Chalice thrown in lake in 1653 centrepiece of Mass

A CHALICE dumped into a lake when Cromwellian forces swooped on an open-air Mass 350 years ago, killing a priest, is to be the centrepiece of a Christmas morning homily.

Up to 300 people are expected to attend the special anniversary Mass in Co Wexford for the murdered priest.

The parish priest in the area yesterday says it was nothing short of a miracle that the chalice used by Fr Nicholas Meyler before he was murdered in 1653 survives to this day.