‘Irish Madonna’ returns to Ireland after Cromwell-enforced exile

Galway Cathedral has been gifted a unique painting from Hungary that speaks to the persecution of Catholicism in Ireland by the English State. The gift is also representative of how the European mainland helped keep the Faith alive across the centuries in the countries that now constitute the UK and Republic of Ireland, by providing refuge to Catholics forced to flee for their beliefs.

The painting known as the “Irish Madonna” was taken from Clonfert Cathedral in Galway 350 years ago by Bishop Walter Lynch after he was exiled during the Cromwellian dispossession of Ireland.

The bishop brought the painting from Galway to Győr, in Hungary, where it was placed at a side altar. Bishop Lynch passed away in exile in 1663 and is buried in the vaults of Győr Cathedral, while the painting, due to its location, also became known as “Our Lady of Győr”.

Despite its relocation and distance from the Emerald Isle, on St Patrick’s Day in 1697 it is claimed that blood miraculously flowed from the painting. Reportedly it went on for several hours as several priests tried, in vain, to wipe away the tears (the linen cloth that was used at the time is now preserved as a relic).

An inspection of the painting immediately afterwards could not establish any natural explanation. An altar dedicated to Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted, was later built for the painting.

Recently, Bishop András Veres, the current bishop of Győr, presented a copy of the painting to the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh, and Kilfenora, which will be housed in Galway Cathedral.

While it is a replica, those at Galway Cathedral note that it remains a “powerful symbol of faith”, and one that “honours the centuries-old bond between Galway and Győr”.

The Hungarian Embassy in Dublin described the gifting of the replica as “serving as a symbol of our enduring cultural and spiritual connection”.

During the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell and his army invaded Ireland and imprisoned priests, demolished churches and persecuted Catholics – resulting in the exile of Bishop Walter Lynch of Clonfort, which eventually led to him arriving in Hungary via Portugal.

The local bishop made him his auxiliary, and upon his death, Bishop Lynch bequeathed the image to the Cathedral in Gyor, where, on that 17 March 1967 Saint Patrick’s Day, the miracle is claimed to have taken place.

This year, the Catholic Church in Ireland, despite its obvious troubles, is having a pretty good run when it comes to relics and holy items coming to the country.

In addition to the return of the “Irish Madonna”, for the first time, the relics of St. Bernadette Soubirous have been brought to the island of Ireland for a “once-in-lifetime” tour this autumn.

The relics of the saint, who as a young girl experienced the Marian apparitions that led her to find the healing spring waters of Lourdes, will visit every diocese across the landmass of the island, thereby visiting both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The tour will run between 4 September – 5 November 2024.

Shortly after that news, it was announced that vocations to the priesthood in Ireland may be increasing after a long decline, based on an encouraging shift in the numbers of those beginning studies toward the priesthood.

Optimism is being expressed among the country’s Catholic hierarchy after the news that 21 men have begun studies which may lead to their ordination for some of Ireland’s 26 dioceses. It means there are now a total of 74 men preparing for Ireland’s priesthood.

RELATED: ‘Once-in-lifetime’ tour of St. Bernadette’s relics will bring Lourdes to all of Ireland

RELATED: Optimism among Irish Catholic Church that vocations may be rising

Photo: the replica of the “Irish Madonna” at Galway Cathedral; detail from Galway Cathedral @GalwayCathedral.

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