Welcome home, welcome home

The children of the Cahersiveen Presentation Convent School sang this song to the Very Reverend Canon Brosnan on his triumphant return from Rome. On the 10th December 1883 he was received in private audience by Pope Leo XIII to seek approval to build the Daniel O’Connell memorial church of the Holy Cross. His petition was successful and papal approval was granted on 1st January 1884.

Welcome home, welcome home,

From a foreign shore;

Oh ! how our grateful hearts rejoice

To see you home once more.

We still recall your parting words

“My little children pray

that God may bless me and the work

for which I go away.”

Welcome home, welcome home;

Prayer was not in vain,

For after many anxious days

You’re with us back again;

And God has blessed you and the cause

For which you quitted home,

But with O’Connell’s you have left

Your heart we fear, at Rome.

Welcome home, welcome home!

We have still a hope

That you have brought to dear Iveragh

The blessing of the Pope!

A blessing for our homes and friends,

A blessing for our nuns,

A blessing for our holy priests,

And for the little ones.

Welcome home, welcome home!

O’Connell’s native sod

Shall boast a temple worthy of him,

His country and his God.

May he, whose glory is your aim,

Your every need supply,

And give you length of days to raise

The Holy cross on high.