IN APRIL 2018 A NEW INITIATIVE WAS BORN IN DERRY. SISTER PERPETUA FROM THORNHILL MINISTRIES LAUNCHED THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY.  MANY PEOPLE WERE GATHERED TOGETHER TO  PROMOTE THE MINISTRY AND BISHOP DONAL MCKEOWN GAVE ALL THOSE PRESENT A VERY SPECIAL BLESSING  OF HANDS

A BEAUTIFUL COMFORT SHAWL CREATED WITH LOVE AND PRAYER AND GIFTED TO  THE BEARER TO BRING COMFORT AND SOLACE TO THE SICK.

Shawls..... made for centuries universal and embracing,symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God.  They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace,  mother, hug, shelter and beautify.  Those who have received these shawls have been  uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles......"

Compassion and the love of crocheting these shawls have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every stitch.

Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it onto someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from person-to-person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!

At the inauguration of the shawls, Sr Perpetua gave particular praise to Patrick Devine (originally from Park and now of California)       Patrick provided the inspiration for the shawl from Our Lady of Grace. He is delighted that Thornhill Ministries have developed the concept into a vibrant aspect of the work there. It is a particular joy that Patrick’s mother Brid has committed to the Core Prayer Shawl Ministry Team which meets to crochet shawls each Thursday in Thornhill House

      We are very grateful to Patrick for bringing this Ministry to Ireland.  The shawls  are given to people in nursing homes, health centers, pastoral care departments, and on occasion are used for  a special celebrations. The shawls are accompanied with a card explaining the ministry and the reason why the shawl is being given along with words of comfort and love for the recipient.