Father Peyton Cluster NewsletterThe Parishes of Attymass, Bonniconlon, Foxford, Killasser

and Straide together on Mission.Issue No. 13 August 2016

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Jubilee Year of Mercy

In September 2015, Pope Francis declared 2016 to be anExtraordinary Jubilee year. Jubilee years are generally heldevery 25 years and are intended as a reminder of the lovingmercy and forgiveness of God and of our own need to“forgive those who have trespassed against us”. The 2000thanniversary of Christ’s birth was declared the Great Jubileewith the logo “Christ yesterday, today and forever”.Extraordinary jubilees have also been held in 1933 and1983, i.e. 1900 and 1950 years after Christ’s death, hisultimate act of mercy to redeem mankind from sin.

The opening of the Holy Door in St Peter’s basilica in Rometraditionally marks the start of a Jubilee Year. Down thecenturies, pilgrims were encouraged to visit Rome at sometime during the jubilee year and to pass through the HolyDoor in St Peter’s or in one of the other basilicas there, in

order to obtain a plenary indulgence. For Jubilee 2016,however, Holy Doors have also been designated in thecathedral churches of dioceses throughout the world,making it easier for pilgrims to visit.

In the Diocese of Achonry, a special door has been openedin the cathedral of the Annunciation and St Nathy inBallaghaderreen and everyone is invited to enter through itduring this Holy Year. “If anyone enters by me, he will besaved”. (Jn. 10:9-10). Inside the cathedral, 10 stations havebeen marked out which bring to mind God’s mercy andforgiveness.

A special day of pilgrimage to the cathedral was marked outfor Sunday, 13 March when an hour was assigned to each ofthe four clusters in our diocese. In preparation for this, a 24-hour period of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament washeld in each parish church, providing an opportunity tospend time with the Lord, “who is kind and full ofcompassion, abounding in love and mercy”. For those whocould not be in Ballaghaderreen that day, the Door of Mercywill remain open in the cathedral until the close of the HolyYear on 11 November, the feast of Christ the King. (Continued on page 2)

The ladies of Killasser Community Care Group organised a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the Annunciation and St Nathy in Ballaghaderreen on26 May. People from all five parishes in the cluster were delighted to have the opportunity to attend Mass in the Cathedral, celebrated by Fr

Joseph Gavigan, and to pass through the Door of Mercy. Fr John Durkan led the group through the ten special stations which are reminders of theinfinite mercy of God. After lunch at the National Famine Museum in Strokestown House and a guided tour of the house and gardens, the grouptravelled to Longford to view the magnificently restored St Mel’s Cathedral and admire the wonderful craftsmanship there. Dinner was provided inLongford Arms Hotel before returning home. Special thanks to the committee who organised a truly enjoyable day out, to Fr John Durkan for

acting as guide and, of course, to those who shortened the journey home with their singing and recitations.

The young people from Killasser parish who participated in the Youth Mass in Callow Church on 19 June. (Photo: Louis McNulty)

Some members of the Pastoral Council and the FinanceCommittee from Killasser parish who met with Cardinal SeánBrady during his visit to the parish last February. Standing (L-R): Tommy Doyle, Carmel Heaney, Padraig O’Hara, MichealMurphy, Eileen O’Neill, Paul Hyland and Louis McNulty.Seated: Catherine Chuck, Cardinal Brady, Theresa Convey,

and Fr John Durkan

Méabh Hyland fromKillasser was thewinner of theUnder-12 Fiddleand Under-12 TinWhistle at the MayoFleadh Cheoil heldrecently inBallinrobe. Méabhis also a member ofKillasser Churchchoir and playsfiddle and tinwhistle at Masses aswell.

A new initiative in Killasser parishFionnuala Nealon

Youth Masses were introduced in Killasser parish in June 2015 and have proved to be very successful. Alternatingbetween Killasser and Callow Church every second month, they draw large numbers of young people who are only toohappy to take part in the Mass.

The aim of the Youth Mass committee is to encourage every young person (from preschoolers to teenagers) to attend andto be involved in the liturgy, be it singing in the choir, reading or simply taking part in the entrance and offertory procession.Every effort is made to make the Mass as interesting and as child-friendly as possible through simplifying the readings orparticipating in the uplifting music and singing. All children take great pride in doing the task allocated to themand it’s fantastic to see them growing in confidence each month.

A great deal of credit is due to parents, grandparents and teachers for encouraging our youngsters on their journey offaith. A special word of thanks is due to the Youth Mass committee who put so much thought and planning into organisingeach Mass. Without their involvement and commitment our Youth Masses simply wouldn`t happen. We hope they willpromote a love for the Mass and that the large numbers who attend will continue their involvement for many years to come.

(Continued from page 1)Pope Francis has thought of those who, for various reasons,will find it impossible to enter the Holy Door, particularlythose who are sick or elderly. He says: “For them it will beof great help to live their sickness and suffering as anexperience of closeness to the Lord. Living with faith andjoyful hope this moment of trial, receiving communion orattending Holy Mass and community prayer, even throughthe various means of communication, will be for them themeans of obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence”.

