RONAN FAGAN
Prompted by an ageing and reduced membership, the Irish Franciscans have confirmed that they are to leave Athlone.
Those in attendance at mass in the Friary Church on Tuesday morning of this week received the shock news of the withdrawal on January 6 2023, a realisation which will end an almost 800 year presence in the heart of Athlone.
In a detailed statement read during mass, Fr Aidan McGrath, Minister Provincial, noted his sadness stating that the Franciscans had given “this decision much consideration in recent years.”
“We, the Irish Franciscans, must make a very difficult and sad announcement, namely that we must withdraw from Athlone. We have given this decision much consideration in recent years, but regretfully we must now face our present-day reality and leave a town where we have enjoyed and valued such support and friendship for close to 800 years. Like so many religious bodies, we must make these difficult decisions as we deal with and respond to our ageing and reducing membership. At this time, our main concern is for the Friars and staff who will be impacted by this decision, as we will be leaving Athlone on January 6 2023.
Fr McGrath praised the working ethos of the numerous Friars who “cultivated and developed” relationships in the community during their time in Athlone.
“We will be engaging immediately in discussions to ensure that the consequences of this announcement are dealt with in the best way possible for all involved. I want to thank in a special way our Friars and staff for the wonderful work they have done here and the relationships they have cultivated and developed in the local area.
“Some of the Friars here today have dedicated the greater part of their lives to serving the people of Athlone and for them this is a particularly sad day. I acknowledge with great pride all the work done and the various struggles faced by the Friars in Athlone, dating back to 1241. As many of you will be aware, the first Friary Church was consecrated in 1241. We were expelled from Athlone in 1651, taking refuge in the locality, as the stones in the sanctuary testify, but we came back to the town soon after and as recently as 1930-2 built this splendid Church dedicated to St Anthony,” Fr McGrath.
The Minister Provincial commended the welcome and support received from the local community who have given so generously to the Friary through the years.
“Many of your parents fundraised for this church. We Franciscans are very proud of our history here in Athlone, a history and a presence only made possible by the welcome and support received from and so generously given by the local people. I want to thank the people of Athlone for their support and I will also remember and acknowledge today all those who have gone before, the generations of people in this town and the surrounding area who worked and prayed with us through the good and the difficult times.
“I want to pay a particular tribute today to those who gave so generously of their time in supporting our work in Athlone, their collaboration and voluntary commitment was so important, valued and appreciated. The people I refer to include the Garden Hospitality Group, the church cleaners and flower arrangers, the church ushers, the fundraising committee, the Garden Fete Group from past time; and all those who enhanced our church liturgy, including the Friary Choir, the Ministers of the Word and the Ministers of the Eucharist. To all who gave of their precious time so willingly, we are truly grateful.
“We have not made a final decision on the future of the Athlone Friary and church at this time. However, we will be exploring various possibilities in this regard in the coming months. When we have reached a decision on the future use of the buildings, I will make a further announcement and finally I ask for your support and prayers as we deal with the outcome of this most difficult and unavoidable announcement,” Fr McGrath concluded.
Prior to its closing, a mass of thanksgiving will be celebrated in the Athlone Friary Church on Sunday, January 8, 2023.
D eparture of Franciscans leaves me saddened and numb - O’Rourke
Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, noted his numbness upon hearing the news on Tuesday morning.
“The Franciscans have given incredible support and service to the people of Athlone and the Midlands over eight centuries, first coming to Athlone in 1241.
“I have spoke with the Friars in Athlone since the announcement and they made it clear to me that the lack of manpower was the only factor behind the decision. I was initially concerned that it might have been for financial considerations, given the cost of living and energy crises, but they made it clear to me that it was solely down to a lack of new vocations and the age profile of existing members.
“They also said that they really appreciated all the support received from the people of Athlone, they feel so at home here and so sad that it has come to this.
“Athlone will be a very sad town come January when the six remaining Franciscan Friars depart our town for the last time and the beautiful Friary Church falls silent.
“On behalf of the people of Athlone and the wider Midlands region, I want to sincerely thank the Franciscan Friars for their dedication and service for so many years and I would like to wish each of the Friars departing Athlone every good wish in their new homes and locations around the country. I know the six men based in the Friary in Athlone are just as sad to leave, as we will be to see them go. It is important that they know we are praying for them and thinking about them as they embark on this new chapter in their own personal and religious lives,” Cllr O’Rourke asserted.
