Large turnout for Father Moore’s Well gathering to mark 200 years
The event at Fr Moore's Well in Rathbride attracted around 1,000 people
MORE than 1,000 people gathered at Father Moore’s Well in Rathbride for a special event marking 200 years since the death of the renowned local priest. The gathering, held in place of the annual pilgrimage, included Mass celebrated by Bishop Denis Nulty alongside ten priests and two deacons.
Organiser Betty O’Shea described the event as a “super day”, with perfect weather helping to draw a large crowd to the historic holy well.
Fr Moore was born in Rathbride in 1799 and died on 10 March 1826. He was ordained in Maynooth and served as curate in Allen.
The well has long been associated with traditions of healing. According to local tradition, Father Moore blessed the well before his death so that those who believed could continue to seek healing there. The site is one of Kildare’s best-known holy wells and has attracted pilgrims for more than a century.
People began arriving from around 12.30pm, with organisers making particular efforts to accommodate those with mobility difficulties. A platform with 200 chairs was constructed, while other attendees gathered around the surrounding field.
This year’s event instead featured a procession from the field to the Mass, followed by a walk around the ruins of the site where Fr Moore’s house once stood. The procession was led by Martin Hickey on the bagpipes, Philip Hickey who carried a cross, altar servers and the Kildare Carmelites, as well as people carrying symbols that represented Fr Moore.
There was music and singing provided, all under the direction of Niall Mulpeter.
Fr Moore’s hat was kindly brought by Michael Forde, and many visitors had the chance to have it placed on their heads before and after the service.
The hat is believed to be the only remaining relic associated with Father Moore. For generations, the Forde family has made it available to people seeking to pray with it, with visitors able to arrange a visit in advance.
The Mass was held as an opportunity to give thanks for what organisers described as 200 years of help and healing associated with Fr John Moore, while also praying that people would continue to find comfort and healing at the site in the years ahead.
As part of this year’s commemoration, each attendee received a small souvenir organza bag containing a bottle of water from the well, a candle, a novena to Fr Moore and a specially commissioned medal featuring the well on one side and Fr Moore’s hat on the other.
Ms O’Shea said there were continuing reports of healing associated with the well from Fr Moore’s time all the way up to today.
The annual pilgrimage to Father Moore’s Well has taken place for the past 26 years, with Michael and Ann Forde traditionally bringing Father Moore’s hat to the site. Pilgrims gather to recite the Rosary between 1pm and 6pm each September.