In addition, Pope Francis has encouraged all the faithful topractise the Spiritual and Corporal works of Mercy. He says“Each time that one of the faithful personally performs oneor more of these actions, he or she shall surely obtain theJubilee Indulgence”.

The special Jubilee indulgence can also be obtained for thefaithful departed. Pope Francis says: “As we rememberthem in the Eucharistic celebration, thus we can, in the greatmystery of the Communion of Saints, pray for them, thatthe merciful Face of the Father free them of every remnantof fault.”

Rebuild my ChurchCatherine Chuck

The title is the words given to St Francis whilst he wasgazing at a crucifix in a church at San Damiano in Assisiand the words are still relevant today. Francis was unsurewhat God was calling him to do but he eventually found hismission which was to follow Jesus through the HolyScriptures. Others came to join Francis in his mission andso the Franciscan Family came into being.

The Franciscan Order forms, by far, the greatest spiritualfamily in the church. It comprises three independent bodiesof Friars: (a) Friars Minor (OFM) (b) Conventual Friars(OFM) and Capuchins (OFM). In addition, there are thePoor Clare Nuns, the Third Order Regular and the vastnumber of religious congregations of Franciscan Sisters.Lay men and women too may join the worldwide body ofSecular Franciscans and truly commit to the Franciscan wayof life but not as a member of a religious order.

The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) is widely known as theThird Order of St Francis. Members live the gospel life ofOur Lord Jesus Christ, following the pattern set by StFrancis of Assisi under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.Many Franciscan Tertiaries, or members of the Third Order,have been declared saints, notably Pope St Pius X, Pope StJohn XXIII and St Francis Xavier. In all there are about 130Saints and Blesseds. Venerable Matt Talbot is one of morethan 30 whose cause is being considered. We are pleased tosay that Pope Francis lives the Franciscan way of life,although he is a member of the Jesuit Order.

The Secular Franciscan Order has fraternities, numbering atleast 37 in Ireland. We meet each month to pray and reflect

on the Gospel so we may live out our lives according to theGospel. Our fraternities are organised at local, regional andnational level and each has officers i.e. Minister, Director ofFormation, Secretary, Treasurer, Spiritual Assistant, and thenational fraternity has an International Representative.

We members of the Third Order of St Francis live our lives bya rule which has been given under the authority of Pope PaulVI. Time is spent every day in prayer, study and rebuilding thechurch. We are invited to discern if God is calling us more fullyinto this way of life and, if so, we eventually make ourprofession which is a lifelong commitment.

If you feel you would like to know more about the secularFranciscan Order, please contact Ray or Catherine Chuck(Phone 086 3989687 or 094 9253870)

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The usual conditions for the reception of a plenaryindulgence apply: 1. Attendance at the sacraments ofReconciliation and the Holy Eucharist; 2. Profession ofFaith i.e. the Creed; 3. Prayer for the intentions of the HolyFather.

The Corporal Works of Mercy• To feed the hungry;• To give drink to the thirsty;• To clothe the naked;• To shelter the homeless;• To visit the sick;• To ransom the captive;• To bury the dead.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy:• To instruct the ignorant;• To counsel the doubtful;• To admonish sinners;• To bear wrongs patiently;• To forgive offences willingly;• To comfort the afflicted;• To pray for the living and the dead.

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Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;It is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

➢ His accompanying of Fr Peyton CSC back to Ireland in February 1988 when he was declared “Mayo Person of the Year; (It was Fr Melody who initiated the procedure which led to this honour being awarded to Fr Peyton.).

➢ Attending the “Mayo Person of the Year" Banquet in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin as over a thousand Mayo people stood to applaud Fr Peyton in appreciation of his life and achievements.

➢ The celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Fr Peyton’s ordination in Attymass, July 28th 1991.

➢ Accompanying Fr Peyton CSC during a week-long trip to Mayo for the production by RTÉ of the film "A Dedicated Man", which highlighted various aspects of Fr Peyton's life in Attymass as a boy.

➢ Visiting and concelebrating Mass with Fr Peyton at the Little Sisters of the Poor Convent in San Pedro, California over the last three days of his friend’s life. (Fr Peyton passed to his eternal reward on 8th June 1992).

➢ Coming up with the idea along with Sister Gerard Harney C.S.C from Limerick, of establishing a Fr Peyton Memorial Centre in his native parish of Attymass.

Fr Bill (as he liked to be known) was truly a dedicated priestwith a warm and charismatic personality, who delighted inmeeting people. He loved the priesthood and cherishedevery moment of it. With his beaming smile and warmhandshake, he endeared himself to one and all. When onholiday he celebrated Mass in his family home to which allthe neighbours came.

There was a great sense of spiritual intimacy in beingpresent at those Masses - a sense of being part of somethingwonderful, a sharing in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, asense of almost being present at "The Last Supper", aunique experience indeed. Fr Bill Melody CSC was truly agreat priest for 55 years. May he rest in peace.

