Galway Cathedral is currently exhibiting a replica of a renowned painting steeped in history and miracles – a gift from Hungary -with the exhibition remaining at the Cathedral until mid-October.
The “Irish Madonna,” also known as “Our Lady of Győr,” is a painting which was taken from Clonfert Cathedral 350 years ago by Bishop Walter Lynch, who was exiled during the Cromwellian dispossession. Bishop Lynch removed the image from the Cathedral and brought it with him as he fled to Vienna, Austria, where he found refuge.
Galway Cathedral unveils a replica of the image of Our Lady that shed tears of blood, a gift from Hungary’s Bishop András Veres. This powerful symbol of faith honours the centuries-old bond between Galway and Győr. pic.twitter.com/SoF5V0wlvs
— Galway Cathedral (@GalwayCathedral) September 21, 2024
It was here that he met and was befriended by the Bishop of Gyor, Hungary – who invited him to serve as his auxiliary bishop in Gyor, Hungary’s sixth largest city, located half halfway between Vienna and Budapest. Bishop Lynch would remain in Hungary until his death in 1663, with his body buried in the Cathedral crypt.
According to tradition, 30 years after the Irish prelate’s death, on 17th March 1697 – the feast of St Patrick and shortly after penal laws were enacted in Ireland – the image, which had been placed on a side altar at Gyor cathedral by Bishop Lynch, began to weep blood during the 6am Mass. The extraordinary story was attested to as factual by the written testimony of many witnesses who were present at the early morning Mass.
The shedding of blood went on for three hours, and while a piece of linen was used to wipe the Virgin Mary’s face, the weeping continued. This cloth remains to this day in a glass and silver case in the Gyor cathedral, where it is venerated.
Whilst the image was removed from its frame and examined, there was no explanation given for what had happened. News of the phenomenon spread across the city, attracting faithful from many religions who came to see the supposed miracle. Devotion to the Irish Madonna (the painting’s original name was ‘Our Lady, Consoler of the Afflicted’) grew rapidly and a much-adorned shrine in her honour was born.
The painted replica, a special gift from Hungary to Ireland, will be housed in the Cathedral until mid-October after being presented to the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh, and Kilfenora by His Excellency Bishop András Veres, bishop of Győr.
The gesture reaffirms the deep historical and spiritual bond between Ireland and Hungary – a connection which has endured for over 350 years – the Hungarian Embassy said.
The Hungarian Embassy in Dublin described the gifting of the replica as “truly memorable” and said it “marked a special moment in the shared history of Hungary and Ireland.” The piece of artwork, it said, stands as one of the most significant connections in Hungarian-Irish cultural heritagage.
“We are deeply honoured to have witnessed this unique artistic and spiritual occasion under the auspices of Hungary’s EU presidency. The replica of this sacred painting has left a lasting legacy for both Hungary and Ireland, serving as a symbol of our enduring cultural and spiritual connection,” the embassy said.
It follows a series of successful events across the diocese, including a concert in Donnycarney church featuring Hungarian musicians, including organist Judit Máté and opera singer Gyula Nagy. Mass was also celebrated by Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, with a homily delivered by Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, Paul Dempsey.
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway unveils a replica of the image of Our Lady that shed tears of blood, a gift from Hungary’s Bishop András Veres. This powerful symbol of faith honours the centuries-old bond between Galway and Győr. pic.twitter.com/dndzz4PkCf
— Clonfert Diocese (@Clonfertdiocese) September 21, 2024
The “captivating exhibition” of the replica painting was also featured on Culture Night at the end of last month, soundtracked by traditional Hungarian music, blending together art, history and music. The event was part of the European Culture Trail initiative in cooperation with the European Commission Representation in Ireland.
Bishop Michael Duignan, who serves as Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh, Kilfenora, and Clonfert, expressed his gratitude for the gift.
“Just as Bishop Lynch found solace in Hungary, this painting now represents the ongoing solidarity between our dioceses. In a world filled with uncertainty, it serves as a real source of hope. It reminds us, as Christians, of our call to stand with the afflicted and to never lose sight of God’s compassion,” Bishop Duignan said during a special ceremony held in Galway Cathedral.
“Today, this historic connection between Galway and Győr continues to inspire us,” he added.
Fr John Gerard Acton told the Galway Advertiser: “We hope it will offer parishioners and visitors a moment of reflection and comfort as they engage with its rich history, while also providing a place where they can come to seek peace and deepen their devotion to Our Lady. In a world so often filled with uncertainty, this image reminds us of the hope that faith brings.”
We are thrilled to see so many people visiting Galway Cathedral to view the replica of Our Lady, Consoler of the Afflicted, and to experience the remarkable story of the Weeping Virgin of Győr through the accompanying exhibition.
— Galway Cathedral (@GalwayCathedral) September 27, 2024
Be sure to pop by if you haven't already. pic.twitter.com/MeLPWTdBl0
The special exhibition detailing the story behind the picture will remain on display at Galway Cathedral until mid-October, and can be viewed in the Cathedral nave.