Peaceful evening at annual Cruit Island Graveyard Turas on Feast of the Assumption

The annual Cruit Island Graveyard Turas took place last Friday evening on the Feast of the Assumption.

Attendees gathered from across Kincasslagh Parish to take part in the traditional penitential prayer walk.

The Turas, meaning “journey” or “pilgrimage”, has been practiced for generations at Cruit Island Graveyard, beginning each year on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption.

Prayers are offered at five ancient wells in the graveyard to remember the living and the dead and a simple offering of sand is traditionally made.

Raphoe Diocese posted: “It was a soft and peaceful evening on Cruit Island for this year’s Graveyard Turas, led by the Kincasslagh Parish Pastoral Council.

“After a warm day, the gentle breeze made conditions ideal for gathering in prayer. The Turas is a tradition that has been passed down through generations - a simple but powerful way to remember the dead, to pray for those we’ve lost, and to carry our own intentions in silence.

“Prayers were said at each of the five wells around the graveyard, following the familiar rhythm of the Turas. Everything moved at a gentle and reverent pace, creating space for quiet reflection and helping us keep a sense of connection with those who came before us.

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“Everyone received a printed leaflet with the history of the Turas and the prayers said at each of the wells - from the first Our Father to the final prayer at Leac na hAthchuinge, the wishing flag.”