AddendumIt is timely and fitting that the new extension to the existingFr Peyton Centre is to be dedicated to the memory of Fr BillMelody, 1929-2015.

This honour is richly and truly deserved by Fr Bill who wasa true, loyal and dedicated son of Attymass; a parish hecherished and loved beyond words.

He played a major role in having the Fr Peyton Memorialestablished in Attymass as a fitting memorial to the greatand saintly Fr Patrick Peyton.

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Fr William Melody (1929-2015) -An Appreciation

Sean Reynolds

It was with a great sense of sadness and deep regret that we,the parishioners of Attymass, learned of the death of amuch-loved priest in the person of Fr William Melody, inNotre Dame, Indiana on August 4th, 2015.

He was born on Feb. 26th 1929, to Thomas and EllenMelody of Currower. He was the 7th child in a family ofnine - six boys and three girls. He was educated in CurrowerN.S., leaving formal education at the age of 14, as was thecustom at the time for most young people.

In 1946, Fr Patrick Peyton CSC and Father Tom PeytonCSC returned from the USA on a holiday to their nativeparish of Attymass after an absence of seventeen years.Cousins of the Melody family, they had joined the HolyCross Congregation in Indiana, and were both ordained in1941. In the course of their holiday in Attymass, youngWilliam expressed an interest in becoming a priest. He wasoffered an invitation to study for the priesthood in Indiana,which he accepted with alacrity and enthusiasm. On hisarrival in Indiana, he commenced High School at NotreDame from where he graduated in 1955, having become acitizen of the USA in 1954.

Following his graduation, he commenced his studies intheology at Holy Cross College in Washington. He wasordained a priest on June 10th, 1959 at Notre Dame.

The love of God, which was instilled in him in his familyhome through the recitation of the Family Rosary nightly,had now come to fruition. Following his ordination, hereturned on a visit to his native Attymass. His arrival homewas greeted warmly, with parishioners flocking to offer himtheir congratulations and seek his blessing.

Another illustrious name was now added to a list of priestsand nuns from Attymass who were serving in the vineyardof the Lord, the most famous of whom was Fr PatrickPeyton, CSC - now "Servant of God"- who gained worldrenown as the promoter of the Family Rosary. It isestimated that during his lifetime, 28.5 million attended hisRosary Rallies and heard him speak.

Following his holiday in Ireland, Fr Melody CSC, returnedto America and commenced his priestly duties asAdministrator of the Sacred Heart Church in Indiana. Laterhe was appointed as Chaplain to Vincent Hall, TheScholasticate for the Holy Cross Brothers in Austin, Texas.After three years, he returned to Notre Dame to becomeDirector of Vocations for the Indiana Provinceof Holy Crosswhile, at the same time, assisting with seminary work.

In 1973 Fr Melody was appointed Superior of Holy CrossHouse and served in that role until 1983 when he took over

the newly-created position of Administrator of the MedicalCentre for members of the congregation. From recruitingyoung men to the priesthood, he was now entrusted withdeveloping medical facilities for the more senior membersof his community.

In this role, he came face-to-face with the problem ofalcoholism in both clergy and laity.

This ministry to addicts was both challenging andrewarding. Seeing the need for a more organised approachto the problem of alcoholism, Fr Melody, with theassistance of Fr John Wilson, produced a manual of policiesand procedures for the use of groups dealing with thisproblem in society. He brought to this ministry the samecommendable dedication that he had demonstrated in hisother ministries. That dedication yielded much success inhis efforts to help those addicted to alcohol.

Great Events Recalled by Fr Melody ➢ Meeting with 'Servant of God' Fr Patrick Peyton

CSC and his brother Fr Tom CSC in 1946 following their return from America.

➢ At the age of 8, taking his turn at the bedside of Fr Peyton's mother as she lay dying from a stroke, after she had offered her life to God that her son Pat (then seriously ill with TB in America) would recover. Her words were, "Pat can do more for souls than I can”.

➢ Accompanying Fr Peyton as his aide for his testimonial in Cleveland and Chicago. Fr Melody acted as his aide for the last ten years of Fr Peyton’s life.

Fr Bill Melody

Sr Agatha Flannelly (a native of Ballycong, Attymass) greetsPope Francis on the occasion of his visit to Cincinnati, USA lastyear. As a Little Sister of the Poor, Sr. Agatha has served for

many years in the Far East, Australia, Malta, England and USA.

Assumpta Loftus, Killasser Pastoral Council and Fr JohnDurkan presented Archbishop Eamon Martin with a Killasser

jersey on his visit to Callow Church

A Word of ThanksSincere thanks to those who contributed articles

and photos for this edition of the Fr Peyton ClusterNewsletter.

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Dónall O’Brienraises the NickyRackard Cup inCroke Parkfollowing Mayo’swin in this year’sAll-Ireland hurlingfinal. Dónall is thegoalkeeper on theteam and played avital part inensuring Mayo’s winand their promotionto the Christy Ringtier next year.Dónall is betterknown in Killasseras a Minister of theWord at vigil Massesin All Saints Church.

