‘Marbhna 1916’ Requiem Mass – Hundreds gather for Moving Tribute

Sunday 6^th November

The beautiful Basilica at Knock Shrine opened its doors last Sunday to celebrate ‘Marbhna’ a special Mass of commemoration for all who died in 1916. A large crowd gathered for the 12 noon Mass which was a truly unique, once in a lifetime event for Knock. Those attending were moved by the beautiful music and singing which filled the Basilica throughout the various stages of the Mass.

Fr. Richard Gibbons, Rector of the Shrine, opened the ceremonies by welcoming one and all ‘as Gaeilge’ including Bishop Brendan Kelly of Achonry who was the main celebrant joined by the Papal Nuncio, Charles Brown.

The music for this special Mass was composed by Odhrán O’Casaide to commemorate all who died in 1916 and included Patrick Pearse’s poem Fornocht de Chonac Thú, followed by Caoine nbPáistí, a lament specially written to commemorate all the children who died in the Rising. The orchestra was conducted by David O’Doherty and featured soloist Sibéal Ni Chasaide. The beautiful music set a dignified tone with orchestra provided by the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, where Odrán is a lecturer of traditional music and violin. The O’Casaide’s are no strangers to the Basilica having performed there in May for the ‘Concert for Peace’ which was organised by Mayo Choral Society.

Fr. Richard Gibbons commented on the Requiem Mass. “I think it is especially fitting that we take a moment to remember the past and those that died during those difficult times in our history. We have a beautiful church from which to celebrate such an occasion and it’s a good opportunity to do so as we come closer to the end of the year of commemorations.”

The music set out to explore the beauty of sean nós voice, the blend of Irish and classical music reflecting two great musical traditions in Ireland at the time of the Rising. The musical motifs were carried seamlessly from genre to genre in this, the first orchestral setting of a Dies Ires (Day of Wrath) in the Irish language.

The voices of Sibéal Ní Chasaide, Anne Marie Gibbons and Owen Gilhooly rang out in solo pieces, hauntingly beautiful. The choral ensemble featured the combined choirs of Knock and surrounding areas, including the Schola Cantorum Basilicae featuring beautiful harmonies, all superbly coordinated by Úna Nolan, Director of Music at Knock Shrine.

The performance was part of the closing events of the official  centenary programme and provided a moving, reflective experience and a moment for remembrance in the final chapter of commemorative events this year.

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