Angelic Landmark to light Limerick’s night sky

“Angelic Landmark to light Limerick’s night sky”

A golden monument depicting Archangel Michael will soon illuminate Limerick’s night sky. The story began last August when a thunderstorm damaged the roof of St. Michael’s Church in Limerick’s Market Quarter.

Fr. Leo McDonnell commissioned Collins Steeplejacks to carry out repairs and upon closer inspection the angel was found to be in a deplorable state. Richard Boland of Collins Steeplejacks observed that the statue had been directly hit by lightning and without immediate attention could deteriorate beyond repair. 

Fr. Leo made the decision to undertake costly repairs to both the roof and statue. Richard, having been raised in St. Michael’s parish and his family baptised there, carried out the works with care and devotion. 

Rust had eaten its way through the structure, so a new spear was forged, cavities filled, the roof repaired and the angel sealed with gleaming gold leaf paint. Thanks to Collins Steeplejacks the original spear head was salvaged and the unique monument restored to its full glory. 

Litho Circuits Ltd. was contacted to see to the illumination of the restored monument.

Director Frank Keohane of Litho Circuits was honoured to be involved with such a project. Frank had been experiencing health issues at the time and asked Fr. Leo to pray he would receive good news from the doctor. The congregation prayed Frank would be under Michael’s protection and thankfully he made a full recovery.

Litho Circuits was now back in St. Michael’s parish, where the business had started out 40 years earlier in an office on Ellen Street. Frank and Litho Circuits pledged to install and deliver the lighting as a gift to St. Michael’s Church as the project meant a great deal to them. 

Fr. Leo McDonnell praised the project as a shining example of community spirit and mentioned the great work of St. John’s Cathedral secretary Cora Willis and Bernard O'Reilly of Limerick Civic Trust. 

Whether seen by the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, this beautiful monument reminds us that the light of God shines brightest through us. This marvellous project was never planned, it just happened as if it was by God's will.

Fr. Leo, St. Michael’s parish and the Limerick diocese are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Litho Circuits and to those who have given donations toward the outstanding balance on the restoration works. 

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