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The under-18 musicians from Bofield/Gort na mBó photographed in the Fr Peyton Centre

Fr Peyton Centre Hosts SummerMusic Seisiún

Mary Conlon

Seisiún is a Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) initiative,run throughout Ireland by local Comhaltas groups duringthe summer. It is a celebration of our rich cultural traditionand an invitation to all, both visitors and locals, to follow amusic trail with evenings of song, dance and storytelling atvenues throughout Ireland. Seisiún is run in over thirtyvenues nationwide and the Father Peyton Centre inAttymass, with its reputation for hospitality and warmth,hosts the North Mayo Seisiún. Presented by Bofield/Gort namBó CCÉ, Seisiún is looking forward to the twelfth year inthe Fr Peyton Centre.

A true family event, Seisiún is much more than just anevening of music; Seisiún is a chance for all to take timeout, and share songs, stories, dance, poetry, and recitation,as well as experience local hospitality and traditionalentertainment.

The format is a two-part Seisiún show. It begins in theintimate surrounds of the theatre with its rich acoustics,where a formal presentation is staged. The audience will betransported, perhaps by the sweet strains of the Irish harp,or the soulful, plaintive sound of the Uileann pipes. Thethree under-18 groups of Bofield/Gort na mBó play aselection of céilí band tunes and grúpa cheoil selections that

they have perfected over the winter months in preparationfor the Fleadh Cheoil. The Bofield Senior Band brings thissection of the evening to a close leaving the audience withhigh expectations for part two.

This is followed by a ‘cupán tae’ and an opportunity toindulge in the freshly made, mouth-watering scones andbuns from the kitchen of the Fr Peyton Centre. In scenesreminiscent of the old Irish rambling house, the last part ofthe night’s entertainment is a warm and friendly informalpresentation in the foyer, where ‘ceol agus craic’ is the orderof the evening. In a very relaxed atmosphere, all patrons canjoin in a feast of local entertainment. Audience members areencouraged to take part and are very willing and eager to getinvolved. Storytelling and yarns punctuate the music.

Seisiún was once hailed as the area’s best kept secret but, atthis stage, the secret is well and truly out. Overseas visitorsfind their way on a Thursday evening to the smallpicturesque village of Attymass, nestling in the foothills ofthe Ox Mountains. Overseas visitors at past performanceshave been very impressed and, as a result, some of theperformers were lucky enough to receive invitationsabroad. Irish audiences also appreciate the event with manyreturning time after time during the summer as well as yearupon year. The 2016 Seisiún season opened on Thursday14th July and continues each Thursday evening in July andAugust starting promptly at 9.00 pm. There is a covercharge of €10 per adult which includes a “cupán tae”.Children are admitted free of charge.

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The Joy of the Gospel(Reflections on Pope Francis’Exhortation, ‘Evangelii

Gaudiam’)Fr Tom Mulligan

One of the favourite hymns of the youth choir in Attymassis “Joy, Joy, God’s Great Joy”, with lyrics by the lateWhitney Houston. The words and music are stirring anduplifting, expressing very powerfully the joy that belief inJesus Christ can engender in the human heart.

“Joy, joy, God's great joyJoy, joy, down in my soul

Sweet, beautiful soul- saving joyOh joy, joy in my soul.Listen to the music

The sound of the angelsCome and see the child

Who can make you whole.”

Joy is very evident in the life and ministry of Pope Francis.He himself exudes joy and, in a remarkable way, evokes joyin others wherever he goes. In his first major teachingdocument “The Joy of the Gospel,” (Evangelii Gaudiam)the word ‘joy’ occurs no less than 99 times! The documentreflects on Christian joy which is ever new and must beshared. At times joy can be exuberant and overflowing but‘soul-saving joy’ is mostly a quiet, deep and abiding joypresent in the heart of the believer, even in times ofadversity.

A Challenging DocumentHow can we lay hold of this wonderful joy? Byexperiencing “a renewed personal encounter with Jesus”.Every day we must invite Jesus to be the Lord of our livesand to pray “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in athousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am oncemore, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save meonce again, Lord, take me once more into your redeemingembrace”. And, when the renewed encounter with Jesus isaccomplished, joy fills the heart of the believer. Byimploring his grace daily he will “open our cold hearts andshake up our superficial existence.”

Christian joy springs from the knowledge that we are lovedunconditionally and forgiven by God in Christ. Ourfriendship in faith with Jesus sets us free “from sin, sorrow,inner emptiness and loneliness” and gives us a sense ofmeaning and purpose in our lives. We recognise the Gospelmessage as good news and we spontaneously wish to shareit with others. Herein lies the great challenge of the Pope’sexhortation; we are, all of us, called to be evangelisers. TheGood News is for everyone!

Go tell it on the mountainShout it from a valleyOh, joy, joy in my soulMen in every nationJoin the celebrationOh, joy, joy in my soul

The Good NewsPope Francis declares that we have been entrusted with atreasure which makes us more human and helps us to lead anew life. “There is nothing more precious which we cangive to others. The Gospel message is the source ofauthentic fulfilment; it responds to our deepest needs sincewe were created for what it offers us. This message willspeak to the deepest yearnings of people’s hearts.”

