of Cashel Community School.
Soloists
Aaron and Niall Fitzgerald – Uilleann Pipes and Accordion.
Nora and Fionn O’ Brien – Traditional Flutes.
Ms Patrice Davern – Voice.
Mia Rose O’ Sullivan – Voice.
Prelude Aaron Fitzgerald: Irish Air (Uilleann Piano), and Aaron and Niall Fitzgerald: Irish Air (Uilleann Pipes and Accordion).
Entrance Hymn I watch the Sunrise, sung by the choir of Cashel Community School.
Psalm Here I am Lord, sung by the choir of Cashel Community School.
Gospel Acclamation Seinn Alleluia, sung by the choir of Cashel Community School.
Homily preached by Father Enda Brady
We have just heard about Joseph and Mary making their way to Bethlehem because the ruling authorities had called for a census – they wanted to count the people. Similarly, in our times we continue to have counts, statistics and numbers produced every so often. And each year, among these figures, we are given the number of people who die on our roads. When we hear these, our reaction can be a moment where we say “God bless them”, and then move on with our lives. But when this awful situation lands on your doorstep, then you know these are not just numbers, there is a face, there is a heart, there is a personality, there is an individual.
Unfortunately, Tom and Bridget Reilly, and their grandson Tom, have joined the number for this year. But we don’t gather here today to remember them as a number. Tom and Bridget’s children remember the parents who loved and cared for them and their nephew, who, in three short years, endeared himself to the family. Their parents, brothers and sisters, cousins and extended family remember the people that were Tom and Bridget Reilly – they remember young Tom, the character that will be remembered throughout Ireland with his thumb raised in the air. The way they laughed and cried, the way they interacted, the way they were – these are the traits and qualities that we remember today as we celebrate the funeral Mass for a small boy and his grandparents.
And today, we remember that we have come to this House of God, the seek comfort, to plead for strength, to share the load of grief. And we remember the words of the Gospel: “Today a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Jesus is our Lord and Saviour. Our faith in Him brings the comfort and strength we are searching for, our faith in Him brings peace to us in our troubles and eternal peace to loved ones gone before us.
We place young Tom and his grandparents, Bridget and Tom into the loving hands of Jesus our Saviour.
In this life, O Lord, you embraced them with your tender love;
deliver them now from every evil
and bid them eternal rest.
The old order has passed away:
welcome them into paradise,
where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain,
but fullness of peace and joy
with your Son and the Holy Spirit
forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer of the Faithful
1. We pray for young Tom, Bridget and Tom. May God received them with love into his kingdom of light and peace. Lord, hear us.
2. We pray for Diane and Tom. Lord, place your healing hand upon them, give them strength and bless them with your love. Lord, hear us.
3. We pray for all the Reilly family. May the support of some many bring them through the difficult days, weeks and months ahead. Lord, hear us.
4. We pray for all the people who have died, been injured or affected by car accidents. May they be aware of God’s great love and peace. Lord, hear us.
5. We pray for the Emergency Services, and all who care for us in times of trouble and need. May the Lord reward their kindness. Lord, hear us.
Offertory hymn Irish Air, played by Nora and Fionn O’Brien.
Communion hymn Irish Air, played by Aaron and Niall Fitzgerald
(Uilleann Pipes and Accordion).
There is a Place, sung by the choir of Cashel Community School.
Voice of an Angel, sung by Patrice Davern.
Recessional hymn Supermarket Flowers sung by the choir of Cashel Community School with soloist Mia Rose O’ Sullivan.
ENDS |
