Large turnout for first Mass at Clonmel's reopened Friary Church

A large crowd flocked to the former Franciscan Friary Church in Clonmel for the celebration of the first weekly Mass under its new name, the Abbey House of Prayer.

An estimated 450 to 500 people attended the 10am Mass on Tuesday, June 13 proving the reopening of the church has huge public support in the town.

Bishop of Waterford & Lismore Most Rev. Alphonsus Cullinan gave his seal of approval to the Abbey House of Prayer by celebrating this week’s Tuesday Mass at the church. The ceremony was attended by Mayor of Clonmel Cllr Pat English and included the conferring of the sacrament of Confirmation on a man in the congregation.

Many in Clonmel feared the church would be permanently closed when the last Franciscan Friars departed in January, ending the order’s 750 year presence in the town.

It has reopened as a place for daily private worship and for weekly Mass on Tuesdays thanks to a group of Clonmel people who came together to see if the church could continue to play an active part in the community.

The Abbey House of Prayer Group entered into discussions with the Franciscan Order and its reopening was agreed in conjunction with the Bishop of Waterford & Lismore and SS Peter & Paul’s Parish in Clonmel.

Joe McCormack, Secretary of the Abbey House of Prayer Group, said they were delighted the church was full for the first Mass.

“I would say there were 450 to 500 people there. It was a great response. We were delighted as it really proved it was only right to open it again.”

That first Mass was celebrated by the Abbey House of Prayer Group’s Chairman Fr John Treacy, PP of SS Peter & Paul’s Parish. Many in the congregation brought Lily flowers to be blessed as it was the Feast Day of St Anthony, who is associated with the flower.

Mr McCormack said there has been a great response from the local clergy, who have set up a rota system to celebrate weekly Mass at the House of Prayer.

He says the Franciscan Order will continue to pay the upkeep costs of the church such as insurance, electricity and heating for a period of time until the Abbey House of Prayer Group finds its feet. The group will then have to fundraise to pay for the church’s costs.

“We have agreement with the Franciscans that over a period of time we would have to make it sustainable. The order is supporting the church for the initial period, then we have to stand on our own feet.”