It should rightly disturb and trouble our consciences as“…. so many of our brothers and sisters are living withoutthe strength, light and consolation born of friendship withJesus Christ; without a community of faith to support them;without meaning and a goal in life.”

Spirit Filled EvangelisersJesus wants evangelisers who proclaim the Good News notonly by words, but above all by a life transfigured by God’spresence.

“I am a mission on this earth”, says Pope Francis, “that isthe reason I am here in this world”. Every Christian mustmake their own of the Pope’s declaration. We have toregard ourselves as sent on this mission of bringing Light,Blessing, Raising Up, Healing and Freeing.

The ‘Joy of the Gospel’ is an inspiring document whichchallenges the church to focus on evangelisation – thespreading of the Good News – rather than on self-preservation. The pope seeks to put the entire church on amissionary footing. The grace that comes from daily prayerwill empower us to be joyful missionaries wherever we findourselves. To conclude, a final quote from the ‘Joy of theGospel’- “Let us go forth then, let us go forth then to offereveryone the life of Jesus Christ.”

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100th Anniversary of the opening of Ss. Peter & Paul’s Church

The foundation stone of Straide Church was blessed onSunday, June 28th 1914 (the eve of the feast of Ss. Peter &Paul) by Bishop Patrick Morrisroe. Over 5,000 peopleturned out to witness the event – practically every man,woman and child in the parish of Straide as well as manyothers from far and wide. By all accounts it was aspectacular occasion.

The architect for this cut stone church (one of the last to bebuilt in the country) was William H. Byrne & Son, SuffolkStreet, Dublin. The builder was John Mulligan & Brothers,Swinford. The Church took two years to complete and cost£4,000 – equivalent to €625,000 today. However, being alisted building, it is currently insured for €5.6 million.

Most of the funds needed to build the Church were raised inthe United States by priests of the diocese – including FrJames Spelman and Fr John McKeown. Denis Broderick, anative of Aclare, Co. Sligo and a very successful businessman in England, donated £500 towards the cost.

The Church was consecrated and opened on Sunday, August27th 1916 by Bishop Patrick Morrisroe who described it as“a little corner of heaven come down to earth.” It wasoriginally intended that the Church would be called "TheDavitt Memorial Church" as a memorial to Straide’s mostfamous son, Michael Davitt. It seems, however, that Davitt(in his will) expressed a desire that his name should not beused in connection with any public monument. Thus it was

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Straide Celebrates 2016

The year 2016 is a very historic one for this country whichcelebrates the centenary of the Easter Rising of 1916 aswell as other notable events from World War I. As it turnsout, the year 2016 is also a very important one for thecommunity of Straide as it has many local anniversariesand events to celebrate.

765 years since the founding of StraideAbbey

The original abbey was completed in 1251 and was knownin the old catalogues as the Abbey of Athletan. The NormanMac Jordans had, originally, founded a house in Straidefor Franciscans. However, the wife of Stephen of Exeter(son of Jordan) was insistent on having Dominicans there intheir place. Having prepared a great banquet, to which sheinvited her father, she refused to eat or drink untilher request was granted by her husband. The story goes onto relate that she then sent a messenger to the Pope(apparently with a large sum of money) and that the HolySee confirmed the transfer of the abbey from theFranciscans to the Dominicans.

The Mac Jordans who built the abbey were the Normanfamily of the Dexters, or de Exeter. The oldest annals ofIreland written in the Latin language are usually known by

the name of Annales de Monte Fernando (Multifarnham).Owing to the frequent references in the annals to the Exeterfamily, they are thought to have been written by aDominican of Straide Abbey - probably the Stephende Exeter who is said, in these annals, to have been born in1246 and to have received the Dominican habit in 1263 andwho was probably also the son of the abbey founder.

In 1756, there were seven Dominican fathers in the abbeyand four in 1767. Some of the fathers remained in Straideuntil relatively recently in a house built by them close to theold Abbey. Father Clarke died in 1837 aged seventy nine.Father Patrick D. Kelly (the last of the friars of Straide)died between 1856 and 1860.

The most notable feature of the abbey is the magnificentlycarved tomb on the north side of the nave. The tracery in thecanopy is a work of art as are the images on the frontalpanel showing the Magi bearing gifts, a “smiling” image ofChrist displaying his five wounds, a kneeling layman, abishop with his crozier and figures of St Peter and St Paul.An altar frontal panel under the east window has asculptured Pieta.

Apart from Michael Davitt, other famous people who areburied in the abbey (or in close proximity to it) includeCount Manus O’Donnell, major-general in the Austrianarmy, who died in Ireland at the age of eighty and wasburied in Straide abbey in 1793. His very ornate tomb is stillwell preserved.

Straide Abbey with the old Penal Church, now the Davitt museum, to the right Bishop Brendan Kelly celebrated the Centenary Mass in Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Straide on 26 June 2016

that, in deference to his own and his relatives' wishes, therewas no reference to his name in connection with the newbuilding (which was dedicated to Ss. Peter & Paul) or withthe ceremonies of dedication and opening.

Over the course of the past century, the building haswitnessed the many ups and downs, the joys and sadness ofthe faith community it was built to serve. It stands today asa testament to the craftsmanship of those who built it in thespace of two years and, also, to those who have lovinglymaintained and cherished it over the past 100 years. Wepray that they will all still be remembered and honoured in2116 when it celebrates its bicentenary.

• To commemorate this event, Bishop Brendan Kellycelebrated a Centenary Mass of Thanksgiving on SundayJune 26th and also planted and blessed two commemorativetrees (dedicated to Saints Peter & Paul) in the Churchgrounds opposite the main entrance.

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220th Anniversary of the building of Moore Hall on the shores of Lough Carra

by George Moore whose family came from Straide

Compared to most other Irish big houses, the history ofMoore Hall, which stands on the shores of Lough Carra, isexceptional. Moore Hall was built by George Moore (1727-1799) between 1792 and 1796.

George Moore was a wine merchant who owned a fleet ofships and had made a vast fortune in Spain. He came froma Protestant family but George, himself, was Catholic.Originally from Straide (Ashbrook House), and havinggone into exile to Spain because of the restrictive IrishPenal Laws, George wanted to retire in Ireland. He sold upin Spain and managed to purchase lands around LoughCarra, benefitting from a relaxing in the Penal Laws at thistime.

Built on the shores of Lough Carra, Moore Hall was ofarchitectural significance, having been designed by thearchitect John Roberts who also designed WaterfordCathedral and Tyrone House in Galway. It was decoratedwith beautiful Italian plasterwork, traces of which can stillbe seen in the ruin of the house today.

The Moore family went on to produce some eminentmembers whose names are to the fore in Irish history.Moore Hall provided employment for locals and becameimportant in the local economy, as big houses alwaysneeded many servants. The Moore family were liked by thelocals. But the family seemed also to suffer more than a fairshare of ill luck after settling on the shores of Lough Carra.

George Moore,himself, diedprematurely aged70, having goneblind after an earlierstroke. His son,John Moore, diedwithin a month ofhim at the youngage of 32.

It was GeorgeAugustus Moore(1852 - 1933) whowas present at theproperty on thenight of February1st 1923, in thethroes of the CivilWar, when armedmen demanded thekeys to the bighouse to set

explosives and burnit down.

The anti-treaty men considered the fact that ColonelMaurice Moore had taken a pro-treaty stance reason enoughto justify their actions. They obviously had not done theirresearch on the family history, or maybe they didn’t careanyway. Moore Hall was to become one of 199 big housesthat fell victim to the conflicts.

The destruction of Moore Hall represented the loss of ahuge piece of Irish history - the loss of the Irish home andseat of some very prominent members of the Moore family- the first president of an Irish republic, an important poetand novelist, an unusual humanitarian who saved thousandsduring the famine, as well as the loss of an important pieceof Irish architecture.

George Augustus Moore was particularly heartbroken at theloss of his precious library in the fire. In a statement to thepress he said: “I could do nothing but stand by with thesame feelings that one has standing by the open grave of avery dear friend.” George subsequently emigrated toLondon, and was later quoted saying that Ireland “was nota gentleman's country.”

The remains of many family members rest in the ancestralburial vault at Ashbrook House, Straide.

• To commemorate the building of Moore Hall, a talk onGeorge Moore will be given by Fiona White (lecturer inHeritage Studies at GMIT) in the Davitt Museum onTuesday 26th July 2016 at 8pm.

See www.davittmuseum.ie and www.straideparish.com forfurther details.

Straide’s War Dead 1914 - 2016

Plans are in progress to erect a monument to commemorateand remember those from Straide parish (or connected tothe parish) who, since 1914, have fought in various warsthroughout the world. The monument will be located on thehill at the entrance to the old cemetery (to the left hand side)overlooking Straide Abbey.

The following are names of those to be included on the WarMemorial. Additional verified names can be added bycontacting John Reid in the Davitt Museum on (087)9371827.

World War I (1914 – 1918): James Berry, Patrick Berry, Fr. Felix Bourke, EdwardDuffy, Michael Dunleavy, Owen Foy, Thomas Frain, Fr.Michael L. Henry, Martin Knight, John McDonnell, JoeReid, Michael Reid, John Roache, Thomas Roache, JamesRowan, John Smyth and Michael Walsh.

World War II (1939 – 1945): James Fadden, Patrick Gavin, William Gavin, PatrickLannon, James O’Brien and Patrick Reddington.

Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878 – 1880):Philip Roache.

Suez Crisis (1950s): James Bogue.

All put their lives on the line for a cause they believed in sothat we might all live in peace and harmony. Ar dheis Dé goraibh a n-anamacha. See www.davittmuseum.ie and www.straideparish.com forfurther details.

425 years since the death of the Bard ofStraide (Match Stick Man of Straide)

Last year’s edition of theCluster Newsletter (2015)outlined the history (andlegend) associated withTadhg Ó hUigínn, the mancommonly referred to as theBard of Straide (c.1550 –c.1591). Tadhg had themisfortune to becomeinvolved in a bitter disputebetween two branches of theO’Hara family – the O’Hara Buí (Yellow) clan and theO’Hara Rua (Red) clan. Legend has it that Tadhg wasmurdered in Banada (Co. Sligo) at Corpus Christi Friary ona Sunday afternoon in 1591 by members of the O’Hara Ruaclan. The murderers were eventually captured and taken toSligo where, in 1593, they were tried for the crime.However, due to a surprising lack of witnesses andevidence, they were released without charge.

Tradition holds that Tadhg Dall Ó hUigínn was buried in thegrounds of Straide Abbey. His unnamed grave remainsvisible today. It is marked by a simple grave stone markerwhich shows a carving of a matchstick man superimposedon a Celtic cross. Over four hundred years later his memorylives on.

• To mark this anniversary, and in order to keep the name ofTadhg Ó hUigínn alive in Straide community, a Bardic PoetPrize was awarded for school project work in a competitionconfined to the pupils of Straide National School.

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Canon Andrea Wills, priest in charge of Straide Anglican parish, isinstalled as Canon in Tuam Cathedral on 1 May 2016

Abbie Mckeown helps Bishop Brendan Kelly to cut the Straide ChurchCentenary cake which was sponsored by O’Haras of Foxford

Moore Hall

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The Corpus Christi procession through Bonniconlon on 29 May 2016

Bonniconlon Parish

The 'Do This In Memory Of Me (DTIM)' programmeprovides a convenient framework for the highlights of ourLiturgical year.

The purpose of the programme is to engage the entire parishin the journey made by the children preparing for their FirstHoly Communion and First Confessions.

Beginning in September 2015, eight children made thejourney this year - six from Bonniconlon national schooland two from Bofield national school.

In a series of DTIM Masses (culminating with the Mass ofthe Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday night) the parishfaithful shared the journey made by the children. FirstConfessions took place on Ash Wednesday followed byFirst Holy Communion on Sunday, May 1st.

Children and adults are always encouraged to participate inthe full liturgical life of the parish.

The Advent and Christmas liturgies focus on thepreparation for, and the celebration of, Christ's birthday.Children and adults participated in the annual ChristmasCarol service on the 20th December while the children, onthe same evening, staged their traditional Nativity Play.

A special Mass was celebrated at the annual Senior Citizen'sparty in which our church choir and young peopleparticipated and which took place on the 13th of December.

The Easter Liturgy combines solemnity with joyfulcelebration. As with the Christmas Liturgy, the celebrationof Easter is prepared for with a Penitential Service. HolyWeek ceremonies are always well attended. Young peoplewere very evident by the various roles they played in theHoly Week liturgies. Our church servers were present alsoin healthy numbers for Holy Week.

The Dawn Mass, at 6.00a.m., on Easter Sunday morninghas become a popular event. Whatever the weather, a largegathering has always assembled, both to honour our deadand remind ourselves of the promise of the Resurrectionmade to each of us as a consequence of Christ'sResurrection from the dead.

The Feast of Corpus Christi completes the DTIMprogramme and signals the completion of the majorliturgies of the year. Our Corpus Christi procession tookplace on the 29th May. The First Communicants led theprocession through the village and sprinkled rose petalsalong the route. The Rosary was recited and we returned tothe church to complete the procession with Benediction.

May all who took part this year be with us again for nextyear's liturgies.

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The children who took part in the nativity play in Bonniconlon last Christmas

110th Anniversary of the death of Michael Davitt

Michael Davitt is probably the greatest Mayo man of alltime. Some would say he is the greatest Irishman of alltime. His life story has been well documented and hisachievements in helping to establish the Land League (andthereby secure “Fair Rent, Fixity of Tenure and Free Sale”by peaceful means) are something of which the people ofStraide are justifiably proud. Davitt died in Dublin on 30thMay 1906 and is buried in his native Straide.

• To commemorate the 110th anniversary of the deathof Michael Davitt, a special Mass will be said in the OldPenal Church at 3.00pm on August 7th. This is thebuilding in which Michael Davitt was baptised in 1846 andis now home to the Davitt Museum. This will be the firsttime Mass will be celebrated in this building in 100 years.The last Mass celebrated here took place in August 1916.Afterwards, a wreath will be laid on Michael Davitt’s grave.All are welcome to attend.

Harvest Thanksgiving Social in Straide

To commemorate and celebrate all of the events listedabove, this year’s Harvest Thanksgiving Weekend will beexpanded to include a Harvest Thanksgiving Social at9.00pm on Saturday, September 10th. The event will takeplace in a large marquee in the grounds of the Church andwill include live music, a four course meal and a bar.

All proceeds will go jointly to Straide Church and to StraideNational School. Tickets (priced €20) are now on sale.

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1916 - The Foxford Connection

Brigid Lyons Thorntonwas born in 1896 into astrongly nationalistfamily in Scramogue,Co. Roscommon butafter her mother’s deathshe went to live with heruncle, Frank McGuiness,and his wife in Longford.They paid for hereducation in the UrsulineConvent in Sligo whereMother Scholasticaencouraged her academictalent and, in 1915, shewon a scholarship to study medicine in UCG. Around thistime she joined Cumann na mBan. While on holidays inLongford at Easter 1916 she heard of the Rising. She rushedto join the Rebels in Dublin where she was appointedMedical Officer to the men in the Four Courts. Followingthe surrender she was arrested and held in Kilmainham Jailwhere she heard the gun shots that told of the execution ofher fellow soldiers. On her release, she completed hermedical degree, all the time remaining very involved withthe Nationalist Movement.

When the Free State was formed in 1922, Michael Collinsoffered her a commission in the Irish Army, which sheaccepted, becoming the first and only woman officeruntil1981. However, she was forced to resign her post whenshe contracted TB. While recuperating, she met CaptainEdward Thornton from Toomore, Foxford who was alsosuffering from TB. They married in 1925. After his suddendeath in 1947 she determined to do all she could to fight thescourge of TB and spent some time researching cures inGeneva. She pioneered the BCG vaccine in the 1950s and didmore than anyone to eradicate the disease from the country.

When she died in 1987, aged 91, she was buried on EasterMonday with full military honours beside her husband inToomore cemetery. A commemoration ceremony was heldthere in her honour during Easter week this year. The life-story of this remarkable woman, patriot, soldier and doctorhas been written by a former medical colleague of Brigid’s,Dr John Cowell, under the title “A Noontide Blazing”.

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Some members of the Prayer Group who attended the Masscelebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin in Callow Church inFebruary 2016. Standing: Michael Hopkins, Johnny Neary,Imelda Stupar, Christina Sheerin, Anne Prendergast, Brigid

Ruane, Lily Ruddy, Breege Hopkins, John Tolan.Seated : Michael Joe Ruddy, Kathleen Grogan, Archbishop

Eamon Martin and Mary Neary

Congratulations to Paddy and Anne Prendergast who celebrated the golden jubilee of their marriage with their children, sons in law, daughters in law, and their seventeen grandchildren. We wish them many more years of health and happiness together. (Photo: June Walsh)

First Holy Communion took place in St. Michael’s church Foxford on Sunday 8th May when twenty nine children received theBlessed Eucharist for the first time. It was a beautiful day for all concerned. Many family members travelled from all over Irelandand indeed from overseas for the occasion. Afterwards refreshments, with all sorts of goodies, prepared in the National School hall

by the Parents’ Association, were enjoyed by all. The children and their families prepared for First Holy Communion day by taking part in the ‘Do This in Memory’ programme which

commenced last September. A special thanks to the four parents who helped to co ordinate the programme throughout the year:Teresa Butler, Yvonne Fogarty, Denise Reynolds and Catherine Ruane.

The Attymachugh Prayer Group

After more than 35 years, the Attymachugh Prayer Groupcontinues to grow, combining the spiritual and social life ofthe community in a wonderful expression of faith andcommunity life. Hosts for the meetings this year wereJohnny and Mary Neary who welcomed everyone to theirhome on the last Monday of each month from September toMay. As usual, Fr Gerry Davey and Fr Padraig Costello ledthe group with special prayers and readings, taking time forreflection and meditation as well as the recitation of theHoly Rosary. Patricia Ruddy and John Tolan were on handto sing hymns specially chosen for the evening, while thosewho were sick or worried or who had special intentionswere remembered in the intercessions. Afterwards therewas always time for the cup of tea and goodies, time toshare a story and a laugh.

The tradition of the Attymachugh Prayer Group is anexample of how one small community can give witness totheir faith in a very meaningful way. Perhaps their exampleis one which could be taken up by other rural communities.

New development in FoxfordSt Vincent de Paul Conference, Foxford celebrated the official opening of eight beautiful new houses on Tuesday 7th June 2016. Thehouses were blessed, in a joint ceremony, by Canon Andrea Wills and Fr. Padraig Costello. The project was spearheaded by thePresident of the Foxford Conference, Joe Davitt. He was ably assisted by the other members of the conference, a small, but excellentgroup of caring and devoted workers. The land was provided by the Diocese of Achonry through the St Nathy’s Trust. The Departmentof Social Protection funded the project and the excellent workmanship was carried out by local contractor, Seamus Ryder.

Memorial plaque in Toomore graveyard

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Foxford Brass Band who gave a memorable recital of sacred music during Sunday Mass in Callow Church in February this year.

Front row: Michael Neary, Eamonn Mangan, John Browne. Second row: Larry Murray, Liam Jones, Declan Hynes. Standing: Tony Jones, Sean Moran, Peter Moore, Cyril Ormsby, Noel Enright,

Joe Quinn, Jackie Grehan and their bandmaster, Laurie Barrett.